Automotive Lift Certification: Another Level of Safety

An auto repair garage is one of the most dangerous places a person can go. One misplaced tool or simple mistake, and the consequences could be absolutely tragic. That’s why, in most cases, garages are subject to stringent safety rules and anyone who enters the garage must have proper training and, when appropriate, safety equipment.

One type of tool that requires training before use is the auto lift. Auto lifts are the devices that raise vehicles above a technicians head, allowing easy access to the underside of the car. While the design and operation of one of these tools may seem simple, their dangerous nature requires proper technique to ensure the safety of both the operator and everyone in the garage.

In fact, many commercial garages will only purchase auto lifts that are certified by the Automotive Lift Institute. When you install a certified lift, it’s a sign to customers and employees that you take safety seriously and want to ensure your auto lifts are used properly.
 

Automotive Lift Institute Certification

When someone wants to open a restaurant, they can’t simply open their kitchen and start serving food. There is a complex series of rules and regulations to follow that ensure that the food and food preparation areas are as clean as possible and run properly to ensure the safety of those preparing the food, as well as, those who will eat it.

ALI lift certification serves a similar purpose. The organization uses government standards to evaluate and determine the safety of automotive lift machines. These standards look at the lift’s design, construction, installation, maintenance and operating procedures to ensure everything is done properly and with safety in mind. The certification not only gives you peace of mind that the lift your considering for  your shop is as safe as can be for those working on the cars, it’s also safe for the cars themselves. Imagine the costs associated with a vehicle that falls off the lift; not only are injuries likely, but such an event can irreparably damage a vehicle.
 

Certification Process

Getting an ALI certification for a vehicle lift is not a simple process, however. A lift manufacturer cannot simply call and request a certification, or apply for the designation.

To be declared a certified lift, the machine must undergo a thorough inspection by a qualified professional from ALI. To even be considered, the lift model must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL); this listing indicates that the lift was manufactured by a recognized company in strict accordance with established design and construction protocols.

Qualifying lifts are then inspected by an ALI representative. The inspection is thorough, and the inspector will test the operation of the lift using established governmental standards. Every nut, bolt, screw and button is inspected and tested, and any deficiencies must be corrected before the lift is certified. The shop must also have easily accessible and up-to-date manuals and instructions, as well as operator safety guidelines, on hand in order to pass inspection.

The process does not end with a successful inspection, though. ALI certification is an ongoing process, and a lift can lose its designation if the manufacturer does not properly continue a commitment to quality and safety in the design and manufacture of their product. After a lift earns the credential, ALI representatives perform regular audits and inspections to ensure that roper quality control procedures are followed within individual shops and that the lift continues to be well-maintained and safely operated.
 

Important Considerations

While it’s important to purchase an ALI certified lift for your shop, there are some similar designations that are often confused for ALI certification. Avoid lifts that are listed as Certification Pending, as the ALI does not allow for any such designation; lifts designated as CE are also not truly certified by American standards, as the designation is European and the electrical standards are not the same. When buying lifts, read the documentation carefully and know exactly what you are buying, keeping in mind that a used lift may have been repaired with non-original manufacturer’s parts, thereby negating the certification.

Choosing a certified lift for your shop is a good choice for the safety of your employees and customers, and protects against serious damages or injuries. Before you buy a lift, do some research to ensure the model you’re considering is certified, and enjoy the peace of mind that the designation offers.

How to Drive in Snow Without Crashing

Probably the most difficult and certainly the most dangerous conditions that the average driver regularly has to contend with is snow. Should you live in an area with annual freezing Winters, there a number of simple things that you can do to greatly reduce the chances of you getting into a collision.

Winter Tires

Regardless of how many articles you read about correctly driving in snowy weather, you simply cannot handle ice without adequate grip. Adequate grip can only be found in tires that have a thread depth of at least 6/32inches. You may notice that your apparent all weather tires don’t possess such a depth and that unfortunately means that they do not possess enough grip to handle the roads on a snowy day. You’re only option for adequately handling ice is tires that are designed specifically for the purpose, they are imaginatively named Winter tires.

Winter Lights

When I say Winter lights, I don’t mean that you actually need to equip your car with new lights, rather that you both drive with front lights that are on and that are cleared of any snow. When driving in snowy conditions, you really want to have as few unexpected things on front of you as possible and short of beeping your horn like a madman on the way to the shop, keeping your lights on at all times is the best way of achieving this.

Plan your Route

This of course is not completely possible but a large portion of the danger involved in driving to work in the snow can be avoided with a few minutes of thought before you set off about where you should and should not drive. If you have lived in an area for enough snowy Winters, you are likely to be aware of the places that tend to get the most ice. Simply avoiding such areas could be considered the most effective tip on this list.

Leave as Much Time to Stop As Possible

As you are likely aware, stopping in a hurry on an icy road can at times be impossible. Regardless of the tyres that you are using or how good of a driver you consider yourself to be when it comes to driving in snowy conditions, the easiest away to avoid having an accident is to simply leave ample space between you and other vehicles. You never know when they will have to stop in a hurry and it is also worth noting that regardless of whose fault a collision is, the driver of the car behind is always the one that has to foot the bill.

Don’t Drive Blind

One of the key aspects of driving safely in Winter conditions is to take all necessary precautions before you set off. You need to make sure that your visibility is near perfect when first setting out as it is only likely to get worse, not better as you drive.

• To start with, you can get rid of all condensation by turning the heater on. This should be done a few minutes before you start your journey and you should not turn it off until you reach your destination.
• When it comes to the outside of your windows, you not only need to make sure that they are clear but also that they will remain so. Always test your windshield wipers before leaving home and carry both an extra pair and extra wiper fluid should you run out. This may sound unnecessary but you certainly wouldn’t think so if you found yourself attempting to drive through snow without working wipers.

Don’t Over Steer

Finally, if you do get into a sticky situation and you find that your front tires have lost their grip, the first thought that enters most peoples minds is to attempt to turn. This will almost always make things worse however because once your front tires regain their grip, they are likely to jerk in the direction that they are currently pointed in. Therefore always try to change the direction of the steering wheel as little as possible when you find that you have lost your grip on the road.

Nine Ways to Add Years to your Car Life

Should you be worrying that your car is getting on a bit or you’ve simply recently purchased a new car and want to keep it in top condition, there are a number of easy steps that you can take. Each one only takes a few minutes/dollars at a time but could easily save you thousands in the long run.

Only Use Quality Fuel

While discounted gas may save you money in the short term, over the long run cutting corners in fuel quality will reduce the lifespan of your car. Many discount chains such as Costco can afford to offer such big discounts as they are selling dated fuel. Such fuel is significantly more likely to contain sludge which leads to nasty engine blockages.

Wash Your Car During Winter

Many car owners don’t bother to wash their car during the Winter as the generally lousy weather tends to cause that newly washed look to barely last the journey home. The fact is however that washing your car is not only about aesthetics, it is also about getting sand and debris off of your car before it can cause serious damage. The fact that Winter leads to more road debris is actually a reason to wash it more rather than less often.

Don’t Ignore Your Cooling System

While oil and water levels are generally looked after by almost all drivers, your engines cooling system is equally important and at times forgotten. Regular checks are essential together with frequent coolant top ups. And while many drivers happily use water or coolant alone, doing so will damage your cooling system over time. If you want your cooling system to last, the correct ratio of fifty percent coolant and fifty percent water should be used.

Follow Your Maintenance Schedule

Most cars come complete with a maintenance schedule including particular checks that should be performed at various mileage milestones. Many car owners don’t bother following them however. Not only will keeping to your cars maintenance schedule make your car last longer, it is also likely to save you significant time and money in terms of visits to your local mechanic.

Break Your Car in Gently

The first thousand miles of any cars life are highly significant as it is at this point that the engine is at its most fragile. Wherever possible stay below sixty miles per hour and switch the engine off rather than leaving it idle for long periods of time. Putting too much pressure on your cars engine during the first one thousand miles may not show any immediate damage but over the long run, it’ll become all too apparent.

Check Your Car Every Time You Fill Up
Spending two minutes doing important checks every other time you fill up the tank can add years to a cars life. A quick check of the tyres, a quick wipe of the battery with a damp cloth and a brief look over the engine as a whole will have you going again in no time but it can make all the difference, particularly if you spot a problem that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Look After Your Tyres

While regularly keeping your tires in optimum condition and changing them when needed is well known to be important when it comes to fuel efficiency, it is also important to the overall health of your car. Driving with poor tyres lowers the life of your suspension, transmission and even your engine.

Find a Mechanic That You Trust

While you can visit almost any doctor and get the same quality of care, the same can sadly not be said about mechanics. And while most people are aware of the potential increased costs incurred by visiting a dishonest mechanic, a lazy mechanic who fails to spot potential problems before they happen can cost you even more.

Drive Smarter

Finally, drive with caution. Not only are you less likely to have an accident which would render all of these points pointless but driving aggressively lowers your cars lifespan significantly. In particular, avoid the following:

• Never race your engine during start up.
• Shift to neutral while at red lights.
• Avoid high speeds and/or rapid acceleration during extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold.
• Avoid potholes while driving and curbs while parking.
• Don’t hold your steering wheel in the extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds at a time.
• Remember that the most damage to your engine occurs during the first ten minutes of any journey.

In conclusion, most of the tips in this list are very much common sense. The key to a longer lasting car is all about preventing damage occurring before it happens. And while many of these tips will cost money in the short term, over the long run the savings are significant.

UK Driving Licenses: What Can I Drive?

The UK operates a rather confusing and jargon-filled road vehicle categorisation system that can be rather hellish for new motorists, visitors and professional drivers to decipher. There are plenty of reasons why a person may be interested in just what they’re entitled to drive: a young person who wants to gain some freedom may wonder what they can drive soonest, or how quickly they can access the bikes or cars they really want to drive. Others may wonder if they can drive a minibus for a voluntary event, or what they’ll have to do to move into a certain line of work. This article aims to simplify the information out there, to be useful to these groups.

Mopeds – Category P

British people who want to get on the road as soon as possible find that their earliest opportunity comes in the form of a 50 cc, speed limited Moped. It may not be glamorous (outside of continental Europe, anyhow), but the 16 year old suddenly granted the freedom to ride anywhere they want with (relative) speed has little to complain about. Moped riders have to attend a compulsory basic training (CBT) course to validate a provisional moped license: thereafter, you can ride with L-plates, but without going on motorways and passengers. Full licenses require a theory and practical driving test. Anyone with a full car license must still attend a CBT course to validate mopeds.
 

Motorcycles – Category A

Either as a cheap way to get around, or a rather more showy way, the British driver can legally ride a motorcycle from the age of 17 upwards. A compulsory basic training (CBT) course must be taken – in fact, if you take it on a moped before 17, you’re automatically entitled to ride a Motorcycle on your provisional license once you reach 17. Full motorcycle licenses are granted on completion of a theory and practical test, however the bike you ride on during the test will restrict the bikes you’re qualified to ride.

If tested on a bike between 120cc and 125cc, you will qualify for a standard rather than light license. For two years after qualifying, (or until the age of 21) you will be restricted from riding large motorcycles (over 25kW / 33bhp). Large motorcycles additionally require completion of the large motorcycle Direct Access Scheme.
 

Cars and Light Vans – Category B

The minimum age for driving a car or light van is 17, with provisional licenses issued first and full licenses issued after passing a driving and theory test. Cars and light vans have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg. Full category B licenses also entitle drivers to tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg (or if over 750kg the weight of vehicle and trailer not exceeding 3,500kg). If a test is taken in an automatic, the license holder will only be able entitled to drive an automatic. Anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance “at the higher rate” is entitled to drive from age 16.
 

Medium and Large sized vehicles – Category C1 and C
Medium sized vehicles weigh between 3,500kg and 7,500 kg (C1). Large sized vehicles are any vehicle over 3,500kg (C): the overlap allows for younger drivers to legally drive lower weighted vehicles without holding a comprehensive large vehicle license. Both separately require tests to be taken in suitable vehicles. The minimum age for C1 driving is 18, whereas C driving is 21.
 

Minibuses and Buses – Category D1 and D

Vehicles with between nine and sixteen passenger seats are classed as minibuses (D1 license). A more comprehensive bus license (D) for vehicles with nine passenger seats and over is also obtainable. Drivers must be 21 or over, and must take a practical test in a relevant vehicle.

Holders of B license vehicles may be entitled to drive minibus sized vehicle of 3.5 tonnes (used for social purposes by a non commercial body) if: aged 21, having held a category B license for at least 2 years and  driving on a voluntary basis.
 

Other categories

Licenses must be issued and tests taken for the following vehicles : Agricultural vehicles (F, 17), Road rollers (G, 21) Tracked vehicles (H, 21) and mowing machines (K, 16).
 

New Driving License Rules: January 2013

The above information will apply to every license issued before the 19th of January 2013 and will remain applicable for the rest of your driving life. However, the UK government is bringing in changes for everyone who learns to drive on or after this date. The main differences include:
 

1. New categories for mopeds, motorcycles and tricycles will be introduced

• Moped top-speeds are being reduced to 28mph (45km/h). A category for 25km/h mopeds is also being created;
• The automatic entitlement to graduate from 125cc motorcycles after two years will be scrapped – riders will have to take a test or possibly a 7 hour training course (though still after two years);
• A new category for midrange motorcycles (power output 35kW, power weigh ratio 0.2kW per kg) is being created, with the same two-year wait then test / training graduation to something even bigger;
• Direct access to the largest motorcycles can only be gained by riders 24 years or over.

2. Two new categories of license are to be introduced for small vehicles towing trailers: one for 750kg+ trailers where trailer and vehicle weight exceed 3,500kg, and another for trailers which weigh more than 3,500 kg;

3. The minimum age for driving a category D vehicle (i.e. a Bus) is increasing to 24 (though there are many ways of bringing down this age by taking additional tests or being in certain professions).

4. Large vehicles and Bus licenses will only be valid for five years with renewals required every five years – under the age of 45, drivers need only submit a written declaration that they meet medical standards. Over 45 and they will need to provide a medical examination report proving it;

5. A new driver’s license card design will accompany the changes.

Could This Be The Year The Electric Car Takes Over The World?

In the future, you might just find the next car you purchase will have an electric engine. With technology constantly progressing its only a matter of time before it overtakes the gas engine. Youre probably breathing a sigh of relief now as a lot of your wages will be going on filling up the tank. Can you imagine how much it will improve our environment? Soon you will be able to breathe in clean air as you drive to work using your electric engine, plus save a ton of money.

Have we wasted a hundred years?

Right at the beginning of the 20th century electric cars were becoming a lot more popular. A sixth of all cars were in fact electric. People liked them because they were a lot cleaner and quieter than gas cars. They were also a lot more efficient, but they did have their problems.

They broke pretty easily. People didnt like this. The battery was heavy and expensive. The thing that irritated people the most was the fact they couldnt drive long distances and they were very slow. We were entering a time where you needed to drive further than two miles down the road.

People wanted them for long distances and they were unable to match expectations. Speed was also an issue. If people had the choice between fast and slow cars they were always going to go for the speed. Scientists tried to fix the problems with the electric cars, but to no avail. Eventually they fell away and gas engine cars became what they are today.

One hundred years later

Around the start of the 21st century the Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, released the worlds first mass produced hybrid car. The Prius would go on to sell 18,000 cars within the first year of production. This was a huge step in the right direction. A hybrid car is a cross between a gas car and an electric one. It combines the two sources of power.

This isnt perfect, but it was something. Soon all the big manufacturers would begin releasing their own hybrid cars over the next few years. These were all released on lease so not much was sold. They all had the bright idea to cancel their 100% electric programs because they thought they found the next big thing. Were they right? They thought they were.

Soon to take over the world

Now you have the Tesla Model S, the electric car that could soon take over the world. The future is definitely going to be the electric car and its just a matter of time before we can all afford one. But for now you will have to shell out over $50,000 for one of these beauties. The amount of capabilities is nothing short of extraordinary.

It can reach speeds of over 60mph in under 4.4 seconds, all while being completely silent. If youre worried about long journeys you shouldt be. You can travel 300 miles between charges, and do you know how much a single charge should cost you? About $10. For the money youd save in gas you will make back the price of the car in no time. Id start saving.

Kia Sets Guinness World Record

Is it impossible for a hybrid gas/electric car to go cross country without either using regular gas, or not using gas all the way? Most people would say yes. However, in 2011 Kia Motors set out to prove everyone wrong-and they did. They set a Guinness World Record for the lowest gas consumption in a hybrid vehicle driving across 48 states. Two hypermilers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius were the actual passengers in the car, complete with luggage. They set out from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia using a Kia Optima hybrid sedan and drove about 7,899 miles through the lower 48 states using only five full tanks of gas, ending up in South Carolina. They ended up at 64.55 miles per gallon, beating the cars EPA standard by 61.37 percent. Thats quite an achievement. A representative of Guinness World Records was there to record what happened, and after a very thorough verification process, presented Gerdes and Bernius with their certificate at a ceremony at the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia on September 12, 2011. A hypermiler is a driver who strives to exceed a cars EPA standard gas milage. And he sure did exceed the Optimas EPA standard using simple driving techniques and not the driving techniques that the average person uses.

And it wasnt just driving on quiet country roads, either. Gerdes and Bernius had to drive through all kinds of challenging weather situations without outside support, from freezing cold to extremely hot temperatures. They also had to deal with stop and go rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada. At all times, the Kia Optima hybrid sedan kept going without a hitch. And, considering the Kia Optima Hybrid is a full-fledged mid-sized sedan and not a small car or even a sub-compact small car, this achievement is even more impressive. The Kia Optima hybrid sedan was introduced to the public in late 2011 and has turned out to be a hit. The Optima hybrid not only has a standard electrical motor used in all hybrids, it also has a lithium polymer battery designed to aid the regular motor in lowering gas consumption. The driver can operate the car in either electric mode, gas mode or both, especially useful while driving up hill. For downhill driving, the Kia Optima automatically shuts off the gas motor and just relies on the electric motor, thus conserving gas. What is really impressive is that the driver is not sacrificing performance for gas conservation and ecological purposes. The Kia Optima hybrid model has just as much power as its gas-powered counterpart, and matches or exceeds the competitions models.

Hybrid technology is quickly becoming the standard for automobiles. Now that its been proven that a hybrid can travel the same distance as a gas-powered vehicle, its only a matter of time until hybrids become the new standard on the roads. As car technology advances, we might even see a full electric car doing the same thing. This is good news for everyone thIs it impossible for a hybrid gas/electric car to go cross country without either using regular gas, or not using gas all the way? Most people would say yes. However, in 2011 Kia Motors set out to prove everyone wrong-and they did. They set a Guinness World Record for the lowest gas consumption in a hybrid vehicle driving across 48 states. Two hypermilers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius were the actual passengers in the car, complete with luggage. They set out from the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia using a Kia Optima hybrid sedan and drove about 7,899 miles through the lower 48 states using only five full tanks of gas, ending up in South Carolina. They ended up at 64.55 miles per gallon, beating the cars EPA standard by 61.37 percent. Thats quite an achievement. A representative of Guinness World Records was there to record what happened, and after a very thorough verification process, presented Gerdes and Bernius with their certificate at a ceremony at the Kia factory in West Point, Georgia on September 12, 2011. A hypermiler is a driver who strives to exceed a cars EPA standard gas milage. And he sure did exceed the Optimas EPA standard using simple driving techniques and not the driving techniques that the average person uses.

And it wasnt just driving on quiet country roads, either. Gerdes and Bernius had to drive through all kinds of challenging weather situations without outside support, from freezing cold to extremely hot temperatures. They also had to deal with stop and go rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada. At all times, the Kia Optima hybrid sedan kept going without a hitch. And, considering the Kia Optima Hybrid is a full-fledged mid-sized sedan and not a small car or even a sub-compact small car, this achievement is even more impressive. The Kia Optima hybrid sedan was introduced to the public in late 2011 and has turned out to be a hit. The Optima hybrid not only has a standard electrical motor used in all hybrids, it also has a lithium polymer battery designed to aid the regular motor in lowering gas consumption. The driver can operate the car in either electric mode, gas mode or both, especially useful while driving up hill. For downhill driving, the Kia Optima automatically shuts off the gas motor and just relies on the electric motor, thus conserving gas. What is really impressive is that the driver is not sacrificing performance for gas conservation and ecological purposes. The Kia Optima hybrid model has just as much power as its gas-powered counterpart, and matches or exceeds the competitions models.

Hybrid technology is quickly becoming the standard for automobiles. Now that its been proven that a hybrid can travel the same distance as a gas-powered vehicle, its only a matter of time until hybrids become the new standard on the roads. As car technology advances, we might even see a full electric car doing the same thing. This is good news for everyone the car industry, drivers and the environment. Keep an eye on this advancing technology as time goes on.

How To Drive Safely 6 Tips

Whether you’re a trucker spending almost all day every day behind the wheel or you commute to work and back each day, if you’re spending significant amounts of time behind the wheel it’s paramount you always put safety first. When you’re getting behind the wheel of any vehicle you’re in control of something that has the potential to be deadly.

Speed

 
This is the obvious one, despite what some drivers might think the speed limit is actually there for our safety rather than our inconvenience. If you’re driving a small or family size petrol car you want to be in third gear at thirty and this will stop you speeding. If you’re caught speeding you can face getting points on your licence (which will increase your insurance premium) and a fine. If you’re caught speeding more than 45% over the limit you could find yourself being banned from driving and looking at a court case and of course any more than 12 points on your licence will result in you being disqualified from driving.

A common mistake most drivers make when they suddenly see a static speed camera or a speed van at the side of the road is to slam their breaks on. Don’t do this, if you were going so fast you’re above the limit it’s better to accept your three points and your £60 fine than risk having the car behind you slam into the back of you because they weren’t expecting you to break.

Maintenance

 
You are required to check the vitals of your car before every journey, the lights, engine fluid levels and tires all need to be working and in legal condition. If you’re caught driving with illegal tires or a faulty light you could find yourself being charged with dangerous driving and if you’re involved in a fatal accident you could be charged with manslaughter.

It might not be practical to check the engine coolant and dip stick every day but it doesn’t take more than a few seconds to circle the car to look at the wheels. Most wheels have a tread marker on them which will indicate the legal 1.6mm legal minimum tread. Bald tyres are not only illegal they’re also very inefficient; you’ll consume much more fuel with either under inflated or low tread tyres.

Mental State

 
Some people claim they like to go for a drive to clear their head, to be honest those people are worrying. They’re the ones who keep getting a little too close to the bumper of the car in front or they don’t notice that red light until the last second. It’s essential you keep a clear and focused head when you’re driving. If you’re preoccupied, tied, bored or just not concentrating you’re not safe.

For every two hours of continuous driving you should stop for a ten minute break. If you’re driving a truck or lorry professionally in the European Union you’re legally required to take a 45 minute break every four and a half hours and you can’t legally drive for more than nine hours in any one day. You know when you’re getting tied, if you can feel your eyelids dropping or your head falling, find somewhere safe, pull over and have a nap. Its better you reach your destination a little late and alive than a lot late in a wooden box.

Be Aware

 
The average car driver doesn’t have the highest opinion of the average biker, the average horse box doesn’t think much of the average car driver and no one seems to like white van drivers. Whatever stereotype you have you need to make sure you put it out your brain when you’re driving. Always be aware of what’s going on around you and plan ahead. Keep an eye out for any signs, you need to know when there’s a sharp bend coming up (you might need to break, as might the vehicle in front of you), when you’re driving past a school (there might be a reduced speed limit if you’re driving past within school hours) and any other obstacles that might present themselves.

Motorways

 
Technically motorways are the safest roads to drive on in Britain, mile for mile they have less accidents than A, B and country roads combined. Unfortunately when there is an accident it’s usually much more devastating than on any other road and they’re usually preventable by knowing what’s going on around you.

You don’t have to drive on a motorway to pass your test, this means you could be behind, next to, or in front of someone who’s never driven on a motorway in their life so always bear that in mind. Before you head onto any motorway make sure you know your route, you can travel quite a distance just taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds so you don’t want to be updating sat navs or checking maps while driving. If you’re really stuck wait until the next exit where you can pull up safely and check.

Know the road

 
The roads are covered with signs, colours, and markers etc that tell us everything we need to know. From different coloured cats eyes to the level of street lighting, all the basic information is there. If you’re not sure what the speed limit is and you’re in a residential area with street lights it will be 30mph unless otherwise stated at regular intervals. If you’re on a rural road or duel carriage way with no lighting the speed limit will usually be national unless otherwise stated at regular intervals.

No matter how long you’re been driving, it never hurts to pick up the Highway Code and brush up on your knowledge. Ignorance is never an excuse, if you’re ever pulled over you won’t get out of trouble by claiming you didn’t know the rules of the road.

Breaking The Dealerships Stranglehold On Aftermarket Service And Repairs

A common complaint of UK motorists for many years has been that car manufacturers and their franchised dealerships have had them over a barrel when it comes to aftermarket service and repairs.  Manufacturers have viciously guarded the specialist tools required to fix many of the issues that may arise with their vehicles.  Independent garages and body shops were unable to purchase or lay hands on such equipment; resulting in motorists being left with no option but to take their vehicle to an authorised dealership.  With engines becoming ever more complex and increasing electronic systems, such as onboard diagnostics; motorists were faced with having to rely on dealerships on a more frequent basis.  Not a welcoming prospect when you consider that many charge an hourly rate that is at least twice that of an independent garage.

False dawn

In June 2007 it seemed that the UK motorists’ prayers had been answered as the European Union passed regulation EC 715/2007.  The legislation, which was latterly amended in EC 692/2008, put in place provisions whereby manufacturers must allow access to their technical information and tools required to service and repair their vehicles.  Suddenly it was possible for independent garages, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to get hold of items that had previously been off limits to them.  Finally motorists could take their car to the local garage and leave it in the hands of a mechanic that they knew and trusted and who wouldn’t charge them an extortionate rate.  At least that was the theory.

Reality bites

In truth the impact that the EU legislation has had on the automotive aftermarket has been negligible.  Whilst the ideal sounds great; the truth is that many of the specialist tools required to identify or solve specific issues on particular cars is beyond the financial means of smaller garages.  For example, the right equipment to safely remove a diesel injector from the Renault 2.2dCi engine costs in the region of £2,500.  Then you have to consider the numerous other engines out there and specialist tools required to fix each specific problem.  Kitting out a garage capable of dealing with all problems, on all car models, would cost a small fortune with very few if any items delivering a return on investment.  Even if a garage did have the resources to purchase all of these tools; a lack of storage space would render the exercise futile.

A new hope?

One answer for independents garages is to hire tools for a short period, as and when they are required to complete specific jobs.  This way they can retain customer loyalty and increase their profits.  Of course, the cost of hiring the tool or equipment is added to the motorists invoice.  However, the savings made from paying an hourly rate that is at least half of what they would at a dealership, means that such an arrangement still works out cheaper.  They also have the convenience of being able to take their car to a nearby garage – a real plus when driving the vehicle is problematic or even impossible.

The aftermarket automotive industry has been slow on the uptake and there has been little in the way of tool hire services.  However, a company called Rent2Repair has commenced trading in May 2012, with the aim of taking advantage of this gap in the market.  For a small monthly subscription fee, members have access to specialist tools for which they pay a rental charge, dependent on the value of the tool.  Rent2Repair provide a next day delivery service, meaning little delay for the motorist.  The item is then collected once the garage has finished with it.

So the next time you have a problem with your car; don’t immediately head for the nearest dealership.  It could be that your local garage is a member of a loan tool service and can get hold of the right equipment to handle your job.  If the garage isn’t enrolled in such a scheme, then they may consider joining if you raise the issue with them.  Whether Rent2Repair and other similar businesses succeed and break the stranglehold that dealerships have on certain areas of the automotive aftermarket remains to be seen.  But at least there is now a viable system in place that helps provide consumers the right to choose where they take their cars and independent garages to ability to compete in a fair market.