Oct 11, 2016
If you’re in the market for car bike carriers, you have a bewildering array of options to choose from.
However, if you’re a keen cyclist (or, indeed, a family of keen cyclists), investing in one of the car bike carriers suggested below could save you a fortune in the long run, and provide you with the opportunity to enjoy journeys on two wheels wherever you like, and not just in your local area.
While there are places to hire bikes all over the country (and beyond), prices are often steep – in some cases more expensive than decent car cycle carriers. Furthermore, there’s really no substitute for using the bike you’re familiar with. If you’re a true cyclist, a cheap hire bike just won’t cut it.
Below, you’ll find a range of cycle carriers for various situations and budgets. Read on to the end of the article for some general tips on using these carriers.
1. One for the Entire Family
If you’re going on a family bike ride, or even for a break at a holiday park, you’ll want to take all the family bikes with you. With space for four cycles, this Thule model should fit the bill.
Thule is a well-known and reliable name in this industry, and all of the company’s products come with a five-year warranty.
It’s important to note that like many car bike carriers, this model requires your vehicle to have a tow-bar. There are alternatives (see below), but if you’re going to transport your bikes regularly, it’s advisable to use this kind of carrier. This is somewhat akin to comparing a proper ISOFIX child seat with one that straps in with a seatbelt.
As well as carrying four bikes, this carrier tilts without removing the bikes to provide easy access to your boot.
Positives:
- Reliable brand.
- Accommodates up to four bikes.
- Good compatibility with car models.
Negatives:
- The cost of accessories can add up.
- Requires a tow-bar.
2. A Feature-Packed Car Cycle Carrier
If you’re really serious about cycling and prepared to “splash the cash” on something really special to help you transport your trusty steed(s), it’s worth taking a look at the Atera STRADA DL (and indeed the rest of the Atera range).
While these European-made car bike carriers are not at all cheap, they justify their price with build quality and functionality.
The STRADA DL operates using a drawer-style mechanism, making it really easy to open the boot without removing the bikes. The fact the drawer moves the bikes completely out of the way also vastly reduces the chance of scratching your car’s paintwork. It even includes rear foglights for when the carrier is in place.
Positives:
- Strong yet portable – easy to put in the boot when not in use.
- Easy boot access.
- Sliding mechanism.
Negatives:
- Toe-ball needed.
- Quite pricey.
3. An Option that Doesn’t Require a Tow-Bar
If your need to transport cycles around is less frequent, you may not feel able to justify the expense of a pricey tow-ball mounted option.
This Perruzo rack is considerably cheaper, but still allows you to transport three bikes. It’s easy to fit and users report that it’s “kind to paintwork.”
It does work best with adult mountain bikes, so you’ll definitely wish to look into compatibility if you want to transport childs’ bikes or “step-through” ladies’ cycles.
Positives:
- Excellent value.
- Still allows you to carry three bikes.
- Fits the majority of cars.
Negatives:
- Not great for kids’ or ladies’ bikes – but there is an alternative model available.
4. Roof-Mounted Car Bike Carrier
If you don’t want to mount your bike(s) to the rear of your car (perhaps you have a car with a rear mounted spare wheeel, or worry about visibility), then the only option is to mount on the roof instead.
Roof-mounted bike carriers are easy to find, but examples without really poor reviews are not! If you’re going to have one or more bikes mounted on your car roof you really don’t want to be taking any risks, which brings us to these Thule ProRide carriers.
While they may be more expensive than many of the roof-mounted models on offer, reviews are widely positive. These carriers fit to almost all roof-bars, and bikes are kept secure thanks to connections to both the wheels and the frame.
Positives:
- Lockable.
- Well-regarded by users.
- Sturdy.
Negatives:
- There are cheaper options out there.
- It’s necessary to constantly remember you have bikes on your roof!
5. Car Bike Carriers at a Lower Cost
Thule doesn’t only make high-end car bike carriers – this “XPress” model is very competitively priced, and doesn’t skimp on quality.
It only provides room for two cycles, so is a good option for singles or couples but not for the whole family. Moreover, it’s compatible with a wide range of cars – so long as you have a tow-bar. The only thing that will stop it easily attaching is if you have an SUV with a rear-mounted spare wheel.
The total weight limit is quite low at 30kg, so this is worth noting if you have a particularly heavy bike or an eBike. That said, most modern mountain or hybrid bikes should be plenty light enough.
Like all Thule products, the 970 XPress model comes with a five-year warranty.
Positives:
- A renowned brand at a low price.
- Easy to stow.
- Wide compatibility.
Negatives:
- Lowish weight limit.
- Accessories can add to the cost.
Tips for Using Car Bike Carriers
If you’ve not transported cycles attached to your car before, here are some handy tips to keep you and your property safe, and avoid any unnecessary damage.
- THINK SECURITY: Expensive cycles attached to the back of a car will provide a tempting target for thieves – so don’t make their job easy. Make sure your cycles are always secure, ideally with recommended lock accessories. Also activate any other security devices you may have, such as disc locks.
- REMEMBER YOUR ACCESSORIES: Some cycle carriers will be good to go from purchase, in other cases you may need some add-ons before you’re ready to go. You may wish / need to buy things like bungee cords and lock kits.
- CAREFUL WITH INSTALLATION: If you’re not 100% confident installing your car bike carriers, leave the job to a professional. Nobody wants bikes falling off your car while in motion.
- WATCH THE PAINTWORK: Be very careful while mounting and dismounting cycles on their carrier. A small slip can make a big scratch.
- OWN AN eBIKE? If so, please follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding using cycle carriers. You may, for example, be required to remove the batteries before transporting them.
- CHECK YOUR WEIGHT: Car bike carriers always come with a maximum load limit. Make sure you don’t exceed this. If you have an electric bike or “vintage” style cycle, these often weigh considerably more than modern mountain bikes.
- TRAVELLING ABROAD? If so, make sure you find out if you need to pay extra on the ferry to account for your cycle carrier.
Oct 5, 2016
In car gadgets are not the exclusive preserve of “petrol heads” and techies. There are all kinds of inexpensive items out there that make day-to-day driving either less stressful and / or more enjoyable, and that’s what this round-up is all about.
All of the in car gadgets on this list are affordable and rather clever. We’ve done our best to largely steer away from gimmicks and point you in the direction of items that will genuinely improve your day-to-day motoring.
So, without further ado, here’s our round-up of the top five inexpensive in-car gadgets.
1. The Cheapest and Handiest of in Car Gadgets!
Often, the very simplest ideas are the best, and this in car gadget is a great example.
All it really is is a spring-loaded clip! However, it’s sturdy and flexible, and clips on to practically any air-vent (although you may wish to proceed with caution if your car has especially thin vents).
All you then have to do is attach your phone, letting the soft pliable clips grip it in place. It’s akin to the cheapest and most sensible “car kit” you could imagine for your smartphone, which earns it its place at the top of this list. It’s perfect for mounting your device to use it as a sat nav, or as a music player.
Positives:
- Simple; Cheap; Clever.
- Allows you to mount your phone in landscape or portrait mode.
- Grips on to practically any vent.
Negatives:
- Particularly thin vents may pose a problem.
2. An In Car Gadget for Music Lovers
While many modern cars now come with smartphone / iPhone connectors, they’re not as ubiquitous as one might think. They’re often not included in “base” car models, and there’s no guarantee they’ll be compatible with the phone you have.
The alternative is a device that allows you to send the sound from your phone (or music player) to a radio frequency. All you then have to do is tune your radio to the chosen frequency and you’ll hear your music. This is perfect for older cars without smartphone inputs, or cars with inputs that aren’t compatible with the device you want to listen to.
If you happened to play around with one of these in-car gadgets several years ago, you may be skeptical, but the quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. These items are very inexpensive, and FAR cheaper than paying for an aftermarket phone input for an older vehicle.
Positives:
- Allows you to plug in anything with a headphone jack and hear it through your car stereo.
- Far cheaper than a fitted “car kit.”
Negatives:
- It’s sometimes difficult to find an uncluttered FM waveband around busy cities.
3. One for Business People
If you’re a road-warrior or travelling salesperson, you probably find yourself needing to do a little work (or simply feed yourself) between meetings.
Rather than force you to contort yourself and twist towards the passenger seat, this steering wheel mounted makeshift desk gives you a proper ergonomic surface on which to work or dine.
It only takes seconds to hook it into place, and is also very easy to stow away whilst not in use. It’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you learned it existed! Just don’t try to use it while you’re on the move please!
Positives:
- An inexpensive way to turn your car into a mobile office.
- A good way to eat in the car without making a mess.
Negatives:
- Higher corners would improve the design – especially if you plan to eat soup!
4. A Great Gift for Drivers
This particular in car gadget looks like a baby-wipe container and isn’t strictly speaking a “gadget.”
However, it’s a perfect gift for someone who travels plenty of miles – if you can resist buying it for yourself!
It’s something akin to the kind of amenity kit you are handed if you travel business class on a plane – but for your car. Given the case design, it’s ironic that it does, in fact, contain a “lemon refreshing wipe,” but it also includes far more useful things too, including a pen, an ice scraper, a glowstick light, plastic gloves, and a hand warmer – along with a few other things.
Gimmicky as this may seem, it actually all makes a lot of sense, with the kit containing items that could prove hugely useful in the event of a car breakdown, or even a spillage from the kids in the back. As mentioned above, it would make a great present too.
Positives:
- Fantastic value.
- Surprisingly sensible contents.
Negatives:
- None – every car should have one of these in the glovebox!
5. A Touch of Luxury
It turns out you don’t have to buy a high-end prestige car to gain yourself a massage function for your seats!
This inexpensive in car gadget may not be quite as tidy as a factory-fitted massage seat, but it does the job, and includes five different massage modes and a heating facility.
At such a low price, this massage cushion is a “no-brainer” for anyone who feels uncomfortable during or after a long drive. It’s powered by the 12V cigarette lighter socket, but also comes with a mains plug so you can take it inside and use it there as well.
Positives:
- In-car massage at a very low price.
- Reported to be highly effective by multiple reviewers.
Negatives:
- May be considered a little scruffy by those who like to keep their cars immaculate.
Sep 27, 2016
An in car DVD or TV system may feel like a luxurious purchase, but such systems are actually surprisingly affordable.
Furthermore, if you often travel with children or grandchildren (or restless adults!) these items can make long journeys far less stressful than they might be otherwise!
It’s worth noting that live in car TV isn’t really a realistic prospect in a moving vehicle. If you’ve ever had to set up a TV ariel (or perhaps even a coathanger!) you’ll know that maintaining a TV signal in something that moves isn’t feasible. That said, watching DVDs and media files stored on memory cards is very easy. If you have some form of in-car Wifi you may be able to stream TV and film content too.
The in car DVD / TV systems recommended below offer a surprising number of options and features. If you want to make your next family road trip the most stress-free ever, take a look at what’s on offer.
Before we start we must emphasise that these systems are not intended for drivers to watch while in command of a vehicle – something very foolish than we would never recommend not condone.
1. The Ultimate HD In Car DVD Option
If you like products with all the requisite “bells and whistles,” then this is the in-car DVD for you.
For starters it has an HD screen, though this isn’t the “full HD” you’ll see on a traditional TV. The product includes a region-free DVD player, but that’s just one option for watching content.
You can also make use of the SD card slot and USB port to play video files from a range of supported formats. There’s even a game disk, in case your passengers get bored with their video entertainment, and a remote control for those who find leaning forward in their seat too much effort!
Positives:
- Great quality picture.
- Lots of playback options.
- Positive online reviews.
Negatives:
2. The Actual TV Option
This is a very different beast to the last option. It’s a full blown Freeview TV in portable form, and it’s possible to power it with a rechargeable battery, or from a car cigarette lighter.
As we explained at the start, it’s not feasible to watch live TV with an ariel while you’re moving along, but it will work just fine when stationary – making it ideal for caravans and motorhomes as well.
While you are moving, you can instead watch media files and listen to music using a connected USB stick or MicroSD card. You can also use this to record live TV when you have a signal – for viewing later. Please note however that this option does NOT include a DVD player.
Positives:
- A genuine portable television.
- Runs on battery, mains, or 12V power.
Negatives:
- No headrest mount included.
- No HD.
3. A Simple Option for Families
This twin-screen system from Bush ss perfect for families, as your back-seat passengers can not only have a screen each, but each watch something different. This is a perfect way to keep everyone happy.
This system doesn’t offer that many added extras, but comes with everything you need. There’s a remote control, 12V and AC adaptors, and earphones all in the box.
While it should be possible for both passengers to watch the same DVD, some reviewers have had issues with this feature – so you may wish to check before buying.
Positives:
- A low-cost twin-screen system.
- Allows two passengers to watch different DVDs.
Negatives:
- No USB or SD card input option.
- Fairly low resolution.
4. A Flexible Alternative
This one’s a great option for people who want to take their in car DVD player elsewhere, as it’s designed as a completely stand-alone portable DVD system. Despite this, it comes with the necessary headrest mountings for in-car use.
This makes it perfect for people who want to use it in the car, then chuck it in hand luggage to watch on a plane, for example.
The DVD player has a USB input and an SD card slot, so playback options aren’t restricted to DVD alone. The battery life is notably good as well – quoted at up to five hours when away from power.
Positives:
- Truly portable.
- Lots of playback options.
- Can be linked with a second screen if you buy two!
Negatives:
- Speaker volume isn’t especially loud.
5. The Feature-Packed Twin Pack
This Voyager-branded in car DVD system costs a little more than the Bush twin-pack above, but justifies the extra cost with some additional features.
The screens are slimline LEDs, and the headrest mounts are sophisticated, making for easy removal when parked.
The screens also come with USB and SD card inputs, something notably absent on the cheaper Bush system. Teenagers with their own electronic media files are sure to appreciate this feature.
Positives:
- Great headrest mountings.
- Option to add wireless headphones.
Negatives:
- Some reviews raise reliability concerns.
Sep 27, 2016
A recent PetrolPrices.com survey has revealed that over 71% of drivers have had their cars damaged whilst parked. In the vast majority of cases, these were “hit and run” incidents, with the perpetrators driving away instead of confessing to their mistake.
Our survey was answered by over 8000 motorists, with 71.4% saying that their vehicle had been “damaged whilst parked/stationary.” This amounts to nearly 6000 damaged cars from our research sample alone.
While this in itself is a worrying statistic, what’s far worse is that in 85% of cases, nobody stopped and took responsibility for the damage, making the lion’s share of these incidents low-level “hit and run” incidents.
Dents are the most commonly caused damage, accounting for about 54% of the incidents. Scratches are next at 40%. In nearly 7% of cases, however, the damage is seemingly far more malicious, involving a “part of (the) car physically removed.”
The sad reality of these incidents is that they’re often extremely costly for car owners. Even superficial dents can prove very expensive to fix. Furthermore, drivers can be hit with a triple-whammy of expenses: fixing the damage, taking a hit on the car’s resale value, and possibly even seeing an increase in future insurance costs. The latter is compounded by recent reports that insurance costs can rise after superficial incidents even if the insured person opts to repair the damage themselves instead of claiming. Have a read of this recent news article to find out more on that.
Hitting back against hit and run
So what can you do, as a driver, to protect yourself against your fellow drivers? Based on our statistics, they seem a rather dishonest bunch!
Ultimately all you can do is catch them out. Thankfully the technology exists to do so. Your first option is a fixed security camera outside your property – if this is feasible and likely to catch out the perpetrators. It’s worth taking a look at the products available from Y-cam, which fit the bill perfectly.
Another option is a dashcam, which records what happens around your vehicle. Some of the latest models from companies like Nextbase have a “parked mode” which uses motion-sensing technology to capture evidence. This has the added benefit of keeping an eye on your car in car parks and elsewhere when you’re away from home. This Nextbase 312GW has a parked mode and is an economical choice. Alternatively, if you really want the “gold standard,” and the best chance of catching the crooks, the DUO HD model has twin rotating cameras.
It’s undoubtedly pleasing to be able to go after people who think they’ve damaged your car and got away with it.
These gadgets don’t cost very much in the grand scheme of things, and even buying both could cost significantly less than replacing a door panel!
Sep 21, 2016
In this article, we run through the best car wax options currently available in the UK. These can all help you keep your car in a spotless, showroom condition.
Let’s be honest: Waxing the car can feel like quite a chore sometimes. This is definitely the case for those people for whom a car is just a car, and not their pride and joy! However, it’s a worthwhile task to keep a vehicle’s bodywork in tip-top condition. Furthermore, choosing the best car wax and taking the time to give your car some TLC can actually keep the car looking cleaner for longer.
In compiling this list of the best car wax, we’ve taken into account the fact that some people have neither the time nor inclination to spend much of their life buffing their car to a shine. With this in mind, you’ll see some of the options are relatively low effort compared to traditional car wax.
1. Best Car Wax: The “All-Rounder”
If you want a quick and easy, all-in-one best car wax, you can’t go far wrong with this Auto Glym kit.
It comes complete with two microfibre cloths, and the wax can be used on a dry vehicle or while the car is still wet – straight after washing.
Unusually, this wax is designed to work on “all exterior surfaces.” This is quite rare, as plenty of waxes are best avoided around windows and plastic panels.
We’re not alone in assessing this as the best car wax out there – Auto Express also gave the product a “best buy” award.
Positives:
- Works on dry and wet vehicles.
- Lots of good user reviews.
- Works on all surfaces.
Negatives:
- May not last as long as a more traditional wax.
2. A More Traditional Car Wax
This wax is more of a traditional option for those who want to make a bit of an effort!
This effort will pay off, however, as rain will just run off your car after application, keeping your vehicle shiny for weeks on end.
It’s worth emphasising that this is a traditional wax, intended for applying when your bodywork is dry.
Positives:
- Lasts for ages.
- Provides lots of paintwork protection.
Negatives:
- Not the easiest wax to apply.
- Not ideal for use on windows.
3. Best Car Wax: An All-in-One Solution
This is something a little different; It’s a complete car cleaning solution, including wax, that doesn’t require any water. This is ideal if you want to clean your car when you’re away from home, or anywhere without a convenient water source.
The idea is that you use the “waterless wash” first, and then buff the car up with the separate wax.
The product claims to work “without streaks, smears, scratches or water spots.” Almost all the online reviewers agree this is a valid claim, and rave about the product.
Positives:
- A complete solution.
- Allows you to clean your car without water!
- Saves a lot of time.
Negatives:
- A few reviewers not convinced by the quality of the finish.
- Not particularly economical.
4. The Household Name in Car Wax!
Arguably the best-known household name in car wax. This “hard shell shine” Turtle Wax is found in thousands of UK garages, and really does the job.
Some effort is required, however to get the best out of it. This wax is really only at its best when the car is really thoroughly cleaned prior to application.
Positives:
- An unrivalled finish.
- A trusted household name.
- Protects your car from the elements.
Negatives:
- Not the easiest wax to apply.
- No applicator provided.
5. The Easiest Option
This wax could fairly be described as a “lazy option!” However, nobody would be any the wiser. It still creates a great finish.
The clue to how this works is in the name; You apply this wax while the car is wet, making for a far quicker car wash routine.
This product doesn’t even need an awful lot of buffing after use, so it really is a quick solution. Unsurprisingly, however, it’s unlikely to last quite as long as “the real thing.”
Still, this is well worth a go if you’re pushed for time, and almost all reviews are very positive.
Positives:
- Very little effort involved.
- Produces a good finish.
Negatives:
- Rumours the product may be being discontinued – grab it now!
- Doesn’t protect against the elements as well as traditional wax.
Sep 20, 2016
Fuel economy figures provided by car manufacturers have traditionally been taken with a grain of salt by many. Often, car owners never manage to come close to the “miles per gallon” promised by marketing materials.
This is the purpose of “Real MPG,” which is a system HonestJohn.co.uk use to compile real life fuel economy figures from car owners. These realistic figures make it possible to compare real-life fuel economy with what’s promised by the manufacturers.
In a moment we’ll run through the vehicles that have recently performed best in Real MPG terms. First, however, it’s worth pointing out the surprising fact that several cars actually outperform the figures promised by the car makers. This is a true case of “under promise and over deliver,” which is very pleasing to see.
So, without further ado, here’s a run-down of the ten best vehicles for Real MPG; five diesels and five petrol models. All of these surpass the promises made by their manufacturers – some by more than 20%.
The Best Diesels for Real MPG
1) Land Rover Defender 110 SW (1984 – 2015) – 114.0% of official average MPG
The trusty Land Rover Defender has topped Real MPG tables for years. Owing to its age, the Defender precedes the EC laboratory tests that so many modern cars are designed to excel in. As a result the Land Rover exceeds its official claims by 14 per cent. On average it is the 110 SW that provides the best economy, with a Real MPG score of 29.2mpg, which is almost 5mpg more than Land Rover originally advertised.
2) Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 DI-D (2008 – 2014) – 111.5% of official average
The Mitsubishi Lancer was a car that struggled against the superior Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Both were better to drive and more comfortable. That said, the Lancer diesel trumps both when it comes to real world fuel economy, with Real MPG drivers averaging an impressive 49.2mpg.
3) Volkswagen T5 Caravelle 2.5 TDI (2003 – 2015) – 107.2% of official average
We’re big fans of the big and comfortable Caravelle. Not only was it one of the few Volkswagens to emerge from the emissions scandal unscathed, but Real MPG figures show it to be one of the best MPVs for real world economy. On average, the T5 Caravelle will return 33.8mpg, but some Real MPG drivers have reported as much as 41.5mpg, which makes the large people carrier ideal for large families and taxi drivers alike.
4) Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDiS (2013 – ) – 100.6% of official average
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is great value and cheap to run, with the 1.6 DDiS providing 60mpg+. Real MPG drivers back up Suzuki’s fuel economy claims, with the SX4 S-Cross scoring a commendable 100.6 per cent of its official average.
5) Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI (2004 – 2013) – 103.7% of official average
It might be the old model, but the 2004 – 2014 Skoda Octavia continues to impress Real MPG drivers with an average of 54.7mpg. The Octavia’s low fuel costs are made all the more attractive when you consider how large and comfortable it is inside, while its keen handling characteristics make it surprisingly capable on a demanding B road.
Real MPG: The Best Petrol Vehicles
1) Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 (2008-2015) – 120.0% of official average MPG
Admittedly, most XFs on the road are diesel powered, but in the hands of Real MPG drivers the 3.0-litre V6 petrol manages to better its official fuel economy by an impressive rate. According to Jaguar the V6 should average at 26.8mpg, but the true figure is closer to 32mpg.
2) Nissan X-Trail 2.0 (2007-2014) – 119.5% of official average MPG
With an official economy figure of 32.5mpg and a Real MPG average of 38.8mpg, the petrol-powered X-Trail is a surprisingly strong performer. In fact, all variants of the previous X-Trail do well in Real MPG, coming close to or bettering their official figures in real world driving. If you want a practical and well-built family car, the X-Trail is a sensible used buy.
3) Maserati Coupe 4.2 V8 (2001-2007) – 117.8% of official average MPG
Don’t read into this one too much – this exotic Italian car is only officially capable of 15.2mpg, so the fact it beats its official figures by 18 per cent means very little. You can’t really call 17.9mpg a good figure, although if you’re buying a Maserati of this vintage, fuel economy is unlikely to be top of your priority list.
4) Vauxhall Monaro 5.7 V8 (2004-2007) – 117.2% official average MPG
The average Real MPG figure for the slightly bonkers V8-powered Monaro is 21.7mpg so it’s not an economical car – but Vauxhall officially claimed it was capable of just 18.5mpg, meaning owners typically beat the official figures. Based on a Holden, the Monaro is not a car for the shy or retiring type, but you get plenty of power for your money.
5) Honda Legend 3.5 i-VTEC (2006-2009) – 116.9% of official average MPG
Luxurious, plush and packed with technology, the 2006 Honda Legend was ahead of its time in many ways – but its official economy figure of just over 20mpg felt distinctly twentieth century. In the real world it manages nearer 30mpg, but even so it’s hardly wallet-friendly at the pumps.
Clearly, some of these cars are more practical choices than others! However, these Real MPG figures offer a fascinating insight into how realistic (or otherwise) some manufacturer’s figures can prove. We thank HonestJohn.co.uk for sharing this with us and our readers.
This post was created in association with motoring website HonestJohn.co.uk who provide “Real MPG” figures that truly allow motorists to choose vehicles based on a realistic fuel economy prediction.
IMAGE CREDIT: Flickr
Aug 17, 2016
Are you one of those people who puts your foot down as you approach the traffic lights in an attempt to screech through just before amber turns to red? Or are you one of the cautious ones who begins to slow down in anticipation of “go” turning to “stop?”
Audi drivers in the USA will soon have some extra information to draw on. A news report has emerged revealing that Audi is working on some new car tech that will allow vehicles to directly communicate with traffic lights.
If this all sounds rather “sci-fi,” it’s worth remembering that self-driving cars are already being trialled. Therefore, this is actually a relatively simple thing to implement in technical terms.
The technology involved is known as “V to I” (Vehicle to Infrastructure). According to the report, the technology could soon work hand in hand with the “V to V” (Vehicle to Vehicle) communication that will one day allow self-driving cars to communicate with one another.
How will cars talk to traffic lights?
So what exactly will this technology do? There are two key functions, both based on a count-down display on the car’s dashboard. One will show a countdown to the light going green, disappearing just before to allow the driver to refocus on the road. The second countdown will appear on approaching a light, notifying a driver how long it will be until the light changes to red.
Obviously, the idea is that this latter countdown will warn drivers when there’s not enough time to get through the light before it changes. However, there’s no accounting for human nature. As such, one has to wonder how many drivers will simply try to “beat the countdown!”
It seems this has occurred to Audi too. The manufacturer has made clear that this feature is for “comfort and convenience” and not for safety.
Audi A4s and Q7s are expected to appear next year with this feature on board. To begin with, it will only function in a handful of (as yet unrevealed) US cities. There’s not yet any indication of any UK roll-out.
What do you think of this new piece of car tech? Pointless? Useful? Dangerous? Let us know in the comments!
Aug 10, 2016
If we’d talked about car WiFi a decade ago, it would have sounded like the stuff of science fiction. However, it helps to keep in mind the fact that ten years ago nobody had yet laid eyes on an iPhone or iPad!
The world is very different now; These devices are ubiquitous. For many, they’ve changed road travel in all kinds of ways. Consider the following:
- Many people now use their smartphone as their key satellite navigation device.
- Many individuals also store music on their phones, or use Internet streaming services such as Apple Music or Spotify as their main source of music. The “iPod input” of 2006 is now more than likely to be used as an input for a smartphone.
- Families often use Internet-connected devices to provide entertainment during long journeys. An iPad with access to streaming movies or a Kindle book can make such road trips far less stressful, as many parents will surely attest.
With all this in mind, it actually makes complete sense to have WiFi in the car when traveling. While a smartphone with data connectivity is useful to a point, it’s not much use to a family, who may all want their own connectivity for different devices. Furthermore, unlimited WiFi on smartphone tariffs is increasingly rare, and will soon add up if multiple people are all using data at once.
How to get Car WiFi
New cars are starting to appear with onboard Internet hotspots, but it’s just as easy to add one to an existing vehicle.
Essentially, all you need is a router for mobile broadband. These connect to the Internet using the same cellular network as your mobile phone, but also create a mobile hotspot that multiple passengers can connect to. For example, your passenger can stream music to the car stereo while your kids watch YouTube videos on their tablets in the back.
While any 4G router will serve the purpose to a point, devices have started to appear that are specifically designed for car WiFi use. One example is the Buzzard 2 device from EE (pictured). As you can see, this is designed to plug directly into a cigarette lighter socket in order to stay powered. Passengers just connect to it like any other WiFi hotspot.
Taking Things Further
Something like the Buzzard device is great for UK travel, but can get rather expensive if you travel further afield. Some of the tariffs available at the time of writing include some EU roaming data, but only 100MB’s worth.
This may sound like a lot but it’s really not – it actually amounts to about 10 mins of YouTube playback! It’s therefore not an awful lot of use if you’re planning a road trip through Europe (or elsewhere) unless you’re prepared to pay a lot of extra charges.
Another option is to take a look at a company called MIOWIFI. This firm does things rather differently, offering a service they describe as “portable WiFi for travellers.”
Essentially, MIOWIFI uses mobile broadband routers just like traditional providers. This is basically the same technology we’ve already talked about above. However, they’ve geared their service specifically to travellers to over 110 countries, who wish to avoid those roaming charges everyone dreads. The other most significant difference is that MIOWIFI rent out their devices as well as selling them.
The idea of this is that you can borrow a device for the duration of a holiday or business trip. When you arrive you switch on, connect to a local cellular provider, and have unlimited data to share with up to ten people.
This means you can, for example, hire a device, fly to the USA, and switch it on in your hire car to give yourself and your family unlimited car WiFi abroad. Prices range from £4 to £8 per day. When you’re done you post the device back to them.
Taking the Internet with you
It’s worth noting the MIOWIFI device isn’t only intended for car WiFi. You can use it wherever you want. So, you can use it (in the UK or abroad) in the car, in hotels, in rental properties and anywhere else. If you consider what it can sometimes cost to hook up to WiFi whilst travelling (and how pitifully slow this can sometimes be), the prices are really rather low when you consider that up to ten people can connect at once.
If you think about it, MIOWIFI is actually worth consideration for a UK holiday too. The reason being that traditional mobile Internet plans often have data caps and long contracts. If you only go on one or two long road trips each year, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to pay when you’re not using the device – and pay as you go options are never unlimited.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for car WiFi, but MIOWIFI does provide an interesting and slightly different proposition, especially if you want an absolute guarantee you won’t get hit by roaming charges abroad. Parents who rely on Kindles and tablets to make long journeys tolerable could find renting one of these devices makes the road trip part of the summer holidays more enjoyable than they thought possible!
Jul 15, 2016
The VW diesel emissions scandal may not be hitting the headlines so much nowadays, but it still rumbles on, with the aftermath costing Volkswagen something in the region of £12 Billion. For those unaware of what happened, it emerged in September 2015 that VW had used “defeat software” to cheat tests and provide unrealistic data on fuel economy and emissions data, resulting in a huge scandal and a queue of millions of VW owners expecting recompense.
On the other side of the Atlantic, American owners of affected VW diesel cars are each being financially compensated, to the tune up to $10,000 (£7,400 at current exchange rates). US owners also have the option of having their vehicle repaired or having it “bought back” by VW.
Now, according to a BBC report, it’s emerged that British VW diesel owners aren’t in line for anything like the same deal. The 200,000 affected people are merely being offered a free repair job – something the report suggests around a quarter of the owners have taken VW up on so far.
Blame for this inferior deal, which MPs have described as “deeply unfair,” is being placed on government inaction. The Transport Committee feel that the government has “lacked the will to hold VW accountable for its actions.”
Will the scandal spread beyond VW diesel cars?
A question that’s arisen frequently since the scandal broke is whether it would emerge that other manufacturers were implicated in similar tactics to cheat emissions tests. This possibility is also explored in the BBC article referred to above.
A detailed report last month suggested that diesels from a host of manufacturers could be significantly more polluting in colder weather conditions, due to software configurations that allow more emissions in inclement weather. Due to “loopholes” in EU laws, it’s thought that manufacturers have found ways to get around this without breaking any rules. However, it means – just as before – that these cars are throwing out far more pollution that they were ever supposed to on paper.
Between 2017 and 2021, European regulations are going to get much tougher on emissions. The unfortunate problem here is that significant environmental damage has been (and is being) done in the interim period.
Jun 28, 2016
Now we all know that the nation has voted to leave the EU, our thoughts turn to what the implications could be for “Brexit motoring.”
As per our last news item, petrol and diesel prices are widely expected to rise, at least in the short term – something people are already beginning to see (although not yet to the level some people predicted). However, there’s far more to motoring than the cost of fuel.
Many media outlets and national newspapers have begun to discuss other implications for UK drivers, so we thought it would make sense to give some space to some of the theories and suppositions. It’s very important to remember that when it comes to Brexit motoring, even the most informed opinion can only really be described as speculation at this stage.
No formal “Brexit” negotiations have yet taken place, so our exact relationship with most of mainland Europe is yet to be determined. However, it is possible to consider some of the EU’s current impacts on motorists and get a good idea of what could change.
Brexit Motoring: Insurance
Car insurance is arguably the thing that will be most affected by our planned withdrawal from the European Union, for a couple of reasons. One headline theory is that it could actually get cheaper – at least according to some pundits.
Why IS this? Well at the moment, it’s mandatory for UK car insurance policies to provide for a minimum level of legal cover when cars are driven in EU countries. If we’re no longer part of the EU, it’s possible that insurance companies could pass on the savings in not having to provide this cover, in the form of lower premiums.
However, this will mean that those who do wish to drive on the continent will have to pay separately (as many drivers already do to ensure a comprehensive level of cover) – and if we’re not part of the EU, these extra insurance costs could be high. So, reading between the lines we have a speculative advantage for drivers who never drive outside Britain, and a potential extra cost for those who do.
There’s more: As explained in a This is Money report, a law changed back in 2012 following an EU ruling, preventing insurance companies from offering cheaper policies to drivers based on their gender. This saw the end of a trend that was allowing (statistically safer) female drivers to pay less for car insurance than men. If an independent UK decides not to maintain this legal provision, we could see cheaper insurance for women once again, but probably more expensive insurance for men.
Driving in Europe Post Brexit
As (contrary to the understanding of many) the UK has never been part of the borderless Schengen zone, there have always been passport controls between the UK and mainland Europe (the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland being an exception).
As such, this part of driving in and out of Europe will remain unchanged, whatever is eventually decided regarding freedom of movement. However, once we leave the EU, we will no longer be able to fill our cars with cases of wine and cheap tobacco. It will likely be possible to buy small amounts at even lower prices, but within the same strict limits that apply to true “duty-free” purchases in places like Australia and the USA.
Ensuring these limits are adhered to is likely to make crossing out of Europe rather more arduous and time-consuming than it is now, but this change could be offset by fewer people crossing these borders once the “booze cruise” days are over.
Unless other European countries leave the EU, road laws will remain consistent. However once Britain is no longer part of the EU, the country may well choose to amend some motoring laws on this side of the Channel.
Brexit and the Car Industry
The impact Brexit may have on car manufacturing, and the car industry in general, is where things become really speculative. As you will know if you watched any of the pre-Brexit debates, the car industry was used repeatedly by both campaigns as a political tool to influence voters.
It’s too early to speculate on what might happen regarding manufacturing (even though plenty of newspapers are attempting to!) Until Brexit negotiations are well underway, it’s almost impossible to accurately predict whether manufacturers might move factories or whether the EU may impose trade tariffs.
However, we can still have a think about what could happen to car prices in the short to medium term. According to the same report referred to above, The RAC believe there’s “little evidence” that buying a car will become any more pricey. This is referring to the interim period while negotiations get underway.
After Brexit is complete, things could change; If we don’t negotiate a good trade deal, car prices could go up, resulting in cars here costing more than in mainland Europe. Toyota is one manufacturer who’s been open about this.
Also, while there’s not yet been any sign that interest rates will rise (and, in fact, speculation that they could fall yet further), if they do go up it could mean that car finance deals get a little more expensive.
Brexit Motoring Conclusion
You’ll notice we’ve been very cautious to only summarise some of the most common theories relating to Brexit motoring. It’s well worth emphasising that a huge number of factors remain up in the air at the time of writing, so informed speculation is the best we (or indeed anyone else) can offer. Whatever happens, nothing’s going to change particularly quickly at this point.
