READERS’ QUESTIONS

QUESTION

I want the clear, bright light of an LED headlight. Can I fit aftermarket LED headlights to my car and bring it up to date for little money? Rory Swift, Berwick

ANSWER

Best not to, Rory. The MOT comes down hard on doctored lights. In the case of aftermarket high intensity discharge lights, for example, it insists they are installed in a light unit designed and approved for their use (in other words, the original one). If not, the tester is instructed to reject it. You can assume this rule also applies to LED headlights. It’s why you’ll see aftermarket ones advertised with the warning ‘Not road legal’ or ‘Off-road use only’. JE

QUESTION

What should I look for when choosing a car cover? Paul Smith, via email

ANSWER

A timely question, Paul. With the typical garage now stacked with stuff too good to throw away but unlikely ever to be used, the treasured motor must take its chances on the driveway. So covering it is a good call and we’d recommend you consider the following when choosing one: ‘breathability’, protection against general knocks and scrapes, and robust ties and straps that will make it fit snugly so it doesn't rub the paint in a wind or, worse, blow away never to be seen again. JE