the engine in my car is smothered in oil and there is oil draining from the bottom of the engine onto the road. The car is overheating to the extent that in traffic there is smoke coming out the wheel arches. The oil light keeps coming on when the car is standing in traffic but when I put my foot on the accelerator it goes out. Any ideas on whats wrong with mycar would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks

Roberta, December 2014

It could well be that the head gasket has gone, probably because it has been allowed to run short of oil and coolant. Many folk forget to check their oil and coolant levels weekly. It doesn't matter about the mileage. Fluid levels can fall causing the engine to overheat and if weekly checks aren't being carried out severe damage can result before any symptoms appear. Too late then. It sounds as if your engine has run short of oil and/or coolant.

Regular maintenance is much cheaper than a new engine.

ChicksFan, December 2014

a year ago. Someone has said that the head gasket has gone and I will need a new engine but there is only 47,000 miles on the clock. I just don't know where to start to solve this problem and I am worried that mechanics may take advantage as I don't know much about cars :(

Roberta, December 2014

When was the oil and filter last changed?

ChicksFan, December 2014