Michael McAleer answers your queries.
From Patricia O'Mara:
My dear husband last week put petrol into our new diesel car. It was an honest mistake - all our previous cars were petrol - but the garage says it will cost nearly €2,000 to fix and the insurance company says our policy doesn't cover this. Could it really cost this much to rectify the problem?
I'm afraid it's probably about right. Misfuelling is increasing because of the surge in diesel popularity in recent years. (It's actually easier to repair a petrol engine misfilled with diesel).
We assume, from the estimate you've been given, that your husband didn't notice the problem until after he started the car. Repair costs depend on whether the driver tried to start the vehicle after misfuelling.
If a driver puts petrol into a diesel vehicle and realises the mistake before turning on the ignition, the repairer will be able to drain the fuel and flush the system, usually at no more than a labour charge of a few hundred euro.
However, if the driver starts the engine, it's likely that the injection components, fuel and filters will have to be replaced with a considerable increase in the repair cost.
From George Reynolds,
Co Wicklow:
Today I was surprised to be stopped by Customs officers who wanted to dip my tank for green diesel - I passed! When I was learning to drive nearly 40 years ago only three people could order you to stop - a garda, a school warden and a "mam" in charge of animals. When were Customs officers added to the list, and who else has these powers?
Twice in the past 15 years I have been pursued by unmarked Garda cars. The second was crossing the Sally Gap in Co Wicklow one Hallowe'en midnight. I passed a white unmarked car that immediately did a u-turn and began to follow me.
Suspecting a possible hijack (the area has many burnt-out cars on weekends), I speeded up and got to Roundwood where it seemed I had lost them. However, arriving outside my home the car pulled up behind with one uniformed Garda and a plainclothes man who checked my licence with no comment.
I had been quite prepared to ram them as I assumed it was a robbery attempt. There should be a protocol as to when a Garda can expect to stop a motorist. Surely the car should be a clearly marked Garda car and not just some blue lights.
We can't advise you strongly enough that ramming garda cars will do nothing for your social standing and will not ingratiate you with the long arm of the law.
A garda spokesperson says they have the right to stop you at any time, without setting up check points etc. Customs officers also have that right under traffic legislation.
Nobody I spoke to can recall the "man with animal" rule, but it makes sense to stop or slow when asked by someone herding cattle, both for you and the animals. Traffic wardens apparently sought the right to stop cars in recent years but were turned down.
When stopped, you are entitled to ask for identification before producing a licence etc.
Most unmarked garda cars have blue lights, mostly behind the grille. Blue lights are allowed only on garda, fire brigade or ambulance vehicles so they are generally the real thing.
Perhaps you'll agree, that marking all garda cars might sometimes defeat the purpose. Discreet survelliance is not easy in emblazoned vehicles.
From L O'Brien, Dublin:
A car is not a cloak giving no view of what's going on inside. It's hard enough to sit in traffic on the M50 without having to watch neuro surgery being performed through the nose.
This Monday between Blanchardstown and the toll plaza I counted five drivers exploring their inner nasal passages and another mining wax from his ear. All were oblivious to the fact they were doing so in full public view. One immacutely dress driver was in a pristine BMW - had he been waiting on the street or sitting at a meeting, he wouldn't touch his nose without a handkerchief, never mind shoving his fist up his nostril.
A man's home is his castle, and nowadays so is his car. But, we shouldn't forget car windows have two-way glass, without curtains. Air-con and entertainment on radio or CDs may separate you from the rest of society, but your every move can be seen. So, for the sake of our morning stomachs, keep the nose picking and ear de-waxing to more private moments.
Send your queries to: Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet St, Dublin - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie