Tag Archives: parking

News

Nine out of ten councils don’t plan to extend parking bay sizes

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Fewer than 1-in-10 UK councils (8.2%) have plans to extend the dimensions of their parking bays, even supposing automobiles are getting greater – that’s based on information completely obtained by Autocar. 

Data from a Freedom of Information request reveals drivers of bigger automobiles will discover it more and more onerous to park their automobile with out risking punishment if the present pattern of rising automobile dimensions continues. 

Analysing how the sizes of a few of the UK’s hottest fashions have modified since 2018, Autocar in contrast the sizes of a pattern of 27 automobiles offered within the UK. It discovered that they had elevated in size by a median of 97.6mm (3.8 inches). 

The automobile within the pattern which has grown probably the most is the Peugeot 208, which is sort of 580mm (22.8in) longer than it was in 2018. 

The BMW 7 Series has grown practically a foot longer, which means it’s too lengthy for the overwhelming majority of parking areas within the UK.

Standard off-street parking bays measure 2.40 metres broad by 4.80 metres lengthy, and 7 out of the highest 10 best-selling automobile manufacturers within the UK final 12 months produce automobiles that exceed this size.

To make issues worse, 5 UK councils already impose most size restrictions on autos, placing the drivers of many big-selling fashions vulnerable to receiving fines when utilizing council-run amenities. 

Of the 287 councils that responded to Autocar’s request, 1.7% expressly ban automobiles exceeding a selected size, starting from as little as 5.00 metres as much as 5.35 metres. 

That means fashions together with the Tesla Model X, Mercedes S Class and Range Rover are unparkable in council-run amenities in Wokingham, South Hams, and Broadland and South Norfolk.

Since 2018, Autocar discovered that councils have issued greater than 357,000 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for automobiles parked exterior marked bays since 2018, raking in additional than £8m over this era.

Motorsport

Here’s Proof The Kia Pickup Truck Is Happening

The Kia truck has been spied in an underground parking zone, and Tesla talks a few next-generation platform.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s every day have a look at the information you want earlier than you get in your automotive.

Kia Pickup Spied Up Close

After bolstering its portfolio with a lot of SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, Kia is getting ready to enter the profitable full-size pickup phase. Unlike the corporate’s Bongo over-cab pickup, this new mannequin has world aspirations. Ahead of its reveal, a closely camouflaged prototype has been filmed up shut.

Spotted in an underground parking zone in South Korea, Kia’s workhorse had a double cab physique model hiding beneath all that disguise. Judging by the cutouts within the camo, it appeared to have a Telluride-esque entrance fascia with vertical headlights flanking a large grille. However, the 2 are unlikely to share the platform for the reason that ute is anticipated to undertake a ladder body chassis whereas the full-size SUV has a unibody building.

Believed to be known as the Kia Tasman, the pickup sat on 17-inch wheels with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. It’s believed to be nearer in measurement to the Ford Ranger somewhat than the compact Maverick, though it is frankly arduous to inform judging by this spy video. We do get a peek inside the place you possibly can inform it is only a prototype judging by a budget trying plasticky door panels.

There is one thing attention-grabbing happening subsequent to the gear lever. We see switches for 2H, 4H, 4L modes. That means this prototype has selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive for when the going will get powerful.

Australian journal Car Sales reviews a four-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel will ship energy to the wheels by means of both automated or guide transmissions. Aside from this four-door model, the Kia Tasman is allegedly going to be provided as a single cab and at the same time as a chassis cab for industrial functions. Further down the road, a purely electrical setup is claimed to hit the market.

The Tasman (codenamed “TK”) goes to be constructed at house in Korea and could possibly be formally introduced as early as this March. The design is claimed to be revealed within the fourth quarter of 2024 forward of subsequent 12 months’s market launch. An even bigger electrical Kia truck made in North America is rumored to reach earlier than the top of the last decade.

Tesla Working On Next-Gen Platform

2024 Tesla Model 3 (US)

Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings report contains some juicy tidbits extracted from an in any other case prolonged press launch chock-full of figures. The firm is engaged on a next-generation platform it reckons will “revolutionize how vehicles are manufactured.” The purpose is to convey this new structure to the market as quickly as doable and construct EVs using this {hardware} at Gigafactory Texas.

Tesla goes on to say that it has made progress with the brand new platform however with out going into particulars. However, Reuters reviews suppliers have been knowledgeable of a brand new compact crossover codenamed “Redwood.” It’s reportedly scheduled to enter manufacturing in June 2025. The timeline would align with Elon Musk’s assertion in a post-earnings name throughout which he stated a next-gen EV would hit the meeting line in Texas from the second half of 2025.

This entry-level Tesla is deliberate with a tentative beginning value of $25,000. It would permit the corporate to raised compete with gasoline automobiles in addition to the inflow of reasonably priced Chinese EVs. Right now probably the most attainable Tesla within the United States is the Model 3, priced from $38,990 (earlier than incentives).

After beginning manufacturing in Texas in mid-2025, Tesla may additionally add a budget crossover to its upcoming Gigafactory Mexico close to Monterrey. Reuters claims a call concerning the location of a 3rd manufacturing unit the place the EV could be assembled, outdoors North America, shall be taken later this 12 months.

Featured

Citroen eC3 Gets More Feature-rich With New Top-spec Shine Variant

The characteristic updates embrace electrically adjustable ORVMs and a rear parking digital camera

Citroen eC3

  • The top-spec Shine variant of the Citroen eC3 is priced at Rs 13.20 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).

  • New options embrace electrically adjustable ORVMs, a rear parking digital camera, and rear defogger with rear wiper and washer.

  • Still comes with the identical 29.2 kWh battery pack which affords an ARAI-claimed vary of as much as 320 km.

  • It is now priced between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).

The Citroen eC3, launched in India in February 2023, was being supplied in two broad variants: Live and Feel. Now in 2024, the eC3 electrical hatchback has obtained a brand new top-spec Shine variant. With the introduction of this new variant, the eC3 has now develop into extra characteristic loaded than earlier than.

Before we get into extra particulars, let’s check out the whole pricing for the Citroen eC3:

Variant

Price

Live

Rs 11.61 lakh

Feel

Rs 12.70 lakh

Feel Vibe Pack

Rs 12.85 lakh

Feel Vibe Pack Dual Tone

Rs 13 lakh

Shine

Rs 13.20 lakh

Shine Vibe Pack

Rs 13.35 lakh

Shine Vibe Pack Dual Tone

Rs 13.50 lakh

All costs are ex-showroom pan India

Feature Updates

Citroen eC3 Interior

The Citroen eC3, in its top-spec Shine variant, now comes with options corresponding to electrically adjustable ORVM, a rear parking digital camera, rear wiper-washer, and rear defogger. Additionally, the steering wheel is now wrapped in leather-based.

Exterior updates are restricted to silver skid plates on the entrance and rear bumpers, and as with the mid-spec Feel variant of the eC3, with the the Shine variant additionally runs on 15-inch alloy wheels additionally being out there on the mid-spec Feel variant of the eC3.

Other options on board the Citroen eC3 embrace a ten.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster, guide AC, and keyless entry. The security side is taken care of by twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.

Also Check Out: Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3: Specifications Compared

No Changes To The Battery Pack

Citroen eC3

Citroen has not made any adjustments to the powertrain of the electrical hatchback for its new top-spec Shine variant. The eC3 makes use of a 29.2 kWh battery pack which affords an ARAI-claimed vary of 320 km. The battery pack is mated to an electrical motor which produces 57 PS and 143 Nm.

The eC3 helps two charging choices: 50 kW DC quick charging, which takes 57 minutes to cost the battery from 10 to 80 p.c; and a 15A residence charger which may rejuvenate the battery from 10 to 100% in 10.5 hours.

Note that the petrol-powered Citroen C3 already has a variant with the identical ‘Shine’ moniker.

Also Check Out: New Hyundai Creta vs Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun vs MG Astor: Price Comparison

Rivals

The Citroen eC3 rivals the Tata Punch EV and Tata Tiago EV, whereas being a much bigger different to the MG Comet EV.

Read More on : eC3 Automatic

Long-Term Review

Alfa Romeo Tonale 2024 long-term take a look at

Having arrived at our vacation spot, the compactness of the Tonale was advantageous when parking on a good driveway and never wishing to dam the pavement. My relative (who drives a Peugeot 3008, if that is related) stated “not sure about the colour!”, however I defended it. Besides, you need to have seen the garish vehicles I had noticed across the nook. When in Essex…

Getting again within the Tonale for a protracted, darkish night schlep up the M11 to my dad’s home in Bedfordshire, I appreciated the significantly vibrant full beams. And I’m nonetheless having fun with the smallest of wins: a bodily up/down toggle for the cabin temperature on the fitting aspect of the centre console, which is simply so simple to make use of and – importantly and never a given – inside straightforward attain so not distracting to function.

After a protracted day of driving, socialising and parenting, I observed the seat’s lumbar help for the decrease again, and never for the primary time. Just a few months in the past, I went daytime dancing (not a typical incidence) and put my again out. I’m previous. It eased after a number of days, however a key factor that supplied consolation was sitting within the Tonale’s driver’s seat. Having reached Dad’s, I hooked as much as his electrical provide. I might be doing a whole lot of quick native journeys for a few days, and having the luxurious of a driveway with an influence provide meant I needed to profit from the Tonale’s PHEV performance. Oh, and I wasn’t paying (thanks, Dad).

Having a everlasting parking spot additionally meant I might go away the cumbersome charging cables out and simply plug in with none effort. It’s certainly not an issue singular to the Tonale, however there have to be a product designer on the market who could make these unwieldy issues considerably extra user-friendly.

Enjoying the electrical energy on a number of quick journeys, all of which involted methods tet steady ands, the management, even when I did not push its limits on stated lanes.

Eventually, it was time to pack up and head again to Middlesex. On the return leg, I famous 43 claimed electrical miles remaining, cruised in EV mode and watched once they ran out. I’m happy to report the automobile drove extra miles on zero emissions than it had predicted, and with little eco-driving effort from me.

Home 300-plus miles later, there was loads to have fun and little of which to complain. The Tonale is certainly not good, but when you are able to do a number of journeys on typically unfamiliar roads with toddler (and corresponding Peppa Pig songs) in tow and nonetheless really feel comfortable about driving it, that is a fantastic signal for proudly owning one.

News

London earns £8.5m from pavement parking fines in 2023

London councils have earned almost £8.5 million from pavement parking fines in 2023, in keeping with knowledge obtained by Autocar.

A Freedom of Information request uncovered that within the 12 months main as much as November, £8,443,068 was earned by councils in London from penalty cost notices (PCNs) given to drivers who parked on a pavement.

Newham was discovered to be the preferred borough for such infractions, with greater than 21,000 PCNs issued – almost half of which (45%) have not but been paid. 

Further analysis by Autocar revealed that almost a 3rd of all of the fines issued throughout London throughout that interval hadn’t been paid, with 167,066 issued and 111,495 paid.

Despite this, Newham council nonetheless earned £936,391 from pavement parking fines between January and November 2023.

Fines are handed to drivers discovered to be in breach of parking contravention code 62, which prevents vehicles from being parked with a number of wheels on the pavement. 

The regulation additionally bans parking on footways, on footpaths, in entrance of dropped kerbs or on raised carriageways and is enforced all 12 months spherical.

Last week, this got here into drive in Scotland, with its authorities introducing a regulation that may make offenders pay as much as £100.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw mentioned: “Scotland is following London’s lead by clamping down on pavement parking, which might have critical penalties for pedestrians – particularly these with decreased mobility.

“Drivers throughout the nation – in each rural and concrete areas – want to grasp the principles to keep away from being fined.”

In the capital, fines gathered from parking infractions are certain by regulation to be put again into the mayor’s transport technique, which was launched in 2018 and includes an enchancment in public transport and jobs and houses created for London residents. 

The cash will due to this fact be invested in off-street parking, public transport providers and freeway upkeep.

Motorsport

This Mercedes-Benz Diesel Refuses To Die

Leaving a car parked and exposed to the elements for years often leads to significant issues. Rust and deteriorating gaskets, as well as fluid leaks, are common problems. However, not every car forgotten in a field is destined for the junkyard. A recent video shows an old Mercedes 200D W124 starting and driving again after sitting idle for eight years.

This diesel sedan has been through better days, but it’s not beyond saving. It has traveled 178,830 miles (287,800 kilometers) in its lifetime. Despite missing a battery and some unconnected hoses, the engine bay is dirty but intact. Surprisingly, there is still oil in the engine, albeit dirty, and the air filter is relatively clean.

With some fresh fuel, coolant, and a new battery, this rescued Mercedes is up and running again. It starts right up as if it had been waiting to be driven, even after sinking into the ground. Motor1.com contacted the creator of the video to learn more about the car’s recovery.

The cabin of the car is dirty, with various switches covered in grime and inoperable. However, the seats are not ripped apart, and the windshield wiper works with some effort. The only issue seems to be a stiff shifter. Surprisingly, the interior is in better condition than the rusting exterior.

In the video, a high-pressure wash removes a significant amount of grime from the car’s exterior, but some imperfections remain embedded in the paint. Some body panels are still dirty, highlighting the remaining rust spots on the truck lid, rear fascia, and hood. Additionally, some trim pieces are starting to fall off.

After cleaning a clogged fuel filter, the car runs well, although it emits a lot of smoke under acceleration. It likely needs new oil and a bit more tender loving care to be in top-notch condition. There are a few remaining issues, such as a non-functioning alternator, a broken horn, and the car continuing to run even with the key turned off and removed. Clearly, there is still some work to be done.

Cars

Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Use WD-40 on Your Brakes and Rotors

If you hear a squeaking noise from your brakes, it’s important to understand the underlying issue before attempting any fixes. In some cases, the noise may be due to condensation on the brakes, which can easily be resolved by parking your vehicle in a climate-controlled area overnight. Additionally, gently applying the brakes early in your drive can help reduce or eliminate the noise. While applying WD-40 might temporarily displace the water and quiet the brakes, it is not a long-term solution unless you plan to do it every day.

However, squeaky brakes can also be an indication that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. This noise serves as an important safety warning. If you choose to spray WD-40 on your brakes, it can cause damage to the rubber seals on the caliper seals and brake lines. This damage can result in hydraulic fluid leaks and potentially dangerous failures in your brake system. It’s important to note that some vehicles have drum brakes on their rear wheels. If the source of the noise is a stuck drum, using a brake lubricant instead of WD-40 is recommended. Apply the lubricant to the backing plate where the brake shoe sits and avoid applying it to the front brake rotors. Applying lubricant between the disc rotors and brake pads can significantly affect the performance of your disc brakes and potentially lead to an accident.

Motorsport

See How a Disgusting Dodge Dart is Transformed with a Thorough Clean

We’ve all forgotten some trash inside our cars at some point, whether it’s a parking ticket or a receipt from the grocery store. But it’s hard to understand how some people let the interior of their cars get so dirty that it looks like a vacuum cleaner. Case in point, the video above shows a red 2013 Dodge Dart that is in desperate need of cleaning, especially on the inside.

The owner of the car had to take an unpaved road to get to the shop of The Detailing Geek, where the video was posted on YouTube. This explains why the exterior is covered in mud. But what’s even more interesting is the condition of the interior.

And by interesting, we mean absolutely filthy. It’s gut-wrenching to see and probably smell. The 2013 Dodge Dart shown in the video needs a lot of love to make it a bearable driving experience.

Fortunately, the person cleaning the car seems to know what they’re doing. They start by removing all the mud from the bodywork and then move on to cleaning the interior step by step.

The trunk liner is thoroughly cleaned using a pressure washer and a round brush attached to a cordless drill. The carpets are vacuumed meticulously, but not before removing all the trash, plastic cups, and toilet paper.

The back seat is particularly concerning, with nasty stains that would make any germaphobe panic. However, with the help of a special carpet cleaner and the round brush attached to the cordless drill, the stains magically disappear, leaving an impressive result.

If you think this is bad, you should see the Fiat 124 Spider that spent 38 years in a garage and became a cozy home for unwelcome mice.

Returning to the Dodge Dart, nothing is left behind. By the end of the cleaning, it looks like it just rolled off the assembly line. But don’t take our word for it, watch the video at the top of this page and share your thoughts in the comments section below.