driving | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered driving questions

I am a very happy Hyundai i30 1.6 auto (2007) owner, my Father-in-law says I should always put the transmission into N while stopped at traffic lights, but I've read that the gearbox is designed with that...

Carrying an oversized load with the boot open?

I have an E46 coupe, which I can easily fit 1200 x 1800mm sheets of plasterboard in. I need to carry 2 doors of 1980mm- so there is an overhang (approx 100mm beyond the bumper edge) and the tailgate won't...

Potholes

I recently suffered £900.00 of damage to my trike after hitting a deep pothole near where I live. I wrote to the Council explaining what had happened and attached a copy of the bill from the repairer,...

Transit keeps overheating

I have Ford Transit and use it to transport personal possesions to France. It is 3280 Kg GVW and was fully loaded on our last trip. On the return journey on Sunday if I went over 70 mph the water temperature...

Fuel economy when coasting

A leaflet from the Department of Transport ("Be a smarter driver and save money") says this: "Don't coast downhill or towards the lights in neutral as this uses more fuel." Is this true?

Wheel sizes for Fabia vRS

I live in the country and drive a Fabia VRS 2011 shod with 205/40/16s. The roads are terrible. Apart from frequent punctures (potholes), the ride is very harsh. Would I benefit from changing to 16in or...

Suitable car post hip replacement

I am in hospital recovering from twice-done hip replacement. When I am discharged I will be taken from hospital by a friend and need to use a car with enough distance from the the front door hinge to however...

Clause 56 - does this apply?

What is the position for a driver, identified as such by the registered keeper in response to a parking charge notice enquiry? Is his situation still as it were pre clause 56, ie. ignore the notice and...

Insurance in California

My 34 year old son is a graduate student in California and is learning to drive there. He wants to buy a Toyota Prius and I'm happy to help out. I'd prefer he bought a new one but he says the insurance...

Accident claim - what should I do?

A car cut in front of me causing an accident. The driver admitted to me and my wife that her driving was "rubbish". My insurance company has passed me onto Swift Claim who is pushing to claim from the...