Michael McAleer helps readers with their motoring problems
My granddaughter is learning to drive. She is doing well, but is nervous reversing. I notice some small vans have a device that gives out a warning bleep to inform you how close you are to objects behind. Where can we get one of these?
EF Bryant, Howth, Co Dublin
These bleepers are a feature of a number of the smaller models in the city car segment, using ultrasound to detect potential hazards out of sight of the driver.
They are also common these days on larger vehicles where rear vision is restricted, such as SUVs and 4x4s. Nissan for its part has fitted a small video camera in the rear of some of its new Primeras.
The basic bleeper is not a proprietorial product of any manufacturer, however, and can be fitted as an aftersales accessory. Prices may vary but, for example, Nissan will fit them to models in their range for €300-350.
As for using the bleeper to make the driving test that little bit less nerve-wracking, the driver testing service sees no problem using such devices during the test.
Having shopped around for a servicing quote for a 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 with 41,000 miles on the clock, I was told by three reputable Alfa Romeo dealers that I would have to have the timing belt changed. Quotes ranged from €650 to €950.
I called an Alfa garage in London and was told that I wouldn't need to change the belt until 60,000 miles.
Kevin Tooher
According to Alfa Ireland's communications manager, Joe Gantly, timing belts for Alfa 156s must be checked at the regular service intervals (every 12,000 miles) and at 72,000 miles (after 4-5 years) must be replaced. "A timing belt is very much a "wear and tear" item, the rubber used being perishable. Dealers would always advise an owner to replace the item if they see clear signs of wear," says Gantly.
"It's very much cheaper to fit a new one than to be faced with the damage arising from a broken timing belt."
This customer has quite a low mileage for a 1998 car - but it's the age of the belt, ( over four years old), that is the factor causing the dealer to recommend replacement.
I believe the biggest single car colour problem on our roads is a poorly lit dark car on a dark road in conditions of poor visibility. The absence of obligatory dipped headlights must have cost many lives over the years. Side lights are essentially useless, many being no better than an old style bicycle flashlamp.
Some cars have innocuous fog lamps which are a bit more effective but it seems their use is illegal except in rain. There is a convincing argument for dipped headlights being mandatory in poor visibility, in rain and at twilight. I have no problem with the present dipped headlights campaign and believe it should be extended immediately to the whole country and made mandatory.
Dick Dunne
There are arguments both for and against dipped headlights. Some claim they dazzle oncoming traffic, particularly on bright or sunny days. However, judging by the continued influx of e-mails and letters on the subject it seems that supporters of campaign far outnumber its detractors.
I'm the proud owner of a Standard Flying Twelve - registration ZH 2538 - which was originally registered in Dublin in 1947 and then transferred to Wicklow in 1948. It was bought around 1953 by a trainee doctor who subsequently imported it to Wales in 1959. I know all of it's history from 1953 and I know the name and address of the owner until it was transferred to Wicklow. Wicklow Council cannot trace any details in its archives. Any thoughts on where I might find what happened to it between 1948 and 1953?
Dave Perry
Anyone who knew this particular car and can help trace its movements during the missing years is welcome to e-mail us at the Help Desk.
Send queries to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet St, Dublin
2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie