The recent rise in fuel costs over the past 5 years is well documented, where you would once get 1 litre for £1, it will now cost you up to £1.40 in most places over the UK for the very same amount! With this in mind, many people are now opting to purchase diesel cars in order to get more for their money. Of course, to fill up a diesel car, it costs more money initially, but the reasoning behind this is they do a lot more miles to the gallon. For instance, if you took a car that does 30 miles to the gallon, a diesel equivalent engine would get 40 miles per gallon – simple, this is why if you are driving long distance a lot of the time, a diesel car is a much more efficient route to go down. It is also worth noting that diesel cars often cost more money to purchase in the first place and this price difference is attributed to the lower fuel costs. But is it worth the extra expense?

Save money in the long term with a diesel car

It all boils down to how much you’re driving, if you think that you will benefit from more of a long-term solution, then a diesel car is definitely for you. However, if you are only driving short distances frequently, then the additional cost of filling your car up with diesel as opposed to unleaded will be less efficient.

This table demonstrates the potential payback on buying a diesel vehicle as opposed to a petrol one, this is based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. The fuel costs are calculated using an estimation of £1.30 per litre for petrol and £1.40 per litre for diesel.

(Table is based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles).

Following these statistics, if you’re driving 10,000 miles a year you will save £204.30 on fuel when driving a diesel. Therefore it will take you approximately 10 years to benefit from the cheaper fuel cost. To experience these benefits within 5 years of ownership you’ll need to be driving 20,000 miles per year.

Many companies provide their staff with company cars; these will be diesel cars nine times out of ten as these particular jobs will be heavily driving based and it makes sense to do it this way as there is a continuous demand for fuel. If you were to opt to fill up these cars with petrol instead of diesel because it is cheaper at the pump, but then receive less miles because it does not do as many miles to the gallon, what’s the point?

Don’t fork out at the pumps if your car is just a run around

You see, if you use your car as more of a ‘get around’, for example if your general driving routine is limited to visits the local shops, picking your children up from school or commuting to a nearby workplace then spending more money at the pumps by filling up with diesel is a waste. You are better off paying less by filling up with unleaded as you won’t need to save money over a longer distance! However if you have to drive for work or regularly make long commutes, driving a minimum of at least 20,000 miles a year, then a diesel car could be a good investment.

Do you drive a diesel? Are you looking to optimise your cars performance? Speedhawk tuning boxes are available from BHP Plus. They are easy to install and are engineered to optimise power and torque without decreasing the life of your vehicle.

The post How many miles do you have to drive to make having a diesel worthwhile? appeared first on CarDekhi.

Distracted driving. This factor has won the 1^st place as it has caused a great number of car accidents. According to the 2009 report of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of five car accidents was partially provoked by the distracted driving, and in 16% of cases distracted driving was the main reason for the car crash. You should remember that if you take your eyes off the road it can cost you your life or life of the innocent pedestrian. Despite the numerous investigations and published articles, distracted driving is still a serious problem; drivers think that everything is under control and he cannot make such a serious mistake.

The reasons for distracted driving can be different. Here are the most common ones. The phone is one of the main problems for such driving, and the recent studies have proven that phones cause delay reactions as if the person is under alcohol influence. Moreover, it is not recommended to listen to the music loudly, as it prevents you from concentration, especially when you are driving along the difficult road. Noisy passengers can distract your driving as well as loud stereo in your car; children or funny friends can also divert your attention. Remember, you are responsible for their life, and the car is not a place for entertainment. Additionally, it is better not to eat or drink at the wheel, it would be better if you stop to consume your dinner; otherwise you can cause an accident.

Driving weariness. A lot of accidents happened because of tired drivers, who were absent-minded and sleepy. Fatigue driver often yawns, has heavy eyelids and his driving is uncertain. Additionally, he is distracted and irritated. This can happen with everyone, we all can be tired, and here are some tips, to avoid the accident if you are sleepy. First of all, you can make breaks oftener; if you know that a long trip is waiting for you, sleep well at night; avoid long trips after work and find out whether your medicine can affect the driving.

Speeding. A lot of accidents are caused by the high speed. We are always pressed for time, and by increasing the speed, we save the precious time, but it can be too precious if you take somebody’s life. The driver knows the risk of danger perfectly but ignores it. It would be better  if you just slow down and follow the appropriate speed limitation.  

Aggressive driving. Your personal abilities and pride won’t do you good on the road. According to the New York State Policy, aggressive driver is a person who drives in a selfish manner, without any regard to the safety of the others. The common peculiarities are: aggressive gestures, verbal abuse, changing the lines frequently and without any signs, aggressive tailgating. State Policy also provides you with some tips on how to deal with it:

-    Keep the distance

-    Don’t be nervous

-    Change lines only when it is possible to do in a safe manner

-    If the situation  is uncontrolled, call 911 and inform about the aggressive driving

Dear drivers, please, be conscious and careful, think about those innocent people, you can put to death. Be concentrated and responsible, don’t ruin someone’s dreams.

Paul Smith works at essay writing services uk. He possesses a good sense of humor and responsibility. He writes on various topics and will be eager to write for you. You are welcome!

The post What is the cause of car accidents? appeared first on CarDekhi.

 One such way to maintain the cleanliness and neatness of the car is cover its interiors with BMV floor mats. The most special feature of such mats is that they are designed in a way that no amount of dust would be left on the car. For many owners, drinking inside the car is a common phenomenon. At such instance, these floor mats act as a cover to protect them from getting any stains. Another special feature of BMW floor mats is that they are placed and planned in such a way that they don’t act as an obstruction to one’s feet while fiddling between the accelerator and the brakes. They are easy to handle, wash and care. This makes them easier to be replaced for wash and put it back again. Its durability and rigidity avoid them from easily getting wear and tear.

A car with BMW floor mats will protect it from pets nibbling, or people wearing dirty mud laden boots. The mats come in umpteen models and designs which not only give a classy look but also provide adequate protection to the car.  They are mainly of two types; weathered mats and carpeted mats. The BMW weather floor mats are used for repelling mud, spills, dirt while the carpeted ones allow comfort and a sense of the personal touch. They are large enough to cover all the spots. Some of common weathered BMW Floor Mats available are BMW 1 series floor mats, E90/92 floor mats, BMW Z4 floor mats, BMW X3 floor mats, BMW E 39 floor mats etc.

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The European cars to get cheaper include Jaguar, BMW, Volkswagen and Renault. The lowered price rates will bring these European luxury cars to a rate lesser than the imported models from the leading firms like Hyundai, Toyota and Honda.

The reason behind the slashing down of rates is expected slash in government customs duty on vehicles shipped from European countries. Government is also expected to cut down the custom duty on the cars shipped from some other countries like South Korea, Germany and Japan.

According to the free trade agreements (FTA) the custom duty on luxury cars shipped from France, Italy, UK and Germany may be cut down to 30%. This slash in custom duty might bring the greater access for the a few services to Europe which includes Textile industries and Agricultural industries. Korean and Japanese car firms might also benefited with the same, but after a snag of a year or two.

The non European car firms find it pretty expensive to ship their luxury cars in India. Current taxation policy put up the fully built cars ranging below 20-22 lakhs at 60% custom duty and those pricing around Rs 20- 22 lakh and with engine capacity of over 1,500 cc are put up with 100% custom duty. Unlike the other brands and foreign firms, the European cars are facilitated to be shipped at 10% custom duty if comes in a quota of at least 2.5 lakh cars. Anything more than the number faces 30% levy.

This change in the government taxation policy will bring a major advantage for the European car companies. This reduction in the custom duty will bring a considerable slashed price for the end consumer.

The post European Luxury Cars to Get Cheaper Dramatically appeared first on CarDekhi.

There is something special about the motion of a two wheeled vehicle. Let’s face it; unicycles are a novelty, not really meant for road-tripping. And cars, even the sportiest, are rather two dimensional even at high speeds on winding roads. But the idea of one person balanced perfectly between two wheels at speeds that defy common sense, is more of an experience with the road, rather than just a mode of transportation. The Wright brothers began with a bicycle and look where their ideas led. It was just a matter of time before someone augmented the road hugging experience of a two wheeled bicycle with a power plant.

Ducati, after WWII, was already known for innovation, and still is. Amid the radio and camera products the company produced, the designers, in the Wright brothers’ tradition, were working on an improvement to the bicycle. The first of Ducati’s trend setting designs, the Cucciolo, came shortly after the war. This small “auxiliary” motor was sold in a box and was easily attached to a bicycle. And the world responded to the new idea so well that Ducati eventually added a sturdy bicycle frame to their offering and created a real miniature motorcycle, the first of many Ducati trends in the industry that still continue today.

Over the years, Ducati responded to the various tastes of the cycling public with mopeds, scooters, touring cycles, and sport bikes. There are always purists who prefer road bikes to off-road, and would never mix the two, but the class of “sport bikes” satisfies that mischievous human desire to leave the smooth highway, even for just a bit, and return without a scratch on the bike or a bruise on the rider’s behind. No bike does this better than the Multistrada 1200. With the rugged appeal of sport bike, but the looks and feel of the best European touring bikes, it became the Italian standard for sport-touring bikes. And the sales proved it as the Multistrada accounted for about half of Ducati’s total sales volume in 2010.

In the global market for motorcycles, every continent has produced dominant models in specific market segments for motorcycle consumers. The U.S. and Japanese motorcycle giants appeal to the masses much the same way Detroit did in the 1950s with their cars. But even then, European design, handling, and style were appreciated and still are today for motorcycles and well as cars. On this planet there’s no equal to the rolling and ever-changing European countryside, creating those winding roads and switchbacks which make getting there as much of a thrill and being there. This same terrain and scenery also accounts for a mindset of performance and handling, and sets standards in both racing and style. Ducati leads in both. Winning 16 of the last 18 World Superbike Championships, Ducati gives it owners bragging rights untouched by the industry giants, and Italian styling as well.

But performance facts and awards mean little to the average bike rider. That is why the Ducati Multistrada is not for the average bike rider, although it should be. The cost is reasonable compared to other bikes in its class and there are dealers around, though not as plentiful and visible as some of the Japanese dealers. Service and reliability are never a problem, and the styling of the Ducati line is unmatched.

Why then are the U.S. highways not filled with Ducati bikes? Your guess is as good as mine. It’s probably a combination of superb marketing on the part of the industry giants, and their knack for appealing to the masses in basic style, comfort, and price. There is nothing basic about a Ducati. It’s appeal to a special class of rider, or motorcycle aficionado, cannot easily be put into words. I suppose it’s a lot like wine. There are good, inexpensive wines that dominate the market. But, for a few dollars more, you and I can enjoy a French or a California wine that has just a little more of a refined taste and tickles the pallet in a way the jug wines cannot duplicate. That’s what a Ducati does for its owners – it tickles something inside that the “jugs” cannot duplicate.

A natural born writer, Stacey Barton writes professionally and for fun across a wide range of niches with particular attention to how classic brands can continue to offer the same product for decades and somehow survive the turbulent and ever changing consumer market.

The post Ducati: A Legacy of Motorbikes and Fun appeared first on CarDekhi.

Space

Assess the caravan for how much space it provides for luggage and other items such as cooking utensils as well as living space. If you plan on taking a large family or a group of friends away for holidays in the sun, you may end up piling more items into the car which won’t be useful or fuel-efficient.

Rust

Rust should be one of your top priorities as it is very expensive to fix. If there are random patches of fresh paint, this can be a sign of a cover up. Make sure to fully inspect the chassis, around window and door frames and in corners where rust is likely to build up. An Insurance4MyCaravan.co.uk policy will help toward the costs of future wear and tear.

Electrical equipment

Electrical checks will save you money and help avoid a pretty large health and safety hazard. It is often worth asking a professional to look for signs of damage if you don’t feel completely confident. Check all electrical equipment throughout the caravan from the fridge to the plug sockets.

Leaks

You should also check the plumbing in the kitchen and the bathroom for signs of leaks. These leaks can eventually lead to rust, mould and damp. If the damp is a problem, there should be a lingering smell in the air. As some Brits will know, a leaky caravan on a typical rainy day is not a fun place to be.

Wheels

Check that the wheels are all aligned properly and are fit for the road. If there is a problem, some parts of the wheel will be more worn than others. Poor handling in a campervan can be a sign of large, expensive problems such as a damaged suspension.

A dodgy dealer

Unfortunately, many people are left with additional costs after buying from a dodgy dealer. The responsibilities of a dealer after a sale has been made is still a bit of a grey area, therefore you should always seek online and personal recommendations to find a trusted trader. Always ask to go to the dealer’s business or home to see the caravan and make inspections in daylight to assess damages properly.

Chris Booker is a freelance copywriter from London. When he is not on the road camping in his motorhome, you’ll find him in Hyde Park feeding the swans with his two kids. 

The post What to look for in a second-hand caravan… appeared first on CarDekhi.

What a lot of people tend to forget is you can fail based on your driving speed, though this doesn’t just mean driving too fast. If you’re too slow, this can also be a problem as it can hold up traffic and be a nuisance for other drivers, so even though you’ll undoubtedly be nervous, try to drive at the exact speed you’re supposed to.

Parking is always a problem in parking tests, and reverse parking in particular can cause lots of difficulties. Make sure you’re making your observations clear, and be sure to judge your reversing carefully to avoid any awkward to-ing and fro-ing. And, while we’re on the topic of reversing, reversing round a corner is another common reason for failure, so get some extra practice doing this if you think it’ll help.

Another really common one that often slips people’s minds is checking their mirrors. Even if you’re 100% positive that there’s nobody else around, check anyway. Your instructor won’t be impressed by your ability to sense the presence of unexpected cars, bikes and pedestrians, so always, always check your mirrors.

Roundabouts are often cited as one of the driving test nightmares – and with good reason. Incorrect positioning on the road is another reason lots of people fail their test, especially at roundabouts and on bends, so watch out for the position of your car when navigating around these areas.

Also, just because you’re driving well, it doesn’t mean that other people on the road are psychic. Forgetting to use signals appropriately is a big reason for the failure of driving tests, along with forgetting to cancel a signal or mistiming it. Make sure other drivers know what you’re thinking so they can plan their own moves appropriately, and keep your driving instructor on your side.

All in all, stay calm, try not to panic and treat it as you would any other driving lesson. Remember that your driving instructor thinks you’re ready to take your test, so take a deep breath, hold your nerve and be mindful of other drivers, which should help you avoid making some of these common driving mistakes.

Jessie Slater isn’t ashamed to admit that she didn’t pass first time and believes your driving test is worth taking the time to get right!

The post The Most Common Reason for Failing Your Driving Test appeared first on CarDekhi.

Yet there is also another way that you can save money in the lead up to the annual MOT or vehicle service. You could perform some basic repairs for yourself cheaply to try and help your car to pass its MOT. There are many basic maintenance books available that will show you how to fit certain parts and with a little bit of skill and patience, some of the more demanding jobs are not beyond you either.

Get Down and Dirty

There are many reasons why your car can fail its MOT. These reasons include having a damaged wiper, no washer fluid, damage or corrosion to the bodywork, a cracked windscreen (if the crack is in a certain place), any damage to tyres, the tracking is out, a bulb blown, the aim of lamp out by a few degrees, damage to license plate that obscures the registration, holes in the exhaust pipe and electrical wiring failures. Many of these things you can get replaced independently and some of them you can easily change for yourself. The wipers, washer system, bulbs, oil, coolant and license plate are all easily fixed and you don’t generally need to take it to the garage to repair. Be careful though as some of them might be indicative of larger problems with the vehicle so it might be advisable to take it to a professional if the problem persists after you have performed these simple repairs. Most people don’t like the idea of making basic repairs and maintenance to their vehicles. They may not want to get dirty, are worried about breaking something or simply would rather leave it to the professionals who know what they are doing.

Typically, young people take delight in modifying their cars, spending a lot of money on making upgrades to the sound system, the wheels, and the headlights whilst also adding other luxuries. It is advisable if you are modifying your car, it is recommended that you get advice from specialists or people who have already modified their own car.

Before You Go to the Breakers Yard

Breakers tend to buy cars for their scrap value so that they can strip the vehicle down to its shell and remove any valuable spare parts. They will often use these spare parts to repair other vehicles that they have on their waiting list whilst selling the other parts, including the shell as scrap. Therefore if you require parts for your car and do not want the expense of buying a brand new part and having it fitted at considerable cost, then you should see if you can find the parts that you need at a breakers yard.

Selling a damaged car is not always easy. Private purchasers, unless they are enthusiasts of your particular model and relish the challenge of performing repairs, may not want the hassle of buying a car that requires immediate attention. Breakers yards do not always give market value and will make a lot more money from the spare parts than they will ever spend on purchasing a damaged car. If your vehicle is at the end of its operational life and you wish to move it on, you will rarely get a good market valuation against the cost of any trade in and the showroom will nearly always sell it on to a registered breaker anyway. As with everything, shop around for the best deal.

Calvin Ford is a writer who is always looking for the best answer to the question: “where can I sell my damaged car?” He recommends researching a company which specialises in buying damaged cars, rather than visiting a breakers yard as a specialist should be able to offer you a fair price.

The post Getting a Fair Price When Repairing or Selling Your Car appeared first on CarDekhi.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

There’s no doubt that the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is one of the most exotic looking cars on the market, and the price tag for one of these unique vehicles is a cool $1.8 million. With a top speed of 349km/h and a 0-100km/h speed of 3.4 seconds, this car has some serious performance to match its individual looks.

Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin is known for their prestigious cars, however the One-77 is even more exclusive than usual. Its exquisite beauty and impressive performance are combined in one stunning package, of which as the name suggests, there are only 77 units released. The 750hp engine will take you from 0-100km/h, stylishly, in 3.4 seconds. You can expect to pay $1.85 million to have the chance of owning one of these elegant yet powerful sports cars.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sports

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is currently the fastest production car in the world, and can reach a staggering top speed of 430km/h. It sprints from 0-100km/h in under 2.5 seconds, and there have been a range of enthusiasts who have jumped at the chance to own this amazing car. The privilege of owning the world’s fastest production car comes at a price though, with the base model Super Sport starting at $2.4 million.

Lamborghini Veneno

The Vineno is unlike anything that has ever come before it. The super sharp styling and aggressive lines leave no doubt that this car means business. To say that it turns heads is an absolute understatement, and the futuristic yet impeccably designed exterior is perfectly accentuated by Lamborghini’s trademark dedication to quality and finesse. Perfection is a word not to be used lightly, yet it suits the Veneno’s amazing performance and looks like no other. This stunning specimen will set you back almost $4 million, and with only 3 being released every year, the waiting list is already filling up.

These super cars represent a collection of the most prestigious manufacturers and the utmost in style and sophistication. With all of them costing over $1 million to buy, it’s easy to see why for many people they will always remain dream cars. If this is you, don’t despair, as the quality and performance of everyday cars are becoming highly competitive and seriously impressive.

Top manufacturers such as Suzuki have been working hard to design cars that are sporty, eye-catching and fun to drive without breaking the bank. While you might dream that a Veneno would like great in your garage, it pays to remember just how affordable quality everyday cars have become.

Emma Pedler is a self confessed car fanatic and an active blogger in the online auto world.

The post The 4 Most Expensive Cars in the World appeared first on CarDekhi.

With the economical future of countries around the world looking increasingly uncertain, people and businesses are turning to more affordable options when dealing with automobiles.

For this reason, we decided to jump ahead and make it easier for businesses to decide on what vehicles they should lease for its employees.

We took a look at the leasing offers for numerous vehicles and filtered some of the most cost-effective models – all with good or excellent ratings on car websites.

Seat Mii

The Seat Mii has been labelled one of the best city cars on the market, with its great drive, well-built features and spacious cabin.

One of the charms of the Mii is that you get a top class vehicle for a low price. The Mii is virtually identical to the popular and award-winning Volkswagen Up, which will also feature on this list, but is cheaper and more economical.

Leasing a Seat Mii will provide the opportunity to equip a business’ employees with one of six trim levels, ranging from the entry level ‘S’ models to the top of the range ‘Sport’ variants, with some economically-friendly and frugal versions in the mix.

Volkswagen Up

It’s hard to say something about the Volkswagen Up that hasn’t already been said countless times before.

To put it simply: the Up is the pinnacle of city cars. Great to drive, classy and spacious to sit in are just a few of the qualities attributed to a car that took home the prestigious ‘World Car of the Year’ award in 2012.

In addition, the Volkswagen Up also managed to scoop What Car? Magazine’s ‘Car of the Year 2012’ and ‘City Car of the Year 2013’ honors, along with Top Gear Magazine’s ‘Small Car of the Year’ accolade in 2011.

Skoda Citigo

The Skoda Citigo, along with the Seat Mii, is a rebadged version of the Volkswagen Up, albeit with modifications to the front and rear designs.

As would be expected with a rebadged version of the award-winning Up, the Skoda Citigo is a fantastic city car that offers high levels of quality for a good value.

All Citigo models come handsomely equipped, with models receiving alloy wheels, heated front seats, Skoda’s portable infotainment system, air conditioning and power steering – depending on the model chosen to lease.

The Citigo also features a lot of safety equipment, helping the car receive a maximum five star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Safety kit includes four airbags, stability control and a city braking system.

Citroen C1

The C1 is a city car that has been produced by the French manufacturer Citroen since 2005 and is thankfully not another Volkswagen Up-based model.

The Citroen C1 is cheap to lease and run, making the vehicle an ideal first car for young drivers or a second car for families, especially with its smart looks and sleek features.

The French-produced city car is available in three trim levels, which are: the base ‘VT’ models, the enhanced ‘VTR’ variants and the range topping ‘VTR+’-specified versions.

Hyundai i10

South Korean automaker Hyundai released its i10 city car in late 2007 and widely recognised as the ‘Car of the Year 2008’ by various automotive magazines and TV channels in India.

What Car? The magazine describes the i10 as ‘an awful lot of car for not much cash’, which is a testament to the impressive qualities of the car and its low monthly leasing cost.

The Hyundai i10 is good to drive, cheap to run, well equipped and impressively spacious for a city car. For buyers on a budget, the Hyundai i10 represents one of the pinnacle vehicles that they could lease.

This article was written by Glenn Doyle from LeasePlan Go, who offer tailored leasing and fleet management services to personal and business customers, with a fleet from 1 to 100.

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