Look into engine and gearbox support

Q1:  I bought a new VW Golf TSI 1.4. It has been with me for a year.

The car now vibrates and shudders whenever the vehicle slows down to second gear.

The technicians at an authorised dealership claimed this is normal.

But the vibrations and shuddering were not around when the Golf was newly delivered.

How do I stop the vibrations and shudders?

Danny
Kuala Lumpur

Continental cars are noted for high noise insulation especially from the engine.

It appears from your description that there is something seriously wrong with the car.

Insist on a thorough inspection of the engine and the gearbox support.  Diagnostic tools will also help in isolating any potential electronic fault.


Q2: I own a 2002 Kia Spectra which  recently broke down.

It happened after I heard a a "kling kling" sound when I stepped on the accelerator.

I also found some oil leaking on the right side of the engine. Tthe car was towed to my regular workshop for checking.

First, the foreman told me the engine needed an overhaul because the timing belt was torn and some engine plates were bent. Later, he said I needed to replace my engine and change some belts and oil.

I find this strange because not more than a month ago, I asked the workshop to do a full checkup and they said the engine was in tip-top condition..

I don't intend to spend a fortune on car repairs but the problem is not going away. What should  I do now?

Karen
Kuala Lumpur

If there are no signed documents between you and the workshop, you cannot press for any claims.

The next option is to change the engine rather than go for another round of service from a workshop that may be unfamiliar in servicing your type of car..

Besides, changing the engine is the cost-effective way to your problem and ensure your car remains reliable.

But make sure that you get the second-hand engine from a reputable vendor and haggle for a good price and warranty.


Q3: In reply to an earlier question, your column said additives like octane boosters may have lost their effectiveness after about 10 years even when left unopened.

You did not mention that they would do any damage.

Would it be right to say they may still be used since they are safe, with a chance they may still have some effect of boosting octane levels?

Bill
Petaling Jaya

In general, adding extra chemical such as additives to engine or fuel is not advisable since the fuel or oil’s chemical composition will be affected.

The oil companies know what they are doing when formulating the right chemical composition for the fuel.

Adding extra chemicals into it might undermine its effectiveness.

Instead of using boosters, the safe alternative is to use a higher octane fuel althought it will be be more expensive.