Posted in General | April 2, 2018 

I am not sure how much you really know about cars, trucks, vans, but in case you don’t know that much believe me, it is not a reason to panic, but rather be happy that you came to the right place to learn about such things. My blog is full of useful information that everybody can use in order to become familiar with the ever-growing database of useful info about the motor industry in general.

If you ever wanted to become a mechanic, one of the very first things you would need to learn is how to use a heavy truck lift. This is one of the basic things every person working in a garage needs to learn. Being able to operate heavy machinery is a very useful skill that is absolutely necessary in the life of every person who decided to dedicate their lives to the car industry in some way.

Fortunately, it should be rather easy to learn to operate a heavy duty lift. They key here is to know how to do it safely. This is why, as a mechanic, you always need to ensure that you are fit for the job you are performing. Otherwise, you might just end up injuring yourself and those around you. Just make sure that you get enough rest every day so that when you show up for work you are in good shape to be able to handle any equipment that is given to you.

It definitely pays off to look at some different heavy duty lifts before you decide on something you will want to buy for your business. Just make sure that you know exactly what your needs are and then you should be confident about the shopping choices you are going to make while shopping for your business.

Posted in General | February 6, 2018 

Business is booming for the electric market – 2017 was a record year for new car sales, with approximately 132,000 new electric registrations by December. The success across the market could be attributed to some of the latest developments in the industry meaning that some of the initial set backs are becoming less of an issue to drivers – and the news that the government plan to ban the sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.

As these plans emerge, many automotive manufacturers have now started to plan how they will survive during the transition to cleaner vehicles. Jaguar and Land Rover are late comers to the electric vehicle market, only recently introducing their first all-electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace concept. But that hasn’t stopped them from pulling out all the stops to catch up, by announcing that they plan to be all electric by 2020 – a big step into the EV industry for new comers. This news followed Volvo’s pledge to do the same but by 2019. The prestige brand promises that all new models produced and registered from 2020 will be fully electric or hybrid – and that their customers will have more choice moving forward.

The plan gets significantly more achievable with indications that JLR are interested in building a UK based electric car plant – similar to Nissan’s Sunderland factory – to support the production of their new electric models. Whilst it is not confirmed, the plan is a big step towards the brand committing to their EV plan.

Other manufacturers are considered to be a step ahead of JLR. Nissan have already sold within the thousands of electric models. They are the brains behind the second most popular electric model in retail, and the bestselling all electric model in the UK, the Nissan Leaf – with over 30,500 units sold in the UK, and over 300,000 units worldwide. And with the launch of its newest model, could the Leaf take the top spot. The new model has a battery mileage range that is double the range of its previous models. An issue that was apparent for all manufacturers, not just Nissan.

Engineers at Nissan knew that to make the new model work, something had to be done to improve its range – and that is exactly what they achieved. The 2011 Nissan Leaf had a range of just 75 miles, but progress in the industry has since taken huge leaps towards its new 235 mile range – progress that could be intrinsic to the future success of the model, and for the industry. Additionally, they also fitted the first one pedal driving system – an optional system that allows you to transform the accelerator into an e-pedal to function as a start, stop, accelerate and brake pedal.

The transition has already begun. Drivers have realised the harmful effects of their petrol and diesel automobiles, and the government’s plans are underway. To survive the transition, now is the time to come up with an electric vehicle plan. For automotive manufacturers, they need to get their head in the EV game to survive the market.

Posted in General | January 17, 2018 

It has been reported that a van is broken into every 23 minutes in the UK, with UK tool theft shooting up by over 30% in the last year and police figures suggesting it has rocketed by nearly two thirds in two years. In 2014/15 there was a worrying 14,063 reported tool thefts, to which this number rose to 22,749 in the year 2016/17. With these figures, many van owners and authorities are now raising their concerns that we are witnessing a van tool theft epidemic.

The epidemic

According to Simply Business, the regions suggested to be the most at risk of tool theft are tradesmen within Yorkshire and the Midlands. London is the city at the most risk, with between 200 and 300 tool theft claims reported in 2016, closely followed by Bristol in second place and Sheffield in third. And it appears that it is not just the number of van thefts on the rise, but also the value of van theft claims, with a 40% increase in the average value of tool theft claims witnessed between 2012 and 2016.

In 2015, Simply Business processed a total value of £1.9 million in theft claims – this number then rose to £2.8 million the following year in 2016. The average tool theft claim value now stands at around £1,626 as thieves steal more valuable equipment – a 40% increased on the average claim value in 2015.

But how are thieves breaking into our vans? There are two methods in particular that campaigners are blaming the increase in tool theft on – the ‘peel and steal’ method, and the use of skeleton keys. The peel and steal method is where criminals use their bodyweight to ‘peel’ the van open and then lift the top of the side door open to reveal any tools located in the van. A method that resembles opening a tin of sardines – and many tradesmen have now become aware of. The method has become so popular that campaigners estimate that a total of five tool thefts everyday are committed using the peel and steal method.

The skeleton key is generally a legal tool used to aid locksmiths. However, they have now become readily and easily available online to the general public at the cost of just £20. According to Steffan George from the Master Locksmith Association, “these are legitimate locksmith’s tools…but they shouldn’t be available to everyone.” He goes on to say that they would welcome a restriction on the sale of skeleton keys.

Preventing van tool theft

For many tradesmen, being a victim of tool theft can put their business at a stand-still – their tools are crucial to their work, and avoiding van break ins can be tough. However, commercial vans specialist Van Monster present this guide on protecting your van from tool theft.

Prioritise security

Security should be high up on your priority list when buying a company vehicle – and most modern models offer a good selection of security features to protect your van. Consider tinted windows to reduce visibility, an alarm, immobiliser or deadlocks for all your doors. Whilst they may be an added expense when you buy your van, they could save you money in the long-term in if they protect your van and tools from theft and damage which could also result in you being unable to work.

Lock your van

Your security is only worthwhile if you make use of it. Whenever you leave your van unattended you should always lock it up, including closing all windows and doors. Thieves will take any opportunity they can if they think you have something worthwhile stealing in your van.

Store tools safely

Don’t leave any valuables in your van at any time, and don’t leave any tools on show whilst you are not in your van. You should also consider storing your tools safely indoors overnight and leaving your van empty. Many tradesmen put stickers on their vans to act as a deterrent telling thieves that there are no tools stored in the vehicle overnight.

Be aware of what is in your van

Keep a record of what is in your van at all times. It would be worthwhile retaining the receipts of your tools, especially more expensive and valuable tools, in case you need to make an insurance claim and need to prove the item was included.

Choose your parking location carefully

When parking your vehicle, it is wise to ensure you park your van within a busy area that is likely to have a lot of people around – or in a location that is covered by CCTV. This way you can deter potential thieves from targeting your van, and in the event that your van is broken into, there are likely to be witnesses, or CCTV footage.

Tool insurance

Unfortunately, tool theft is always going to be a risk no matter what precautions you take to try and prevent it. You should consider specific tool insurance to ensure that all your tools are cover should you ever find yourself, or your company, a victim of tool theft.

Sources

https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2017/04/uk-tool-theft-up-30-per-cent-tradesman-claims-data-reveals-theft-hotspots/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/39744644/epidemic-of-van-tool-thefts-blamed-on-skeleton-key

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4172302/Van-drivers-warned-peel-seek-theft-craze.html

https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2017/06/the-20-pound-skeleton-key-behind-thousands-of-uk-tool-thefts/

Posted in General | December 14, 2017 

In July, the government announced a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel by 2040 in an attempt to clean up the air quality in the UK. This news follows in the footsteps of some of our neighbouring countries who also plan for an all-electric nation in the future. Norway plan to stop the sales of petrol and diesel by 2025 and Germany by 2030, with France working towards the same target as the UK.

But how does the UK plan to hit their 2040 plan? The UK has already witnessed a significant increase in the sale of new electric and hybrid vehicles, with the first seven months of 2017 seeing over 107,000 new electric cars registered compared with just 3,500 registrations in the whole of 2013 – but how can the UK guarantee the continuous growth of electric vehicles, and a decline in petrol and diesel?

Here, car business leasing experts, Rosedale Leasing discuss what the UK can do in the coming years to ensure they hit their 2040 plan.

Diesel Scrappage Schemes

Several manufacturers have already introduced diesel scrappage schemes, such as BMW, Audi and Ford, whilst the government has temporarily put its scrappage schemes on hold. Each diesel scrappage scheme differs per manufacturer or franchise – their aim is to act as an incentive to reward car owners for switching their old diesel cars for a low emissions alternative, with some scrappage schemes offering savings from £2,000 up to £7,000.

Despite previous government’s encouraging UK drivers to purchase diesel vehicles due to their low CO2 output, their harmful nitrogen emissions have since become apparent. Pollution caused by harmful emissions can also potentially cause heart disease or strokes, which is why the government is planning to introduce the scheme nationwide to reduce the levels of harmful toxins in the air.

Previously, the government invested £300 million into vehicle scrappage in 2009 to help clean up the air – the latest diesel scrappage scheme was put on hold in March as costs were expected to hit £2billion, however Teresa May insists that scheme will still be introduced. As the London Mayor suggests, drivers should be given a fee near to £3,000 as an incentive, although it is expected to be around £2,000 when it is passed.

Despite the government planning to launch their scrappage scheme in the near future, it’s understandable that manufacturers have grown tired of waiting and introduced their own. With the likes of Ford, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen putting schemes in place for diesel scrappage, car owners don’t have to wait for the government to benefit from scrappage incentives – this could be the beginning of the end for diesel.

The government’s plan

Whilst Teresa May has reassured the UK that their scrappage scheme will eventually go ahead, its launch date has been postponed. However, the government plan to combat some of electric vehicles’ biggest downfalls. One of which is the number of charging points across the UK. A new law outlined by the Government has stated that fuel stations must provide charging points for all electric vehicles. Motorway service stations and large fuel retailers will be required to provide convenient access to charging points throughout the UK.

A multimillion pound deal with ChargePoint was agreed upon back in May 2017, which will see InstaVolt install at least 3,000 rapid charging points at fuel station forecourts across the UK. The rapid charging points can charge up to 80% of an electric cars battery in just 20-30 minutes,

It is predicted that to make the nation all-electric, peak demand will rise by 50% according the National Grid. It Is estimated that the UK will need to build around 10,000 wind turbines to meet the demand of all the electric replacements – which could cost the government around £200 billion. But if the government plan to hit their 2040 target, they should be prepared to make the required investments.

Why electric?

Diesel cars are said to emit 50% more toxic emissions than they should, contributing to air pollution. The UK’s capital, London, is said to be the most polluted area in the country, with up to 40,000 premature deaths a year supposedly linked to the poor air quality.

Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds all have noticeably high levels of air pollution too. Birmingham and Leeds have committed to introducing Clean Air Zones into their cities by 2020, whereby old buses, taxis, coaches and lorries will have to pay a fee when entering the zone. However, this doesn’t affect private car owners.

According to the Department for Transport, 37 top-selling diesel cars exceed the legal emissions limit required in air pollution testing. However, electric and hybrid cars can reduce emissions by up to 40%, and help towards a cleaner air quality – hopefully, reducing the number of associated deaths. According to Nextgreencar.com, electric plug-in vehicles can reduce carbon emissions by around 40% when compared to a small petrol car, and by 25% when compared with a ‘fuel-efficient’ diesel car. These significant reductions can have a dramatic improvement on the UK’s air quality.

Thankfully, electric cars are already becoming more popular across the UK, and with the government’s plan for 2040, we can only hope that this popularity continues.

Posted in General | December 9, 2017 

Purchasing a luxury car comes with a new set of rules that are starkly different than everyday vehicles. You will put some money into the car even after it’s purchased outright. Make that car feel like it’s brand new once again by paying close attention to these care tips. Major breakdowns are easily avoided with these habits in place.

Keep Up With Oil Changes

Today’s luxury cars don’t need frequent oil changes, but they can’t be overlooked either. Be ready to pay for synthetic or specialized oil to keep the engine purring. This oil smoothly covers those hot, engine parts. High-end cars have the performance that you want, and the engine components must have the proper lubrication to continue with those features. Oil changes include new fluids, filter and basic evaluations around the engine block.

Wipe it Down With Care

Avoid those automatic car washes that can scratch your car’s finish. Use microfiber cloths in a hand-wash situation. Taking care of the paint reduces wear over time. You want the car’s value to remain as high as possible. The exterior finish is part of that value. Continue to care for the car by wiping down the interior surfaces. Plastic or leather dashboards require varying degrees of cleaning products. Read every label before applying any products to your luxury car.

Rotate Those Tires

Luxury cars tend to have wheels with narrow tires. The rubber declines very quickly on those tires so rotate them for the longest lifespan. You or a professional can rotate the wheels every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The wear becomes uniform across all four tires, which gives them a safe life until replacement is necessary.

Fix Up Items Under Warranty

When you purchase a luxury car, it comes with a warranty period. Pay attention to the inclusions within the warranty. Take advantage of any complementary services during this period because you’ll be required to pay for them after the warranty expires. Ideally, request almost every perk from the warranty, such as tightening the seatbelt mechanisms. The car’s features last longer with this preventive maintenance.

Find a mechanic who you trust early on in the car’s lifespan. An independent worker or dealer, such as BMW Alpharetta GA, can become your partner during the decade or longer time span that the car can potentially gain from good service. Prioritize maintenance, and you’ll save money.

Posted in General | December 7, 2017 

Take a look at your vehicle’s headlights, your glassware and mirrors, and your solar panels. Also look at your mobile device, particularly its coating. Notice the smoothness of the finish on all of these items, their clarity. This is not done thanks to hours of hand-polishing by individuals. Most of the time, the surfaces of the result of vacuum coating equipment that covers the products minus harmful compounds. And, this is done on millions of products each day.

Companies like Vergason Technology are one of the many which handle this type of production. The concept of vacuum coating uses a concept called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). With PVD, the materials to be used are vaporized from a source, call it the target, and then transported through a vacuum to be deposited on the part. You could consider it a precursor of “Star Trek” transporters, minus billions of atoms being transported across hundreds of miles.

The result of PVD is a metal coating that is used not simply for the decorative finishes mentioned above but for medical electronics, military hardware, avionic, and mobile devices. The PVD process is also used to create Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding for many products. The advantages to vacuum coating are a durability which doesn’t require a clear protective top-coat but still maintains a shining chrome finish.

Should you be interested in this manufacturing process, you need to consider some items. First, check the length of time a company has been around. While a new company may have the latest technology and equipment, they may not have the accumulated knowledge of older companies which allowed them to learn from their mistakes.

Second, see what other customers of the company have said. If a vacuum coating company isn’t willing to provide information on their current clients, then it’s best not to go with them. You want to work with a team which is proud of their services and the clients who they support.

Third, always get a quote. Actually, get a number of quotes. Don’t go with the company that has the newest equipment — they may not know how to use it properly. Look at the prices and the reviews to get a clear sense of which organization you wish to work with.

Posted in General | November 16, 2017 

A lot of car owners think that their existing car insurance is more than enough to cover them in case something untoward happens. But little do they know that it sometimes covers only parts stipulated within the contract and often find themselves in a mess when something bad happens.

While an additional coverage may be a little costly on the initial outlay, it can be beneficial in so many ways.  This has been a proven way of having a worry-free car ownership than being surprised with gargantuan maintenance and repair bills in the long run.

An Additional Car Insurance Covers Most Repairs

Because you are using your vehicle to drive your kids to school, to go to work, and move around, a lot of things can happen to it. Unexpected accidents are a sure way of not just going broke because of car repairs, but you may also lose your car if it is not fixed immediately.

While the initial coverage may last for a couple of years, problems are always bound to happen beyond those. Prolonging the coverage and finding the best auto warranty coverage by knowing what to qualify for is the best way of safeguarding your pocket from enormously unexpected bills. Companies like Endurance Auto Warranty provide tips and advice when shopping around for a package that will suit your economical needs.

Not only are you protecting your vehicle for a long time, but it will also make sure that you get the best services offered by partner workshops and accredited servicemen who can take care of your car when an untoward breakdown happens.

Also, when your car suddenly breaks down because of accidental issues, under-the-hood repairs can be quite costly. Having an additional insurance does not only cover routine maintenance but untoward repairs as well.

Get Value-added Services Included with Your Coverage

Most insurance providers do not just cover repair and maintenance of electrical systems, transmission, engine, air-conditioner, or any other crucial components. They also provide value-added services which make it more ideal for people who would like to get the best out of their vehicle´s life.

Most of the main benefits of having a comprehensive and prolonged car insurance do not just come with the protection itself, but the value-added features as well. When your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you very well know how difficult getting roadside assistance can be. Aside from paying huge amounts of money to the towing company, you have to get pay extra just to have your car repaired.

In some instances, having an insurance coverage can get you back on the road without shelling huge amounts of money. This saves you on additional expenses because the insurance provider will cover the costs of having your car restored.

Also, considering that your vehicle needs to pass the Federal Government’s Environmental Protection Agency Standards, repairs to have it met will be needed. Usually, such reconditioning can be very expensive as it involves cleaning or possibly replacing the car´s exhaust components.

Corrosion and rust warranty is sometimes included as one of the value-added features for having a prolonged insurance. This means that your vehicle will be protected against needed repairs in case the metal parts acquire rust or corrosion.

Posted in General | November 8, 2017 

New York City can be difficult to navigate under the best of circumstances. When you combine factors like the weather, rush hour, or road construction, you risk not arriving to your destination on time and being at your wit’s ends by the time you finally get to where you need to go.

Rather than be late to important meetings or jeopardize your sanity trying to drive in some of the most challenging conditions in the country, you may prefer to have someone do the driving for you. You can arrive on time and in style by hiring a professional driving service, shuttle, or Brooklyn limo service today.

Navigation Made Easy

Even if you have lived in NYC your entire life, you may not have the best grasp of driving in and around the city. In fact, you might be more accustomed to taking the subway or bus than driving yourself through any of the buroughs.

When you have an important obligation to which you cannot be late, you may not trust your own driving abilities to get you there on time. A professional limo driver will have the skills to navigate traffic, avoid backed up roads, bypass construction, and handle any kind of weather on that particular day. He or she will get you there on time and with your sanity intact.

Arriving in Style

You also may want to arrive in style to your important meeting or date. You do not want to risk wrinkling your clothing or stuffing yourself into a tiny car or truck.

A limousine has ample space for you to fit comfortably without marring your apparel or having to scrunch your legs or arms to fit inside the car. You can stretch out, relax, and take in the sights of the city while the driver takes you to where you need to go.

You can get rates, hours, and availability information by going to the company’s website. You can even reserve the dates for which you need the transportation. Making a reservation early can help you avoid the rush of wedding and prom season when such vehicles are in high demand.

Brooklyn is home to some of the busiest roads in the world. You can forget driving or having to navigate challenging conditions by hiring a professional to drive you in a spacious limo to your important obligations.

Posted in General | October 30, 2017 

Buying a car with a warranty can be comforting for drivers.  After all, they are insurance products for a vehicle which will protect you from footing the bill of surprising, and sometimes expensive, repair costs. They also often cover you when your car simply needs looking at due to general wear and tear.

But there are some things that you should know when it comes to car warranties. With the help of Advanced Radiators, we look at the most common myths to ensure you don’t trip up when looking into these policies:

1.      You need a car warranty to drive

On the contrary to what most people think, you are not required to have a car warranty. Usually new cars come with a standard warranty which lasts three years and 60,000 miles. After this, it is your decision whether you would like to purchase additional car warranty, or if you are prepared to accept the risk of an unexpected repair bill.

2.      To get finance for a car, you need warranty

This is just a sales technique – you can get a car on finance without warranty. Don’t get sucked into sales pitches like this as having a car warranty is not essential.

3.      Every car warranty is the same

There are many different offers when it comes to car warranties. Some warranties are more comprehensive than others which may be necessary for your car. Conduct your due diligence before purchasing a car warranty to prevent any small print that you may have missed or hidden charges.

4.      You can only buy car warranty at the place where you bought your car

As the motor industry is competitive, there are many different rates when it comes to warranties for your car. It is possible that the dealership from which you purchased your car may offer you a good deal, however you should still shop around and do your research to find a car warranty that will benefit you and your vehicle.

5.      You need a full-service history to get a warranty

You’re also not obliged to give a service history of your vehicle to buy a warranty. However, you should ensure that your car is in good condition and has been looked after in accordance with the manufacturers schedule.

6.      You don’t need to maintain your car, your warranty will cover it

Even if your car has warranty, you’re still responsible for maintaining it. To keep maintenance of the car high, you should follow advice outlined in your driver’s manual.

7.      All problems that occur are covered by your warranty

If you have a warranty with your cars manufacturer, this is likely to be true. But there are always exceptions and exclusions – you should check the terms and conditions to know where you stand.

8.      All types of car warranties fall under the same categories

If you have a regular breakdown, this is referred to as a ‘wear and tear’, however if you have a mechanical breakdown this is likely to be due to a manufacturers issue. Bear in mind that breakdown cover is not the same as a car warranty, as that type of cover will simply take your car to the garage – it will not pay for the charges you will face.

9.      You can buy a car warranty to fix a problem that has already occurred

Before purchasing a warranty, your car should be in its best standard – any damages that occur before such as problems with your car radiators will be voided on your warranty. You will find that many providers will not pay out on claims made within 90 days to avoid drivers taking out a warranty on a car that had existing problems.

10. If your cars too old, you can’t get warranty

If your car is over 10 years-old combined with over 100,000 miles, it might be difficult to find a company that will give you warranty. There are a few companies out there that will offer car warranties to vehicles up to 12-years old but you will be faced with a higher cost.

Sources:

https://www.autoloansolutions.ca/blog/5-myths-on-extended-car-warranty-under-the-spotlight/

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/car-warranty/top-10-warranty-myths-debunked/

http://www.warrantywise.co.uk/warranty-myths/

Posted in General | October 6, 2017 

Farmers and ranchers put their cars and trucks to the test each day. Tasks like hauling livestock and moving cattle from pasture to pasture calls for people in these industries to have reliable vehicles that can handle the animals’ stress and weight.

A big part of making sure your truck is ready for any agricultural job involves having gear like spare tires, hydraulic trailer jacks, bed slides, and other equipment on hand. You do not have to shop at your local tractor and farm supply store to get the items you need. You can order everything online and have the accessories delivered to your farm or ranch.

Shopping by Category

You never realize how many accessories play a role in your productivity until one or more of them stop working. At that point, you appreciate their function and eagerly want to get them replaced as soon as possible.

When you go to the website, you can quickly shop for what you need by using the category filters on the page. The website is set up so that you can shop for lifts, slides, jacks, and more without having to shop page by page. You can then add it to your virtual shopping cart and check out using one of the approved payment methods.

Before you check out, however, you may want to explore the deals and savings available to you on the website. One of the primary ways of finding out what deals are available involves signing up for the company’s newsletter. The newsletter gives you notice of what items are going on sale and what special discounts might be available to you as a customer.

You can also use the specials link at the top of the website. This link shows you what percentage of savings are available and how much you can take off your total bill at checkout time. These savings can lower your total and help you keep more money in your bank account.

You also save money by using the free shipping option. You do not have to pay to have the items sent out to you. You only are responsible for the parts’ costs as well as any taxes that might apply in the state in which you are living. These savings let you keep more money in your cash flow that you can use for your farm or ranch.