Vans, Cars and Leasing

Councils have just found a new place to hide cameras – on lollipop sticks! It’s the latest way to catch law-breaking motorists.

The new technology is designed to crack down on drivers who fail to stop or hurl abuse at council workers. The Local Authority Association claims that 1,400 patrol staff are victims of road rage each year, despite the fact that a lollipop is legally identical to a red traffic light, and ignoring them can lead to fines.

Images captured on the cameras, in Kirless, West Yorkshire, could be used to prosecute drivers. Maker Routesafe claims another 150 councils across the country have also expressed an interest in the devices, and could soon be using them, too.

The system uses a pair of tiny battery powered cameras – one filming the road in each direction. These are activated automatically when the lollipop is carried at an angle to the middle of the road, then planted upright on the tarmac.

They record until the stick is moved again, but because of the purposely designed narrow lens, capture only what’s happening on the tarmac, and not pedestrians on the pavement. The video footage is stored on a memory card. It allows 40 hours of patrol use, and sound recording is available as an option.

Each lollipop costs £890, which is pricey compared with £250 for a regular one. But, as Routesafe’s product manager Lee Fairbrother explained, it’s cheaper than the alternative: “A CCTV camera fixed on a pole would be £1,000 and it can’t be moved around.”

This flexibility is part of its appeal, as most councils who are interested want to buy a few so they can move them around different crossing patrols. “They believe the deterrent effect would be enough,” he added.

A new retro-fit hybrid conversion that unlocks the potential to save 61% on fuel costs and lower tailpipe emissions by 39% has been launched.

The conversion, which has a removable battery pack, upgrades existing vehicles to hybrid technology. However, the technology, which was developed in the UK by MIRA engineers, will be sold only to carmakers for use on new models. A demonstrator has been built around a Skoda Fabia.

As a “plug-in hybrid” the vehicle can charge its Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries by running its engine or by plugging into the mains. The advantage with this new system is that the lightweight battery pack – about 11kg – can be lifted out of the car for recharging.

“Despite advances in powertrain technology you can still obtain electricity from your domestic provider far cheaper and greener than you can produce it via an automotive combustion engine, so ‘plug-in’ hybrids make sense,” said Derek Charters, MIRA’s advanced powertrain manager.

“With this project we’ve removed the primary limitation of the ‘plug-in hybrid’ concept by allowing the battery pack to come to the mains, rather than having to park right next to a socket.”

The 50/50 hybrid derives power jointly from a 60Kw petrol engine at the front and two 35KW inboard motors powering the rear wheels though MIRA’s e-differential. The H4V returns 64mpg, as measured on the EU drive cycle. Whilst general levels of performance, such as top speed and acceleration are similar to standard.

As an evaluation tool, the demonstration vehicle is not for public sale, so the project received support through the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) Low Carbon R&D programme, which is funded by the Department for Transport.

“This project has designed a new system allowing hybrids to be more flexible and practical for every day use,” Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive, said.

“With over 20% of the UK’s total carbon emission produced by road transport every year, these advances in technology are vital.”

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services - Van and Car Leasing
Hybrid Car Leasing

Michelin has broken new ground with its latest green rubber. While rivals warn that super fuel-efficient tyres may not handle and brake as well as normal ones, its Energy Saver has shown it can be done.

Its new compound minimises the heat created through the tyre deforming as it turns, so more of the engine power is used to move the car. This is critical to fuel consumption, as around one tank in five is used just to turn the rubber.

The result is a tyre which, in independent tests, returned fuel consumption that was around five per cent better than a premium make rival. Improvement in rolling resistance and fuel economy usually means compromises elsewhere, but tests by German standards agency TUV have shown that this fourth-generation Energy Saver should last a year longer than rivals.

The Energy Saver first appeared on Peugeot’s 308 and is now available in the aftermarket. The range covers 29 sizes, growing to 42 by the end of the year covering T, H and V speed ratings (up to 150mph). Prices are the same as for the existing Energy range, which it replaces.

While buying repair information and products we have a wide range to choose from. One takes pride by servicing his BMW parts himself. This not only saves money but also time. All that is required is a thorough understanding of the BMW manual and BMW parts in detail. By purchasing the BMW manual, money can be saved. Moreover money saved i money earned.Brakes are one of the most important bmw parts. BMW recommends that the brake fluid system in their cars be flushed and bled every year. Considering the importance of properly working brakes, this is the single most important maintenance item and often the most overlooked.

The primary threats to a brake system are water, dirt, and air. Brake fluid will absorb water and rust out the system from within. It will also accumulate dirt, which can ruin the machined surfaces in the brake master cylinder and the brake calipers. And air can sit in the lines and cause the brakes to be spongy and less effective.

Some people think it is possible to flush your brake fluid too much, but this is really incorrect. For most purposes, though, it should be enough to do it once every year. It depends on how much driving you do in a year, whether it is in the city or on a highway, what transmission your car might be equipped with and how you treat the brakes in your car. How much you spend on brake fluid is minimal, usually somewhere between 10 and 15 dollars, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Those people who own BMW automobiles and who take courses in race car driving, know it is crucial to have this done expertly and often. The majority of us like to do it personally while attempting to become familiar with the various BMW components. Although bleeding the brake lines is generally accomplished by a two-man team, it is a good learning experience to perform this task alone.

Many BMW accessories are available in the market, but it is not easy to get the originals. One essential tool is a pressure bleeder. Because of the manner in which it operates, it is essential that a pressure tool achieve a sufficient vacuum. Many commercial bleeders are obtainable on today’s aftermarket. They operate by drawing fluid from the caliper. The general consensus, though, is that they do not function well.

Accessories are definitely important components for a Mercedes-Benz. Aside from enhancing the already fine looking vehicles of this German brand, performance and style-improving auto parts are useful also because they maintain the good condition of the automobile. Among the accessories that best exemplify this character of add-on components are the Mercedes floor mats.

Manufactured with heavy-duty plastic and rubber materials, Mercedes floor mats keep unwanted dirt from getting onto the cabin carpet as well as on the floor pan surface. Ideally placed on exposed carpeted areas, these car accessories prevent solid road particles, such as sand, rocks, and soil from messing up the cabin flooring. Designed with deep channels on its dirt-repelling and moisture-resistant surface, these floor mats trap the dirt and prevent them from getting smudged. Mercedes drivers do not need to worry about the growth of molds on their carpet or about the lurid stains of spilled liquids.

When vicious dirt gets caught on the fibrous surface of the carpet flooring of one’s Mercedes-Benz, there is a need for frequent vacuuming and washing. Sometimes, the base gets rusty, and that needs to be mended through refinishing. Such scenarios only bring inconvenience to the owner and passengers as well as to the vehicle itself.

As important as maintaining the cleanliness of a luxury car’s floor is keeping the vehicle’s elegance. Available in beige, black, and grey, the colors of the stock Mercedes floor mats are rather neutral while other aftermarket units are offered in several other shades. While the choice of mat color is an aesthetic decision, it is of prime importance to ensure that the mat one is getting is custom-fitted the particular Mercedes model, complete with its three-pointed star emblem at the hood or front end.

Car accessories like the Mercedes floor mats are clearly good investments for any owner who wants to keep his luxurious floor unsoiled and, at the same time, stylish. What these durable floor mats mean to every Mercedes owner is that maintenance of an automobile’s good condition does not have to cost that much or have to require so much effort all the time.

Night-time driving is inevitable. One way or another, one has to drive along a dark road under the looming night sky. It may be going through dark tunnels, too. Either case, darkness must be conquered by the driver. After all, not all roads are well-lit and clear. Obstructions such as road bumps or inconspicuous pedestrian lanes must be kept visible to the driver’s eyes. Carmakers like Nissan understand this need very well, thus they have continuously developed an efficient lighting system for their respective car line-ups.

A Nissan’s lighting system consists mainly of the headlights, tail lights, and the fog lights. The headlights are the key part that allows people to drive even in the darkest places. Their beam may even be controlled, helping the driver to see the entire surroundings. Just like any other component in the lighting system, the headlights need powerful light bulbs. For a more satisfying result, it is recommended for car owners to find specific headlight bulbs for their particular car model. For example, Nissan Quest drivers must purchase only the Nissan Quest headlight bulb. It is an OEM part that can outlast other brands, capable of providing longevity. The Nissan Quest headlight bulb is guaranteed to fit perfectly into each piece of the Quest’s headlights. The same specifics must be observed with the tail lights and the fog lights, too.

Another set of lights complete the Nissan’s lighting system. It is called the auxiliary lights. The auxiliary lights serve another purpose aside from illumination. They allow road communication to happen by merely blinking. For instance, a driver who needs to make a turn must signal this intention by activating the turn signal lights. Doing so will inform the other drivers on the road to clear the way, thus avoiding accidents.

The key to maintaining a good night drive is to have excellent light bulbs like the Nissan Quest headlight bulb. As always, it is best to come all set when driving. Even when darkness is encountered, one can still go a long way, with the aid of A-grade quality light bulbs.

Nothing beats the luxurious ride offered by a Mercedes vehicle. A smooth Mercedes ride is impossible without a well-functioning fuel system. Failure of this system is as good as having no car at all. The fuel system is made up of a number of components, one of which is the Mercedes fuel injector.

The task of the Mercedes fuel injector is to feed the combustion chamber with fuel for combustion. The fuel pump of the Mercedes vehicle provides the pressurized fuel for the fuel injectors. Located at the intake manifold, the fuel injector is a tiny electric valve controlled by an electric signal. Upon the command of the electric signal, the fuel injector opens to inject fuel for the combustion process and closes again after supplying enough fuel. An accurate fuel supply is crucial for a more efficient combustion, good fuel economy, and powerful vehicle performance. Excessive supply of fuel results in waste that comes out as a toxic exhaust emission. On the other hand, insufficient fuel supply results in poor vehicle performance.

Clogging of the Mercedes fuel injector is the chief cause of inaccurate fuel supply. Although the fuel filter sifts out contaminants from the fuel, a certain amount remains in the fuel injector. Thus, Mercedes owners must be always ready with a fuel system cleaner to wash the dirt off the fuel injector. It is ideal to clean the fuel injectors every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. This can prolong the life of a car’s fuel injector.

However, replacement is still the best recourse when regular cleaning of fuel injector seems to do no good. Replacing fuel injectors is easy to do and easy on the pocket. Replacement fuel injectors do not cost more than a hundred dollars and installation can be done by a trusted auto mechanic.

With increasing fuel prices and concerns over the environment and global warming, we all want to look at ways of saving money and helping our planet. When comes to your car and the driving you do, you have the opportunity to do both at the same time.

Econotune is the outcome of the shared knowledge of some of the UK’s leading engine tuning companies. Whereas traditionally, engine tuning has concentrated on the performance side, Econotune are looking to obtain the best economy (increased MPG) from your engine, your driving style and journey type.

By modifying your cars controlling computer (ECU) and the parameters used in various conditions by the engine program (fuel and ignition basically) we can improve not only the drivability of the vehicle, the delivery of the power and the power it self but primarily, the economy.

Econotune is a mobile service that can come to you home or workplace as the programming can be performed almost anywhere, We offer big discounts for groups (2+) cars in one location and of course we can supply pricing for fleet work if required.

We performed our work on a fleet of Patient Transport Services (PTS) ambulances and after which they started to save a huge £6.80 per day per ambulance!

So, with big savings on fuel bills this can be of great benefit to companies and individuals alike, cars, vans and even trucks. We give a 14day trial period as the work we do is fully reversible, so can you afford not to at least try it?

How does economy mapping work-

The basics:

Out of engine efficiency come both power and economy, so if an engine is more powerful for its capacity this allows it to run at a lower RPM to move the vehicle. Because we create more torque from the engine, you can move into a higher gear at an earlier point during acceleration and then maintain that higher gear for a longer time.

We achieve an increase in torque by altering the fuel pressure, the injector timing and turbo boost pressure (obviously where applicable). Whilst this seems like it is going to increase the amount of fuel used it has the opposite affect when applied.

OK lets be honest. If we increase the output of an engine, even if the emphasis is on economy, its going to be faster – it goes hand in hand! If you are going to drive the car faster it is not going to take a genius to realize you are going to use more fuel! Therefore you need to appreciate that you need to be driving in the same style and at the same average speed (within reason) to obtain the benefits, but we will assume you are going to do this otherwise you would go for performance mapping instead.

The most important aspect though is your driving style. The steadier your throttle foot the better your economy. Cruise control is superb for maintaining a steady speed, most cars have it – use it if it has! By being able to change up a gear because of your improved torque is going to make best of your economy but not if you are then going to accelerate up and down when in top!

The next thing is the state of your car. You need to make sure your car is in top condition, serviced regularly and that your tyres are at the correct pressure and in good condition. Check your tracking with a laser alignment specialist at least once a year! Ask your service centre / dealer to ensure you air flow sensor is working correctly, your oil is of the correct type and that your filters are replaced.

And lastly, take a look at what you are carrying around in your boot! Additional and unnecessary weight all add up to using more fuel than necessary – so remember to take the case of Chateaux Laffite ’68 out the boot as its better off inside anyway!

Econotune has been formed by a group of highly experienced tuning technicians to provide a service to obtain the best economy you’re your vehicles. More details are available at http://www.econotune.com

Body kits are the best way of getting your car noticed for all the right reasons. Before buying a kit though there are some things that you need to consider.

1. When comparing kits, be sure to make sure that the kit you are buying is genuine and not a copy. Many sellers claim a direct fit but in many cases this is not the case and you’ll be left with a hefty bill from your body shop as they will have to finish the bumper off for you!

2. Body kits and panels (except carbon fiber kits and ABS) are unfinished items and require preparation, sanding, priming, and painting. Many kits also require some drilling, notching, or other minor modifications.

3. We highly recommend that you have any body styling products professionally installed by a body shop with experience in installing aftermarket body kits. Fitted or kits that have attempted to be fitted cannot be returned.

4. What you should know about body kit materials;

ABS body kits are commonly the easiest to fit and offer the best finish straight from the box, once sprayed they can be a DIY job providing you have a basic knowledge with cars. The kits generally cost more from the offset (although not always, check RGM), but the fitting costs are more so it all evens out in the end.

GRP (glass re-enforced plastic) are the most common kits on the web. They can, with the right fitting, give a fantastic flawless finish, making your ride totally unique. They are generally the most cost effective of the kits but are mostly only supplied as a shell and do not come with brackets fitted in exactly the right place to allow direct fit to the car. This is where the fitting cost can get expensive as they need to be test fitted before they can be sprayed. Most ‘good’ body shops can do this easily but the better the body shop the more you will pay, but then who can put a cost on perfection?
GRP offers manufacturers complete freedom of design so the craziest, widest and deepest kits often come in GRP, so don’t be put off by the fitting cost and the fact that it can often take 2 weeks and sometimes more to complete the look, because when your ride rolls out of the shop it will all be worth it. Just be sure to buy from a company who guarantee their kits (just like POTN) because copies never look as good!

Polyurethane (PU rim) are generally the heaviest of the kits available but also so most flexible so therefore can take to most abuse, essential if your car is low enough to become friendly with pot holes and curbs. The kits will still nearly always need professional fitting but do not require the finishing off that GRP needs. Again as with the GRP, PU can offer some awesome designs that get the right attention from all the right people, just check out Extreme Dimensions.

To find out what body kits are available for you car take a look at our website Car Mod Shop

There are many benefits to improving the performance of your vehicle, including an increased resale value, and many improvement methods don’t require a monetary investment in performance auto parts. Checking the air pressure in your tires and keeping them at the recommended levels will ensure optimal gas mileage and handling, and lightening your car’s weight by removing unneeded cargo from your trunk can do the same plus increase speed.

However, beyond the regular maintenance precautions, modifications with performance auto parts will notably improve speed and function without spending the thousands of dollars needed to upgrade an engine or install a turbo system.

K&N Air Filters
K&N air filters increase the speed and power of your vehicle and are better for the environment than traditional air filters. Also inexpensive, K&N air filters go for about $40-$70 dollars depending on the model needed. Investment is minimized in the long run since they won’t need replacement, whereas traditional air filters need to be replaced 5-10 times throughout the lifespan of a vehicle. Unlike traditional air filters, these are reusable. Once you buy a K&N, you will most likely not need to replace your air filter again. These air filters are made of a cotton gauze material and are easily washable.

Performance Chip
Every new vehicle has a computer chip that controls how much torque and horsepower can be displaced. With a performance computer chip, the horsepower and torque of a car can be noticeably increased. A performance computer chip can increase a car’s horsepower by up to 50 increments. Not only do these performance chips increase speed and horsepower of a car, but also increase gas mileage. Another benefit of performance chips is their easy installation. All you have to do is locate your vehicle’s factory computer chip and swap it out with the new one. A performance chip can be purchased at under $300 dollars, are street legal in the United States and will not void a vehicle’s new car warranty.

Cold Air Intake
This modification improves a vehicle’s power by cooling its air intake. Because cold air is denser, it improves air flow, causing the increase in efficiency and power. A cold air intake system is one modification that gets noticed. Benefits include visual enhancements to the appearance of the engine bay (because the parts can be painted colorfully) and a more powerful sounding exhaust system.

Performance Exhaust System
A great way to optimize your torque and horsepower is a catalyst-back exhaust system. These exhaust systems lower exhaust back pressure with large width exhaust pipes and low restriction mufflers. Borla and Flowmaster are the popular performance exhaust system brands, and can give your vehicle a 5-15% boost in horsepower. These systems are made of the same stainless steel that is used in airplanes; this will also give your vehicle sound a deeper tone. Also you will notice an increase in fuel economy because these systems will help your engine run more efficiently.