By Paul Gover.
Q: I have a 2017 Hyundai i30 diesel and am concerned as to how long my car can remain idle while I am self isolating as a seventies person.
Should I take it for a run every so often without stopping anywhere or having contact with anybody and, if so, how often should I do this and how long should I take it out?
I know diesels need more highway driving than other cars but I would really appreciate your advice. No doubt a lot of people are in the same boat as me and concerned about our cars.
Barbara H
A: A drive is the best thing because it gets everything moving, from the engine to the gearbox and event the wheel bearings. Once a week is good, if you can, but even starting the car is good for lubrication and to keep the battery charged.
Q: Your thoughts please on a new 1.6 turbo Holden Astra?
Is it reliable and will Holden be supporting this car in 8-10 years?
I hear a lot of stories.
David M
A: It’s a good car and, provided you can find one, the price will be great. Dealers will be around for a long time and, with Holden committing parts for a decade, service should be no problem.
Q: I have a 2015 Toyota Corolla which I bought new with an extended warranty which ends soon and I noticed that the rubber around my driver’s side has split and the grille has bubbled in a few spots.
The quote to fix was was nearly $1000 and the Toyota dealer was indicating that I would have to pay this.
Can you advise me who is responsible for these repairs, as I don’t think I should have to pay as the car is still under warranty and only travelled 24,000 kilometres.
Gayle H
A: You should be fine with the grille as that is a manufacturing fault, but any rubber seals are considered ‘wear and tear’ by most companies and you’re very unlikely to get any help from Toyota.
Q: I have a gorgeous Mazda RX-7 Mirage, a special edition, which turned 40 last year.
The reason I only had 2 children was because I couldn’t fit any more in my car.
At the moment, I am restoring it to how it came out of the factory and I am trying to keep it as original as possible, but the main issue is tyres.
It came with 225×60 13 but I cannot find any replacements.
Sara S
A: My best advice comes from Russell Stuckey at Stuckey Tyres in Melbourne, who has many classic and historic brands, but even he can only help with a 235-size tyre.
Q: Would you be good enough to give your assessment of the 2016 XF Jaguar 3.0L V6 petrol with under 16,000 kilometres?
I have recently purchased it but not yet driven, or worked out its many functions.
Bill B
A: You already bought it and now you want an opinion? Yes, I like the XF.
Q: I’m looking at buying a new car and we are debating between the Holden Trax LT and the Ssanyong Tivoli ELX
I don’t know much about the Tivoli and was wondering if you could possibly give me advice on which may be the better deal as I know nothing about cars.
Amy M
A: I would not recommend the Tivoli. The Trax is a good car but you will need to move fast as Holden is shutting down and doing great prices until all stocks are gone.
If you have a question for the Car Doctor, send an email to [email protected]
