HELPDESK:All you motoring queries answered
From AJ
In last week’s Motors supplement you didn’t mention cars that would suit me. I’m a part-time farmer and I drive a used Mitsubishi Shogun that was brought in from the UK by its previous owner. It’s on its last legs and I need a proper four-wheel-drive. Any suggestions? The Shogun has been great so its replacement has to be reliable as well. I change my car about every eight years so it has to last.
The Shogun is sold here as the Pajero and is a great off-roader, if not so great in terms of its on-road handling. That’s the case with many of these vehicles. Arguably a better drive on the road is Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up. The Land Rover Defender is another workhorse that’s incredibly impressive on mud, but less so on tarmac. You could potentially pick up a Defender through the farm business from €30,400.
For a similar sum of money, however, you could buy a 2008 Land Cruiser long-wheelbase version with the 3-litre diesel engine that is taxed under the old regime of engine-size rather than emissions. Of all the off-roaders Ive tested in the last decade, the Land Cruiser remains by far the most impressive for its reliability and ability to tackle even the toughest off-road conditions. Yet it behaves itself remarkably well on the road and after a quick wash its smart enough to sit outside any swanky suburban restaurant. It’s the best all-rounder for a part-time workhorse, part-time family car.
From PW
A reader last week asked about running a BMW 3-Series on regular tyres (not runflats). I’ve been doing the same on my 5-Series for a while now and the ride quality is significantly improved. My query is on winter tyres. You had a piece last week on the subject and I was wondering if you have tested these tyres and found them any good on ice.
In terms of winter tyres, I have driven many miles on them, particularly during January winter testing in the cold climes of northern Sweden. The difference in stopping distances between regular tyre and winter tyres is remarkable, with the proviso that on sheet ice the only real grip is with spikes or studs. A car with winter tyres will still slide. If you have no option but to drive in the snow then winter tyres should be regarded as a must-buy for motorists.
They won’t turn your car into a Land Cruiser, but they’ll give you some much-needed grip on snow-covered roads.
From DC
My query is a topical one given the approaching winter. I’m driving a 2006 Audi A6 and I am considering buying a battery charger. I do a lot of short hops, which isn’t great for battery life, especially with diesels such as mine. Can I use such a charger out of the box, or would I be best looking for specialist advice from Audi, lest I damage the car’s electrical circuits ?
It’s a useful addition to your motoring accessories. Be sure to check the specifications of the device and that it’s compatible with your car.
We checked with Audi and they say that any of their local parts departments will also be able to get your an approved Audi battery charger for the car.