Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From Darragh Gaffney:
I remember hearing late last year that a copy of the revised Rules of the Road would be distributed to every household in Ireland. As I'm sure you're aware, this hasn't happened. Was this just another empty promise in an election year, or is it still to happen?
It is actually being issued by the Irish Insurance Federation on behalf of the Road Safety Authority. According to an IIF spokeswoman, it has taken some time to print the 1.6 million copies, but they are due to arrive in households between the middle and end of next month.
From J Carroll:
I own a Mercedes A140, and I find the suspension very hard. I can live with it, but my regular passenger suffers from neck problems and finds it painful over bumps. I see the new A150 seems to have higher profile tyres. While my car doesn't need new tyres right now, when it does, would these tyres help to soften the ride, or would they affect the handling?
The simple answer is: it would impact on both. But, unless you are throwing the car into corners - something I would never recommend in an A-Class - the significant improvement in ride quality will far outweigh any marginal difference in handling.
Clearly, ride is more important than handling in this instance, and a higher profile tyre will soften the impact of bumps and the like. Another solution may be to regularly monitor tyre pressure. Adjusting it may soften the ride as well.
From G Francis:
I am over six feet tall. I am seeking a car, about two years old, something in the range of 1.2 to 1.4-litre engine.
It needs to allow me adequate stretch for my long legs, with a good high roof for comfortable head room, a seat higher than average - this is especially important, so that my knees are not always much higher than my seat and to prevent recurrence of back problems. Can you suggest a model which would best meet those requirements?
You'll be surprised to learn that many cars on the market cater for drivers of your height.
For a start, there's the new Mini that can, amazingly, accommodate tall drivers with headroom left over. We've regularly been accompanied by a colleague over 6 ft and he has no problems once inside, though entry is a little problem.
Your engine range limitations make it a little more difficult, but we have it on good authority that the Skoda Fabia scores particularly well with taller drivers. There is a new version on sale now, so that would make a two-year-old version better priced.
If you were to opt for a larger engine, then the Ford Focus C-Max would be a good used buy. It offers good headroom and legroom in the footwell. Steering adjusts for rake and reach, the seat can be raised to keep knee height at a natural level. It's listed here after a recommendation from someone who is 6ft 5ins.
From JB:
When does it make sense to insure a car for third-party rather than comprehensive insurance? I've got a 1998 Opel Astra with over 100,000 miles on the clock, and we've always had comprehensive insurance but the difference in price is quite tempting for third party.
The car is worth about €2,000, so if it is involved in anything other than a minor scrape the insurance company is likely to write it off.
In all likelihood, you'll only get a pittance in the pay-out. Be aware however, that strictly third-party cover is only available from a limited number of insurers and, in most instances, the policy does not allow the addition of any named drivers.
From T Moloney:
Given the current terrible weather, may I ask fellow motorists to be aware of two things: first, headlights are not just for using at night and secondly, stopping distances are actually worse during a downpour after a dry spell.
The number of motorists driving around without lights during the recent deluges is incredible.
It's hard enough to see out the windscreen with the wipers going at full speed, without having to try and spot other traffic as well. Dipped headlights would greatly help.
I agree with both points made. In particular, the risk of aquaplaning is greatly increased if roads have been dry and then suddenly get soaked.
Along with increased areas of standing water on the roads, all the dirt and oil built up during the drier periods form a film over the water surface that makes it harder for cars to stop. Drivers, keep your distance.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2 or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie