Winter batteries hold much less charge than in mild weather. Leave the lights on, or park for two weeks, and the battery goes flat and the engine will not start.

Interior cleaning gives much better results done in the right order. Work top down and keep water away from delicate surfaces.

When buying, metallic paint costs more than solid, which raises the question: are there different kinds of paint, and how do they differ? Most drivers know far less about paint than they think.

Fuel consumption rising is a common complaint. Before blaming the engine, work through the simple causes.