Britains Motorists-forking out hundreds on unexpected car repair costs – Easier (press release)

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Britains Motorists

Britains Motorists motorists forking out hundreds on unexpected car repair costs Easier (press release) British motorists forked out hundreds of pounds last year repairing whining engines, wonky wheels and patching up scrapes and dents, according to a recent…

 

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Car Servicing has been put on the back burner by Britains Motorists?

So, in this good article. Hence, by the” countrywide independent garage scheme” . They carried out a straw poll of 100 UK motorists. Consequently they found that many of them had car repair bills of up to £500! In fact 64% of them, to be precise. Of course, this is no surprise to me . As I believe that many UK motorists have failed to have their cars serviced, in the past two years.

This neglect will lead to all kinds of problems affecting  their cars and the cars performance. We see the effects of this all the time, but I think that the most common problem is the brakes. If the cars brakes are checked on a service, then the usual things that need replacing are the pads, this together with a good brake cleaning is usually all that is required.The problem then is that if the car is not serviced, then the Brake pads wear even further down before getting down to the metal plate. This then affects the brakes especially the Disc Brakes.

New Brake Discs and Car Brake Pads fitted

 

then becomes metal on metal then the discs get damaged and they may need replacing. Other problems include the brake cylinders overheating and leaking and the problems can go on and on, always leading to a bigger repair bill for the UK motorists.

This is also a problem with the modern engines. The engines these days are controlled by a computer system in the car and if the filters and oil are not changed then the parts that are part of the engine management system can start to fail and the engine light will illuminate in the cars dashboard, often causing panic amongst the drivers who come into us garages to have the problem checked out. Sometimes the problem is a simple one and the car only requires an oil and filter change and other times it could be more complicated, but in the main most of the causes are due to the car not having a service and general neglect.

Although we are not members of the country wide garage scheme, we are a member of the Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC), but we all share the same thoughts and know what the problems are likely to be if the car is not serviced.

Mot will find any mechanical problems

 

Another slightly worrying trend amongst car drivers is the concept of using the annual MOT Test as a gauge for the condition of their car. The MOT test is not the same as having a regular service, and although the test is fairly strict it is not the same as having a good service say once a year. The UK motorists  can then keep an eye out on such things as your oil levels and tyre pressures and check your own light bulbs.

We all understand that money is tight but in my opinion the failure to service your car will lead to the UK motorists having bigger problems and bigger repair bills.

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

 

See on www.easier.com

Hybrid Car Servicing

EV Batteries?- How Cheap Are they really?Climate Denial Crock of the Week

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ev batteries

I’m finding Chevy Volt replacement ev batteries online for about $2,300. $2,300/16 kWh = $144/kWh. Retail. On the GM Parts Store site a replacement battery for the 2012 Chevy Volt is listed at $2,305.88.

 

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Why a replacement ev batteries any how ?

EV batteries prices

This article shows the prices for the  EV Batteries replacement but I was wondering why would you need a replacement anyhow?

According this good and in depth article a replacement battery would cost $2000 and more, but why would you have to buy one? The old  EV Batteries should be replaced free of charge if found faulty, like any other part of the car. Some of the European car makers, such as Renault, lease the batteries out when they sell an Electric Car, so I can only assume that the same warranty reasons will apply to them.

In my opinion, when the EV batteries will need replacing in a few years’ time, then the technology that is carried out at the moment will have drastically reduced the battery prices by that time. All this new development will probably reduce the size of the batteries, to a more realistic and affordable size. Johnson controls are developing a Lithium-Ion battery at the moment that is much smaller than its predecessors. ev batteries

 

The only reason I can think of for an EV car to need  new EV Batteries, is after an accident.

 

Because of the battery power train size there is likely to be damage caused by an accident. This brings me to the cars insurance, is the possible scenario of a crashed EV car requiring an expensive battery going to put insurance premiums, or will the cost be spread amongst us all?

There is no doubt that the EV car will play a significant part in the future of fuel efficient cat technology, with batteries that can last for years due to the advent of silicon “Nano” battery technology and car manufacturers will keep up with these improvement trends.

The charging rates are also getting much better, with charging time expected to get down to as low as 15 minutes for an 80% charge but my money is still on Hydrogen cell technology. However, this is a good article and worth a click to read.

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

See on climatecrocks.com

Solar Panels to be fitted on the roof of this Ford Concept Car

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solar panels

BBC News

Ford Is Making A Concept Car With Solar Panels For A Roof

Huffington Post

What do Superman and the Ford C-MAX Solar Energi concept car have in common? Both receive power from the sun.

 

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Solar panels on car roofs a great idea but not a new idea

So, in my opinion this idea from Ford motor company is one of the biggest step forwards yet. Especially, in the quest for the electric cars! Enabling, them to cover more mileage.

Significantly, this car could be run on solar energy from Solar Panels . Even when the car is running about ! Consequently, the batteries will also be charged. Developments like this will be a big step in the right direction ! So, I can envisage all EV’s and all electric cars will have this technology. Incorporated in the cars electric system. Aiding charging.

This is not the first time that solar panels have been used to power cars

 

So, I believe that it will be the first time that a major car manufacturer. Has incorporated solar panels onto an actual model.

Consequently, a guy called Ed Passerini ! Was probably the first man to invent the first solar powered car ! Way back in 1977. After building several smaller prototype cars. He eventually built the solar car known as Bluebird.

More recently in 1983 two Australian’s, Hans Tholstrup and racing driver, Larry Perkins . Managed to drive a solar powered car from Perth to Sydney. Totaling 2566 miles a great achievement ! The vehicle was called the “Achiever”. Equipped with a solar cell panel fitted to the roof. Hence,that charged 2 x 12 volt lead acid leisure batteries.

Batteries charged for use after dark

So the charged batteries were to be used for use when the Sun was behind clouds or even in darkness. Many of today’s Solar Panels and solar energy equipment had not even been invented back then, so the electrics they used were pretty basic. They had an electric motor to drive the car with a basic type gearbox that could only have the gears changed when the vehicle was stopped. The acceleration was done by either using 24 volts or 12 volts, the 24 volt was the fastest option, depending on the amount of battery storage.

Other recent tries at utilizing solar energy were carried out by the larger auto companies such as Ford, using them in the headlights.

Eric Roberts

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and Trading Standards and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

See on www.huffingtonpost.com

apollopower battery

Car Battery Check-Make sure that your family are safe by checking your CAR BATTERY before a journey

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Car Battery Check

Car Battery Check

Make sure that your family are safe with a Car Battery Check

So, on a recent visit to France, we unfortunately broke down. Due to an electrical fault on our Peugeot van. Just by a coincidence another English vehicle in a few parking spaces near to us. Was also broke down, this vehicle was a Citroen C4 Picasso people carrier, and was occupied by a family of six , four children and their parents.

I went over to the guy, who was looking under the bonnet (hood) of his car. Tentatively,  asking him what had gone wrong. He told that the orange alternator light had come on. Sadly, but he carried on.Not suspecting that the light would cause a problem. He went on to tell me! That he had suspected that the car may have had a dodgy battery for a few weeks. But he just kept on charging it up. Because he did not use the people carrier very often. In fact he only used the car for family outings and visits to the sea side.

I told him that I was in the Car battery business. So, and suspected that a Battery Check would do the trick. I am amazed at the number of drivers that I come across.Consequently, who are hell bent on trying to keep a dead battery alive. Of course, by constantly trying to charge up their old, and probably dead battery up. So, trying to keep the thing alive. Most drivers fail and eventually give up their dead battery. Of course, and go out to have a professional Battery Check. Before buying  buy a new one.

Car Battery Check

We were both members of the AA, a British breakdown organisation, that covers the whole of Europe. Sure enough a breakdown truck arrived to attend to the guy with the people carrier. The system in France only allows the AA Recovery to attend a breakdown on the road side or hard shoulder of a motorway.

This is French law! I think it has something to do with protecting the livelihood of the French garage trade. Something that the French are good at, protectionism. The English guy did have a battery test and needed a new  12 Volt Battery. The battery on the vehicle was a common size. Known to us as a 096. These batteries cost about £60 here in the UK. But the driver got a shock when the new battery cost him 140 Euros.

His breakdown cover may not have covered him for what we call renewable s, so the lesson there is do not mess about trying to resurrect your old car battery,

just go and buy a new one. The whole experience of breaking down would have put a lot of pressure on his family, not knowing if they would not reach their holiday destination or not, just for the sake of a battery test before starting off on a journey.

car battery check
A car battery check would have picked up the poor condition of this car battery.This is an example of a car battery that needs a really good clean

Car Battery Check

My wife and I have had eight children together over the past 35 years and have traveled extensively all over Europe. We have broken down a couple of times in our people carriers and so we know about the pressure that breaking down can put on the whole family. It is not worth the hassle and stress, just because you did not prepare your car and had a not knowing if they would not reach their holiday destination or not, just for the sake of a Car Battery Check before starting off on a journey.  

 

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles-Toyota to launch in US next year 2015- domain-B

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Toyota to launch hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in US next year domain-B Hydrogen-powered electric cars are moving in at a brisk pace as fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) that use hydrogen as fuel for their batteries will be in use in Northern America by 2015…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Toyota The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will be able to get their electricity from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen which will generate a current cars could be available earlier than thought.

The first British hydrogen filling station. Hence, for public to use ! Has now been opened in Swindon Wiltshire. Consequently, it is located at the giant Honda factory near South Marston. The new site will be open to the public. Although it is within the grounds of the Honda car factory.

This is the very first step. On the road towards attracting Hydrogen fuel-cell cars to the UK. So, the single pump will be able to fill The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. They will be able to get their electricity from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen. Which will generate a current cars with a gas based hydrogen. Although any members of the public will have to pass a BOC safety course . Of course, before been able to fill their hydrogen cars.

The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will be able to get their electricity from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen which will generate a current. The only wastes that are omitted are water vapour and heat making the cars extremely environmental friendly.

The new cars from Toyota are expected to be in use in the USA by as near as 2015.

 

This is much earlier than thought before. In my opinion this technology will be a winner. Eventually the motorist will be able to travel just as far as a conventional gasoline cars. Without having to have the time consuming inconvenience. So, of having to charge up the battery for the return journey. That’s of course unless the present battery technology is not significantly modified.

The new Hydrogen fuel-cells

Other car makers have also shown more than interest. The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will be able to get their electricity from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen which will generate a current. The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will be able to get their electricity from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen which will generate a current powered car.  Honda of course and Hyundai as well as Toyota, who’s hydrogen cars are expected to be able to a range of about 300 miles from a full tank and the fuel will only take three or four minutes to fill the tank.

The USA are at the forefront of supplying fuel.

 

The new Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will be able to get their electricity.So, from an electrochemical between oxygen and hydrogen. Significantly, this will generate a string of filling stations. Naturally, with 68 stations stretching from San Diego to San Francisco, with a further 20 new filling stations to be built by 2015.

The new Toyota car is expected to be called the FV2. So, and will be made including all the latest IT technology. Making the car a real stunner. Another Toyota model will be known as the i-road . Which will be a three wheeler city car ! Of course, this car is well advanced and will be having trials in several cities. From Japan to France this year (2014)

 

 

See on www.domain-b.com

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

Clutch Vibration Problem-TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in with a Clutch Vibration Problem

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Clutch Vibration Problem

TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in for a Clutch Vibration Problem

So, for some unknown reason.  Christmas time brings in a few cars that are having Clutch Vibration problems. Hence, these are the normal problems. So, such as the driver cannot get the gears. Or the gears grind. Thus, when trying to drive the car and so on.

The Toyota Auris was a slightly different problem. As a result, the car was sort of vibrating and rattling. Consequently, as it was been driven along. When speaking to the customer. Ryan Linton my workshop manager. Discovered that the car had only had a new clutch fitted about two years ago. So the customer found it highly unlikely. Hence, that the clutch could be causing the vibrations. Especially, when driving the car along.

Ryan explained that the only way to tell is to check the clutch for the Clutch Vibration , by stripping the housing off and taking a look. The customer agreed and he took one of our courtesy cars while we explored his car to see what the problem was.

The other clutches that were done this week were standard sort of jobs, taking two or three hours to do, but we always check with our Auto-data computer system, for the times it takes to do these jobs and this Toyota was shown to take seven hours, this included the Duel mass Flywheel having to be changed, but at this stage we did not exactly know what was wrong with the car.

Clutch Vibration Problem

Ryan  stripped down the Auris clutch housing and assembly. Only to find that the system was a Duel Mass Flywheel. To clarify, the car had only had the clutch fitted two years ago and nothing had been done to the Dual Mass Flywheel. This action had

Clutch Vibration
Old worn out clutch and Duel Mass Flywheel
Clutch Vibration
Old Clutch system still in place

caused the pressure plate and the Dual Mass Flywheel to wear prematurely. Causing the DMF to have more play in it. Therefore causing the Clutch Vibration.

We did not fit the first clutch. However the customer said that he would not go back there again. The cost was estimated at about the £1000.00 mark. Of course, customer gave us the go ahead to do the job. The time given by Auto-Data was pretty accurate and it took Ryan near enough six hours to complete the job. We always fit LUK clutches and DMFs because they were the company who originally developed the products along with BMW in Germany and to date we have never had any warranty problems with the LUK products in the past.

The Toyota Auris clutch and DMF was finished, tested and returned to a happy customer another job well done by my excellent staff.

MOT Closure Killer Blow

MOT Horror Submissions-Broken cars sent in for the MOT test-have you seen worse ?

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MOT Horror Submissions

MOT Horror Submissions

MOT Horror Submissions

As the owner of an MOT testing station in Halifax Yorkshire. So, we have seen most things. Hence, when it comes to car owners and presenting their beloved vehicles in for the dreaded MOT test.

Of course, this applies to 90% of motorists. Consequently, these are the drivers who really care about their cars. They do most of the right things, by having the cars checked out before the test date.

You can tell though that they are worried and often pace up and down waiting for the tester to appear with the results of the test. Obviously many drivers are worried about the potential cost. Especially this time of year when approaching Christmas time.

With this is mind it is only understandable. That when it comes to an annual MOT test. Then drivers can often be filled with dread. Wondering whether they are about to be presented with a long list of failures. Consequently, that will leave them with nothing more than an immensely high bill!

MOT Horror Submissions-Check the easy things before the test

Subsequently, If your vehicle is due your MOT test. Then check all the common things that are easy to do. Such things as the lights and tyres. This will only take you a good 10 minutes and is part of the test. make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and washers are working. Simple things that will ensure a smoother test experience.

It doesn’t matter how long you have been driving and what condition your car may be. So, no one actually enjoys the dreading feeling. Hence, of having to head to the local garage for their annual MOT test. We’ve heard all the horror stories. Including the multiple fails, the eye watering quote to fix any issues. Most garages are busy because they are trusted.

A lot of garages and MOT centres. Pride themselves on providing the best service. Offering the  best prices possible as it is only this degree of customer satisfaction. That will ensure a continuous trade for the garage concerned.

However, there is a small percentage who operate with underhanded tactics and have incredibly questionable ethics that leave mechanics with a very tarnished reputation. These should be avoided at all costs. Because you will be asking for trouble and a big bill at the end of it.

MOT Horror Submissions-10% of drivers don’t give a damn?

Of course, the other 10% are the “couldn’t give a toss” brigade. These drivers turn up with their cars from hell. the car in the article image is a prime example. Worst than this some cars turn up with badly worn tyres and half the lights missing.

In general though things are good between our customers and testers. In fact we have a great reputation for fairness and honesty and that why we are always busy.

MOT test stations across the country are continuing to report dangerous defects and MOT horrors. One tester recently submitted pictures of a 2001 Nissan Micra to the DVSA after the station came across a cracked axle and

Source: Latest MOT horror submissions: have you seen worse than these?

Citroën DS3

Citroën DS3 R3T to power the Junior WRC this year – World Rally Blog

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Citroën DS3

Citroën DS3

All Citroën DS3 cars will be factory prepared to set standards and rules and all teams will use Michelin tyres and fuel supplied by the FIA‘s partner in crime . FIA claims this step is going to make JWRC even more accessible… no, hold on, …

eric roberts‘s insight:

This will be a great site watching the Citroen DS3’s racing

Significantly, this is a great announcement from the FIA. So, the Junior World Rally Championships . Hence, will be the cars used in this category of the junior rally championships.

Citroën DS3,Michelin
Michelin man on a Citroen DS21

Interestingly, the car will be a special front wheel drive turbocharges version. In essence, of this very popular French car. Consequently, this Citroën DS3 has been prepared by Citroen. Having to be used by all the participants. So who want to compete in this class of rally racing.

The Citroën DS3 will only be able to use Michelin tyres. But they are amongst the best tyres in the world anyhow. The new cars will benefit from having special springs and shock absorbers with modernised Brembo brakes fitted.

Citroën DS3

This new car will also be fitted with super lightweight alloy wheels. Including, 18 inch tyres and will have a 20 mm wider track for better stability and cornering. The engine will also be improved by the addition of a larger turbocharger to improve the engines combustion.

So, Citroen have always been a good looking car to me. Of course this may be the French deign flare in them. All Citroen new models appear to out with some great new design ideas including on board equipment and colour designs.

The Citroen DS3 R will be available to the public and is expected to be on sale at around the £23 to £24,000 mark.

Just as a footnote I was interested to see that Vauxhall have brought out the “Adam”, with colour mixes and matches very similar to the Citroën DS3 ?

See on www.worldrallyblog.com

Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips-Look after your bike battery?

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Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips

Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips

Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips

This article  explains some of the pitfalls about buying a motorcycle battery. Motor cyclists should be careful when buying a new battery. But i do not want to be scare mongering. As long as you follow simple rules. Hence, it will be a perfectly safe operation to carry out. Your new battery can be bought at a cheap Motor-cycle battery price online. Of course, where possible, with a next working day delivery. Thousands of these batteries are bought online every year. Significantly, without any problems at all.

“Battery failure isn’t just inconvenient, it can often lead to dangerous problems. Before you take your bike far from home, learn what happened to Sarah. Anytime you take your motorcycle on a trip, you should make sure the battery is in optimum condition. If you have a typical, conventional battery, take a few moments to ensure that fluid levels are adequate before heading out. Remove the caps to see if the cells appear dry; if they are, add clean distilled water. Additionally, look for any signs of terminal corrosion and leaking acid, including tarnished chrome and faded paint. “If you aren’t confident in your ability to service a conventional battery, consider buying a sealed variety. These maintenance-free motorcycle batteries are ideal for people who like riding their bikes but don’t particularly enjoy using Batteries Maintenance Tips and working on them”

         Motorcycle batteries are very safe

Motor cycle batteries? which make or type?

The motorcycle battery market is flooded. Commonly, with all sorts of makes and different types of batteries. Significantly, this can be very complicated. Of course, I think that the internet is the best way to go about buying one of these batteries. Consequently, this way of buying motor cycle batteries. Keeps the job as simple as possible. Importantly, try to replace the part number of the battery the same as that you are replacing. So, like for like.

Differing manufactures are not such a problem ! Except that some motorcycle batteries come with differing part numbers. Of course, I was thinking of Varta and perhaps Bosch. A few years ago a European standard battery part number was introduced. Of course, to try to make all the battery manufacturers use the same number, but this seems to have fallen apart and you can get three different numbers for the same battery.

Japanese battery markings

The most common part numbers are on the Japanese bikes and will look like,”YTX9BS”; this to me is the most common type of battery. The European number found on a Varta will look like “53030”, so the numbers will differ depending where your bike is from. You will find though that most Japanese bikes will have the YTX9BS lettering, but BMW’s will have the 53030 Varta numbers.

In any case you will find it easier if you replace the battery that is fitted to your bike, will be best practice and unless you know what you are doing please don’t try to be clever and update or uprate the battery that you have fitted to the bike. Batteries are available for cherry pickers in Kings Lynn. Information about the worlds largest battery.

Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips
Voltmeters are a cheap and handy toll for battery testing !
Keep Your Car in Top Condition

Volvo self driving cars- 100 to be tested on Swedish roads in pilot project …

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Volvo self driving cars

Volvo has announced a pilot project that’ll see 100 Volvo self driving cars take to the roads of Gothenburg, Sweden, as the automaker continues in its efforts to bring a fully autonomous self driving cars to the market.

 

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Volvo self driving cars

Hi it must be a strange feeling to get into a car that can steer and drive to its destination without any aid by a driver. I must be getting old ,because I can’t see for the life in me what these Volvo self driving cars are going to gain.

If that’s what people want why on earth don’t they stick to the driver- less train systems that we see in many countries these days? I would much prefer to sit on a train high up above the busy traffic “Than In Volvo self driving cars”. Significantly, modern technology is good, but it is not perfect. I recently visited France and had to turn off the motorway because it was blocked by an accident, a large truck had toppled over, completely blocking the two lane motorway.

Unfortunately, we had to turn off so I switched on my satellite navigation system, hoping to pick the motorway up further North. I keyed in Calais further North and the sat/nav kindly to me to three junctions South of the junction that I had to turn off on? It then came up with a server problem message, which rendered it useless?.

So I have my doubts about the technology used in these cars.

Here is a good snippet from the Popular Mechanics web-site about the strange sensation that their driver experienced when first handling one of these Volvo self driving cars,

Volvo self driving cars

“As soon as I hit the small black lane-centre button, I can feel the wheel stiffen in my hands. Suddenly the light bar atop it begins to glow a soft green, signaling that the car has taken over the task of steering. I had already surrendered control of the acceleration and braking to the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, and now with my feet flat on the floor, I slowly un-wrap my fingers and release the wheel. Sitting in the passenger seat is Jeremy Salinger, who works on General Motors’ semi-autonomous car program. He’s seen the car do this dozens, possibly hundreds, of times, but, if only to reassure me, he states the obvious: “The car is in control now.”… http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/the-12-most-important-questions-about-self-driving-cars-16016418

His final comment is that” it felt like a ghost was driving the car”

See on www.digitaltrends.com