Reader letters: from cleaner motoring to pricy parts
Correspondence of the week
Cleaning up VW’s act
VW is in hot water for creating a clever piece of technology (“Who is to blame for Dieselgate?”, March 6), but could it not be used beneficially? Linked to the speed of the car, it could provide “clean” motoring — with low levels of oxides of nitrogen — where conditions require it, such as in town, and switch to fuel-efficient motoring on the open road.
Nick Tyndall, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire
Unfair cops
I recently received a speeding fine of £100 on the new “smart” section of the M25. The speed limit had been reduced to 60mph, as noted on the gantry, because of “congestion”. There was hardly a car on the road apart from me.
When I received my fine, I learnt the police do not have to give you any information, such as why the speed limit was in place; or even any evidence of the speed you were allegedly doing. To cap it all, they will return your driving licence to you only via unrecorded second-class post and will not accept any responsibility should it go missing.
Andrew Mogford, Norwich
Jeepers, that’s a bit much
Jeep is running a sales campaign, but do potential customers realise how much parts cost in the UK? I needed an airbag clock spring for my 2009 Patriot CRD. My local Jeep dealer quoted £343.06, or £150 for a second-hand part. I bought a new part online from an American supplier for $176 (£125), including delivery and taxes.
Martin Hughes, Loweswater, Cumbria
Browse NEW or USED cars for sale on driving.co.uk
Turbo testimonial
According to Jeremy Clarkson, the use of turbochargers in modern vehicles “is to engineering what cornflour is to cooking. A cheat” (“Sit back and let it torque the torque”, March 6). With older turbos, downsides such as lag and reliability only just outweighed the upsides; with modern design and materials, these downsides have been all but eliminated. The modern turbo is great.
Steve Parker (CEng), Salisbury
Email letters for publication to driving@sunday-times.co.uk, or write to Driving, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF, including your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited
