Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From Stephen O'Leary, Dublin:
Regarding the letter from M Walsh about brake lights blinding him at traffic lights, I thought I would highlight that in the Ignition Test (recommended by a large insurance company) I did this summer, I was constantly told to keep a foot on the brake until there was a "barrier" of stationary traffic behind me - about three of four cars. This point was made repeatedly both in the theory and practical parts of the test.
Personally, I think there is some merit in their thinking, even if their motivation is purely financial.
Some weeks after I did the test, I was stopped at a traffic lights when I was hit hard from behind - with the car that hit me subsequently going on to its roof. As a result of having my foot firmly on the brake when I was hit (and leaving a safe gap between my car and the car in front), I firmly believe that I did less damage to the car that was in front of me than I would have, had the handbrake been on (For the record, we were very fortunate that nobody in any of the three cars was injured).
From CQ:
I'm quite short, and looking for a car that better suits my leg length. I currently drive a Ford Fiesta and use a seat cushion to improve my driving position. My budget is limited to €10,000, I'd like an automatic, and I'm certainly not looking for something fast. I really only use it a couple of times a week and then only for 10 or 15 miles.
Take a look at the Daihatsu Charade. It's relatively cheap at €12,845 for a new model, it's spacious, and does exactly what you want of a small car in this price bracket. The seat height is also adjustable, so you can find a better driving position without using cushions.
You could go for a used model, although there are not that many on the market - small city cars like this don't sell that well in Ireland - and I spotted only one used model with automatic transmission. Alternatively, you could pick up an automatic Toyota Aygo, though it will set you back even more than the Charade. Test it first and see what you think.
From T Drennan:
Why did the article on servicing last week not name the offending garage?
Tim O'Brien refrained from naming the garage in question for several reasons, but mainly because we felt it would focus too much on one particular garage and not on a problem that is, unfortunately, all too common in the industry.
As the nation's car owners can assure you, similar problems to Tim's are arising in many garages. The problem is that we, as a nation, are often too polite to complain when service is shoddy or bills don't make sense. Don't be embarrassed to query costs and challenge the garage over-charging.
There are many potential tricks that can be played by unscrupulous garages during the seemingly ironically-named service. One quick example is the bulb replacement, where you get a call while your car is at the garage, requesting permission to replace a bulb.
Of course you agree, thinking it can't cost that much. The bulb doesn't, but the 20 minutes of labour fitting it certainly does.
Another trick is charging for more liquid than the car could actually take. How many motorists know how much brake fluid their car takes? If, on the off-chance, it does require more, simply put it down to a clerical error.
Another favourite involves the used-car warranty. This will require the car to be regularly serviced at a franchised dealer. However, not everything will be covered, yet repairs on these items must be made to keep the warranty intact. There is a myriad of these tricks, all of which are hard to spot by the harried owner who just wants their car back. Remember that a service is a private contract and you can dispute the bill.
If you get a reputable mechanic and dealer who gives plenty of notice and explanation before billing you, then they are worth their weight in gold.
From BY:
Is it illegal to have the location of speed cameras identified on your sat-nav device?
It is not an offence to identify the location of speed cameras here or in Britain, where several regional police forces actually issue CD maps with the location of their speed cameras. The principle behind this is that the cameras are meant to be a deterrent in dangerous locations.
However, the policy of identifying speed-camera locations is not universal.
I have been told in the past that French police take a dim view of systems that reveal their "hidden" cameras. Fines are issued in some instances.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie