Val Robus’s First Car
Photographer and blogger Val Robus recalls her first car What was your first car and why did you buy it? My first car was a Mini – think Mr. Bean’s car and you’ve got the idea. I was 17 when I bought it and learned how to drive in it. How did you come by the vehicle? My driving instructor recommended it to me. What do you remember about it? It was a heap! It was held together with fiberglass and...
Siobhán Cronin’s First Car
Siobhán Cronin, News Editor of the Southern Star tells us all about her first car What was your first car and why did you buy it? It was a little lime green Renault 5 which I bought in Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon, in 1989, having just started my first job – as a ‘roving’ reporter with the Leitrim Observer. Would you describe yourself as a car enthusiast? Well, I have always loved cars. As a child I never had many dolls but I had a big...
Euro NCAP’s 2020: Challenges and Progress
A look back at how Euro NCAP covered a year that began with the outbreak of a pandemic, followed by lockdowns and social distancing rules. 2020 was characterized by lockdowns and pandemic-related restrictions, causing test laboratories to temporarily halt operations and vehicle manufacturers to postpone new models. Despite all the disruptions, Euro NCAP released 23 safety ratings, of which 11 were new cars. These were tested against...
Things you need in your car in case of snow
There is snow on the way so make sure you’re prepared writes Geraldine Herbert When the weather turns bad arming yourself with a survival pack will make a big difference if you do get stuck. Always carry the following and in severe weather ensure you have a warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes. Torch Spare batteries and bulbs Screen scraper/de-icer Jump leads Warning triangle First-aid kit Mobile phone...
How to ensure your car survives Level 5
During the current lockdown many of us are parking our cars for a prolonged period writes Geraldine Herbert A few tips to ensure your car survives the lockdown 1) Give your car a thorough clean Germs are not only likely to be lurking in footwells, air vents and armrests but recent research found that Staphylococcus was found in abundance on steering wheels and driver seats, car mats, gear stick and door handles. It is estimated that a...
How Germ Friendly is your Car?
With most drivers regularly eating and drinking in their cars is it any wonder your car could be a breeding ground for bugs and dangerous bacteria writes Geraldine Herbert We all now know how to wash our hands properly while singing Happy Birthday twice, but are we aware of the hidden dangers lurking in our cars? Here are just a few things to consider 1) So how grubby is your car? Germs are not only likely to be lurking in footwells,...
