Category Archives: Motoring Tips & Advice

Navigate Through Poor Weather; Uncover the Benefits of Fog Lights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enhance your driving experience with the use of vehicle fog lights. Fog lights are often known as an underestimated feature that can make a significant difference in your safety and visibility on the road, during poor weather conditions.

Important note:

  1. It is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when it is not foggy. Please ensure to turn off the fog lights as soon as the fog clears up. Fog lights can dazzle other road users, whilst the rear fog lights of your vehicle can obscure the view of your own brake lights. This can prevent the motor vehicle behind you from seeing the brake lights when stopping.
  2. Using your fog lights in light drizzle or rainy weather conditions can result in a fine if stopped by the police when they should not be on.

Below are six key benefits of fog lights and why they should be of such importance in your vehicle.

  • Enhanced visibility in hostile weather conditions: Another layer of illumination is provided on the road when using fog lights. Fog lights cut through thick fog, mist, rain, and snow with the special design. Visibility can be compromised through tough weather conditions, however, with the use of fog lights, they become your trusted ally ensuring that you can see and be seen.

 

  • Reduced glare and improved focus: High beams are commonly used when an individual driving cannot see the road ahead. This can cause an issue as the brightness of high beam lights can impair the visual of oncoming road users. This also applies to drivers in front of a vehicle with high beams, as the mirrors reflect the bright light into their eyes. Fog lights can help you concentrate on your surroundings, preventing eye fatigue, and providing a safer driving experience but using them in normal weather conditions, affects oncoming road users, dazzling them with the brightness fog lights; This is illegal.

 

  • Safety during the night: Driving throughout the night can be a difficult challenge, especially in poorly lit rural areas. With the design of fog lights being created lower to the surface, they complement regular headlights by supporting a wider and lower beam. This increases your peripheral vision, reducing the risk of any unexpected complications on the road. This is why fog lights are invaluable for late-night travel.

 

  • Vehicle aesthetics and design: On the flip side of fog lights and their practical advantages; they also can contribute to a better aesthetic for modern cars. Equipped with more stylish lights, it can enhance the appearance of a vehicle, indicating the attention to detail, manufacturers make when creating new vehicles.

 

  • Appeal and Value: Fog lights are becoming increasingly sought after, and buyers who prioritise their safety are willing to pay premium prices which can be very expensive. This premium for vehicles can potentially increase the resale value whilst providing enhanced visibility features.

 

  • Adaptive systems for additional safety: With technology growing at a rapid rate, some vehicles are equipped with adaptive light systems. The adaptive systems on these lights, adjust to the intensity and direction based on driving conditions. This system can essentially optimise the driver’s visibility and safety.

With the automotive industry developing and significant changes in weather conditions, every detail matters on a vehicle, fog lights included. Autoserve encourages you to consider the benefits of fog lights, not just as a necessity but as a valuable addition that can make significant differences in your driving experience. Please use fog lights at the correct time, if not you can be fined by the police since it is illegal to use them in the wrong weather conditions. Stay safe, stay visible and let fog lights illuminate your journey.

How to change a Tire

Going through the experience of having a flat tire can be frustrating and an inconvenience. However, changing a tire is not as difficult as it seems. This fundamental skill is something every driver should possess. Throughout this step-by-step guide, you will gain insightful knowledge on changing a tire and getting back on track to your destination safely.

 

Step 1: Safety First.

Before beginning, please find a safe area (off-road area) to change your tire and press your hazard lights so they come on to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Collect Your Tools.

When changing a tire, there are some essential tools and materials needed:

  • Gloves (optional, recommended for extra protection)
  • Spare tire
  • Jack
  • Locking wheel wrench
  • Locking wheel nut
  • Flashlight (for nighttime)
  • Wheel chocks (optional, but highly recommended for added safety)
  • Reflective triangle (optional for added safety)

Step 3: where to locate Spare tire/ Tools.

Open the boot of your vehicle to find your Spare Tire, Jack, and Locking wheel nut and wrench. If you’re unsure where to find these items, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidance.

Step 4: loosen the Nuts in the alloy.

Before you lift the vehicle with a Jack, it is recommended to use the locking wheel nut and wrench to unlock the one locking wheel nut and the wrench will loosen the other lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn each nut counterclockwise enough to break them loose, do not remove them completely at this stage.

Step 5: Position the Jack.

Place the jack in the correct lifting point, as specified in your owner’s manual. This point is usually located beneath the vehicle’s frame near the flat tire. Crank the jack handle to lift the vehicle off the ground.

Step 6: Remove the flat tire.

Once the vehicle is safely raised, remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the flat tire. Put the flat tire in a secure spot near the vehicle.

Step 7: Using Spare Tire.

Align the holes in the spare tire with the wheel studs and slide the spare tire onto the studs until it’s flush with the hub.

Step 8: Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts.

Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs as far as they will go using the locking wheel wrench and locking wheel nut.

Step 9: Lower the Vehicle.

Using the jack, rotate the handle anti-clockwise to lower the vehicle until the spare tire is in contact with the ground, but it should not bear the full weight of the vehicle.

Step 10: Tight the lug nuts Securely.

With the vehicle on the ground, use the locking wheel wrench to tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern, ensuring they are snug but avoiding over-tightening.

Step 11: Double-check and stow away.

Final check to make sure lug nuts are tightened correctly. Stow the flat tire, jack, locking wheel wrench and other tools back in their correct location.

Step 12: Test the Spare Tire

Drive slowly to the nearest repair tire service centre or repair shop to have the flat tire repaired or replaced. Spare tires are not intended for long-term use and some tires have speed and mileage limitations.

Side note:

The percentage of new vehicles providing spare tires has reduced. It is highly recommended to check all tyres before driving every month to make sure they are safe and legal to drive on. Additionally, each locking wheel nut and locking wheel wrench is designed specifically for each vehicle. Here are three points enhancing their importance:

  • Theft deterrence: locking wheel nut provides an additional layer of security for your wheels.
  • Protecting your investment: Tires can be quite expensive, with locking wheel nuts, you will be able to protect your investment by reducing the risk of theft
  • Safety assurance: Properly secured wheels are essential for safe driving. The locking wheel nut will ensure your wheels stay in the correct position whilst driving, reducing the risk of potential accidents caused by a loose lug nut.

Changing a flat tire is a valuable skill that every driver should learn. By following these twelve steps, you can confidently secure and ensure safety on the road.

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car running smoothly. Call one of our professional Service Advisors on 0121 521 3500 for more details.  After all one call does it all!

The UK’s Government 2035 ban

As modern society rapidly develops, so does the transportation industry within the United Kingdom (UK). In a bid to benefit the UK’s climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, the UK Government has created a scheme to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. This monumental shift in the automotive industry has provided implications, challenges, and transformative opportunities. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK has stated that the UK Government is committed to making the UK a net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In this article, we will explore the UK’s determined strategy to discontinue conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) and how this scheme is aimed to provide many benefits for the environment and consumers alike, creating an increase in demand for electric vehicles (EV’s). The future of transportation in the UK will become a vital contributor to a healthier planet.

Environmental Benefits:

  • Air Quality: Cleaner air will be available with the phasing out of ICE vehicles. Areas which are highly populated in the UK will have significant improvement in air quality, automatically providing a healthier lifestyle.
  • Carbon Emission: In addition to improved air quality, the 2035 UK ban will provide a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. Current ICE vehicles are the primary contributors to air pollution and greenhouse emissions. The switch to electric vehicles will also decrease carbon footprint and the effects of climate change.
  • Natural Resources: By transitioning to EVs, the reliance on fossil fuels will be reduced. Aiding the preservation of natural resources and fragile ecosystems. By achieving this plan, it will help the UK gain a more sustainable energy future.

Electric Vehicle Demand:

  • Support and Incentives: The UK government is encouraging UK citizens to change to EV’s. Grants, charging infrastructure investments and tax breaks are all incentives and support plans created to attract individuals in adopting EVs.
  • Affordability: EVs are now more accessible and affordable to a wider range of consumers. This is because the demand for EVs is high, leading to growth in competition to produce EVs and economies of scale. With the creation of a more competitive market, prices are becoming increasingly more competitive.
  • Technology: With a surge in demand for EVs, manufacturers will focus on technological advancements to gain an advantage over their competitors. This means future EVs will have more environmentally friendly battery options, longer mile ranges and even faster charging times.

Job Opportunities:

Industries related to EV production, maintenance and charging infrastructure development will increase opportunities for work. This element of the ICE vehicle ban will benefit not only the economy, but it will help towards a more sustainable future for the UK.

In conclusion, the ban on new petrol and diesel cars for 2035 is a fundamental step in making the UK greener and environmentally conscious. It will not only combat air pollution and climate change but also allow transportation to be revolutionised. With the opportunity to provide more jobs and boost the UK economy, electric vehicles will also be more accessible and affordable. We can now look forward to a more sustainable future and cleaner air for years to come.

Why not read these?

Hydrogen Combustion Could Be The New Alternative For EV – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/hydrogen-combustion-could-be-the-new-alternative-for-ev/ 

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car running smoothly. Call one of our professional Service Advisors on 0121 521 3500 for more details.  After all one call does it all!

Why EV’s Should Consider a Guaranteed Maintenance Contract

Despite having fewer moving parts, EV’s still require regular servicing and maintenance.

Why do EV’s need a maintenance contract?

EV’s are continuously being introduced into the market. EV manufacturers, should always consider offering a maintenance contract when selling vehicles. EV’s do have fewer mechanical parts however, there are still some areas that will need to be maintained. Just like any other vehicle the brakes, tyres, coolant and pollen filter will need to be checked and occasionally changed.

Braking System

In addition to conventional brakes, EVs have regenerative braking systems. Some of the energy that is lost when braking is usually fed back to the batteries. Like all vehicles, EVs still need new brake pads and discs overtime as well has brake fluid changed every two years.

Tyre Checks

EVs have been designed to need specialist tyres because they have been designed to cope with additional weight due to the vehicles battery and acceleration. When needing to change tyres it is dependant on the driver style and condition as some tyres will last up to 30,000 miles whereas others can only last 10,000.  Generally, they produce less rolling resistance and create less noise.

The Coolant

An EVs cooling system can be complex due to them being sealed, requiring trained technicians to access, check and maintain them correctly. The coolant is used to manage the temperature of the vehicles battery. How quickly the coolant is used up will vary between each manufacturer.

Pollen Filter

The pollen filter is another part of an EV which will need to be maintain correctly due to it capturing any debris or bacteria, stopping them from entering the vehicle.

What are the benefits of a Guaranteed Maintenance contract?

As the EV market continues to expand, the availability of Guaranteed Maintenance contracts will benefit drivers. Not only will drivers have piece of mind but they can spread the cost, making it more manageable. With the Autoserve Guaranteed Maintenance contract we provide vehicle management, handling all bookings and authorising any work that is needed on the vehicle.

How To Get Your Vehicle Summer Road Trip Ready

Before setting off on any trips this summer, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Check your vehicles maintenance.

It is crucial to make sure your vehicle is running correctly. Scheduling a maintenance check with a technician will ensure that all components are working correctly. Brakes, tyres, fluids, batteries, air conditioning and an overall health check should be completed so you can be aware of any faults with your vehicle to get them fixed before your journey.

Why it is important to get your air conditioning checked. 

Throughout the summer months temperatures rise, increasing the temperature of vehicles, which is why having your vehicles air conditioning system checked is essential. When checking the air conditioning a technician will inspect the vents and refrigerant levels. Your air conditioning system may need a re-gas, which involves removing and adding new refrigerant gas. This is necessary because if it is not changed then overtime the refrigerant can leak out causing the system to be less effective.

When is the best time to travel in the summer?

When it comes to the summer months, traffic congestion may be busier. Recent evidence on Fleet news has shown that this bank holiday weekend ‘will be the busiest for leisure journey’s by car, with around 3.3 million made each day’. Which is why it is always best to plan your travel around peak travel time.

What Fleet Management Is/What it Covers – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/what-fleet-mangement-is-what-it-covers/

Are Fuel Prices Going To Decrease Anymore? – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/are-fuel-prices-going-to-decrease-anymore/

With over 16,000 approved garages, a 24/7 service and a host of cost-saving offers, Autoserve can keep your car running smoothly. Call one of our professional Service Advisors on 0121 521 3500 for more details.  After all one call does it all!