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September 2021

Automotive

What are the Pros and Cons of Using a main dealer for repairs and services?

At one time most people especially owners of more high-end motors would always go to the main dealership when their car needed a repair or servicing. There were several very valid reasons for making this choice, such as access to specialist parts and the need to keep that all-important service history up to date.

However, more recently there are many more independent garages available that can provide the same level of service often at a lower price. Under European Legislation introduced in 2003 Independent garages can now service and repair cars without adversely affecting a manufacturers warranty. This legislation was brought in to promote competition and to prevent car manufacturers from stopping independent garages servicing and repairing cars as long as they adhere to a car makers regulations.

This now gives the car owner a much wider choice but are you getting a better service. So, we thought we would have a look at the pros and cons of using the main dealership when you need work doing on your car.

Pros

Probably the biggest reason for using the dealership is that you are 100% certain that your warranty will be preserved. As you know the dealership will be using authentic parts, which along with approved work and certification gives you a certain peace of mind.

Another advantage of a main dealership is that having work completed there will often protect the residual value of your car. This is especially true if you regularly change your car at that dealership as they will usually offer you a better price when you trade in your old car with them.

When you have work done on your car by the main dealership every component is certified by the manufacturer. They also have the most up to date diagnostic tools and equipment.

All the technicians at a dealership will have specialist knowledge of all the models in the manufacturer’s range. This means that the person servicing or repairing your car will theoretically have all the relevant skills and knowledge to guarantee a quality service.

The reasons listed above are some of the main benefits of using the main dealership now let’s have a look at some of the disadvantages.

Cons

Probably the biggest downside of main dealerships is that they are more expensive than an independent. This is because they will almost always have much larger overheads as a result of high-end facilities, larger staff numbers and hidden charges.

Before having work done why not ask for a breakdown of charges to help you assess whether you feel it is value for money.

Another disadvantage is that you don’t always get the same level of personal service at a dealership. This is usually as a result of the amount of work they take on meaning that staff often become disconnected from their client base.

In conclusion, there is no right and wrong decision, if you are looking for say an Audi R8 clutch replacement make sure you do your research to make sure you get the best deal. Whether that is with a main dealership or an independent because there are advantages and disadvantages of both.

If you find yourself always at the dealer for repairs and need to decide if you should continue to repair or junk your used car, please see the resource below.

Infographic provided by Indiana Public Auto Auction – your place to buy cars at auction online

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Automotive

Common Mistakes People Make After a Bicycle Accident

According to bicycle accident attorneys, in a perfect world all cyclists will have a full understanding of what they should do after an accident. With this being said however, the shock of the situation and the potential injuries afterwards, often mean that cyclists will have a tough time making sure that they follow the steps which they should do. This even includes minor sideswipe accidents. To help you get prepared for this kind of event, and of course we hope that it doesn’t happen, it is important to understand the common mistakes which are made.

Not Leaving a Police Report

Unfortunately it is quite common for the police to be more interested in the driver of a motor vehicle rather than the injured cyclist. This is not so much a mistake on the part of the cyclist, as much as it is the fault of the police. It is however important that a police statement is made by the cyclist so that it is registered.

Failure to Preserve Evidence

Whilst it may not seem like much, the clothes and even the bicycle could prove to play a significant role in attributing blame after these kinds of accidents. It is also worth keeping the equipment to one side for future use, rather than washing or throwing away the clothes which were being worn during the accident.

Negotiating With The Driver

Most drivers who know that this was their fault will try and negotiate with the cyclist so that they do not push this case forward any further. This is not a good way to negotiate however and there are a couple of reasons why. Firstly it may be that the driver changes their mind later on, and you may have not followed steps at the time which will help lawyers as a result of a deal. Secondly you honestly have no ideas of the extent of your injuries or the status of the driver until some days after the event.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

You may find that the insurance company of the guilty party seeks to get in touch with you and offers some level of compensation. What they are trying to do here is get ahead of the curve and pay out far less than they will have to if the case moves forward to court. If you receive a call from the insurance company then simply say that you will be in touch with them in due course.

Not Calling a Lawyer

It is always worth getting legal advice after this kind of event, as you need to know what your rights are. Even if you push the case forward there is no obligation to call a lawyer, but it will always make the best sense. Representing yourself can be tough and the best option is to get in touch with a great personal injury lawyer which specializes in bicycle accidents. .

Try to avoid these mistakes if this kind of event should ever take place.

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Car

5 Of the Best Small Cars on the market in 2021

The small car market is, without doubt, an extremely competitive one with manufacturers continually looking to offer better value for money. This is not surprising as the cost of a deposit on a brand new small car is probably less than a Lamborghini clutch replacement. This is obviously excellent news for customers who are in the market for a small motor because there are now a plethora of models to pick from. Not only are there lots of choices but the standards are unbelievably high.

So, with all these different models available from a variety of manufacturers, customers could be excused for not knowing where to start looking. So, what sort of things should you expect from a small car and which of those things are most important to you. Are you interested in boot space, lots of extras or a practical spacious interior and a competitive price? To help we thought we’d have at the pros and cons of five of the best models available to consumers.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Probably at the slightly more expensive end, however, the Yaris hybrid has almost double the fuel economy of a conventionally powered small hatchback at almost 80mpg. It is also very reliable and will undoubtedly hold its value very well. On the downside, it is slightly cramped in the rear and a relatively firm ride. Also, the infotainment system that comes with this model is probably of a lower standard than other cars in this range.

Hyundai i10

With compact dimensions and excellent visibility, the Hyundai i10 is the perfect choice for city driving. However, the 1.2-litre petrol engine means it is not out of its depth on the motorway. The ride is comfortable irrespective of the speed you are travelling at and compares favourably with many larger models. The i10 has five seats and decent rear space and comes with lots of safety features as standard. The cons are, it is quite pricey to buy outright at around £12,500 and the non-turbocharged engines can be a bit lacklustre.

Ford Fiesta

It seems like the Fiesta has been around forever and like a fine wine, it just keeps getting better. The Fiesta offers owners a brilliant drive with great fuel economy and CO2 emissions mainly due to the punchy Ecoboost engines. Another obvious benefit is the good old Ford reliability which now comes in a stylish package. It could be argued that some of its rivals offer slightly better value than the Fiesta and that its practicality is decent but not class-leading. However, the Fiesta is still right up there when it comes to small cars.

Peugeot 208

If you are looking for a small car that handles sharply then there are undoubtedly better and cheaper alternatives like the Fiesta and Seat Ibiza. However, if you like your interiors plush and spacious and your ride a comfortable one then the 208 could be the car for you. The punchy and frugal 1.2 Puretech 100 engine packs plenty of power meaning you can cruise quietly and efficiently. Things that go against it are it’s relatively expensive to buy, has a so-so infotainment system and probably isn’t as much fun to drive as other makes.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is comfortable, nice to drive and has lots of space meaning it compares favourably with some of its much more expensive rivals. The Dacia is the cheapest new small car available in the UK coming in a few thousand pounds less than some of its competitors. However, there have to be compromises and these come in the form of lower safety ratings, entry-level basic trims and the fact they are probably not as quiet as other small cars on the market.

There are of course lots of other options available to you, but we feel the ones listed above are worthy of consideration.

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Vehicle

Everything about roots horn for bike

Everyone wants the best for their bike, and who doesn’t like the feeling of fresh air when riding? However, good bike maintenance is the primary priority. Given the amount of traffic we confront on a daily basis, a horn is one of the most important bike accessories of our daily journey.

What are the signs that you should change your bike horns?

Now many people often tend to ignore horns in their motorcycle which they shouldn’t do. A working horn that is in a good condition is a sign of a well-maintained bike.  

If you see any of the following signs then your bike horns needs a change

A: Always choose the motorcycle horn that is compatible with your model

Now, this is common that you should always choose the horn according to your model because then it will work perfectly

B: The amount of noise it will produce.

Everyone wants a decent horn for their bike that is loud enough to warn other drivers but not so loud that it becomes bothersome, so when purchasing a bike horn, consider the loudness it generates.

C: Extended Warranty Period

A longer warranty period simply means that the horn system will be covered against damage and malfunction for a longer period. The longer and broader the warranty, the more assured you are with your horn system.

What are the best horns for your bike?

Now, the main question arises what horn you should buy, because buying a horn that is not made up of quality materials will not only cost you money but also cost you your valuable time

Purchasing roots horn is the finest option you can make since the quality and construction will never fail to entertain you and you can rely on roots horn. 

So here is a list of best roots horn that you should certainly consider if you are looking to replace a critical bike accessory.

A: Roots Vibromini Horn Set (Set Of 2)

Price:679

Even though Roots Vibromini horns provide a powerful sound, the glossy grill shape is an amazing match for enhancing your vehicle’s stylish appearance. An aesthetically appealing design for prominent mounting. The sound of a horn used for electromagnetic signalling is pleasant and harmonious.

B: Roots Original Windtone Skoda Type Horn (12V)

Price:698

If you want to replace or enhance your vehicle’s horn, the Roots wind tone Skoda type horn is an excellent option to consider. This 12-volt car horn will offer you the necessary driving safety. The provided bike horn is simple to use, fairly priced, and easy to install. It is made of high-quality materials. This vehicle horn is worth buying because of its extended shelf life and steady function.

C: Roots Megasonic High And Low Tone Horn (12V)

Price:1950

With these very loud roots, megasonic horns with silver grill design for sporty visible installation, power meets style.

D: Roots Windtone Harmonised And Genial Sound Horn

Price:548

These horns are ideal for use on a bike or in a car, and they have a nice and harmonic tone.

Why should you go with Roots horn?

Approved by ISI

When the Indian Standards Institution certifies a product, you know it’s reliable. By far the most trusted certification mark in the country is ISI. The presence of the ISI logo alone says volumes about a product’s dependability. Roots horns have passed ISI requirements due to their use of high-quality materials.

Sound of High Quality

Everything else may be ignored, but sound quality is something we just cannot overlook. After all, it is what we anticipate from them. You want a horn that will help you express your presence on the road and navigate through heavy traffic while not being too loud to disturb other drivers. Roots manufactures all of its horns in accordance with the government’s decibel regulation. The sound is just loud enough to alert everyone to your presence.

Roots Horn’s prices are fantastic.

If you want to purchase high-end automobile replacement parts, you will quickly deplete your money account, which you do not desire. Here is the solution: purchasing roots horn will not only help you save money, but it will also provide you with the highest quality product available in the market.

Aesthetically pleasing designs

Some of us are particular about the appearance and feel of the exterior and interior vehicle accessories we install on our prized property. Roots places a premium on horn appeal and visual excellence, and as a result, the majority of its horns are of high quality. They are so noticeable that they may be simply mounted to improve the appearance of your bike.

Conclusion

There are several factors to consider when selecting a bike horn, but a high-quality horn will fulfil all of your requirements. Furthermore, the bike horn serves as a lock signal as well as a warning sound while entering the vehicle without authority. However, keep in mind that a good horn can satisfy the most (though not all) of these characteristics. Roots bike horns are long-lasting and well-priced.

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