I took the Mercedes in for a service on Monday. New front tyres, new rear brake disks and pads, new springs on front suspension, new mass airflow sensor. New hole in bank account.

New mass airflow sensor? I didn’t even know it had a mass airflow sensor, or what a mass airflow sensor did, but what it does is ensure the right mix of air and fuel. When it doesn’t work, the car pulls away from stationary more or less as usual, but if you try to accelerate hard it gives a gallic shrug and potters up to your desired speed in its own good time. This is disconcerting when the first time it happens is during an overtaking manoeuvre…

Anyway, now I have a new one. Just thought you’d like to know.