But how does it work? It’s important to understand how the transmission works, just in case you have an issue that you need to fix as soon as possible.

The Fundamentals

The idea behind the gearbox is that it takes the power produced in the engine via an input shaft and transmits this power to the output shaft, which is then connected to the wheel axles. However, the input and output shafts aren’t connected physically; they are connected via a series of gears and an additional shaft known as the countershaft.

The countershaft has a variety of gears that are of different sizes which are responsible for distributing the power from the engine to the rest of the vehicle. There are also various devices that operate on the input and output shafts to ensure they are rotating at the optimum speed and don’t cause any loss of power.

Understanding the Gears

The gears within the transmission are vital for making sure the correct amount of power is being fed into the wheels of the vehicle. To do this, the gears within the transmission are of different sizes; this is important, as the ratio of the gears that are situated on the countershaft and the output shaft dictates the speed ratio that is fed to the output shaft.

The key relationship is that the number of teeth on a gear is inversely proportional to the speed of the gear, so a gear with lots of teeth will rotate at a slower speed than a gear with lots of teeth.

So, if the transmission is in first gear, the gear on the counter shaft is smaller than the gear on the output shaft, meaning the output gear will rotate at a low speed; therefore, the vehicle will travel at a low speed.

What Else Are Gears Responsible For?

Gears don’t just govern how quickly a vehicle can travel; they are also responsible for increasing the amount of force that is transmitted to the wheels and changing the direction of the vehicle.

If the power is constant when driving, the torque is inversely proportional to the speed of the gears, meaning that lower speeds are great for moving large vehicles up hills, whereas higher speeds result in lower torque. However, low torque isn’t an issue when travelling at high speeds, for example, on a motorway.

The gears within the transmission can also be used to change the direction that the output shaft rotates; for example, when you put a vehicle into reverse gear. To do this, the transmission requires an additional gear, known as the idle gear, which is connected to the gears on the counter shaft.

When the reverse gear is engaged, the idle gear slots into place and rotates the gears on the output shaft in the opposite direction.

The transmission is extremely important to the function of any vehicle, so it’s important to make sure that it is taken care of as much as possible. However, if you have noticed any issues with your gearbox, then there are a few things that you can do.

At CWS 4×4, we can provide you with 4×4 gearboxes, specifically for your Land Rover Discovery or Defender, so if you need a brand-new gearbox, we are more than happy to help. Just give us a call today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

Make Sure to Remove Any Leftover Salt

This can affect certain people compared to others, simply due to the sporadic weather that we get here in the UK. In harsh weather conditions, such as snow and ice, salt is used on the road to melt it, but this can cause serious damage to vehicles if left untreated. The salt can get into the undercarriage and promote rusting.

Because of this, make sure to properly wash the entire vehicle, including the undercarriage.

Double Check the Suspension!

Potholes can be a popular site through the winter; they arise from the expansion, contraction, freezing, and thawing of water under the road. When water freezes, it expands, which causes the road to crack and result in potholes.

The number of potholes you might see during the spring season could be quite a lot, so make sure to avoid them, as they can damage your vehicle quite significantly. If you have accidentally driven over a pothole, you need to check your vehicle’s alignment and suspension.

Make Sure the Tyres are Fixed

The tyres are one of the most important parts of any vehicle, as they help to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle whilst driving. Therefore, it is important to check the pressure of your tyres, as well as the spare one.

The reason it’s important to check the pressure is because the cold weather during winter can cause the pressure within the tyres to decrease, which can be a hazard while on the road. It’s also important to check the tread of the tyre; the tread is responsible for ensuring the handling of the vehicle is as effective as possible.

Potholes and other obstacles that could occur during winter can damage the tread, meaning that handling issues could occur. As such, it is vital to double check all the tyres and replace them if necessary.

Inspect the Brakes

If you talk to any driver about what you should keep an eye on the most, they will most likely say the brakes. Brakes that work properly help to ensure the safety of everyone that is within the vehicle, as well as the general public.

If salt gets into the tyres, this can affect the brakes and cause them to rust, making them less effective, which is something you don’t want. With this in mind, you need to properly inspect the brake system within your vehicle so that it is ready for spring.

Once you have taken these steps in maintaining your vehicle, then it will be ready to tackle the roads for the next season. We at CWS 4×4 want to make sure that the drivers on the roads are as safe as possible, which is why we provide spare parts for people who have 4x4s, as they are one type of vehicle that is more likely to experience problems during winter.

If you want to know more, then contact us today; we will be more than happy to help.

They are popular for their four-wheel drive models, such as the Defender, the Range Rover series, and the Freelander. But there is one type of Land Rover that has shaped the way that we view off-road vehicles and the countryside environment – the Land Rover Discovery.

It is an incredibly popular type of SUV, with the latest model awaiting its launch in 2017, but how much do you know about the history of this iconic vehicle?

Back to the Glory Days

The first Land Rover Discovery, known as the Series I or the 1, was introduced to the UK market in late 1989. The Discovery was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the Range Rover, but was much more affordable, meaning that it could be targeted at a larger demographic, especially with the competition against Japanese car manufacturers.

The Discovery 1 was incredibly popular up until 1998 when the Discovery 2 was launched. The Discovery 2 had a makeover based on its predecessor, making it more family friendly but also managed to be one of the best SUVs available on the market.

It’s now 2017 and we have seen various types of Discovery, with the Discovery 3 taking over the Discovery line from 2004 to 2009, and the Discovery 4 from 2009 to 2016. Late last year, it was announced that the Discovery 5 would be available in the UK in spring 2017. This new model has the predominant focus of fuel economy, while also maintaining its off-road capabilities.

Special Types of Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery, throughout the years, has been one of the most influential vehicles to hit the global market. As such, there are also some special variations of the standard Land Rover Discovery that are used in different scenarios.

One engineering company known as SC Group, or Supacat Limited, offer two vehicles that are based on the Discovery 4. One of them is a standard Discovery 4 that is converted into a six-wheel drive vehicle that is specifically used for emergency purposes.

The second vehicle is a light reconnaissance vehicle, or an LRV, that is an open lightweight version of the Land Rover Defender. However, the latest version, known as the Mk2, is based on a Discovery 4. Finally, Land Rover themselves offer a less well-known armoured version of the Discovery 4 known as the Sentinel; it’s so secretive that Jaguar Land Rover have even stated that it is indistinguishable from the standard Discovery 4.

Land Rover are a well-established manufacturing company that have provided the world with some of the best SUVs, which is why it is important to take care of your Land Rover. At CWS 4×4, we can provide spare parts for your Land Rover Discovery if you are ever in need of some; whether you need traditional spare parts or even a spare engine, then we are here to help.

If you want to know more about what we can provide for your Discovery or any other Land Rover vehicle series, then please contact us today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

What is the London Motor Show?

The London Motor Show is derived from the British International Motor Show that was held once every two years between 1977 and 1999. Then, after 17 years, it returned in 2016, where it was held at Battersea Park during the 5^th and 8^th of May.

This year was an incredibly successful year for the show, which contains approximately 40 exhibitors. Some of the highlights from this year’s show included the prototype of the Riversimple Hydrogen Car, the newest edition of the Infiniti G series, the MG GS – the first SUV to be produced by MG – and the remodel of the Noble M600 supercar.

What Will Happen in the London Motor Show in 2017?

Next year, the event will be taking place between the 4^th and the 7^th of May. It is said that there will be over 150 new cars on show, from manufacturers such as Tesla, Aston Martin, Hyundai, and Nissan. There will also be a stunning selection of vintage vehicles, showing the heritage and history of the world’s most loved car manufacturers.

The show will also provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the latest and upcoming vehicle technologies, such as the importance and development of vehicle safety, electric vehicles, fuel alternatives, and even driverless cars.

Another great thing about the London Motor Show is that it is suitable for all ages; the children and adults can experience virtual reality racing, the chance to meet motoring legends, and even experience driving simulators, thus making it a fun weekend for everyone.

We cannot wait for the London Motor Show to come round next year. We are so excited that we’ve provided you with a little insight into what you can expect. If you are interested in attending this year, then hurry; the final batch of early bird tickets are on sale now for only £15. Children aged 11 or under go free, with two children per paying adult. If you are interested, then visit the London Motor Show website for more information about the event.

At CWs 4×4, we love seeing brand new prototypes coming out, but we also like to know that your exciting vehicle is still working properly. As such, we provide high-quality spare parts to ensure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition.

If you want to know more, then please contact today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help.

From all of us at CWS 4×4, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Flat or Faulty Battery

If you have a problem with your battery, it could be a number of different things. It could be due to lack of use, only being used to make short journeys or a poor electrical connection. When it comes to the winter months, battery faults are the most common cause of breakdowns. Always check, if your vehicle is being serviced, that the connections are secure, that the terminals are clean and there is no corrosion.

Damaged Wheels

Damaged wheels are generally due to uneven tyres, worn down tyre tread or the misalignment of tyres. When maintaining your car tyres, make sure that your tyres’ tread depth is regularly checked. If you have a spare tyre, always make sure that it has plenty of tread and it is fully inflated. If you are driving with heavy loads, make sure that you adjust your tyre pressure to cope with the additional change in weight. 

Engine Problems

There is a whole array of items that could cause engine problems. One of which could be the spark plugs; spark plugs can break or wear out after a long period of time, but as long as your car is regularly serviced, then there should be no problems.

As well as this, the leads that connect the battery to the spark plugs, known as high tension or HT leads, can actually deteriorate over time, which can make it quite difficult to start your vehicle. Regularly servicing should avoid these problems but it’s best to check at your local garage to investigate the ignition system as well. 

An easy way to make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained is to get the spare parts yourself and, if you have the technical know-how, service the easier parts yourself.

Luckily, at CWS 4×4, we are able to provide spare parts for a plethora of 4x4s, from Land Rovers to Range Rovers. If you’d like to know more information, then get in touch today on 01458 834930 and we will be more than happy to help with any enquiries you may have.

With so many options available and price playing a huge factor in decision making for many people, it can often make choosing between an official replacement part and a cheaper alternative very difficult.

Here at CWS 4×4, we specialise in providing affordable, official manufacturer parts which have been salvaged in full working condition from other vehicles. Here are our reasons why we think you should invest your money in a replacement part which has come from your manufacturer!

They Are Value for Money

Although they may seem a little more expensive than cheaper alternatives, a manufacturer’s part – no matter whether it is salvaged or bought brand new – will last a lot longer and therefore give you more value for money than a part which has been produced by another company.

Your manufacturer will know the ins and outs of the workings of your vehicle as they will have designed it, so their parts will always perform to the expected standard as they will be specifically designed to function in that way.

Other alternatives may differ slightly in design and therefore not give you the same standard of performance.

They Will Give You Peace of Mind

Original manufacturer parts are exactly what your manufacturers use in their vehicles, so you can be sure that they are of the highest quality right from the start.

They will have been initially designed and produced with longevity and efficiency in mind; after all, these are the parts that they will have been using in their brand new vehicles – it wouldn’t make sense for them to include a substandard part in the first place.

When looking to replace a part, you will always want to look for quality, and generally there’s no better quality than that of the manufacturer themselves.

It’s Easier to Find the Perfect Part

As we’ve already mentioned, there’s often a greater range of alternative parts available that haven’t been created by the manufacturer of your car. This can often make the decision a tricky one because you will have no idea which parts are better than the others – or even the ones which will actually give you a reasonable solution.

With an original manufacturer’s component, there’s a lot less choice, making the decision much easier for you to make. You won’t have to worry about researching each alternative part and relying on the reviews of other people who may not fully understand the part themselves. You’ll be able to locate the part you need with very little effort on your part!

They Are Environmentally Friendly

If you come to a specialist like us here at CWS 4×4 who salvage working parts from vehicles that are no longer needed, you’ll not only be given access to a range of spare parts that are compatible with your specific vehicle, you’ll be helping the environment, too.

This may seem a little far-fetched, but rather than relying on manufacturers to continue producing brand new replacement parts, you can get your hands on the same part second hand and in working condition for a fraction of the price.

This means that there’s less pollution from the manufacturing process and you still get a quality part for your replacement.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best – stick with the reliability and assured quality that an official manufacturer’s part boasts, even if the part is second hand!

For more information on our second hand part service, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today – we’ll be more than happy to help.

With any problem with your car, it’s always important to get any problems fixed as soon as possible so that you don’t put yourself at risk, and you avoid any costly repairs that could have just been a quick fix if you got the problem seen to earlier.

Scraping

If you hear the sound of scraping whilst driving, it could obviously be caused by something loose and hanging off your car and dragging on the road, or something which has got caught on the underside of your car and again is dragging along. However, if this isn’t the case, then there could be a problem with your brakes, such as worn brake shoes, or the brake motor is warped or brake drums are out of place.

Ticking

If you start to hear a ticking sound, it usually comes from the engine and means that there is a problem with your valves; either they need to be adjusted or they’ve become stuck. Ticking could also be caused by low oil levels and the fact that it’s not reaching the top of the tank.

Hissing

Hissing could be a sign of something slightly more serious and again, usually originates under the hood of your car which could signal a problem with your engine. Hissing usually means your engine is overheating or if your coolant is leaking.

If it’s because of overheating, you may see steam start to appear from under your hood, in which case you should stop immediately and wait for the engine to cool down before touching anything or attempting to replace coolant.

Rattling

Rattling will most likely be because of a problem with your exhaust. The sound is similar to gravel rattling around and could be because there’s a hole in your exhaust or there’s a problem with your catalytic convertor. The noise will usually happen when the car is stationary, but will subside when the car is accelerating.

At CWS 4×4, we want you to be as safe as possible on the roads, so if you’ve identified an usual noise coming from anywhere in your car then it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible so you can get back on the road in no time. If you’re in need of any spare Land Rover or Range Rover parts, then we stock various spares that you might need to get your vehicle back in top shape. For enquiries about any of our products, contact us at 01458 834 930.

Often the reasons for unusual sounds coming from your car are easily fixable and have little cause for alarm, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry by getting your vehicle checked over by a mechanic to fix the root of the problem.

Grinding

If you can detect a grinding noise whilst changing gear, this could mean that your clutch is worn or that it is in need of adjusting. This is usually identifiable when it feels as though the clutch is slipping when you apply pressure.

Grinding can also be the root of a deeper problem with your transmission that may have suffered internal damage. This could have been caused by not maintaining proper fluid levels or failing to change the fluid regularly.

Clicking

Clicking whilst turning your car could be a sign that your brake pads are loose or that perhaps there’s a hard object caught between the brake pads and the rotor. Brake pads are usually secured to the brake calliper seat, but if they become loose then this causes them to rattle up and down which can cause a clicking sound.

Squealing

Squealing is a sign that there is a problem with your alternator, usually a loose drive belt or drive pulley. If it is a problem with the steering belts, then you’re more likely to hear the noise whilst turning, whilst the alternator belts tend to sound during acceleration.

However, if the squealing occurs when you apply the brakes, this is another indicator that your brake pads are worn or glazed due to overheating.

Popping

The sound of popping coming from the engine could indicate that your air and fuel filters are clogged, or that water has leaked into the gasoline. Problems with your engine will definitely need to be taken in to be checked by a mechanic, but the problem isn’t usually very severe.

However, if the popping is coming from the back of your vehicle, this could mean that there is a hole in your exhaust which is causing a leak.

All these problems are fixable if caught in time, which is why it’s important to get unfamiliar sounds checked over by a professional so that it doesn’t cause any further damage or expense. At CWS 4×4, we supply Land Rover spares and other parts for a range of 4×4 vehicles, so if you do need a part replaced then we can provide you with the necessary components to keep your vehicle in full working order. For any enquiries about our products or services, you can contact us at 01458 834 930 for further information.

If you haven’t noticed by now, we’re having a somewhat… wet Winter season. From puddles stretching across half a country road, to floods transforming your local Main Street into a murky river, we thought we’d start off the new year with a little FYI on driving in water.

You may think you know all there is about driving through water, we mean, you’ve read about it and you’ve seen it lots of time on the television. Physically driving through a large body of water, however, can be very nerve wrecking. To combat this our first rule when driving through a large body of water is not to panic.

When Faced With a Flood…

Breathe. Before make sure the flooded section of road is shallow enough for you to drive through. 6 inches of water can reach up to the bottom of your doors and has the potential to be sucked into your exhaust pipe. If this happens your car can suffer great and costly damage- especially if the flood water is pulled into your cylinders or if it cracks the catalytic converter in your exhaust.

The centre of the road will be shallower than the edges though, if  you’re at all uncertain, turn around and find a different route.

When Driving Through a Flood…

If you have no choice but to drive through the flooded section of road, put your vehicle into 1st or 2nd gear and drive through at a brisk walking pace. If you attempt to drive through a flood at speed, as soon as you hit the water, the feeling will be similar to hitting a brick wall. If you manage to keep control of your car after that you’ll risk forcing water up over your bonnet and into your engine.

Slow and steady wins the race… at least with flood water. If you feel your wheels start to lose traction, your vehicle might well be trying to float. It’s a pain, but to counterbalance this open one of your doors and let a little water inside- this will help to weigh down your vehicle until you’ve reached the other side.

When Coming Out of Flood Water

Once you’ve survived the treacherous journey through the water, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Drying out your breaks is your first point of call. Gentle push down on your breaks as you’re driving to remove excess water.

Just because you may be driving an awesome 4×4 doesn’t mean you’re safe from flood water either. Flowing water is always dangerous and only 2ft of flowing water can sweep your vehicle away. Make sure you always check the depth of the water before you attempt any kind of crossing.

If you do find yourself rushing through flood water and are now searching for Land Rover spares in Somerset to replace your damaged 4×4 parts, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01458 834930 today!

Providing you with quality 4×4 salvage parts, spare parts, engines, gear boxes and breakers is all in a day’s work for us here at CWS 4×4. We like to know that your vehicle is well taken care of, especially if you’re intending on venturing off road during the new year.

To make sure you’re vehicle is running smoothly throughout 2016, we’ve come up with a couple of useful New Year’s Resolutions for your vehicle.

Clean Inside and Outside

It may not sound very technical but trust us, keeping your pride and joy clean inside and out will keep your vehicle looking its best. When you’re off-roading, your vehicle is subjected to all the dirt, dust and grime left on the roads as you plough on through country lanes and unpaved tracks. This can kick up a lot of dirt covering your wheels, licence plates, headlights and doors.

Make sure you can use your vehicle safely by cleaning the exterior regularly.

Cleaning the inside of your car is just as important. Spilt drinks, melted chocolate and crumbs from that take-away you chowed down on last week all add up to one very smelly car. Make sure you take out your rubbish and give the inside of your car a good Hoover and a dusting on a regular basis.

 
Deal with Small Problems Fast

Do you hear that rattling sound whenever you turn on your engine? The one that sounds like your vehicle is suffering from a small case of metal insects in its body? You should probably get that looked at. Like now. It doesn’t matter how small a problem may seem at the time, if you leave it for too long, you may find that your small problem has suddenly spiralled into a big problem.

The last thing you want during your new year is to deal with a costly repair job for something that could have been quickly and easily fixed. Make sure that you take your vehicle to a professional mechanic as soon as you see, or hear, anything out of place with your vehicle.

 
Schedule Regular Checkups

You may have an MOT every year but, if you’re one of those people who love taking their car out for a spin, it’s a good idea to book your vehicle in for a check up every six months. If you’re constantly using your vehicle you can wear down the various mechanisms and components without even realising it.

A regular check up will be able to identify any issues with your vehicle before they turn into small problems. This can include checking your tiers, keeping on top of your vehicles fluid and checking the electrics in your vehicle.

 
This new year, make sure you’re taking good care of your vehicle. We’re all guilty of neglecting the general care and consideration our vehicles need in order to run smoothly. If your 4×4 needs any spare parts after an adventurous 2015, contact us on 01458 834930 today and we’ll help you get your vehicle up and running for the new year.