MICHAEL McALEER answers your queries
From P O'Boyle:
In a recent feature, Motors dealt with the future of oil. It was suggested that we may run out in the near future. If so, what will become of the current cars we drive? Will they be worthless?
So far the car industry has focused on new technology rather than what it will do with the millions of oil-powered cars if and when the oil prices reach levels where it is uneconomical to use them.
The likelihood is that if hydrogen becomes the fuel of choice in the near future, some form of scrappage scheme will have to be introduced. This is likely to cost billions on a global scale. We have spoken with several senior figures in the car industry about this, but no one is prepared to commit themselves as yet, until it becomes clear that there will be a viable alternative to oil. Certainly there will be no change of fuel source overnight.
From T Coleman:
I plan to change my car before the end of the year. I've visited up to six garages in the past few months in Dublin looking for prices on various new models.
I'm switching from Ford to either a VW, Toyota or Saab and have been told that initially they will have to check with a Ford dealer or their independent contact for a price for my trade-in but I will get a call back. In all cases this call back never happened.
It amazes me, the lack of appetite for new business among these salespeople. Have they reached their quotas? Are they overwhelmed with workload? Or they just can't be bothered?
I'm surprised by the poor level of service. At this time of year sales staff are actually more eager to chase leads as new sales get thinner on the ground with year-end approaches.
It's an ominous sign as the Irish car industry prepares to earn its cut of the SSIA windfall over the next two years. Previous complaints of this type surfaced in 2000, when dealers found that their staff were changing from salespeople to order-takers.
In fairness, a great deal of effort is put in by dealers these days - often under pressure from importers and car-makers - to ensure all staff are highly trained and understand the importance of customer service. The problems are being rectified, say the importers.
It's not only mainstream brands that suffer such problems. We've had e-mails from people who have had such problems in the premium and luxury market as well.
I can assure you that a quick call to the importers of these models would be appreciated by both the dealers and importers.
From Ian Cottis:
About last week's query on car sickness - my children use Sea Legs travel tablets and find them brilliant. They are available in most chemists.
From Charles Mullen, Dublin 8:
In response to last week's query on car sickness, the principal factor is the driver. The driver should - bring the car to a halt smoothly, gently releasing the brake pedal just before the car stops; negotiate bends carefully, entering slowly, accelerating as you exit, avoiding use of brakes in mid-bend; decrease speed by releasing the accelerator; decelerate on approaching an obstruction so that hard braking at the last minute is not necessary; accelerate smoothly; keep proper distance; drive at a constant speed where possible.
These basic skills will stop your passengers getting sick.
From John Coleman:
My mother-in-law suffers from car sickness. We've had many winter journeys in west Cork with windows open, all freezing. Last year she discovered the Sea-Band wristband in a Clonakilty pharmacy. It works by applying pressure to the wrist - and it's certainly done the job for her. For online information and details go to sea-band.com/UK/uk_seaband. htm - it's also available on amazon.com
The Sea-Band knitted elasticated wrist band - no drugs and no side effects - is suitable for children and adults.
Send your queries to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet St, Dublin 2 - or by e-mail to motorshelp@irish-times.ie