How exactly does a hybrid car work and how is the electric battery charged?

My questions are: 1) How exactly does a hybrid car work? 2) How is the electric part recharged and how far would the average car travel on one charge? 3) Would the driver in reality use the petrol part...

Can you explain how a diesel particulate filter works?

Can you give us any information on where I can find a proper explanation of the function and potential limitations of a diesel particulate filter?

Did you know that short journeys are bad for the environment as well as for your car?

Regarding your comments about short runs by IC-engined vehicles, (and engines in general), you're absolutely right. Short (cold) runs are bad for the engine, but even worse for the environment. The ECU...

Which 4x4 SUV offers good comfort for a bad back sufferer and is reliable for short journeys?

I currently own a 5-year-old Porsche Boxster and am looking to change it in the next three or four months. I am retired, and enjoy my driving. However, family and bad back considerations suggest a change...

What could be causing repeated engine wear and piston slap on our 2008 Honda Jazz?

We have a Honda Jazz 1.4 SE CVT purchased from a Honda main dealer in June 2008 with 1,300 on the clock used as a demonstrator car. At 18,000 miles we noticed a knocking sound. The first two visits to...

How are DPFs damaged by repeated short journeys? Our 2000 BMW 320d has done 180,000 miles without fault.

Regarding latest EU emission regulations for diesel engines, could you please give us more information on the subject of the particulate filters being adversely affected by repeated short journeys? I have...

Can you recommend a workhorse vehicle that will carry five people in comfort, traverse floods and tow a 1.5-ton trailer?

Now that the family have left home my wife and I do almost all our motoring in our MINI Clubman (with which we are well pleased). But I still have our trusty 12-year-old Volvo estate for the relatively...

How should I proceed with the garage that sold me a BMW 118i with a faulty battery?

I bought a 2-year-old BMW 118d last May from the local BMW dealer. It is a fantastic car, but the stop-start function didn't work from day one. I reported it and waited until now to make sure there were...

I'd like to buy a MINI or Audi A3 for a 14-mile commute - will a diesel be reliable for such short journeys?

Now that a nice lady has written off my Mercedes-Benz SLK I am looking to replace it with a diesel convertible. Due to the weather I haven't been able to test-drive yet, but I like the MINI and Audi A3....

Why don't salesroom staff do more to inform customers about the need to regenerate diesel DPFs?

I’m no great fan of the EU, but I think your reply to GR of Warrington blaming them for the clogging of particulate filters was a bit off the mark. Yes, the EU called for better street-level air quality...