Q: Advice on buying a used Opel Astra

Hi there. You’re on the right track. When the belt is off, spin each part by hand and try to reproduce the noise. Use a drill if you are uncertain at slow speeds. Whichever part is noisy, usually needs replaced....

Hello. Two common component failures that will cause the conditions you've described are a faulty fuel pump relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pump-relay) or a crank position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor). Both parts have the potential to fail intermittently when they become hot. But when they...

Hello, thanks for writing in. A no start condition with a click noise can be caused by a few things. The most common causes are a bad starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-starter-relay), or a bad starter or starter solenoid. The starter relay...

When jump starting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-do-i-jump-start-my-car) your battery, you need to ensure that you have good metal to metal contact on both ends of the jumper cables. It could also be that your battery is toast. I recommend removing your battery and...

Yes, this is a sound repair. I don't call any repair permanent as a matter of principle. If the repair was done appropriately, it will last the life of the tire. The dealership would make the same repair. If that...

Hello - most often, wiring damage is caused by shorts caused when wiring insulation is damaged and cut or worn away. The big charging cable from the alternator to the battery (or the starter cable) has a huge capacity for...

Hello. Unless the bearings are actually failing and making noise then they do not need to be replaced. I usually get the vehicle in the air and spin the bearings to listen for any noise or fell for any roughness....

Rough idle can be due to a bad tank of gasoline, dirty fuel injectors, incorrect idle speed, exhaust restrictions, vacuum leaks, incorrectly installed or damaged spark plugs, a defective or clogged fuel pump or fuel filter, failing electrical components such...

The most common causes of overheating include low coolant level (including that due to leaks), a faulty thermostat, a plugged radiator, a faulty radiator pressure cap, collapsed hoses, non functioning cooling fans, and a faulty water pump or drive belt....