Helpdesk

THIS WEEK:Getting ready for the new-style driving licence

From NK: My driving licence is due for renewal in September of this year. I was delighted to read in your paper in October of the introduction of the new, credit card-type licence, which is far more convenient to carry. However, having called Dublin City Council last week, I was informed that the new licences will not be introduced until 2013. So I will have the inconvenience of the old-style licence for the next nine years. My question is, will they introduce some type of trade-in where I can exchange the old for the new without incurring the cost of the new licence?

The new licenses come in to effect from January 1st, 2013, although they are likely to be trialled before that in some areas. The Government has confirmed that they will allow motorists to change to the new credit card license after its introduction – but for a fee.

From BG: I was in Austria last week with a brand-new Ford Focus (<100km). At temperatures of -10 degrees in the Alps, coming back from skiing, I pressed the button on the remote to open the doors. The doors unlocked and the driver and nearside rear windows slid down fully. Fortunately we were able to close themagain.

What were Ford thinking when they added this little enhancement?

I suspect that there’s either a problem with the car’s electrical system or you may have pressed the keyfob too long. There is a feature on some cars – not just Fords – that allows owners to press the unlock button on the key fob for several seconds and pop down the windows.

It’s aimed at those who idle away a summer’s afternoon in cafes on the Italian corniche and want to cool the car a little before they drive away. Obviously the car is in full view so there’s no real security concern. Its not ideal, however, and it’s a feature Irish buyers should be wary of. Either way, I’d bring the car to your garage where any repair to the general electrical module will be covered by warranty, and where you can also get them to switch off the feature.

Got a query? Send it to motorshelp@irishtimes.com