Got a quer y?

Best kit for DIY breath test

I OFTEN have to set off for work in the early hours of the morning, and am considering buying a breathalyser to ensure I’m safe to drive. Some products are available for less than £25 online. Are these any good? Harvey Marx, E-mail

OUR test in Issue 1,448 would suggest you get what you pay for with breathalysers. We found the budget devices unreliable and not worth the money. Alcosense products were a step ahead of the units we tried. Our favourite is the firm’s Excel (above, £99.99, www.alcosense.co.uk).

Why is waxing such effort?

AFTER years of using liquid car waxes, I have recently switched to a paste version, and I’m amazed at how much extra effort it takes to buff the finish to a shine. Is this right? Jan Needham, E-mail

ALTHOUGH the effort involved varies from wax to wax, buffing should not wear you out. It is important to ensure you leave the product on the panel for long enough to form a haze – trying to move still-wet wax is hard work. You may also be using too much. Try reducing the amount on the cloth and see if it makes a difference.

Bald truth on spare tyre

I RECENTLY bought a second-hand car with a fresh MOT certificate. Within a month I had a puncture, and I found the spare tyre tread was well below the legal limit. Should this have been picked up at the MOT? Dom Strickland, E-mail

CHECKING the spare tyre is not part of the MOT inspection; it is among a few safety items, such as the rear wiper and reversing light, that are not covered. Only the tyres on the car are checked. When replacing tyres, it’s best to buy in pairs and put the new rubber on the rear.