4 minute read
Automobile News
HOW TO AVOID A WINTER BREAKDOWN
It’s a busy time of year, we’re all rushing about, driving to the shops, school, work, seeing friends, family and going out. Your car is working hard to get you from A-B and no-one has time for a break down!
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Just a few simple checks will help you keep your car going this winter which you can do at home. If you’re not sure or would prefer us to do them, stop by one of our garages for a free winter check. Our top tips to keep your car going this winter:
DE-ICER Make sure you have some in your car for a quick and easy way to clear your screen. Driving without good visibility could get you pulled over and a ticket issued from the police – plus it’s very risky!
SCREENWASH You screen will get very dirty at this time of the year – so make sure your screenwash is topped up so that you can give it a clean when the weather is affecting your visibility.
ICE SCRAPER A very cheap thing to buy but very useful for cleaning both the front and back screens but also the side windows to maintain your peripheral vision. Don’t miss the wing mirrors too! TYRE TREAD Make sure your tyres are up for the conditions! If they’re not, it will make stopping much harder and more dangerous.
BATTERY Your battery is being drained by lighting and heating, so make sure you get it to a garage to check the levels. If it gets too low, you’ll be left stranded – with no lights and heating.
WIPERS Turn your wipers off when you stop the car and get out, because if you don’t and your go back to a frozen car, you may break their motor when they try to go back on again!
AIR CON It may sound strange, but use your heating on the air con setting – it will be more efficient. If you have any vehicle concerns, just give us a call to book in or swing by for a free winter check.
IN THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE WE LOOK AT TRENDS GOING STRONG INTO 2022 AND NO SIGNS OF STOPPING – SUV’S MOVING TO ELECTRIC
2022 Nissan X-Trail large SUV– this is the new X-Trail which carries forward design cues from the latest Qashqai and Juke, including a split LED headlight design, a large, chrome-accented grille, and LED taillights as standard. It’s also shorter and sits closer to the ground than the outgoing car. So far we know it will have an electric motor and a petrol generator therefore will not be charged through an electric point. Whilst all details are unknown its expected the 138bhp and 156bhp 1.3-litre mild hybrid engines from the Qashqai will be available at launch. On the inside its expected to have an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system and a larger one available as an option with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Available in 2022 prices may well start from around £30,0000.
2022 Toyota bZ4x electric SUV – this is the all new Toyota bZ4x electric SUV which offers up to 280 miles of range and four-wheel drive. Its Toyota’s first fully electric SUV, similar size to the Toyota RAV4, but has a lower roofline, and its wheels are set slightly further apart to improve interior space. On the front there is slim LED headlights and daytime running lights and the rear an LED taillight bar running the width of the car. Its run on batteries which have a 71kWh capacity to keep the car running in between charges. You can charge the car from 0-80% of capacity in half an hour if you can find a 150kW rapid charger and slower on a home charger. The interior details are not known but expected to be spacious with a very generous boot. Released in 2022, the predicted £34,500 price tag for entry-level front-wheel-drive versions should mean that it qualifies for the £2500 Government grant.
2022 Nissan Ariya electric SUV – this is the new Nissan Ariya which is a high-tech electric SUV with a 310-mile official range and futuristic looks. It’s a large SUV with slim LED lights and a Nissan badge that lights up to welcome you. Power will come from two electric motors and the range it can cover from 223 to 310 miles relative to the output chosen from 63kWh to the 87kWh version. The Ariya can tow a medium sized caravan with its weight and power. Inside there are very few buttons but touch sensitive areas for the climate controls along the dashboard. Two 12.3in screens provide virtual instruments and infotainment respectively, and the driver can customise the information shown on either. Prices for the Ariya will start from £41,845 when available in the summer of 2022.
