Car Articles » Technical

Jaguar Land Rover Launches Biggest Ever Campaign For Apprentices

Mr Butterscotch — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:36:07 +0000

The new apprentice programme, which is seeking Advanced and Higher Apprentices, launches on Monday February 6th 2012 – coincident with National Apprenticeship week. This year, Jaguar Land Rover is seeking 133 apprentices to join the company which has a portfolio of hugely successful (and attractive) models in the range.

Commenting on the 2012 Apprentice programme, Des Thurlby, Human Resources Director, JLR, said: “Our Apprentice intake has more than doubled in the last 4 years and I am delighted that this year we are committing to take on a record number of apprentices. Apprenticeships provide a valuable and credible career path for the brightest and best and JLR is committed to providing the highest quality practical and academic training to develop the future generation of engineering talent needed to drive our business forward, indeed many of our senior leaders began their careers as apprentices.”

The JLR careers website opens for applications on 6th February 2012 and will close on 8th April 2012. Anyone interested in applying should visit: www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com.

Do You Have Concerns Over The Proposed Changes To The MOT System?

Mr Butterscotch — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:35:45 +0000

A new survey, commissioned by GEM, reveals that 52 per cent of motorists want to keep the current annual MOT system and do not agree with Government proposals to make it biennial. Only 26 per cent said they would want it to change and 22 per cent were unsure.

The survey of 3,000 UK motorists reveals that drivers would be worried about leaving a two year gap between MOT tests; with nearly 50 per cent being concerned about potential mechanical failure. The survey also shows that more than half of UK drivers believe that the change in the law would see car maintenance standards deteriorate and feel reassured of their car’s safety and roadworthiness with the current system.

GEM Chief Executive, David Williams MBE, comments: “The results prove that having such a regular service gives the public peace of mind when it comes to driving a safe and reliable vehicle. We know that drivers rarely check their cars themselves and leaving it two years will mean we will have unsafe and sub-standard cars on our roads. The proposed biennial MOT system will undoubtedly have a negative impact on road safety and put more lives at risk unnecessarily every year.”

The survey also shows that 44 per cent of drivers believe the MOT law change would have a negative impact on road safety in the UK.

“Road safety should never be compromised and we are fierce supporters of the ProMOTe campaign to lobby the government against these plans.” David concluded.

For more information on the ProMOTe campaign please visit www.pro-mote.org.uk and the GEM Motoring Assist website www.motoringassist.com.

Winter Towing Tips From Subaru As Endorsed By The AA

Mr Butterscotch — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:04:21 +0000

With Britain poised to succumb to winter’s icy grip for another year, owners of All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles will once again be called upon to become motoring Good Samaritans – rescuing friends, neighbours and fellow motorists stranded in the ice and snow.

In response to the increasingly bleak forecasts, Subaru – backed by the AA – is providing its customers with practical tips on how they can use their trusty Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles to tow snow-bound front and rear-wheel-drive cars out of trouble, safely and efficiently.

The AA-endorsed winter-specific towing tips (see below) include guidance on driving techniques and the use of equipment. For example, Subaru advises drivers to check that the transmission of the towed vehicle is left in neutral, that the steering wheel is not locked, and that its front wheels are pointing in the planned direction of travel (it can be very hard to tell when behind the wheel in deep snow).

AA patrol of the year, Keith Miller, commented: “On the road, traction is key at any time but never more so than during winter, when the roads are often slippery. In these conditions, All-Wheel Drive is always better than front or rear-drive, as it reduces the risk of wheel spin and maximises control of the vehicle. This in turn aids those towing other motorists out of trouble by helping to keep things smooth,” Miller continued. “It’s important not to let the rope snatch – move off gently so the rope takes up the tension gradually.”

Miller also stressed the importance of “protecting the scene”, by being aware of your surroundings. For example, he explained, if you’re trying to pull a vehicle out of a ditch at the bottom of a hill make sure you can take evasive action if other cars coming down the hill lose control.

He added that even All-Wheel Drive vehicles benefit from the fitment of winter tyres: “Particularly if you live in a rural area, consider fitting a set of four for significantly better winter handling.” Subaru owners interested in fitting winter-proof rubber to their car can visit www.subaru.co.uk/dealer-locator to find their nearest retailer.

Subaru’s full model range – Legacy, Outback, Forester, WRX STI and Impreza – is equipped with the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that directs power to all four wheels, optimising traction in the very harshest winter conditions. Many Subarus also feature Vehicle Dynamic Control, which manages torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel, making adjustments instantaneously when grip levels are reduced in order to keep the vehicle on the chosen course.

Marketing Director of Subaru UK, Kenyon Neads, said: “I helped rescue a snow-bound neighbour in a German rear-wheel-drive vehicle last year, and we know many of our customers will find themselves in similar situations as soon as the snow falls. We know our customers have less to fear than most from the snow and ice that winter brings, but we want to help them respond to appeals for rescue in the safest way possible.”

For more information about Subaru’s range of sure-footed vehicles visit www.subaru.co.uk or to book a test drive call 08446 626 612.

Subaru’s top tips for emergency winter towing

1) Alert other road users – Use warning triangles to mark out the section of road onto which your Subaru and the towed vehicle are about to move. Anyone placing warning triangles in the road should wear a reflective safety vest.

2) Know the limits of the equipment – Only use a rope specifically designed for towing road cars, and only tether it to the towing eyelets specified by the manufacturer.

3) Take the strain – The tow rope’s tension should be built up slowly to avoid vehicle damage. When towing, pulling away in second gear in your Subaru can often help minimise any loss of grip.

4) Keep it straight – The towed vehicle should ideally be towed to a safe position in a straight line, reducing unnecessary strain on the towing eyelets and making it easier to avoid the towed vehicle taking an unwanted change in trajectory.

5) Stay loose – Ensure that the steering in the towed vehicle is not locked, and that the wheels are pointing in the right direction before towing begins.

6) Take a neutral stance – The transmission of the vehicle to be towed should always be in neutral. Keep the ignition of the towed vehicle on and the engine ticking over so that the brakes can continue to function.

7) Keep it short – A towed vehicle can be hard to control on icy roads, so only cover the distance necessary to get the towed vehicle out of trouble. Once the vehicle has been towed onto an area affording adequate traction, both vehicles should quickly but progressively come to a halt. Then check if the towed vehicle is able to move off safely under its own power.

Don’t look down – Never tow anyone downhill in case the stranded vehicle runs into the back of your Subaru or overtakes you.

Small Engines Are Fun

Mr Butterscotch — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:13:44 +0000

As James May said during a particularly good episode of Top Gear, a small engined Italian car should be driven like the valves are about to pop out of the bonnet. I recently had the good fortune to drive a smaller engined car, a 1.2 litre Vauxhall Corsa in fact.

Granted, in terms of raw figures, it’s not a powerplant that is going to set the world on fire. However, what’s more important, what is written in the brochure or how it actually feels? I decided to drive the car how I felt it should be driven, namely using the full rev range to keep the car in the power band. The result? A whole lot of fun.

Driven in an economical fashion the car will do reasonably well in terms of miles per gallon. But keep it up there close to the top of the revs and you’ll have much more fun. The car handled nimbly, the engine was eager and pulled well even with four people on board.

Overall? It’s almost enough to have one fall in love with driving all over again. Though it still wasn’t quite enough to make me take the plunge to a smaller engine just yet (the cost of buying a car is prohibitive to me at this time). In time though when fuel prices go up even further? Who knows. At least I do know that I don’t have to completely forgo the fun factor just yet. In many ways, it confirms what I’ve been saying very recently. Manufacturers have got it spot on with this trend of a smaller engine, especially when mated to a good turbo, leading to wonderful things…

New Engine From Honda Promises Best Of Both

Mr Butterscotch — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:05:38 +0000

Honda has confirmed a new diesel engine for Europe designed to be frugal yet powerful. Under the guise of the (slightly oddly) named ‘Earth Dreams Technology’, a new 1.6 litre diesel will be launched across a range of models in 2012. It is lighter than any other diesel engine of its size and has CO2 emissions below 100g/km and 120ps (at 4000rpm).

Most impressive is the 300 Nm torque figure which should mean that despite a diminutive size the engine should still have plenty of pulling power. Fuel economy will of course be dependent on the model this powerplant is fitted to but rumours abound of in excess of 65 MPG realistically.

Even If You’re Not Buying Winter Tyres…

Mr Butterscotch — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:39:04 +0000

It’s essential that you check your tyre pressures regularly and this especially applies to winter. If you’re getting near to the tread wear markers and you see cracking on a tyre, this is not a good sign. You might well notice some deformation too if the tyre is old. All this means you could well be losing pressure and grip.

Check your tyres regularly and if you notice any of the above, consider a replacement. You may not be able to afford a set of winter and summer tyres, but technology has come a long way. You can get all weather tyres which will be an excellent replacement to old and worn rubber.

Remember, the four contact patches that keep your car on the road are the things that ensure you accelerate, brake and turn as you should, so anything that is undue in their condition will cause you problems and potentially cost you your life (and that of anyone else travelling in your vehicle). Stay safe and keep your tyres in tip top condition.

UK Engineers Come Up Trumps Again With New Ford Engine

Mr Butterscotch — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:22:39 +0000

Ford has developed a brand new 1.0 litre three cylinder EcoBoost engine right here in the UK with engineers based at Dunton and Dagenham working on the project.

The powerplant features in the all-new Ford Focus and will produce 125PS while delivering a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg and ultra-low petrol CO2 emissions performance of 114g/km – a level unmatched by Focus competitors. A 100PS version of the same engine will deliver outright best-in-class petrol CO2 emissions of 109g/km. This engine will also feature in the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, plus the new Ford B-MAX which enters production in mid 2012.

“The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost and our entire family of EcoBoost engines – represent technology breakthroughs that deliver power, fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions through turbocharging and direct injection,” Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO said. “These engines are delivering the fuel-efficient vehicles customers want and value.”

Although designed here, the engine won’t be built in the UK. Ford has invested £110 million to develop a special high-tech line at the Cologne Engine Plant to build the unit. The plant’s 870 employees will build up to 350,000 units a year.

DPF Causing You Problems? Read This Guide…

Mr Butterscotch — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:08:27 +0000

There’s recently been some press coverage over issues around ownership of new vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter, or DPF. It stops the nasty black smoky stuff from pouring out of the exhaust of your diesel powered car. It seems that some owners of said diesels are feeling a little mis-sold, as they are finding that their car is malfunctioning due to the DPF not regenerating. What does this mean I hear you ask?

How the DPF works
A diesel particular filter is a trap that captures ‘soot’ from the exhaust process. This is so that engines have lower emissions in order to comply with the ‘Euro 5′ standard. A diesel vehicle fitted with one is therefore better for the environment, but, depending on how you drive, it may not be better for you.

Why does it go wrong?
The diesel particulate filter can ‘regenerate’, or clean itself, but this process will not initiate if the required temperature is not reached. When the DPF temperature remains too low, the DPF can become clogged up and then performance can tail off – leading to greater emissions and potentially a drop in performance. A total lack of regeneration can also ultimately lead to DPF failure (a new DPF can cost around £1,000). Any car fitted with a DPF can be affected, not just brand new vehicles.

How can I initiate regeneration of the DPF?
The simplest way to do this is to stay in lower gears for longer and use the full rev range of your car. Perhaps ten minutes of vigorous driving should be enough to complete the regeneration process, though as with most other things mechanical this is not an exact science. Be mindful that a good motorway run in sixth gear may not be enough to regenerate the DPF if the revs remain extremely low (this will apply if you have a very tall geared car). Another suggestion is to get to speeds above 40 miles per hour and keep your car there in the power band for some minutes of driving. As always, I recommend reading your vehicle manual thoroughly for further information.

Is a diesel engined car with a DPF for me?
This question can only be answered by you. If you drive a relatively low number of miles per week and they are over very short distances, you may well be better with a small economical petrol unit or a hybrid/electric. If you still choose the diesel, you’ll have to take it for good runs to clean the DPF, which you might find a pain if that’s the only reason you’re taking the car on the journey. Alternatively, if you do a mixed run of driving and regularly give the car a run, there’s no reason why a DPF fitted diesel vehicle shouldn’t be perfect for you.

The bottom line
When you’re buying the car, check thoroughly with the seller exactly what kind of engine it has, what running requirements there are and what sort of driving style/conditions it is made for. Don’t luck out and buy something not suitable for your purposes.

Nissan Juke-R – The Best Crossover Ever?

Mr Butterscotch — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:12:35 +0000

It’s not every day that a manufacturer slots an engine from their supercar into a small crossover. Nissan has done just that in order to produce the mighty Juke-R. Promoted by Nissan as the world’s fastest, most innovative crossover, it is bound to be a pocket rocket. Frankly it’s a recipe for a huge amount of fun!

Just two versions of the Nissan Juke-R are being created, one in each of left-hand and right-hand drive. The cars have been developed by Nissan and are being built by leading motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe (NTC-E). Testing of the car will begin this month.

This is the sort of exciting development that the motoring world needs to keep interest up and promote fresh thinking. Granted, it might not be the most sought after vehicle from the eco-mentalists, but a funky crossover with a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 GT-R engine and around 450+ horsepower has the rest of us salivating for a taste of it! Maybe Nissan should have made this an option from the start…

Ford Latest Video Demonstrates Active City Stop

Mr Butterscotch — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:06:32 +0000

The latest Ford Focus is packed with wonderful new technology aimed at making driving safer and better for us all. ‘Active City Stop’ is technology designed to assist drivers in slow moving traffic at speeds under 20mph. If the system’s sensors detect the car in front has unexpectedly stopped, it brakes automatically. See what some drivers think of it in the video. My take? Great technology and another forward thinking concept from Ford.