Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Martin Lafferty,
Co Meath:
Speedometers are mechanical devices and as such must have a tolerance of accuracy, traditionally up to +/- 10 per cent. However, calibration of speedometers does not form part of the NCT Test.
Similarly, Garda speed detection equipment must also have a tolerance of accuracy. With the forthcoming digital speed detection cameras being set to 1 mph above the speed limit, the calibration and accuracy of speed detection equipment becomes even more important.
Why is no allowance made for tolerance build-up between the combination of speed detection equipment and speedometers? What is the accuracy tolerance of the forthcoming digital cameras? How often are fixed Gatso cameras calibrated? How often is the mobile speed detection equipment calibrated, and is each garda trained and qualified in this calibration work? Can the public get access to the calibration report?
A. The speed detection campaign must be fair, just and transparent, if it is to be totally accepted by the public.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Transport, the calibration of speedmeters is not checked in the NCT because it's not regarded as a "criticial safety element" on a car. "The test checks that a speedometer is fitted, is working and can be illuminated at night."
As for calibration of speed detection equipment, all Gatso camera equipment is sent back to the maker, Gatso in the Netherlands, once a year for calibration.
The laser gun, or "hairdryer" detectors are sent to Garda headquarters once a year for calibration by technical staff.
According to a Garda spokesperson, information on the accuracy of calibration and what you refer to as "calibration reports" can be accessed only during a court case when someone challenges the accuracy of the equipment. In those instances the calibration data is made available to the court.
From Tim Walsh, Dublin 9:
Having read your reports from the Geneva Motor show and, being a keen car fanatic since childhood, I wonder when the next big show is on. I've recently retired so at last I have time to travel more and I've always wanted to attend a big motor show. Any ideas?
A. You could travel the world attending motor shows if you so desired, and if your bank manager supported it. This month alone there are 12 shows, in such exotic locations as Croatia, Estonia and Dayton, Ohio.
In the premier league there are only a handful of shows which the industry takes seriously: Detroit, Geneva, New York, Paris/Frankfurt and Tokyo.
The Geneva show has its good and bad points. Its best feature is that all stands are under one roof and you can work your way around all stands comfortably.
The other big European show alternates between Frankfurt and Paris each year. This year it's the turn of the French capital - from September 25th to October 10th.
Closer to home, the British motor show is in Birmingham between May 27th and June 6th this year. The Birmingham show has been on its deathbed for years and this year sees a new format including test drives and more sideline entertainment than the usual car show static stands. It's make-or-break for Birmingham, but could be worth a visit given you can fly in and out on the same day.
Perhaps a one-day visit to Birmingham to get the flavour of the shows, followed by a trip to the Paris show would be the best way to feed your yearnings. However, be warned: book flights and accommodation early and wear comfortables shoes. You'll spend a lot of time on your feet.
From M Madden, Co Clare:
Why does Land Rover (Ireland) not offer a long-term warranty available to Land Rover owners in Britain? In England, you can buy ongoing warranty support once your extended (three year) warranty has expired.
A. "There's never been a demand for the longer warranties here, so the costs are prohibitive," says Land Rover Ireland managing director David Harpur. "The extended warranties on sale in Britain are normally arranged with insurance companies and sold under the brand name. Here you find that most people change after three years and then dealers offer their own 12-month or two year warranties."
As Harpur explains, you could probably buy ongoing warranties from your dealer who has an arrangement with an insurance firm, but given lack of demand, it will probably be expensive.
- Our report last week on the Alfa Romeo GT Coupé referred to the 2-litre petrol engine. This is, of course, a JTS 4-cylinder unit and not a V6 as stated.
Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie