Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Brian Hollywood:
I bought a Ford Mondeo in September 2002. I've managed to cover 20,000 miles to date and the tyres are still showing an estimated 5,000-plus miles left on them.
Do tyre makers supply a superior tyre for new cars?
I know from past experience that when I eventually replace the tyres with exactly the same type/brand I will not get anything like this mileage.
It's worth remembering that the pneumatic tyre is the one of the most important developments in automotive engineering. It is arguably on a par with the engine - who would want to do 60 mph on solid wheels? So, motorists should not dismiss its importance so readily.
To get back to your question, it seems that the main reason you get better performance from your tyres on a new car is that, when it leaves the manufacturer, the car is set up perfectly, with alignment and balancing all at their peak.
However, after a few months on Irish roads, things become loose and potholes begin to take their toll. This, according to Des Collins of Bridgestone Europe, is the main reason for the difference you mention.
You are right, however, when you question the similarity between the original tyres and their replacements.
According to Collins, when applying to a manufacturer to be the brand of choice on a new vehicle, tyre firms will offer forward a general tyre for testing and then tweak it slightly to suit that manufacturer's desires. This then becomes the original equipment (OE) on a car.
In the replacement market, the tyres are likely to be more general in nature, and often lack the particular specific adjustments that feature on the OE. This may also contribute to the difference in wear.
Of the two reasons, however, wear-and-tear is a much more important factor. You will notice a marked improvement in performance and lifespan by simply taking good care of the tyres and maintaining proper pressures.
From Conor O'Sullivan:
Your Road Desk report on February 4th stated in one reference: "The ramps are quite high, so gardaí are urging extreme care". As a car and motorcycle driver I'm just wondering why there is no standard specification for height, angle and colour for speed ramps.
There's room for a tribunal in all this. There are actually strict rules on the positioning and construction of ramps. The little-read Road Traffic (Bollards and Ramps) Regulations 1998 states that ramps should be constructed of hot rolled asphalt, should be 3.7 metres in length in the direction of the road, should have a maximum height of 10cms and should be painted with reflectorised white paint. These rules seem to be widely flouted.
There also seems to be differences in terms of how hard you hit your head depending on the area you are in. Cruise down Ailesbury Road and the ramps are rolling reminders to slow down. In less wealthy areas they appear to be little more than huge gas pipes rolled in molten asphalt, and invariably placed just around blind corners.
Motorists can fight back. In 2002, a driver who injured his spine while crossing a ramp, was awarded more than €18,000 at Dublin Circuit Civil Court.
Incidentally, the rule on bollards says they must be not less than 60 cms and not more than 70 cms apart. I expect there'll be some readers reaching for rules right now.
From Pat Monahan:
I always loved the old Jaguars of the 1980s. A friend has sourced me one in rather poor condition, but says it could be good fun restoring it between the two of us. There is some panel damage and spots of rust around the seals, and it will need new tyres and a new back window, which is broken. We're getting the engine checked out by an engineering friend. Any advice on whether to go ahead or not?
I really hope you have another car (or a motorbike) to get around, not to mention a healthy bank balance and an understanding family. You will not see €10,000 disappear when you get involved in restoration work.
There's not enough information in your e-mail to offer a precise diagnosis, but if we are to conclude that rust on the seals refers to around the windows etc, then you need to be wary about how deep the problem goes underneath.
The back window and tyres seems to be the least of your problems. A Jaguar fan in our office, currently in the throes of a restoration, advises that, if there are any significant problems with the car, you are into restoring for fun rather than financial reward. Perhaps you would be better with an older model - such as a Series One. At least with these, when you are finished, the car will be worth something on resale.
• Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie