Little car did a great job over 4 months abroad all summer but read the chapter in the new book for the one problem. On getting back a nice man (in a white van) in Walton pointed out my brake lights weren't working. Well, back and forth to the garage a dozen times over the past month. Fixed this. Still not working. Fixed that. Nope. Finally, today, they spotted and mended a broken wire You would not believe the relief!

Brakes,clutches and servicing - are simple for garages.

When it comes to problems with the electrics, they are often baffled.

Roller rear-lights, what a bore.

Just like the little old ashtrays, best to sell the whole wreck when they're full, what?

A friend has a 13 year old top of the range Mondeo,immobiliser keeps coming on when he starts the car....fixing it costs more than the car is worth...welcome to the 'throw away' world of today.

touring on the Continent can be sooo taxing

bloody foreigners everywhere as well.

That chapter will make you giggle Hedda - and thank God for French mechanics!

Im saving the book until I can get a sun friendly screen new tablet in a fortnight.