Cameras for Wing Mirrors-Honda’s New Replacement in Future High-Tech Electric Motors

Car manufacturer Honda will be using quality cameras to replace car wing mirrors in their line of future top-notch electric motors. All the electric e-car models by the Japanese carmaker will be the first globally to inculcate such feature across the board. 

The cameras for wing mirrors feature follows in-step with Honda’s new move to see all their vehicles running on electric technology by 2025. 

Dashboard display 

On the car’s dashboard, a large display screen will be showing images from the camera while the new system will be smart enough to allow switching from wide to normal views for all drivers. With the feature, Honda is seeking to ensure blind spots have been lowered by a minimum 10%. To ensure rain doesn’t block the vision, a coating that’s repellent to water will be specially used. 

Other carmakers such as German’s Audi have already included such camera functionality in their e-tron car range though as an optional feature. 

With the screen towards the top of car door corners, Honda seeks to make sure that the new camera system maintains a modern and tidy design with the doors hugged by not so big or too small camera pods. 

 It has also been ascertained that drag will be lowered by 90% with the use of cameras rather than wing mirrors, which will enhance the efficiency of the car. 

The electric car’s e-compact is celebrated by Honda as a huge step for the carmaker in new technology and modern design and a key move to ensure electrified technology is a part of all Honda cars selling and available in European countries by 2025. 

 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/cameras-for-wing-mirrors-hondas-new-replacement-in-future-high-tech-electric-motors/

Electrical Car Charging Investment in Local Authorities Doubled Up by the Government

 Across the UK, electric vehicle (EV) charging points are more than 13,000, which represents an increase of over five times since 2011. Even so, the number is still insufficient with petrol stations still common and popular than public EV charging points. As a result the government has indicated it’ll be doubling the EV charging points across the UK by targeting local authorities with some investment.  

Pledged investment 

A £2.5 million investment has been pledged by the government to raise the entire investment nationally to £5 million. In the process, 1,000 EV charging points will be introduced. According to Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, the UK has over 20,000 charging points accessible to the public, which is double the total number of petrol stations. According to the Secretary, it’s important for EV drivers to be assured of readily available charging points close to where they live. Charging EVs should become as easy as connecting Smartphones to chargers at home. 

Charging infrastructure affecting on EV adoption

According to an investor in the EV industry, the intake of EVs across the board within the UK has been hampered by the slow introduction of charging points and related infrastructure. With so many investors in the industry designing and developing charging systems the industry remains dogged by the uncertainty of unpredictable future consumer traits that has become a risk affecting most businesses. As a result they mostly attract venture or strategic capital and not the typical infrastructure capital many would expect. 

Major uncertainties 

The uncertainties dogging the EV industry are diverse and related to the type of technology (in this case DC or AC), charging points and the anxiety of grounded EV charging infrastructure and issues related to operating systems. As a result, EV charging infrastructure analyst and investors believe public stakeholders need to be closely involved to foster enhanced visibility on all the risks involved while ensuring private capital is not just available but increased as well. 

 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/electrical-car-charging-investment-in-local-authorities-doubled-up-by-the-government/

Unsettling Things You Should Know Your Car Will Probably Do this Summer

We all look forward to summer but the warm months can also be unforgiving to vehicles. With Europe facing the most exacting temperatures, hot sun and humidity and typical summer busy traffic the going can be a little tough. Even so, your car will probably do just fine like it has done in past summer months due to advancement in engineering. Nonetheless, your car will do some things that might turn out surprising or a little unsettling. Here are a few actions you might expect your vehicle to portray. While they can be startling to the uninitiated, you might not need to worry about a thing. 

Smoke on ignition 

Of course, turning on your car and seeing a thick blanket of smoke emanating from the vehicle’s air vents is unsettling. Nonetheless, you might not need to worry about anything if the smoke isn’t pungent. Always expect your car to release such smoke once in a while due to the air conditioning inside the car struggling against hot temperatures. The hot humidity leaving in the form of water vapour and appearing like smoke and moving very fast out of the air conditioning unit doesn’t give the moisture sufficient time to change into drips of water. Rather, it moves right across the air conditioning in the form of smoke. The smoke usually disappears if you left the system running for a short while. 

Dripping liquid or water drips

After parking you might see lots of water just below your vehicle. In fact, you probably have been shocked to see water dripping from moving cars. This shouldn’t alarm you. Again, it’s all about the car’s air conditioning mechanism. The vehicle is designed in a way that the evaporator is able to release water drips as the air conditioning dehumidifies water apart from cooling it. Of course, the water must drop somewhere and it’s the drips that you see. Even so, if the released liquid isn’t anything like water or has some kind of an unusual colour do get in touch with an approved maintenance service to have it checked. 

Slowing vehicle 

It’s possible for the careful among us to notice that their car appears to slow down and sluggish in hot summer days. Usually true for smaller engines that aren’t exceptionally powerful. Acceleration might appear to slow while the car’s response might seem not as sharper as happens during colder winter months. 

There’s really nothing to worry about per se. During warm summer days the air isn’t as dense as you might expect. As a result, the performance of the engine is slowed a little, which could also affect the car’s fuel economy. Of course in cool summer mornings you won’t experience this issue as the engine performs perfectly well as it does during winter months. 

Check out for gluey sap

Chances are you’ll park your car under some shade somewhere, perhaps under a familiar tree in the hot of summer. You might never see anything wrong unless you touch the paintwork later. If you do so, you’ll find some sticky fluid that dropped from the tree and collected all over the vehicle in the smallest possible droplets. It’s advised to do something about it unless you want the paintwork damaged by the hardened sticky droplets. A hot solution made from a soapy shampoo and water is a perfect solution for the removal of the sap. Also note that windscreens are also usually affected. Invest in quality windscreen washer solution perfect for hot summers to keep the sticky droplets off. 

Engine bay’s rushing rumpus 

You could be driving in slow moving traffic only to hear the engine bay making loud, whooshing noise. It’s usually not consistent but can disappear as quickly as it came once you begin moving the car. This is usually brought about by cooling fan in the engine stopping and starting again. It’s designed in such a way that it doesn’t work all the time to save fuel but does start right away when the engine water is overheated. After you begin to move the car the air flow across the grille of the radiator lowers the temperatures again and the mechanism is no longer required. 

Key phrase FRESCO to help you keep your car in great shape every summer 

Pay attention to the FRESCO acronym to keep your car going throughout summer without sudden setbacks. 

Fuel: Always keep tab on the fuel before you drive away. Since summer attracts heavy traffic the car will spend more fuel than it normally does. This could lead to problematic car engine reactions that come with warm weather. 

Rubber: Not many people know car tyres can show how the vehicle is fairing. For instance, take a look at them and see if the wearing is uniform. If not, then pressure disparity is real or the steering has an issue.  Do ensure the tread is a minimum 3mm for all the tyres and pressure is inflated properly. It guarantees great grip during icy or wet circumstances on the road. Don’t forget to take a peek at wiper blades to look for performance shortcomings to ensure the rubber hasn’t worn off. 

Electrics: The car electric system is critical and should work well at all times. Check the car beforehand to ensure the lights are performing perfectly. If windows and indicators are electrically controlled ensure nothing is amiss. 

Screen wash: Never forget to pay attention to the washer fluid of your windscreen. Use the best screen wash to keep off dirt, poo and microbes off the windscreen after a wonderful time in the sun. 

Coolant: A very important service, coolant ensures your car is always running at the proper temperature. Ensure it’s always between the max and minimum levels. If it’s not, get in touch with your mechanic immediately because there’s definitely a problem.  

Oil: Never ignore oil checks. Oil ensures there’s no car breakdown and the engine isn’t affected. Checking oil levels at all times and topping up when it’s down makes sure your car doesn’t overheat when you least expect it. 

Have you noticed something you can’t really explain affecting your car? Get in touch fast to have your ride checked for problems before they become real and catastrophic on the road. 

 

  

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/unsettling-things-you-should-know-your-car-will-probably-do-this-summer/

Cut Cost with Easy Textured Plastic Bumper Repair on Your Own

Lots of car makers are using textured bumpers more than ever in the process complicating the process of repair. When these textured bumpers are damaged, in most cases mechanics don’t just repair but seek replacements making it really expensive for vehicle owners. Even so, car owners need to know they can actually repair their vehicle bumpers at a very minimal expense. When it comes to repairing textured bumpers made of plastic, the process is not as complicated as you might think. 

 

So, where do you start exactly?

1. Bumper removal

Start off the textured plastic bumper repair process by removing the bumper and ensuring it’s very tidy. Use a rubber or plastic clean to accomplish this. Go ahead and make sure the bumper is clean by spraying it with clean water and waiting for it to rest while ensuring the bumper surface is well covered. In case the bumper has run off or beaded fully, you need to try and tidy it again; it’s not yet sufficiently spotless for any repair to be done.

2. Press back

Look for broken pieces protruding out and ensure the edges are heated. Hot air gun is a great tool to use in this process. Once the protruding areas are heated and hot, simply push them back in. After making sure they’re back in place as they should, find a cold wet cloth and run it across to ensure the pieces are cooled down. 

3. Polypropylene melting

In this process you need a welding propylene rod. Using the same hot air gun, melt the rod across the seam on the back. 

4. Sanding the ditch

On the front seam use a carbide burr to create a ditch running about halfway across the plastic of the bumper after you’re through working on the back seam.  Ensure the ditch has a width of around half an inch. Using a 50 grit type of sandpaper, ensure the ditch is sanded before redoing it again using an 80 grit type. 

5. Melt into the ditch not bumper 

Find a welding polypropylene rod and using a hot air gun melt it inside the ditch towards the bumper’s front side. Avoid at all cost melting the rod inside the bumper, rather, simply melt it completely and it’ll abide as it should. 

6. Smoothen the seams 

Using an 80 grit type of sandpaper ensure the front seam is well sanded to remove all snags and huge lumps. Also find a 180 grit type of sandpaper to completely smoothen the same place. Use compressed air to remove sanding debris by blowing the seam. Complete this process by applying a quality adhesion promoter before leaving it for about ten minutes to set. 

7. Finishing putty 

Find a quality finishing plastic putty or filler and use it to even the section to keep all repair marks hidden. Give it time to dry and use a 180 grit type of sandpaper to sand the area followed by both 240 grit and 320 grit types of sandpapers. This ensures all plastic fluffs are removed.  Go ahead and do another blowing of the seam using compressed air before putting some more adhesion promoter. Give it 10 minutes to set. 

Ensure the damaged section of the bumper is re-textured by spraying it using a texture spray. This allows the bumper to blend effectively well with the bumper side that’s still undamaged. Find a scuff pad and lightly scuff the area lightly to ensure the texture’s tops are taken off and strings, if any, removed. Use a coat bumper colour to spray the bumper and give the repair a quality finish. Do go with a matching bumper coat colour you can purchase in virtually every UK auto supply shop.

Repairing a textured plastic bumper can save you a lot. Is the Do-It-Yourself process too much for you? Get in touch with us and we’ll complete it for you in record time at a very reasonable price. 

 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/cut-cost-with-easy-textured-plastic-bumper-repair-on-your-own/

Top Postcodes Worst Hit by Car Vandalism in the UK. Are You at Risk?

In a recent study of the claims made by an insurance company, the worst areas hit by intentional car damage were revealed. In the analysis, it was concluded that of every four drivers in the UK, one has had their vehicle deliberately impaired. Most revealing was that the areas had hit were not concentrated in a specific place but evenly spread across the country. For instance, some Edinburgh, Nottingham, Manchester and London neighbourhoods were found to be the worst car vandalism hotspots in the UK. 

Worst hit postcodes 

EH11 Edinburgh postcode ranks first on the worst affected postcodes mostly around the areas of Sighthill, Dalry and Gorgie. NG15 in Nottingham is the second on the list, particularly in Newstead, Ravenshead and Hucknall sections. London’s Walthamstow E17 follows closely as well as M27 in Manchester covering areas of Agecroft, Swinton, Wardley, Pendlebury and Clifton.  

The top ten vandalism-prone postcodes in the UK include:

• NG15 Nottingham 
• EH11 Edinburgh 
• E17 Walthamstow in London 
• M27 Manchester 
• AB11 Aberdeen 
• E14 Canary Wharf in London 
• BS16 Bristol 
• RG22 Basingstoke 
• ME18 Maidstone 
• SO16 Southampton 

Deliberate car damage 

Car vandalism has affected about 27% of UK drivers who have had their vehicles damaged deliberately. The interesting thing is that even with the price tag and agony that follows, out of six drivers one felt like vindictively vandalizing another person’s car. In fact, 33% of respondents in the study would have selected a neighbour’s ride to vandalise with 28% admitting they would have vandalised an ex lover’s car. 

 

Not everyone is inclined to avenge acts of vandalism per se although 19% of respondents in the study would not mind if a few British celebrities suffered such deliberate damage. Piers Morgan and Katie Hopkins were voted the top celebrities Brits would love to see their vehicles vandalised at 15%, followed by Jeremy Corbyn at 12%, Jeremy Clarkson at 11% and Theresa May at 11%. 

 

Car vandalism could take place anywhere

According to car insurance experts, the study elaborately shows vehicle vandalism isn’t stereotypical and could take place anywhere and affect anyone. In trying to ascertain the top most affected locations, the onus shifts to vehicle owners to be mindful of their surroundings and know that it could happen to them anywhere, particularly in these 10 UK locations.

 

The study also sought to help law enforcement on the local level to know where to hit hard and kerb deliberate vehicle damage. Whether an ex-lover or a famous face you’re disheartened by, there will never be any excuse to sabotage anyone’s car or property. For those who have never been affected, car vandalism seems like a petty crime but the impact on those affected isn’t just monetary but far-reaching. 

 

How to protect your car from vandalism 

• Invest in CCTV: The first thing a person does when they realise there’s a camera recording the proceedings is to be wary. It’s a great deterrence tool and what you might turn to when it comes to helping the authorities apprehend a culprit.  

 

• Mind where you park: Always park your car in a well-lit environment in case you don’t have a garage, safe parking or driveway. 

 

• Engage your neighbours: It’s hard trying to know your neighbours in modern Britain but it helps. Take time to know those who live around you and be in good terms. When you’re not around they’ll raise alarm if your car or property is attacked and even actively ward off the wreckers. They’ll notify you of any suspicious activity just like you would. 

 

Have you insured your car? It’s possible that vandalism could happen to you when you’re least prepared and the cover might become your saving grace. 

 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/top-postcodes-worst-hit-by-car-vandalism-in-the-uk-are-you-at-risk/

5 Car Paintwork Destroyers and How to Avoid Them

It’s possible you’ve noticed nicks and scrapes on your car whether you’re delicately careful in your driving or not. While many of us are predisposed to finding a solution first, very few actually ask themselves where the scuffs came from. Honestly, car paint can be damaged by so many things. While you might have a number of culprits in mind, here are a number you might want to keep an eye on. 

1. Careless car door opening 

Whether in a hurry or just careless, most people find others opening their car doors on theirs. In the process the car’s paintwork is scratched, which is only discovered later. We also open the car doors in the same manner damaging the paintwork of others. Sometimes avoiding this is quite hard but doable. Buy some vehicle door protectors to minimise door damage to your car paintwork and try as much as possible to park in less busy parking sections if you can. Do also park in a way that there’s sufficient space between your car and the next. 

2. Simple boot use 

It might sound rather normal and simple but just opening the car boot to load or unload could be injuring your paintwork. Perhaps you’ve a boot-load of stuff to pick and as you move the bags around they could be scraping against the car leaving some marks. Sometimes, the simple act of being careful in your unloading of heavy stuff from the boot could actually scratch your vehicle as you rub against it. The best way to avoid this is putting your luggage down before you open your car boot. Load every item easily, one at a time, careful not to rub against the paintwork. 

3. Placing stuff atop your car 

Most of these things happen so fast and often you don’t even think about them. You lay your bags and luggage on the top of your vehicle perhaps to pick a call or find keys. In most cases, no one gives a thought to how we take the items off the car roof. At times we carelessly remove them or drag them all over the roof scratching the paintwork. Do plan before you pick up things to put in your car such as ensuring you’ve the car keys beforehand or just lay the things somewhere else. 

4. Ice and snow removal

No one wants to wake up to the car covered by ice or snow. Even removing them is a labour we don’t really like. Since you cannot really avoid it, the way you remove the snow could actually mean scratching your car paintwork or leaving it intact. Don’t rush through the removal process but take some time so that you don’t damage the paint. Something you should never attempt is using normal brushes or brooms in your home to scrape off the ice off the vehicle. Chances are deep nicks will be left on your car. 

Always have some foam brushes in your home for such a time. They are quite soft and help peel off the snow without disfiguring your car. Remove snow easily with less pressure to avoid giving dirt already on the vehicle a chance to scratch the paintwork as you do so. In future, find yourself a quality vehicle cover and you won’t have to wake up to snow and ice covering your ride. 

5. Loose debris on the road 

Paintworks are destroyed over time in most cases by loose dirt, debris and stones spread across most busy roads. As the vehicle tyres come into contact with them they could be flicked right back on the car paintwork in high velocity leaving deep scrapes behind. Keep your car well waxed, especially prior to the onset of winter and you won’t have to think about it ever.

Of course there’re so many reasons why your car paintwork is getting destroyed daily! But sometimes it’s those little things that if done correctly can make all the difference. Try them out and see. 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/5-car-paintwork-destroyers-and-how-to-avoid-them/

10 Driving Dangers to Avoid in Warm Summer Months

With heat waves wrecking havoc across Europe, driving in summer in familiar roads or not present diverse hazards. High temperatures are highly uncomfortable and stress is bound to keep up. Personal, road and professional demands can make typical driving in your car a challenge fraught with dangers. Here’s some advice to help you avoid some of them and arrive safely. 

Are you prepared In case keys get lost? 

Summer dips in the pool, rushing to your favourite pub for a quick bubbly before you hit the pedal home or just enjoying the sand along the coastline are all wonderful at this time. But in the process your keys could get lost. Always have a spare key if you can, keep them dry and most important of all, learn how to open your car doors and start the engine even without your car keys. 

It’s possible that your car handbook has all this information and you’ve been just lazy. Read through and prepare yourself just in case the worst happens. Also, find a local specialised locksmith and memorize their number or save it somewhere. You just might need them when you least expect it.

Tired and inebriated driving 

There’s no wisdom in driving while tired in hot weather and increasing temperatures. If you must drive, do take a few cups of real, dark and strong coffee or get yourself some power nap, perhaps for 15-20 minutes. 

If you must drive for hours avoid consecutive driving for over 3 hours. Take breaks for a few minutes in-between. If you’re on a long road trip include as many breaks as you can. Rather than a long, single stop, short ones of 15-20 minutes are heavily recommended. 

If you must drive avoid heavy meals and alcohol before you leave. Be careful where you park to take a nap while on the road. Overstaying in some places could get you a ticket or contravene some parking guidelines. 

Mind the tyres

Most drivers ignore proper tyre pressure or drive in damaged tyres gambling with their lives. Summer months, particularly in recent times are insanely hot with the highest temperatures on record. Punctures are almost assured both for well-maintained tyres and much so for damaged ones. Take steps to check them as consistently as you can. Pressure and tyre condition checks will help you maintain the proper load by increasing pressure if you need to according to the car handbook.  If the tyres look like they’re worn out or seen better days don’t just ignore them. Replace as fast as you can. 

Don’t forget the windscreen too

Sun glare has always unhinged drivers on roads causing numerous accidents. Keep yourself safe by ensuring your windscreen wipers are working as they should and worn outs replaced. The windscreen should always be clean. Invest in quality sunglasses and keep them in the vehicle whether in winter or summer. It helps to keep your gaze on the road unaffected at all times. Do avoid those lenses that darken in bright sun glare. 

Hay fever and drivers with allergies 

Those with allergies, including hay fever-prone drivers need to be extra careful in summer. If you cannot find another person to take the wheel ensure you’ve taken your medication. Make sure the drugs don’t cause any judgement-impairing side-effect such as drowsiness. Pollen grains, hairs and other things you might be allergic to need to be avoided at all cost. Keep the car air vents and windows shut. Always have some tissues and handkerchief close by and invest in sunglasses that actually block bright daylight without impairing your visual sharpness.  

Watch the cooling system

If you didn’t know driving in high temperatures and hot climates has been found to damage the cooling system of a car. At times it happens without the driver and passengers none the wiser. Always keep an eye on it regularly, including the coolant to evade the hazards of overheating. 

Mind tractors and open roof cars

If driving across the nation and long distance chances are you’ll meet lots of open roof vehicles in top gear and tractors going about their business. Note that tractor drivers use ear protectors or soundproofed cabs and can’t clearly hear vehicles approaching them; same case with open hood cars in high speed. Keep sufficient distance behind such a vehicle while remembering not to just overtake tractors. Some could actually be longer than they appear. Ensure you’ve sufficient space to overtake before you attempt it. 

Lose dirt 

During summer months, loose stones, debris and dirt are a common sight for tar-repaired roads. These have the propensity of damaging a car’s paintwork, grazing the windscreen or scuffing headlamps, particularly among careless drivers. Driving fast and ignoring speed limits and driving very close to the vehicle ahead have been cited as major contributors to damage caused by loose dirt and chippings. 

Mind simple fire starters

High temperatures, hot sun and warm days mean grass, debris, vegetation and other items thrown about are very dry. A simple careless act as throwing a smouldering cigarette could ignite papers or grass starting a major fire around. 

Summer days are the days of our lives and everyone is probably out there. Keep safe on the road and take all precaution to avoid accidents when driving in open spaces where people love to overspeed and overtake, especially in rainy days. Most importantly, don’t kick off a long drive before you know where to access a local garage just in case the worst happens along the way. 

source https://www.rsscuffnbuff.co.uk/10-driving-dangers-to-avoid-in-warm-summer-months/