At CWS 4×4, we understand this greatly, which is why we have come up with a list of some of the essential things that you will need in your car when preparing for the year to come.

Maintenance Items for Unlucky Days

There comes a time when you think everything is going swimmingly but then, all of a sudden, your car tyre bursts and you don’t have anything to repair it with, meaning that you will have to wait for a car repair service to come and sort the issue out for you.

However, if you fully prep your car before this happens, then you will be good to go. As such, if you want to prepare yourself before you have any maintenance issues or you need to repair your vehicle, then these items could be of great use:

• Spare tyre, jack, and iron – this is beneficial if you need to change your tyre, and you know how to change one
• Jumper cable and a spare battery – these are great if your battery suddenly stops working and you don’t know anyone from which you can borrow their car

Safety Items When Necessary

If you are on a long journey, for example, if you are driving across the UK to go on holiday with your family and friends, it is always important to make sure that you are fully prepared for worse case scenarios.

If you are incredibly thorough when it comes to safety planning, then you will have a greater chance of staying safe and not worrying about certain aspects. Therefore, if you have some of these items, you will be safe in the knowledge that you can get out of a tricky situation:

• Water bottles
• First aid kit
• Maps
• Reflective triangle – this is important when on the road at night

Items for Convenience and Comfort

Driving can take a toll on the body, which is why it is very important to make sure that you take regular breaks when driving long distances. For your passengers, it can sometimes be an uncomfortable journey, so taking regular breaks will ensure that everyone in the car is comfortable at all times, as this could otherwise lead to unnecessary distractions.

If you have some of these items in your vehicle, then you and your passengers will be more comfortable than ever before, as well as being generally convenient items:

• Phone charger – this is important in case of an emergency
• Blanket – comes in handy in case of an emergency, or just for a nice nap
• Tissues – always great to have on you
• Change of clothes – if you are in wet or snowy weather, you don’t want to be sitting in the car in wet clothes

If you have some of these items in your car, you will be fully prepared for your journeys ahead. However, sometimes, problems with the car itself can occur; when this happens, it is important to keep any spare parts for your vehicle with you, such as a tyre, battery, or anything similar.

At CWS 4×4, we specialise in providing 4×4 parts for your Land Rover, Range Rover, and Discovery. If you want to know more about the products we can provide, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

The Size

1 in 7 families have 3 or more dependent children. If you’re going to need to carry around 2 prams, ‘the big shop’ and all the changing bags, then this isn’t going to happen in a Ford Ka.

The luxurious space in a 4 x 4 can offer plenty of leg room as well as space for an extra 2 people in the back in some 4WD’s if needed. There is also plenty of space for the bicycles, the fishing equipment or the dog cage.

From Off-Roading to City Life.

Versatile is how you could describe a 4 x 4. Yes, they are superb at climbing up mudded tracks and slippery slopes, but they are also the ideal vehicle for picking the kids up from school, towing a caravan or general commuting.

Just because they are great at the fast paced activities, doesn’t mean we should not remember that they’re brilliant for the mundane tasks. Don’t judge a car by its big metal shell.

The latest models are as high tech as a vehicle can get. Some are fitted with multiple camera technology and the slickest of models can even scan the road and brake automatically if it sees any hazard.

Cheap to Run!

When people think of Land Rovers or 4 x 4’s they might think gas guzzlers. But this is not the case. They tend to use the same amount of fuel as a smaller car, although being heavier cars and having a harder working engine, this is bound to happen (because it’s powering all 4 wheels), but they aren’t really as fuel thirsty as people think.

These types of car are also more environmentally friendly than you think; a Range Rover Evoque eD4 gives off 133 grams of c02 per KM driven, but a Focus estate (1.6l petrol) also gives off 137 grams/km. So comparing these it’s not really that much difference.

Perfect and Powerful Parts.

Getting parts for your 4 x 4 isn’t as hard as you’d think. Here at CWS 4 x 4 we supply all the parts you could possibly need for your vehicle. From engines to Gearboxes to Brakes and general spareparts, they are all majorly important and you need the top of the range products to keep the vehicle as prestige and hard wearing as it originally was. A 4 x 4s engine is the heart of the vehicle, providing the ‘drive’ whereas the gearbox is the key to distributing the power to all 4 wheels.

One thing that 4WD’s have in common with average smaller cars is the need for parts, but going to the manufacturer for parts can be extremely expensive and time-consuming.

Here at CWS we can take care of your vehicle, as we hold all the parts you can think of to keep your 4 x 4 in its classic condition. From Discovery to Defender, and all the parts in between, get in touch and we can certainly help.

How Do They Work?

Like a traditional car, hybrids have a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine that is used to power the vehicle. Unlike traditional cars though, hybrids couple this engine to an electric motor which can be used to supplement or in some cases replace the drive from the engine.

By combining these two methods of propulsion, hybrid cars can generate incredibly high MPG figures and incredibly low CO₂ figures.

Advantages

Hybrid vehicles are a good choice if you are looking to lower your fuel costs and do not require that you sacrifice performance in order to achieve this. Take for example the Porsche Cayenne hybrid which claims an MPG figure of 85.6, when compared to the similar performing GTS the gains are clear as the GTS model only manages 28.8 MPG.

Hybrid vehicles are also showing to hold their value better than traditional petrol or diesel cars so the financial gains don’t even stop when you come to sell your car.

With CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere at over 1.7 billion tons every year, reducing emissions is a big issue. Hybrids allow you to lower your individual contribution to this and the more of us that convert to hybrids, the lower the overall carbon emissions.

Disadvantages

Hybrid vehicles tend to weigh 40% more than other vehicle counterparts.  They carry a heavy battery pack as part of the hybrid drive system, as generated power is stored in it for later use. This extra weight can affect the agility of hybrid vehicles, although clever suspension engineering and low mounted battery packs help to keep the difference as small as possible.

With a more complex drive system than conventional vehicles and with extra components raising the price, hybrid 4x4s are likely to come at a hefty price. As we mentioned earlier though, they also carry a higher resale price so this extra outlay is usually recouped when you sell the vehicle.

So there you have it, everything that you needed to know about hybrids. Oh and if you are a devout petrol head that is a little worried that hybrids are just a bit too friendly and boring then simply Google cars such as the Mclaren P1, Ferrari La Ferrari and the Porsche 918 and you’ll soon stop worrying.

We are of course talking about the legendary Land Rover Discovery, more specifically the 3rd generation of this incredible vehicle. With the Discovery 4 having been around for a significant amount of time and an all new Discovery 5 on its way next year, the price for used Disco 3s is more tempting than ever.

With more than 100 ‘best’ vehicle awards under its belt, we can see why you’d be tempted so we’ve put together a little buyers guide so you know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.

What to Look For

As with all used cars, the three main factors that you need in order to hopefully ensure a good buy are as follows:

• Full Service History – An absolute must!
• Low Mileage – look for around 10-12,000 miles per year and you should be fine, with over 100,000 miles on the clock and you might want to avoid it.
• No Accident Damage – Unless you are positive that the repairs were extensive, walk away.

As well as these essentials, here are some extras that make the Discovery even better:

• Air Suspension – It’s like driving round on a bed of cotton wool.
• 7 Seats – They fold flat anyway so it’s always worth having them.
• Parking Sensors – This is a big car!
• Leather – Fabric is fine but leather is easier to wipe and looks and feels much better.
• Automatic Transmission – Not a must but do you really want to be changing gear all the time?

Things to Avoid

As well as optional extras that you’ll want, there are several options that you should avoid:

• Big Wheels – Yes they look good on this big car but they’ll ruin the ride and also up the tyre cost.
• Sat Nav – a good removable sat nav is cheaper and better than an inbuilt one.
• The V8 – Yes, the Disco can be bought with a whopping great V8 but it probably won’t get to the end of the street before needing filling.
• Chrome – there are an array of chrome options on this car but do you really want to go for that look?

Common Problems

Here we come to the crux of the issue with the Disco 3, it just isn’t all that reliable and there are a few regular niggles that you should check before you buy.

• Park Brake/Brakes – The discovery has an electronic park brake and it is prone to going wrong causing the car to go into limp home mode.
• Electrical System Issues – With such a large car and such complex technology, there were always going to be issues. Make sure you check the stereo, electronic seats and sunroof if fitted.
• Suspension – This car is pushing on for 3 tonnes so it is pretty hard on its suspension, make sure that you check the suspension (definitely worth getting a mechanic to check it).

Bought a Fixer Upper?

With the next generation well into its stride, parts for the Disco 3 are common and becoming less expensive by the day so buying a car that is a little rough around the edges isn’t as dangerous as you may think. Here at CWS 4×4 we specialise in Land Rover spare parts and are sure to have the part you require to turn that tired Disco back into an off-road monster once again. Simply contact us today and one of our specialists will be happy to help.

The Two Different Types

There are two different types of four wheel drives available. Both of these different methods work by ensuring that power reaches both sets of wheels at the same time. The difference between these two systems is that one (4WD or four wheel drive) provides constant power to all 4 wheels, whereas the other (AWD or automatic wheel drive) operates as a standard two wheel drive system until the onboard computer detects a loss of traction, and then provides power to all four wheels simultaneously.

Which System is the Best One?

There isn’t a general consensus amongst industry expects about which is the best system to use, as there are advantages and disadvantages to using either. The majority of vehicles on the road are propelled by a single axle and two wheels, either the two wheels at the back or at the front. Both of these options are perfectly fine for normal driving situations, but if you find yourself driving in muddy conditions, on snow, ice or on a slippery surface, you’re going to need something with a little more traction.

The 4WD System

This system complements the two wheel drive based setup. If the driver selects 4WD mode, the drivetrain is equally split between the rear and front axles, thus ensuring that your vehicle won’t get stuck in mud or spin out. This is why 4x4s are commonly used in the farming and construction industry. The problem with 4WD is when it comes to turning, as the front and rear axles of the 4×4 require the wheels to turn at different speeds, meaning that 4WD doesn’t act with the same level of responsiveness or efficiency as AWD on difficult driving terrain.

Advantages of 4WD

• Ideal if you’re driving off-road and require increased traction capabilities
• It can be turned off manually at the flick of a switch to increase fuel efficiency

• It’s not suitable for every different terrain or driving condition

The AWD System

Like its counterpart, AWD also splits the power between both axles. Unlike 4WD, AWD is always on and can’t be turned off at the flick of a switch. In the real world, this means that if your 4×4 suddenly hits an unexpectedly difficult road condition, such as ice or a rock in the road, the AWD will automatically turn on to give you better traction and handling. However, the AWD system doesn’t quite match the 4WD in terms of handling extreme off-road conditions.

Advantages of the AWD

• Provides more grip
• Better safety ratings than 4WD

Disadvantages:

• Fuel economy is poorer than 4WD

Which Should You Choose?

It really depends on your circumstances. If you’re just using your 4×4 for the school run then you probably won’t even need to use either option, ever! If you have the option then you might be better off going with 4WD drive for the fuel economy savings. If you’re buying a 4×4 to drive in difficult driving conditions such as farming or construction, then 4WD is probably the better option. For those who wanting to drive a 4×4 in remote areas that have dirt tracks or remote roads, then the AWD is a great choice.

Here at CWS, we’re passionate about 4x4s, and we like to think it’s really helpful as well as useful for motorists to know a little more about how their vehicle works under the bonnet and the bodywork. If you’ve been driving in tough conditions and need Land Rover spare parts for your 4×4, and you’re looking for official manufacturers’ parts, or if you’d like advice from the experts on which drive system is the best one for you, call the Land Rover specialists here today on 01458 834930.

Here at CWS, we pride ourselves on being experts on everything 4×4, from Land Rover spare parts to 4×4 salvage, which is why we’ve put together some top tips for you, when it comes to buying a 4×4.

Do you actually need a 4×4?

This is perhaps the most important question when it comes to buying almost anything, especially when it’s over a certain price tag. From a logical point, a 4×4 is a must for someone who needs to tow a caravan or lives on a farm- basically, these machines are the logical choice for anyone who regularly travels across muddy fields, or regularly travels across un-surfaced roads.

However, if all you’re doing is commuting to work, or taking the kids down to the park, then we’re moving into more of a discretionary purchase area. This, of course, is fine; if it was up to us everyone would own a 4×4, but we want those to know that there are many more cost-effective choices out there.

For the advantage of getting around safely in the winter time and some extra towing/traction power, without the power of an all out off roader, you might consider checking out a 4×4 version of a family-sized car like the Audi A4 Allroad.

Can you afford it?

We won’t lie to you, if you’re considering getting yourself a 4×4, you’ll find out very quickly that none of them are cheap. For nearly every aspect of owning a car, you can expect the price to be higher for a 4×4; that means insurance, servicing, parts, just to name a few. That means taking your time with the decision and not grabbing the first jewel-incrusted grail you see, only then to realise that you have chosen poorly (because you seriously can’t afford it).

However, there is an up-side to all this extra spending and that’s vehicle depreciation. You can expect that the loss of value over time will be less severe for your 4×4 than with any other vehicle- especially if they’re a notable brand or a sought after model.

Petrol, diesel, or a hybrid 4×4?

Most 4x4s sold in the UK are diesels and that’s because of one simple factor: fuel costs. Modern diesels are generally refined and offer plenty of pulling power, which is obviously great for towing. Which? offer a diesel vs. petrol calculator so that you can work out the costs, and ultimately which one would be better for you.

There has also been a trend toward hybrid 4x4s as of late, which are fitted with electric motors as well as conventional engines. These can have much better fuel consumption and emissions than diesels, depending on the type of driving you do.

Not every 4×4 is practical

4x4s have a reputation of being some of the most practical vehicles on the market, which is true in most cases but sometimes, it’s entirely the opposite. Having lots of four-wheeled drive kit under the vehicle’s floor can mean sacrificing a large portion of interior space. Boot space in particular can be very limited, and the fact that the load floor is high off the ground means you have to really work to load your vehicle.

However, this isn’t the case every time; some 4x4s are made as genuine people carriers meaning an increase in seat capacity and space within the car. Even many off-roaders offer this, with models such as the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5.

So now that you know some more about 4x4s, you can expect a much easier buying experience as your decision will come from your extensive knowledge, rather than based on any sales technique that’s thrown your way.

Of course, if you’ve just bought a 4×4, or you already own one and are looking for spare parts, we can help! At CWS, we’re experts in all 4×4 parts, so contact us on 01548 834930 and speak to one of our team members today!

We’ve taken the trouble of breaking up this list, so each vehicle here is the very best at something specific.

Rock-climbing – 2015 Jeep Wrangler

When ordered in the Rubicon trim level, the 2015 Jeep Wrangler is the best 4×4 SUV for rock hopping. Named after the famed Rubicon Trail, one of the most demanding environments for any off-road motor, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes kitted with gear that is intended to make short work of any troublesome boulders. For increased articulation, the SUV’s front sway bar can be remotely dethatched from inside the cabin. It has Dana 44 axles, which sit at the front and at the rear for extra strength. Throw in 285 horsepower; 3.6-liter V-6; full-length rock rails, and it’s clear to see why the Wrangler Rubicon leads the rock climbing pack.

Off-Road Family Trips – 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser

This vehicle is not only one of the best, but it’s also the most expensive in the Toyota line-up. With that said however, it is justified by its capability when it comes to conquering rough terrain. The 4×4 features full-time four wheel drive, crawl control for ascending and descending steep surfaces, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspensions System which actively controls and manages the suspension while the vehicle is in motion. Dripping in comfort and luxury, the Toyota can seat up to 8 people so it makes it the ideal motor to find a more unique and off-road place to have your family picnic.

Affordable Luxury Seekers – 2015 Land Rover LR2

For a long time now, Land Rover has been known for combining copious amounts of comfort and luxury with great off-road prowess, this vehicle is a testament to that fact. Seating five people, the LR2 is aimed more at city dwellers who long to be able to cut loose on the trail from time to time – or maybe just to brave some of the harsher weather conditions on the way to work. Whatever your reason, this affordable vehicle includes full leather seating, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. So if you’re looking for a car that screams off-road powerhouse on the surface, but also has plenty of luxury and comfort beneath its skin- all the while being incredibly affordable, then this really is the 4×4 for you.

And that’s it for the first part of our series on the best 4×4 SUV’s, so be sure to check back in with us for part 2!

If your 4×4 is in need of parts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch; you can contact us online or at 01458 834930, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

We’ve put together a top 3 of the best hatchbacks that we’ve found that are perfect for taking on an adventure- on or off road.

Fiat Panda 4×4

We’re kicking off with the Fiat Panda; a front wheel drive 4×4. While not a hugely popular choice for a rough off-road adventure, it can still deal with tamer off road conditions.

Compared to its siblings, the  Fiat Panda has an upgraded four wheel drive system. In order to prevent a slip between the front and rear axles, Fiat have used a viscous coupling to divert some power to the rear end of the vehicle while the remaining 98% of the power remains in the front.

With added raised suspension, steel bash plates and wheel arch extensions, you can be sure that you won’t just be getting the standard Panda model and taking this vehicle off road is an enjoyable experience.

This easy going ride is perfect for those looking for a mix of city car meets off road. Cute and capable, this makes for a fantastic all round 4×4.

Skoda Yeti

The Yeti is the perfect example of a vehicle that balances practicality and performance. Just like the Fiat Panda 4×4, it fits in perfectly in the hustle and bustle of a city, as well as tearing it of on an outdoor adventure.

With a cheap, affordable price tag, it’s no wonder the Yeti is one of the most popular hatchbacks available. It has sharp steering and excellent grip; making it perfect for taking out for a spin. Despite it’s affordable price tag, you still get the same quality Volkswagen build that is to be expected.

VW Golf R

If  it’s speed you are looking for, look no further than the VW Golf R. Striking a fantastic balance of speed and practicality, this vehicle takes the very best of Volkswagen’s quality and stuffed it into a sleek, attractive model.

With a 2.0 litre turbo engine, the VW Golf R can do 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. Taming this beast is pretty easy to do, especially with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system which will kick in and divert power to the rear end in the event of a front tyre slip. Even off road, the VW Golf R feels slick and effortless and can deal with the terrain with no problems at all.

The VW Golf R also has the option of an estate model if you are looking for a more spacious option, even though the regular model is pretty spacious in itself. It’s also covered by all the assistance systems that you get with the normal Golf, giving you that extra peace of mind.

It’s quite easy to think bigger is better, especially when it comes to off road driving. We also understand the need for a practical car that can kick up dust when it needs to and hope that our guide had helped you realise that 4x4s don’t have to be completelt specialised in off road driving.

For all you 4×4 owners out there who have already experienced how fantastic these cars can be, CWS 4×4 are here to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly. We stock a wide range of 4×4 and Range Rover parts to fit a selection of different models. If you are looking for a specific spare part, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

To show just how much we love them we’ve gone and put together our list of the 3 best looking 4x4s currently available. Now to make sure that beauties like the Ferrari FF and Nissan GTR couldn’t sneak in we are limiting this to traditional 4x4s only: that means high riding, 4/5 doors and actual off-road ability.

Porsche Cayenne

First on our list is Porsche’s first effort at making a 4×4, and the first generation launched in 2002 wasn’t exactly a looker. With over a decade of work though, Porsche have really sculpted this 4×4 into a great looking vehicle, and its talents don’t end there.

With up to 570 horsepower available and a top speed of up to 176 mph, this is one of the most capable vehicles ever made and is a favourite among reviewers and WAGs alike.

Range Rover Sport

Now here at CWS 4×4 we are experts in Land Rover parts, but don’t worry, this vehicle has earned its place here, no bias involved. The Range Rover Sports first iteration was based on the Discovery which, despite being epic, isn’t very sporty and meant that the first generation car wasn’t exactly sprightly.

Now though, the Sport is lighter, stiffer and of significantly more powerful and efficient. More pertinent to our list though is the fact that the new car seems to have the perfect proportions and is undoubtedly a great looking car. We’ll take ours in estoril blue and in the full fat SVR trim!

Mercedes GLC

The new boy on the block arrives at the party with a lot to prove but this is probably the best example of fashionably late we have ever seen. 4x4s that look like coupes have been a dangerous game in the past, and the BMW X6 shows that they aren’t always good looking; the Mercedes, on the other hand, absolutely nails it.

It manages to disguise its size with flowing lines and curves and early reports hint towards it being epic to drive as well!

So if you are planning on heading down to the showroom and signing on the dotted line, we hope that our little list has helped you to nail down exactly which option you are buying.

If however, you are already the proud owner of a 4×4 that is in need of a little TLC then look no further, here at CWS, we’re experts in finding the right part and have a wide variety of 4×4 and Land Rover spares available. For all the details on our parts, simply contact us today and we will be happy to help.

Now though, 4x4s are a far more achievable prospect for those with budget close to their mind. With cheaper manufacturers branching into the 4×4 market and a burgeoning market for second hand vehicles, you can now pick up a great off roader for a relatively tiny investment.

As experts in all things 4×4 we thought that we’d put together a list of our three favourite 4x4s that can be yours today for less than £5,000…

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is a real all rounder and ticks all of the boxes for those that require a capable and reliable car. With space enough for 5 and luggage (or a dog), an excellent four wheel drive system, great on-road manners as well as a great reliability record, the Nissan X-Trail is one of the best options for those on a tight budget.

Things to look out for: There are no major issues with this solid car but make sure that you check sills for rust and that all the electrics are working.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

If there is one thing that Suzuki know well, it’s small 4×4’s, and models such as SJ410 and Jimny are loved the world over. The Grand Vitara is Suzuki’s version of a family focussed 4×4 and is larger and more capable than their earlier models. Readily available in both petrol and diesel forms for well under £5,000 it’s worth spending the upper end of the budget for a low mileage car with service history.

Things to look out for: Mechanical gremlins are rare on this car but be sure to check the underside as it can become damaged when taken off-road.

Land Rover Discovery

The best 4x4xfar is a moniker that Land Rover have used for many years and the Discovery is one of the best all round vehicles that Land Rover offer. For this price you will be looking at a Discovery 2, a vehicle that has a lot to commend it and which was rightly popular. With seven seats, luxury interior and the best off-road ability of all the options here, you really can’t go wrong with a Discovery.

Things to look out for: With exceptional off-road potential these cars are often put through their paces, so make sure that the vehicle has no visible damage to the underside and check the service record. Don’t worry too much about replacement parts as they are readily available from specialists such as CWS. We stock a wide range of Land Rover parts including Discovery and Range Rover parts to help keep you on the road.

Though there is a wealth of other 4×4 options out there at this price, we think that these three are some of the best available. If you are already the proud owner of a 4×4 that is in need of a little TLC then don’t hesitate to contact us today and our friendly team will be happy to help you find the part that you need.