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• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS: Could you recommend any automatic gearbox specialists? (FAQs)
  • King Automatics, The Chalk Pit, College Road, Epsom, Surrey, tel: 07802577351 ,  www.kingautomatics.com • Automatic Transmissions (Tattersall), Tattersall Bridge, near Coningsby, Lincoln, tel: 01526 342956.
• TOWING: Can you give me some general tips about towing?  (FAQs)
  The Car: 1) Ask yourself and other caravanners. Is it the car really man enough to tow your van? 2) If it is an automatic take it to a solely automatic gearbox expert company ask them for their opinion. I took mine to a specialist automatic g/box company who serviced police and other public services transmissions. I had to wait a few weeks.
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS: What are the different types?  (FAQs)
  Torque converter automatic The traditional type employing a torque converter that abosrbs engine power leading to increased fuel consumption and CO2 output. Can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 ratio, the more ratios the more efficient it will be.
• FLASHING OTHER DRIVERS: Is it illegal to flash other drivers to warn them of a speed trap? (FAQs)
  'Flashing someone out in front of you' can be misinterpreted, so drivers should exercise caution and not automatically assume they are being 'flashed out' unless the behaviour of the other driver confirms this.    
• FUEL: What are the benefits of running a vehicle on Superunleaded or Superdiesel? (FAQs)
  If vehicles are driven to take best advantage of Super, which means changing up earlier (at low throttle openings a properly programmed automatic will do this for you), then the improvement in fuel economy is usually between 4% - 6%.  Where Super is sold at up to 8p more than ordinary 'Premium' fuels, the improvement in economy usually covers the increased cost.
• DIESEL v PETROL: Which is better for me?   (FAQs)
  Over 2007/08 diesel fuel in the UK became about 10% more expensive to buy than petrol, but regained parity on 2009. Diesel automatics can lose a lot of the economy advantage due to torque converter losses. Diesels may reduce fuel bills, but diesels built since Year 2000 can double and even quadruple the bills for everything else.
• GARAGE SERVICING: How can I find a reputable garage  to service or repair my car? (FAQs)
  The Major Component Confusion Never, ever repair a major component. If, for example, an automatic gearbox has a problem DO NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE. Instead, simply quote for fitting an entirely new automatic gearbox. The fault may be nothing more than a duff solenoid in the valve block, but don't waste time with a £200 job when there is much more profit to be gained from fitting a new autobox at £1,750 plus.
• STORING A CAR: How should I prepare my car for long term storage? (FAQs)
  If leaving for years, then fuel with high moisture bio content may partially emulsify, so empty the tank and insert some dessicant strips via the sender pump access panel to absorb the condenstation. A couple of other tips: If its an automatic make sure you can get access to the battery because if it's flat when you return you can't put it into neutral, push it back and get the engine cover up. I know this from experience. Also leave the handbrake off to stop the rear brakes corroding and locking on.
• YOUNG DRIVERS. Where can youngsters aged 11 - 16 learn to drive safely? (FAQs)
  More at: www.mbdrivingacademy.co.uk  Mercedes A Class and B Class cars, manual and automatic. Session prices start at £40 for 30 minutes. YoungDriver EU is another scheme using SEAT Ibiza 1.2 cars. Session prices start at £29, supported by SEAT UK and running as a national roadshow at various locations off pubic roads.
• WINTER TYRES: Should I use different tyres for the winter? (FAQs)
  On hard packed snow, frozen snow or ice, ABS might actually prevent the car from stopping because it automatically releases the brakes on wheels that are skidding. If all four wheels are skidding it will release the brakes on all of them. So on snow and ice, think ahead and start braking gently a lot earlier than you would in normal conditions.
• INSURANCE WRITE OFFS: What do different insurance write off categories mean? (FAQs)
  GroupsRate (£s)Sample Vehicles excl VAT StandardCars S128.02Vauxhall Agila (1.0) / Citroen C1 (1.0) / Peugeot 107 (1.0) / Nissan Micra (1.0) / Toyota Yaris (1.0), Fiat Sceicento (889cc), Microcar Virgo 1.0, S231.77VW Polo (1.2) / Renault Clio (1.2) / Vauxhall Corsa (1.2) / Ford Fiesta (1.2), Smart ForFour (1.1), Smart Pulse Coupe 600cc, Suzuki Wagon 1229cc, S333.90Vauxhall Astra (1.4) / Ford Focus (1.4) / Peugeot 307 (1.4) / Toyota Corolla (1.4) / VW Polo (1.4) / Honda Civic (1.4), Smart ForFour (1.3), Citroen Berlingo Multispace X 1.4, Hyundai Getz D GRTD/GSI 1.5, Peugeot 207 1.4, Honda Jazz 1.5, Vauxhall Meriva Life 1.4, Vauxhall Corsa 1.4, S436.33Peugeot 307 (1.6) / Renault Megane (1.6) / Vauxhall Astra (1.6) / Ford Focus (1.6), Smart ForFour (1.5), V W Beetle 1.4, Ford Street ka 1.6, Mini One 1.6, Vauxhall Meriva 1.6, Peugeot, 206 Allure Coupe 1587cc, Citroen C3 Pluriel Convertible 1360, Renault Modus 1.6, Citroen C4 Picasso VTR plus HDI 1560cc, VW Golf GT TSI 1.4, S538.42Peugeot 407 (1.8) / Vauxhall Vectra (1.8) / Ford Mondeo (1.8) / Renault Laguna (1.8), V W Beetle 1.4 convertible, Ford Street ka 1.6 convertible, Mitsubishi Colt CZC cabriolet 1.5, , Vauxhall Tigra coupe cabriolet 1.8, Volkswagen Passat SE 20v Turbo1791 (petrol), Toyota Avensis 1.8, Volkswagon Golf SE 2 door Cabriolet 1595cc, Peugeot 206 1.6 sport convertible, Volkswagon Golf Hatch 5 door1.6 FSI, S640.95Vauxhall Vectra (2.0) / Ford Mondeo (2.0) / Peugeot 407 (2.0) / Renault Laguna (2.0), MG XT 2.0 diesel, Rover 75 2.0, Honda Civic 2.2i Sport, Nissan Primera 2.2 turbo diesel, VW Golf (excl GTi) 2.0, VW Passant 2.0, Subaru Impreza Sportwagon 2.0, Volkswagen Passat 1.9 diesel, Chrysler Neon 2.0, Toyota Avensis 2.0, Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI SE (moved from S5 12.2.07), Honda Accord VTEC SE Exec Auto, Volkswagen Golf GT Tdi 1.9, Peugeot 206 2.0, VW Beetle 2.0, Vauxhall Astra VXR 2.0, S757.44Vauxhall Signum (2.8) / Peugeot 607 (2.2) / Skoda Superb (2.5), Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4 Touring Cabriolet 2.4, Vauxhall Astra Convertible Linea Rossa 2198, Renault Megan Coupe Cabriolet 1870/ Megane Cabrio 2.0, Honda Accord I-CDTI Sport 2.2, VW EOS FSI 1984cc, Volkswagen GT TDi Sport 170 2.0, MPV M1 51.75Citroen Picasso (1.8) / Ford Focus C-Max (1.6/1.8), Renault Scenic (1.6) / Vauxhall Zafira (1.8), Citroen Picasso 1.6, Mazda Premacy 1.8, Renault GR SCENIC EX-ION DCI106E4 1461cc, Nissan Qashqai Acenta 1.6, M2 59.00Citroen Picasso (2.0) / Ford Focus C-Max (2.0) / Renault Scenic (1.9) / Vauxhall Zafira (2.0/2.2), Honda FR-V 2.0, VE Golf Plus S TDI 1.9, Vauxhall Zafira SRI 2.0, M3 69.35Ford Galaxy (1.9) / Toyota Previa (2.0) / VW Sharan (1.8), VW Touran 2.0 TD 7 seats, Volkswagon Touran 7 seats 1.9tdi, KIA Sedona 2.9, Seat Alhambra Stylance TDI 130 1.9, Renault Espace 1998cc, Citroen C8 lx hdi 120a 2.0, Toyota Verso Estate 2.2, M4 87.98Chrysler Voyager (2.8) / Mercedes-Benz Viano (2.0) / Mitsubishi Grandis (2.4) / Renault Grand Espace (2.0), Ford Galaxy 2.3, Toyota Previa 2.4, M5 131.96Mercedes-Benz Viano (2.2) / Renault Grand Espace (3.0) M6167.15Mercedes-Benz Viano (3.5), Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.3, 4 x 4 F186.94Land Rover Freelander (1.8) / Mitsubishi Outlander (2.4) / Toyota RAV4 (2.0) / Nissan Terrano (2.7), Kia Sportage 2.0, Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 1.8, Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6, Suzuki Grand Hard Top 2.0, F293.15Land Rover Freelander (2.0)/Td4 / Kia Sorrento (2.5), , Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2.5, Honda CRV CDTI SE 2.2, Subaru Forester 2.0, Nissan x-trail 4x2 2.2, Honda CRV Vtec sport 2.0, Hyundai Santa Fe gsi crtd 2.2, Hyundai Santa Fe CRTD CDX Estate 2.2, F3100.40BMW X3 (2.0) / Land Rover Discovery (2.5), , Mitsubishi Warrior L200 2.5, Nissan x-trail SVE Auto 2.4, Honda CRV VTEC Exec 2.0, F4123.17Mitsubishi Shogun (3.5), Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.0), Lexus RX300 (3.0), BMW X3 (2.5), VW Touareg (2.5), Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 Tdi SE, Land Rover Discovery 2.7SE, Shogun Warrior DI-D 3200, F5165.60Mercedes-Benz ML270 (2.7) / BMW X5 (3.0) / Land Rover Discovery (4.4)/ 2.7TD V6 SE/ TD V6 HSE, Stationwagon 5d auto, VW Touareg 3.0, Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 LC4, BMW X3 3.0i/3.0d, Volvo XC70 2.5T/D5, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7, Landrover Discovery 2.7TD V6 SE, X6 X Drive 5DR Step Auto 3.0, F6186.30Mercedes-Benz ML350 (3.5), Porsche Cayenne (3.2), Lexus RX400, Volvo XC90 2.9SE, Audi Q7 Tdi Quattro 3.0 (7 seats), Volvo XC90 SE D5 2.4, F7217.35Porsche Cayenne S (4.5) / BMW X5 V8 (4.4) / Mercedes-Benz ML500 (5.0) / Range Rover (3.0), Audi Q7 Fsi Quattro 4.2 (7 seats), F8232.88Range Rover V8 (4.4) / Range Rover Sport Supercharged (4.2), BMW X5 4.8 Sport 5 door auto, VW Touareg 5.0, BMW X5 (4.8is), Land Rover / Range Rover Sport Diesel Estate TDV8 HSE 5 door Auto, F9284.63Porsche Cayenne Turbo (4.5) / Range Rover Vogue Supercharged (4.2) Prestige P172.45Mercedes-Benz A150 (1.5) / Audi A3 (1.6) / BMW 116 (1.6), Alfa Romeo 147 Lusso 1.6, Mercedes A140 1.4, P280.73BMW 118 (1.8) / Audi A3 (1.8) / Mercedes-Benz A170 (1.7), Volvo S40 1.6SE, Mercedes A160, Alfa Romeo 147 2.0, Volvo C30 SE 1596, P385.91BMW 120 (2.0), Mercedes-Benz B180 (1.8) / Audi A4 (1.8) / Mercedes-Benz C180 (1.8), Saab 9-3 1.8t, Audi A3 1.9SE, Volvo S40/V50 1.8SE, BMW 316 (1.8), Saab 9-3 2.2t, Saab 9-3 2.0, Audi A3 Sports 1.6, Alfa Romeo 156 2.4l, P4104.54BMW 320 (2.0) / Audi A4 (2.0) / Mercedes-Benz C200 (2.0), Jaguar X type 2.2, BMW 318 (2.0), Jaguar X type, Saab 9-5 saloon (2.0), Volvo S40 (2.5), Audi Avant 2.0 SE (Rate should be uplifted from P4 rate by £5 as the Avant is the estate version of the A4 saloon), Saab 9-3 2.0T, Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8t, Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0, Saab 9-3 vector 150BHP 2.0, Audi A3 CABRIOLET 2.0 TDI, P5130.41BMW 325 (2.5) / BMW 520 (2.0) / Audi A4 (2.5) / Audi A6 (2.0) / Mercedes-Benz C230 (2.3) / E200 (2.0)/ C280 3.0, Jaguar X-type 2.5 petrol, Volvo S60/V50 2.4/2.5, Lexus IS 220/IS 250, Jaguar S type, Volvo V70 (2.0t), BMW 130 (3.0) , Mercedes C270, Honda Legend 3474cc, Audi A4 diesel Avant 2.5, Mercedes C220 CDI/ sport edition, Audi A6 2 litre SE TDI, Audi A6 2 litre SE TDI, P6155.25BMW 330 (3.0) BMW 525 (2.5) Audi A4 (3.2) Audi A6 (2.5) /Mercedes-Benz C320 (3.2) Audi All Road (2.5) Mercedes-Benz E280 (2.8), Mercedes E220/E240/C350, Volvo V70 2.4, Jaguar S type 2.7td, Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 v6, Audi Quattro A4 TDI 3.0, Volvo S80 SE LUX 140 2.4 Executive, Mercedes E280 CDI 3.0, Chrysler 300 crd 2987cc, P7181.13BMW 530 (3.0 ) / Audi A6 (3.2 - 3.5) / Mercedes E350 (3.5) / BMW 535 (3.5), Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8t, Lexus GS300 SE 3.0, Mercedes E320, Caddilac CTS 3.6, P8207.00BMW 540 (4.0) BMW 550 (5.0) BMW 730 (3.0)/ Audi A6 (4.2), Audi A8 (3.0), Mercedes CLS320/R320/E500 (5.0)/S280 (2.8), Jaguar XJ6 2.7/3.0, Jaguar S type (4.2), Mercedes CLS350, Lexus GS 450H 3456cc, P9238.05Mercedes-Benz S350 (3.5), Audi A8 (3.7 - 4.2), BMW 735/ 740 (3.5 - 4.0) / Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Audi RS6 Avant, Audi RS saloon 4.2, Lexus LS430 4.3, BMW M5 (5.0), Lexus LS400, Mercedes-Benz S Class S320 CDi 4dr Auto, P10292.91BMW 750 (5.0) / Mercedes-Benz S500 (5.0) / Audi A8 (6.0), Maserati Quattroporte 4.2, P11411.41Mercedes-Benz S600 (6.0) / Bentley Continental (6.0), P12615.83Bentley Arnage (6.0), Rolls Royce Phantom (6.75), Bentley Flying Spur, Sports SP169.74MINI Cooper (1.6), SP281.51Renault Clio RS182 (2.0) / MINI Cooper S (1.6) / MINI Cooper Cabriolet (1.6), Ford Focus ST 2521cc, Mazda MX5 1.8/2.0 (moved from SP1 5.3.07), Hyundai 1.6 Coupe, SP391.08Toyota MR2 (1.8)/ Celia 1.8, Mazda RX8 (192ps), Audi A3 Sportsback 1.6, Hyundai coupe 2LSE, SP4111.78Audi TT Coupe 1.8T (180), Golf GTI (2.0), Audi A3 Sportsback 2.0, Audi A3 Diesel Sportback 2.0 TDi Sport 5dr, Audi A3 S3 1.8ltr, Honda Civic type R 2.0, SP5122.13Audi TT Roadster 1.8T (180) / BMW Z4 (2.0) / Lotus Elise (1.8) / Audi TT Coupe 1.8T Quattro (225), VW Golf V6 R32 4 Motion (3189cc), BMW 318 Ci Coupe 2.0, Audi TTC-2 2.0T FSI, BMW 124D coupe M sport, Mercedes CLC 220 sport, SP6170.78BMW Z4 (2.5) / Mercedes-Benz SLK200 (1.8) / Mercedes-Benz CLK200 Coupe (2.0) / Mitsubishi Evo III (2.0) / Audi TT Coupe 3.2T Quattro (3.2) / Audi TT Roadster 1.8T Quattro (225), BMW 320Ci Coupe 2.0/2.2/2.5, Volvo C70 2.0t, Chrysler Crossfire 3.2, Audit S3 Quattro 1.8T, Honda S2000 (2.0), SP7191.48BMW Z4 (3.0) / Audi TT Roadster 3.2T Quattro (3.2) / Mercedes-Benz CLK200 Cabriolet (2.0) / Porsche Boxster (2.7) / Mercedes-Benz CLK280 Coupe (2.8), BMW 330 Ci Sport Coupe 3.3, Mercedes CLK240 2597cc, Mercedes CLK270, Nissan Sports 350z 3.5, Afla Romeo GT 3.2 V6, Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 V6, Audi A5 TDI Quattro 2967, Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0, SP8212.18Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (3.5) / Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe (3.5) / Mercedes-Benz CLK280 Cabriolet (2.8) SP9232.88TVR Tuscan Targa (4.0) / Porsche Boxster S (3.2) / BMW Z4M (3.2) / Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Cabriolet (3.5) / BMW M3 (3.2) / Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Coupe (5.0) / BMW 630 (3.0) / Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Cabriolet (5.0) / Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Jaguar XK8, Porsche Cayman S, Audi S4 Cabriolet Quattro 4163 cc, SP10266.51BMW 650 (5.0) / Audi S6 Quattro (4.2) / Lexus SC430 (4.3) / Maserati Coupe (4.2) / Porsche 911 Carrera (3.6) / Mercedes-Benz SL350 (3.5) / Maserati Spyder (4.2) / BMW M5 (5.0), Jaguar XKR (4.2) SP11320.85Porsche 911 Carrera S (3.8)/911 Cab/ 911S Cab, Mercedes-Benz SL500 (5.0) / Aston Martin Vantage (6.0) / BMW M6 (5.0), Mercedes-Benz CL500 5.0, Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG, SP12421.76Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG / Mercedes-Benz SL600 (6.0) / Porsche 911 Turbo (3.8), Aston Martin DB9 (6.0), Mercedes-Benz CL600 6.0, Aston Martin DB7 coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo Tiptronic S 3600, SP13615.83Bentley Continental GT (6.0), Ferrari F430/360, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 575, Bentley GTC Cab, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Notes 1.All daily settlement rates are excluding vat. 2.An additional £5 a day can be added for automatics (where this matches the customer’s vehicle) unless the model listed is an automatic. 3.Vehicles with semi-shift gearboxes/ direct shift gearboxes where you can change gears either manually (eg by using paddles behind the steering wheel) or automatically, qualify for the £5 per day uplift for automatics.
• ELECTRIC CARS: Is an EV right for me? (FAQs)
  6th September 2007: GoinGreen, the UK importer and retailer of the zero-emission Reva G-Wiz AEV (Automatic Electric Vehicle) announced that the improved performance G-Wiz ac drive has been reduced in price and now starts at £7,299 (basic model inc VAT). The original model, the G-Wiz dc drive is discontinued.
• DPFs: What are they and why do they go wrong? (FAQs)
  There are two DPF cycles: passive and active. Passive Regeneration Passive regeneration takes place automatically on motorway-type runs when the exhaust temperature is high. Many cars don't get this sort of use though so manufacturers have to design-in 'active' regeneration where the engine management computer (ECU) takes control of the process.
• SPEEDING DEFENCES 1. Is inadequate posting of a speed limit a valid defence to a speeding NIP? (FAQs)
  The statement has several repercussions :- Any driver who has already been prosecuted for speeding on the A303 at Folly Bottom over the past 2 years can apply to have their conviction quashed, the points taken off their licence, their fine repaid and make a claim for compensation for any losses they have suffered as a result of the wrongful conviction (eg increased insurance premium). This is automatic for those already convicted of offences on the A303 at Folly Bottom between October 2003 and 13 January 2004 Other drivers who have been caught in the area and who cannot recall having seen clear speed restriction signs are now also having their cases reviewed.
• CREDIT HIRE: What is it and how can it affect me if I am involved in a crash? (FAQs)
  Unhelpful and confusing The company added that in a long judgement the judges also found that the term "spot rate" was unhelpful and confusing and should be replaced by the term "basic hire rate"; that even though Mr Bent did not  thoroughly research the market rates for car hire it was not an "automatic failure to mitigate" and that he was entitled to recover the appropriate charges for hiring an Aston Martin DB9 which was a reasonable replacement for his damaged Mercedes AMG. Steve Evans, chief executive of Accident Exchange, said: "There is a perfectly sensible way for these claims to be negotiated and settled so that the cost and inconvenience to everybody is minimized; it's the GTA [the Association of British Insurers' General Terms of Agreement].
• PARKING FINES. What are my rights regarding parking penalties for parking in private carparks? (FAQs)
  The new leeway will apply to free and paid-for parking spaces both on streets and in off-street car parks and is one of several changes which include new restrictions on the use of CCTV cars issuing automatic fines. These include: guidance for councils reminding them they are banned from "using parking to generate profit"; a right for residents and businesses to demand - by a petition - that a council "reviews parking in their area"; new powers for parking adjudicators so they can "hold councils to account", protection to stop drivers being fined after parking at out-of-order meters; a ban on the use of CCTV "spy cars" except in no-parking areas such as bus lanes and near schools According to figures from the RAC Foundation, councils in England made a combined surplus of £667 million from their on and off-street parking operations in 2013-14.