GENERAL
Dashcam use
Q I’ve read somewhere, can’t recall where, that if a dashcam is not registered as additional equipment on a vehicle, the video evidence cannot be used in a court case. Wonder if this is correct?
Most insurance policies are renewed online, which I did last month with RAC, but there was no entry place for the dashcam being fitted and when I phoned and pointed out the possible legal issue, they claimed they had never heard of this legal requirement!
What do you think?
Robin Plumley
A Although some insurance companies do give a discount on the policy if a dashcam is installed, there is no obligation to register the dashcam, for the footage to be used as evidence in the case of a vehicle collision or claim.
Dashcam footage, along with all other forms of video footage recorded on either a mobile phone or other video camera can be used as evidence in the UK for accidents or driving offences. Following a loophole found by North Wales Police, dashcam footage can be treated in the same manner as speed camera footage and can be used as the only needed piece of evidence in a driving prosecution.
The police are also entitled under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act 1984, to seize the footage taken and then use it as evidence in relation to a driving offence.
The dashcam must be correctly fitted and not fall in the driver’s field of vision where it may be an obstruction. A comprehensive guide to the laws can be found on the Nextbase website at this link: https://bit.ly/CM7LWcG
GENERAL
Old-fashioned cut-out
Q This might be an easy one for you hopefully. On a modern vehicle would it be possible to fit a good old-fashioned ‘hidden’ cut-out switch like we used to do back in the day when you could break into the low tension side of the ignition system, and maybe on a diesel isolate the fuel pump?
I ask because you hear about burglars breaking onto houses to steal the car keys or having a scanner to pick up the signal on more expensive cars. With a switch fitted, the car wouldn’t start even with the keys, so therefore foiling the thief.
I think it must possible, but would be interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks very much in advance.
Kenneth Chadwick
A This really is an interesting question, and a hidden cut-out switch could be effective on the most modern vehicle, in the same way that it was on vehicles many years ago. It is true that it is easy to prevent a vehicle from starting, and fitting a cut-out switch in the fuel pump circuit or ignition circuit would be possible on a wide range of vehicles.
The only problem that would present itself on the later vehicles, is that some systems will be CANbus controlled, and cutting into these circuits would not be advised and could create a problem.
But simple actions like removing the fuel pump relay or similar control fuses, could be enough of a hindrance to prevent a vehicle theft. I would imagine that even the most prepared vehicle thief would not have a collection of relays available.
The biggest obstacle on modern vehicles would be where a switch could be located without being easily spotted as an addition, but I am sure with a little ingenuity such a switch could be hidden on most vehicles and would present an obstacle to the would be thief.
If fitting such a switch, it would be important to ensure that the circuit being cut into is 12-volt and not a lower 5-volt control circuit, and that a good quality switch is used which will not cause a resistance or fail, leaving the vehicle unintentionally immobilised.
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE
Battery upgrade
Q I’d be grateful for your advice on a battery replacement for my 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. I currently have an old Bosch S4 013 fitted (95Ah/800A), but it is only holding 11.8V so I need to change it soon before it lets me down. I’d like to stick with the Bosch brand and had planned to upgrade to an S5 013 which I believe is the same size and fitment but offers an increased capacity of 100Ah and CCA of 830A. However, I notice that Bosch also offer an AGM version (S5 A13) for cars with Stop-Start technology, with a capacity of 95Ah but even higher CCA of 850A.
My question is whether it is worth me considering buying the AGM version, even though the car doesn’t have Stop-Start functionality? Other than the increased CCA, are there any other advantages/ disadvantages I should be aware of and that would be worth the extra cost?
For information, the battery sits inside the car behind the driver’s seat and so safety and reliability are relevant; reliability especially so as it is a huge undertaking to remove and replace the battery, and so I only want to do it once!
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Peter Davidge
A As you mention the task of removing the battery is not a five-minute job and I can well see why you would want to ensure that you fit a quality battery. I am sure you already know the procedure for the battery replacement, but I have listed it as a guide to allow our readers to see just how long the procedure is.
The driver’s seat needs to be first powered fully forward before the rear compartment cover can be removed.
Once the compartment cover is removed the battery terminals, negative first (-) should be removed. The carpet studs then need to be released to allow the carpet to be moved to the side.
The battery compartment cover to support rail screws should then be removed, followed by the battery compartment cover to body nuts. The cover can now be lifted off.
The battery clamps can then be released and the battery vent tube should be disconnected. The manual then states that the battery can be removed, but it may be easier to first remove the metal trim along the front edge as this gives an easier exit route when lifting the battery out.
