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Motor Codes, the body responsible for producing a National code of practice for servicing and repairs, have called for a single computer database containing every vehicle’s service record to be created to prevent crooks faking car service histories in order to inflate the car’s value. The call was made after it was found that it was possible to guy fake service books and ink stamps online on eBay. Auto Express Read more »

I revealed last week that the Hyundai i30 was voted the Auto Express Driver Power car of the year as voted by 23,000 drivers polled. This week I reveal the rest of the top 10. The cars were scored for 10 major features including reliability, build quality, running costs, performance, comfort, ride quality etc. The top ten were as follows: Read more »

If you are a regular reader of my newsletter you will know that I go banging on about Electronic  Stability Control (ESC) also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP). It saves lives and should be fitted as standard on all new cars already and yet only half of cars that are going to be used for business were sold last year with it fitted. By 2011 all new cars must be fitted with ESC and by 2014 every car must have Read more »

There is pressure mounting to introduce a total ban on mobile phones whilst driving. Latest research shows that even drivers using a hands free phone took 20% longer to hit the brakes in an emergency when on the phone. Following distances increased by 30% as drivers failed to keep up with traffic in front and memory performance fell by 11%. The study was carried out by the University of Utah. Road charity, BRAKE Read more »

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has carried out a poll which has brought older drivers under fire. When asked if they would report older motorists if they had concerns over their driving, 73% of those polled said they would whilst 68% backed compulsory re-testing at 70. Sounds to me like they only polled 18 year olds! The IAM maintained that younger drivers pose a much bigger danger than oldies, as borne Read more »

According to Auto Express size matters, something, of course, that I have always subscribed to! Ooer missus, stop that tittering in the back, I’m talking about car safety – obviously. It seems that the bigger the car the less likely you are to be injured. Mind blowing as that might be, equally mind blowing is the most dangerous car is one of the smallest, the Rover Mini (not to be confused with the BMW Mini). The figures Read more »

Do you know what elephant racing is? You have probably and irritatingly come across it whilst driving. Apparently it’s when one massive truck is overtaking another massive truck on a motorway or dual carriageway where the difference in speed is about 1 mph. Yep, experienced that one! Well the Highways Agency, probably as a result of being delayed for their dinner or tea break, have extended their Read more »

Kwik Fit have revealed the puncture capital of the UK, yep, it’s true they have actually carried out a survey and found that London is the capital, not only of the country but also for punctures. Amazing or what? In fact drivers in London are twice as likely to get a puncture than drivers in the East Midlands. 4 in 10 drivers in London had a puncture last year compared to 2 in 10 in the East Midlands. Nationally the Read more »

Warnings have been issued about the use of acid based wheel cleaners used by some roadside hand carwash outfits. The cleaner can actually damage the alloys as well as the brakes. The car washers can buy this cleaner for about £10 for 25 litres but it was only intended for building use, to clean brickwork. The car washers have to dilute the liquid but if it’s not diluted enough it can cause damage. If the wheel is in good Read more »

the EU is planning stricter rules on MOT testing. This will immediately increase the cost of the MOT as more items are to be checked. This has resulted from the European Union passing a new set of stricter rules on minimum road worthiness. The EU ministers agreed that ‘modern electronic systems be included in the list of items to be tested’. This change along with others already planned will be introduced in Read more »