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Old cars, new cars, borrowed cars & blue cars. If it steers it's here!

Old cars, new cars, borrowed cars & blue cars. If it steers it's here!

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‘Enjoying Your Austin’ – A30/A35 book, still available for Christmas

15th December 2023

Kim Henson writes... My A30/A35 book 'Accessible Classics' (Enjoying Your Austin) is still available direct from me and if you would like a copy in time for Christmas, please let me know as soon as possible! Again this year several people have asked me whether my book on Austin A30s/A35s is still available… Yes it is (I wrote and published the book), and it can be purchased direct from me if you … [Read more...]

Battery care and straightforward car maintenance checks can help avoid winter breakdowns…

6th December 2023

Understanding your battery's date code – and other useful information to help prevent winter breakdown woes... The following tips shared by Howden Insurance could save you time, money and hassle. They tell us: (Image and all words from Howden Insurance) As we head into winter and the mornings become colder, giving your car a bit more love and attention can help to reduce the risk of … [Read more...]

‘Santa’s little helpers’ promote tyre safety for Tyresafe’s ‘Good Elf’ Christmas campaign…

1st December 2023

Keep Your Tyres in Good 'Elf' is Tyresafe's message for their Christmas campaign, promoted by 'Santa's Little Helpers'! They tell us: (All words and the image from Tyresafe). This December, TyreSafe, the UK's tyre safety organisation, is launching a whimsical and educational tyre safety campaign like no other: 'Keep Your Tyres in Good 'Elf.' The campaign features Santa's mischievous … [Read more...]

Take care of your turbocharger, to help it survive

29th November 2023

Turbocharger specialist Melett advises technicians (and drivers) to think 'turbo' this winter. They tell us: (All words and images from Melett). The trusted aftermarket brand for precision engineered turbochargers and parts, Melett (www.melett.com), is urging technicians to stay on top of turbo maintenance this winter and has offered best practice tips to help customers prolong the … [Read more...]

BMC ‘A’ Series engine roller rocker valve gear modifications – and potential problems!

23rd November 2023

Hylton Reid describes how the 'roller rocker' valvegear system he fitted to his Austin A30 (powered by a 1098cc 'A' Series engine) resulted in unforeseen difficulties that stopped the engine dead, when on a journey... An alternative title, in Hylton's own words, "The disaster of fitting roller rockers to an ‘A’ Series engine"! Here he comprehensively explains his trials, tribulations and … [Read more...]

Grumpy Old Mechanic – Beware using very old fuel and ‘E10’ petrol in your classic

9th November 2023

Fuel – be careful what you use in your classic... Our motor technician has had many decades of motor car experience and always tries to help car owners keep their vehicles on the road and running well… This time he offers a few words of advice about petrol… He writes: "I have always advised my classic car customers to use the best quality fuel they can find, and ideally these days to avoid … [Read more...]

Nemesis Ltd. becomes the official UK importer and distributor of fossil-free synthetic fuel brand P1 Fuels

23rd August 2023

Nemesis Ltd. is announced as the UK official importer and distributor of P1 Fuels... They tell us: The established Worcester-based distributor will provide a bespoke solution for the synthetic fuel brand to promote and sell to a diverse range of markets, including OEMs, race teams, the classic car market and ultimately as a pump fuel. As we move towards the net-zero target of 2050, P1 Fuels … [Read more...]

Coffee from Columbia, delivered using sailing ships and hydrogen trucks – a remarkable true story

18th August 2023

Coffee grown in Colombia, despatched to its destination in Europe via  sailing ships and hydrogen trucks... Wow! At Wheels-Alive we thought this was a fascinating 21st Century story of true sustainability in delivering goods over long distances... Coffee manufacturer Atinkana strives to minimise its carbon footprint. The coffee beans are transported by sailing ships across the Atlantic to … [Read more...]

Vettel drives at Goodwood fossil-free with sustainable P1 Fuel

12th July 2023

P1 Fuels powers Sebastian Vettel's collection of historic F1 cars at Goodwood... P1 Fuels tells us: (All words and photograph from P1 Fuels). Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel will be using 100% fossil-free fuel throughout the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed as he drives his stunning personal collection of F1 cars up the world famous hill over the weekend of July 13-16. … [Read more...]

Sustainable fuels from P1 Fuels power classics in the Mille Miglia endurance rally

21st June 2023

P1 Fuels, with Mercedes-Benz and pre-War specialists, cross the finishing line in the gruelling Mille Miglia endurance rally in Italy, and showcase the net-zero future of the internal combustion engine... P1 Fuels tells us: P1 Fuels completed its biggest test yet at this year’s Mille Miglia ‘1000 Miglia’, the renowned 1,000-mile endurance race in Italy Mercedes-Benz Classic powered all … [Read more...]

The Motor Ombudsman advises automotive ‘safety first’ when visiting music festivals

13th June 2023

The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to put vehicle safety centre stage when visiting music festivals this summer... They tell us: A Motor Ombudsman-commissioned YouGov poll of nearly 1,000 driving licence holders who would be likely to travel in their own vehicle to a music festival this summer, revealed that only around half (53%) would know how to check the tread depth of their … [Read more...]

The Motor Ombudsman expands coverage of its Service and Repair Code

23rd May 2023

Mobile Mechanics, tyre fitters and smart repairers now come within the scope of The Motor Ombudsman's Service and Repair Code. They tell us: The Motor Ombudsman has marked the 15th anniversary of the launch of its Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair with the expansion of the Code’s coverage to mobile mechanics, tyre fitters, and smart repairers The … [Read more...]

Sebastian Vettel names P1 Fuels as ‘synthetic’ partner for fossil-free Goodwood runs

16th May 2023

P1 Fuels named by Sebastian Vettel as exclusive 'synthetic' partner for fossil-free fuel runs at Goodwwod Festival of Speed... P1 Fuels tells us: Formula 1 World Champion and sustainable motorsports advocate Sebastian Vettel has named P1 Fuels as his Goodwood Festival of Speed synthetic fuel brand of choice Sebastian Vettel announced he will drive at Goodwood Festival of Speed but only … [Read more...]

RAC analyses MoT test failures…

15th March 2023

The RAC says that brake and tyre defects cause the most dangerous MoT falures... They tell us: Lamps, reflectors and indicators top the league of MOT failures Switched on drivers pass their MOT tests by looking after their lights Lamps, reflectors and indicators continue to be the most frequent reasons for vehicles* fail their MOTs, but it’s problems with brakes and tyres that … [Read more...]

Secondhand buying – proceed with care! Robin Roberts advises… and bought a Toyota…

6th March 2023

Buy with your head (not your heart!)… ...says Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Robin ventures into the used car market in the form of a tidy Toyota Auris, but first gives sound advice on how to avoid pitfalls and scams when buying used… Car buying scams are on the rise, driven by criminals hoping to take advantage of drivers searching online for their next set of wheels. The … [Read more...]

Stand by for MoT changes – but first make your views heard!

14th February 2023

New Consultation on proposals to make MoT tests fit for the future - by Dave Moss. The Department for Transport has launched a detailed two-part consultation seeking views on various options aimed at updating the MoT testing regime for cars, vans and motorcycles. Its declared intention is to ensure roadworthiness checks continue balancing costs to motorists against the need to ensure road safety, … [Read more...]

First MoT delay may affect road safety, says Tyresafe…

24th January 2023

Extending MoT will increase the number of defective vehicles and tyres on Britain's roads, according to Tyresafe... They tell us: This week, the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced a consultation on the proposal to ‘change the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from 3 to 4 years.’. The proposal comes as … [Read more...]

Efuels Report Europe takes an in-depth look at the current state of play with carbon-neutral synthetic fuels

20th January 2023

Given their chance, efuels (synthetic fuels) could help us and the planet!! Kim Henson writes: The German fuelling association ‘UNITI’ has very recently presented the second edition of the European magazine “Efuels Report Europe”, and I have just studied in depth its 28 pages… This comprehensive document sets out in detail, and in a balanced manner considering many aspects, the challenges … [Read more...]

Bamboo Bikes – Made in Ghana, sold from Cornwall

6th January 2023

Kim Henson describes an alternative form of bicycle construction which employs sustainable bamboo for the main frame assembly, and provides work for people in Ghana… (Photographs by Roots Yard/Roots Bamboo Bikes). My wife and I were recently enjoying a short break in Cornwall when a chance encounter with Jacqueline Ababio introduced us to the concept of bicycles constructed using bamboo. This … [Read more...]

Avoid a Brakedown! Keep your brakes in top condition…

28th December 2022

The importance of having effective, high-quality brakes on your vehicle. (Note: This feature incorporates sponsored content). All cars have brakes, of course, among the most critical of safety components, and it's crucial to comprehend what they do. Many people are unaware of how a car's braking system operates. With a disc brake set-up, as used in most modern vehicles, when you press the … [Read more...]

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Contributors to the site include talented, highly-respected people (so they tell me) on the hallowed membership list of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and from the similarly well thought-of Western Group of Motoring Writers. In addition there are valued contributions from other knowledgeable and capable motoring writers who have something useful to say about all aspects of driving and running vehicles in the 21st Century. All of our team are passionate about motor cars!


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