Posts Tagged ‘Automotive’

UK’s Business Secretary Gets His Dream Ride

At first glance, you might think that the country’s most popular liberal democrat in power is taking some precious time off from his government duties to enjoy a ride in an iconic British supercar. Not just one but two, in fact. But there was more to it than that. Finding rebuilt landrover engines online is very easy by going to McDonald LandRover today.

Business Secretary Vince Cable did engage in some of his fantasy taking a spin on an Aston Martin DBS the other day. Not contented with that, he did the same thing on a Jaguar XKR right after.

“As I said on Desert Island Discs, driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine. Fortunately for me Aston Martin took note and gave me the opportunity not only to test drive some of their cars but also to witness the high level of skills and engineering that go into making premium and niche cars in the UK,” UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills said, after what seemed taking off from his usual official duties.

The Liberal Democrat Vince Cable surprised car aficionados at Piston Heads when he took the time off his busy schedule for a drive at the Gaydon test track on two of the most sought-after supercars. No, he wasn’t on shorts and sandals, nor was he on vacation. He also wasn’t endorsing either marque for some slick advertisement either.

As it turned out, Business Secretary Vince Cable met with executives from the two supercar marques to take stock of their engineering progress in sustainable development for hybrid electric automotive technologies for which the government has a stake. Those rides were all about the government funding for the initiative.

His visit to Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire brought him to the Gaydon test track where he test drove the Aston Martin flagship model, DBS. Vince was also able to drive a black Jaguar XKR on the same test track with Jaguar Land Rover Officials looking on.

The official JLR press release did reveal the Minister’s interest in keeping track with the country’s progress on sustainable development for eco-friendly and fuel efficient automobiles for which it is funding private engineering initiatives. His visit at Gaydon was capped with a ride on the experimental Jaguar XJ-based Limo Green and on the Range Rover Sport REHEV or Range Extended Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

Both babies enjoy funding support from the state of which he as Business Secretary has been tasked to monitor.

The Gaydon sojourn didn’t end without the usual photo opportunity to commemorate his presence in the tract. The official photos show Vince posing with Tata Motors managing director Carl-Peter Foster ushering him into the driver seat of a black jaguar XKR Speed. On the other side of the car was JLR chief engineer Mike Cross posed as if to provide some road tips in case asked or show the Business Secretary a quick demo lap around the Gaydon test track.

Discount Bridgestone tires- tires that you should ideally buy

Bridgestone Tires a name or a brand in tires for all vehicles dates back its history to 1931, when it started selling tires that were unmatched in quality and performance. With tires that are available in an array, Bridgestone has been offering quality service and products for customers of not just one fragment but a wide spectrum. From light trucks to SUVs and even passenger cars Bridgestone tires have recognition and a reputation that is top class among customers all over the globe.

A global name in tire manufacturing, the latest success the same bags was producing tires that are the run-flat tires for cars like Ferrari and Maserati manufacturing companies. From grid to roll positioning tires for virtually any four-wheeler, Bridgestone has now offered its clients get a dual advantage that is quality that is unsurpassed and at prices that are unmatched i.e. with the offer called Discount Bridgestone tires.

With success that is clearly defined, the company has already produced the millionth tire in its production and made this official almost 6 years back in 2004. With a success saga that is worth applauding getting something like  Discount Bridgestone tires is surely a dream come true to ride on a vehicle that is running on tires crafted with technology, quality and for performance that is long and superior.

An Honest Automotive Mechanic

An honest auto mechanic can sometimes be tough to find. No harder than finding an honest lawyer, some would say, but my regular readers already have that department covered! My wife and I have run into a series of car “issues” lately, and it got me thinking about the different ways an uninformed consumer can be abused by a dishonest mechanic. This month’s article will focus on ways to make the often painful and expensive world of car repairs a little easier for my readers.

There are three golden rules for any consumer when dealing with an auto mechanic:
1) get it in writing;
2) get it in writing; and
3) get it in writing.

If you follow these three rules, you will by WAY ahead of the game in case of problems or disputes “down the road” (if you’ll pardon the pun.)

Specifically, you should always get a WRITTEN authorization for towing or inspection of your vehicle PRIOR to the time it is towed or inspected. This authorization should cover several issues, including: the exact cost and description of the towing, inspection or diagnosis to be completed; an explanation of which charges (if any) will be waived if you elect to have the repairs completed; a statement that the car will be satisfactorily reassembled if you elect not to have the repairs done and/or a statement that all inspected parts will be saved and stored for you; and most importantly, a statement that the authorization for towing or inspection is NOT an authorization for repair and that a separate, written work authorization will be required prior to the commencement of any repairs. You should ALWAYS require a separate repair authorization prior to the time you begin repairs. Although you may be asked to sign the inspection authorization at the same time you sign the work authorization, my advice is NOT to do so. I mean, if you’re going to do that, why bother with the inspection authorization at all?

Your work authorization should address certain items as well: a complete description of the repair work to be done (obviously); the stated fee for the work to be done, broken down by parts and labor; a full disclosure of all other costs (storage, shop fees, etc.) as well as a statement that all costs and fees are disclosed in the authorization; a statement as to whether the parts will be new from the manufacturer, new aftermarket parts, used or rebuilt; the specific terms of the warranty for the repair work; the method of payment accepted for the repairs; and an indication that all parts removed and/or replaced will be stored and saved for your inspection (unless they are required for exchange, such as brake pads.)

There are a few common problems to watch out for. For example, you should never let the mechanic disassemble your vehicle or put it up on the rack if you do not have a written authorization for inspection as described above. At that point, you run the risk of authorizing overpriced repairs or getting your vehicle back partially or improperly reassembled. Also, your mechanic may call you for “verbal” approval to amend or change the work authorization. While time and convenience may tempt you to take this shortcut, I would highly recommend that all changes to work authorizations be in writing and signed or initialed by both parties. This is the only way to insure that misunderstandings do not blossom into increased revenue for your friendly local lawyer.

If you do have a problem with a mechanic, or if the final charges exceed the written authorization and you feel you have been cheated, it is probably best to go ahead and pay the bill. If you do this, be sure to write a few words making your protest clear on the bill and on your check if you can. If need be, you can go back and dispute your credit card charges or sue the mechanic in small claims court after you drive away. Keep in mind that a mechanic has a lien on your vehicle to insure payment of his charges. Please do NOT pay with a check and then put a “stop payment” order in place, as this will likely end up with your car being repossessed.

Remember, a nice smile and firm handshake does not always translate into quality service delivered with honesty and integrity. Keeping all agreements and authorizations in writing and being firm about your rights is hard work, but it sure does beat riding a bicycle to work on a rainy day. Reproductions