Volkswagen and Skoda are offering New Zealand drivers a new way to improve life on the road. It’s via an App – application software – that can be download for smartphones from the VW or Skoda websites. Skoda was first to launch the the App, followed by VW a week or so later. Both brands – distributed here by European Motor Distributors – offer pretty much the same App … [Read more...] about Skoda and VW use digital App to improve life behind wheel
Tips & advice
Used import scams: luxury Audi a ‘worthless’ wreck
A man who bought a used import Audi A8 turned up at an Audi dealer in Auckland to tease salesman about the money he had saved on a comparable New Zealand-new example. A technician invited the fellow to have the luxury four-door plugged into a diagnostic computer to make sure everything was hunky-dory. The computer screen lit up. Oops! One, the airbags had been disconnected. … [Read more...] about Used import scams: luxury Audi a ‘worthless’ wreck
Tyres tell the truth about speed
At a driving school in Germany, the instructor was taking five volunteers through a slalom test in a front-drive car. The performance of each driver was videotaped and played back on a big screen at the end of each run. The first was at 35km/h. Two drivers skittled cones; we watched where they went wrong. "Turn the steering wheel with your forearms; don't wind it … [Read more...] about Tyres tell the truth about speed
Car checks: the POWDER rule
Road safety experts call it the POWDER check, where drivers can quickly check that their vehicle is roadworthy before leaving home, particularly if they are setting out on a journey. It is all a matter of planning ahead to avoid the unnecessary delay of a breakdown. POWDER is … Petrol – Make sure that you have enough for the journey and plan refuelling stops. Oil – … [Read more...] about Car checks: the POWDER rule
Kids and cars – don’t let squabbling children distract you
Following too close to the car in front limits the time you have to react. Leave a minimum gap of two seconds between you and them and you’ll be more able to spot hazards and keep your kids safe. On the motorway, if you can read the number plate of the car in front, you’re driving too close. Keep children occupied by introducing games that promote and reward quiet … [Read more...] about Kids and cars – don’t let squabbling children distract you