Automotive Insider Blog

Author:3k4fe

Published on:February 02, 2017

5 Tips To Prepare For Your Driving Test

driving test It’s one thing having a passion for cars and driving, but it’s another to be legally qualified to take to the roads yourself.

It helps to have an interest and passion for it, but really there is no substitute for being properly prepared when it comes to your actual driving test. The practical examination especially tends to be the subject of nightmares for many people.

However, there are a few things you should consider doing to get yourself as ready as you’ll ever be to take your driving test for the first (or second, or third, or fourth…) time. We spoke to the experts at Norfolk driving school Smart Pass to compile the most helpful driving lesson tips for students. Here are our top five.

1) Don’t rush into your test

Sometimes it’s tempting to book your test as early as possible so you can take a shot and see if you have a lucky day. However, don’t forget that it takes nearly 70 of hours practising and taking lessons for the average person to actually pass. Lessons can be expensive, but not as pricey as wasting money on a failed test and having to book more lessons just to maintain the same standards.

2) Know the rules of the road

It’s not that difficult to learn the theory of the Highway Code, and it could save you in a practical examination. Just because you’ve completed the theory test doesn’t mean that all that knowledge goes out of the window.

3) Practice near your test area

In most areas, you will have a good idea of what test centre you will have to visit when it comes to the day of the practical examination. Generally your examiner will not take you too far away from here, so it’s vital to keep practising your skills around the local area, especially any notorious roundabouts or junctions because you can guarantee your examiner will expect you to handle them.

4) Know the common pitfalls

It’s very common to get minor faults on your driving test for not checking your mirrors, failing to make observations, signalling mistakes, poor clutch control or even driving too nervously. You need to try and keep all of these to a bare minimum.

5) Don’t let nerves take over

The important thing is to remain calm and in control. If your instructor thinks you’re ready to pass, you should have confidence in your own ability. As long as you’ve done everything you can to prepare, bring all your required documents on the day of the test and keep a clear head, you should be able to succeed. Good luck!

Author:3k4fe

Published on:December 03, 2016

Category: Maintenance & Repair

How To Check Your Vehicle Is Safe

Previously we covered the main elements you need to look over if you want to make sure your car looks great and retains its value over time. These are all the cosmetic features to focus on, but what about what’s under the hood? It’s extremely important to at least have your car checked for all the following by a professional, even if you personally don’t really have a clue about keeping your car in full working order. Here are the things to watch out for which could potentially end up costing you a lot of money in repair bills if you don’t keep them in check as you go along.

Tyres

Tyres simply wear out over time in many cases, unfortunately. There are actually legal requirements for how worn out they can be before you have to replace them. Sometimes they can be damaged by other causes, though, including simply being the wrong sort for your vehicle. Make sure the pressure on your tyres matches the intended PSI for your car, as this will allow you to handle it better and consume less fuel in some cases. Obviously it’s essential to check for cuts and punctures in your tyres on a regular basis, as driving with one can be highly unsafe.

Battery

Over time, your battery may become corroded which can be potentially dangerous, and is certainly likely to lead to costly repairs being necessary. You should try to ensure you don’t completely run the battery flat, as this isn’t good for it in the long term. (more…)

Author:3k4fe

Published on:January 19, 2018

Category: Car Auctions

How to get the most out of salvaged car auctions

wrecked car

Salvaged car auctions operate similarly to the way other car auctions operate, with one notable difference. Rather than buying a car that is whole, auction-goers are bidding on cars for their scrap or rebuild value. These are cars that may have been deemed not repairable by insurance companies, or they may simply be cars that have reached the end of their serviceable life. These cars are usually from commercial vehicle body repair outlets. They usually have parts from HGV, vans, and car accident repair works. This makes it doubly important to properly research the vehicle you plan to purchase to make sure that it will suit your needs.

Auctions always open the gates to the storage yard a few hours before the beginning of the auction to allow attendees to inspect the vehicles they are considering purchasing. Take this time to look carefully at the vehicle and make certain that it meets your needs. If you’re buying for repair parts, you have to remember that they aren’t returnable if they don’t work. The used car parts will only be worth the scrap value of the metal they contain. If your car parts are deemed beyond salvageable, there are companies that scrap cars for cash. At times, these companies can even pay more than what you would have gotten for selling parts.

wrecked car

You won’t be able to purchase individual salvaged car parts from a single vehicle. If you need a water pump or a spare tire, you aren’t going to find deals at an auction. When you bid, you have to consider that you will be purchasing the entire vehicle. This does, however, give you the opportunity to get extraordinary deals on plenty of used car parts. Consider that if you pay just over scrap value for the vehicle, you’ll be able to remove the parts you need, and then sell the car shell to a scrap yard. Sometimes you can even find Yamaha motorcycle parts and other major manufacturers like Triumph, Honda, Suzuki. These token brands ensure that even if sold as used, they maintain their high quality.

When you bid on salvaged car parts, it is easy to get caught up in the auction’s action. This could lead you to overpay for a vehicle if you aren’t careful. Stick to your budget and know what you need when you walk through the door. That way you’ll be able to get the best deal possible.

Author:3k4fe

Published on:November 19, 2017

Category: Car Auctions

Car Auction Tips

car keys

Visiting a car auction can be an exhilarating experience, particularly if you’ve never visited one before, or are only familiar with online car auctions. It can also be an expensive experience, as well. Auctioneers like to create a sense of competition among auction goers, and this can lead some to pay more for a car than it is actually worth. For this reason, it pays to take your time and remain clear-headed throughout the process. For more high-end cars, like Maseratis, Porsches and Aston Martins – it is highly recommended to have a trusted classic cars servicing company on speed dial – you don’t know when their opinion and help after the purchase may come in handy.

This will keep you from making a very expensive mistake when you begin to bid. Follow these seven tips, and you’ll be assured to not only enjoy the experience but get a great deal on a car, as well.

1. Know the value of what you’re bidding on at car auctions before you begin to bid.
This means carrying a vehicle valuation guide with you and arriving at the auction early. Although auction companies may describe the vehicles being sold in some detail, they’ll leave out what it suits them to leave out. The cars will be available before the auction begins for inspection, and you can usually check them completely over so you’ll know what you’re getting into.

2. Make a list of the vehicles you plan to bid on, and what you’re willing to spend on each.
Just because car auctions sell one hundred or more vehicles doesn’t mean that you need to bid on all of them. Select only the cars you would like to own and list them, along with their identification and the amount you can spend on them. In classic car auctions, you will be given an auction program. This program makes the perfect list for you to make notes on. If you’re attending an auction overseas, it would be prudent to also have a plan on how to get your purchases back with you.

3. Understand the Auction Sheet
Cars that go through auctions are given a grade depending on its overall mechanical and cosmetic condition. Make sure to understand all aspects of the grading system to fully comprehend the value of your purchase. Small damages can cut the price by a few margins. If you have a reliable auto shop you can go to for car window repairs or windscreen replacements, you can negotiate for a lower bid and then have the damages fixed for a bargain.

4. Set a budget on how much you’re willing to spend for the day, and make sure you have enough cash to cover the deposit.
Auction companies typically require at least a 10% deposit on the vehicle you buy at the conclusion of the auction. Some auction companies allow you to pay with a check, while others require cash. Check the auction listings beforehand to make certain you have the correct payment type should you make a purchase.

5. Let someone else start the bidding.
While you may in time become savvier with the auction process, until you’re more comfortable, let someone else open the bidding. This will allow you to gauge the interest in the vehicle you want to buy, as well as how much it is likely to sell for. If five people are bidding, the price will likely go quite high. If only one person appears interested, you may be able to easily outbid them. Classic car auctions are notorious for getting expensive, so be wary of bidding on a vehicle that someone else desperately wants.

6. Don’t feel pressured to increase your maximum bid.
Auctioneers will intentionally badger auction goers to try to solicit bids, even if the value of the vehicle has been exceeded. Particularly on the opening bid, they may lead you to believe that your bid is too low. In some cases, the auctioneer themselves may bid against you. Don’t let them pressure you into a price beyond your budget, though, particularly on a vehicle on which you are the only bidder. Only online car auctions allow you to set a maximum bid without pressure.

7. Damaged Cars can be a bargain
Damaged cars may initially seem like more hassle than it’s worth but if you find an ideal car for you at an auction but it has been damaged you should try and pick it up at a bargain price. You may find you can earn a tidy return on your investment by purchasing the car solely for car salvage parts. Breaking the car and selling its parts individually may be more cost effective than repairing the car to get it running again. If you do go down that route there are a lot of car paint & body repair shops all over the UK which can do a fantastic job at restoring a car to make it look like it’s fresh from the factory. They could turn that heap of junk you got cheap at the auction into your dream car.

Author:3k4fe

Published on:September 10, 2017

Category: Leasing, Motorcycle

Guide to motorcycle leasing

motorcycle

There are numerous options available for today’s motorcycle riders. If you would like to enjoy a weekend excursion or a week of feeling the wind in your hair, you can hire one at a very affordable rate. If you are looking for a motorbike to use long-term, there are financial products ranging from novated leases to standard bank loans, allowing you to cruise the open road easier than ever before.

Of course, you have to make sure you have the proper licenses to be able to drive your motorcycle on the road.

About Motorcycles for Hire

Motorcycles are ideal for anyone in need of a short-term rental. Quality motorbikes can be hired for as little as one day or up to one week or longer. With low rates offered by many motorcycles for hire companies, hiring one is a terrific way to see the countryside, entertain clients, and experience an adventure of a lifetime. The process is quick and simple, and often the only requirement is a driver’s license and temporary insurance, which can be taken care of by the motorbike hiring company. Premier motorcycle hire company Lamba Motorcycles have all their vehicles taxed and fully insured. Rentals can also include clothing and accessories like helmets, jackets, and gloves.

How Motorbike Finance and Novated Leases Work

With motorbike finance leases, the hire company retains ownership of the bike, and the lessee pays them a monthly rental or fee for the use of the bike as outlined in the contract. During the hire term, the lessee only pays to be able to use the bike and does not actually own or acquire equity for the motorcycle. During this time, the lessee is responsible for insuring, registering, and maintaining the motorcycle.

Typically, no trade-ins or deposits are needed to hire one, and the monthly payments are determined by the interest rate on the finance charge, the length of the lease term, and the motorcycle’s residual value at the end. At the end of the term, if the market determines that the value of the bike is less than what was expected prior to the lease term, then you as the lessee are responsible for paying the difference in order to finalise the contract. You may not typically receive equity in the motorbike, but many hire companies allow you to make a purchase offer on the bike at the end of the hire term or finance the residual value of the bike to obtain legal ownership.

Many employers are beginning to incorporate novated leases into salary packages in an effort to reduce their employee’s taxable income. This has proven to be a huge benefit to employees and a popular recruiting tool for business owners. With a novated lease, you would arrange for traditional hiring of a motorbike you have chosen. Then, you arrange for your employer to make the payments through the use of a novation agreement. This agreement remains valid throughout your tenure at the company.

Benefits of Motorcycle Leasing:

Hire often comes with flexible terms that can range anywhere from 12 to 60 months.
If used for business, the payments can be completely tax deductible.
The interest rate stays the same throughout the duration of the lease agreement.
Since the motorbike is used to secure the lease, the interest rates are lower than standard financing.
An employer can claim tax deductions on the monthly payments.

Who Motorbike Leasing and Hiring Benefits the Most

Leasing is ideal for those who predominantly use motorcycles for business purposes. However, anyone interested in paying less than they would on financing a bike or using a bike for a short time should consider leasing or hiring as a cost-effective way of being able to ride the bike of their dreams.

Author:3k4fe

Published on:July 19, 2017

Category: Car Leasing

Guide to car leasing

lease

When it comes to looking car rental, it’s important to get something that is going to work out best for you. When you look to hire a vehicle, you need to consider a few different things. One important factor is making sure all paperwork is completed by both parties to agree on the terms and conditions of the lease. This will cover loss, damage, insurance, fuel and any cost. You will also need to consider what exactly are you interested in doing when you drive it away from the lot.

If your own vehicle has broken down and would need time in the garage for serious engine restoration or car body work repairs, relying on public transport can be a hassle and not all that reliable. If you just need a 2, 5 or even 7-seater car or van to do daily tasks while your own is being repaired, then a rental will be exactly what you need.
If you are leasing a car because of an accident, make sure you find a good quality accident repair service who can fix the car efficiently and well. This will ultimately reduce the cost of the lease if done quickly. Remember if you own a vintage car to use a specialist when it comes to classic car servicing and repairs. Choose a reputable company who is widely recognised for providing the highest quality in vehicular repairs. For small emergencies may that require repairs on the road or in your home, there are 24-hour services like 1st Call Wind shield. You can arrange a call out for car window replacement or windscreen repair on the same day. This will save you the time you would have lost in having your leased car in a garage and the compounded fees of returning the car with damages.

Those who are alone and have few things to carry around generally don’t need to worry about getting a larger vehicle, so the focus might instead be on getting a powerful engine to have one that is more fun to drive. Imagine taking a trip out to the hills; you don’t want to climb rough terrain in one with a little engine.

With that in mind, there are numerous things to consider when looking to rent a vehicle. Whereas most people try to get whatever is cheap, there are better ways to look for the right rental for your situation while still getting a good deal.

Ask yourself some questions to help better gauge exactly what you will need.

How much and what kind of luggage do you need to carry?
How many passengers are there likely to be?
How far do you need to travel?

Above all, you need to consider comfort for longer rides. This is actually something that many people overlook when seeking a vehicle to rent. After all, getting a cheap and small car just to reach the hotel might work fine for a short trip, but if you want to explore the surrounding area, it can quickly become cramped in some cases.
For towing around plenty of luggage, you will want a larger vehicle that will be able to accommodate everything you need to bring with you on the trip.

As far as considering how tall each of the passengers is, this is still something important for comfort since it might be difficult for taller passengers to reach the back-seat on some. Keep in mind this part when you are considering between two doors and four doors as a rental.
All of these factors should be considered when deciding on a car to lease. After all, someone who needs to tote around an entire family on a ski trip will need a very different vehicle from someone who just wants to take a solo trip to work if their car has broken down and does not need to bring much luggage.

While it might seem like the best choice, it is often not useful to go for the cheapest option as this could possibly ruin an experience of a leasing, especially if it is an unreliable car and company. Keep these factors in mind when looking to rent your next vehicle, and you can save yourself a major hassle on your week of sunshine.

Author:3k4fe

Published on:January 04, 2017

Category: Classic Cars

The Benefits of Using a Specialist Classic Car Restoration Company

For many people, classic cars are a full time hobby that can be extremely rewarding. Classic car repair and restoration is also a specialism for many companies, with experts who have years of experience to help them restore vehicles to their former glory. It’s well worth seeking these professionals out for a number of reasons if you need some extra help with your project, whether it’s for something to do in your free time or to make a profit.

To get us started, let’s consider a common trap people call into. If classic cars are your passion, maybe you’ll be tempted to splash out on incredible new toys every now and again. After all, the reward at the end of the restoration process is a car that looks as good as the day it was first built. However, you could save a huge amount of money buying a car that’s in less pristine condition and arranging the necessary repairs and fixes with the assistance of professionals. If you save money buying the car but then get the repair job wrong by trying to handle it yourself, you could rack up major bills trying to put it right. It’s more cost effective to enlist the help of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing from the beginning when it comes to the restoration of real classic cars. (more…)

Author:3k4fe

Published on:November 18, 2016

Category: Car Leasing

Finding the Best Car Leasing Deals in the UK

As far as car finance goes, there are so many options and products on the market today that almost anyone in any financial situation can buy their own vehicle. That isn’t to say you should do that in all circumstances, but if you’re confident getting into a situation where you’re paying monthly for a vehicle and planning to keep up the payments comfortably in the long term, leasing a vehicle can actually be a very helpful solution. In the UK, you have the added benefit of knowing that your rights as a consumer are well-protected by the law.

Even if you don’t know that much about the idea, the best place to start is by looking for car leasing deals and shopping around to find a supplier that offers competitive pricing. Sometimes you will be able to get a price match guarantee for your peace of mind, so you know if you happen to find a better offer you can still take advantage of the saving. Compare some examples and find a few cars you like the look of to start getting an idea of pricing.

Once you reach this stage it makes sense to really get into the details of what you’ll be getting for your money and how this compares to other options, such as buying a car outright. Whether you’re looking for personal car leasing or you’re doing it as a business, the process and outcome will be very similar. In essence, you will be leasing a vehicle for a specified period of time for a fixed cost, usually paid on a monthly basis. You may be subject to a specified mileage limit too. Once the company you’ve chosen is able to establish a credit line and you complete the order process with them, you can have your car delivered and start driving very quickly. (more…)

Author:3k4fe

Published on:October 11, 2016

Category: Maintenance & Repair

Keeping Your Car In Top Condition

Cars are not designed to only be looked at by an expert once every few years. Imagine if that was the approach you took with looking after yourself? Maybe there is something to be said for newer vehicles, and older cars definitely need more upkeep. However, once you start clocking up some serious mileage it’s definitely worth thinking about how to maintain your car and keep it in good condition. After all, if the value starts to drop, this is costing you money. Repairs might even be needed sooner than you think unless you’re careful, but to begin with let’s look at the cosmetic details.

Number plates

Whether you have a car, motorbike or another type of vehicle, road legal number plates are essential. You have to ensure their design matches exactly what’s required by the DVLA, so if they’re damaged to the point that the number itself could be obscured, it’s vital that you can them replaced immediately. You can get cheap car or motorcycle number plates custom made by an online supplier and have your replacement plates sent right to you, which is usually better than paying an inflated rate at a garage. (more…)

Author:3k4fe

Published on:September 15, 2016

Category: Classic Cars

Steps Involved Into Restoring A Classic Car

Discovering how you can restore the classic car on a budget, it is going to require you to take only some few steps, however being able to implement them; it can take time with some budgeting. The time is the important factor when it comes to the full restoration projects which may take over 1,000 hours for the car to be restored fully and if you have a classic car, you may be required to have many parts which are not going to find quickly, and it will cost significant parts which are not going to be easy to find always. However, you have to know how it is easy to get the classic car restoration without having to break the bank.

car-rest

If you want a classic car specialist, it means that you have already the car that needs to be restored. You may cut down the amount of the work with the money that you have to spend when you buy the classic car that has already been restored, or you may consider a project that a person had not been able to finish. You may also start a new project from zero which will not require you to pay too much at once. You should talk to other enthusiasts who will be aware of the potential project or look to the magazines to see where you can get it. You do not have to be in the hurry in making the choice, the more work you will have to do, the longer it may take and the more you can spend on the parts.

Before you look for the car repair, you need to be aware of how to get the right parts. When you are lucky, it is easy to salvage the parts that are already found with the classic car including the engine. You can contact the vehicle salvage center in your place to see if they have the car that looks like yours. If this is the case, you should recognize the parts that are available on the car. You should have a good place where the work can be done like in the garage so that it will be sheltered from the weather. (more…)