Checks to conduct before taking car for an MOT to make sure it passes:

• Handbrake
• Footbrake
• Windscreen & Mirrors
• Seatbelts
• Electrical
• Shock Absorbers
• Wheels & Tyres
• Bodywork
• Exhaust
• Emissions

Handbrake

Test your handbrake and make sure it holds your car securely on an incline.
Our tip: An easy way to judge the efficiency of the cable is to listen to the number of clicks. As a rule, there should be about 6 audible clicks before the handbrake is fully engaged.

Footbrake

The most common faults are problems with air and fluid. Either a fluid leak, or an excess of air in the system.
Our tip: To check for a possible leak, press your foot on the brake and make sure that the pedal doesn’t travel all the way to the floor, or continue to creep down without you pushing.
To check for excess air, just ask yourself if the pedal feels spongey. If so, your system may need to be bled.

Windscreen & Mirrors

You might think this is super obvious, but so many cars fail because of simple cracks and fractures. The windscreen must be free of any potential visual impairment within the drivers field of vision. Small chips etc are acceptable – but save yourself time and money by getting them fixed before they become a larger problem! Your mirrors must be secure and intact, and must show a clear view of the rear.

Seatbelts

A very quick and easy check – simply make sure that there is no fraying, tears or obvious deterioration in the belts, and that they both engage and disengage properly!

Electrical

There’s a lot to go wrong here, so check ALL of your lights – and don’t forget your hazards and fog beam! Also your horn should work every time and be audible, your wipers should be in good condition, and your headlights should be aimed correctly.

Shock Absorbers

First, make sure that your springs are intact and solid with no obvious wear, including the top where they enter your engine compartment. You can also check your tyres for signs of wear caused by a non performing shock.
Our tip: Make sure your car is parked on a flat space and push down on each corner. Your car should sink slightly and return to its normal position without bouncing afterwards.

Wheels & Tyres

There are a few simple, quick and easy checks that should stop you ever failing an MOT because of your tyres! Check the side walls for damage including bulges, splits or lumps and make sure you can’t see any of the cord/ply through the rubber. Make sure the wheel isn’t buckled and is sitting straight, and that the tyre valve is in good order. Make sure you’ve got the right size, right pressure tyres for your vehicle, and finally, check your tread depth! It must be a minimum of 1.6mm for at LEAST 75% of the tyre.

Bodywork

Any load bearing area showing signs of corrosion or thinning will make your car fail its MOT. Check side sills, chassis, cross members and pillars for signs. Any protruding sharp edges from minor accidents etc also need to be addressed.

Exhaust

The important thing to check for here is leaks in the system.
Our tip: Have a friend place a rag over the exhaust when the car is running. NOT to block it, but just to impede the flow. This should help to make much more obvious any leaks which would need to be corrected.

Emissions

Without specialist equipment or help, the best thing you can do at home is check to make sure that you’re not burning oil, and that you have no serious faults with your injection system or carburettor.
Our tip: Start your engine and hold the revs around 2500rpm for between 10 and 30 seconds before you let it idle and watch the smoke from your exhaust.
Blue smoke could indicate that you’re burning oil and could mean a worn seal is letting oil into your engine cylinders. Black smoke would probably mean that there’s unburnt fuel, meaning a problem with either your injection, carburettor, or possibly a dirty air filter.

MOT due date for new vehicles – first MOT

You need to take your vehicle for an MOT test as soon as it’s 3 years old. Check your vehicle registration document (V5) to find the date when the car was first registered. Your car’s MOT is due 3 years on this date. However, you can get it tested up to a month early.

MOT due date for vehicles over 3 years old

You can take your vehicle for an MOT test before it’s MOT expiry date, but the earliest you can present your vehicle for test is one month. This is if you want the MOT certificate to run consecutively. Otherwise, you can have your MOT done anytime, if you feel your car would benefit from this check or if you bought a new car and would like to ensure peace of mind. Just keep in mind that when you have a new MOT test check done, the old MOT will expire and you will lose the time remaining on the old certificate.

How to find your MOT due date if you lost your MOT certificate

If you misplaced your MOT certificate and cannot remember the date your MOT is due, you can check your V5 documents for an approximate due date. The accuracy of this date depends on the previous owner and if they took the vehicle for MOT tests in time. You can also check with the MOT Centre where the vehicle was last tested, as they will have a computerised record of it. Last, but not least you could check the MOT history of a vehicle online to get the date of the last test. You will need your vehicle registration document and either the MOT test number or the document reference from the V5C registration certificate.

Valuing your car

One option is to use a site such as Auto Trader and search for cars similar to yours to see how other people have priced their cars, this method can result in you feeling even more confused though as private sellers perceived value of their car can fluctuate massively. It is generally considered that selling your car privately will result in the best price, this may be true but there will most likely be a cost involved with advertising the car, extra hassle of dealing with possible time-wasters coming to ‘kick tyres’ and generally a much more lengthy process than selling to trade. Something else worth keeping in mind is that your car may be depreciating in value every day therefore you should value and sell your car as quickly as possible, which is exactly what WeWantAnyCar.com can help you with.

To value your car we use industry trade valuation guides and our valuation is reviewed and adjusted daily to truly reflect the current used car market so you can feel confident you are getting the best price.

There are many aspects involved in your car’s valuation and what your car is worth depends on factors you can’t change such as mileage, previous owners and age. But there are factors you have control over and taking care of some issues before selling can increase the value of your car.

What you can do to make your car worth more

Things you can do to increase the value of your car:

• Clean your car thoroughly inside and outside.
• If an MOT is running out, get a new one
• Service your car, a full service history is one of the most important things when selling your car whether selling it to trade or privately.

At the end, your car will be worth more if you spend some time making it look good and get all your documents sorted before the sale. This will also make the car selling process much quicker and smoother.

The boom in interest has created a desire for many to seek out adventure cycling holidays rather than just soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere in the Costa del Sol.

Whilst Britain has increasing numbers of world-class trail centres and miles of off-road routes, with Europe on our doorstop, areas such as the Alps continue to draw numbers looking for an off-road challenge.

Having the right cycling gear is obviously important, but if you’re planning on driving to Europe with all your kit, it’s also important to have the best vehicle for the job.

With so many to choose from, we’ve picked the best in each class to help you on your way…

Van – VW Transporter T5

2003 – Present – Available new from £20,670

A favourite of surfers, campers and tradesmen across the globe, the transporter has won numerous awards including VW Transporter T5 the prestigious International Van of the Year in 2004.

Available in both petrol and diesel engines, from 1.9 to a 2.5 litre TDI, the transporter has enough going on under the bonnet to easily cope with miles of European roads.

Being a van, storage isn’t an issue. There’s room in the back for all your gear, a couple of bikes and a bed, but if you’ve got the time you could convert the van to add cooking facilities, seating/sleeping areas and a TV.

VW Transporter T5 van

Pure 4×4 – Land Rover Defender

1983 – Present – Available new from £24,255

A British icon, the defender has been around in some form or another since 1948. Land Rover have kitted out the defender range with a selection of diesel engines from 2.2 to 2.5 litres and a 3.9 litre V8 petrol engine.

Although it’s not the best ride you’ll get on the road, the defender is highly regarded as one of the best off road 4x4’s available on the market, which makes it ideal for off-road trekking around the alps carrying all your gear and a couple of passengers. If you still need further storage, it’s possible to fit a roof rack.

Land Rover Defender

MPV – Ford S-Max

2006 – Present – Available new from £22,800

If you’re travelling with a couple of passengers, the S-Max from Ford could be the vehicle for you.

The S-Max is a 7-seater people carrier that’s been on the market since 2006. Combining comfort with practicality, the S-Max offers the choice of 1.6 to 2.2 litre turbo diesel engines that will handle the faster speeds of European driving.

Seats in the S-Max fold flat giving you more room for carrying gear, but unless you’re travelling on your own or with just one passenger; you’ll have to make use of roof racks or a rear-mounted carrier to transport your bikes.

Ford S-Max

SUV – BMW X-3

2003 – Present – Available new from £28,965

Named as WhatCar? Magazine compact 4×4 of the year in 2012 and 2013, the X-3 has been on the market in its first generation form since 2003 but got re-styled as the second generation in 2010.

As expected with BMW, the X3 comes well built using a range of top-quality materials to create a comfortable but practical family car.

With a 5 seats and a decent amount of boot space, there’s plenty of room for all your kit, but you’ll have to make use of a rack or carrier for transporting your bikes.

BMW X3

Estate – Ford Mondeo Estate

1992 – Present – Available new from £19,350

The Ford Mondeo has been gracing the roads of Britain since way back in 1992.

Currently on its 5^th generation model, the latest estate version secured itself top spot as WhatCar? Magazine’s Estate of the Year 2013.

The Mondeo has a huge boot and 5 seats, providing plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The 1.6 ECO version is capable of a combined 65.7mpg though a bigger engine may be more preferable for covering the amount of miles you’ll have to travel to reach the Alps.

Fitted with seven airbags and ESP (electronic stability control) as standard, you can travel safe in the knowledge there’s an abundance of safety features to look after you and your passengers should you be involved in an accident.

Ford Mondeo Estate

Head to head

It’s not really a fair comparison pitting each of the five against each other, as each is suited for the trip in different ways, instead, choosing which vehicle to travel to the alps may come down to budget constraints.

With that in mind we took a look at the cost of the base model for each vehicle, the cost to tax it and then insure it.

 

*Insurance prices based on cheapest price for comprehensive cover, 27 year old married male in Cardiff, £250 voluntary excess with 3 years NCB

Whichever vehicle meets your needs the best must be the one to go for, but if money is no object, and comfort is what you’re looking for the X-3 will serve you well, but it’s worth bearing in mind that for a much more reasonable £20,000 you could have a Mondeo with room for you, three or four passengers and all your gear.

This mountain biking travel tip comes courtesy of Chris Stillwell from travel and car insurance comparison site Confused.com

Driving without an MOT is a criminal offence

The fact is that driving a car without a valid MOT is a criminal offence under Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. By flouting this law you leave yourself open to a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and the future cost implications of invalidating your insurance. However, the financial penalty is nothing compared to the moral code broken if your unsafe motor causes a fatal accident. An MOT certificate guarantees that your vehicle is road worthy and safe to be driven around. If you do not have a valid MOT you are not only putting yourself in danger, but every road user and pedestrian unlucky enough to be in the vicinity of you and your potentially dangerous car.

Remember to renew your MOT

Ignorance is never an excuse; accidentally driving without an MOT certificate will not protect you from the long arm of the law despite even the most vehement cries of innocence. The only exemption is if you are on your way to or from an MOT check or repairs that can be verified by the garage carrying out the work. There’s no escaping it, driving without a valid MOT is against the law so don’t let a renewal slip your mind; no excuses will wash with the authorities or the public you put at risk.

The compact car market is a far cry away from the days when a Volkswagen Golf was the automatic choice for those wanting a blend of performance and comfort in a smaller vehicle. Now with the emergence of the sleek looking A class and it’s killer fuel economy, picking your next hatchback just got harder.

In this review and comparison, we looked at the 1 series 116d Efficient Dynamics, the A3 sportback 1.6 TDI and the A180 Blue Efficiency SE. All 5 door diesel hatchbacks.

On the face of things, these cars stack up pretty evenly. All around the £20,000 mark from new, all similar to insure and all with almost identical performance figures. Picking isn’t getting any easier! I suppose we’d better go for a drive.

BMW 1 series

The BMW stands out as the only rear wheel drive vehicle in this class, and it really does make a difference on the road. Sharp handling, a ton of grip and incredibly accurate steering are what we’ve come to expect from BMW, and the 1 series delivers.

I worried about the ride quality, needlessly as it turns out. It is firm, but only enough so that you can feel what’s going on. It never affects the comfort of the ride and really makes the most of that BMW handling. Added to all that, it’s spacious, and the back seats are made for proper grown ups.

Audi A3

Into the Audi, and the first thing you’ll notice is the great cockpit. It feels so roomy and looks great. The power delivery is smooth and the ride is comparable to the 1 series – really the only difference here is it doesn’t quite have the same feel that you get from that rear wheel drive. I get the impression that if I hadn’t just gotten out of the 1 series, I’d have enjoyed this car far more. The back seats aren’t quite as roomy as the BMW, but the A3 is still a great car.

Mercedes A class

Into the new kid on the block – the Mercedes A180 and amidst all of the hype I’m expecting great things reviewing this! Walking up to the car, it looks absolutely fantastic, and inside, the dash and cabin are ultra modern and sleek – a little sterile for my tastes but the minimalists will love it.

Unfortunately, I’m fast running out of good things to say because, despite the great looks and good performance, the A180 is a huge letdown entirely due to the ride quality. The suspension could be made from granite – a bump in the road has about the same impact on your spine as a bungee jump – and when you get up to speed it feels like the whole car is vibrating. On a super smooth race track I’m almost positive it would be a wonderful drive, but on the A5 it just doesn’t measure up to the superb quality of it’s German cousins.

Our verdict.

It’s really close between the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3, but the RWD handling and that extra room in the back means that the 1 Series is our favourite hatchback.

Selling a car

Car selling process – where to begin

The first thing you have to do is find out how much your car is worth to sell. There are different ways of doing this:

1. Look for your make of car of the same age with similar mileage and condition on a car marketplace sites such as Auto Trader and check the listings on UK’s car supermarkets websites.
2. Check the current market in the Auto Trader and other similar magazines/papers.
3. Check local classified ads online, such as: Sun Local classifieds  and Vivastreet Local classifieds
4. Save time and get a free car valuation by entering your registration on We Want Any Car website.

Increase your car value

If you would like to sell your car for slightly more than for what you found through your research, then make sure you do the following:

• Clean your car thoroughly inside and outside
• Consider taking your car for a service
• If an MOT is running out, get a new one

Selling a car privately

If you decide to sell your car privately, you just need to be aware that this can take a bit longer than selling a car through a dealer. To start the car selling process, you need to write a car advert and take some photos to attract potential buyers. You can place this ad online using one of free local classified websites or pay to get it published in Auto Trader or local newspaper’s classifieds section. There are free buy and sell papers where you can place your ad for free (with limitations), such as Loot (covering the South East and the North West) and Bargain pages (covering West Midlands). It might be worth paying for a photo ad which should help you attract more car buyers.
To help getting even more interest, you could also place a notice in your car window, which costs you nothing.

Once your car adverts are published, you will, hopefully, start getting enquiries and you just need to make sure you are available for the viewings. You should take some precautions when a potential car buyer comes for viewing:

• Make sure that there is someone else in the house as well, just as a security measure.
• Check they are insured to drive your car if they want to go for a test drive.
• Don’t leave the buyer alone with the car keys and always go with them for a test drive.

Keep in mind the disadvantages of selling your car privately, such as: dealing with time wasters, paying for ads, the amount of time you can spend showing your car to the potential car buyers and even car thieves posing as car buyers. Take all these in consideration and you may decide you want to sell your car by using a used car dealer.

Selling your car to a used car dealer

If you decide to sell your car to a dealer, this will be much quicker and safer way of selling your second hand car. If you are selling your car for the first time and you are not very familiar with the process involved, the dealer will help you with all your questions and can sort out the paperwork for you. When taking your car to a dealer to sell, you still need to make sure it’s in top condition and if you want to sell it on the same day, bring your vehicle’s documents with you such as V5C (registration document), service history, MOT and anything else that may help with the car’s valuation.

The new Volvo V40 has just posted the highest ever Euro NCAP crash test result , thanks in part to the world’s first pedestrian airbag.
We’ve been to the company’s headquarters in Sweden to find out how the system works.
How does it work? The new airbag is designed to protect pedestrians from injury at collision speeds between 12mph and 31mph.
It uses seven sensors around the front of the car to detect the type of impact, and then sends this information to the car’s on-board computer for analysis.
If the system interprets the object as a human leg, it first releases the bonnet hinges by firing two pyrotechnic charges. Almost immediately, the airbag inflates, raising the bonnet by 10cm in the process to help absorb some of the impact.
The exposed area of the airbag covers the lower edge of the windscreen and the A-pillars – the bits of the car that cause the most serious head injuries.

These airbags could reduce pedestrian fatalities by 5%

How much does it cost? All V40s are fitted with the pedestrian airbag as standard, although you will have to pay to have the system reset if it ever goes off.
That’s unlikely to worry you if you’ve been unlucky enough to hit someone. However, there’s always a chance the airbag could be set off by something else – an animal, for example – that the system has wrongly identified as a person.
Either way, you – or your insurance company – will need to fork out around £500 to have the airbag replaced. There will also be an even bigger bill for a new bonnet, which will be damaged by the airbag firing.
However, given Volvo’s claim that the system can reduce pedestrian fatalities by 5% and serious injuries by 14%, that seems a price definitely worth paying.

Article sourced from WhatCar: http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/volvo-s-pedestrian-airbag-explained/263780

The 70mph limit was enforced mainly due to the number of accidents and road fatalities that occurred due to – apparently – speeding drivers. Safety features in cars have improved dramatically since then, the use of seatbelts and airbags, as well as safety considerations throughout the manufacturing process of cars, that are to thank for the decreased number of injuries and fatalities since 1965. It was also in 1965 that it became compulsory for cars built in Europe to be fitted with seat belts in the front, but it wasn’t until 1983 that wearing a seat belt became compulsory. And it took until the late 80s and early 90s for rear seat belts to be made compulsory, as well as adults (and children) wearing them when sitting in the back. With these increased safety measures in just one area of the car – not to mention the rest of the vehicle which has been similarly enhanced – it would seem illogical to retain the speed limit at 70mph: a limit which was partly introduced in an effort to prevent accidents and save lives.

The UK, when compared to other countries, has a relatively low speed limit. In France, motorway speed limits are around 80mph in normal conditions and 68mph in wet weather. On the autobahns in Germany, there is a variable speed limit when necessary and often no top speed limit at all. This begs the question how have these higher speed limits affected the number of accidents and fatalities in these countries? Data from 2009 and 2010 suggests France and Germany do suffer from slightly higher fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants per year: 6.9 and 4.5 respectively, compared to the UK’s 3.59. However, Germany’s strict policing of the autobahns suggests that higher speed limits do not have to mean decreased safety: there is an argument that higher speed limits would increase driver concentration.

Increasing the speed limit could also mean that journeys are made shorter. Current speed limits often results in problems with traffic flow and jams on the motorway, as slower and faster motorists compete for the same space. Increasing the speed limit, and policing this speed limit strictly, would ensure that everyone knows at what speed to drive and could reduce flow and stoppage problems. It would also be the ideal impetus for government bodies to invest in further improvements on the road system in the UK, making journeys more efficient and simultaneously increasing the safety of driving in the UK thanks to better roads.

What do you think about increasing the speed limit – logical, efficient idea or are there too many negative points?

Sourced from www.motors.co.uk