Enjoying The Best Modern Tech In Your Vehicle

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We’ve come a long way when it comes to cars, especially when you compare modern cars with the very first automobiles. Now, they’re much more than just vehicles that’ll take us from point A to point B. There’s a lot more thought that goes into the design of vehicles, to the point where some cars can be regarded as some of the best design work found anywhere. And then there’s a matter of the entertainment technology improvements, which have made driving a much more enjoyable and high-tech experience. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at a few ways that you can enjoy modern tech in your vehicle. You’ll soon notice just how much more fun driving can be once you have the latest tech in your car!

Get Out The User Manual 

First thing’s first: do you know what tech your current car has in it? It’s amazing how many people just try to figure things out by playing around with the dials, rather than looking in the user manual that’s provided. Dig yours out, have a read, and you might just find that your car has more tech capabilities than you previously thought. 

 

Aftermarket Upgrades

If your car didn’t come with all that much by way of modern tech, then fear not, because there is a way to add these touches to your vehicle. There’s a large aftermarket industry where you can buy just about everything for your vehicle. These products can be seriously cool; for example, wouldn’t it be nice to have a remote-start feature? Buy a kit, and it’ll be a reality. There are many sound systems that you can choose from, too; have a search for what’s compatible with your vehicle, and give your car’s music experience a boost. Dash cams and rear view cameras are increasingly popular, too, since it can make driving safer and even lower your insurance costs. 

 

Invest in a New Vehicle

Of course, at some point it just doesn’t become feasible to add new parts to your car. If you’re driving an old vehicle, then while the modern technology might work, it’ll probably look out of place. So why not seriously upgrade your car’s technology by investing in a new vehicle? There’s a wide selection of excellent used cars available from Border City Autos. Take a look at what’s available, get the keys, and you’ll soon be enjoying a slice of modern tech as you drive around town.

 

Download the Best Apps

As well as the hardware tech in your car, you can also use technology to aid your driving experience by downloading the best apps for car drivers. There’s a whole host that will make driving more enjoyable. For example, the Waze app will give you real-time traffic updates, so you can choose the smoothest route to your destination. And if you’re looking to save money on your driving costs (and who isn’t), then you can use GasBuddy, which will tell you the cheapest place to fill up the tank. 

 

Porsche Car How To Kill An Hour

4 Must-Listen Podcasts For All The Car Enthusiasts Out There

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Porsche Car How To Kill An Hour

Car enthusiasts love chatting about their pride and joy, whether it’s a new catback exhaust system or the latest suspension mod. With these five awesome podcasts, now you can listen to other people chat about cars all day too!

 

1 . Gears & Beers

Grab yourself a beverage and join car lovers Joseph, Matt and Mitch as they drink beer and discuss all things automotive. These guys just love covering a huge range of interesting car topics including the increase in the value of Japanese cars and the rivalry between Nissan and Toyota. Here you’ll find and why Joseph is thinking about getting a traction mod on his GT86 and whether you should resist buying a Tesla. Wanna hear about Lamborghini’s growth due to the Urus? Here you’ll get the latest. From affordable electric SUVs to adjustments to the Integra, Gears & Beers have got all your techy car chat and banter.

 

2 . All Torque Car Podcast

Three pals Ross Galettis, Halil Mustafa and Peter Ronis get together to discuss the automotive world. Come and hear all about the Lexus F Sport V8’s, and get tips about restoration modding, (including a sweet 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback). Are you a car enthusiast who loves a new paint job now and then? Tune in and see what the boys have to say on metallic paint (and why it’s more expensive) plus the paint quality offered by different car companies. Interested in the ins and outs of racing cars? Don’t miss the episode where the guys sit down with Emtron Australia for a chat about creating engine systems for racing cars.

3.Carcast

Carcast is brought to you by your vehicle loving hosts Matt, Bill and Adam. Here you’ll get all the latest news and debate about the present and future of the automotive industry. There are also plenty of featured celeb car lovers along for the ride! From the Cadillac CT-V to racing in the Trans-Am, Carcast will keep you good and entertained every single show. Recent guests have included Alaistar weaver and Brian and Hailee Degan.

 

4.Bumper to bumper

Keen on auto repair tips and tricks? Try checking about Bumper to bumper to get some real useful info. Here you’ll learn all about wheel alignment and how tire alignment tech has evolved. You’ll also get yourself some handy tips on brake maintenance and commonly avoided repairs. Bumper to bumper will tell you how to maintain older vehicles plus the low down on extended warranties. If you enjoy doing it yourself when it comes to your car repair, Bumper to bumper is the show for you. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised what magic you can work on your motor. Once you’ve chosen your perfect car, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh.

 

Those who’d prefer a professional auto repair service can find more details on the Elite Automotive Website. Keeping up with your car maintenance issues consistently will ensure that your motor stays in the best condition. To keep track of when your service dates are due, try nifty apps like Car Minder. You can also use this app to monitor your fuel consumption.

 

2020

How To Prevent Eye Strain During Marathon Gaming Sessions

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After a marathon gaming session, your eyes can get sore and irritated and some people even get headaches. There are a lot of people out there that will tell you that means you’re gaming too much and you should try to cut back a bit. But if you’re an avid gamer, you probably don’t want to do that, and when you get immersed in your favorite gaming world, the hours can easily slip by without you noticing. The good news is, you can have the best of both worlds because there are ways to prevent eye strain when you are gaming, even for long sessions. These are some of the best ways to prevent eye strain while you game. 

The 20/20/20 Rule

The 20/20/20 rule is something that office workers use a lot, but it is also useful for gamers. Every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break from the screen and look at something that is around 20 feet away. This helps to refocus your eyes on something more distant and it can really help with eye strain. You don’t need to stick to it exactly, but you should pause the game every now and again to take a short break. If you are gaming online, you can look away from the screen between matches. 

Blue Light Blockers 

Eye strain is caused mainly by the blue light from the screen, and it is this blue light that also makes it difficult for people to get to sleep because it suppresses production of sleep hormones. You can get some great blue light blocker glasses that solve this issue. They will reduce eye strain when you are playing a marathon session, and after you eventually decide to switch off and go to bed, you will find it a lot easier to go to sleep. 

Get The Lighting Right 

Lighting is so important when you are gaming and if you get the lighting setup wrong, it will make eye strain a lot worse. You need the room to be evenly lit and avoid putting any light sources directly behind the screen. You should also avoid light that points directly at the screen because this will increase screen glare and eye strain a lot. Fluorescent lights should be avoided as well. As long as you play in a bright, evenly lit room, you can reduce eye strain a lot. 

Remember To Blink 

You might laugh at this suggestion but it’s important. When you play games, your eyes focus intensely on the screen and you do not blink as much as you normally would. This causes your eyes to dry out and get irritated and sore. It is difficult to control your blinking because it is an unconscious reaction, but you need to make an effort to ensure that you are blinking enough when you play games. 

 

If you try these simple tips, you can reduce eye strain a lot when you are gaming. However, if you still find that it is a problem, maybe you should try to shorten those big gaming marathons just a little bit. 

How to Choose Your Perfect Car

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If you are looking for a new set of wheels, then you have come to the right place! Choosing a car is such a personal decision, so instead of choosing just any vehicle, why not ensure that you are choosing your perfect car instead?

 

Finding a perfect car can take a little more time and effort, but that doesn’t need to be the case. Deciding on the right car for you before you start shopping around can help to make the buying process so much easier. With a little bit of thought and planning, you could be driving your dream vehicle before you know it.

 

Know Your Figures

Everyone wants to get the most from their money, and when it comes to buying a car, this means that you want the best model at the best price. Before you fall in love on the forecourt with your dream car, make sure that you have done your sums and that the figures all work out. There is nothing worse than finding a vehicle that you absolutely love, and then realising that it is way out of your price range. You can avoid car buying heartbreak by setting yourself a budget based on what you can afford, and then sticking to it.

 

Perfect and Practical

It is so easy to fall in love with a car, and realise that you can afford it, but still have a nagging doubt lurking in your mind about it. This is usually the situation when you fall in love with a car that looks great, but is impractical for your needs. Buying a car that doesn’t do what you need is a big (and expensive) mistake to make. 

 

Nowadays, there is no need to choose between luxury and practicality as so many of the luxury car manufacturers have achieved this balance perfectly with their SUVs and estate models. If you keep looking, you should be able to find a luxury car that ticks all the boxes without compromising on looks.

 

Buy New or Buy Pre-Owned?

The decision to buy new or to buy a pre-owned car will depend on your priorities. If you prefer to have a brand new number plate and aren’t concerned about depreciation, then a new car may be the right choice. Also with finance owing you could trade in an old car for a new one you just can’t resist. If it’s perfect for your needs, you can essentially swap or sell the car you have for the new model you’ve got your eye on. However, purchasing a brand new model of your dream car may not be a practical option. Whereas, a premium quality pre-owned vehicle could meet all your needs and have all the specifications that you are looking for, with the added bonus of being realistically priced for your budget. 

 

Shop in the Right Places

When you’re shopping for your perfect car, you certainly don’t want to compromise on quality. Therefore, it is vital to source your new vehicle from the right car seller. Buying your car from a luxury car specialist such as JJ Premium Cars will provide you with an extensive array of vehicles to choose from, as well as an assurance of the quality of the vehicle that you select.

Important Safety Features Your Car Should Have

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A car is one of the greatest assets you can ever own. It helps you move from one place to another efficiently. However, you should ensure that the car you purchase has advanced safety features. While all vehicles have some factory-fitted safety features, it is always advisable that you check all of them and buy a car that can protect you and your loved ones when the inevitable happens. Buckling a safety belt is not enough; the ideal car should be equipped with effective safety features. Some car owners overlook these features. Read on for significant safety features you should have.

Image via Shutterstock by Kittithat Senlai

6 Safety Features Your Car Should Have 

 

  • Airbags

 

Airbags are a common feature in most cars. These are crash sensors cleverly connected and sense any frontal collision. For years, they have saved lives but must be used with safety belts. They can cause death, especially if the driver and passengers have no safety belts on. It stays inflated and prevents the person involved in the crash from being ejected from the car in case it rolls

 

  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

 

Antilock brakes prevent sliding in case of hard braking. The driver can still control the vehicle and prevent deadly crashes, which used to happen before the introduction of this advanced braking system. To activate the ABS, you have to step on the brake pedal hard, and it will be activated automatically.

 

  • Ability to detect blind spots

 

While you can check behind and on the sides using a mirror as you drive, there is no way you can tell what is ahead of you in a blind spot. However, some cars are fitted with blind-spot detectors that can pick what you cannot see. It warns you on time about an oncoming vehicle. It also senses cars that are close to the front side.

 

  • The rear view camera

 

The rearview camera enables you to see even the smallest things, including kids and animals that the mirrors may not see. This camera is essential and makes reversing or turning easy and safe.

 

  • Facial recognition

 

The facial recognition software is not common. It is found in the modern top of the range vehicles. This software keeps checking on the driver, and it raises the alarm when the driver stops paying attention. The warnings come like a buzzer, and it keeps you on your toes when on the road.

 

  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

 

Every vehicle should have lower anchors and tethers for children. They allow easy installation of children’s seats. This system was invented and used in almost every car to enhance the security of children. All used cars on finance from ChooseMyCar have this safety feature, which secures your little one safely. When buying a car, this is an essential safety feature that the car you choose should have.

Bottom Line

Without a car, life would be difficult. You wouldn’t be able to reach your destination on time. However, when buying a car, you need to check all the above safety features. A car with more safety features and fun tech is not only safe to drive but also makes life easier for you.

 

How To Kill An Hour

Axle Back vs Catback Exhaust Systems

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So you’re looking to get yourself an aftermarket exhaust system on your car? It’s an exciting decision for any car lover, but where should you begin? Two of the most popular aftermarket exhaust systems are the catback and the axle. To help you make a decision, let’s break down the ins and outs of each one.

 

Catback Exhaust

 

A catback exhaust system is one that replaces everything that sits behind the catalytic converter to where the exhaust pipes finish, hence the term ‘cat-back’. These are a real popular aftermarket exhaust as they offer a strong performance and sound plus you don’t need to invest in a new catalytic converter. It’s essentially a powder mod which produces a stronger engine note plus frees up the gas flow of your system. Generally, these are made of a muffler, resonator and a rear-pipe. The benefits of investing are: 

 

1 . Improved Power 

 

When you get yourself a cat back exhaust, you’ll certainly be achieving more power. Aftermarket exhausts are usually designed with larger piping and higher quality mandrel tubing; improving the overall flow. There’s less pressure within the engine, so it has the opportunity to give more horsepower. 

 

  1. Improved Sound

 

Most people who want an aftermarket exhaust system are looking for enhanced sound performance on their vehicle. With a cat back exhaust, you’ll certainly achieve this; giving your vehicle that sweet racing-car growl! 

 

Axle Back

 

An axle back system replaces the components that sit behind the axle, all the way to the end of the pipes. Essentially, the axle back includes the pipe and the muffler only. The benefits of choosing an axle back include:

 

1 . Price

 

The axle back is less expensive than cat-back systems, yet can still provide an enhanced performance for your vehicle. If you’re looking for an aftermarket exhaust system, but you aren’t keen to overspend, one of these is a great bet.

 

  1. Easy Installation

 

Axle backs are easier to install than cat back exhausts. It’s generally because fewer components are replaced, and so you may be able to install the exhaust system yourself. With an axle back you’ll still get improved power and sound performance on your car, though it may not be as impressive when compared with the cat back.

 

Making the choice 

 

To make a decision, you’ll need to include your budget and needs. For instance, if you’re a racing enthusiast regularly engaging in competitions, you may want to go for the strongest power and opt for a cat back. Megan Racing offer both types and more should you require more info. However, if you simply want a little more horsepower and sound performance at a nicer price, an axle is likely the one for you.

 

As with any motor decision, ensure to do your research thoroughly before investing. There are also other types of exhaust systems to take a look into. The decision is just as important as choosing the right car; whether you love the The Lexus RX 450h F Sport or your waiting out for the Aston Martin DBX!

PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

Legendary Guy’s Night Ideas You Need

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A night with the guys. It’s a night for fun, laughing, banter, and drinks, and it has to be one that everyone can remember. It doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s night out for single guys in your circle. You can invite all the guys and have a night to remember – no limits!

 

Men need a way to blow off some steam. So, whether one of you buys one of the many used Aston Martin cars for sale from Dick Lovett and pulls up ready for a road trip, or you simply need a day out at the golf to unwind and bond, we’ve got some legendary ideas that should make the cut. You need to go and have fun every now and then. Let’s take a look at some of the best guys’ night out ideas around.

PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

At The Grill

You do not have to jaunt up and down the country to get a good night in with your friends. The summer looms ahead, so why not coordinate when everyone is free and book a date in the calendar so that you can come together and grill? A few steaks, cold beers, and damn tasty side dishes already make for a great night. Throw in a darts board, and you have a competition going!

Poker Night

We’ve picked poker specifically based on the fact that the game isn’t hard to learn, and you can play for dares or bets if you don’t want to play for cash. Put a ceiling on your buy-in, and you can all have a good time without going bankrupt. It’s a great way to test each other and challenge one another to win, and you also get the chance to win some cash! You can swap houses for hosting, and then when you get good at the game, hit up a casino and enjoy what they have to offer with much a bigger prize.

Movie Night – With A Twist!

Instead of heading to the movie theater and not talking to each other, why not put your own cinematic experience in the backyard? You can add a large white sheet and get a movie projector to project the latest and greatest action movies. Bring snacks and drinks, and get comfortable. There are so many options for movie night that you are spoilt for choice.

Sports Games

Are you basketball fans? Is there enough of you to be able to play football? Get a team together and add sports games to grill night. You can run up a little healthy competition and get together to trash talk the action one on one.

Road Trip

The ultimate guys’ night idea is the beginning of a road trip. Pick a night you can all leave and throw a dart at a map to hit the city you want to get to. This type of trip can be life-changing for you and your friends, and if you’ve already got the Aston Martin, you can travel in style!

 

How To Step Up To Any Challenge

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There comes times in our life where our mettle is tested and this grants us an amazing opportunity. Not only does the event in question test your character, but it has the potential of helping you push farther than you think you could go. You’ve likely had those moments where you wake up groggy and feel too tired to go to the gym. You just want to sleep. Then, when you’re there, lifting the weights and doing so with perfect form, you see just how many reps you can get. There’s something motivational about being exposed to struggle and wanting to achieve in that moment – even if we didn’t expect to feel that way prior.

 

One thing is for certain – challenges will come in your life, and they’ll come in a variety of ways. If you’re not prepared, it’s extremely easy for you to fumble the ball and snowball into missing the mark. That can ruin the confidence of any young man or woman, and so trying your best is not only worthwhile, but crucial. Even if you fail, trying your best will help you grow and learn more for next time. Before long, you will prevail.

 

You can step up to any challenge with the following advice:

 

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

 

The more you sweat in battle, the less you bleed in war. Perhaps it’s unlikely that anyone reading this will see an actual battlefield in their lifetime, and that’s a good thing. But we have our own battlefields to fight each and every day. Perhaps your battlefield is the squat rack. Maybe it’s preparing well for your driving theory test, which you are nervous about taking. The more info you collect and the harder you train, prepare, study or practice, the more likely you will be to come to the best result.

 

There’s No Way Around Hard Work

 

The moment you begin looking for ‘hacks’ to subdue the need for hard work, you have already lost. Does that mean you can’t work smarter and not harder? Of course not. But it does mean that you can never be afraid of hard work. The good thing to learn here? Hard work is not your enemy. You can learn plenty from it. You can shape yourself in the best manner. Alexis Carrel once said ‘Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.’ When you accept that as soon as you can – you’ll start with the strongest footing.

 

‘Because It’s There’

 

When George Leigh Mallory was asked just why he kept trying to climb to the peak of Mount Everest in the early 1900s, he replied with a very simple phrase. ‘Because it’s there,’ he said. Worthwhile challenge is not only challenge that is pressed upon us – it’s challenge we seek out. Sure, you might have passed your driving test, but are you taking extra lessons to drive on the motorway/highway with confidence? Sure you hit your workout lifts this week – but how well are you sleeping? There’s always something to do and to keep us busy, and that attitude will help you live a higher quality of life than you could imagine.

 

With this advice, you’re sure to step up to any challenge. You’ve got this.

How to Step Things Up in 2020

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It’s always possible to upgrade your life, but there’s no denying that a new year does provide an especially excellent opportunity to mix things up. And when it comes to 2020, we’re not just entering a new year, oh no: this an entirely new decade. The last decade has gone, whether it was good or bad, and all our energies should be focused on making the new roaring twenties extra special. But how can you do this? We take a look at a few ideas below — incorporate them into your life, and you’ll be on your way to a great year/decade.

 

 

New Careers

 

Have you hit something of a rut when it comes to your career? It does happen from time to time! Even if we’re in something that we like, it can begin to feel a little tired and old if we stay for too long in the same position without progressing. So while you might have been vaguely aware that things have to change a little, the new year will provide the opportunity to actually do it. It might involve topping up your education, applying to new jobs, or selecting a new career altogether. 

 

Upgraded Home

 

The new year can also provide an opportunity to look at your living arrangements, and figure out if it’s really all that it could be. Of course, how you upgrade will depend on where you’re currently living. If you’ve not long left university and you’re still living like a student, then this might involve putting together a more adult space. Or it might involve moving out on your own if you’re still living with housemates. They can be super enjoyable to be around, but at some point, we all have to fly the safety of the nest and live on our own.

 

Getting Around

 

There are many things that can make us feel like we’ve arrived in adulthood, but some are more important than others. Where we live, outside above, is one. How we get around is another. If you’re forever relying on public transportation, rides from other people, or you’re driving around in a vehicle that you’re ashamed to be seen in, then this is a clear area where you can upgrade things in 2020. If you can’t yet drive, then your mission could be to pass your test. If you’re looking for a new vehicle, then you could look at the many Vauxhall new car offers that are available. You’ll definitely feel things are moving in the right direction once you’re riding around in your new set of wheels!

 

New Challenges 

 

Finally, you can look at making the forthcoming year one to remember by pushing yourself to try and experience new things. This might involve picking up a new hobby or joining a club, or taking a new kind of trip to somewhere exotic and exciting. It doesn’t matter what you do, actually, so long as you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone. It might not always be comfortable, but it will be worth it! 

 

Mistakes People Make When Looking After Their Car

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It does not matter what sort of vehicle you have, it is imperative that you look after it properly. After all, a car represents a considerable investment. The last thing you want is to throw your money down the drain because you have not looked after it properly. With that being said, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the biggest mistakes people make when looking after their vehicle so that you can avoid making the same errors.

Not having it serviced regularly – There is only one place to begin, and this is with not having your vehicle serviced on a regular basis. A lot of people do not do this because they think it is going to be a waste of money. They do not want to spend money on their car when there is nothing wrong with it. Nevertheless, if you simply wait and wait until something goes wrong, you are only going to end up spending more money in the process. With servicing, you can ensure that your car runs efficiently and that any problems are picked up on quickly before they turn into bigger and more expensive ones.

 

Getting Complacent Behind The Wheel 

 This is an obvious point but one that a lot of people have trouble with. It’s easy to become complacent on the road when you’ve been doing it for so long. This means treating the car like it’s invincible and also misbehaving on the road. Needing a car accident lawyer isn’t fun when you end up getting into a little trouble. The ultimate way of looking after your car is to simply not get into situations that could cause serious harm. 

Choosing cheap spare parts – Aside from not getting your vehicle serviced on a regular basis, you need to make sure that you replace car parts with genuine replicas. One of the biggest mistakes people make is replacing their vehicle parts with cheap alternatives, which can actually damage the vehicle. This is especially the case if you choose second hand parts that have not been created with the make and model of your car in mind. 

Believing your car is stronger than it really is – Something that newer drivers are guilty of. Because people think their car is a big and strong machine, it’s going to withstand most of what you throw at it. But when you start to dress up your car with alloy wheels and new bumpers, you’d better have that alloy wheel repair supplier on standby! Your car can save you in a crash, but even a little scratch could cost hundreds in repair fees. Your car is not invincible.

Not choosing a mechanic with care – Another mistake people make is failing to take the time to do their research when it comes to choosing a car mechanic. There are so many different mechanics available today, yet they do not all provide a service of a good standard. This is why you need to do your research, and the Internet can help with this. Make sure you check out independent review platforms so that you can read comments that have been left by others. By using independent review platforms, you can be sure that the comments left are genuine and that they have not been manufactured by the company themselves. 

As you can see, there are a number of different mistakes that people tend to make when it comes to looking after their vehicle. If you can avoid the mistakes that have been discussed in this blog post, you can give yourself the best chance of making sure that your car lasts for as long as possible and runs efficiently in the process.

Not starting their car properly in winter

If your car has a valid MOT then it either has electronic fuel injection or a battery (or both if it’s a hybrid). It doesn’t matter if your car is a used Pentagon Vauxhall or an ultra-modern, self-driving city smart car. Those are the only two options and neither of them benefits from leaving the engine idling “to warm up”.

If your car has electronic fuel injection, then the way to start it in winter is just to put it in gear and drive off slowly. Give it five minutes or so and then start building up the speed (keeping it safe obviously). After about 10 minutes or so, you should be able to hit your regular cruising speed.

If your car has a battery, then, in principle, you should just be able to turn it on and go. In practice, your best chance of this happening is to make sure that your battery is on the maximum charge. Winter means cold weather and cold weather drains batteries quickly. This means that you should take every possible opportunity to give your car battery a charge.

It’s also a smart move to ensure that you have something in your boot to help your car tyres to grip when you move off from stationary. If you live in an area with regular, heavy snow then proper snow chains are a good investment. Just make sure you’re clear on the law about using them. For everybody else, rubber mats or old carpet will usually get the job done.