Car Servicing

Toyota Camry 1998: How often should the timing belt be replaced?
By Graham Smith · 07 Nov 2017

At what kilometres should the timing belt be replaced on my 1998 Toyota Camry?

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1998 BMW 3-series buyers guide
By Graham Smith · 07 Nov 2017

I read that coolant needs to be replaced often or corrosion will occur and be 
detrimental. Are there other things to be aware of our to look for when
 purchasing a 1998 BMW 3-Series?

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Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014: What oil is recommended for the diesel?
By Graham Smith · 27 Oct 2017

For the last two services on my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0-litre diesel the dealer has used Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 oil as directed by FCA Aust. This oil is not recommended by Shell to be used in diesel engines fitted with a DPF. The diesel Jeep has a DPF! Previously the oil used was Mobil 1, a low ash DPF
compatible oil. I have tried to contact FCA on two occasions regarding why they are using non-compatible oil and what harm it is doing to the DPF, without response. Do you have any idea what harm this is doing to my engine and exhaust system?

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Holden Astra 2002: What cam belt?
By Graham Smith · 27 Oct 2017

I need to buy a cam belt for my 2002 Holden Astra hatchback, what engine does it have?

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Holden Commodore 2006: Timing chain replacement
By Graham Smith · 20 Oct 2017

The check engine light in my 2006 Holden Commodore is on, but not blinking. When I got the mechanics to find out why they told me the timing chain 
will need replacing. Does this affect me getting a pink slip, even if
 everything else is in a perfect condition? How much usually it is to replace 
the timing chain?

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Kia Carnival wheel alignment
By Graham Smith · 20 Oct 2017

The brand new Kia Carnival I purchased three months ago keeps pulling 
to the left. I took it back a couple of times and the KIA
 workshop has done a wheel alignment, but it still pulls to the left. The 
service consultant has blamed the uneven Aussie roads and the fact that I shouldn’t take my hands off the steering wheel. Nevertheless, it is
 worrying. What should I do?

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Toyota Corolla: Roadside service
By Graham Smith · 20 Oct 2017

Does the 2017 Toyota Corolla come with roadside service?

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Factory vs. Aftermarket: which oil is better?
By Graham Smith · 20 Oct 2017

Subaru specifies 0W-20 engine oil as the factory standard for my 2016 model. I'm thinking of using 
Mobil 10W-40 fully synthetic oil. Is this advisable? Will there be any 
adverse effects?

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How does Mazda justify a 10,000 km service interval in Australia when in the UK the interval is 12,500 miles?
By Graham Smith · 13 Oct 2017

How does Mazda justify a 10,000 km service interval in Australia when in the UK the interval is 12,500 miles?

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Can a faulty battery cause loss of power steering at low speeds?
By Graham Smith · 13 Oct 2017

I have a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is regularly serviced at my local dealership. Approx. four weeks from my latest service I am experiencing intermittent loss of power steering at low speeds. Once I had to call road service to restart the car due to a dead battery when I pulled over to reset the car after all the warning lights on the dash came on. The battery is only 30 months old after being replaced by my Hyundai dealer during a service. The battery has a 36-month manufacturer warranty written on it, however, the dealer has stated that they only offer 2-year warranty. Can a faulty battery cause loss of power steering at low speeds? Could it affect the power- assisted braking also?

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