Got a niche car problem that you can’t find a solution to anywhere else? You’ve come to the right place.

The experts on our team have been on hand to help for years – now you can see the answers to questions real drivers just like you have asked, all in one place.

Troubleshooting Questions

Q: Why does my car’s low oil pressure light come on when I start my car and leave it running?

A: If the low oil pressure warning light appears – even if you leave the car running for 10 minutes or more – you need to book in with a garage so that they can diagnose the issue for you. They’ll test the oil quality, rocker cover and oil pump etc.

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Q: My amber EML just disappeared on its own, do I still need to get it checked out?

A: You should have this checked out if the light has been on all the time and has suddenly disappeared – it's always best to have your vehicle checked as there could be an underlying issue.

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Q: Why does my car say ‘reduced acceleration’ after the engine management light comes on?

A: As your car’s EML can come on for several reasons, you need to book a diagnostic check if you notice this.

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Q: How can I tell the difference between my car needing a brake fluid flush and it needing a new or repaired brake master cylinder?

A: Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years, as it absorbs water which will increase the boiling point of the fluid and potentially damage your hydraulic braking system. The brake master cylinder provides the pressure for a hydraulic braking system.

Low brake fluid, an illuminated brake warning light, spongy brake pedal or the brake pedal drifting slowly to the floor can all indicate a brake master cylinder fault. The seals may have failed and be causing the cylinder to lose pressure. You may see contamination in the brake fluid or air bubbles from the air ingress in the cylinder.

You should book a brake check as soon as possible if you have a fault.

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Q: When my car is at stop and I pump the brakes, I can hear a slow squeak sound and a squeak back when I release – is this normal?

A: A slow squeak could be the result of the brake pedal moving, depending on where the sound is coming from. The fact that you have to pump the brakes could be a sign of air in the braking system. You should have your car looked at by a professional garage as soon as possible so they can check the braking operation and ensure there’s not a leak.

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Q: Why does my car judder when pulling off?

A: If your car has a manual gearbox, the clutch is the likely cause. If it’s an automatic gearbox, there is likely an internal fault with the gearbox – same if it’s a DSG type gearbox. You should book in with a garage for further investigation.

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Q: A little bit of white smoke comes out of my exhaust in the morning when I start my car, but there’s no smoke after that – is this fine if it’s a new symptom?

A: Whilst it is most likely a cold engine in the morning, this smoke could be a sign of a more serious problem.

If it’s cylinder head gasket failure, you might notice a loss of coolant or the coolant gauge not reading correctly.

If it’s the EGR failing or a problem with the engine breather system, you will see the engine management or emissions fault light.

If you see these lights, book an appointment at a garage as soon as possible – a diagnostic check may be best to get an accurate diagnosis.

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Q: Why is my car engine coolant reducing every day?

A: This can point to head gasket failure, as can other symptoms like white smoke coming from your exhaust or unexplained coolant loss with no leaks. Book an appointment at a garage so they can diagnose the problem for you.

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Q: Why are there bubbles in my coolant tank?

A: Bubbles in the coolant is likely a sign of a blown head gasket, so you should book in with a professional garage.

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Q: What causes a power steering fluid leak out of nowhere?

A: A faulty power steering hose could be to blame, but you should have your car checked to avoid associated power steering rack failure. You should not drive your car until the issue is fixed.

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Q: Can you use additive to stop a small oil pan leak?

A: Many oil additives only offer a quick, temporary fix for small leaks and are not suitable for repeated use.

After a while excess additives can clog the system, and they also can't stop leaks around rotating components or near the front seal or rear main engine seal.

When you finally replace your coolant, temporary seals usually wash out at the same time. Some products are formulated to provide 'permanent' seals, but you should still be cautious. Whilst using one may work on an older car with the oil pan, it is not recommended for use on a modern car (within the last 10 years). 

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Q: My car is losing coolant fast and there’s a leak coming from under the engine – plus, my car is overheating. Is this a definite sign of a head gasket issue?

A: It could be the head gasket, but it may also be a damaged or faulty coolant pipe that is leaking. Normally with a head gasket issue you will see white smoke and notice slight leakage. You will need to have the vehicle inspected at a professional garage to know for certain and have the issue fixed.

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Q: My warning light has come on for low adblue – I've topped it up but the light is still on. Do I have to completely fill the tank for the light to go out?

A: Normally when the fluid has reached a predefined minimum level, the sensor light will go out. You should check that you are definitely filling the AdBlue tank, and not the fuel tank. There could be a leak within the system or a fault with the sensor if you’re correctly topping up your AdBlue and still running into this issue.

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Q: Everything was replaced in my clutch system and the whole system has been bled, but the clutch won’t release?

A: There could be air trapped in the system – sometimes multiple bleeding methods are required to get it all out. You can ask your garage to check that the cylinders have full range of motion, the clutch disc was installed facing the right way, and the release bearing and clutch fork are properly seated. A misaligned fork, worn pivot ball, or even slightly incorrect parts can cause the clutch to stay engaged.

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Q: Does a full service include a plug-in diagnostic check?

A: No service includes a diagnostic check. If your car is experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s worth booking in with a garage who will investigate the issue further and determine the root cause.

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Q: Will my car’s gearbox oil be changed as part of a full service?

A: Gearbox oil levels are usually checked as part of a full service, provided the gearbox is not a sealed unit.

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Q: My car is due for a service, but I had my engine oil and filter changed recently – will the service be cheaper as the oil has been changed?

A: The service won’t be any cheaper as the garage will still change the engine oil for their own peace of mind.

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MOT Questions

Q: During a retest, what happens if you take your car to a different garage that picks up new issues that were not present on the original MOT test?

A: If your car fails on something different to the first garage, you will have to go through the same process as with your original failure. That means getting the problem fixed and having another retest to ensure you get a pass certificate.

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Q: If I take my car to another MOT station to be tested after a fail, will that tester be able to see what the car failed on?

A: Every MOT failure is recorded on a centralised database, so the test station could see what your car failed on during the original test.

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Q: When a garage does an MOT retest, do they do the whole test again?

A: As long as the repairs are done and your car is retested within the 10-day timeframe, the garage will only complete a partial retest on the parts that failed the original test. Bear in mind that a partial retest is not always possible.

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Q: Can I take my car back to the garage for a retest on the same day if I got the necessary work done?

A: Yes, you can take it back for a retest on the same day, but the garage will need to agree as they have to ensure they have the capacity. In some cases, MOT retests will be chargeable, but the garage will be able to advise you.

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Q: If my car’s track rod cover is found to be damaged during an MOT, should the garage check if the rod needs replacing during the test?

A: As part of the MOT, a mechanic cannot remove anything to see underneath – they can only pass or fail on a visual check. A damaged dust cover is enough to fail your MOT, but the mechanic cannot offer any other advice. It is likely that the rod needs to be replaced – book in with a garage so that a mechanic can see the full extent of the damage and advise if a full replacement is required.

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Repair Questions

Q: Will I need a windscreen replacement for 8-10 inches of damage?

A: Unfortunately, due to the size of the crack, it is likely that a full replacement will be required. 8 inches is about 200mm, with a chip’s maximum repair size being 45mm. You should contact local garages to compare quotes and get an expert opinion on the state of your windscreen.

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Q: Is it essential for your car’s tracking to be checked following a track rod end replacement?

A: Whilst it isn’t essential to check your car’s tracking after replacing track rod ends, it is recommended. Especially if your tyres have been changed recently, as this can help to prevent uneven wear.

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New Driver Questions

Q: I have difficulty reading, can I get help to practice for my theory test?

A: When you book your theory test, you can make it known that you have difficulty reading. You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book the test - which you can hear in English or Welsh. You will be able to listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need. If you send proof that you have reading difficulties, then you may be able to get extra time to take the test, someone to reword the questions for you, or someone to read what's on the screen and record your answers for you. You can find out more on the government website.

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Q: How can a driving instructor help learners navigate minor and major driving test faults?

A: A minor fault is a less serious error that doesn’t pose an immediate risk to road safety. A major fault is a more serious error that could pose a danger on the road. Driving instructors can help learners navigate these faults by identifying weak areas during lessons and helping the learner improve. Instructors can conduct mock tests and help learners get comfortable with a range of test scenarios, approaching each lesson with patience and understanding.

Q: How can I prepare for an upcoming speed awareness course?

A: If you have a speed awareness course coming up, you should ensure that you bring all the necessary documents with you - including your driving licence and/or ID. Arrive on time and pay attention throughout the course to show that you are engaged and interested in becoming a more conscientious driver. It may be useful to refresh your knowledge of basic road safety rules and speed limits to prepare yourself for the topics that will be covered in the course.

Car Ownership Questions

Q: My child’s car is registered SORN. If I have a personal plate on their car, do I need to take the plate off or put it on retention whilst her car is SORN?

A: If you plan on keeping a private number plate, there will be other conditions to consider. You must get in touch with the DVLA and put the plate on retention, meaning there will be a retention fee to pay, too. You should also have a new plate placed on the vehicle which has either current road tax or a SORN.

Q: Is it legal to drive a semi-automatic car with an automatic driving licence?

A: You can drive a semi-automatic car on an automatic licence – provided that the vehicle does not come with a clutch pedal.

Got a question for us? Leave a comment and help us help you! We update this page regularly so be sure to check back in...