Why don't people 'zip merge' when a lane is closed on a motorway?

Please can you give some publicity to the benefits of zip merging, which occasionally, at long-term roadworks, is encouraged with signage. This is the exception, though. When roadworks or a crash force...

Do automatic cars lurch forwards without warning?

We are buying a Honda Jazz shortly, but we have been advised by friends that we should go for an automatic as they say "once you have driven an automatic you will never go back to a manual". We have heard...

How can I improve my Mazda MX-5's handing in snow?

My MkII Mazda MX-5 1.8i Icon becomes unsteerable in wet snow (by me, anyway). To make matters worse, the ABS robs me of the brakes completely in slush. Would winter tyres help me with either or both -...

Side-swiped by a foreign HGV - what can I replace my Saab 9-3 with?

Yesterday I had my only serious accident in 47 years. A foreign HGV side-swiped me on the M25, I lost control and hit the central barrier head-on, and was then hit by another van too. When the chaos ended,...

Is it correct to stay in third gear in a 30mph limit?

My wife recently paid to attend a speed awareness course (after getting caught by a speed camera) and the main 'instruction' from the lecturer was to always stay in third gear when in a 30mph zone and...

Why are some drivers so opposed to being passed by filtering motorcyclists?

I am a motorcyclist who will always take the opportunity of filtering when it presents itself. This is part of the point of a motorcycle. When scything between lanes of traffic, one is in a state of high...

Why is my Lexus GS twitchy under steering?

Having read several road tests on-line, it seems my Lexus GS is prone to twitchy steering at low speeds. This is due to the variable-ratio, speed-sensitive, electronic power steering, which gives a high...

Is there a way to limit DMF problems in terms of driving techniques?

Is there any way to avoid the dreaded Dual Mass Flywheel problems other than by not buying a diesel? Are they affected by driving style or maintenance? I have a 2006 Focus 2.0TDCI and I'm thinking I'm...

Should I switch off traction control in my Mazda 626 in snow?

I have just been out and about in my Mazda 626 GSI SE in newly fallen snow - half an inch or so - and had great difficulty with spinning wheels and loss of power getting up a slight incline. The car has...

Can you improve your fuel economy by changing your driving style?

I suppose it's fair to say that all the EU fuel efficiency tests are carried out in the way described on the car fuel data glossary at www.directgov.co.uk - a rolling road, simulated drag, no gradients...