DougCF72

For many years now, some garages have advised to only fit a new pair of tyres to the rear of the car irrespective of the driven wheels ? The reason they give is that the majority of tyre failures happen with "rear" tyres - and because of that - most drivers will have a bigger problem controlling oversteer than ( say) aquaplaning...........!!!!! For me, having driven for 50 years, having had many tyre failures on different cars, I have never had a problem with oversteer, but I have frequently had "moments" with unexpected aquaplaning, when my front tyres were not the best on the car ?? Doug Symmons, Cardiff, UK

Hi Gra 56. I have never had the experience of any "rattle" on COLD or warm startups at all, and my 2007 GS450h hybrid is running like a watch at 51,000 miles. Unlike some so-called experts on this forum, I highly recommend ( and have used on my last 6 cars ) Shells "Slick 50 synthetic oil additive" at the 15/20k oil change. It always has been a fantastic product for all engines and needs only to be used "once" and future services go back to normal oil changes. All the hysterical negative "guff" about Shell Slick 50 is ill informed, unscientific and I have 6 previous cars and plus 400,000 miles to confirm this finding. It may be expensive, but it's well worth it in every way. Have it introduced at your next change of oil and filter and you will notice the difference immediately - fantastic product. I have no connection with Shell or Slick 50. Regards, Doug Symmons

Dear PJS - strong opinions are often expressed about Shells Slick 50 ( either way ), you have your opinion and I have my own experiences using it in my last 7 cars all of which benefitted in terms of quietness, high mileage/non oil consumption. I think the synthetic version is a formidable product and adds to the benefits of modern oils - if you can afford to use it.

Hello again pgg450h. My last car was also a BMW 528i se ( e39 ) which I had and loved for 12 years - 157,000 miles. The 450h "puts it in the shade" - the power to weight ratio alone. As far as the tappet noise is concerned, I didn't really have it either before or after the valve spring modification. However, I have ALWAYS used Slick 50 with all my cars, for at least one oil/filter change and did this before the recall ( at 19,000 miles ). Fuel consumption is averaging 31 mpg. However, the rear tyres wear much faster than the fronts, due to the massive hybrid torque.

Hi pgg450h. To ( maybe) answer an earlier question about tappety noises - certain 2006/2007 GS450h's were recalled by Lexus in 2009 for specific "engine valve spring" modifications. Mine is a June 2007 model and was recalled at 28,000 miles and spent 4 days with the Main Dealer - check that yours is/is not affected by this ? Another issue with our model years was loud dashboard rattles that were due to certain " white pegs" becoming loose ! Fixed under warranty. Just had the rear right wheel bearing replaced at 47,000 miles - otherwise it's been and is a fantastic car.