Hand-shaped marks have appeared on my Seat Ibiza. My garage tells me it is sun lotion. How do I get rid of them?
RP, Shrewsbury
Modern car paints are water-based and protected by a coat of lacquer. This is better for the environment but not so tough, and the oils in sun lotion can penetrate the lacquer. Try a wax polish, such as Autoglym’s Super Resin Polish (£10.99, 325ml) or Meguiar’s Deep Crystal Car Polish Step 2 (£9.99, 473ml). If this has no effect, try Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound (£11.99, 450ml) or Autoglym’s Paint Renovator (£7.49, 325ml — all prices are at halfords.com). These are harsher, so restrict their use to the affected area. If the marks remain, machine-polishing is the next step.
The MoT certificate on my wife’s car expired while we were away. How can I take it for its test when I can’t drive it without a valid certificate?
AN, Taunton
Driving without a valid MoT certificate usually invalidates your insurance, except in a few clearly defined circumstances. You are allowed to drive the car directly to an MoT test station, provided an appointment has been made. (It’s advisable to get written confirmation.) If the car fails the test, but is still roadworthy, you can drive it straight home and/or a reasonable distance to a booked appointment at a garage. Once the repair work is complete, you can drive the car straight home and/or to a booked appointment to have it retested.
Send your motoring queries to carclinic@sunday-times.co.uk