Car Mechanics July 2021

Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Bumper issue ► We’ve not produced an issue of CM with extra pages for many years – our normal 100 pages is 132 in this issue. We’ve decided to create a couple of these bumper issues during the year and our next one will be in the November 2021 issue where we will look at the subject of workshop kit. Starting on page 47, we tempt you with our top 40 used cars for under £4000. While it doesn’t sound like a lot of money, we know that CM readers are shrewd at finding bargains and can suss-out a good deal when they see one. You can follow our advice on various sectors of body styles as we look at: Hatchbacks, Saloons, Estates, 7-seaters, 4×4/SUVs…

Editorial Martyn Knowles, Editor Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Bumper issue ► We’ve not produced an issue of CM with extra pages for many years – our normal 100 pages is 132 in this issue. We’ve decided to create a couple of these bumper issues during the year and our next one will be in the November 2021 issue where we will look at the subject of workshop kit. Starting on page 47, we tempt you with our top 40 used cars for under £4000. While it doesn’t sound like a lot of money, we know that CM readers are shrewd at finding bargains and can suss-out a good deal when they see one. You can follow our advice on various sectors of body styles as…

Since motorcars evolved from wealthy persons’ playthings to viable mass transport, manufacturers have made them more user friendly and safer. While safety bodies (along with a handful of brands) focussed initially on how cars respond in an impact, the focus is evolving to prevent the leading cause of incidents: driver error. Today, we take not only decent vehicle dynamics for granted but also a host of extra features that make driving easier and less dangerous. It can be argued, therefore, that servo-assisted brakes, automatic transmission, power steering, ABS and even climate control are all driver assistance systems. Yet, digital technology has accelerated development; complication being the downside. The proliferation of modern electronic safety systems is confusing and can even be disconcerting, when driving a vehicle thus equipped for the first time. ADAS…

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS (ADAS) INSTANT EXPERT Advanced Driver Assistance Systems As DIYers can endanger themselves and their passengers, by not appreciating how repairs influence ADAS, Rob Marshall demystifies what it all means and what the home mechanic should consider to keep safe. Since motorcars evolved from wealthy persons’ playthings to viable mass transport, manufacturers have made them more user friendly and safer. While safety bodies (along with a handful of brands) focussed initially on how cars respond in an impact, the focus is evolving to prevent the leading cause of incidents: driver error. Today, we take not only decent vehicle dynamics for granted but also a host of extra features that make driving easier and less dangerous. It can be argued, therefore, that servo-assisted brakes, automatic transmission, power steering,…

Renaults least likely to pass MOTs, says Department for Transport ► In a study of Department for Transport data, Euro Car Parts has unveiled evidence that French manufactures are producing cars that are least likely to pass MOT tests in the UK. The figures found Renault vehicles to be the least reliable, with a pass rate of 69%, closely followed by Citroën at 70% and Peugeot at 72%. The parts supplier analysed over 38 million MOT tests. Filling out the remaining spaces in the bottom five were Vauxhall (also with a 72% pass rate) and Ford vehicles (73% pass rate). At the opposite end of the spectrum, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW take the top three spots for manufacturers producing cars that are most likely to pass their MOTs, with at least an…

CM Insider Ben Hackney-Williams brings you another month of news and reviews from the automotive industry Renaults least likely to pass MOTs, says Department for Transport ► In a study of Department for Transport data, Euro Car Parts has unveiled evidence that French manufactures are producing cars that are least likely to pass MOT tests in the UK. The figures found Renault vehicles to be the least reliable, with a pass rate of 69%, closely followed by Citroën at 70% and Peugeot at 72%. The parts supplier analysed over 38 million MOT tests. Filling out the remaining spaces in the bottom five were Vauxhall (also with a 72% pass rate) and Ford vehicles (73% pass rate). At the opposite end of the spectrum, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW take the top…