Michael McAleer answers readers motoring queries
From Eric McKeever: Last week our motoring quiz featured Bugatti as an Italian manufacturer. As Shane Ward and Hugh O'Donnell rightly observed, Ettore Bugatti may have been Italian, but he didn't put a car into production independently until he acquired a factory in Molsheim in Alsace.I bought an Opel Zafira Comfort Y2.0 DTH in February 2002 . The diesel engine has used 4.1 litres of oil in the first 8,700 miles and about the same amount of oil in the second service period. Opel Ireland say that this is a normal amount of oil to use.
It says that the owner's manual says that the engine should use 0.6 litres of oil per 1,000 kms (621.39 miles ). So, according to the Opel manual, my Zafira could have used 8.4 litres of oil in the 8,700 first service. A 5-litre can of synthetic oil recomended for the engine at about €34 puts an extra cost on my motoring. Do you or your Opel Zafira drivers have the same problem with their diesel engine - or maybe I have a two-stroke engine.
Opel says this level of oil consumption is common with most diesel engines and it is not confined to Opels.
Unfortunately for Eric, if he had waited three months he could have bought himself a Zafira with Opel's updated diesel engine that, Opel claims, offers significantly reduced oil consumption.
While he may have to accept regular top-ups of his oil, there is better news for those considering buying a diesel Opel dating from May last year.
Since then Opel has introduced its new 2-litre and 2.2-litre DTi units across the range, including in Zafiras.
These have lower oil consumption thanks to a new laser honing method of machining the cylinder lines. The use of laser honing was only introduced in January last year but is now in full use and results in very smooth surfaces, hence the reduction in oil usage.
From Peter Daley:
If there is a war with Iraq are we set to see petrol prices rise significantly?
Already Statoil has raised prices 1.23 cent per litre for unleaded, and others are likely to follow.
However, despite increases in the price of crude oil, it should not be forgotten that Government tax remains the most significant factor in Irish fuel prices. It makes up nearly 70 per cent of final pump prices.
From Maura Kinahan:
I was wondering if you could offer me any advice. I will be moving back to Ireland from the UK in the near future. I had a minor accident in August 2001 in the UK, when another car moved into my lane as I was passing.
The damage to both cars was minimal. The matter has not being resolved and my insurance company wants to sort the matter out in court. I am having problems getting an insurance quote from any company in Ireland. What can I do?
Every motorist is legally obliged to take a minimum of third-party insurance. As a result, a system is in place whereby after three refusals to insure, a motorist can apply to force one of the insurance firms to insure them with a quote that must not be tantamount to a refusal.
However, before going down that route, if you are having problems getting a quote, try to get a reliable broker to seek out cover for you. They often have better relationships with the insurance firms and may be able to get you a quote. If that fails you should give the Irish Insurance Federation free information line a call at 01-676 1914.
Prior to this he did present his first self-made automobile at an exhibition in Milan, but he didn't produce this himself. It was manufactured under licence by the Deutz company in Cologne.
Both readers are right. While he was born in Milan, the Bugatti head office today is in France. And that's what matters. Well spotted.
Send your queries to Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet St, Dublin 2 - or by e-mail to motorshelp@irish-times.ie