Category Archives: Motoring Tips & Advice

The Underrated Benefits of Cruise Control

Cruise control is an effective feature created in the automotive industry. However, this feature is often overlooked. The design of this system is to maintain a constant speed without the need to press the accelerator pedal. Cruise control offers a range of benefits that can enhance your driving experience and safer travelling. Below are many advantages of cruise control in vehicles.

 

 

 

 

  1. Reduced Fatigue

Driving long distances without cruise control can be exhausting because maintaining a set speed increases fatigue. Using this feature not only relaxes the driver’s feet/ legs but also provides more focus on situational awareness and steering. Additionally, cruise control promotes mental alertness and reduces physical tiredness.

  1. Speeding

Cruise control can be beneficial in areas with strict speed limits. Helping drivers avoid unintentional speeding with a system designed to maintain a preset speed, ensuring you stay within legal speed limits, preventing legal consequences or costly tickets. Cruise control benefits the driver with its fuel efficiency, eliminating the need for constant speed adjustments. Providing a more relaxed and enjoyable ride for both the driver and passengers.

  1. Fuel Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of the cruise control feature in vehicles is the impact of fuel consumption when cruise control is engaged. Maintaining a constant speed avoids the unnecessary use of accelerating and deceleration, leading to further fuel consumption. Using cruise control on motorways can save fuel between 6-14%.

  1. Adaptive cruise control

With advanced technology for modern vehicles, cruise control contributes to safer driving conditions. This advanced feature automatically adjusts the speed based on traffic flow, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. This increases the safety of the driver and the vehicle, it reduces the risk of potential hazards ahead and provides an extra layer of convenience.

In conclusion, cruise control is a feature that benefits the driver in long motorway drives. Offering many tangible benefits ranging from fuel efficiency, advanced safety and reduces fatigue. With the significant advancement of technology, cruise control is a small yet impactful feature which gives you a more comfortable and efficient automotive experience.

Exploring Conventional vs. Modern Methods for Jump-Starting Your Vehicle

Learn the difference between conventional and modern methods of jump-starting a vehicle and make a significant difference. Whether you are in a remote location alone or stand-still traffic, having the skill in your arsenal is always helpful. Today we will explore two common methods for jump-starting a car: the conventional approach and the modern alternative.

 

 

 

 

The tools you need (conventional):

  • The vehicle with the flat battery, is positioned where jump leads can easily reach the battery.
  • Driver manual
  • Working jump leads.
  • With permission, use another vehicle with a fully charged battery (do not use the electric or hybrid vehicle as it could cause damage to the battery of the vehicle.)

The tools you need (modern):

  • Jump Starter Battery Pack & user manual
  • Driver manual
  • Jump leads (some jump starter battery packs come with built-in jump leads)

Additionally, do NOT remove the jump leads while both cars are on. The vehicle electrics will get damaged if you do so.

Conventional Jump-starting with another vehicle:

Pro’s:

  • Wider Availability: it is easier to get another vehicle for jumpstarting your vehicle.
  • No additional equipment: The most common equipment you will only need is the jumper cables and another vehicle.

Con’s:

  • Dependence: Relying on another individual to first use their car to help jump-start your own as well as the willingness to help assist you.
  • Safety: Connecting the jumper cables incorrectly can damage the vehicle and lead to potential injury.
  • Limited Accessibility: There are many factors which can harm the accessibility of gaining another car, such as the location you have broken down, making it more difficult.

Modern Method – Jump Starter Battery Pack:

Pro’s:

  • Safety Features: Modern jump starter battery packs come with additional features which reduce the chance of damaging your vehicle through reverse polarity and self-injury.
  • Independence: You don’t need another vehicle to complete this process, making it a more self-sufficient solution.
  • Portable: Most battery packs are designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable, making it easy to store and providing convenience when on the road.

Con’s:

  • Cost: The initial cost of jump starter packs is higher compared to the conventional route of using a set of jumper cables and the help of another vehicle
  • Power: Jump starter battery packs are suitable for many standard vehicles. However, it may be an issue when jump-starting a larger vehicle like Vans or wagons.

With both methods taken into consideration, there are positives and negatives to both. Having another vehicle reliable and available, makes the conventional method easier for jump-starting a vehicle but the dependency and safety concerns affect this method. Using the jump starter battery pack offers a greater level of independence, being a unique portable solution with ease of use, however the downside mainly falls to the upfront cost. The choice between each method is dependent on your preference, situation, and the level of convenience you prioritise.

Step-by-step guide: Conventional and Modern ways to jump-start a vehicle.

Flat batteries in vehicles are a nuisance to all drivers, and the solution is to jump-start the vehicle. On occasions, this problem may be more substantial than originally thought and you will need professional assistance to fix this issue. Further implications can arise if those who jump-start their vehicle do not follow the process correctly.

If you are eager to complete this task by yourself, please read the instructions in your driver handbook and follow those steps if they are different to the instructions below.

 

 

Safety with jump leads:

It is important to remember that all batteries used in vehicles produce flammable gases. Learn how to check the battery and jump leads safely:

  • Do not jump-start a vehicle if the flat battery looks damaged or is leaking.
  • Do not use jump leads that are damaged.
  • It is important to stop using the jump leads if they get hot.

 Safety in your environment:

  • Do not smoke or have a flame near the vehicle when going through the jump-starting process.
  • Remove clothing which can get caught in the engine parts such as a scarf or tie.
  • Remove anything metal, such as rings, necklaces, clips, stray wires etc. If the battery is on and in contact with another metal object, it has the potential to cause a spark and make the battery explode.

 Conventional step-by-step guide to jump-start a car

You will need a fully functioning vehicle to proceed with this process. Make sure the vehicle has a charged battery and the vehicle used is similar in battery voltage as your own (usually 12 volts).

  1. Positioning of vehicles.
  • Park the cars next to or opposite one another (not touching).
  • Put the handbrakes on and make sure the vehicle ignition is off.
  1. Connecting the red jump lead.
  • Use the red jump lead and connect it to the flat battery’s positive (+) station as well as the working battery’s positive (+) station.
  1. Connecting the black jump lead.
  • Attach the black jump lead to the negative (-) station on the working battery.
  • With the opposite end of the black jump lead, attach it to an earthing point (chassis or unpainted metal on the engine block) away from the fuel system and flat battery.
  1. Starting the other car.
  • It is important to keep both vehicle engines off and wait for a total of 3 minutes, then start the fully functioning vehicle, and let it run for a minute.
  1. Start the flat battery vehicle.
  • Wait a couple of minutes and then turn the engine with the flat battery on.
  1. Leave them to run.
  • Leave both vehicles running once turned on for several minutes (roughly 10 minutes).
  1. Turn off and disconnect.
  • Once the time is completed, turn off both vehicles, remove the keys and then carefully disconnect the leads in the opposite order to how they were first connected (removing the black lead from the flat battery car first and finishing with the red lead from the functioning car.)
  • Please ensure that both leads do not touch either car or one another when removing them.
  1. Restart your car.
  • With the flat battery vehicle, please try turning the key in its ignition to see if your car will start.

If your car does not start, then there can be a more serious problem which will need to be seen by a professional.

Modern method to jump-start a car

You will need a jump starter battery pack to proceed with this process.

  1. Keep the flat battery vehicle off with the keys out of the ignition.
  2. Using the battery pack, connect the RED positive cable to the positive thermal on the battery.
  3. Proceed to connect the BLACK negative cable to the engine block or a non-conductive piece of metal in your car.
  4. Once both cables are connected correctly, you can turn on the portable jump starter battery pack. Leave the vehicle still switched off.
  5. After a couple of minutes, proceed to switch on the vehicle and it should start. This is because the flow of electricity from the device will have travelled in the battery of the car.

How to remove jump leads: step-by-step guide

When removing the jump leads, this process will be in the opposite order when using the conventional or modern method. Here are the correct steps to remove jump leads.

  • Make sure to switch off the engines on both vehicles or vehicle and battery pack.
  • Take the black jump lead off the earthing point (chassis or unpainted metal on the engine block). For the battery pack, it will be the same.
  • Following the above point, remove the other end of the black jump lead from the charged battery’s negative (-) station. Will not be relevant for the battery pack.
  • Now remove the red from the charged battery’s positive (+) station. Will not be relevant for the battery pack.
  • Remove the other end of the red lead from the positive (+) station on the flat battery. Do the same for the battery pack.
  • Make sure the jump leads do not touch either or any metal.

What to do after the process has worked:

If the vehicle has jump-started, you will need the alternator to put the charge back in the battery fully. To do so, drive the vehicle like normal for as long as possible (30 minutes is enough) without using the vehicle lights or radio for an efficient recharge. Avoid driving in stop-start traffic.

When to change a car battery?

A car battery should only be changed when it displays symptoms of deterioration. However, the average car battery should last between three to four years. Take into equation different models and brands, some batteries may last longer than four years and some may need changing more frequently.

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!