The Irish Times answers some of your motoring problems.
Casting some light on Alfa headlights
Patrick Hayes contacted us about his impending holidays.
He is about to spend a month driving on the Continent and was worried about modifying his headlights in order to comply with the temporary requirements for driving in Europe.
Mr Hayes drives an Alfa Romeo 156 and was having trouble getting information about how to carry out the modifications. He believes that the standard kits available in most motor factor outlets will not fit the Alfa: "Is there any plastic type cover which can be obtained for the Alfa 156?"
We contacted Fiat Ireland about the issue and they responded within hours, telling us that Alfa does indeed sell modifying kits for driving on the Continent. What's more, to prove the point, they sent us one of the kits.
We are happy to pass it on to Mr Hayes. A happy outcome for all concerned.
The benefits of an automatic
Ned Sweeney is in pain. He suffers from a permanent left ankle problem which makes driving very painful in slow traffic. So, logically, he has in the past opted for an automatic.
However, his current car is "a 1999 1400 cc Focus which I absolutely love, but it is not auto."
Regrettably, Ford only offers a 1600 cc in auto mode, and the extra cost in tax and insurance makes it expensive for him. He's looking for a 1300/1400 cc hatchback (he has a big dog) in automatic mode. We suggest he takes a look at the Opel Astra 1.4-litre three-door, which comes in automatic, and would be capable of carrying Mr Sweeney and his dog in relative comfort for about €21,000 ex-works.
Another option would be the Skoda Fabia Combi 1.4-litre automatic, which comes with automatic transmission at €19,665. As the Combi version is an estate, space should not be an issue.
Heinkel's bubble continues to expand
A plea by a reader for help in researching bubble cars has resulted in numerous offers of facts, figures and historical information.
Some weeks ago Robert Ardagh's request was published by the Helpdesk. He is researching bubble cars and was appealing for readers' help in gathering information. Since then we have received numerous e-mails and letters on the issue.
Stewart Bevan writes that after the request, his father went through his photo collection and was able to unearth two pictures of the bubble car. Another reader, Alison McDonald from Terenure suggests that Mr Ardagh make a beeline for Dundalk, where the local museum has an exhibition about the Heinkel cars that were built there, as well as a bubble car in lovely condition on display.
Finally, Alan Glynn from Dublin 18 writes that "reading your item on the bubble cars brought back memories of my early work days in the 1950s when I worked in Ryans Car Hire in Hawkins Street.
"We ran a small number of Heinkels and also another bubble car called the Gogomobile which we rented at what we would call today 'loss leaders'."
He asks if there are any Gogomobiles still around?
The dangers of seeing green
A rather strange query has been submitted by Joe McNally. His problem is, it seems, with the threat posed to motorists by green-coloured cars.
Joe writes: "I am wondering about green cars driving through the countryside.
"It has happened to me twice that I see a clear road ahead and then suddenly a green car appears from nowhere, especially against trees. It's like they're camouflaged. Are green cars involved in more accidents in the countryside?"
Our first thoughts on the matter were that Joe may need to make an urgent appointment with the optician.
However, he assures us his "eyes are checked regularly." Readers who have experienced similar difficulties are invited to write in.
Send your motoring query to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or by e-mail to motorshelp@irish-times.ie