This one is for all those who think we need more real policing of the motorways etc.

First clue was bunched traffic, all too close on all lanes...ah yes, marked car doing 55-60 in lane 2, making no progress past lane 1 traffic. Wonderful!

A few miles later, I'm still behind the marked car, as no-one is making any progress at all; we witness a mobile hazard - a lone Citroen AX in lane 3 of 4 doing 45 mph in a 70, M5 southbound toward J19. What does police car do? Sits in lane one, then lane two, then lane one, this time just in their rear quarter (and I suspect in the blind spot). This goes on for a while, cars under and over taking the AX with plod high visible in checkerboard merc - no action from marked patrol whatsoever....undertaking must be legal now then.

We get closer to roadworks (40mph, camera enforced) - cop car having dropped back into lane 1 for a while, speeds up and parallels the car on the nearside and puts blue lights on briefly, only to realise he has accel'd very close to the 40 limit himself, where he then has to brake significantly and retreat to lane 1 to exit the m-way, shortly followed by AX who goes into lane 1 and exits at the slip road!!! SO AX goes left at roundabout, cop car turns right, with myself dutifully sat behind, still trying to believe what I am seeing.

Yes, they were uniformed bobbies and off they went around the roundabout back to patrol the northbound this time.....

The camera was a darn sight safer than their interesting manouverings today. Read more

I usually buy cars at around 5 years old and get rid after 3/4 years service.

Now I am not adverse to giving my cars a good wash when needed, however I feel some owners (usually the very young and very old) go overboard, washing and polishing every Sunday without fail and paying hundreds to get minor scratches and dents repaired.

Now obviously this approach make sense if the car in question is less than three years old and/or a prestige high value model as bodywork condition can have a significant effect on trade in value. However it seems to me once a mainstream model passes its third birthday when trade in time comes the dealer will look at his price guide and offer £X amount for it regardless of how many dings/dents/rust is present on it.

My Mondeo is a classic example. Almost eight years old, I would say in above average nick compared another example the same age but starting rust at both rear arches. Now I could pay £2-300 (or whatever) on getting the rust done but we all know it will be back within 18 months or so. Current part ex value about £500 if I was to trade it in as is...part ex value with rust sorted...£500 - I doubt the dealer would even bother getting out of his chair to give it the once over!

I know many on here take great pride in the appearance of their respective vehicles. But is all the sweat and financial cost worth it in the end? Read more

Hi all,

Got a car which is left hand drive, which could come over to the UK to be registered and used. It uses LPG already so almost makes sense as the conversion has already been done, and the cost of LPG in our area is still around 39p/l.

My question is, will the insurance company have a field day quoting me silly money just because it is a LHD?

TIA Ben Read more

Any advice please on a good easing oil for assisting with loosening nuts and bolts. I have used Plus Gas in the dim and distant past but this product doesn't seem to exist anymore. I have also used WD40 not always successfully.Are there any other products readily available to the DIY mechanic that work? Thanks, Rocky. Read more

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a Dagenham Motors around the Heathrow area?
I have heard good things about Byfleet Service Centre, anyone had any experience with them?

It is a fairly straightforward job, cam belt, aux belt & what looks to me (i am not a mechanic!) like a leaking rocker cover gasket (looks like oil!) from next to the exhaust manifold and around the head.

Any recommended Dagenham Motors dealers would be a great help.

Thanks in advance. Read more