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Tim Shallcross

Keep annual MOT test — but not for the reasons you think

Published 30 July 2018
By Tim Shallcross
A report from an independent think tank concluded that the MOT test is “outdated” and should be scrapped. We asked an expert what he thought.
What should you do if you record a car crash on your dash cam?

What should you do if you video a car crash?

If you capture on video a minor accident between two cars, are you required to hand over the footage to the police or the drivers involved?
Published 13 March 2018
The Fixer: My Audi Q5 had a safety recall, now I’m being charged to stop it happening again

Charged for repairs after Q5 recall

Although no car is immune to faults, owners of premium cars expect a certain level of quality and, should a problem arise, for it to be dealt...
Published 11 August 2017
Car Clinic: Does the Sport setting on a Mercedes save fuel around town?

Car Clinic: Does the Sport setting save fuel?

At a speed awareness course my husband was told that using the Sport setting on our automatic Mercedes in town saves petrol. My garage disagreed.
Published 19 December 2016
Can I change the 18in tyres on my Ford S-Max Titanium X Sport to get a softer ride?

Car Clinic: Changing wheel size for a softer ride

Can I change the 18in tyres on my Ford S-Max Titanium X Sport to get a softer ride?
Published 31 October 2016
Audi Q5 transmission fault

Car Clinic: My Audi Q5 cuts out at junctions

The engine on my automatic Audi Q5 sometimes cuts out when I brake at junctions. My garage says the unit is fine and the stop-start is...
Published 20 September 2016
Car Clinic: What is the grating sound when changing from first to second gear in my Porsche Cayman S?

Car Clinic: What is the grating sound when changing...

Sometimes when cold there is a grating sound when changing from first to second gear on my Porsche Cayman S. Any ideas?
Published 09 August 2016

How can I prevent my car windscreen from misting up?

When I set off in my Hyundai i20 on a cold day the windscreen steams up and takes ages to clear. What can I do?
Published 22 March 2016
Car Clinic: My Honda Jazz's battery goes flat if left for four weeks. Why?

My Honda Jazz's car battery goes flat if left for four...

If we leave our 09-plate Honda Jazz 1.4 for four weeks the battery goes flat. Why is this?
Published 16 March 2016
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Are fuel companies trying to shore up their profits...

Q. Fuel costs may have gone down but so has the efficiency of my Hyundai Santa Fe V6. I used to expect to get about 500 miles out of a tank of petrol;...
Published 16 February 2015
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

In 35,000 miles I've had three broken glow plugs. Should...

Q. I’ve already had two glow plugs replaced on my 2008 Mercedes CLS 320, which has done only 35,000 miles. Mercedes paid for the first to be replaced...
Published 10 February 2015
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Why does the Jaguar I want to buy not meet Euro 6 standards...

Q. I thought all new diesel cars had to have emissions low enough to meet the Euro 6 standard, but a Jaguar I was thinking of buying does not. Why...
Published 10 February 2015
The Sunday Times Driving Placeholder

Do pollen/intake vehicle filters remove harmful exhaust...

Q. I am worried about exhaust fumes from other vehicles entering the cabin of my BMW 3-series and Jaguar S-type. Will the pollen/intake filter remove...
Published 23 January 2015