The latest earthquake in Taiwan obtained us questioning what you need to truly do. So we known as a number of specialists.
Tag Archives: experts
How To Tell If That Hole In Your Tire Is Too Big To Fix
The Department of Transportation has set tips following the suggestions of business consultants for what sizes of holes can and must be fastened. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association recommends that the puncture ought to by no means be greater than 1 / 4 of an inch in diameter (the quarter-inch rule). Tire accidents that may be fastened solely have an effect on the tread and keep between the skin shoulder grooves.
While plugging the outlet or patching alone may assist preserve the tire going some time longer, these will not be essentially long run options. The greatest and advisable method to repair a tire is utilizing the mix of a plug to fill the outlet and a patch to seal it. But earlier than doing that, the tire should be dismounted from the automobile and inspected for additional harm — no tire repairs must be completed whereas the tire remains to be connected to the automobile.
Also, tire repairs can not overlap, it doesn’t matter what. If your tires have sustained harm in areas that meet, that tire should be disposed of. It would not matter if the accidents each meet the quarter-inch rule necessities; the tires are actually deemed irreversibly unsafe.
Ignoring this process generally is a major reason for tire failure, a harmful state of affairs that will threaten your life. Also, while you’re utilizing a patched tire, attempt to inspect the tire pressure as often as you can to make sure the restore is holding up.
5 Of The Top VPNs To Use In 2024
ExpressVPN is usually utilized by many tech and cybersecurity consultants, which is at all times signal. It’s clear why it is one of many extra in style VPNs — with an enormous community of over 3,000 RAM-only servers established throughout 160 areas in 105 international locations, ExpressVPN lives as much as its identify by offering quick VPN entry with limitless bandwidth. After testing a number of completely different choices, CNET stated the service “is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, registering an 18% speed loss in our latest tests” performed final 12 months. That makes it significantly nice for streaming and gaming. It’s additionally easy to make use of — its touchdown display screen presents a transparent, single button that can shortly join you, in addition to a drop-down menu the place you possibly can simply choose a server location, with the quickest close by metropolis chosen as a default.
With its jurisdiction within the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN can also be one of many extra clear VPNs in the marketplace. It has revealed particulars about its TrustedServer deployment course of, launched its open-source Lightway encryption protocol, and elevated its quantity of unbiased third-party audits, amongst different efforts. It additionally has a robust concentrate on safety, providing a number of safety and privateness instruments, in addition to different settings and choices in a single, easy-to-access menu. Features embody a kill swap, an on-board IP deal with checker, a password generator, and two leak testers. When CNET examined ExpressVPN, they detected no leaks.
ExpressVPN solely provides eight simultaneous connections, whereas a few of its rivals supply a vast quantity. However, relying in your wants, eight ought to be sufficient for a small family. It’s additionally one of many pricier VPNs in the marketplace, costing $100 for a year-long subscription, $60 for six months, and $13 per 30 days if you wish to pay as you go.
Used car buying guide: Nissan Micra 160SR
An expert’s view
Simon Gadsden, LS Car Sales: “I’ve recently sold a 2008 Nissan Micra 160SR for £5000. This particular car had less than 30,000 miles on the clock and was in great condition. It had been owned by an elderly gentleman who was the second owner. He bought the car when it was only a few months old.
“The reason he sold it to me was because the ABS pump had broken, which meant it wouldn’t pass the MOT test. He had difficulty finding a replacement for the pump as parts for older cars are becoming harder to find. However, after doing some research, I found out that the SR uses the same pump as the Micra C+C convertible. I managed to find the part for £400. Interestingly, I later saw the same part on eBay for only £50…
“I received a lot of inquiries about the car. The buyer didn’t really know what he was getting, he just wanted a reliable hatchback with low mileage and a bit of performance for his wife to use on the motorway.”
Buyer beware
Engine: The 1.6-litre engine in the Micra 160SR uses a timing chain. There have been reports of 1.2-litre Micras experiencing chain stretch, so it’s a good idea to check if the SR’s engine is making any ratchety noises or sounds like an old diesel, especially when it’s cold. Uneven running or stalling could indicate a problem with the mass airflow sensor.
Gearbox: If the car jerks when shifting into first gear, it would be wise to have the engine mountings checked. The gear lever has a long throw, but the actual changes should feel light, positive, and precise.
Brakes: Make sure the ABS warning light is not illuminated. If it is, refer to the advice given by the expert above on how to get a new part and its approximate cost.
Interior: Check that the side bolsters of the front seats are still intact and that the boot floor is not damp, as water may enter through the seals.
Body: There have been cases of electronic boot locks failing due to water getting in.
Also worth knowing
We mentioned earlier that the Micra 160SR is quite a rare find. If you are unable to locate one, you can always consider going for a fully equipped regular Micra instead.
My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 49)
Episode 49 of the Autocar motoring podcast “My Week In Cars” features our experts Steve Cropley and Matt Prior discussing various topics. They share their excitement about V8 powered MGBs, express their frustration with subscription services for things you’ve already paid for, and talk about what it’s like to have too much power in an under-developed car. They also touch upon the rapid 0-60mph time of a Tesla mentioned in listener correspondence.
If you don’t want to miss any Autocar podcast episodes, make sure to subscribe to our podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.
My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 44)
Episode 44 of the Autocar motoring podcast My Week In Cars features discussions by our experts Steve Cropley and Matt Prior on reviews of the Rolls-Royce Spectre, Lotus Eletre, and Prodrive P25. Cropley also explores hydrogen vehicles with Riversimple and BMW. The podcast includes listener correspondence and much more.
To stay up-to-date with Autocar podcasts, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.