Car Mechanics October 2021

Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Unlucky for some Are you superstitious? I’m not really that troubled by various myths that have floated around for centuries. One that I remember my grandmother (nan) saying in the 1970s – “it’s Friday the 13th this month and I won’t be going out that day.” Weird, I thought, but it did stick in my mind and others reading this may have a similar view on Friday the 13th. The reason I mention this superstition, is because it is considered that Friday 13th of any month is an unlucky day. Up to three occasions of Friday the 13th can occur in a given year – in 2021 there was just one. Well, this superstitious belief wasn’t considered when we were out on Friday August 13th,…

Editorial Martyn Knowles, Editor Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ Car Mechanics Unlucky for some Are you superstitious? I’m not really that troubled by various myths that have floated around for centuries. One that I remember my grandmother (nan) saying in the 1970s – “it’s Friday the 13th this month and I won’t be going out that day.” Weird, I thought, but it did stick in my mind and others reading this may have a similar view on Friday the 13th. The reason I mention this superstition, is because it is considered that Friday 13th of any month is an unlucky day. Up to three occasions of Friday the 13th can occur in a given year – in 2021 there was just one. Well, this superstitious belief wasn’t considered…

BMW 118i final drive and electrically-controlled differential. Clutch in power flow: • minimal drag losses • highest actuation dynamics • optional control accuracy Overdrive speed difference via internal step gear: • compact design • minimal weight • optimal efficiency • best availability Hydraulic actuation: • optimal control • highest power density Compared to the engine and gearbox, the mechanism that transfers torque to the reardriven wheels is relatively overlooked. Despite the traditional layout of a north-south (longitudinal) engine powering a rear-mounted final drive differential assembly not being as common as it once was, the arrangement refuses to die completely – as many Audis and BMWs testify. Axle layouts Live rear axles are identified by their driveshafts (half shafts) being enclosed within the casting, meaning that the wheels, axle, final drive/differential and axle casing all rise and fall together with suspension movement. While used on many…

Get the 101 on E10 petrol ► E10 begins to replace E5 petrol from 1st September 2021. The new E10 95 RON blend comprises up to 10% ethanol, instead of the previous E5 limit of up to 5%. Whether you drive a new, used, modern classic, historic or vintage vehicle, E10 will affect you. Why is E10 being introduced? The aim is to reduce road transport carbon dioxide levels, especially since new diesel passenger car sales have declined. It also appeases the UK bioethanol industry, which lobbied the government heavily for its introduction. How can I check if my car is compatible with E10? This webpage confirms vehicles that do not contain materials in the fuel system that are affected negatively by petrol containing more than 5% ethanol: https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10-petrol.service.gov.uk/ If I use E10 in my compatible…

RWD: DIFFERENTIALS & PROPSHAFTS INSTANT EXPERT REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE Despite front-wheel-drive’s popularity, many SUVs and performance models have their rear wheels powered by the engine, leading Rob Marshall to investigate the complexities behind modern differential and propshafts. BMW 118i final drive and electrically-controlled differential. Clutch in power flow: • minimal drag losses • highest actuation dynamics • optional control accuracy Overdrive speed difference via internal step gear: • compact design • minimal weight • optimal efficiency • best availability Hydraulic actuation: • optimal control • highest power density Compared to the engine and gearbox, the mechanism that transfers torque to the reardriven wheels is relatively overlooked. Despite the traditional layout of a north-south (longitudinal) engine powering a rear-mounted final drive differential assembly not being as common as it once was, the arrangement…

Machine Mart makes finding the right tool easy ► For any job from pastime to profession, the new 500-page Machine Mart catalogue is full of all the tools you could need. With over 400 price cuts and deals, including plenty of new products, the 21,000+ items offer plenty of value for any job, big or small. GPS tracker market set to more than double by 2028 ► Whether more people are realising the benefits of tech advances hitting the mainstream, or the perceived need for added security when it comes to valuables, tracker sales have soared in recent months. Is this to do with lockdown influences or just awareness that the products aren’t as expensive as they used to be? The team at trackershop-uk.com have not only released details on what’s driven demand…