IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

CARS@NEWS.COM.AU OR PO BOX 2808, GPO SYDNEY, 2001

I have a 2015 Mercedes-benz CLA 200 with 130,000kms. I’ve had no problems with it, but wonder how to best keep it in tip-top shape apart from its annual/25,000km service? How many kilometres can I expect it to last?

Margaret Krause, Gold Coast

I’m a fan of staying faithful to cars that have served us well and proved enjoyable. Sounds like you’ve kept your Benz in great order, and good news is most CLA owners report strong reliability to go with a classy cabin and sharp drive. Unless you have a wonderful relationship with your Mercedes dealer, I’d find a proper Benz or German car specialist for servicing and to advise on common issues. Life expectancy? Mercs are renowned for endurance - although not all models – and many survive well over 300,000km.

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR

I read an interesting newspaper article about criminals using key-programming technology through smart phones to steal high-end cars. From my understanding, your suggestion of locking keys in a faraday pouch will not stop these thieves.

Ian Frith, email

It’s as if the crims are always one step ahead. For those who missed it, there are reports this technology, operated through a smartphone, connects with a car’s computer. It then takes control of the locks and ignition, so there’s no need for the car’s keys. I’ve a revolutionary idea to mitigate this. Why don’t our cars come with a thin metal key, much like a house key, that could slot into a door lock and ignition barrel to start the car? No computers needed. Wild idea, I know.

LIMITED FUN

Re David Mccowen’s Kia EV6 GT on-track review, assuming this EV sustains its 430kw without going into overload protection mode, the 77.4kwh battery won’t last very long. I fear the excitement of a track day could be rather brief. Maybe the near future of motorsport is diesel generators in the pits?

Lee Kernich, email

Enjoying electric cars at a track day does present challenges. David writes: “As far as I’m aware, there isn’t a track in Australia with rapid charging facilities (50kw+) on site. You’d get a couple of bursts of fun then go home. But a lot of people do that in fast road cars not really set up for sustained lapping (even a BMW M2 or M3) so they don’t ruin expensive brakes and tyres in an afternoon. If there’s a positive, EVS are becoming more fun. Manufacturers are chasing enthusiasts as well as greenies.”

TREAD CAREFULLY

You report on how quick off the mark EVS are, and their heavy weight. Does this mean EV tyre life expectancy is far shorter than a lighter, slower combustion car?

Alex Smith, email

Excellent question. EVS are renowned for saving brakes due to regenerative braking (the electric motor working in reverse) – there’s talk of up to four times the life for rotors and pads. From a health and eco standpoint, tyres wearing away produce particulate matter pollution. To compensate, there are Ev-specific tyres with different tread design, materials used, stronger sidewalls and lower rolling resistance than most traditional tyres. The idea is to lessen road noise, improve economy and increase durability, but negatively, they’re not cheap. EV owners I’ve spoken to report such tyres are giving similar durability to normal expectations.

POOR PACKAGING

Re Light Bulb Moment, I had an equally difficult job replacing park and headlight globes on our Hyundai Accent. Access to them in the engine bay is frustratingly difficult. To change a Ford Focus battery, I needed roadside help as we dismantled most of the left side of the engine bay to access it. Surely we can expect better?

Andrew Farrell, email

Sadly, car companies seemingly want us to return to the dealership for anything and everything, so don’t expect things to change. But if access to a light globe or fuse takes more than a minute, it’s not been designed with common sense. Modern engine bays are stuffed with mechanical and electric gubbins. Removing their plastic covers can be time consuming and knuckle-splitting, frustrating the home mechanic trying to tackle once simple tasks.

FUELLING CONFUSION

My 2019 Nissan Qashqai 2.0-litre recently made a near 2000km return journey carrying three adults and small suitcases. On the way down it returned 8.4L/100km and coming home 9.1L/100km. I travelled at the speed limit, usually with cruise control and in little traffic. I expected fuel economy to be much better: I usually use E10 but this time tried 95RON and 98RON and the economy was worse. Why?

Ronald Bright, email

There are variables affecting economy such as air temperature, road gradient and tyre pressures being different on your journeys. Your fuel use isn’t too outlandish with the extra weight carried: a Qashqai’s quoted economy is 6.9L/100km in ideal conditions with only a driver. While 98RON cleans engines better than cheaper fuels, you’re not going to see much or any economy improvement. A Nissan Qashqai isn’t tuned to run on 98RON (unlike, say, a Porsche 911), so it’s no miracle mileage booster. E10 fuel is less energy efficient than regular unleaded (or 95RON), so I’m surprised it previously brought you better fuel economy. If economy’s worsened recently, perhaps a new set of spark plugs are due?