Michael McAleer helps readers with their motoring problems. This week he answers your queries on motoring schools, safety features, car washing and room for the kids
I am wondering if there is any motoring school in Ireland teaching people to drive on the right hand side of the road. I have been driving for 38 years in Ireland and other countries where the practice is to drive on the left, but I lack confidence to drive on the right.
Bridget E Jones, Waterford
While the thought of learner drivers heading down the wrong side of the M1 sends chills down our spines, we have inquired if there are any schools offering such courses in Ireland. Des Cummins of the Driving Instructor Register of Ireland tells us that while there is no school offering such courses as part of their regular business, he will be visited this November by approximately 60 Spanish driving instructors over in Ireland to receive their check-up test and grading. They will likely have a left-hand drive vehicle with them and he will happily arrange a few lessons with them for her. The Register, which is unfortunately only a voluntary register here, can be contacted at 01-8570377.
While Ms Jones does not detail the problems she foresees in driving on the right, we suspect it may be in adjusting to changing gear with her right hand and getting accustomed to European roadsigns.
As a very helpful Mr Cummins reminds us, while we members of the No to Nice campaign warn of a United States of Europe (USE), at present motorists can still drive through Europe and come across five different types of signage, all meaning the same thing. A long way from a USE.
My car has been broken into recently and they tried to take the car, wripping out the dashboard and damaging the steering column in the process. While their attempts failed, I have been looking at various locks and safety gadgets to deter any future attempts. What do you recommend?
Peter Harper, Dublin
While there are several very good products on the market at present, the best deterrent is simply a large thick chain and a good padlock. The padlocks are often harder to pick or get off than the modern steering locks. Loop the chain around the driver seat a few times, then around the steering wheel and lock it.
What's the best way to wash your car? I've used the various soaps that are sold in the Motor Factors stores, but they always seem to leave white smudges when they dry out.
Philip Dwyer
Personal experience, and a potential career as a car valet, have taught me that warm water, soap and a good clean sponge leave the best result. Rinse off the grime first with a hose or a bucket of water, then rub down with a soapy sponge, followed by another rinse. Finally, and this is the key to avoiding smudges, a good chamois always does the trick.
For the windows try a rolled up newspaper to get off the smudges. You don't really need to spend a fortune on cleaning utensils and special creams.
I'm looking for a small family car with plenty of room for my three kids. I've been looking at the Renault Scenic, but what else should I test drive?
Sarah Cassidy
The Renault Scenic is well worth consideration. Other cars worth taking for a test drive before making the final decision are the Peugeot 307SW, the Fiat Multipa, the Citroën Xsara and the Opel Zafira, particularly the diesel version. This is becoming a competitive marketplace so take full advantage and shop around on both price and specification before making your final decision.