Clean winner

Bilt-hamber autowheel is the best alloy cleaner no matter what colour your rims are

Q How to clean black alloys

MY Lexus IS 300h has black-painted wheels, but I don’t know what product is best to clean them. Can you advise? Keith Millard, E-mail

A ALTHOUGH your wheels are black, they are essentially the same as silver wheels with a clear coat over a colour base. So use our test winner, Bilt-hamber auto-wheel ( www.bilthamber.com). The biggest problem is getting them fully clean; it’s harder to tell if dirt is still present. Using a clay bar after cleaning should help remove the final bits.

Q Replace two tyres at once?

I’VE just got a puncture and the tyre wasn’t repairable because a screw went in near the edge of the tread. Although I replaced the tyre, my dad said I should have bought two as they ought to be fitted in pairs. Is he right? Katrina Jones, E-mail

A REPLACING in pairs ensures equal performance across the car and is good practice. Uneven braking in the wet could cause instability. If the tyre on the other side is nearly new, there will be a small performance difference. If it’s worn, the safest option would be to get another tyre.

Q Best way to store tools

HAVING just started working on my car, I’m building a collection of tools. Most have their own cases, but what’s the best way of storing drill bits, hacksaws and things like fuses? George Driscoll, E-mail

A A TOOL box is a good bet. Our favourite – the Curver 157705 (£19.50, www.amazon.co.uk) – has two storage boxes built into the lid with compartments for nuts, bolts and fuses. They can also be removed so you needn’t take the full kit to the job. There’s a tote tray for smaller tools, and the main area is good for hacksaws.