Nearly half of UK drivers have put off servicing or essential car maintenance across 2020, according to a new study from money.co.uk. The study from the financial comparison service found that 48% of drivers had delayed repairs or services for their vehicle across the coronavirus pandemic, as average mileage has plummeted, and MOT’s have been deferred. The survey of motorists … [Read more...]
MOT failures expected to surge
The number of MOTs set to be carried out in October and November will be 60 percent higher than normal volumes, according to the latest DVSA forecast. Motorists were no longer able to extend their MOT for six months from 1 August. It’s therefore important that the appropriate repair and maintenance is carried out before booking to avoid common MOT failures. Re-tests can be charged for … [Read more...]
Checks and safety baffle half of drivers
Half of drivers are baffled by their motors and have no idea where to put the screen wash, how to pop the bonnet - or even what size engine is under it. A study of 2,000 drivers found 44 per cent find cars ‘confusing’, with three in 10 unaware how to pump up their tyres - let alone know how much pressure they need in the first place. A quarter have no idea how to check the tread depth on their … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 October
After a ten-year gap, the BMW ti suffix returns with the sporting 128ti arriving next month from £32,995. The 265hp 4cyl 2.0 litre engine and 8sp sequential automatic box are mated to M sport suspension and brakes with numerous body detailing and delivered with high specification trim and equipment. Vauxhall has released first images of the new Crossland ahead of order books opening later this … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 August
Ford has commissioned custom tyres that can leave key water safety messages imprinted on stretches of sand as part of a new initiative with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The custom tyres have been designed to leave 3 key water safety messages in the sand, including ‘float to live’, ‘no inflatables’, and ‘emergency? call 999’. Each year Brits spend over five and a half million hours … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 July
Ford has expanded its fast-growing Active range with the new Tourneo Connect Active people mover and Transit Connect Active van variants from £21,285 and £21,675, respectively, with deliveries from the end of this year. Active varients of Tourneo and Transit Connect feature SUV-inspired exterior styling, an optional mechanical limited-slip differential for improved traction and raised ride … [Read more...]
Pirelli get rolling this week on tyre tests for 2021
Pirelli embarked on its 2021 World Rally Championship campaign this week with two days of private tyre testing in Sardinia: the first day devoted to gravel and the second day on asphalt. At the wheel of Pirelli’s uniquely-liveried Citroen C3 WRC test car will be Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen, co-driven by his compatriot Anders Jaeger. The former Volkswagen, Citroen and Hyundai factory driver will be … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 July
More than 150,000 motor vehicles were stolen in Great Britain in the year 2018-19, 10,000 above the year before and a 56% (54,932) increase compared to four years earlier, according to data analysed by RAC Insurance. Kent and Essex were the hot spots but North Wales has also seen a rise of 32% and researchers found in nearly half the case the thieves used the owner’s keys, suggesting they are not … [Read more...]
MoT extension to end this month
The automatic MOT extension will be revoked from 1 August. Motorists and riders must get their vehicle tested if its MoT has lapsed since March. RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said, “Extending MOT tests was the right short-term measure after a number of garages closed when all of us were asked to stay at home. “But with many more garages now open – including all of those that are part of our … [Read more...]
Welsh ratepayers want better roads to reduce stress
Potholes continue to cause despair and anger for motorists up and down the land, with these menaces costing British car owners £4bn in repair bills annually. Such is the gravity of people wishing to see the back of them, the government announced a £2.5bn fund to tackle the issue during the latest Budget, whilst councils have been using the lockdown period to ramp up their pothole filling … [Read more...]