Our competition, enabling two of our readers to win a copy of the new book ‘Hand Wash Only - A beginner's guide to Detailing and Car Care’ has now ended… Thanks to all of you who entered the competition, and to those who didn’t win, we’re sorry, but hope that you have better luck next time. We are very grateful to the publishers of the book (PD Publishing) for kindly donating the two copies. … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – and a Competition Prize; you can win a copy – ‘Hand Wash Only – A Beginner’s Guide to Detailing and Car Care’
YOU could win one of two copies of this top class book; please see below for details of our Wheels-Alive competition… So what is the book all about? We review the book, but first The publishers of ‘Hand Wash Only’ tell us… Car enthusiasts all over the world know that washing their vehicle by hand is the best way to keep it looking its best. In recent times 'detailing' has become the … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive Competition, starting at 9am Tuesday 2nd August; you can win a copy – ‘Hand Wash Only – A Beginner’s Guide to Detailing and Car Care’
This comprehensive new book on vehicle 'detailing' will be reviewed at 9am tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd August 2022 on Wheels-Alive, with the chance to win a copy in a free to enter competition which closes at 8.59am on Friday, 12th August. … [Read more...]
Synthetic fuels evaluated in historic racing car
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), CKL Developments and Sustain by Coryton team up to commence synthetic fuel testing for the historic sector... The HCVA tells us: Tuesday 21st June 2022 saw the achievement of a significant milestone in the progress towards future fuels for the Historic and Classic vehicles sector. CKL Developments, Jaguar racing specialists, a … [Read more...]
Reflections on a turning point in automotive history
Time for a (gear) change? Dave Moss discusses the possible/likely/inevitable (?) decline of the multi-ratio gearboxes that we have used since motoring began... Although cars have undergone remarkable changes in the 125 years they have been moving mankind around, continued use of internal combustion engines has ensured the survival of one particular heartache-inducing component. To the delight of … [Read more...]
Fuel’s gold – but for how much longer?…
A detailed look at alternative synthetic ‘e-fuels’, what they are and how they may (or may not) fit into the future of transport, classic and otherwise. By Dave Moss. Kim says: “Here is Dave’s very comprehensive article, in its entirety and as written by him and representing his own views following his in-depth ‘free rein’ analysis of the subject. I should mention that this was written … [Read more...]
Fitting a front anti-roll bar to an Austin A30 or A35
Hylton Reid explains how he installed a front anti-roll bar to his Austin A30 (the same techniques can be applied to the structurally similar A35). (All text and photographs copyright Hylton Reid). When the Austin A30 was first introduced it was fitted with an anti-roll bar to the rear suspension. The considered opinion was to remove this to improve handling and to fit a front anti … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive takes a look at… Crown Oil and their HVO fuel
Kim Henson reports on a low emissions alternative to mineral/fossil based diesel fuel... There is (almost) universal agreement that our planet is in trouble in terms of global warming and climate change, and that emissions resulting from the burning of fossil-derived fuels are unhelpful. Reducing ‘carbon footprints’ is therefore desirable and indeed necessary. The more widespread use of … [Read more...]
Mazda’s view of the road ahead… and their power units
There’s still joy to be had in petrol and diesel engines, says Mazda. This week, Mazda UK commissioned 20 electric charging points at its Dartford headquarters as more staff progressively returned to the office, writes Robin Roberts. However, the UK and Europe’s rush to turn on electric cars over the coming decade has not dimmed Mazda’s investment in the internal combustion engine. “Mazda … [Read more...]
Could ‘E-Fuels’ make sense amidst a headlong dash towards vehicle electrification?
What about 'E-Fuels'? Vehicle electrification is widely being pushed as 'the' answer to achieving carbon neutral transportation in the near future. Yet the seemingly sensible alternative/supplementary option of using environmmentally-kind liquid 'E-Fuels' could have much to offer, while still being able to use the existing supply network and infrastructure... Kim Henson reports on a recent … [Read more...]
Higher doses of ethanol arriving – the reasons (we are told…), and the potential dangers
E10 petrol is coming soon – to filling stations near you... by Dave Moss. Why E10, and why now? The British government's ambition to drive down carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 involves ever-tightening targets, which last December stood at a 68% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990... However, in April, days before the US climate summit, rumours began circulating that yet another emissions … [Read more...]
Kim’s Tips – Renew those filters, to keep your car running at its best
Air, oil and fuel filters are often overlooked, but all play essential roles. Kim Henson advises checking when they were last renewed on your vehicle. Car manufacturers fit a variety of important filters on their vehicles, typically including air, engine oil, fuel and pollen filters. Recent diesel engines also have Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). The function of each is to remove … [Read more...]
Increase in percentage of ethanol in standard grade UK petrol further threatens older vehicle fuel systems
Ethanol percentage hike means more bad news for owners of older cars... Kim Henson advises... As has been widely forecast during the last few years – including on Wheels-Alive – the imminent introduction (now confirmed by the U.K.'s Department of Transport) of 'standard grade' 95 octane fuel containing up to 10 per cent ethanol is very bad news indeed for the owners of older vehicles, and not … [Read more...]
Exhaust systems and their ailments
The Most Common Exhaust System Problems An exhaust system is a vital feature in any motor vehicle, ranging from the petrol dominated world of automobiles to the wide variety of diesel-powered vehicles. They have a major role in keeping the engine running without any issues and ensuring a smooth drive that we all expect. However, like most components of a vehicle, they are susceptible to wear … [Read more...]
Calls for MoT Test changes to incorporate aspects of electric, hybrid and high-tech. modern vehicles
Robin Roberts writes: The MoT test may need a radical shakeup to reflect the arrival of electric power and very sophisticated technology fitted to the latest vehicles. That’s the view of KwikFit, which tests about a million vehicles annually, and head of their service Eric Smith. He points out that currently hybrid models and battery electric vehicles are not tested for emissions and these and … [Read more...]
Classic Austin-Healey/MG upgrade – installing a Mazda MX 5 gearbox in a Sprite or Midget
Fitting a five speed Mazda MX 5 Gearbox into a Sprite or Midget... Hylton Reid explains how he did it. © H. G. Reid 2020 Kim adds: "For many owners of classic cars, including Sprites and Midgets, and especially those examples used often for long distances (in normal times!) the installation of a five speed gearbox (incorporating an 'overdrive' ratio top gear) provides major benefits in terms … [Read more...]
Esso launches Synergy Supreme+ 99 premium petrol (and currently it’s ethanol-free)
Esso ups the game in the field of higher grade unleaded petrol... Kim Henson reports... Kim writes, "I have long been a believer in using the 'premium' or superior grades of fuel produced by the main players in the forecourt industry, both petrol and diesel, in my own vehicles. I use these fuels where available because, quite simply, I find that typically performance is noticeably and … [Read more...]
What do all those markings mean on your vehicle’s tyres?
TALKING TYRES by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Washing a car the other day and my eyes were attracted to the tyres, specifically what all those numbers and letters might mean... It was just as well because two needed changing and I know it's important to get not only the correct size but also their loading weight, as set out in the manufacturer’s handbook. They might all … [Read more...]
Need work carried out on your car? Fixter may be able to help you
FIXTER LINKS INDEPENDENT GARAGES WITH OWNERS NEEDING WORK ON THEIR CARS… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). In a period of continually rising prices, one business is delivering potentially big savings and changing the way thousands of owners get their cars serviced. It’s also giving an unexpected boost to hard pressed independent garages. We are all accustomed to doorstep … [Read more...]
Book Review – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel
For Your Bookshelf – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions …Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions Author: Paul Ireland Published by: Veloce Publishing www.veloce.co.uk 152 pages; softback Price: £15.99 ISBN: 978-1-787115-90-3 The author investigates a subject which vexes many classic car owners, … [Read more...]
