What has Honest John been asked this week?

[Web Version]( | [Update preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Facebook icon]( [Like]( [Twitter icon]( [Tweet]( [Forward icon]( [Forward]( [Why has my insurance shot up by 60% this year?]( Posted by on 1 May, 2020 Both my car insurance and breakdown cover are due this month, and both prices have increased by a massive 60%? What on earth is going on? [Read more →]( [Can you recommend a car that fits my long list of requirements?]( Posted by on 1 May, 2020 I'm looking for a used car, SUV or Estate. I'd like it to have the following: torque converter auto gearbox, spare wheel or spacesaver, decent performance i.e. 0-60mph in under 10 seconds, a decent size boot with a minimum of 500 litres and cruise control. Economy isn't that important to me if I get everything else. I'd prefer petrol but would consider diesels. I have a budget of around £12,000. I know its a tall order but can you help identify something suitable, please? [Read more →]( [How is coronavirus going to affect the prices of used cars?]( Posted by on 1 May, 2020 How do you think covid-19 will affect the used vehicle market once lockdown is eased? [Read more →]( [Do I need to notify my insurer if I add a new air filter to my car?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 Should I inform my insurance company if I have had a sports air filter fitted to my car? [Read more →]( [Is the DVLA accepting paper applications?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 The DVLA call centre isn't open due to Covid 19. I posted my V5C application two weeks ago. The website now says no paper applications until further notice. Will my application be processed? [Read more →]( [Can I manually disable an electronic handbrake?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 I have a Toyota Corolla and I'm trying to find out if it's possible to park up without the electronic handbrake engaging. With current lockdown in place, it's parked up in my garage for longer periods than normal and I have read where you advise not to leave the handbrake on to prevent the brakes locking. I have tried leaving the car in gear with handbrake off and then turning off the ignition but handbrake still engages automatically so I am at a loss what to do now. [Read more →]( [Can I disable the electronic handbrake in my car during lockdown?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 I have a 2019 Skoda Karoq auto, which I am not using due to the current coronavirus lockdown. It seems I cannot park it without the handbrake turning itself on. I've checked the manual but there appears to be no way to disconnect this feature. Any thoughts on how I can avoid this risk of handbrake locking on? [Read more →]( [What all-season tyres do you recommend?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 I am looking to replace the worn tyres on my 2005 Toyota Yaris. There are currently Goodyear tyres fitted but I am unsure whether to have these fitted again or whether to pay extra for Michelin CrossClimate tyres? There also seems to be a CrossClimate+ tyre, but I'm unsure which would be better. Looking for a good, quiet tyre with longevity. [Read more →]( [What tyre inflators do you recommend?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 Which tyre inflator do you recommend? A recent puncture on my wife's car has highlighted the vulnerability of modern cars carrying no spare wheel. [Read more →]( [Should I buy a cover for my car?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 Are protective covers worth buying? I wonder if buying a cover to protect my car from bird lime and other contaminants is worth buying. Are they likely to damage the paint work through rubbing due to wind moving the cover? Some bespoke covers can cost over £150 so its quite an investment to make. I wonder what your thoughts are on buying protective covers for vehicles parked outside? [Read more →]( [Can Can I drive without the back part of my wing mirror?]( Posted by on 30 April, 2020 Can I drive without the wing mirror cover on my wing mirror? [Read more →]( [What are the pitfalls of buying a nearly-new car?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 What would be the downside of buying a six-month old car from a main dealer with only 100 miles on it? It would still be covered by the bulk of its warranty but just wondered if there would be potential pitfalls? [Read more →]( [Is there any financial help for those struggling with leasing payments?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 Is there any help presently for those struggling to pay for vehicles on PCH? Anything like a payment holiday. Thanks in advance. [Read more →]( [If lockdown continues until August, will my new car go into the next registration period?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 I have a new car stuck somewhere between the factory and the docks due to lockdown. If the lockdown continues until August, would my new car go into the next registration period from August 2020? At present, provisional registrations had been given by the dealer but as the car is not technically in the country, my car and others have not been registered yet. [Read more →]( [Can I tax my car without an MoT?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 I plan to SORN my car for the month of May, at least. The MoT is due on 25 May, but presumably won't be done then. When I come to tax it again in June (probably), will the absence of a valid MoT be a problem? [Read more →]( [Is it normal for my van to take a long time to warm up?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 My van runs well and is very economical, however, it takes a long time to warm up and never reaches the normal mark on the temperature gauge. Is this a common problem? [Read more →]( [What battery charger should I buy?]( Posted by on 29 April, 2020 What is the correct type of battery charger to use for a Ford B-Max petrol engine with stop-start system? [Read more →]( [Why are the tyres on the front of my car smaller than those on the back?]( Posted by on 28 April, 2020 Why does my BMW 530d have different tyre sized on the front and rear axles? [Read more →]( [What new hatchbacks would you recommend with a decent warranty?]( Posted by on 28 April, 2020 After the lockdown is over, I am going to buy my final new car. I want a Ford Focus-sized hatchback, petrol, automatic with good reliability and a decent warranty. I know it's a crowded market, but do you have any recommendations? [Read more →]( [How do I prevent rodents chewing through the cables in my car?]( Posted by on 28 April, 2020 My car is garaged in a carport next to the house. Last week, an engine warning light appeared. When the engine was started, it was was vibrating badly. The garage I use phoned to say that mice or rats had eaten through cables under the bonnet. They had to replace the ignition coil and HT leads. Now fixed, the car drives well. But how can I stop this happening again? [Read more →]( You received this email because you signed up to our mailing list. If you’re not interested in receiving our newsletter any more, you can: [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( Honestjohn.co.uk 5 New Street Square London United Kingdom EC4A 3TW