Michael McAleer answers your questions
From Martin C Moore:
I am considering trading in my 1997 Carina E for a new Avensis next month.
I have been told that there is a facelift due on this car in the next two to three months. As an avid reader of Motors and other motoring magazines I have not seen this in print anywhere. Is there any truth in it or have you heard anything?
There is a facelift coming on the Avensis, with the new versions arriving in the next six weeks. The changes are minor in terms of design, concentrating on light clusters and other minor touches.
Perhaps the most noticeable changes are likely to be in specification levels. Though there are no details confirmed, it's likely to mean a few more extras included as standard.
No engines are being dropped from the range though there are suggestions that the D-4D diesel unit may be upgraded.
From Maurice O'Brien:
Thanks to the on-board computer in my new car I've been monitoring my fuel consumption down to one decimal point and I've changed my driving habits accordingly.
I'm very surprised at how simple things like keeping the revs low by using higher gears really impacts on the consumption, but I was wondering if there are other ways I could save?
Congratulations on the savings so far. These fuel consumption monitors are often regarded as rather trivial features in modern cars but you have demonstrated that they serve a worthy purpose.
Your driving habits will make the most significant differences to the fuel consumption, along with keeping the engine in good condition and getting the car serviced regularly. Smooth driving can save about 10 per cent in town traffic and 6 per cent on the open road.
It seems like you have already mastered this, but for others the advice is to try and keep the engine speed to between 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm. Getting into top gear after you exceed 60km/h is another good saving. It is estimated that if you are in third gear at this speed rather than in fifth you are using 25 per cent more fuel. Also, if you are stopped in traffic for a long time, turn off your engine. Contrary to myth, restarting the engine does not use more fuel.
However, there are further savings that can be made. Virtually everything in the car affects fuel consumption. Headlamps, windscreen wipers, heating systems, heated seats, even the likes of ABS and traction control all mean more fuel is used. (That said, I wouldn't omit traction control or ABS from a car on the grounds of fuel consumption. If and when you need such systems they'll save you a lot more money than they'll have used in fuel).
There are measures you can take to cut the number of times you need to fill up. First and foremost, remember that all the extra weight in the car leads to added fuel consumption.
Take a look around the car and in the boot and see what things you do not need. Finally, I should warn you that while your digital fuel read-out is a useful guide, a lot of these on-board fuel consumption calculators can be inaccurate. The best way to check your consumption is by filling the fuel tank, turning the trip meter to zero and noting the sort of mileage you are getting.
From T Foster:
We have been looking at getting a new car but I was wondering if you could recommend a way to protect the upholstery in the car. We have a Labrador, which travels in the car with us regularly.
We are selling our current car privately but there have been several comments about the state of the seating and it seems like it is going to reduce the price we are going to get. Any advice?
Any car accessory store will sell you seat covers; the only question is do you really want fluffy pink seats in your €45,000 car? My advice would be to opt for leather seats and then cover them with a good strong blanket when your dog is travelling.
The big problem with animals in cars is that not only will they leave a certain scent, they also scratch the surface of the seating with their nails. A blanket will protect scratches, but you will need to work on getting a very good air freshener for the car to keep the smells at bay. An estate would probably be the best bet, with a barrier to prevent the dog from getting in to the back seat.
From L O'Neill:
May I suggest to your readers lucky enough to own a convertible that they heed the age-old advice of not casting a clout until May is out.
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of travelling in the back of my son's BMW convertible and I still haven't warmed. As for my wife, she looked like she had been electrocuted, with her hair standing on end for days.
Convertibles are an acquired taste on Irish roads and you (and particularly your wife) may not see the attraction of open-topped motoring.
Those in the back often get the worst of the wind, particularly if the front side windows are open.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie