Castrol’s new Nexcel tech promises 90-second drop oil changes and dry sumps for all. But could this revolutionary new process spell the end for DIY home mechanic?
Wow this is out of the blue?
All the energy in the recent auto scene has been dedicated to the engine emissions and cutting back on greenhouse gasses, but I never saw this one coming. Changing oil is pretty easy and i would not have thought that engineers were or would be looking for ways of making it easier.
I can see where they are coming from, but i feel that the prediction of most cars having this technology fitted by 2020 a little far fetched, but you never know. it is nice to see some stuff coming out about the regular cars and not the electric side of the jog, for a change.
Little has changed when carrying out
Oil Changes, over the past fifty years and more. Just about everybody could change the oil in their car, but things are about to change.
The old oil in the engine will enter the box. The box will then be unplugged and then removed. A new cartridge will be inserted containing the correct amount of oil for the particular model of car.
The box will be electronically
connected to the cars engine management system and it is claimed that this will give better engine CO2 emission results. The old oil in the box will then be recycled responsibly.
In my opinion, car designs
will have to change to fit the Oil Changes box under the car bonnet. Although it is battery-sized, if the battery were removed from another part of the car, it could still work.
Also, there is nothing said about topping your oil level up or when oil changes will take place? Only time will tell whether or not this is a good idea or not?
Yokohama Rubber is testing new radial tyres complete with spoilers on their sidewalls, which it says improve air flow underneath the car.
Yokohama Rubber of Japan makes new advances in tyre aerodynamics
Yokohama Rubber has come up with a clever way
of making their future tyre more efficient. So, by creating better air flow around the tyres when the car is in motion,.
Yokohama Tyres, which makes car tyres from their factory in Japan,. Importantly, have also been successful in recent years by developing a greener tyre. Of course, that has less rolling resistance and are now developing the idea of an aerodynamic tyre. So, that will help reduce air drag. This will work similar to fitting relevant spoilers to cars.
This development work has been going on since 2010 and first started with the introduction of built-on fins to the tyre inner sidewall.
This had the effect of reducing drag inside the cars wheel wells. This was followed by the addition of these spoke like fins. To both sidewalls of the tyre. This had the effect of reducing drag on the whole car.
by using a supercomputer, which can run simulations of different effects that adding fins to a tyre may have on a car’s drag; the less drag, the more fuel efficiency the car will have.
So, the giant Japanese tyre company has built this new design into a new tyre that will be on display at the Tokyo Motor Show.
I can’t wait to see what the tyre will look like. I am loving the times that we are in at the moment with all the new developments that are coming out of the top tyre companies, including this tyre from Yokohama .
Independent Online What to do with a scrap car battery Independent Online But last weekend, a friend and I were chatting over a recalcitrant carburettor in his garage when I noticed a number of (obviously second-hand) car batteries in one corner.
I wrote this short article about car battery care
Of course, that includes what to do with your old scrap battery. After doing a little research, I found that for some really strange reason, drivers in the UK keep the old scrap car battery in their garage? this is really strange? when I asked them why they do this, they all replied with a similar answer.
The answer is that they are saving the old battery
in case they need it in the future. When i asked them why they say that, you never know when you might need one,”
But i explain that their battery is dead and only scrap, then they don’t believe me and still precede to keep it.
Your old car battery is actually worth a few pounds!
As a battery retailer, we collect the old batteries and then take them to the waste collection centre.
All of the waste scrap car battery journeys are covered by the “transfer of waste” regulations here in the UK and waste collection centres can only accept the scrap battery delivery if they are officially registered with the government.
Powering Sustainability: Scrap car battery
The Lead Acid Battery Recycling Revolution
Hey, fellow environmentalists! Today, I’m ecstatic to share some good news from our beautiful town of Halifax. Consider this: a world in which our planet’s health is protected and every action we take contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. Hold on to your hats, because right here in the UK, we are at the forefront of the recycling movement, particularly when it comes to lead-acid batteries.
Now you may be wondering,
“Lead acid batteries? Isn’t it just those weighty stuff in cars?” Oh, dear friend, they are much more! Lead-acid batteries power everything from our reliable vehicles to critical backup systems, making them indispensable in our daily lives. But what happens when these batteries approach the end of their life? That is where the beauty of recycling comes into play, and Halifax is doing an excellent job!
First and foremost,
Let us discuss why recycling lead-acid batteries is a major change for the environment. These batteries contain important elements such as lead, plastic, and sulfuric acid, but if not treated appropriately, they can be hazardous to our ecosystems. Imagine harmful chemicals oozing into our land and waterways—it’s not a good picture, right? But don’t worry; Halifax has it covered.
Our specialist recycling facilities give lead-acid batteries a new lease on life. Instead of ending up in landfills, where they can harm the environment, these batteries are professionally disassembled and their components repurposed to produce new items. It’s a win-win situation: we get to save valuable resources while reducing pollution and waste.
But wait—there’s more!
Recycling lead-acid batteries not only helps the environment, but it also benefits our local economy. We promote local companies and create jobs by investing in recycling infrastructure right here in Halifax. It demonstrates our community’s commitment to sustainability and success.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That’s fine, but what can I do to help?” Fear not, dear reader, because you have the ability to make a difference right in your hands. Next time you find yourself with an old lead-acid battery, don’t throw it away; instead, bring it to one of our local recycling centres. You will not only be helping the environment, but you will also be supporting our local economy and paving the way for a better future in Halifax and beyond.
So there you have it, folks:
The Halifax lead-acid battery recycling revolution is in full swing, and we could not be more proud. Recycling these batteries benefits everyone concerned by conserving the environment and increasing the local economy. So let’s keep the momentum going and continue to lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable future. We can make a world of difference, one battery at a time.
The movement of waste battery products
in the UK is strictly regulated. if you are disposing of a single scrap car battery, then you can take it to your local council waste facility, where you can place it in a specially marked place. Please do not throw it away or in your household bin.
Toyo Tyres USA Corp. is continuing its long-time support of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), signing a five-year renewal covering the 2016–2020 racing seasons. Toyo has been the official tyre of NASA since 2003.
Toyota tyres USA likes so many tyre companies these days.
So, look to motorsport for consumer recognition for their tyre products.
I have always had a sweet spot for Toyo tyres here in the UK. They were always a great tyre company to deal with. Toyo were always helpful when it came to credit terms and product awareness campaigns.
In fact, we very often bought their tyre in containers,
such was there popularity in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. Although all this was over ten years ago, we still get some of our customers asking for Toyota and tyre products. Things came to an end, though, when Toyota decided to do what so many other tyre manufacturers do and distribute their tyres through wholesaling companies.
Toyo Tyre USA has been the long-time tyre supplier and supporter of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and is now signing a new contract from 2016 to the 2020 race season. Toyo Tyre USA is also supporting the prestigious 25-Hours of Thunder hill, the longest endurance road race in North America.
Research and development
Like many other tyre makers Toyo Tyre USA, use these races for the research and development of the tyre products that will eventually end up on normal standard road cars. The name Proxes was developed from a broad range of racing tyres.
NASA races are split into many car types and categories.
Toyo use the Toyo Proxes RR two-groove DOT competition tyre in many of these classes. These include the Honda Challenge, Spec E30 cars, Spec E46 cars and many more. Toyota has also recently added the Spec Z class for Nissan 350Zs to the list of spec classes.
To learn more about the Proxes line competition and UHP tyres, go to www.toyotires.com.
Pirelli is Pirelli F1 Tyres considering a plan to deliver more varied action in Formula 1, with its new deal to be tyre supplier from 2017 now all but done.
Italian tyre giant supplier retain new season after Michelin Challenge.
It looks as though the long battle of claims and counter claims between Pirelli F1 tyres and Michelin tyres may be over?
Bernie Ecclestone announced the decision on television just before the Russian Grand Prix. This will mean that Pirelli F1 tyres will stay the official F1 series tyre supplier from 2017.
The two giants of the tyre world have been in talks with Bernie Ecclestone for several weeks now and he has come up with the tyre company that he believes will do the best job for F1 racing. The deal has now been completed with Pirelli F1 tyres coming up with the best deal going into the future.
buying two online tyre retailers, one in Europe and the other in the UK. They also supply many of the other motorsport race events, including Formula E and Le-Man’s 24-hour racing in France.
Pirelli F1 tyres have had mixed fortunes in trying to find the correct compounds that strike the right balance between being too soft and too hard, causing grip problems.
Pirelli F1 Tyres
Of course, Pirelli Tyres say that they want 2017 to be more experimental. Especially with the emphasis on perhaps more pit stops. Due to using softer compounds.
Pirelli has faced a tough time in finding the right balance between tyres that degrade too much, and those that are too conservative like this year.
An Avid F1 racing fan, Lee Churms, recently answered a Facebook comment…
“F1 tells the tyre supplier”
to make and bring the compound that will make sure options last around 10–20 laps, prime 20–30 laps. For each circuit. That’s why they have different compounds. 40 or more laps could only happen if a hard compound tyre was brought to a low-tyre wear circuit. Like Monaco.
But F1 does not allow that. It’s too slow. You will also struggle with low tyre temp. Obviously a softer compound is faster and can make up for the extra pit stop you will have to do. It will also have the right tyre temp.
High-tyre wear tracks are bad for soft tyres
as you’ll have to pit at least every 8–10 laps. Overheating will occur and you won’t be much faster. So extra pitting will be much slower than if you were on a harder and slower compound.”.
Lee sounds to me to be very knowledgeable about F1 tyre matters.
This is just a small example about the quality and performance that Michelin expect from their products. Hence, the already popular CrossClimate tyre is having upgrades and improvements. Thus, to the tyres quality.
Therefore, the new version will be known as the “plus.”. The new plus is expected to give better performance in snowy conditions. I suspect that this is true for countries with tougher winter conditions than here in the UK.
This winter 2016–2017 has been very harsh in many parts of southern Europe, including Italy and Greece, and snow even fell in winter sun destinations such as Benidorm on the Spanish Costa Blanca.
This is a place that I have visited on many occasions and most drivers drive about on bald tyres, so God help them in snowy weather.
So, since I wrote this post then the Michelin Crossclimate has been very popular. Of course many drivers are importantly, fitting these tyres. Because, climate change is now bringing very heavy rain.
Discover the Versatility of Michelin CrossClimate+ Tyres:
A Perfect Match for Britain’s Unpredictable Weather If you’re anything like me, you value a solid set of tyres that can handle the unpredictable British weather. That’s why I’m so excited to talk about the new Michelin CrossClimate Plus tyres today—a true ally for any car owner who dreads having to swap between summer and winter tyres every season.
First, let us address the elephant in the room: the weather. The weather in the United Kingdom may be unpredictable, with sudden downpours in Manchester and unexpected snow flurries in Scotland. This is where the New Michelin CrossClimate Plus tyres excels.
It’s not just any tyre; it’s a sophisticated all-rounder built to handle these unexpected challenges with ease. The brilliance of these tyres resides in their unique capacity to adapt to changing weather conditions, making them a top choice for both safety and efficiency.
The Michelin CrossClimate+ has some interesting
characteristics that set it apart. It boasts a strong design with a unique bevel-edged tread pattern and full-depth sipes that operate great on wet, dry, and slippery surfaces. Consider it the nimbleness of a summer tyre paired with the durability of a winter type. This means you can drive with confidence, knowing your tyres are ready to grip the road in any weather, including snow!
Now, for those who enjoy a little history mixed in with their tyre talk, did you know that Michelin has been around since the late nineteenth century, when bicycle tyres were first introduced?
That’s correct;
this French tyre company has pioneered inventions such as the detachable tyre and, of course, the renowned Michelin Guide. Therefore, when you purchase a set of CrossClimate+ tyres, you are not only getting safety; you are also getting a piece of history from a business that drivers have trusted for more than 100 years.
Furthermore, for us locals, having a tyre that can withstand the undulating and often unpredictable terrain of locations like the Yorkshire Dales or Sheffield’s high hills is a blessing.
Whether you’re driving tight turns on rural country roads or hectic metropolitan streets during a downpour, these tyres provide peace of mind with their remarkable performance.
Let us not overlook another significant benefit:
cost-effectiveness. With new Michelin CrossClimate Plus tyres, you eliminate the hassle of changing tyres with the seasons, not to mention the storage headache! It is as simple as having one set of tyres for the entire year. This means longer-term savings and less hassle, which, if you’re anything like me, seems like a great deal.
So, whether you’re driving to a business meeting in crowded London or taking a picturesque drive through the Lake District, the Michelin CrossClimate+ tyres provide the dependability, safety, and performance that will make your journey a breeze, regardless of the weather.
Finally, if you want to step up your tyre game,
and handle the best (and worst) of British weather, New Michelin CrossClimate Plus tyres are the tyre for you. Safe travels, and remember that with the correct tyres, every journey is enjoyable, rain or shine!
Consequently, we are now coming up to our main battery season? winter time. Therefore, as the nights get shorter and colder,. Then your car battery will have to work twice as hard. This Apollo-Power battery is from Batteries on the Web in Halifax, Yorkshire. Is a top-class battery at a budget price.
The battery in the image is
in fact, a 069 and fits many imported Japanese car and pickup truck models. Nissan’s in particular use this model of battery. The 069 car battery also fits Mitsubishi L300 2.5 Diesel pickups and also the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 5.2i; many more include the Suzuki Trooper SUV 3.2 petrol, in fact, this battery fits many similar types of vehicles, not forgetting our own Land Rover Discovery (most models).
069 Car battery
The battery is a sealed lead acid, low maintenance battery. Hence, which are commonly used on today’s modern cars. Many of these large pick-up trucks are actually fitted with more that one 069 car battery. Thus ,two batteries are required to turn the large diesel engines over on a cold winters morning.
The label name of
Apollo-Power batteries was the brainchild of Eric Roberts. “We source the batteries from the best companies at the best prices and pass the savings on to our customers,” said Eric.
Apollo-Power batteries have a full range of batteries to fit most cars imported into the UK.
The batteries are all spill proof and come with a three year warranty.
Lucas Premium batteries
A private company in the UK had originally produced this battery brand, but it had to close because of inexpensive imports. A battery importer from the Manchester region of the UK revived the brand.
The Lucas battery brand comes with a three-year warranty and is a spill-proof, sealed lead-acid battery.
TyreSafe was set up with the responsibility of raising awareness of the importance of the dangers of defective and worn tyres.
Hi Judging by some of the tyres that we are removing in our Halifax tyre shop,. So, I can see why we need such a great organisation as Tyresafe. Constantly trying to educate and inform the car-owning public. About the proper care and safety when it comes to their tyres.
The image I have used.
Of course, this is an every-day sample of the tyres that we take off our customers cars. The tyre stood on edge. So, it is actually worn down to the steel belt. Consequently, the left-hand side of the tread area. The driver said that he was too busy to check his tyres. But he was shocked to see them in such bad condition.
As I have said on many occasions,
Tyresafe is a non-profit organisation. Trying to educate the motoring public. Thus, with different safety awareness campaigns. Of course, throughout the UK. They also produce excellent tyre safety videos. Subsequently, the website is worth a look.
Tyresafe.org established itself in 2006. Naturally, it is a non-profit organisation. Tyresafe campaigns for the tyre safety part of the tyre industry. Hence, in line with the legislation that is current at the moment,. Including the current duty of care regulations.
Tyresafe.org receives support from many areas
Of the tyres industry, this includes most of the large tyre manufacturers, tyre retailers and tyre wholesalers. Tyresafe has also some equipment suppliers and a number of vehicle manufacturers.
To get the safety message across
To inform the public about self driving cars, Tyresafe works closely with a huge range of commercial and government organisations, including Highways England, Road-Safe, police forces, fire services, councils, and many other such government bodies.
This article is yet another reminder from the British motoring organisation, the AA.
It states that motorists here in the UK should take more care of their tyres, than they perhaps do.
Tyres are treated the same as extras
but the small patch of rubber that sits between your car and the road makes your tyres more important than just extras.
Drivers should also check their tyres for cracks and lumps, as well as the tread depth and pressures. This cracking can be very serious and could eventually lead to the complete tread coming off. The image clearly shows a tyre with cracks forming.
These cracks will widen and become very dangerous.
The cracks are usually a sign of other underlying problems, such as an illegal repair, inside the tyre. These are very often found in part worn tyres, which are illegally sold to cash-strapped motorists who are unaware of the hidden horrors inside of these tyres.
One of the main reasons for removing a tyre that has still got some tread left,is because the tyre may have developed a “bubble” or “egg” somewhere on the tyre tread area or side wall. Most times the egg only develops when the tyre is in an inflated state. When the air is let out of the tyre the egg very often goes down and is not visible.
This tyre was a car tyre fitted with a bubble on the tread without the owner knowing anything about it?
Worn Tyres
This then looks like a perfectly good tyre, but to all intents and purposes, it is indeed a dangerous tyre that, when re-fitted, could blow out. I have seen many cases of this here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax. The worst case can be seen in this attached image.
These tyres somehow
may find there way into the hands of illegal worn tyre dealers and be sold to an unwitting customer who thinks that they have a bargain buy, but may in fact be sitting on a disaster waiting to happen.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again and again: If you live in a state that experiences winter, you should invest in a good set of Snow Tyres tested. Yes, even if you’ve been …
This is a great article
That shows the length that tyre companies take to test their tyre products before they are released to the public for road use.
This particular article is about .
the new tyres tested by Hankook Tyres. The same also applies to other tyre companies, which rigorously test their tyre products in real-world conditions, taking the cars to their extreme limits.
I am lucky enough to experience such extreme testing conditions. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Austrian Alps to witness winter tyres tested, at first hand.
The winter tyres tested were new winter tyres to sell to the SUV winter market.
I was in a group made up from other independent tyre dealers from across the UK. We were all allocated to an SUV vehicle that were fitted out with the new tyres. The drivers were all test drivers from the world of motorsport. These drivers took the vehicles up the Austrian Alps and the new winter tyres were put through their paces.
We drove on snow and ice,
and I must admit to having been a little frightened by the extreme conditions in which these vehicles were driven. In fact, I was glad when the thing finished and we got back to the hotel in one piece?
It was a great experience and showed that the winter tyres tested were put through their extreme paces.
This winter, we have decided to stock
some Apollo/Vredestein winter tyres, along with the excellent Yokohama winter tyres.
