When either off-roading or simply taking your 4 x 4 for a spin, fuel can be easily used up, but by considering these few handy tips, you can save yourself some pennies and reduce your risk on the roads.

You can reduce your engines thirst by aiming to get in a higher gear when possible. Sometimes it may not be possible when climbing an incline or even when stuck in rush hour traffic. Try avoiding these situations if you’re trying to save fuel. Dependant on your model you could get away with a higher gear in certain circumstances. The perfect way to travel is to maintain a specific speed. Ideally around 50mph and in the highest gear possible. According to the AA, even dropping from 80 mph to 70-mph can save up to 25% fuel and dropping from 70mph to 60pmh can save a further 10%.

Tyres

Your tyres can have a significant impact on the amount of fuel you use. Make sure you keep your tyres properly inflated and carry out regular checks on them. Even a small amount of reduction in pressure can cause an increase in resistance when driving, which means you could end up spending more money on fuel, and subsequently your tyres. Consider purchasing eco tyres when you are in need of new ones, and ask the mechanic to check your wheel alignment while you’re there.

Directions and Knowledge

Considering statistics, a third of all city driving involves looking for somewhere to park as well as many of us getting lost when driving to a new destination…sat nav or not. Organise your journey by planning, ahead and using a sat nav or even a print out of directions. Use motorways and any free-flowing roads whenever possible. The motorway is usually the easiest and most sign posted route, plus your car will be at its most fuel efficient this way.

Braking

Braking too much can turn fuel into waste heat, therefore should be used as little as possible. This is generally why using motorways and less congested areas are better. It is better to reduce your speed gradually rather than suddenly braking at traffic lights. Aim to roll to a stop instead of quickly stopping.

The heavier your car is, technically the more energy your vehicle will need to move. Every object you add to your car will alter the fuel you use- even if it’s ever so slightly. Even petrol weighs, so the fuel tank is just as much of a burden as anything else. Every ounce you lose from the car will certainly save you at the pumps.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning uses your fuel quicker, although it is less costly than opening windows, as this reduces how aerodynamic you are. Your heating and air con can increase the fuel thirst even of a small engine up to 10%. Imagine what it would be in a heftier vehicle… even a 4 x 4?

The technology found in today’s cars is already laying the groundwork for future cars, or robocars, giving a glimpse into a more technologically advanced vehicle industry. With companies developing technology such as self-driving cars, the future of the industry looks very promising and exciting.

Rise of the Robocars

Using ultrasonic sensors on the car’s flanks, blind-spot monitoring systems are able to detect when other vehicles or objects are in the ‘blind-spot’. Modern vehicles can have as much as 150 programmable computing elements, with approximately 100 million lines of software in addition to the ‘normal’ wiring needed for vehicles to operate successfully.

In addition, the cars of the future will allow for automatic checking of factors such as custom emergency breaking, pre-collision warning, and low-speed safety. New technology will turn vehicles and roads safer, providing thorough reporting on a wide variety of data from the environment surrounding the vehicle.

A Digital Future for Vehicles

Both exciting and revolutionary, the development of the cars of the future need to focus on factors such as electric vehicles, new forms of transportation as services, and autonomous driving. Issues that could arise from this increase in digital software would be reliability, speed, and connectivity options. These aspects will need to be considered and accounted for when designing vehicles, as the devices become interconnected through the internet.

Increased safety is always a concern when innovating and developing new technology, factors which will play a big part on tomorrow’s autonomous cars. The growing complexity in vehicles is addressing drivers’ needs and functioning as a disruption in the industry, which will direct vehicles into a software and services approach. The digital car is an advanced piece of technology that needs to be able to withstand challenges such as hacking to ensure the utmost safety of drivers and passengers.

At CWS 4×4 we provide a wide variety of spare parts for 4x4s, ensuring that you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to know more about what we offer, feel free to get in touch with us to speak to our friendly team. We’re always happy to answer any query you might have!

After all, your 4×4 can break down or get damaged if exposed to heat for long periods of time! So, what can you do to prevent this and ensure that your vehicle is ready for summer?

Coolant

A basic, but crucial, element of any car! You need to check and refill the coolant fluid on a regular basis, as this component is extremely important to keep your vehicle running smoothly; especially in high temperatures.

Wipers

The sunlight can impact the rubber in your windshield wipers. The material can become degraded over time when exposed to extreme temperatures or to the direct rays of sun. also, because the wiper blades tend to accumulate debris and dust from everyday use, it is essential that you clean them, as they can drag that debris across your windshield and maybe even damage it. even if they won’t, they still won’t be as efficient as you’d want them to be if they’re not clean!

Tyre Pressure

A fundamental law of science is that heat makes air expand. This means that you need to be mindful of the pressure in your tyres, as it should remain at optimal levels. Each vehicle is different, so your 4×4 will have different specifications. In addition to this, keeping your tyre pressure at recommended levels can help you to avoid burst tyres!

Cooling Fan

This is another vital element of your vehicle. Sometimes, but most especially in summer, your car can easily overheat, which means its components will have to work overtime and under stress. This can lead to them becoming damaged.

The cooling fan activates automatically when there is overheating, and draws in air through the radiator to cool the engine. Without this fan, the coolant might boil and cause damage to the engine. If your fan is not functioning as it should, then you should have it looked at, fixed or replaced.

Your vehicle, whether a 4×4 or not, needs to be properly taken care of, especially during summer and winter when both weather and temperatures are extreme. If you need to replace vehicle parts due to overheating or other types of damage, we have what you need here at CWS 4×4 – so, just talk to a friendly member of our team and get your car in order as soon as possible!

True Grip – Kent

Based in the South East, True Grip Off-Road gives drivers the ultimate 4×4 experience. Not only can you belt up and get on the wild roads, you can also hop on a quad bike saddle or behind the wheel of an ATV. If you want a challenging drive and a pure thrill, then this is the course for you. Including muddy climbs and cross river obstacles; the 3000 acres of land combines the countryside scenery with the off-road diversity, perfect for seeing the capabilities of your vehicle.

Forres to Alford

Whether you are new to the world of 4×4’s or consider yourself an expert, sometimes it’s nice to simply drive. With bends stretching for miles and the views which stretch on forever, this route can be made much more fun in a beast of a vehicle. The route takes you through the Cairngorms National Park and Strathdon, making driving for pleasure extremely beautiful. Who said getting from A to B had to be boring?

Silverstone

Despite being well-known for its fast-paced F1 circuit, the track also has a fantastic 4×4 track. This course is purpose built and has a lot of diversity for drivers. Even though the route is man-made, this track is extremely tough and isn’t for the faint-hearted. With steep gradients, larger than life drops and puddles that need more than wellies; there are sections of this course which are sure to put your vehicle to the test. If you are ready to push the limits of your 4×4, the Silverstone off-road track is perfect for you.

Wild Tracks Suffolk

This off-roading track is one of the most popular in the UK. The course consists of a loop, but also includes an array of battles for you and your 4×4 to take on. From waterholes to the highest inclines and the steepest declines, the various trials this course offers ensures its popularity among thrill enthusiasts. With a daily cost of £30, including a free tow, this is a must-drive.

Scotland’s North Coast 500

If you and your 4×4 prefer a smoother ride, there is plenty that the UK has to offer. The United Kingdom spoils 4×4 enthusiasts as it offers spectacular views, and even more remarkable roads. The circular route is iconic and is stretched over 805km of lonely single lane track. Sliding along the Inverness Coast, past Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross, the rugged fairways, sandy beaches and vintage whiskey distilleries can be seen on the horizon. This route boasts sheer beauty, and is should be a number one place to visit on any 4×4 drivers list.

For more information on any of our products, feel free to contact us today on +44(0) 1458 834930. We have a variety of spare parts, breakers, engines, gear boxes and a range of vehicles for sale.

2017 won’t be that different; with alternative fuels and vehicles becoming more and more popular in conjunction with the increasing digital connectivity, the next decades look very exciting for the automotive industry.

Electric vehicles and alternative fuels have increased in popularity in thew past few years. Batteries and other components have become cheaper, enabling the widespread use of electric vehicles on modern roads. With the continuous decline of oil reserves, these alternative energy vehicles have positively impacted the market, raising its expected value to $614 billion by 2022.

Charging stations in China have risen to 49,000 between 2010 and 2015, with the country planning to expand the numbers to 12,000 more in centralised regions and 4.8 million in provincial areas by 2020. This is likely to ensure the increase in manufacturing and expand the market exponentially.

IoT and Vehicles

With the Internet of Things (IoT) increasingly connecting all devices together, vehicles are no different. These will have more and more apps and functions that allow for ease of navigation and access to the internet. Certain digital functions are already becoming standard in modern vehicles, with the latest models providing customers with top of the line vehicles that are interconnected with their mobile phone.

In addition, services such as Uber have increased this necessity for digital functions and apps, as customers prefer differential services that highlight Wi-Fi and other useful apps.

Efficient Materials and Automation

The increase in environmental protection concerns and recycling are part of the rise in more efficient materials for manufacturing. With electric and hybrid vehicles’ increasing popularity, the necessity for new materials is also increasing. Throughout the supply chain, all processes will be streamlined due to automation; automation is a big step in the Industry 4.0 and it will bring big changes in how vehicles are manufactured.

The increase in connectivity between smart devices will only enhance the way vehicles are utilised. From companies to vehicle lovers, everyone will be able to enjoy their favourite content in vehicles, be it films or music, as phones, tablets, and other devices are easily connected to vehicles. In addition, vehicles will increasingly become more efficient, with materials that help to protect the environment and transform the way we see cars.

At CWS 4×4 we have a wide variety of spare parts for 4x4s, sure to fit your requirements.

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.

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.

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!