Author: Mark Parker

Categories
Auto

5 Summertime Myths Regarding Car Care

5 Summertime Myths Regarding Car Care 1
Mechanics at work

Some myths and half-truths revolving around car care during summer time are mostly untrue; however, some are true. For instance, during summer, there could be different assumptions to take care of your car, which might have several damages to your car when undertaken without being taken seriously.

Below are some of the false summer myths or half-truths.

  1. Putting plain water in  your radiator in the summer

Putting plain water in your radiator might damage your vehicle. A designed fluid called an engine coolant helps to reduce corrosion and rust in the power plant. Years back, however, people used plain water in radiators, which caused corrosion and rust, which was mostly evident when vehicles went for servicing. However, during summer, it is necessary to ensure your vehicles are well sprayed with Nexgen Ceramic Sprays to ensure they keep the polish. Therefore, before adding water to your vehicle, ensure that it can take water as a coolant and not the designed engine coolant.

  1. Service cars at the dealer or void your warranty

This myth is not true, a blatant lie. Once you get your car from the dealership, then you can serve it anywhere you want. One can even hire a private mechanic to work with them. This myth may be used by dealers in order to get more money from their clients, considering services at the dealer are far more expensive than dealing with independent mechanics. Additionally, for better car maintenance, one may consider Torque detail to enable and maintain the new car’s shine.

  1. Replace your transmission fluid every  30,000 miles

This statement is half-true. With the upgrade of cars everyday, there is no need to have the transmission fluid changed that often. However, this may happen if one had a bad driving habit or is careless with their driving. Additionally, this may be true if you use an old car you might need to get frequent changes.  Also, it is necessary to check for leaks to avoid inconveniences. Additionally, to keep maintaining good paintwork, one may consider using liquid wax such as seen in many Turtle wax ice reviews.

  1. Automatic car was causes damage

This statement is relatively true. An automatic car wash may cause damage compared to a manual wash. The damage can be costly. The automated car wash will damage your paint. The damage is visible even after one visit. The shine and gloss will be gone leaving your car looking dull. Additionally, they may damage your car engine if left running since the cold water hitting on heated areas will affect some electric components such as the radiator. Therefore, if one is still considering using the automatic car wash, one should read about the automatic car wash damage

  1. Driving with open windows reduces fuel economy

This is a half truth statement. For this technique to work then the reduction of gas mileage will work better in small and aerodynamically designed vehicles. Therefore, for big vans and lorries this plan does not work

Many people will create myths that will mislead others; hence it is necessary for one to research and know about whatever they have heard, whether true or false. Additionally, others will use these myths for their benefit. Therefore, one must research and know the facts first before following them to avoid causing damage to your vehicle.

Categories
Bike

The Role of Honda Motorcycles in the Changing Landscape of Transportation in the UK

The Role of Honda Motorcycles in the Changing Landscape of Transportation in the UK 2

Data from Statista indicates that transport is one of the largest industries in the U.K, employing at least 1.3 million people every year. While this was the case before, significant changes have happened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the public transport sector. More specifically, the number of people using public means of transport has greatly decreased, mainly due to the social distancing rules as well as lockdown and social isolation policies. Most employees in this sector also lost their jobs because of the recession and travel bans. Even so, the economy is gradually recovering from this although the lockdown still holds. Read on to find more about the state of transport in London.

The State of UK Public Transport during COVID-19

Motorcycles occupy a significant percentage of the UK’s private transport. To give you an idea, there were at least 1.1 million licensed motorbikes in 2016 alone, according to the Vehicle Licensing Statistics (VLS) Moreover, by the fourth quarter of 2020, this number had increased to over 1.35 million, with Honda being the most popular brand, as reported by Statista. This increase was largely due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions such as social distancing rules. It is worth noting that the used motorcycles market, too, has been booming during the pandemic. Some of the reasons for increased sales during Q4 of 2020 include: 

The social distancing policy, which compelled more people to purchase motorcycles as a way to avoid public transport and enhance safety 

The economic recession, which caused many people to opt for cheaper yet safer means of transport such as motorcycles 

Experts now predict a dry motorcycle market in the UK in case the supply fails to go back to normal. This is because the demand is rapidly outweighing the supply, leading to higher prices for motorcycles.

Honda Motorcycle Dealers London

So far, Honda remains the most popular motorcycle brand in London and other parts of the UK. Available in different models, Honda motorcycles give you the freedom of choice according to your needs and budget. They also exist in different types, including, among others, scooters, off-road motorcycles, and street models. While motorcycle prices vary from one place to another, purchasing it from a reputable dealer such as Motoden Honda gives you access to high-quality bikes at incredible prices. Take note that you should conduct your due diligence to know what specifications suit your needs. 

Conclusion

Similar to the rest of the world, the novel coronavirus remains a threat in the UK. For this reason, you should continue to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines such as social distancing measures. One way to achieve this is to become a motorcycle commuter. To get amazing deals on Honda motorcycles, contact Motoden Honda today.

Categories
Accessories & Parts

How to decipher the VIN code of your car?

How to decipher the VIN code of your car? 3

Surely, you have used the VIN code for many things in your relationship with your car, whether it be dictated by an after-sales service or entered on a spare parts website or service calls, but what is that string of numbers and letters that appears in some places and documentation of your car?

What is the VIN number or code?

To begin, you should know that VIN is the acronym for Vehicle Identification Number, which you can free-check on https://checkcar4free.com/. It is a set of numbers and letters made up of 17 characters that help us to decipher a lot about our car as well as to obtain a lot of useful information. You should know that it is a global harmonization number used by all car manufacturers and beware because it is a unique combination of numbers and letters for each unit.

It is more than possible that in the market of classic vehicles (old second-hand models), we will not find the VIN. And it is because the VIN number has been applied in the market since 1980-1981. Before this date, each manufacturer had its own code with a unique alphanumeric system.

What is the VIN for?

As you are told, the VIN code or number is a unique identification tool that insurers, authorities, after-sales services, spare parts stores, and even the manufacturer itself constantly use to identify a specific vehicle and know all the details about it. However, where can you find the VIN code or number? As a general rule and with some exceptions, the VIN code is present in the lower right part of the front window, in some parts of the interior of the vehicle, on the driver’s door sill, in the engine compartment (next to the chassis), and of course, in the documentation of the vehicle itself.

How WMI code is decoded?

The VIN code is made up of 17 characters. The first three characters indicate the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). It is a unique combination that each of the manufacturers worldwide has and allows us to decipher the manufacturer and the place of manufacture. The first digit of the VIN number is the country of origin or the final processing plant. For example, if they start with 1, 4 or 5 it indicates that it was manufactured in the United States, 2 in Canada, 3 in Mexico, MA – ME in India, VA – h and VE in Austria, 6A – 6W in Australia, and so on. The second character identifies the manufacturing company. For example, Audi (A), BMW (B), Buick (4), Ford (F), Cadillac (6), Chevrolet (C), Chrysler (C), and so on. The third character combined with the first two can identify the type of vehicle, such as whether it is a truck, pickup, SUV or passenger car.

Categories
Bike

Being Safe While Motorcycle Training

Being Safe While Motorcycle Training 4

Safety should always be your priority if you are undergoing motorcycle training, or riding a motorcycle for the first time. The aspect of safety is applicable to the riding gear and clothing, the motorbike, and the way you ride etc. Do not forget, riding a motorcycle could be exciting and fun – more exciting and fun than driving a four-wheeler. But it is also more dangerous than driving a car. Therefore, it is paramount to be safe while riding. We will look at some motorcycle training/driving safety tips in this article, or learn how to be safe with motorcycle training.

Purchase a Bike You Can Handle

Start with a fairly modest bike If you are returning to riding after a long time or are new to motorcycles. Do not go full-throttle! The performance of modern bikes has advanced at a rapid pace. A novice would surely not be able to handle more faster and powerful bikes. Therefore, start with a bike that fits you. The motorbike should not be too tall and it should not thwart you from resting your feet flat on the ground while you are seated. Controls and handlebars must be within reach.

Antilock Brakes

Antilock brakes could be likely lifesavers. According to data provided by IIHS, motorcycles built with ABS brakes are 37% safer than bikes not sporting such brakes. You cannot brake better than ABS brakes even if you are the best rider in the world. Bikes that do not have ABS brakes could rob a rider of steering control each time a bike locks up the brakes, easily leading to crashing, skidding, and serious injuries. During such panic scenarios, ABS helps retain steering control, thereby moderating everything negative associated with non-ABS brakes.

Skill-Honing

A motorcycle riding or training course is necessary for novices. Also, seasoned riders can always learn something new whenever they return to the training shed. These programs apart from teaching the basics, also throw light on advanced riding methods, like performing evasive emergency maneuvers. Be prepared to spend a few hundred pounds or more on these courses. You could even qualify for insurance discounts through approved safety courses, and, in some places, you may not have to take up the road test or the written test during the licensing process. If you have completed training, you can avail of credit provided by certain motorbike makers toward a new motorcycle’s cost.

Helmets

Probably the most important riding gear you would wear is the helmet. Based on stats, riders not wearing a helmet are thrice more likely to incur brain injuries and 40 percent more vulnerable to fatal head injuries during a crash. Contact London Motorcycle Training if you would like to learn more about the implication of wearing helmets and everything else there is to riding safety and motorcycle training.