Tag: #cars

VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite First Look Vs VD70S

The VDIAGTOOL VD80BT LITE is a next-gen Bluetooth car diagnostic tool designed for professionals who demand high-end performance, broad vehicle compatibility, and deep system access. Equipped with advanced diagnostics, OE-level functions, and powerful hardware, this wireless scanner is your complete automotive diagnostic assistant. We will be testing this out over the coming weeks and will be back with a full hands on review.

Powered by Android 10 and a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, with 4+64GB of storage for smooth and efficient performance, VDIAGTOOL VD80BT Lite Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Tools also supports WIFI + wired connection for enhanced data transmission stability. The 8-inch 1280×800 HD touchscreen delivers a clear and intuitive display, while the 8MP rear camera allows for easy fault documentation and sharing, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The 5000mAh 7.3V high-capacity battery provides 36,500Wh of power, ensuring long-lasting performance for extended diagnostic sessions.

10,000+ Vehicle Coverage
➤Europe Cars: for DEMO, for VW, for MINI, for LANDROVER, for SEAT, for FERRARI, for FORD, for OPEL, for ALFA, for ROMEO, for VOLVO, for ABARTH, for SMART, for BMW, for FIAT, for LANCIA, for RENAULT, for ASTONMARTIN, for GAZ, for MASERATI, for MEREDES, for UAZ, for SKODA, for CITROEN, for DACIA, for AUDI, for JAGUAR, for PORSCHE, for PEUGEOT;

➤Russian Cars: For ZAZ, For IZH, For PAZ, For UAZ, For VAZ, For GAZ, For Lada….;

➤America Cars: for DEMO, for GM, for FORD, for CADILLAC, for CHEVROLET, for GMC, for HUMMER, for JEEP, for SATURN, for PONTIAC, for LINCOLN, for DODGE, for CHRYSLER, for BUICK;

➤Asia Cars: for Demo, for TOYOTA -LEXUS ,for ISUZU, for MAZDA, for KIA, for INFINITI, for ACURA, for NISSAN, for RENAILTSAM, for HYUNDAICY, for HYUNDAI, for HONDA, for SUBARU, for SUZUKI, for MITSUBISHI, for SSANGYONG;

➤Australia Cars: For Demo, for Ford, for Honda;

➤Brazilian Cars: For FIAT of Brazilian, For GM of Brazilian;

➤China Cars: for DEMO, for JAC, for CHERY, for GEELY, for GREAT WALL, for BYD, for LIFAN;

See the VD70S Review

BUY

Unboxing Video

Almost two-thirds of car TikToks are misleading

Now more than ever drivers are turning to TikTok for guidance and advice for all things relating to their cars. #CarTok has become a booming niche, with over 876 million videos around tips and hacks, interior trends and more for your vehicle [1].

With a growing number of #CarTok videos, Auto Trader, has analysed over 100 TikTok videos to determine whether the advice given should be followed by drivers or should be met with caution.

The #CarTok niches that should be met with caution

81% of car cleaning videos could lead to more damage to your vehicle

After analysing a sample of car cleaning related videos on TikTok, Auto Trader found that 81% contained tips which should not be followed as they could damage your vehicle.

Many of the ‘hack’ videos used household items like toothpaste or coconut oil to remove marks, while others advised drivers to use items such as a mop to clean the exterior of their car. In some cases, drivers were even advised to attach a toilet brush to a drill to remove dirt from their car mat. While drivers might find using common household objects to clean their cars appealing, Auto Trader advises people to always use specialist products to avoid potential damage from harsh chemicals or unsuitable objects.

90% of car repair videos should be met with caution 

TikTok searches for “car repairs” reach a staggering 365,000 searches each month, as an increasing number of drivers are turning to TikTok for help with their vehicles [2]. Many of the car repair videos analysed were from mechanics showing how to professionally fix damages such as car scratches or how to perform a car service. While these videos offer practical advice, these hacks shouldn’t be followed if you are inexperienced as it could lead to more damage in the long run.

The #CarTok niches with the most helpful advice

72% of car maintenance tips are helpful to drivers 

Many drivers may not understand the preventative maintenance checks they can do regularly to spot any issues ahead of time, with drivers increasingly turning to TikTok for advice on car maintenance.

Auto Trader’s research found that 72% of car maintenance videos are helpful to drivers. Many of these TikTok videos were created by professionals offering accurate, detailed and useful advice. Some tips included how to check your shock absorbers, prepping your vehicle for colder weather conditions and how to check your oil and tyre pressure.

68% of driving tips videos are helpful, especially for learner drivers

TikTok is known for its short form content, allowing complex information to be condensed into more manageable chunks. Many of the videos around driving tips are targeted towards learner drivers. 68% of these videos offer practical advice for learner drivers and are often created by driving instructors. They provide practical tips ahead of your driving test or how to know when you’re ready to take your test.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader comments: “TikTok is becoming one of the go-to search engines, offering inspiration and education content from experienced creators. But drivers should be wary as many videos on TikTok are intended to shock audiences and to gain traction and engagement. We found that a staggering 59% of the videos offer advice that is not recommended to drivers and could potentially leave your vehicle with more damage if followed.”

Lease vehicle owners should be cautious of car hacks they see online. While these tips might offer quick, cost-effective solutions, they can lead to further damage that your lease agreement won’t cover. Although maintenance packages within your lease agreement cover basic wear and tear, drivers are advised to consult professionals to avoid any unexpected charges at the end of their agreement.

Drivers of electric vehicles more likely to be at fault in road traffic crashes than drivers of petrol and diesel cars

Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to be involved in at-fault road traffic accidents than drivers of petrol and diesel cars, a study by researchers at Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, and University of Limerick reveals.

In a paper to be published in November in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, the Lero researchers analysed insurance claims and data from onboard sensors and revealed a number of key findings:

  • Electric and hybrid drivers exhibit different behaviours than drivers of traditional vehicles.
  • Electric vehicles record more at-fault claims than traditional vehicles.
  • Electric vehicles are 6.7% more expensive to repair than traditional vehicles.

Lero researcher and co-director of the Centre of Emerging Risk Studies the Kemmy Business School, Dr Barry Sheehan, said EV drivers have a higher chance of experiencing an at-fault claim than drivers of cars with internal combustion engines (ICE).

“Our research finds that despite their lower average mileage than internal combustion engines, lower road exposure for EV drivers does not reduce their risk of experiencing an at-fault insurance claim. When analysing at-fault claims, we find a 4 % increase in crashes from EVs and a 6 % increase for hybrids (HYBs) compared to internal combustion engines.

“However, when tested with statistical models, hybrids do not display any further concerns of increased at-fault claim risk. These results indicate that EVs have a higher risk profile than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

“Our research shows drivers’ driving behaviour changes significantly when switching to hybrids or EVs. These results mean EVs are more likely to experience an at-fault claim than internal combustion engines,” added Dr Sheehan, Associate Professor in Risk and Finance at UL.

Lero researcher and lead author Kevin McDonnell said their analysis of each fuel type shows that EVs and hybrids have lower average mileages than internal combustion engines.

“This suggests that internal combustion engines should have a higher probability of incurring an at-fault claim than alternate energy fuel-type vehicles. However, the claims data contradicts this assumption by providing evidence of increased at-fault claim occurrences in EVs through predictive modelling and risk analysis,” he added.

Lero’s Professor Finbarr Murphy, Executive Dean of the Kemmy Business School at UL and co-author said that, given the increased likelihood of incurring an at-fault insurance claim with less mileage, significant first-party damages, and battery costs, alternative energy vehicles are riskier and have a higher financial burden than petrol and diesel cars.

The study used telematic data from 125 million commercial fleet vehicle trips involving 14,642 vehicles recorded from January 2022 to October 2022 in the Netherlands. It also used an insurance claims dataset during the same period.

Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, is based at University of Limerick and funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland. 

The paper is co-authored by Lero and UL’s Kevin McDonnell, Dr Barry Sheehan and Professor Finbarr Murphy as well as Professor Montserrat Guillen of Universitat de Barcelona and is available to read in full at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457524003063?via%3Dihub

Bolt and Snapchat reimagine cities without parked cars in new AR collaboration

Global mobility company Bolt has partnered with Snapchat to create a new Lens that gives every person the power to reimagine their city by visualising urban spaces with fewer parked cars in real time using augmented reality (AR).

The new Lens, which is called P.E.O.P.L.E. (Parked Environment Optimisation for Public Land Enhancement), recognises parked cars and turns them into environments built for people, such as outdoor cafés, cycling lanes and green spaces, and is available to millions of Snapchatters worldwide. It’s the world’s first augmented reality lens that detects cars and replaces them with people-friendly places with a single tap.

The Lens forms part of Bolt’s newest pan-European brand campaign “Feels Like Home”, which encourages people to aspire towards better urban environments with less congestion by highlighting how cities should feel like an extension of your living room, rather than a space for cars.

As the urban populations grow and cities are battling with rising transport emissions and congestion, shared mobility – including shared taxis, bikes and scooters – can help people switch away from using private cars by increasing connectivity to public transport and catering to people’s different mobility needs. Bolt offers taxis on demand in Dublin and Cork, and shared electric bike rental in Sligo, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Bray.

Research from the Tallinn-based firm revealed that only one-quarter of Irish drivers believe they are likely to give up their car in the next five years. Over half (54.55%) of the 1000 drivers that responded cited the overall expense of running a car as a potential reason for giving it up, whilst 52.35% mentioned rising fuel costs as a motivating factor.

A recent consumer survey from McKinsey found that nearly 50% of people are willing to swap private cars for different transport in the next decade, and almost 30% aim to use micromobility or shared mobility more in the coming decade. Bolt’s research also confirms that 63% of people believe shared mobility (ride-hailing, e-scooters, e-bikes, and car sharing) decreases the necessity for owning private cars.

Liisa Ennuste, a creative strategist at Bolt, said: “For decades, cities have prioritised cars over pedestrians, bikes and scooters. This is reflected in the space distribution in cities where more than 60% of urban areas are reserved for cars instead of pedestrians and infrastructure for more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

“Many cities have realised that and are moving away from a car-first mindset by building cycling roads, supporting micromobility, and turning parking spaces into small parklets. Our collaboration with Snapchat is a reminder of how cities can be improved by creating more spaces for people, not cars.”

Poli Dor, Head of Central & Eastern Europe Business Solutions at Snap, commented: “We’re really excited about our work with Bolt, not least because this project helps us to showcase AR’s ability to imagine and promote a more sustainable way of living. We have over 397 million daily active users on Snapchat, so to bring this type of creativity to our platform can have a massive impact, and can help educate people to make more informed lifestyle decisions, like how they get around their city.”

In addition to the Snapchat app, the Feels Like Home campaign will be activated across many other channels, including social media and OOH.

Feels Like Home is the latest Bolt campaign which highlights the potential for cities to be improved if more urban space was devoted to people and infrastructure for shared mobility options like ride-hailing, e-scooters and e-bikes, which reduce the need for owning a private car. Bolt’s suite of products offers viable alternatives to private car ownership: ride-hailing seeks to replace the need for owning a private car, while e-scooters and e-bikes are perfect for shorter journeys, and Bolt Drive can be used for longer journeys where ride-hailing is not suitable.

In past campaigns like Cities For People, Not Cars, Bolt has highlighted how urban environments have been transformed, showcasing historic photos of European landmarks filled with cars and newer photos from the same locations showing fewer cars and more space for people

Auto Loan Solutions: How To Buy a Car Online?

Purchasing the car of your dreams might be expensive, but different financial institutions make it easier for you by providing auto loans. Auto loans are usually offered by the banks and other lenders, with a specific interest rate percentage that has to be given back with the installments of the original amount.

Interest rates may vary from lender to lender, so you have to complete your research before opting for one. Unfortunately, this research might take days and a ton of effort before you can conclude it. This is where auto loan comparison websites come in handy. 

Comparison websites surely make the process of buying a car with an auto loan much more convenient, and it can also save your precious time while doing so. Moreover, the next step after choosing the ideal auto loan option for you, you have to find good car insurance. For this, there are specific insurance comparison websites where you can compare car insurance and select the best option for you. 

A step-by-step guide on how to buy a car online with an auto loan is given below.

Budgeting

Setting your budget accordingly is the first and foremost step in the process of buying a car online. You have to carefully determine the budget that you can spend on the new car that you are planning to buy. You can set your budget while keeping your current assets, monthly income, liabilities, and everyday expenses in mind.

 

Narrowing Down Your Options

Once you have set your budget, you can only move further in the process by selecting the car you can buy in the set price range. You may find several versions of the same cars online, so you just have to skim through the characteristics you need in your car and select an option.

Almost all car manufacturers have a breakdown of the specifications of all their vehicles on their websites. You just have to narrow down your options here so you can finally select the model of car that suits your needs the best. Comparing the specs side by side can make this process easier for you. Moreover, don’t forget to find customer reviews from people already using the car.

 

Auto Loan Comparison

As stated before, there are various loan companies providing several kinds of auto loans. Of course, you have to compare the options for car loans in Brisbane and check the interest rates being charged by all of them. But before this, you have to decide the time in which you are planning to pay back the loan.

Once you have a clearer picture of your budget and the payback period, you can compare the options thoroughly. The best thing is you have several options to compare car loans for free online. You just have to provide your budget and payback time to the website, which can show you all of the options you have on the table.

Pre-approved Auto Loan

Pre-approval of an auto loan always speeds up the process of buying your dream car. Contrary to this, the in-person car buying process can take up to days, if not weeks, as you have to find the exact car you want, spend precious time negotiating the price, and get quotations from the financial institutions.

For a pre-approval of an auto loan, the lender usually reviews your credit report thoroughly. This is done to determine the loan and interest rate you would have to pay over it with the type of installment plan you are willing to opt for. For this, you have to maintain a good credit score by paying your bills on time.

Another plus point for having a pre-approval loan letter is that you can then also leverage it by checking if any other company can provide an auto loan at a better rate than the pre-approved one.

Finding the Car Online

Once you have the pre-approved auto loan, you can easily search for the perfect car online. For this, various search engines are available online with the best options. Also, most of the dealerships have updated websites where you can check their inventory and the prices they offer.

With this, several dealerships provide their financing options for you as well. You can check their financing options as well to make a well-informed decision. This ensures that you have plenty of options online, taking into consideration that you are not experiencing an internet breakdown and looking out for an overview of internet problems.

 

 

Buy Your Car and Drive Away

By following the steps described above, you can easily find your dream car online and drive away in style. The most important step that you have to ensure is to get pre-approval for the auto loan, as it provides you with much more ease while finding the best car option that suits all your needs. 

With a pre-approved loan, you don’t have any constant worry hanging on your head for any unexpected turn of events.

 

Tech Review – CLCKR car mount review. #CLCKR #Tech

Car accessories are in no shortage and phone mounts are the most popular with many on sale today, CLCKR is a brand that makes such yet integrate their products so they can be used in more way than one. The car mount is one such product this one being one you attach to your car vent which I have to say never have been a huge fan of due to vents being broken in the past but they have got better over the years it must be said.

CLCKR stand and grip
CLCKR wallet and stand

CLCKR’s Prong Car Mount securely attaches to most standard air vents on a vehicle’s dashboard — allowing drivers to quickly view their device for GPS directions. The mount uses a simple yet effective magnetic design featuring an innovative money-style silver clip which slides onto the user’s existing CLCKR case or Universal grip and stays securely in place until removed. The CLCKR clip then magnetically attaches to the mount clipped onto the vehicle’s air vent. This new, slim design eliminates the need for sticky or bulky magnets and offers the user a removable solution. The Prong Mount will retail for £14.99.

CLCKR car mount

For vehicles without traditional air vents, the CLCKR 3M Car Mount features a heavy-duty sticky side that allows the mount to be securely attached to the dashboard, without leaving behind any sticky residue.

5 Ways Technology Can Keep You Safe in Your Car

This Blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days when seat belts and airbags were the height of car safety.  Even though these are still very important aspects of car safety, nowadays, with technology so advanced, there are more and more safety features built into our cars.  Here, An Post Insurance look at five of the latest advances in technology that may help keep us safer in our cars.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

It’s not always easy to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure you’re staying within the speed limits. Ford.com offer three different ACC options beyond the usual Cruise Control.

Ford explains that their ACC with Stop-and-Go not only lets you keep a set speed, but it also helps you keep a defined distance from the vehicle in front of you. It’ll even come to a complete stop if needed.

Ford tells us you can also add Lane Centering which detects lane markings on the road to keep your vehicle securely in your lane. Ford’s 3rd option is Intelligent ACC, which adds speed sign recognition that automatically adjusts the set speed of your vehicle to the posted limit. This should help to keep drivers safely within the speed limit, reducing risk and helping avoid penalty points too!

Automatic Emergency Braking

This technology aims to reduce potential collisions on the road. Renault Ireland call it their Active Emergency Braking System. The system alerts the driver to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds and takes control of braking if the driver doesn’t appear to react, aiming to help avoid a collision with other road users.

For those looking to enhance both safety and performance, combining advanced braking systems with lowering springs can improve the car’s handling, offering better stability during emergency stops. These modifications not only lower the center of gravity but also complement modern safety features like emergency braking for a more secure driving experience.

Rear View Camera

Rear view cameras are not only handy for parking, guiding the driver neatly into their spot, but they could also help prevent children and animals from being accidentally injured. Citroën Ireland explains that their reversing camera shows the area behind the car once the car goes into reverse. The picture appears on the main cabin screen and displays different colours to show how close objects are to your vehicle. 

Blind Spot Detection

The blind spot detection technology available from Renault Ireland works to help prevent crashes or collisions. It lights up an LED in the mirror letting you know there’s a vehicle approaching in your blind spot, so you don’t drive out and risk a possible collision.

Safety Exit Assist

The Safety Exit Assist System is very clever and is ideal for a family car. When reviewing the Hyundai Sante Fe, CarsIreland.ie explains that this feature aims to stop kids from opening the back doors onto oncoming traffic and cyclists by locking them when it senses objects approaching. It could be particularly useful during school drop-offs, when cars, pedestrians and cyclists are moving in close proximity to each other. Just one small way to make those busy mornings a little safer, and a lot less stressful. 

All of these new technological advances can make you feel safer on your journey. For further protection, find a great value car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.

One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post.

This blog post is not intended as an advertisement for any of the brands or websites mentioned. All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of An Post Insurance. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and if you click on links to these websites you will be subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Tech review and giveaway. NONDA ZUS smart vehicle health monitor. #NONDA #ZUS #Motoring

The NONDA ZUS smart vehicle health monitor is a handy tool to have in your vehicle and the company is giving away 2 MILLION of these OBD kits, We are also giving one away to our viewers in Ireland with FREE postage, to win just like and subscribe to our channel via the full video below. I have tested this device on two vehicles I have and it works great and this can save you money in the long run, the app is excellent and easy to navigate and we go through all this in the video below.

Anyone can claim one of these for free but you must pay for the postage costs there is 2 million up for grabs so your chances are good to claim one check out the video for more on how it works and how to claim and also win a free one here in Ireland.

ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY: 

  • nonda is giving away 2 million devices as part of their “Tech Up, Drive Safer” campaign. • The accompanying iOS and Android apps are free as well. 
  • The device retails for $59.99. 
  • People who claim a free device are responsible for shipping costs. 

o  $14.82 for US – UPS first-class shipping with tracking – 3-5 day delivery period. 

  • The device should work on all cars (US and international) with an OBD II Port, which includes most cars  manufactured after 1996 as well as electric vehicles. 

• People can enter their car’s year, make, and model to check if it’s compatible on your giveaway page. • If the device doesn’t work, refunds for the shipping fee are available via nonda’s customer service. • Nonda is headquartered in Mountain View, CA and was founded in 2014.

See our You Tube channel for local giveaway…

CLAIM HERE 

Hydrogen fuel cells are being dubbed the fuel of the future. So how does a hydrogen car work? #Motoring #Hydrogen

Hydrogen cars are being called the fuel of the future. So how do they work? 

Unlike gasoline-powered cars, hydrogen vehicles (H2) use hydrogen fuel to power the motor. This hydrogen fuel is produced through a REDOX process that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. 

Similar to a gas-powered car, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in about 5 minutes and can travel 300-400 miles before they need to be refueled. Because the hydrogen cells emit only water and heat, driving a hydrogen vehicle eliminates concerns around air pollutants and greenhouse gases. 

Because hydrogen vehicles will need their own refueling stations, the biggest obstacle facing mass production is infrastructure. Despite these hesitations, major automobile manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and Mercedes are investing big in the technology. By 2030, the U.S. plans to have 1 million hydrogen vehicles on the road.  

To learn more about hydrogen fuel cell stacks generate electricity, check out this visual from The Zebra below! 

https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-do-hydrogen-cars-work/