Fibreglass Coil Springs-Made from Fibreglass could they Replace Steel Coil Springs?

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Fibreglass Coil Springs

Wow ! I could not believe it when I first heard about the new development in automotive coil springs.

The Ford KA showing the broken steel coil spring

So, Coil springs have always been one of the most likely components to fail the British MOT test. Because, they are stuck beneath our cars. Subsequently, are open to everything that the elements and the roads have to throw at them. After all that they are expected to help take the strain off the car. Of course, when going over bad bumpy roads and also cornering and generally helping our cars give the owners a comfortable ride.

The springs are open to rusting and at the same time cope with the horrendous roads, full of potholes and generally in bad condition. The coil springs usually meet their end when the car does drive over a pothole and one of the coil springs breaks. Some rattle and bang but some break off at the top or bottom and are not detected until the dreaded MOT test or they are sometimes spotted on a service.

Coil springs have been around ever since I can remember and much longer

But now there is a new kid on the block, a coil spring made out of glass fibre and epoxy resin (FRP). These new springs are everything that the old steel versions are not. They are weather proof, this means that they will not rust and they are chemical proof and almost unbreakable. The other added bonus is that they weigh a lot less than the conventional steel counterparts. The FRP springs also consume much less energy than their steel cousins.

This new technology has been developed by the Sogefi Group who are very well known for their innovations and new developments in the Auto industry and have now come out with this excellent coil spring product that I am sure will sweep the world and replace the steel counterparts. The Sogefi group have specifically set out to create a replacement product of  the steel coil spring and come out with something that is half the weight, which along with other lighter materials will help cars to become more Eco-friendly, with less fuel  consumption than when fitted with the conventional steel coil springs. Another plus point for the FRP coil springs will be the fact that they can be mass produced.

I am not sure that it will be a good thing for our garage businesses

As replacing the coil springs one of the main Suspension Parts, is part of our bread and butter income, but if this helps the consumer, which I am sure it will then I am all for progress and moving forward . I must admit I have noticed that the steel made coil

coil spring
Image shows a fiberglass coil spring next to a steel coil spring
Job done with a new spring fitted and good to go.

springs seem to have being getting thinner in stature and not as robust as the ones that we have been replacing and so it might be time for a change and who knows if they do break on impact . Because they made of glass fibre and epoxy resin, then they may just be repairable. This material has been around for some time now and is very flexible and repairable. I was also wondering if we would still have to use our Coil Spring Compressors. So, to remove and fit a replacement spring? probably. I also wonder if our replacement spring suppliers will have to keep both types of  Springs Manufacturer products in stock and will one replace the other?

Ford KA in for suspected broken coil springs.

This leads me onto my next little snippet. About a car that was left with us the other day . So, with a knocking noise coming from the front of his car. The car was an old style Ford KA 1.3, 2006 with a petrol engine. The noise wasn’t easy to find ! Happily, we found that a broken spring was the culprit. When I have read about the new style FRP Replacement Coil Springs. I cannot find where it tells us about their strength. Hence or whether or not they will outperform the steel ones. But changing the steel spring has certainly become good business for us. So only time will tell.

We got permission to change the broken spring from our customer and the job was done, the KA was picked up later that day and our customer went home a happy man.

UCCC-Good News for Unipart Car Care Centres in the UK

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Resigned from Unipart Car Care Centres 

So, I became a Unipart car care Centre” UCCC” about 5 years ago. Unfortunately, in that time then I could not see any advantages for our customers. So I decided to pull out of this failing organization!

So, generally, then I have always been a fan of becoming a member of an organization (not now since the corvid 19 pandemic). Because it can give a small local garage like us a nationwide coverage (this never worked in practice). Importantly, when it comes to helping out our customers (did not help a single customer). Of course who may get into trouble when traveling to other parts of the country ( this never happened because of the good quality of our workmanship).

Nationwide coverage was not effective !

So, if we say carry out a service or a repair job to your car. Before you visit your long lost aunt in Brighton ! Then your car will be covered by this warranty. Should a part fail or go faulty. Then we can arrange for the car to be repaired in that area. So, by contacting the closest UCCC centre. By contacting us here in Halifax and we will arrange for your car fixing. So that you can have a safe journey home (this never worked and indeed was never required).

Such as the quality of the replacement parts that we supply ( we will still offer the best quality parts). These parts are up to the manufacturers specifications for quality (this still applies to the parts that we supply). So can be used on a car that is still covered by the car manufacturer’s warranty. Of course, without affecting that warranty, which is great news for us small independent garages. Here at Pellonautocentre in Halifax we have always prided ourselves for giving excellent service.

Horror when Unipart went into administration on 23rd July 2014.

You can imagine my disappointment when I heard that Unipart had gone into administration,( last week). We would have certainly survived but it could have made things a little more difficult, especially regarding outstanding warranties. The Unipart Company are now in the hands of the administrators KPMG. But to my surprise I found out that the Unipart Group are a separate company to Unipart Automotive who control UCCC, of which we are members.

This is a recent e-mail to all the UCCC members from Stuart McHale…

“We were saddened by the news about Unipart Automotive, but it is important to note that Unipart Group continues to be a financially strong, growing company in

manufacturing, global logistics; consultancy and International automotive aftermarket operations

Express Factors, KiS users and Unipart Car Care Centres throughout the UK will understandably have immediate concerns for their future, so I wanted to update you on the current arrangements.

Unipart Group and Andrew Page have moved as quickly as possible to work in partnership to provide new services and Andrew Page will now become a national stockists and distributor of Unipart products. For those KiS and UCCC’s previously supplied by a Unipart Automotive branch. Please contact your local Andrew Page branch (now closed) to agree service and supply arrangements.

Unipart Group is working to make new arrangements with a number of software and programme suppliers to provide systems functionality and support services and intends to make the Unipart brand available to UCCC who meet minimum standards”

Finally as a 2020 update, then we are not part of any trade organization. Benefiting our customers by buying parts from the supplier with the best quality parts at the best possible price.

Yokohama Racing Tyres-GOOD DAY OUT AT SNETTERTON 300 CIRCUIT.

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Yokohama Racing Tyres AT SNETTERTON 300 CIRCUIT.

To be truthful I am not a mad follower of motor racing ! Probably something to do with the fact that in the whole of West Yorkshire we do not have a race circuit. The nearest one is Croft in North Yorkshire and I have visited this track a few times in the recent past.

Yokohama Racing Tyres slick tyre removed

Of course, in North Yorkshire and I have visited this track a few times in the recent past. So to see various motor racing events. The last one was a British BMW championship meeting through Kumho tyres.

It came to me with great pleasure ! So when I was invited to a race meeting in Snetterton, Norfolk, UK. The race meeting was a good four hour drive from my beloved Yorkshire. But never the less I decided to do the round trip in the day and set off at 5.30 in the morning. The day was going to be red hot ! You could just tell and I was looking forward to watching the cars perform. Especially, on the Yokohama Racing Tyres, that we sell in Halifax to our customers.

I arrived early because the roads were quiet due to the fact that it was Sunday morning

I met the Yokohama Racing Tyres UK guy Paul Cox. Paul was to be my guide ! Shyly, as I have said I know little about the motorsport circuit. Although I love the atmosphere that these events can generate. I took my camera to take some shots of the cars. Especially with the Yokohama racing tyres fitted. This is always the sign of a good tyre company, the research and development that these companies gain is invaluable when it comes to developing tyres for the regular cars that we use in every day usage.

Paul turned out to be a very knowledgeable guide having competed in motorsport racing himself for a good many years and now helping to coach his son to become a race car driver at the age of seventeen. The racing today was to be the British F3 and GT championships and when I arrived it was a lovely sunny day and the crowds were already building up.

British F3 has always been one of the proving grounds for future F1 drivers including the 2009 World champion Jenson Button. Some of the drivers competing on that day are expected to become future F1 stars and included Kevin Magnussen and Daniel Riciardo, so watch out for those names.

The weekends racing also included the BRDC Formula 4 Championships

Yokohama Racing Tyres F4 tyres

Including up and coming stars on show, I could not Waite.  These cars run on 2 litre Ford Duratec engines and develop 175 Brake horse power BHP. They are supplied with a Cosworth engine management system and are operated with a 6 speed Sadev transmission system that works from a paddle shift. Yokohama Racing Tyres are the suppliers of the wet and slick compound tyres, the main purpose of my visit.

Paul was really enthusiastic about showing me round. So, I was very impressed with the politeness of the drivers. Including the guys in the pits ! Allowing me to take pictures at will. He also knew many of the drivers. Introducing me to a couple of them in between their busy schedules. One of the drivers was Jon Minshaw the owner of the famous Demon Tweeks motor parts stores. Consequently, taking time out between changing driver’s mid-way through a race.

Yokohama tyres fitting area was most impressive.

Paul also introduced me to the YOKOHAMA TYRES UK tyre fitting team fully equipped with fitting machines and wheel balance’s all ready for the action, in fact when we were there they had already fitted in excess of  a hundred slick tyres due to the hot sunny weather the slick tyres give a better grip, than tyres with a tread on them.

One of the other drivers that I saw was Sir Chris How who has only recently changed from cycling to the British GT Championships and is said to be a “natural” at motorsport, making 2014 his debut year in the Nissan Academy Team known as RJN. Also in his year of racing was Rick Parfett Jnr, son of his famous namesake from the band, Status Quo, who incidentally I saw live at Leeds First direct Arena, last December, with my wife Michelle. Rick the elder often watches his son race but was not there on this day.

Yokohama Racing Tyres advan F4 tyres

After watching a great days racing and talked to many of the pit guys I thanked Paul for a great day out and headed for my long drive back to Yorkshire, looking forward to my next race meeting later this year.

Suzuki Servicing neglected-Owner Misses out on Servicing causes a Bigger Problem

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No Suzuki Servicing could end up costing you a fortune?

This is not just one of my rants about car servicing but I think that it is important to give a few sad cases of what can happen, when the car owner neglects to have their Suzuki Servicing.

Dip-stick showing the oil level

carried out at regular intervals.

We all should be having our Engine Oil checked at regular intervals, if your car’s engine is in good condition and operating correctly, then you should not have to use any oil to top up the engine. In my opinion there are a few variations to this theory and one of them is if you are traveling long distances at high speed. Then it would be possible that your car may need to have an oil check when you arrive at your destination.

Modern cars will have an Oil Level Warning Light but older cars may not, so it is best to check the level just to be on the safe side. In fact I had an experience myself on a recent trip to France. I drove my two year old Peugeot Partner van 700 miles to a Rufec in the Charente area of South West France. The following morning I went to the local supermarket for some odds and ends, when my oil level warning light came on, much to my horror.

I know that my staff had serviced the van before my journey

and I too checked the level before I set off on my journey. I stopped the van and turned off the engine so that the oil level is allowed to settle down, to get a correct oil level reading. Some dip-sticks are impossible to see, but mine was just below the minimum mark on the dip-stick. I was still in the supermarket car park and so I bought a two litre can of 10w-40 diesel oil (this is what the van used).

As I topped the engine up I kept checking the level, but found that the engine did not need much oil at all. I think some of the oil sensors are very sensitive, but your engine oil level is

Lack of Suzuki servicing was probably to blame for the engine failure? new and old engine together

very important, just as the young guy with the Suzuki Swift was about to find out. Another important piece of advice is, when you are topping the engine oil up again, then put the oil in a small amount at a time, it is just as important not to Overfill the engine with too much oil, this could cause too much pressure building up in the engine, causing all sorts of expensive repair work.

The Suzuki did not have any servicing for two years at least.

The only warning that he had, was when the car engine started to make very loud noises. Unfortunately, this was on the M62 motorway. Doing 70mph in the third lane. This was followed by a cloud of black smoke. Frighteningly,  followed by a complete loss of power. Luckily, the guy managed to manoeuvre the Suzuki across the carriageway and onto the hard shoulder.

He suspected the worse and called for recovery from a roadside assistance phone box on the motorway. The guy was either lucky or a very skillful driver! As I am convinced that this sudden loss of power is the cause of many motorway accidents.

The recovery truck brought the car into our garage in Halifax, Yorkshire . Urgently, we started the postmortem on the lifeless Suzuki. We checked on the history of the car on our computer system. Finding out that although the car had a few MOT tests over the past few years. We did not have any record of Servicing a Car. We asked the guy if he took the car to any other garage for his Suzuki Servicing. Frighteningly, he told us that we were the only place that the car had come to?.

The previous owner also brought the car into us

So, to be looked after it was at the Suzuki Dealers. Indeed the last service had been three years ago. The car was a Suzuki Swift 1.6 petrol 2007 model and looked in good condition! Apart from the engine.

Suzuki engine

It became obvious to Ryan Linton that the engine was completely gone. So, caused by a lack of engine oil starving the Big End Bearings due to lack of Servicing. That is to say also damaging the crank and much more.

The owner of the car was a 26 year old man. Consequently, who led a busy life and did not have time for his car. Hence a thing that is most common these days. As for the car we found that it would be more economical to fit a re-conditioned engine. With the whole job costing around £2500 to the customer.

The lesson to be learned is to have your servicing carried out at some sort of regular intervals. Finally, this guy is not the first and will not be the last. But look at the price that he had to pay in the end?.

EXHAUST SYSTEM-Do They Last Longer Than They Did?

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 EXHAUST SYSTEM Last Longer Than They Did? Now drivers Benefit

So, thinking about this, I suppose that there are many reasons that an exhaust system fitted to a modern car will last longer. Than say a car exhaust would 15 to 20 years ago. The cars of yesteryear were not subjected to the emission laws that today’s modern cars are. The big change when all cars were fitted with catalytic convertors.

The modern exhaust system  is now aluminum and are longer lasting

In fact it was about 22 years ago that the new cars that were produced. Hence, had to be fitted with a petrol and Diesel Catalytic Converter. Cars registered after 1st August 1992 (i.e. K prefixes onwards) For more reading… http://www.kgbanswers.co.uk/what-year-did-it-become-compulsory-for-car-manufacturers-to-fit-catalytic-converters-in-the-uk/2247704#ixzz33Z3y8XsB.

This is about the same time that exhaust systems. Thus, appeared to last longer than their predecessors. In the good old days we used to buy car exhausts from the manufacturers direct in containers. We knew which cars were fitted with exhausts that would only last about 2 years. Certain cars such as Vauxhall Vivas and Cavaliers. Were very vulnerable for their back box’s rotting; because they used to collect the dilute acid from the engine in the tail boxes and this would rot them from the inside.

Also there was many more of one model of car produced by the manufacturers.

I would buy say 100x VW Beetle exhausts. Simply because there were so many of them out on the roads. Today because of computers the car makers can alter and change a model, within minutes on a computer. I believe that it is the same with exhaust systems. The designs are much better and are made of better materials than they used to be.

We in the trade do not stock the same number of systems anymore. Because of the large amount of variations within one model of car. Of course, where there was one exhaust to fit one model whatever the engine size. Staggeringly, there will now be ten different systems and shapes for the different engine sizes. So, this could be to do with the different catalytic converter sizes that a different engine size may have to have, there for the rest of the exhaust will be a different shape or size.

The exhaust system has now become part of the emissions service.

We have now had to become qualified in car emissions, using sophisticated hand held computers to diagnose any faults in the system. Also the addition to the catalytic converter onto the front of the exhaust system added the need for a better quality exhaust pipe product, the catalytic converter is made of  a core of ceramic or stainless steel honeycomb, a silica and aluminum wash-coat, and a precious metal for the catalyst (platinum). The car makers then started to use aluminised exhaust systems to match the quality of the catalytic converters and enable the guarantee to extend to two years, on a replacement system.

Your exhaust system lasts longer because they are now aluminised

Previously most exhausts were made from mild steel, which would only last about eighteen months, if that. These were produced by small niche companies who made replacement exhaust pipes from mild steel. Because of the demand for Cheap Exhaust Prices  from the growing fast-fit centres,  such companies as Pioneer exhausts did a roaring trade.

Companies like Bosal Exhaust system made aluminised system for the car manufacturers and gradually started to sell their products to motor factors and specialised Exhaust system wholesalers, who would in turn supply garages and fast-fit centres. The only problem was that they were more expensive and would only be bought by customers with up-market cars; the regular guys still wanted the best price exhaust for their cars.

This all began to change with the advent of the changing car market, when fewer models of a certain car were made and they were fitted original equipment on these models. This made it more difficult for the cheap steel exhaust makers to compete as they did not have the flexibility to adapt their equipment to changing market.

The larger companies were streets ahead with the equipment they used to make the catalytic converters and exhaust systems with; in fact most of the Exhaust system parts were built very accurately with “robots”. The robots also made a better Exhaust system because they are more precise when welding the parts together. Bosal Exhausts also added a small hole in their back boxes to allow the excess acid to drain away.

The simple fact is that YES exhausts are made from far better quality products and built to a much higher standard,(no dodgy welding) therefore they last much longer than they used to, hence a two year warranty given to the replacement parts fitted.   

Catalytic Converter Theft-Watch where you park your car !

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Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic Converter Theft

So, here we are still in the grip of this terrible pandemic. Millions of businesses are now struggling due to Government restrictions. Especially the pubs and catering establishments. Of course, as business man then I really do feel for the people who are pulling their hair out trying to survive. Fortunately, as a garage and MOT Testing station then we are able to open.

So, earlier we did have to close for a while! Because, the government decided to suspend MOT testing for six months. Of course this killed our business over night and we kept one fitter to fit and repair tyres. Unfortunately, the rest of the garage staff had to be furloughed. Anyhow we are back to almost normal trading at the present time and are thankful for all our loyal customers.

Our customers are supporting us and we are keeping prices as low as we can to help support them in this terrible period of time. On the other side we are also trying our best to support local businesses in the Halifax area!

Increase in cat thefts

Sadly we are now seeing an increase in the theft of catalytic converters. Especially here in the Halifax area. This week October 2020 we have had two Honda cars submitted with the catalytic converters cut off. These cats are manufactured using some precious metals. So, this is to filter the engines emissions to give us cleaner air.

Vehicle owners do not realise the value of  this part hanging underneath and connected to their exhaust pipe. Incredibly, then most catalytic converts contain many different types of  precious metals! Including rare and precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. So, other valuable metals such as copper, magnesium, cerium, iron and nickel are also in the mix.

This makes these cats worth while stealing and thefts are increasing. The worst case of this has come from a tyre wholesaler in Elland. All their vans were left out over the weekend. Consequently, thieves stole the catalytic converters from all the vans! Incredible!

Police advice to motorists

After looking at this problem, then I have discovered that the problem is nation wide. In fact, the police have given out some advice about preventing this from happening. The advice is given on the “West Yorkshire Police” web site.

The images are from one of the Honda Jazz cars showing where the catalytic converter was cut off.

Electric Battery Cars or Hydrogen fueled Cars?

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Electric Battery Cars

Electric Battery Cars or Hydrogen fueled Cars?

It is for certain that one of these days we will run out of oil. Although we have now discovered new oil reserves by means of “fracking” we will still run out of oil one of these days. This together with the need to clean up our planet has lead us to try and discover new technologies to drive our transport system forward using less polluting fuels and renewable energies.

How the hydrogen cell car works

One of the biggest steps has been towards the development of battery power to drive our Electric Battery Cars. This development took on rapid pace in the first instance, but in my opinion has now slowed down as we try to refine the technology to give us more distance on one charge of the Electric Battery Cars. The technology here has been the use of Lithium-Ion batteries. Some car makers such as Nissan have developed the Hybrid Electric Battery Cars, a car that is battery driven with a backup petrol engine that kicks in when the car reaches a certain speed for out of town driving.

Other car producers have opted for the full blown Electric Battery Cars, which relies totally on a battery for its power. These cars have the problem of traveling any distance, but are good for around town usage. In my opinion the battery solution is not the answer to the bigger problem of distance before the battery needs re-charging. Charging stations are cropping up all over the place and the electric car will have a part to play in the big picture but in my opinion it is looking like a short term fix and in any case these cars are charged up using “dirty fuel” that we use to fuel our power stations, it is just applying a “sticking plaster” on a gaping wound.

Battery cars for short journeys, and hydrogen for the long journey?

Many different car companies have been looking at the hydrogen technology. Hence, many governments have been investing large amounts of money into the development of the hydrogen fueled engine. Car companies such as BMW, Toyota Cars and Mazda have come up with new and improved methods. Of course, to meet the growing demand for an alternative fuel. To the one of the biggest steps has been towards the development of battery power. Driving our Electric Battery Cars. This development took on rapid pace. Driving cars so that larger distances can be covered. Governments across the World are at this very moment working together. Trying, to produce a stable hydrogen product. Thus, that can be used in regular filling stations. Indeed these filling stations are beginning to pop up. As these car companies have become closer to producing their hydrogen fuel celled vehicles.

General motors and Honda are also interested in this fuel.

Importantly, and are developing engines accordingly. As the only by-product is water, then the hydrogen fuel cells produce no pollution. On top of that, fuel cells are safe, more reliable (as they do not have many moving parts). Using, the most abundant of elements in the universe as a power source (hydrogen).

The governments need to tie up with the major car manufactures in the world. Of course, to accelerate the use of hydrogen and similar energy efficient cars. Instead of lining up at the gas filling stations. So, the hydrogen car owners can buy tanks of liquid or gaseous hydrogen. Though the general trend for fuel efficient cars. Hence with alternative and better fuel designs will keep on increasing. Various political, consumer, legal, environmental and technological factors will decide the extend of deployment.

Electric Battery Cars

Toyota is expected to fund a new network of hydrogen filling stations in the California area of America

Hence, by the way of a loan to a company called First Element Fuel Inc and in conjunction with the state of California and eventually rolling the stations out into a wider area. Toyota estimates that 68 refueling stations will be required to satisfy the needs of California’s 10,000 fuel cell customers. By the end of 2016, Lentz hopes to have 50 stations operating across the state. Toyota estimates that 68 refueling stations will be required to satisfy the needs of California’s 10,000 fuel cell customers. By the end of 2016, Lentz hopes to have 50 stations operating across the state.

Believe it or not Toyota started working on the fuel cell car as long ago as 1992. That is 25 years of experience in this technology, with the first production model to be available by 2015. The ironic part of my opening question is that the hydrogen fuel cell is really a battery?

“FCVs are powered by fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen, which is not only environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient, but can also be produced using a variety of readily available raw materials. Thanks to these characteristics, fuel cell vehicles are ideal for achieving sustainable mobility. Therefore, Toyota is striving to make this vehicle technology widely available as soon as possible.”…More reading…

http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/environmental_technology/fuelcell_vehicle/

These new cars will be expected to drive twice the distance on a full tank of fuel

Thus, with the fuel costing about the same as gasoline (petrol). In my opinion this will be at the forefront of the leading car technology, for cars that will travel mid and long distances.

Leaving the One of the biggest steps has been towards the development of battery power to drive our Electric Battery Cars. This development took on rapid pace, to cover urban and town driving. There will also be a mix of other fuels such a bio-fuels in the big mix and things that are not yet invented.

For more reading about the Toyota Hydrogen Cars…http://www.firstelementfuel.com/

http://green.autoblog.com/2013/12/11/2015-toyota-fuel-cell-hydrogen-vehicle-prototype-review/

CAR BRAKES-New Ruling from EU coming soon? AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)

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car brakes to be updated for improved road safety

This is one of those articles that can be difficult to write. Of course, due to complex and differing points of view. Firstly the ruling although not compulsory is aimed at the car manufacturers. So, to update their cars by the end of this year (2014).

My problem is that now I am getting on a bit! I am realizing that my concentration is getting a few seconds slower than when I was a younger man. A couple of years  ago I did a battery delivery to East Yorkshire. On a nice sunny clear day. Because of my passion for cars I am always looking out when I pass a garage or a parking lot. Just in case I see a vintage or classic car.  So that I can photograph it for my blog.

On this particular occasion I glanced away from the road as I passed an old Land Rover parked in a field. I was driving at about 40 mph and turned to look back at the road in front. To my horror the traffic had stopped ahead of me and I had to slam on the car brakes ! Of course, as hard as I could. Missing the car in front by a whisker. I was really shaken and further on I had to pull into a pub car park. Thus, to re-compose myself and thought of what could have been.

This incident and the fact that there are millions of other drivers

So, in the same position as me. Prompted me to reflect on the snippets that I had been reading about a new system that would be introduced in 2014. It was in the think tank stages of the Eu New Car Assessment Programme then or (Euro NCAP).

The system known as AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) will be expected to be fitted to new cars. Hence, by the end of this year (2014). The new technology will become part of the crash test assessment. So, cars that are not fitted with the AEB car brakes will not get the 5 star rating for road safety. Michaels Van Ratingen the secretary general of the Euro NCAP says…

“We don’t want to force the car makers into this immediately, but we’ve made it very clear that the best way to ensure a five-star rating from 2014 is to have AEB on the vehicle,”

He must be disappointed though because at the moment only just over 20% of new cars have the new system fitted.

Your car  will, be much safer with the new car brakes system fitted

The new brakes technology will reduce my quoter of near misses. Importantly, that I have nearly had in the past year. So and reduce the number of small bumper to bumper accidents and hopefully “whiplash claims”. It’s a new system that uses radar, lidar (laser) and also video technology. Happily, to warn the driver of an impending frontal collision. This must happen to all of us on the congested roads here in the UK. Before priming the brakes and eventually performing an emergency stop.

The new system is expected to save up to 8000 lives in the EU Countries alone, but not everyone agrees and thinks that better driver training (as in my case) would be a better option, he says…

“Although you are right to a small degree in that “advanced driver” are predisposed to better driving. Including the techniques they use are hugely influential. To prove my point.

Cars brakes will become safer with the new EU proposals

I train learner drivers using the system of car control and commentary skills. In the last decade I have only had one pupil seriously injured in the two years after they passed their test. She was hit by a stolen car, traveling at double the speed limit, on the wrong side of the road and coming round a blind corner. I do not select my pupils by their predisposition to advanced driving, but I do train them to a much higher standard than is required for the driving test.”

In my opinion it will be the same problem as ABS car brakes.

It is alright if your car has them fitted. But not the other guy who doesn’t have them fitted. Until all cars have the new In my opinion it will be the same problem as ABS car brakes. It is alright if your car has them fitted. But not the other guy who doesn’t have them fitted. So, it is going to be a lottery of the does and don’ts. If a line of cars all have to slam on. You will stop because you will have the new car brakes system fitted. But the car at the back of you may not stop because he has not got the new car brakes system fitted.

All new rules and technology are going to help the motorists in today’s heavy traffic and I am all for safety measures that will help this cause. In my opinion this is a great idea. It will also save the future lives of some cyclists and pedestrians, so there is no reason to be negative about it. This is one of the best ideas to come out of the EU Parliament, amongst all the other rubbish that they dish out.

I am not sure if the car manufacturers will be using standard systems or doing their own thing, but as a garage owner I say “bring it on”. Brakes safety is one of my biggest promoted subjects and the AEB system, will be a great advantage to us in the long run when they are fitted to all cars as standard  

 For further reading… http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/road-safety/9429746/Auto-braking-a-quantum-leap-for-road-safety.html

Yokohama Rubber

CAR TYRES-technical developments to create a Greener tyre.

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Man made car tyres develop and change over the years.

So the tyres that were made say thirty years ago would not be suitable for today’s cars. The tyre has developed into part of the evolution of greener cars, especially in recent times when vehicle emissions have become a very important part of new car development.

Tyre companies are trying all sorts of new techniques. To develop car tyres that will give a better “rolling resistance”. Better rolling resistance makes it easier for a car to move forward . Whilst at the same time enabling the car to give a smooth ride. Sticking to the road when cornering and in bad weather conditions.

Tyre companies are using new and much lighter materials.

Including new materials that go into the compounds. Ultimately, that make the materials that are used for the outer layers of the car tyres. Hence, for making the sidewalls and tread area. One of the main products used is still latex of course. But tyres companies are now trying other materials. So, to try lesson the use of petrol-chemicals derived from oil.

One of these leading the charge is Yokohama tyres. Yokohama are experimenting with many materials. Importantly, one of the more successful ones has been “orange peel oil”.  Another tyre company that are trying new materials are Goodyear tyres. Goodyear has teamed up with a biotechnology company called DuPont. The two companies are working together to produce molecules to try to match the molecules that are found in tyre compounds. Rubber is a molecule! So by replicating similar molecules from sugar molecules they will be able to manufacture a product. Of course, that could be used to make tyre with and replace the dependency of latex. The natural material that tyres are made of at the moment. For more reading… http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/news/making-tires-green.html

Continental tyres are also one of the Worlds car tyres development innovators.

Over the years they have formed what they call their “green kitchen” to enable them to develop more environmentally friendly compounds, by replacing the more dangerous chemicals used in tyre making with new more eco-friendly products, similar to what Goodyear and other tyre companies are experimenting with. More information…http://www.continental-corporation.com/www/csr_com_en/themes/news/reifenmischung_en.html 

Michelin Tyres UK are going down the same road. Michelin have always been at the front of car tyres development, ever since the invention of the “steel belted radial” and are now looking at all possible ways of future tyre development, including the use of old tyres…

“Terry Getty’s, Michelin’s research and development director stated that the tyre giant’s innovation strategy continues to focus on exploiting raw materials to the maximum. He further said that TREC is a perfect illustration of eco-design and will help them creating latest high-performance tyres using high-quality raw materials derived from old car tyres”.

 This includes Michelin’s latest tyre, which will not lose any grip all the way down to the tyre tread wear bars, due to the different compound depths within the tyres.

Now more important to switch your Michelin tyres round

Tyre rotation has become just as important as ever, because of the new developments and the need gain every bit of wear that you can out of your tyres. In my opinion there is also a need to match the tyres that are fitted to the car, especially if your car has the latest tyre specs that have been developed between the car and the tyre manufacturers.

We are pleasantly surprised though, how many of our customers do indeed practice this now. They are up to date with the fact that car tyres from different tyre manufacturers are now different and that they should be matched up for a better performance, that will give the car the same handling qualities when braking and cornering, in any type of weather conditions.

CAR OIL LEVELS- Check Them Regularly or your could find yourself in trouble?

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 Check Your CAR OIL LEVELS it makes sense?

This is one piece of good advice that I failed to carry out myself. So. I had driven to France on a short trip recently, in my Peugeot Partner Van, when the “Low Oil Level” light came on. Oh I thought this must be wrong?

It is important that Ladies should learn how to check their car oil levels

I am always preaching to other people to check their car oil levels. Sure enough the vans oil level was below the minimum level on the dip-stick and I had two buy a two litre plastic tub of 5w-30 engine oil for diesel driven vehicles.

I also recommend car owners to take a small container of oil with them. Just in case that it is needed in some remote spot. Luckily I was near a supermarket. We usually recommend that you should change your oil about every three thousand miles. But this does not apply to all makes and models of car. Just remember it is better to be safe than sorry and a regular oil change is a safe option. Especially if you are a high mileage driver and perhaps use your car for your job.

Most good garages now use servicing guides that are computerised

We use a system that tells us all the service intervals, including car oil levels, oil changes and other important things such as the times to change your cars timing belt. We also refer to the owner’s service manuals, which gives us the correct intervals for changing your cars oil.

So, most of our customers that have servicing. Thus, will leave their car with us for the day. So, either take public transport back home or to work. Also, we have a small fleet of courtesy cars that are available for their use. If they live in fairly close proximity to the garage. Then we very often give them a lift. For instance we have a local college nearby and we are always giving the college tutors. Including, some of the older students a lift to work. Whilst they leave their cars for the work to be carried out.

There is doubt that it is also a good idea to learn how to check your own car oil levels in the car’s engine. You should learn to open the bonnet catch, it would surprise you how many of our customers cannot find the catch that will help them open their Old Cars bonnet (hood).

Check your own oil levels with the dip-stick

The second good thing to learn is; which is the “dip-stick” that tells you what your car oil levels is at the time of the checking. Your car manual will show you where it is on your car, but you can also ask your local garage to show you where it is located, I am sure that they will only be too pleased to help.

Once you have located the dip-stick you must take it out and give it a wipe with a clean cloth or tissue paper. Pop the stick back into its housing until you have pushed the stick right in, and then pull it back out slowly, so that you do not smudge the reading. On the stick there are two markings a minimum marking and a maximum marking. This is self-explanatory; just top the car oil levels up until you reach the maximum level. Do not exceed the max level, because this is as bad as having a low oil level. Having too much oil can cause extra pressure inside the engine and cause your engine to be damaged or even explode.

So keep an eye on your oil level and check it at regular intervals. Have your oil changed at regular intervals. When you are checking your own oil levels be careful to check it slowly and carefully and do not overfill the engine with excess oil. Also I would advise the driver to keep a small amount of the exact same oil that the garage filled your car with on a car  service, this can then be used for topping up purposes.

Dip-stick showing the correct engine car oil levels

Most garages keep small containers of oil in stock especially for this purpose. Also make sure that the oil that you are topping up with is the

Topping up your engine oil to get the correct car oil levels

exact same viscosity as the oil in your engine and it is for either petrol or diesel. And finally always have your Car Oil  checked after a long or speedy journey.