The Motorists Guide

With the Brexit date being postponed to October 31st 2019, it's business as usual for anyone considering driving in Europe. Some motorists still show concern when considering European holidays with the uncertainty of what might lie ahead, but the good news is, for now, everything remains the same. As a UK traveller considering a trip to Europe this Summer/Autumn: When driving in the EU, you will not need an International Driving Permit, and if you are taking your own car, you won’t need a Green Card for insurance. You will still have access to state medical care in any EU country as long as you have an up to date European Health Insurance Card. You will be able to move through UK ports and airports, as usual, using the EU/EEA passport gates. All consumer rights and benefits from EU laws will also remain including airline compensation for cancellation or delays, and the ability to use your mobile phone abroad without additional charges. What about after October 31st? If the Government agrees on a deal on or before October 31st, the UK will then enter a transition period and everything will continue to remain the same and you can continue to travel as you do now. There is still a possibility that the UK could leave the EU at the end of October without a deal but as written in our January update, Ferry companies and the Eurotunnel (our two most common forms of transport for reaching the continent) insist that there will be minimal disruption to services. We, of course, will continue to update this information as soon as it becomes available to us however if you would like to discuss anything in greater detail, please don't hesitate to call us. This update has been written with assistance and information from ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents). For more information and advice, please refer to ClassicGT's dedicated Brexit webpage: https://www.classicgt.co.uk/brexit/ Updated Brexit Links from GOV.UK (September 2019) https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit#insurance-for-your-vehicle-caravan-or-trailer https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-brexit https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-for-travel-to-europe

Steve tests the most recent Mercedes E Class Coupe and to see whether it can live up to its predecessors' reputations The current Mercedes E Class was debuted at the North American Auto Show in 2016 and came on sale shortly after. Designated by Mercedes as the W213 the current E class is available in saloon, estate and coupe body styles just like its predecessor. With regards to this fifth generation, E Class Mercedes has unified the design to tie the E Class in with both the current S Class and smaller C Class. As such, this has meant the current E Class Coupe is curvier than its predecessor whilst giving it a sportier persona. However, I feel in some ways the E Classes’ individuality has been lost with this new model. But I cannot deny that the E Class Coupes design is elegantly proportioned thanks to its smooth flowing roof line which allows the car to have real road presence and should please even the pickiest image-conscious buyer. The exterior design is also helped by LED rear lights, Xenon headlights and 19” alloy wheels which are fitted as standard. Mercedes have also paid close attention to detail for the interior to make it feel a premium product. This is helped by the materials used as well as the level of standard equipment on offer such as a digital radio, Bluetooth, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, lumbar support, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, parking sensors, heated seats, keyless go. On top of this, the E Class Coupe is available with a number of options available which include features such as panoramic sunroofs, Burmester sound systems and wireless charging to name but a few. The current E Class also benefits from being fitted with the safety technology to that of its big brother the S Class and includes autonomous driving features which allows the car to drive itself up to speeds of 130mph. This is on top of the basic safety features offered as standard on the E Class which include; Antilock Braking System, brake pad wear sensor, all round airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Parktronic with reversing camera, child seat recognition sensor, fatigue alert for long journeys, collision prevention assist, blind spot assist, and brake assist for emergency braking combined with hold function as standard. As I’m sure you’ll agree the amount of safety features is second to none. Pedestrians aren’t neglected either, as the E Class is fitted with an active bonnet which raises the bonnet if it senses a person coming into contact with it. The E Class Coupe range is available with two common rail diesel engines and four direct injection petrol engines which are all mated to a 9 speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The engine options are as follows: Diesel E220d – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo unit producing 194hp/400Nm torque, available in 2wd or with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel drive system. E400d – a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder turbo engine producing 340hp/700Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic system. Petrol E300 – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo engine producing 245hp/370Nm torque E350 – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo unit producing 299hp/400Nm torque E450 - a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder twin turbo engine producing 367hp/500Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. E53 – is the AMG derived 3.0 litre 6 cylinder twin turbo engine producing 435hp/520Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic system. Plus it should average 30mpg as an added bonus. Driving the E Class Coupe The car on test is a 2018 E220d AMG Line which is fitted with the four-cylinder 2.0 turbo diesel engine which produces 194bhp and linked to the 9-speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. To top it off this engine boasts MPG figures of 56.5mph combined. Sliding into the combined Alcantara and leather driving seat I found it to be very supportive, with very good side bolsters as well as being electrically controlled and fitted with lumbar support. Furthermore, I found there is plenty of space for front seat passengers but it might prove a struggle for rear passengers on longer journeys. But I must admit that the space for rear passengers is certainly improved over the previous E Class Coupe especially where height is concerned. As one would expect from a Mercedes the cabin has a quality feel with leather covering not only the seats but also the door cards and dash top. In addition, the infotainment screen is much larger at 12.3 inches than the previous E Class which further improves its usability. Pressing the engine start button the diesel engine bursts into life to a quiet idle. Selecting drive on the column shifter the E Class pulls away effortlessly thanks to the automatic gearbox which has both smooth and quick gear changes, combined with a good kick down. I found the 220d engine had more than enough power and torque for good acceleration and momentum in all driving environments but was slightly unrefined compared to some of its competitors. However, I must admit that this is a small negative in an otherwise good drivetrain which can get to 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. I was further impressed by the handling of the E Class which ironed out the bumps well despite being quite hard, and surprisingly this still allows the handling to be composed yet comfortable. To further improve the comfort from the E Class, air suspension is available at extra cost. I have to admit that the suspension on the current E Class coupe helps reduce roll better than its predecessor which is partly due to the wider track. Furthermore, the steering is nicely weighted, allowing it to be light but precise, which is in part to Mercedes Direct-steer system which is also speed sensitive. One key foible I found whilst driving the E Class was the road noise, which could not be muted by the cabins sound deadening. However, I’ll admit this could be down to the Michelin run-flat tyres fitted to this vehicle and may be improved with a different brand of tyre. The handling package is finished off with large drilled brake discs front and rear which stop the E class effortlessly. The Motorists Guide View Overall I found the current Mercedes E class Coupe a nice car to drive combined with an impressive level of standard equipment compared to some of the rivals. Furthermore, the build quality is on par with other Mercedes products, with nice materials and a quality fit and finish that consumers have come to expect from Mercedes. However, despite being larger/roomier than its predecessor I felt that the previous model was slightly better all round. None the less the current E Class is certainly a comfortable and relaxing place to be for both sitting in and driving, which most owners will happily drive for long distances. Therefore, we’re confident that you’d be pleased with purchasing an E Class Coupe if you’re in the market for one and it's not one you should not discount when considering a premium coupe. Dimensions Length: 4,923 mm Width: 1,852 mm Height: 1,468 Curb weight: 1,605–2,048 kg

From life-changing road trips to breaking your personal top speed record, there's no limit to what you can do behind the wheel When you're sitting in traffic on the M25, do you sometimes close your eyes and imagine you were traversing some far-flung mountain range, or tearing down the Mulsanne Straight at 250mph? Well, open them again (not least because you're on a motorway), because the Autocar writers have compiled a list of their greatest achievements behind the wheel, and the things they'd like to still do. Read on to discover what it feels like to drive at 200mph, why Iceland is the best road trip destination, which motorsport events you need to attend and lots more: Drive a car at 200mph All my conscious life I’d wanted to do it, yet when it happened it was almost anticlimactic. It was 2 May 1994, at Bruntingthorpe, and I was in a McLaren F1 prototype. I still have the recording of colleague Gavin Conway laconically calling out the speeds as XP5 gained velocity at a hitherto unimagined rate for a road car. But it was too quick: it got from rest to 200mph in less than 30sec – to the F1, it was just another number on the dial and, on a wide open airfield, even the sensation of speed wasn’t that great. Sorry to disappoint. Drive on the Isle of Man I’ve spent a reasonable amount of time on the derestricted stretches of Germany’s autobahn. But, until three years ago, I’d never experienced the considerably greater thrills of limit-free roads where you drive on the left. The Isle of Man isn’t the easiest place to get to, but taking a trio of British sports cars there – a Morgan Plus 8, an Ariel Atom 3.5R and a McLaren P1 – was proper dreams-come-true stuff. Conditions were wet and gloomy but, out of season, the TT mountain road was quiet and the McLaren predictably epic. I’ll almost certainly never travel as quickly on a British public road again. Do a US road trip In 1991, I didn’t know or care what a bucket list was. Rather more appealing was a direct flight to San Francisco, hire a car and, after a few days, take off for Las Vegas with the future Mrs Ruppert. That was only part one of the road trip. We got upgraded from a grim Chevrolet to a Buick Century, presumably to return the rental to a more lucrative outlet. In between was Yosemite National Park, Death Valley and just miles of what still is a huge, almost endless, film set. Even better in that barge-like Buick. Drive a lap of Iceland Driving 828 miles in 48 hours may not sound like fun, but when you’re doing a lap of Iceland at the wheel of a Mazda MX-5, it’s as good as life gets. Yes, in some respects it was fairly arduous: it was a long way, I’m very tall and the MX-5 very small and the speed limits are low and rigorously enforced. But none of that mattered because the land of ice and fire is every bit as other-worldly spectacular as the tourist brochures make out, from the rolling mountains, steaming volcanoes and black sand beaches through to the hot lagoons and iceberg-filled estuaries. I’m going back with the family this year – but this time we’re taking a week over it. Mini hunting in Chile Ever since I found a 1972 British Leyland corporate brochure picturing Chilean-made glassfibre-bodied Minis, I’d been intrigued. Decades later, in 2011, I set out to find the factory that made these curios, in a Mini Countryman. We drove from Santiago, in the centre of this long, thin country, to Arica, close to the Peruvian border, where the factory was. Great moments included driving through the Atacama desert, finding an original glassfibre Mini and randomly discovering that the father of the porter at our Arica hotel had worked at the plant. He took us to two sites, one flattened, the other containing some original buildings and now a university. Drive a hillclimb in a Caterham It was the perfect day: a Caterham R300, a helmet and driving overalls on the passenger seat. Lovely weather and an entry for Shelsley Walsh hillclimb. Wife off with her mates so no one to worry about (getting bored). I can’t remember how well I did – average probably – but I didn’t bend the car. On the way home, I stopped at a lovely village pub and had a pie and a pint. I thought at the time that it doesn’t get much better and I think the same now. Own my dream car When I was a kid, I wanted a Caterham more than any other car, apart from a Ferrari F40, maybe. But I figured I’d probably never afford one of those. A Caterham, though, seemed doable. “By the time I’m 25,” I thought, “I’ll have one.” So I did. Just. By borrowing almost my annual salary. I bought a stripped-out ex-race car with a 2.0-litre Vauxhall red-top engine making 200bhp-ish, straight-cut gearbox, limited-slip differential and 13in Minilite wheels. And it was great. I used it, loved it, looked after it and later sold it for what I paid for it. One of the best things I’ve done with cars. It’s still on my bucket list… Drive from Cairo to Cape Town If I could do one transcontinental drive, this would be it. I’d like to do it in a new Land Rover Defender because there’d be no better way of proving it was worthy of the name. I’d like to break the record – held by a Fiat Panda last time I heard – but not to linger a little would be a shame. Although I have no connection to the continent save being married to someone who grew up there, there is nowhere I am happier or, weirdly, feel more at home than sub-Saharan Africa. Plans? None. But if Land Rover were planning such a trip, I can confirm my availability. Drive across America The cliché alarm might be jangling, but I’ve always wanted to drive all the way across the US in one trip. I don’t want to try to beat the record – an improbable 28 hours and 50 minutes from New York to LA – but rather take a leisurely route that I pretty much make up as I go along and one that would be chosen to take in the more interesting roads of Montana and the Pacific Northwest instead of the normal straight shot. The ideal vehicle would be something big, American and dumb: I’ve toyed with buying a decommissioned police-spec Crown Victoria. Buy a BSA Bantam In 1974, my brother-in-law Jimmy Smart gave me his BSA Bantam. It was a Bitza, D1 frame, with a 150cc D3 engine. It was tired and the last tax disc said May 1972 after he rode home from work and chucked a tarpaulin over it. Jimmy died of cancer two years later and I lost heart in the restoration and then discovered girls and cars. I have got it to a stage where it only needs oily engine bits. Finding them has been difficult and I have even toyed with the idea of turning it into a battery-electric Bantam. Help. Master off-roading Every now and then, there’s a chance to do some spectacular off-roading as part of a new car launch, but no matter how butt-clenching the challenge, you always know that they wouldn’t be asking you to drive through the river lapping over the bonnet if there was the remotest risk of it going wrong. I’d love to buy something cheap and cheerful (an old Suzuki Jimny, perhaps) and spend a weekend with some committed amateur green-laners on unfamiliar roads, protected by their expertise but with a dose of jeopardy thrown in. Research suggests spare time is my only enemy, as joining an appropriate car club looks no harder than a swift internet search and signing a very small cheque. Import a US classic Buying a classic car in the US and driving it to the east coast for shipping: it’s a bit of a cliché, and I’ve half done it already, buying a Chevrolet Corvair in Montana and dragging it to Newark. The difference is that I’d like to drive the next acquisition rather than towing it (the ’Vair wasn’t quite fit enough), and this time, I want V8 power, wrapped in one of GM’s most dramatic shapes. The ’68 Corvette C3 tends to be overlooked these days, being long-lived, degraded and familiar. But early chrome-bumper versions look great and, allegedly, drive spectacularly with the rare 370bhp LT-1 small block. One day, I aim to find out. Drive a Bugatti Veyron Surprisingly, for someone who considers supercars (let alone hypercars) a waste of time and only of great use to people with self-confidence issues, I would very much like to drive a Bugatti Veyron. I was never offered, or tried to arrange for myself, a drive in the Veyron when it was launched. I’d like a go in one now because I’m curious. I’ve heard so much about the car that I do feel that I’ve missed out by not driving one. If you own one and are willing to risk it, you know how to find me. Restore a car I’ve done a little bit of welding, a little bit of painting, a little bit of trimming and a little bit of mechanical tinkering. But I’ve never done any of them particularly well and, crucially, I’ve never done them together. It’s still, though, right up my list of things to do with cars, and I don’t think I’ll be satisfied until I’ve taken an absolute barn-find snotter and restored it back to its former glory. Maybe not to concours or factory condition, but to absolutely as I want it. I’ve almost got space, equipment and skills. One day, it’ll all fall into place. 10 motorsport events for your bucket list When it comes to motorsport around the world, aim high – and go long. Or not, in the case of the last of our 10 top tips for must-see events… Monte Carlo Rally The Monte always seems on the edge of chaos, due to both the frequent risk of sudden snow or ice and the willingness of organisers to shake up the event format and stages on a regular basis. Still, if their capricious whims lead to the inclusion of the Col de Turini at night, that’s where you should head. Join the throng in the dark, listen for the engine notes and marvel as some of the world’s best drivers flash past in a blaze of spotlights and engine roar. Daytona 500 The Great American Race lives up to its hype from the moment the oh-so-American pre-race pageantry kicks off. (Think big flags, military fly-pasts and spirited invocations.) Thankfully, the race itself maintains that spectacle, with 40 brightly coloured stock cars locked in close quarter. The use of engine restrictor plates to keep speeds down leads to intense pack racing, inevitable late-race drama and, frequently, plenty of crashes. Shake and bake. Nürburgring 24 Hours No, it’s not just a car maker’s playground. The sight of more than 200 thoroughbred GTs, supercars and the odd Seat Leon rolling into action for the ‘other’ 24-hour classic in June is unforgettable. As darkness falls, head out into the woods, on a mountain bike preferably (14-plus miles takes some exploring). But beware: the booze-fuelled campsites are just as hairy (in both senses) as the legend dictates. Spa 6 Hours There are two to choose from: the modern World Endurance Championship race in May and the historic event in September. Both offer perfect opportunities to explore one of the world’s last great ‘old-school’ race circuits. Latest-generation sports prototypes and GTs are spectacular, but if old racing cars are your thing, the historic 6 Hours increasingly outstrips the Goodwood Revival for pleasure. Bathurst 1000 Bathurst is a race of contrasts: it’s an endurance event featuring no-nonsense hard-battling touring cars on a circuit that has a fast lower section and a crazily tight and twisty mountain section. To get the authentic experience, head up the mountain for an up-close view of the big, brash, spectacular 5.0-litre V8 supercars – and the big, brash, spectacular Aussie fans. Macau Grand Prix A crash-bang-wallop feast of Far East street circuit action in November, featuring the renowned Formula 3 grand prix, GTs, the World Touring Car Cup – and even motorcycling, the bravest of the crazy. About half the circuit is frighteningly, dangerously flat out (just ask Sophia Flörsch) and the other half is single-file and almost three-point-turn tight (at the Melco hairpin). But the wild racing is nothing compared with the night-life. Apparently. Pikes Peak The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb is a hardcore spectator event. There’s only one road up the mountain and that’s the one the competitors race up – so spectators have to be up before the road closes at 0630hr and can’t come down until all the cars have finished. Oh, and at up to 14,115ft above sea level, altitude sickness is a distinct possibility. Worth the hassle? Absolutely. The scenery is stunning and watching competitors attack the world’s toughest hillclimb is mind-blowing. Indianapolis 500 Buy a grandstand seat high up in Turn 1 and be prepared to recalibrate your brain. How Indycars turn left at 230mph without the hint of a lift is something you have to see. The scale of The Brickyard, especially packed out on Memorial Day in May, fits the stereotype of everything being bigger in America. But the Indy 500 is one occasion that actually exceeds its hype. Le Mans 24 Hours The greatest motor race in the world? All things considered, yep – that still fits. The 8.4-mile circuit has been sanitised in recent years – but only a bit. Midnight at the fast Tertre Rouge right-hander or up on the bank on the outside of the Esses can lead to a dangerously heightened sense of bliss (if it’s not raining). Take a tent and plenty of waterproofs. And forget about sleep for the weekend. British Grand Prix Yes, really. Home is where the heart is when it comes to Formula 1 – and for spectators, Silverstone is one of the best places to see grand prix cars at their best. The atmosphere is electric (even when it rains) and the race is usually eventful. There’s also the risk that it might be on the endangered list – genuinely. If you’ve never been, go this year – just in case.

Steve tests the new Ford Fiesta Zetec to see if it can live up to the Fiesta's renowned reputation The new Fiesta is available in Zetec (B + O Play and Navigation versions), Titanium (B + O Play and X versions), Vignale, ST-Line and ST-Line X. plus the all-new ‘Active’ Fiesta released in 2018, the first Fiesta ever to feature SUV styling. Engines available in both Petrol and Diesel – 1.0 EcoBoost, 1.1 Ti-VCT, 1.5 TDCi Duratorq and variety of power output applies across the engine range. Body styles are 3 doors and 5 doors with 6-speed Manual or Automatic Transmission options. ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN The 1.1 Ti-VCT with 5 speed manual gearbox as tested retails at £15,670, has an output of 85PS and has the least power of all the engines in the range. However, I found the engine gutsy and surprisingly had more than enough grunt for day to day driving, both in town and on country roads. The gear changes were smooth but I felt the car could have benefitted from a 6th gear for motorway driving. One drawback I found with the 1.1 petrol engine was that I struggled to get anywhere near Fords claimed 49.7mpg and achieved as little as 35.0mpg. The 1.0 litre EcoBoost Petrol engine has an output of 100PS and with Auto-Start-Stop technology to comply with emissions standards for many years ahead. With power output from the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine being comparable to a 1.6-litre engine with performance enhanced by turbocharging, delivering both economy and driveability without compromise. The 1.5 litre TDCi Diesel engine output of 85 PS and economy figures quoted of 88.3 mpg (combined) with CO2 emissions of just 82-84 g/km. A 120 PS engine gives you 88.3 mpg (combined) and CO2emissions of 89 g/km. EXTERIOR The all-new Ford Fiesta exterior is still easily identifiable by its unique styling as Britain’s most popular but with a more up-to-date image. The Fiesta now comes with the option of a two-part, glass panoramic roof that either tilts or slides back over the rear roof section to create a light and airy interior. Whilst the roof allows natural light to flood in, solar reflective glass keeps you cool and protects you from UV rays. An electrically operated roof blind also enables you to cover or reveal the roof at the press of a button Halogen projector headlights with daytime running lights. A useful night-driving aid, Auto High Beam temporarily dips the headlights when it detects oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead, stopping you dazzling other drivers. It then automatically reverts back to high beam, giving you maximum visibility. Body coloured electrically-operated and heated door mirrors with side indicators incorporate a Blind Spot Information System uses RADAR sensors to scan the blind spots on either side of the car. If they detect a vehicle you can’t see, an orange light that’s clearly displayed in the corresponding side door mirror illuminates to warn you. If you’re reversing out of a space, and have limited visibility of the traffic situation, Cross Traffic Alert can detect oncoming vehicles and sound a warning. The technology also illuminates a light in the wing mirror: left or right depending on the direction of oncoming traffic. Body coloured bumpers with mesh grille and body colour spoiler, door and liftgate handles further enhance the look of the All-New Fiesta. INTERIOR The entry level Zetec version was used for the road test was still reasonably equipped with DAB radio, electric front windows, electric mirrors, lane keeping assist, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, air conditioning and alloy wheels. However, there are many other features available for other variants within the range, either as standard or as an option, such as an Openable panorama roof and leather heated seats & steering wheel To further enhance the interior space, the Fiesta gives you more front and rear legroom than ever before by redesigning the rear seats to have sculpted, slim backs, therefore, the passengers can sit further back. Ford SYNC 3 is a state-of-the-art system that enables you to stay connected and control your phone, music and navigation system with intuitive voice commands, or an 8” colour touchscreen. It connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too, and with Applink, you can access smartphone apps, including Spotify. Live Traffic can also help avoid the jams. The Fiesta now sports Emergency Lights so that if you have to brake hard for an emergency, the hazard warning lights come on automatically to alert other drivers. The brake lights flash too, providing following vehicles with some advance warning of a potentially dangerous situation. In addition to the driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags provide thorax protection and are designed to direct the occupant away from the impact area. They’re also able to raise the arm of the occupant providing better space between them and the intruding structure. Curtain airbags provide maximum coverage and headrests offer protection from whiplash. With front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, plus seatbelt minders. TECHNOLOGY The Lane-Keeping System – including Lane-Keeping Alert and Lane-Keeping Aid works incredibly well but did have a tendency to seem violent in its approach to taking back control which can be a little disconcerting but overall, the accuracy of the system is not lacking in the slightest and is a very useful safety feature. Some of the following features are available as an option across the range: · LED Night Signature to rear lights · Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Alert · Auto High Beam · Rain sensing wipers · Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Alert · Power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights · Rear privacy glass · Partial leather sports style front seats · Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) · Cruise Control · Ford SYNC 3 Navigation with 8″ Touchscreen · Centre console with armrest, openable stowage and 12 V power point · Auto-dimming rear-view mirror ROAD TEST SUMMARY First thoughts when driving it were how the 1.1 petrol engine responded much better than anticipated but mpg figures are far from impressive, and also how the interior cabin area gives the impression of a seemingly much larger car. Accessing the interior was generally quite uneventful, considering it was the three-door version and where it seems that most modern cars appear to work on the principle of design over function, no heads were bashed on door pillars on entry and the dashboard did not claim any knees either! Accessing the interior was generally quite uneventful and where it seems that most modern cars appear to work on the principle of design over function, no heads were bashed on door pillars on entry and the dashboard did not claim any knees either! The Fiesta is relatively easy to navigate through all the myriad of controls and electronic wizardry such as the Bluetooth connectivity, which was incredibly easy to sync and control through the cars’ audio system. Engine starting is via a conventional key on the Zetec model and incorporates ‘stop-start’ technology. Hill Start Assist was useful when manoeuvring on a slope on the odd occasion. Safety and driver assistance technology contribute to leaving you with the belief that you are driving something that will get you to your destination safely and allow to feel quite relaxed even after a long distance. The relief of the car being able to facilitate your driving, and in some cases making better judgements in situations such as distance control and lane guidance, all of which can result in draining the drivers’ energy after some time at the wheel. Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Assist is definitely a safety enhancement that is essential for safe driving at any speed. Ford has utilised the on-board technology to enhance the system to be an incredibly reliable and useful safety aid. Once used, it becomes difficult to switch off and solely rely on your own reactions. The system also features Traffic Sign recognition to allow the driver to set the speed limiting to stay legal at all times. Fuel economy was ok but given the roads used, traffic conditions and speed travelled, we obtained between 35.5 – 38.5mpg overall. For the size of the engine and the superb drivability experience, I was disappointed. The same can’t be said with regard to the handling which I was thoroughly impressed by. I found steering response and feel was very good whilst being light and nimble which was ideal for parking. The suspension absorbs most bumps well but a pothole or sunken manhole would result in a jolt. In addition, I found the Fiesta handled the bends well and certainly felt sure footed. Overall, the all-new Fiesta is a car loaded with useable technology and features usually reserved for much more expensive and up-market brands but delivers a similar ‘feel good factor’ from the driving experience with a smaller price tag. Dimensions Length: 4,040 mm Width: 1,734 mm Height: 1,483 mm Curb weight: 1,113–1,207 kg

One of the funniest eBay listings ever! This is a genuine listing, although not sure if it ever sold...enjoy 🙂 "This Car Got Me Sectioned" Writing from my bed at the Psychiatric Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Southampton, on the advice of my medical consultant I am putting my despised Porsche 944 up for sale. Why? Well, for starters it's been spreading lies about me on Facebook, saying that since my wife left me my love-life has been reduced to a bottle of 75w-90 semi-synthetic and a gerbil named Keith, which is ridiculous ... I hate semi-synths. And then there's the disobedience ... I'll explain: I bought this car last year knowing it needed brakes, clutch adjustment and some general fettling and tidying. But it had good history, including recent belts and tensioners, good miles (137k) and was a reasonable price. I had it trailered back and started work, getting my garage to sort the clutch and fit new discs and pads all round. My wife was still sore at me for spending the IVF money on the car and garage bills but I was sure a morning spent in the back whilst I threw it through some bends would put her right. Alas, we never got that far. I'm not sure if the car refusing to start from cold was a display of jealousy, but it certainly drove a wedge between me and Debbie from that day on. So much so she was completely unsupportive of my subsequent campaign to remedy this cold start issue, flatly refusing to take on any extra cleaning shifts or even to apply for the part-time jobs at McDonalds and Burger King that I circled for her in the back of the newspaper. Fast forward two months and Debbie comes home crying. I imagine it's because her arms are hurting from the three mile walk with the groceries (she has a low pain threshold) but I ask her what's up anyway. She tells me. I do the good husband thing, pause the rugby and put the kettle on for her to make herself a cup of tea while I open one of the four-packs she's brought home. I then calmly explain why all the jewellery she inherited from her mother is in Cash Converters window: "Compression Test, Leak Down Test" I start ticking them off on my fingers, "Fuel Pressure Test; Injector Clean and Spray Pattern Test; New Fuel Pump, Fuel Regulator, Fuel Lines and Fuel Filter; Supply Damper; Timing Check and Adjust; DME and Relay Check; New Temp Sensor; Starter Motor Refurb; New Timing Belt and Tensioner, New Thermostat, Electric Fan and Air Auxiliary Valve ... These all cost money, Debbie." But it must have been her time of the month because she became very unreasonable, calling me derogatory names and throwing things at me. Then she left. She came back the next day, but only to pack a suitcase. I haven't seen her since. I won't bore you with many more details, suffice to say Debbie filed for divorce, clearing the house one Saturday afternoon whilst I was tinkering in the garage, leaving me just a chair and my laptop. And so my research began: cold start issues on a Porsche 944 2.5 8v. I cross-referenced the work I'd already had done against endless forum postings, occasionally finding a snippet of something sensible, only for the post to deteriorate into irrelevant oily posturing and arguments about the pronunciation of Porsche ... Two weeks in and I was none the wiser; in fact I was utterly confused and very nearly broke. It was a day or two later that I first heard the voices. They were quiet at first, mere whisperings, but they told me things ... They told me that Porsche were run by a secret organisation of hybrid reptilian aliens who wanted to take over the world, and that Leonardo Da Vinci (who was one of them) had designed the first 911 back in 1518 (the year before he died) as a Popemobile. Of course I didn't believe them; I knew Leonardo had died in 1912 when the Titanic sank. The voices told me to look at the numbers: 356 + 911 + 914 x 928 + 924 - 944 x 968 + 964 - 993 + 996 - 986 - 987 x 997 x 991 = -1.038049 .... I was astonished, there it was, plain as day, it explained everything: Porsche were Illuminati ... confirmed. I published my findings immediately on Facebook and Pistonheads and was sectioned by my doctor the next day. And so I find myself here, on a narrow bed, with a drug-induced grin in the psychiatric unit of St Mary's Hospital. And some friend the car has turned out to be, git hasn't visited me once. I bet it's found the my savings, though, and is blowing them at the Bodyshop as I write, trying to make itself pretty for the next poor fool. Slut! There it is, my sad and cautionary tale of an attempt at Porsche 944 ownership. It's cost me £3,000 in parts and labour, plus what I spent on the car originally. It starts and runs fine from warm but is a bugger from cold, and trying to work out what's wrong has driven me mad. It has to be something simple but I've run out of money and sanity to chase after it. There are some small electrical niggles that I haven't attempted yet - indicators, horn, etc - as they weren't a priority, and the windscreen is milky towards the edges. Paint is dull and has rubbed through in a few places. Small area of corrosion around aerial base. Small dent to rear o/s quarter behind arch. Cracked dash. Tyres aren't the best. This is still very much a non MOT'd restoration project. To summarise, this is what I've had done: Adjust Clutch New Discs & Pads New Fuel Pump New Fuel Relay New Fuel Regulator New Fuel Lines and Fuel Filter New Supply Damper New Temp Sensor Starter Motor Refurb New Thermostat New Electric Fan New Air Auxiliary Valve Compression & Leak Down Test Fuel Pressure Test Injector Clean and Spray Pattern Test Timing Check and Adjust DME and Relay Check New Timing Belt and Tensioners To be honest I don't want to sell this car at all. I want to push it into a lake, or over a cliff, or open a fuel line and flick a match. Alas, it's one of the conditions I have to meet before they'll discharge me from hospital. They say my selling it will be evidence that I can 'let go responsibly.' You've been warned. Oh, forgot to mention that Test-Pilots, Tyre-Kickers and Time-Wasters are most welcome. Call me to discuss the car, or anything else you may be unsure about, ie: Gender, Favourite Colour, whether or not Darth Vader is your Father ... Deposit of £100 required within 24hrs of Auction End or I'll offer this heap of junk to someone else and report you to the Pope. On 24-Jul-16 at 22:57:22 BST, seller added the following information: Update: my consultant allowed me to use his computer today to read some of the emails I've been getting about the car. I wasn't too happy with his conditions (it's very sore to sit for long periods now) but he assured me it would be worth it. I've had a few suggestions about how to remedy the cold start that I though I'd share: 1: Cold Start Injector ... I didn't know there was one! 2: Remap ECU if it's been changed. 3: Read the car a story. 4: Replace distributor cap. Is this a bit like putting the cap back on the toothpaste? 5: Put the car to bed with a blanket. To be honest, I'm not interested in starting the malicious git ever again as it'll only get me going again. Oh, I forgot to say, Debbie came to visit me today. She'd changed her make-up; her mascara was really neat around her eyes rather than running down her cheeks like she used to wear it. She looked quite decorative, too, almost pretty, though it might have been the drugs. Anyway, she'd come to show me something, she said. "What," I asked? For some reason she pulled up her jumper to show me her stomach. "Jesus, Debbie, you want to slow down on the Doritos," I told her. She narrowed her eyes and wiggled a finger at me. It sparkled. "Oh, Brilliant," I enthused, "you bought back one of the rings." She shook her head, which annoyed me as I really hate guessing games. She then went to the door and let in a man. He glowered at me as he entered. "This is Dean," she said. "We're engaged." Dean affirmed this with a manly nod. Debbie patted her pudding stomach. "And I'm pregnant." I got quite angry at that. Actually I got really angry at that. The doctor came in. Then two orderlies. They restrained me. They gave me an injection. I started to calm down but it still bugged me to realise that all this time she'd been deceiving me ... someone I'd trusted had been holding out on me. Standing there shameless, with a baby in her belly, it was obvious she'd had enough money for the IVF all along. Selfish bitch. It just goes to show that you never really know people at all.

How much is car tax (VED)? Car tax for new cars first registered since April 2017 depends on list price and CO2 emissions What decides how much car tax I pay? It depends when the car was first registered: Cars more than 40 years old are exempt Cars first registered before 1 March 2001 are taxed on engine size If your car was first registered between 1 March 2001 and 1 April 2017, how much car tax (VED) you pay depends on the car's official CO2 emissions. If the car's newer (first registered on or after 1 April 2017) then it's only the first year rate that's based on CO2. What are the current car tax (VED) rules? The first year rate is based on official CO2 figures For new diesel cars that don't meet the latest (RDE2) emissions standards the first year rate assumes that the CO2 emissions are one band higher than indicated by official figures. (Cars that meet RDE2 aren't expected to be available until 2019 at the earliest). A flat standard rate of £140 (£145 from 1 April 2019) applies to all cars except those with CO2 emissions of zero for which the standard rate is £0. An extra charge of £310 (£320 from 1 April 2019) a year applies to cars with a list price over £40,000 in the first 5 ‘standard rate years’. The latest VED rules in detail Why are new diesel cars taxed differently? In the Autumn 2017 budget the Chancellor announced an increase in the first year VED rate for new diesel cars first registered after 1 April 2018. The emissions test that Euro 6 diesel cars have to pass before they're approved for sale includes a more demanding, on-road 'Real Driving Emissions (RDE)' test from September 2017. This test is set to become even more stringent from January 2020 when 'RDE step 2' comes into force. To encourage car manufacturers to introduce cleaner, RDE2 diesels earlier, the CO2-based first year VED rate for diesel cars first registered after 1 April 2018 will be one band higher than shown in the table unless the car was approved to the RDE step 2 standard. VED basics All vehicles registered in the UK and used on public roads must be taxed. If you’re not using it, you must either let the DVLA know that your car's being kept off-road with a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) or continue to tax it. The cost of car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) depends on how old your vehicle is and its engine size or official CO2 emissions. Since April 2017 it depends on the car’s list price when new, too. The official CO2 figure for your car is on the V5c registration document. It’s measured in official tests before a new model can be put on sale. The DVLA stopped issuing paper tax discs from 1 October 2014. Check the tax status of any vehicle – all you need is the vehicle’s make and registration number. Car tax for cars first registered before 1 March 2001 Car tax for cars first registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 Current car tax rules The current car tax rules in detail If you buy a new car today or buy a used car that was first registered since 1 April 2017: The first year rate (the VED paid at first registration) is based on official CO2 figures A flat standard rate of £140 (£145 from 1 April 2019) applies to all cars except those with CO2 emissions of zero for which the standard rate is £0. An extra charge of £310 (£320 from 1 April 2019) a year applies to cars with a list price over £40,000 in the first 5 ‘standard rate years’. Alternative fuel cars (tax class 59) pay £10 less than the First year and standard rates below. CO2 emissions First year rate* (2019 rate**) Standard rate (2019 rate**) 0 £0 (£0) £0 (£0) 1-50 £10 (£10) £140 (£145) 51-75 £25 (£25) £140 (£145) 76-90 £105 (£110) £140 (£145) 91-100 £125 (£130) £140 (£145) 101-110 £145 (£150) £140 (£145) 110-130 £165 (£170) £140 (£145) 131-150 £205 (£210) £140 (£145) 151-170 £515 (£530) £140 (£145) 171-190 £830 (£855) £140 (£145) 191-225 £1240 (£1280) £140 (£145) 226-255 £1760 (£1815) £140 (£145) 256+ £2070 (£2135) £140 (£145) Notes * For diesel cars first registered after 1 April 2018, the CO2-based first year rate of VED will be one band higher than shown in the table unless the car was approved to the RDE step 2 standard. ** 2019 rates apply from 1 April 2019 Car tax for cars first registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 Your car will fall into one of a series of bands based on official CO2 emissions. A different first year rate, payable at first registration only and sometimes called the 'showroom tax', was introduced in 2010. Pre-2018/19 rates are shown only for comparison purposes VED Band CO2 Emissions (g/km) 2015/2016 First year rate² 2015/16 standard rate¹ 2016/2017 First year rate² 2016/17 Standard rate¹ 2017/18 Standard rate¹ 2018/19 Standard rate¹ 2019/20 Standard rate¹ A up to 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B 101-110 0 £20 0 £20 £20 £20 £20 C 111-120 0 £30 0 £30 £30 £30 £30 D 121-130 0 £110 0 £110 £115 £120 £125 E 131-140 £130 £130 £130 £130 £135 £140 £145 F 141-150 £145 £145 £145 £145 £150 £155 £160 G 151-165 £180 £180 £185 £185 £190 £195 £200 H 166-175 £295 £205 £300 £210 £220 £230 £235 I 176-185 £350 £225 £355 £230 £240 £250 £260 J 186-200 £490 £265 £500 £270 £280 £290 £300 K² 201-225 £640 £290 £650 £295 £305 £315 £325 L 226-255 £870 £490 £885 £500 £520 £540 £555 M over 255 £1100 £505 £1120 £515 £535 £555 £570 Notes 1 12-month single payment rate. Alternative fuel car (tax class 59) discounts were/are £10 all cars 2015/20 2 Included cars producing over 225g/km and first registered between 1 March 2001 and 23 March 2006. Car tax for cars first registered before 1 March 2001 Car tax is based on engine size, as official CO2 data wasn’t generally available. So, if the engine is: 1549cc or smaller: £155 a year (£160 2019/20 rate) Bigger than 1549cc: £255 a year (£265 2019/20rate) Historic vehicle exemption Cars built before 1 January 1979 are exempt from 1 April 2019. Is it car tax or road tax? Cars started being taxed in 1920 as local councils had to start registering all vehicles. It was called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and was based on horsepower. Tax discs were later introduced in 1921. This new tax was initially used for building and maintaining roads. As it was paid directly into the ‘road fund’ it was known as the Road Fund Licence or road tax. In 1936, road works were being paid for by government grants. As the road fund wasn’t needed any more, it was abolished in 1955. So while it might have been right to refer to it as road tax or the Road Fund Licence before 1936, this hasn’t been the case since. When did DVLA stop issuing tax discs? One of the biggest changes in DVLA history was the abolition of the 93-year-old tax disc, on 1 October 2014. Also, the DVLA now issues automatic refunds on car tax – for any full months left – to the registered keeper when a vehicle is sold, scrapped or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is made. In the past, when you bought a used vehicle, the tax disc and any unexpired tax remained valid. Updated 11 March 2019

British motorists thinking of taking their cars across the Channel for holidays in Europe and the Republic of Ireland after the UK leaves the EU may feel they are driving into the unknown in the event of a no-deal Brexit And the issue does seem to be a long way from being resolved after Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal was crushed in the Commons. Following that defeat the Brexit date has been pushed back to April 12 in the event of agreeing no deal or May 22 if Prime Minister Theresa May wins the backing of Parliament before the earlier deadline. Now British motorists face the possibility of being demoted to “third-country nationals” status, showing they are neither from the country they are visiting nor from another EU member state. It will also mean that British drivers could be legally obliged to carry a Green Card to prove their insurance status on their overseas driving trip. Many motorists have been asking: “How will Brexit affect travel from the UK to Europe?” Here, HIC’s insurance experts ponder the questions that need answering for anyone planning to head off for a continental driving holiday this summer. And in basic terms, motorists are advised to organise their Green Card insurance and other travel admin before they set out – because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Will I be able to use my British driving licence for driving abroad? After Brexit UK driving licences will lose their EU validity. That means that if you move to a European Union country, you will need to apply for a new licence. It is still not clear what the rules will be for British tourists driving in the EU but you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), according to the Department for Transport (DfT). But that’s not as simple as it sounds. Confusingly, there are two kinds of IDP required by different EU countries. The permits are governed under different guidelines: The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: an international treaty designed to facilitate international road traffic and increase road safety by establishing standard traffic rules among affiliated countries. This will be required for travel to Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus. The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic: this treaty attempted to update the aims of the Geneva Convention and is recognised in most EU countries, plus Norway and Switzerland. The DfT has warned that UK licence holders may be turned away at the border or face other enforcement action, such as on the spot fines, if they don’t have the correct IDP. You can get the IDP which is appropriate for your travels at the Post Offices and it costs £5.50 a year. It’s not a great deal of money, but it is another administrative hassle before your holiday or business trip. How will Brexit affect travel to Spain, France and other EU countries? Motoring organisations have warned there could be long delays at the borders as EU countries will revert to more vigorous passport control post Brexit. There will be other administrative checks too, such as Green Card authentication that will delay your passage further. In the worst case scenario, motorways this side of the Channel and autoroutes in France could be turned into lorry parks for vehicles queuing for their passage. The Government already has a contingency plan to queue lorries in temporary parks on the M26 and the M20 in Kent. As well as the possible delays, if you plan to drive through France to holiday in Spain – a pretty typical journey for countless British families each year – both types of IDP will be needed. If you are driving to Europe, another document you will need is a Green Card which is explained later in this article. However, owing to the “unique social, political and economic circumstances” the UK government has said it would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. What will happen to expats living abroad but still driving on British licences? In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Brits living in other EU member states may have to take new driving tests in the country they are living in. To avoid that, they should exchange their UK licence for a European one before Brexit, the government has said. But it warned the closer Brexit draws the bigger the possibility of delays in processing exchange applications because of the increased demands. They advise expats to exchange licences now rather than leaving it until the last minute. When will Brexit affect travel to and from Europe? Britain is scheduled to withdraw from the EU on April 12 or May 22. If you take your car across the Channel shortly before then it should be plain sailing – but when you come back after that date Europe will have a very different complexion. With no deal, it seems there will be more border checks, more red tape and more inconvenience for British travellers. Will my Green Card international travel document still be recognised? It is currently not obligatory to hold a Green Card when driving in Europe. But it may become so in the event of a no-deal Brexit, as it was before Britain joined the then European Economic Community in 1973. A no-deal Brexit would probably mean that access to the Green Card-free circulation area would end. That could mean UK motorists will be legally required to carry a Green Card as proof of third party motor insurance cover when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland. The validity of UK Green Cards in these countries is subject to agreements that need to be reached between the UK’s Motor Insurers’ Bureau and the relevant National Insurers’ Bureau. These agreements ensure Green Cards are recognised and facilitate the settlement of claims for traffic accident victims. The Government has warned that motorists should expect documentation checks to be carried out when entering these countries. If you don’t have a valid Green Card you risk: being turned back at the border; or an on the spot fine; or being forced to buy expensive local insurance in the country you are visiting, also known as border insurance. The Green Card must be for 15 days or more from the date you travel, and it must be printed on green paper. If you are mailed your Green Card and you print it at home on white paper it will be invalid and you will have issues with border security personnel. I have heard I will need a separate Green Card for my caravan. Is that true? Some countries require hauliers to have separate trailer insurance to that of the towing vehicle, which means a separate Green Card. It is not yet clear if the same rules will apply to tourists towing caravans, but it is possible. What will happen to my British passport? British passports that expire after Brexit will continue to be valid as UK travel documents, but they will no longer be “European Union” passports. That means you will lose the automatic right of free movement within the 27 countries that make up the EU. In legal terms, British travellers will become “third-country nationals”, and there are complex rules about passport validity in these circumstances. The Schengen Border Code – covering almost every EU nation – stipulates that third-country nationals must have at least three months’ validity remaining on their passports on the date of intended departure from the Schengen area; however the Government is advising British travellers to have at least six months validity remaining on the date of arrival. British passports issued after Brexit will not include the words “European Union” on their covers and by the end of the year all newly issued passports will revert to a dark blue rather than the EU’s burgundy. Will I need a visa to travel in Europe? The jury is still out on whether you will need a visa to travel in Europe. In its Brexit white paper, the Government proposed reciprocal visa-free travel for UK and EU citizens to continue. But Brussels has insisted that third-country nationals – such as British passport holders post-Brexit – will have to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to their trip. It’s not quite a visa, but it works in a similar way, making security, criminal, credit and other legal checks. And if you plan to take your pet with you, that will be the subject of documentation checks too. Currently dogs and cats can travel anywhere in the EU as long as they have a “pet passport”. Three weeks before travelling, owners must go to the vet to have their pet vaccinated against rabies and microchipped. But in the worst case no-deal Brexit, pet owners would have to visit a vet at least four months before visiting the EU. The animal would have to have a rabies vaccination followed by a blood test at least 30 days before travel, to prove the vaccination was successful. Pet owners would then have to get a health certificate from the vet no more than 10 days before departure. How will Brexit affect travel insurance? Even though you have insurance for your car and caravan on your European motoring holiday, for your own protection and peace of mind you should take out travel insurance. It is unlikely there will be a dramatic change in the way travel insurance works post Brexit, even without a deal. The Foreign Office has updated its foreign travel insurance advice with Brexit in mind. Will my EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) still be valid? In its Brexit white paper, the government said it wanted UK citizens to still be able to use the European Health Insurance Card to receive healthcare while on holiday in the European Economic Area. That would mean British holidaymakers in the EU would qualify for medical treatment on the same basis as the citizens of the country they are visiting – but that would depend on the stance taken by each independent EU country. What will happen with regards duty free shopping? The cloud over European travel post Brexit does have a silver lining. If you are taking your car abroad and you intend stocking up on duty free goods on the way back, chances are you will pay less than you have done in recent years though you probably won’t be able to bring back as much. After Brexit, Britain will have the same status as the rest of the world in terms of duty-free allowances, meaning cheaper spirits, tobacco, perfume, electronic goods and jewellery. Has the Government done enough to allay motorists’ fears about a no-deal Brexit? Andy Morton from insurance experts HIC thinks much more travel advice should be made available to those thinking about driving to Europe or Southern Ireland post Brexit. He thinks confusion about what may or may not be demanded of British drivers abroad could have a detrimental impact on the number of people taking their cars across the Channel this year. He said: “I think motorists will be less inclined to take their cars abroad this year because of the uncertainty – though much depends on the state of the pound against the euro. If the pound does well post Brexit, the slump might not materialise. “But motorists must remember they will need to get Green Card insurance prior to their visit, and if they are regular cross-Channel trippers they will have to get one for each trip, unless they do the sensible thing and take an annual Green Card. Andy advised motorists planning trips to Europe or the Republic of Ireland after a no-deal Brexit to prepare for every eventuality: “Get your Green Cards early and take out good travel insurance to be safe rather than sorry.” He added: “There are many scary stories about what may or may not happen come Brexit. The Government should be doing much more to separate the fact from the fiction for motorists.” ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY FRAZER ANSELL - JANUARY 17, 2019 Information last updated 26 March 2019

Repairable Tyre Area Tread Gauge Is Your Puncture Repairable? If you are unsure as to whether a puncture can be fixed, this free printable repairable area gauge allows you to see in which area of the tyre tread it is possible to safely and legally repair a puncture. Is Your Flat Tyre Fixable? The “repairable area” of a tyre is designated as that where a repair can be carried out to British Standards (currently BS AU 159f). Because a tyre curves away from the middle of where the tyre rolls on the road, only the centre area is repairable. Sidewalls are not repairable. The repairable area is defined as a percentage of the tyre’s “nominal” section width and thus varies by the size of the tyre. The repairable area is based on the centre line, eg. 82mm means 41mm on either side of the centre line of the tyre. Using this handy repairable areas tread gauge, you can quickly find out if a puncture in your tyre is likely to be repairable. Follow the printing instructions so that it is the right size, cut it out, read the tyre width off its sidewall, then put the centre line of the gauge in the middle of the tyre where the puncture is. If the puncture falls between the markings for that size tyre, it is probably repairable. (Note that the tyre may not be repairable if the hole is larger than 3mm or there is other internal damage to the tyre.) Click on the image to download your free repairable area gauge in PDF format. Source article: https://www.etyres.co.uk/repairable-area-gauge/

British motorists thinking of taking their cars across the Channel for holidays in Europe and the Republic of Ireland after March 29 2019 may feel they are driving into the unknown in the event of a no-deal Brexit And the issue does seem to be a long way from being resolved after Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal was crushed in a Commons vote and she now has to renegotiate specific areas with Brussels. Now British motorists face the possibility of being demoted to “third-country nationals” status, showing they are neither from the country they are visiting nor from another EU member state. It will also mean that British drivers could be legally obliged to carry a Green Card to prove their insurance status on their overseas driving trip. Many motorists have have been asking: “How will Brexit affect travel from the UK to Europe?” Here, HIC’s insurance experts ponder the questions that need answering for anyone planning to head off for a continental driving holiday this summer. And in basic terms, motorists are advised to organise their Green Card insurance and other travel admin before they set out – because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Will I be able to use my British driving licence for driving abroad? After March 29 UK driving licences will lose their EU validity. That means that if you move to a European Union country, you will need to apply for a new licence. It is still not clear what the rules will be for British tourists driving in the EU but you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), according to the Department for Transport (DfT). But that’s not as simple as it sounds. Confusingly, there are two kinds of IDP required by different EU countries. The permits are governed under different guidelines: The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: an international treaty designed to facilitate international road traffic and increase road safety by establishing standard traffic rules among affiliated countries. This will be required for travel to Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus. The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic: this treaty attempted to update the aims of the Geneva Convention and is recognised in most EU countries, plus Norway and Switzerland. The DfT has warned that UK licence holders may be turned away at the border or face other enforcement action, such as on the spot fines, if they don’t have the correct IDP. You can get the IDP which is appropriate for your travels at the Post Offices and it costs £5.50 a year. It’s not a great deal of money, but it is another administrative hassle before your holiday or business trip. How will Brexit affect travel to Spain, France and other EU countries? Motoring organisations have warned there could be long delays at the borders as EU countries will revert to more vigorous passport control post Brexit. There will be other administrative checks too, such as Green Card authentication that will delay your passage further. In the worst case scenario, motorways this side of the Channel and autoroutes in France could be turned into lorry parks for vehicles queing for their passage. The Government already has a contingency plan to queue lorries in temporary parks on the M26 and the M20 in Kent. As well as the possible delays, if you plan to drive through France to holiday in Spain – a pretty typical journey for countless British families each year – both types of IDP will be needed. If you are driving to Europe, another document you will need is a Green Card which is explained later in this article. What will happen to expats living abroad but still driving on British licences? In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Brits living in other EU member states may have to take new driving tests in the country they are living in. To avoid that, they should exchange their UK licence for a European one before March 29 2019, the government has said. But it warned the closer Brexit draws the bigger the possibility of delays in processing exchange applications because of the increased demands. They advise expats to exchange licences now rather than leaving it until the last minute. When will Brexit affect travel to and from Europe and the Republic of Ireland by car? Britain is scheduled to withdraw from the EU at 11pm on Friday, March 29 2019. If you take your car across the Channel shortly before then it should be plain sailing – but when you come back after that date Europe will have a very different complexion. With no deal, it seems there will be more border checks, more red tape and more inconvenience for British travellers. Will my Green Card international travel document still be recognised? It is currently not obligatory to hold a Green Card when driving in Europe. But it may become so in the event of a no-deal Brexit on March 29, as it was before Britain joined the then European Economic Community in 1973. A no-deal Brexit would probably mean that access to the Green Card-free circulation area would end. That could mean UK motorists will be legally required to carry a Green Card as proof of third party motor insurance cover when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland. The validity of UK Green Cards in these countries is subject to agreements that need to be reached between the UK’s Motor Insurers’ Bureau and the relevant National Insurers’ Bureau. These agreements ensure Green Cards are recognised and facilitate the settlement of claims for traffic accident victims. The Government has warned that motorists should expect documentation checks to be carried out when entering these countries. If you don’t have a valid Green Card you risk: being turned back at the border; or an on the spot fine; or being forced to buy expensive local insurance in the country you are visiting, also known as border insurance. The Green Card must be for 15 days or more from the date you travel, and it must be printed on green paper. If you are mailed your Green Card and you print it at home on white paper it will be invalid and you will have issues with border security personnel. I have heard I will need a separate Green Card for my caravan. Is that true? Some countries require hauliers to have separate trailer insurance to that of the towing vehicle, which means a separate Green Card. It is not yet clear if the same rules will apply to tourists towing caravans, but it is possible. What will happen to my British passport? British passports that expire after March 29 2019 will continue to be valid as UK travel documents, but they will no longer be “European Union” passports. That means you will lose the automatic right of free movement within the 27 countries that make up the EU. In legal terms, British travellers will become “third-country nationals”, and there are complex rules about passport validity in these circumstances. The Schengen Border Code – covering almost every EU nation – stipulates that third-country nationals must have at least three months’ validity remaining on their passports on the date of intended departure from the Schengen area; however the Government is advising British travellers to have at least six months validity remaining on the date of arrival. British passports issued after Brexit will not include the words “European Union” on their covers and by the end of the year all newly issued passports will revert to a dark blue rather than the EU’s burgundy. Will I need a visa to travel in Europe? The jury is still out on whether you will need a visa to travel in Europe. In its Brexit white paper, the Government proposed reciprocal visa-free travel for UK and EU citizens to continue. But Brussels has insisted that third-country nationals – such as British passport holders post-Brexit – will have to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to their trip. It’s not quite a visa, but it works in a similar way, making security, criminal, credit and other legal checks. And if you plan to take your pet with you, that will be the subject of documentation checks too. Currently dogs and cats can travel anywhere in the EU as long as they have a “pet passport”. Three weeks before travelling, owners must go to the vet to have their pet vaccinated against rabies and microchipped. But in the worst case no-deal Brexit, pet owners would have to visit a vet at least four months before visiting the EU. The animal would have to have a rabies vaccination followed by a blood test at least 30 days before travel, to prove the vaccination was successful. Pet owners would then have to get a health certificate from the vet no more than 10 days before departure. How will Brexit affect travel insurance? Even though your have insurance for your car and caravan on your European motoring holiday, for your own protection and peace of mind you should take out travel insurance. It is unlikely there will be a dramatic change in the way travel insurance works post Brexit, even without a deal. The Foreign Office has updated its foreign travel insurance advice with Brexit in mind. Will my EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) still be valid? In its Brexit white paper, the government said it wanted UK citizens to still be able to use the European Health Insurance Card to receive healthcare while on holiday in the European Economic Area. That would mean British holidaymakers in the EU would qualify for medical treatment on the same basis as the citizens of the country they are visiting – but that would depend on the stance taken by each independent EU country. What will happen with regards duty free shopping? The cloud over European travel post Brexit does have a silver lining. If you are taking your car abroad and you intend stocking up on duty free goods on the way back, chances are you will pay less than you have done in recent years though you probably won’t be able to bring back as much. After Brexit, Britain will have the same status as the rest of the world in terms of duty-free allowances, meaning cheaper spirits, tobacco, perfume, electronic goods and jewellery. Has the Government done enough to allay motorists’ fears about a no-deal Brexit? Andy Morton from insurance experts HIC thinks much more travel advice should be made available to those thinking about driving to Europe or Southern Ireland post Brexit. He thinks confusion about what may or may not be demanded of British drivers abroad could have a detrimental impact on the number of people taking their cars across the Channel this year. He said: “I think motorists will be less inclined to take their cars abroad this year because of the uncertainty – though much depends on the state of the pound against the euro. If the pound does well post Brexit, the slump might not materialise. “But motorists must remember they will need to get Green Card insurance prior to their visit, and if they are regular cross-Channel trippers they will have to get one for each trip, unless they do the sensible thing and take an annual Green Card. HIC are Green Card specialists having been issuing them for travel to European countries outside of the EU member states countries for years. Andy advised motorists planning trips to Europe or the Republic of Ireland after a no-deal Brexit to prepare for every eventuality: “Get your Green Cards early and take out good travel insurance to be safe rather than sorry.” He added: “There are many scary stories about what may or may not happen come March 29 2019. The Government should be doing much more to separate the fact from the fiction for motorists.” Original article BY FRAZER ANSELL - JANUARY 17, 2019

Now is the time of year to consider rolling back the covers on your classic car and preparing it to go back on the road in the Spring. Do you know what to check for after your car has been in storage for the Winter ? Here are some hints and tips to check everything on the car is safe and ready to drive: Tyres - correct pressures & no cracking on the tread or sidewalls. Fluids - all fluids are within tolerance for content (antifreeze, moisture in brake fluid, etc) Belts - drivebelts have not perished and have correct tension. Wiper Blades - have not perished, split or hardened over time. Brakes - not binding and any surface corrosion is cleaned off components. Battery - ensuring it has enough energy and has not sulphated over the Winter. If in doubt, it may be worth getting the car checked over by a professional mechanic to make sure everything is fine after its long rest.

Very reluctant sale of my BMW Z3 Wide body sports car. Selling due to relocation This is my second Z3 and 5th BMW, they are very well made cars. This is a 2000 facelift model, so wider and with an upgraded dash, chrome etc etc. The paint is BMW JET BLACK and is in very good condition. The body work is exceptionally straight with some marks from wear and tear over its 18 year life. There is a small dent near the drivers door/wing, but very small. The tyres have loads of tread and the alloys are in very good original condition. The hood is solid and tight with one very small rip that has been sealed, the rear plastic window is new, so neither cracked, fogged or creased. The electric hood works too (remember. windows down, engine on and car in neutral with foot on the brake, safety features etc etc) Wing mirrors are electric Interior is finished in red leather, and is none ripped, with no pulled seams, the seats are electric, up down forwards back. Tho the passenger seat has an issue with going forwards at times (switch needs cleaning? It does matter to me as the seat is set for either long or short legs) . The interior is very clean with BMW fitted overmats and a gel steering wheel covers (the leather on the wheel is fine tho has smoothed over time, with the gel cover grip is fantastic) The car will come with the rare fitted roof cover (for when the roof is down, it covers up all the mechanism) Plus there is a chrome carrier on the boot lid. The car drives very well, going through the gears and stopping as expected. Any issues? The wishbones will need replacing as the rubber mounts have worn, and the threads are rusted, affecting alignment adjustment (these parts are just £25 each..if I had time I would get done and ask £200 plus for the car..I understand it can be fitted by the home mechanic, but thats not me unfortunately...but price readily reflects this) . She also likes to mark her spot with a drip of oil, but again doesnt affect anything. The previous owner was a Toyota Car mechanic and during his ownership he replaced the head gasket, and serviced the car. I have the owners wallet and manuals plus one key. Im am using her every day so the mileage will go up. I paid £130 fully comp (Im 56) and it was actually £106 when I received my cash back from Topcashback. Its cheap to insure as its considered a classic. The price is way lower than any other comparable Z3 widebody with this mileage. Any inspection is welcome, to drive the full amount in cash (its your responsibility to have insurance etc etc) PLEASE ASK ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND PLEASE TRY TO INSPECT BEFORE BIDDING OR OFFERING. The car is in Bristol and is for sale outside of Ebay. BUY HERE - eBay Link