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TYRE TAKE-BACK SCHEMES ARE COSTING BRITS £275 MILLION
22 Apr 2024 14:49:45
Business Waste, one of the UK's leading waste management companies, is advocating for a change in the UK's tyre disposal and recycling regulations. The UK produces over 50 million used tyres every year, which is currently costing the population over £270 million to recycle. Current industry laws mandate responsible tyre disposal to prevent environmental harm, but industry opetrators Business Waste are pushing for a more sustainable and consumer-friendly approach. They're demanding free take-back schemes for used tyres as mandatory standard practice across all tyre manufacturers and resellers. Under existing UK laws, the disposal of tyres in landfills has been strictly prohibited since 2006. The Environment Agency enforces regulations that require businesses to ensure their waste tyres are collected and treated by licensed carriers and recyclers. This aims to curb illegal dumping and promote recycling, turning used tyres into valuable resources for various industries. However, currently there are only three options for people when it comes to disposing of tyres. And all three involve drivers footing the bill. Some companies offer a take-back scheme but only if you buy a new tyre from them. People can also arrange collections or drop off their used tyres at set disposal facilities, but both options include fees. Despite these measures, tyre waste remains a challenge, with millions of used and unwanted tyres disposed without being recycled annually. Business Waste says it has a solution to this persistent issue - introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) to tyre manufacturers and resellers. Currently, EPR applies to packaging waste and imposes a responsibility on businesses that produce, supply, or import packaging to cover the costs of managing packaging waste. The same should happen for tyres. It could follow the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013, where any business selling electronics must offer a free take-back option for WEEE items (wherever they bought the original). This would mean drivers can drop off their old tyres for free at any garage or tyre seller across the country - whether they purchased it from them originally or not. By advocating for tyre manufacturers and resellers to accept used tyres back free of charge, the company is championing a circular economy model that would bring non-recycled tyre waste to an end. This proposed shift would ease the disposal process for consumers and encourage manufacturers to design tyres with their lifecycle in mind, leading to more sustainable practices.
CAR EXPERT REVEALS A SIMPLE MISTAKE THAT COULD INVALIDATE YOUR VEHICLE'S WARRANTY
22 Apr 2024 14:48:10
When it comes to car ownership, certain actions may unknowingly void your car warranty and it's important to know how to avoid these common mistakes. Vehicle maintenance isn't always a smooth ride; various factors such as vehicle make and model, driving habits, and evolving technology can add layers of complexity. ALA Insurance have looked into searches related to car maintenance and found that searches for 'should i check my oil when the engine is hot or cold' and 'check engine oil with car on or off' are both up a staggering 5000% over the past thirty days. Callum Butler from ALA Insurance says, “Many people unknowingly void warranties by neglecting manufacturer guidelines. Simple errors like improper oil changes or using incorrect oil grades can jeopardise your claims. This is because policyholders are expected to follow basic manufacturer guidelines and exercise caution while doing so." He adds, "While it may seem like a simple task, checking oil levels with the engine running can pose significant risks to both the vehicle and its owner. It's important to follow manufacturer recommendations and ensure the engine is off before conducting maintenance." With this in mind, Callum and the team from ALA have shared what should be avoided while your engine is running: Conducting Maintenance Checks Steer clear of performing any maintenance checks, such as changing or checking oil fluid levels or adjusting engine components while the engine is running. It's essential to check the oil level regularly, ideally every month or before long trips, to monitor for any abnormalities or leaks. Safety should always come first when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Callum states, “Performing maintenance checks with a running engine poses risks due to moving parts and hot surfaces, increasing the likelihood of injury. Instead turn off the engine and allow it to cool down before carrying out any necessary maintenance.” Refuelling your Vehicle Ever heard the saying about not mixing fire and fuel? Well, it should come as no surprise to never refuel your vehicle while the engine is running. Callum mentions, “Precaution is key, make sure to turn off the engine and wait for any residual heat to dissipate before refuelling. This minimises the risk of fuel vapours igniting which could pose a serious fire hazard.” Cleaning the Engine Bay Before rolling up your sleeves to clean your engine bay, make sure your engine is off and cool before cleaning. Calum warns, “Water or cleaning agents coming into contact with hot engine components can lead to steam or chemical reactions which can result in injury or damage to the vehicle.” He continues, "Maintaining your vehicle's cleanliness is important, but so is your safety. Always switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down before cleaning to prevent accidents and keep your vehicle in top condition.” Leaving your Vehicle Unattended Never leave a vehicle unattended with your engine running, even for a short period. “It may seem like an obvious observation but unattended running vehicles are much more susceptible to theft. In vehicles with keyless ignition systems, the ignition button or start/stop switch might be easily accessible from outside the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidental activation if touched unintentionally” Calum explains. “Always switch off the engine and secure the vehicle before leaving it unattended, even if you just need to pop inside for a minute. It's better to be safe than sorry.”
VOLVO BUILDS ITS LAST EVER DIESEL CAR
22 Apr 2024 14:47:05
On a cloudy Thursday in early February, the Volvo plant in Ghent, Belgium, produced its last diesel-powered car, a V60. And recently, the plant in Torslanda, Sweden, saw its last XC90 diesel car roll off the production line. These events mark a huge milestone in Volvo Cars' 97-year history. With this move, the brand is taking a big step towards its ambitions of becoming a fully electric car maker, as well as achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. For a long time, Volvo's diesel engines were synonymous with reliability and efficiency, and they meant a great deal to the company for many decades. Indeed, the success of the brand's diesel cars played a significant role in its evolution into a premium maker. In recent years, the electric revolution has evolved quicker than most of us could have imagined - and it's largely propelled by tightening regulations around tailpipe emissions, as well as customer demand in response to the climate crisis and a desire for cleaner urban air. Only five years ago, the diesel engine was Volvo's bread and butter in Europe, just like it was for most other car makers. The majority of the cars the company sold in Europe in 2019 ran on diesel, while electric models were just starting to gain traction. Today, most of Volvo's sales on the continent are electrified cars. Last year, the company increased its sales of fully electric cars by 70 per cent, and the brand's global electric market share rose by 34 per cent.
MOTORISTS LOSING FAR MORE THAN THEY SAVE WITH DIY MAINTENCE
22 Apr 2024 14:46:03
Cash-strapped motorists are paying a heavy price when it comes to trading in or selling it, by doing their own servicing. The warning comes from consumer car-selling service HonkHonk.co.uk, which is seeing reductions in the value of home-maintained cars which far exceed the savings made by not using garage services. As the cost of living crisis continues, more people than ever are turning to YouTube tutorials to guide them through oil changes, brake pad replacements and other routine maintenance. But initial savings often turn into massive reductions in the value of the car when it's eventually sold. HonkHonk says it's vital to have an official record of essential servicing or dealers will significantly reduce any price they offer against the car to set against doing the work themselves. The problem has been recently highlighted by customers of HonkHonk - which brings motorists together with dealers who want to buy their cars - reporting that dealers had turned down good cars because they had no recent service history. Dealers also tell HonkHonk that some sellers don't appreciate that the dealer will have to vouch for the maintenance of any car they sell - which means repeating any work that the motorist has already done. In some cases DIY maintenance means a car may have no takers at all on the HonkHonk marketplace, where dealers compete with each other for the best cars they need for stock. To illustrate the issue in cash terms, HonkHonk reveals these real life examples of an initial saving turning into a much bigger loss, using three current cars for which customers are struggling to find acceptable offers. Range Rover Sport with 45,000 miles Trade value in excellent condition and full service history £35,000. Two entries missing from service manual. Servicing money saved - between £600 and £2,000. Best offer £29,500. Cost of skipping warranted services - up to £4,900. Because this car has not sold for 30 days it has also lost an extra £800 in trade value since being listed for sale. Mini Cooper diesel with 30,000 miles Trade value in excellent condition and full service history £13,000. Services skipped for years 4 and 5. Servicing money saved - between £400 and £750. Best offer £11,500. Cost of skipping warranted services - up to £1,500. Ford Fiesta 1,6 Petrol with 65,000 miles Trade value in excellent condition and full service history £4,000. Only 6 warranted services in 12 years (against 11 recommended). Servicing money saved - around £1,200. Best offer £2,250. Cost of skipping warranted services - £1,750
HONDA LAUNCHES DOG-FIRST PAWS TECHNOLOGY
22 Apr 2024 14:45:06
Honda has launched a state-of-the-art, dog-first technology, PAW-S, (PAW-sensor), for our beloved furry friends. This ground-breaking, vehicle entry activation system allows your dog to access the car boot, and a plethora of canine-friendly amenities, without owner intervention. Honda's Pet Activated Wireless System, or PAW-S, is exclusively available in all e:NY1 models ordered from 01 April 2024. It can also be retrofitted to existing models at local retailers across the country. A bespoke PAW-S tag, available in vehicle complementary colours such as Black Pearl and Aqua Topaz, will automatically open your locked car boot when it senses your dog approaching the car. To ensure no mishaps while driving, once your dog is in the car, the door will close and cannot be opened from the inside. Smart technology ensures that your dog is safely secured in the boot. PAW-S was designed for dogs, by dogs. Honda's pet product team surveyed more than 300 dogs, across 52 different breeds, to find out what makes them wag. This insight was used to create a first of its kind, nose-activated infotreatment system. Features include: Fully functional sat nav, with alerts for nearby parks and woodland areas. A contact list of their canine pals for impromptu playdates. Sophisticated climate control for maximum canine comfort. Engaging, interactive video footage of birds and fish in their natural habitats. Walkie-talkie feature for easy communication with the front seat driver. Drivers can prioritise their canine's comfort without compromising their safety or reducing storage capacity for dogless trips. PAW-S-equipped vehicles feature: ISOFIX points for dog harness attachment. A Honda-branded collar. Recessed spill-proof bowl holders. Bowl holder inserts, so that the boot retains functionality.
UK MOTORISTS PREFER TO FIX MINOR MAINTENCE ISSUES THEMSELVES
22 Apr 2024 14:43:54
More than a third (35%) of UK motorists would rather fix minor car issues themselves than pay for a professional to do it, new research by eBay UK has revealed. The news comes as many car owners face the prospect of fixing advisory notices, following the busiest MOT month of the year in March. Saving money is a key reason for savvy drivers taking it upon themselves to fix problems, but some avoid dealing with issues altogether. According to eBay's study, 34% of motorists delayed getting MOT advisories fixed last year due to rising living costs, with another 33% stating that they were unable to afford the repairs. With one-in-10 claiming they don't think advisories are a big deal, it's no wonder that nearly a quarter (22%) admitted to delaying repairs for as long as possible. The eBay UK research also reveals that the most common MOT failure issues were inoperative lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (23%), followed closely by suspension (18%), brake issues (14%) and defective tyres (13%), many of which could be easily avoided.