MICHAEL McALEERanswers all your motoring queries
Is there any use in having run flat tyres?
From A Costello: Regarding the query on run flat tyres two weeks ago, I have had two punctures on my 1-Series in the last year. The first time, I was told I could drive to a service station, but last month I spent an hour on the Naas Road after I was told not to drive as the red light was lit.
It took two hours to get on the road again. I complained about the service and I can’t see an improvement. Why can’t BMW provide a mobile replacement tyre unit?
The issue with the original correspondent on this matter concerned a problem with stocking levels of run flats; it seems some dealers are not adequately stocked with tyres. In this case, the issue is to do with the very kernel of their usefulness — the fact you are supposedly able to drive some distance without being incapacitated by a puncture.
According to a spokeswoman for BMW: “Ordinarily, it is safe to drive a vehicle with punctured run flat tyres, provided the customer adheres to the recommended speed limit and driving distance limitation for punctured run flat tyres. However, the BMW Emergency Service assesses each punctured run flat case on the individual circumstances and will always err on the side of caution. If it is felt there are any concerns with regards to safety or the willingness of the customer to drive on a punctured tyre, recovery of the vehicle may be arranged.
“Normally a puncture in a run flat tyre is indicated by a yellow warning light, where the driver is advised to check the tyres and drive to a dealership at a maximum of 80km/h for a distance of 225km. In Ms Costello’s case, the tyre pressure warning light illuminated in red which means that the tyre had experienced a rapid pressure loss and therefore may not have been safe to drive on. . . For this reason BMW Emergency Service arranged vehicle recovery.”
Regarding the mobile replacement unit: “The process employed with fitting new run flat tyres is different to conventional tyres. Run flat tyres cannot be replaced by a mobile unit and can only be fitted by an authorised dealership or specialist tyre replacement centre.”
It would seem a bit pointless to opt for run flat tyres if you can’t run them when flat. At that stage, they would seem to be no better than a regular punctured tyre, only the motorist doesn’t have a spare.
From TF: Both the Road Traffic Act and the Rules of the Road say that, when driving, you must have your licence with you. I believe if you don’t, you will get penalty points. The Rules of the Road says: “You must carry your driving licence at all times when driving.” However, it also states: “You should renew your licence not later than three months before it expires.” As far as I can figure the Gardaí don’t have any discretion, so when you send your licence away for renewal, can you legally drive in this State?
Yes. While the turnaround time for licence renewal is generally short, you can also call into your local motor tax office and process the renewal there. They will issue you with a receipt. We have been told that this will suffice until your licence arrives.
From J Melia: I’m trying to get a car to accommodate three child car seats, with a large boot. I’m looking at a Renault Scenic or Ford C Max. The Skoda Octavia and VW Passat have also been suggested. I want a relatively new second-hand car, around €15,000. I’m looking for something that won’t cost the earth to tax, and am told I should look for diesel. Suggestions would be most appreciated.
Fitting three child seats in a five-seat car is a common problem and unfortunately there is not a lot of choice out there. We are led to believe the Ford Mondeo can take three child seats across the back, as can the Skoda Superb, but we are less certain about the Octavia.
Of the cars you mention, we would recommend the Ford C Max or the Renault Scenic. Neither is cumbersome to drive and you should get either for €15,000. For that price, you would be getting a pre-July 2008 model, in which case you would be paying tax under the old engine-size tax system.
Both have decent diesel engines, with the Focus C Max 1.6-litre shading it in terms of performance and dynamics.