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The cost of fuel continues to increase, which is a growing concern for UK drivers. Workers who have to commute on a daily basis can save money. There are plenty of ways for them to save. For example, a driver could ensure they have the right tyres on their vehicle and that these tyres are in good shape. Tyres with little to no tread can be an issue with stopping the car properly. If there is an issue with improper tyre pressure things can also become difficult as more fuel is used to handle the low pressure.

Traffic is another problem that can cost a driver a lot of fuel as many fleet drivers are aware. Drivers who are often in traffic may need to find alternative routes. One can spend more waiting in traffic than going a slightly longer distance on the drive to work. It is said that a drive of 28 miles to work takes about 41 minutes. Of those 41 minutes, according to a study, 12 minutes are lost due to traffic jams and delays. It means about 5.5 working days are lost each year just because of traffic. Consider how much fuel is then consumed with 5.5 working days being used up in traffic. It is quite a bit of fuel and all used up without driving at all.

Unfortunately, the time and fuel lost in traffic is most likely to remain the same or increase as more cars hit the roads. This is yet another reason to fear the high costs of fuel. Commuters and fleet drivers can save on the roads though. All they need are fuel cards to help take some of the cost of fuel off. According to a study in which 2,000 commuters and motorists were interviewed about 63 per cent stated they use their car at least four days out of the five working days. It means fuel consumption is unavoidable for many of these workers.

Obviously certain things about driver behaviour can change such as using navigation tools which will track one’s route and find alternative options while on the road. It can also help a driver realise their speed, braking, and idling are costing fuel. There is no simple solution; however, cards that save on fuel pricing can certainly help a little towards lowering those costs spent at the pumps and on the roads.

Amid popularity of motorcycle fairings which is on all time high, the permanent price tags on them might not be stable for long. And in such a fluctuating market scenario for bikes and their accessories, other expenses that could’ve been easily controlled are going for a huge toss. Having splashed light on one side of the story, another side of the motorcycle fairing seems starker than expected and ever thought.

Interestingly, the industry of motorcycle fairings bears a brunt of fans’ abuse more often than expected. As designed to flaunt the passion of the bikers, it was somewhat inevitable for fairings to experience tear and wear on regular basis. Rash driving in high speed inflicts injuries to your fairings in many ways. Flaking off paint after those insidious rides through rocky terrains and menacing roads is common. And you got to admit it–there are other many things that can spoil the features of your fairings. You come across such situations every day. But how often do you come across to situations when you really think of getting them repaired?

All right! Even if you do, the thought of expenses to repair them might not leave any stone unturned to keep you cringed at your place. The repair shops won’t miss an opportunity to set your pockets on fire. Stressed and confused, you got options to tackle the situations on your own now. To keep your fairings looking their best, you must try to paint them on your own. Of course, you aren’t trained at it. But all it takes is your intelligence to acquire temporary skills during such unwanted times and situations. Shelling out bucks for reasons unnecessary is, without a doubt, an unwanted practice. Hopping on to the opportunity, all you got to manage is time for you and, of course, plenty of patience. Let’s get into details step by step and learn something useful about painting fairings effectively in five easy steps.

- You got to find a spot where you will do this. Now, use an 80 grid sandpaper to remove old paint followed by preparation of the surface for the primer.

- Remember, you must ensure that the body of the fairing is leveled and smooth. And to do that you must repair the dents and other damages. You can’t paint that way.

- You must tape your headlight, windscreens to avoid spilling of paint splatter on them. Use high quality tapes as paint will find its way easily to your headlights and windscreens through normal tapes.

- Now shoot the primer by using a spray gun to even out the surface with its thick coat. And more importantly, to make your fairings look their best, you won’t wish to miss this step. Let it dry.

- Once done–use 400-grit sandpaper lightly. Shoot lacquer now with spray gun and ensure that this time it is quit thin comparatively. And lastly, you got to apply one more coat which is done for protection and shine. All you got to keep in mind is that coating should be done once the previous coat is completely dried.

When trying to decide on a new car, you probably have a lot to compare. You’re trying to decide between mpg and power, style versus comfort, and price compared to value. What are your priorities? While everyone else probably sees the exterior of the car the most, you will probably spend a lot more of your time on the inside. When deciding on the right car, or the right accessories to put in your car, you don’t want to neglect the importance of contrasting the differences between a cloth and leather interior. Each has its benefits, but you will probably want to take some time to consider which is better for you.

So what are the benefits of leather? Leather seats are often associated with luxury and class. They not only look good, but they are comfortable to sit on. If you’re buying a new car with a leather interior, you will also be able to notice a nice leathery smell. These seats can make cleaning fairly easy because the leather is usually stain resistant. Having a leather interior also can increase the value of the car if you ever decide to put it up for sale.

Along with all the positive qualities of leather, there are also a few potentially negative aspects you might want to think about. If cost is a factor, leather seats are almost always more expensive than cloth. They also have been known to be a little less beneficial to the environment because of some discarded leather in the process of production. Many people have complaints about the temperature changes associated with leather. In cold weather, leather seats tend to be very cold to the touch, while in the summer they can become hot and sticky. Although leather seats look nice when they are purchased, it is not uncommon for them to become scratched and cracked after use.

Many people prefer the benefits of cloth seats. Again, if cost is a factor, you will likely find that cloth seats are a lot less expensive than their leather counterpart. Additionally, cloth seats don’t change temperature nearly as fast, so you don’t need to worry about freezing when you get in the car on a cold morning. Both cloth and leather have been noted for their sense of comfort. Cloth also has an added benefit as they are not slippery. You are a lot less likely to slide around when sitting on a cloth seat.

Along with leather, cloth seats also have a few potentially negative things to consider. One downside to cloth is that it can be difficult to clean. Stains sometimes take extra care to get out because they absorb down into the fabric. This can also mean an increase in unwanted smells, as the smell might get caught up in the fabric.

There are great benefits to be enjoyed with both leather and cloth seats. There are many different opinions and preferences, but you will ultimately have to decide which works better for you. Taking just a little time to compare, considering the pros and cons of each, might make the experience in your car just a little more enjoyable.

Radio antennas introduced in 1930s, along with the first commercially fitted car radios, kept on evolving. Today, high-tech satellite dishes are used to receive radio signals. Luxury car manufacturers thought they are ugly and were considered eye sores, which marred the beauty of their car designs. Then technology found a solution to this problem, in the form of power car antennas. Following is a brief note on the various types of car antennas.

Types of Car Antenna

Internal Car Antennas
These car antennas are fitted inside the car, on the dashboard, windshield or the trunk of the car. This effectiveness of the reception of this antenna is not on par with other antennas. Several internal antennas are needed to improve the quality of reception of radio signals.

External Car Antennas
These antennas, in the form of telescoping metal or fiber-glass poles, are attached to the exterior of the car especially on the hood, rear or the roof of the car. The quality of radio signals received by these movable antennas, is better than those that are fitted internally. Though the main disadvantage of this antenna, is that it is prone to accidental damage.

Power Car Antennas
These are antennas that are designed to overcome the weakness of external car antennas. These are placed in a compartment or housing attached to the exterior of the car. When the car ignition is switched off, they don’t hang in the air like how external antennas do, and hence, are not prone to damage. The power car antenna mast is ejected or lowered, by an electric motor connected to it. When the car ignition is activated to ‘ON’ by inserting and turning the key in it, the electrical motor controlling the antenna is activated and propels the power car antenna mast up, and out of its housing. The power car antenna when ejected, can receive radio transmissions. When the ignition switch is set to ‘off’, the electronic control signals the electrical motor, to lower or collapse the antenna mast. Thus, the power car antenna is safely tucked inside the protective compartment, when it is not in use.

Satellite Dish
Small, round satellite dishes are used as antennas, to receive satellite signals, which are then carried to the receiver by wires from the antenna. The satellite radios receiver, are fixed to the dashboard of the car.

Global Positioning System (GPS)
Navigating, using the GPS navigation system is the latest trend. Special car antennas are used to capture navigation signals from the global positioning system. Some of the antenna units can receive navigation and radio signals, from satellites. Nowadays, a computerized car audio system is available, that can handle audio signals for the phone, radio signals from satellites and navigational videos from that global positioning system.

How a Power Car Radio Antenna Works

The power car radio antenna mast has a nylon cord attached to its base. This cord is reeled in by a reversible electrical motor connected to the antenna, to lower or eject it. When the power car radio mast is fully extended or collapsed, the motor stops reeling in or out. For this purpose it is provided with two switches. Electrical power to the antenna is supplied using a wire connected to it. Another wire leading from the radio, and connected to the antenna, acts as the actuator. The whole power car radio antenna assembly is mounted firmly, so that it cannot move when it is actuated to complete the circuit. It reduces wear and tear of the electronic components that comprises a significant portion of the car parts, and prolongs the life of the system. A fuse aligned with the power transmitted to the antenna, prevents the chances of a fire occurring, due to overheating of the motor, in case it fails to stop while its reeling in or out.

Radio signals received by the antennas of power cars are fed to an amplifier, which amplifies the signal and feeds it to the speakers. Antenna boosters attached to the antenna, improves the reception of signals. Replacing a broken power car antenna is not a big deal. These parts are easily available on Internet outlets and also through dealers or local retailers.

The dream of teenagers, especially the men folk is to ride a bike. They would like to enjoy the freedom of riding fast and at the same time get the thrill of the speed. Higher the CC of the engine, higher will be the speed which can be achieved. We should not blame them for taking the risk. The age itself is like that. My view was also the same during that age when you feel like a free bird without a care for anything.

The bikes from Honda are a perfect foil for such teenagers. Honda, a leading company in the world in bike segment has always been able to study the pulse of the user and come out with latest models from time to time. Two such recent additions are Honda CBR 250 and Honda Twister. The point of discussion at present is only about these bikes.

Honda CBR 250

Honda CBR 250 is a sports bike equipped with 6 speed manual gear box. How would you rate this bike? Is it the best among the bikes in it segment?

Usual parameters which influence the purchase would be the Frequency of usage, riding comfort, price tag and a test drive.

Honda CBR 250, on purchase will not allow you to keep it idle. It is a bike which gives you the thrill forcing you to use it frequently. It is a bike which can be relied upon to go on a long ride and feel the freedom and enjoyment coming along with it.

The riding is quite comfortable with a split seat adding to the comfort of the pillion rider. With the spare parts being manufactured locally in India, the cost of the bike is quite impressive and looks affordable. However, user need to take a test drive of the bike, compare it with others and then take a decision.

General rating of this bike by some of the users:

- Appearance – 4.5 on a scale of 5
- Comfort – 4 on a scale of 5
- Features – 4.5 on a scale of 5
- Performance – 4 on a scale of 5
- Value for money – 4 on a scale of 5

Honda Twister

This is a bike from which much was expected and it does not disappoint in that front. The 100 cc bikes in India were always looked after as bikes with more fuel efficiency. The requirement of styling and other factors were given the least importance. However, Honda Twister has changed this perception.

Honda twister has a radical styling and coupled with a refined and powerful engine promise a great efficiency. It has got enhanced desirability factor like edgy details with its front based design and comfortable riding quality. The rider gets a feeling of a pretty balanced ride at all times. The bike gives a very good mileage, 69 Kmph in the city and 78.50 Kmph on highways which makes it one of the most fuel efficient bike in the Indian market. With a radical styling coupled with a powerful engine, reliability and quality associated with Honda, the bike has become quite popular.

General rating of this bike by some of the users:

- Appearance – 4.5 on a scale of 5
- Comfort – 4 on a scale of 5
- Features – 3.5 on a scale of 5
- Performance – 4 on a scale of 5
- Value for money – 4.5 on a scale of 5