Techmail

I've been a CAR reader and subscriber since 1962, which equates to having read some 640 issues. I have for some time, however, been tormented by a torque-related conundrum: I've noted that certain similar engines, particularly within the VW range, produce the same power but have different torque values. ...

It takes a set amount of energy to propel a car at a constant speed, equating to a certain amount of fuel. Therefore, I feel it would be interesting to do comparisons between different vehicles on a level road at 120 km/h in both directions to get an average fuel-consumption figure at that speed. Although ...

In the June 2016 issue, Sam Kruger wanted to know if an Opel Adam six-speed 'box can be fitted to his Sonic without major modifications. I would like to know if fitting a tyre with a larger diameter (resulting in a larger circumference) would not solve his high engine revs problem?JAYE HADEBE  Via emailWe ...

I own a 2015 Honda Mobilio 1,5 that I bought new in February 2015 after reading your road test (February 2015). I check the oil, water and brake fluid levels regularly. At the first check, which was at 1 000 km, the oil level was at the upper mark of the dipstick. The oil level increased over a 12-month ...

I bought a Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost in May 2015. I took the car in for its 20 000 km service at Ford's Eagle Corner dealership in Johannesburg and received a call later in the day informing me that the engine overheated and sustained terminal damage while at the dealership. To cut a long story short, ...

I own a 2014 Ford Ranger 2,2-litre XLS double-cab bakkie with 35 000 km on the odo. I’ve owned it since new, but for about the last year, I’ve been experiencing a flat spot at about 1 500 r/min (most noticeable in the first three gears). There is also a strange noise coming from the engine, which ...

In TECHMAIL, we answer your motoring queries…I own a 2009 Mazda CX-7, which I was very happy with until I had it serviced at a Mazda dealership in December 2015. Since then, the vehicle "runs on". In other words, when I take my foot off the accelerator, the vehicle does not slow down immediately. It ...

In TECHMAIL, we answer your motoring queries…Please explain the difference between a diesel-particulate filter (DPF) and a catalytic converter. Is the DPF intended for diesel engines only and the catalytic converter for petrol engines, or are they compatible with both?My son has just experienced a ...

In TECHMAIL, we answer your motoring queries…I own a 2006 Mazda RX8 and have recently had the motor repaired/overhauled by a independent garage. Following the service, the vehicle struggles to start when the motor is hot. Initially, I thought it was the battery and replaced it; however, this did not ...