I own a 2017 Tata Hexa diesel (BS4) and would like to know the latest policy updates regarding vehicle-age restrictions in the Delhi-NCR region. Will I be allowed to keep and use this vehicle beyond the 10-year limit?

autocar.india

•1h

Yes, get it checked at the service centre soon. P30000 on many scanners is actually P3000:00, which means the hybrid battery control system has logged a fault. If you ignore it, the car can cut power, refuse to go ready, or you could worsen a battery issue.It isn’t always a dead HV battery. The system throws this when it sees anything odd around the battery pack or its ECU - cell voltage imbalance, high temperature, cooling fan problem, a loose connector, or even a weak 12V battery that confuses the hybrid electronics. That’s why you need a proper scan that also reads the sub-codes.If the Hybrid System warning is on, the car won’t go ready, or it limits power, don’t drive it. Call for a tow. If it starts and drives normally with only the code stored, you can drive gently to the SC the same day. Keep speeds moderate, avoid hard acceleration, heavy loads, and stop-start traffic in strong heat. Make sure the rear seat area vents are not blocked so the battery can cool.One honest heads-up: sometimes workshops just clear the code. Ask them to check the battery fan, module voltages and the 12V battery before sending you off.

autocar.india

•7h

Change the timing belt kit and water pump now if they are older than 5 years or 90-100k km. At 130k, this is the one job that saves the engine if the belt lets go. Replace the accessory belt and the tensioner.Get the DSG checked for clutch wear and mechatronics health, and ask the workshop to run clutch adaptation. If your garage offers a DSG oil and filter change for this unit, do it. Listen for shudders on take-off and rattly idle or switch-off thunks that point to a tired dual-mass flywheel. Even with care, this gearbox can still spring a big bill later, so keep a buffer.Fresh fluids and filters keep diesels happy. Use VW-spec engine oil every 10k km, fuel filter every 20k, air and cabin filters yearly, brake fluid every 2 years, and coolant replacement with the right VW coolant if it is over 4-5 years old. Check battery, alternator belt and tensioner.Inspect and likely renew front struts, lower arms and bushes, engine mounts, wheel bearings, tie-rods, and brake discs-pads. Clean the EGR and intake, check turbo hoses and intercooler for leaks, test injectors, and glow plugs.Drive gently from cold, let it idle 30 seconds after a hard run, avoid inching on the throttle in traffic, and use good fuel.

autocar.india

•5h

Use only your right foot and keep it smooth. Your left foot now lives on the dead pedal, because the biggest mistake ex-manual drivers make is stabbing the brake with the old clutch foot. In fact, to avoid this, it's a good idea to tuck your left foot towards the seat. Start with your foot on the brake, fire up the engine, select D, then ease off the brake and let the car creep. Feed in throttle gently and hold a steady pedal. A CVT likes smooth inputs and will keep the engine in the sweet spot.At signals, stay in D with the brake held for short stops. For longer halts, pull the handbrake first, then shift to N or P so the drivetrain isn’t loaded. Come to a complete stop before selecting R or D. Never coast in N while moving.On hills, don’t balance throttle and brake. Use hill-hold if you have it, or handbrake, then drive off normally. For long descents, use L or the manual steps to add engine braking instead of riding the brakes.Expect a spike in revs under hard throttle and some drone. That’s normal, but if you mash it often, the engine feels noisy and wastes fuel. Smooth, progressive inputs make a CVT feel natural.