I'VE been considering buying a Ford Falcon RTV ute because I need a car with some clearance, but I don't really need a four-wheel drive. Is it worth looking at? I don't want to waste my money.

23 October 2009

I'VE twice had to replace the left front tyre in the short time I have owned my Toyota Prado, which has only done 30,000km. Each time the tyre wore on the outside of the tread, despite getting a wheel alignment every 10,000km. How can I fix it?

23 October 2009

I AM about to upgrade from a Mazda Bravo 2.5 diesel 4x4 to a Mazda BT-50 4x4 and would like to know what they're like towing. Some owners say they're brilliant towing boats, but I need to tow a caravan or camper trailer off-road and some people say they aren't really adequate for this type of work. Can you give me any advice?

16 October 2009

I'VE been told the pressure shown on a car's tyre placard is the minimum allowable and tyres should always be inflated a few psi above this. I've also been told the pressure should be checked when tyres are cold because the pressure increases when hot. Is this correct?

16 October 2009

THE rear-wing brake light in my 1992 Toyota Camry is not working and I've found it hard to find a replacement. Toyota told me they have stopped supplying them because the car is too old, and I've had no luck at the wreckers. The only place I've found that does have them is the Melbourne City Toyota dealer, but they're $240. Do you know anywhere else in Melbourne that might have them? Peter Barber

16 October 2009

I OWN a 2002 Nissan Patrol that has a blown motor. It's done 135,000km and has been serviced regularly. Today I heard from Nissan stating they could not help me because of the age and odometer of the car. They know there's a problem with these vehicles, but they're not doing much to help people. I have three children and have recently become a single mother and this car is my only form of transport. Do you have any advice?

16 October 2009

I RECENTLY bought a 1995 Nissan Navara D21 with a dual-fuel V6. How often I should run it on petrol, and what petrol I should use? Can I use E10?

16 October 2009

I HAVE noticed a few newer cars are doing away with temperature gauges. Why?

16 October 2009

OVER the past few months our Chrysler Voyager has been randomly cutting out, running roughly and eventually breaking down. It occurs every two-three weeks, between which times it runs perfectly. Our mechanic and auto electrician can find nothing wrong and though it's under warranty, we've been told to take it back next time it breaks down. Can you help?

09 October 2009

NOT long after I bought my 2008 Ford Territory SR, I began to notice that the side steps had become cloudy and stained. I have been back to where I bought the car and have twice spoken to Ford and been told it's not covered under warranty. I also spoke to the car wash people and they have told me it's nothing to do with them because plenty of cars have been fine with no complaint reported. The Ford dealer suggested I polish the side steps after each wash, which I did, but I noticed that the remaining soapsuds slowly leak from the bottom of the door. That means that after each wash I have to open the doors and rinse the soap away. I seem to have hit a brick wall with Ford and feel they don't really care about my problem. We saved our money to buy this car and now we have a car that looks very unattractive. What should I do next?

09 October 2009