Welcome to the May N.N newsletter!
This month's newsletter is vehicle related. Most of us own one maybe two cars each. We depend on them, they are getting more expensive to run but could we give them up? Probably not! Read on..
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Our Driving Experience is Changing Most of us either own a car or have access to a car. Many of us depend on the car which is generally the reason we have one and some of us really enjoy the motoring element in our life. As time goes on the types of vehicles on our roads have been changing. For the purpose of this article we can group the cars on the road today into three categories: eco, luxury and classic. |
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A change in disposable income and fuel prices, has resulted in an increase in consumers who are now switching to smaller engine economical 'eco' vehicles. There is an increasing abundance of later registered small cars and hybrids which make economical sense and aid to negate the environmental impact issues we have today. Generally being less expensive to run, savings can be made on road tax and being lower insurance grouped vehicles, some reductions in insurance premiums can be gained. It could be said that it has become 'trendy' and 'cool' to own a 'green' car. Most manufacturers now have models to accommodate this sector and competition will become fierce as demand for these types of vehicle increase. |
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Albeit a decrease in numbers, luxury cars harnessing larger engines, opulent interiors and not being over friendly on their fuel consumption are still being purchased. These vehicles are generally owned by those fortunate consumers that have not been affected by the recession. These consumers predominantly enjoy motoring and their vehicle ownership habits will probably not change This is good news for the car industry who will still be able to produce lavish transport, making enough profit to operate and therefore keep workers in employment. |
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Owning a classic motor which is generally older than the majority of mainstream cars on our roads has been a pleasurable pastime or hobby for enthusiastic owners. Usually the classics are the second car and infrequently adorn the roads on a sunny day or weekend. Sadly due to reasons such as reduced income, loss of employment, or even storage facilities, many have now owners sold their vehicles. Classic car ownership includes vehicles of all ages, engine size and global origin. A decrease in numbers on the road have been caused by changes in legislation with regards to tougher emission thresholds. If you own a thirsty V8 powered American car, enjoy owning and driving it today because in not many years from now, a lot of classic cars will be banned and resigned to museums and anecdotes from the older generation. |
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10 Essential Motoring Tips
1. Service Your Car.
The warmer weather may find any faults at an inconvenient time! Check your fluid levels and tyre pressures.
2. Join a Breakdown Service.
If you are not a member of a rescue service, you should seriously consider joining one. It's an expense that will pay for itself especially if you breakdown on a motorway and have to be towed off.
3. Check your Spare Tyre.
If you get a puncture, you will need the spare. It will be no good for use if its illegal or missing! Check the air level - its probably lower than the useable pressure. Always top-up 5-10psi more as some tyres loose air over time. You can always let some air out if you need to use it.
4. Give your Partner the Spare Key.
If they haven't got the spare already have your partner put it in on their bunch of keys. If you lose your keys and your partner's not far away you can get out of trouble. A forced entry would be possible but most cars have immobilisers built-in now.
5. Save Fuel.
Keep the windows closed if you have enough airflow in the car. This will dramatically reduce your drag and save fuel especially on the motorway.
6. Plan Your Route.
If you are travelling to new destinations, check on the map before you go even if you have a Sat Nav. Take the map with you too - it will never fail you.
7. Take a Break.
Stop at least every two hours on a long journey. Have some refreshments. Stretch your legs. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of the motorway. Come off at a convenient exit instead.
8. Medically Prepare.
Carry a first-aid kit, insect bite cream and sun tan lotion with you so that you are not caught out when you venture out for the day.
9. Survival Policy.
If you breakdown in a remote location, become lost or stranded in a storm or the snow, having a map, water, food and a fully charged mobile phone could mean a difference in life and death in extreme conditions.
10. Share Responsibility.
If there are two drivers and you have a long journey, then share the drive. Your concentration levels will be better and you will both fresher and wont become bored with the journey. If you are travelling with children, then either take turns to entertain them or make sure they items or games to keep them busy. |
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What Bank Robbery?
[by: a car related reader's anecdote]
A few years ago my brother needed to pop into town to draw some money from a high street bank in The Drapery in Northampton town centre. As parking availability wasn't great, he asked me if I could wait outside in his car while he went in.
We drove down The Drapery and stopped outside the bank, I jumped into the driving seat while he went into the bank. There is a busy bus stop right outside the bank doorway so every few minutes I edged the car forward a few yards to let the buses visit their stops and then rolled it back again so that I could see in the doorway of the bank to see if my brother was coming. I didn't want to remain outside there too long due to the traffic wardens in the area.When he came out the bank, I moved over to the passenger seat, he jumped in and we drove fairly briskly away to avoid any wardens. We drove to my then home in East Hunsbury. Whilst driving down Penvale Road just past the Mereway Tescos, all of a sudden a marked police car with lights flashing overtook us and t-boned us at the front of the car forcing my brother to brake sharply. Another car came up behind which turned out to be an unmarked police car. Uniformed police jumped out of their car and told us to get out. They asked where we had been and where we were going. They then separated us and asked a string of questions. The plain clothes officers searched the inside and boot of my brothers car. We were then asked to empty our pockets and were subsequently frisked for presumably weapons or anything that was illegal. Whilst this was going on, some East Hunsbury residents walked by, cars drove by and a bus full of passengers also looked at us standing on the pavement in discussion with the Police. This was becoming embarrassing and we felt like criminals. After some time and some discussions between officers, radio conversations and a phone call to the bank in question, it was explained that our movements in The Drapery outside the bank earlier were seen on CCTV and as it looked very suspicious, therefore the Police followed us in two cars. My brother's car was registered at his address in London as he lived there which didn't help! They suspected us of robbing the bank! Once the misunderstanding was realised, they handed us each an incident slip explaining that we had we stopped on suspicion of bank robbery! From then on, I always park in a car park or space and walk into the bank! |
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FREE Discount Card
Local discounts & online cashback. Money off products around town. Large brands including: Tesco, Comet, Boots, Halfords, Next & HMV. read more> |
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Personalized Gifts
The Northants.net shop has a range of gifts, bags, clothing & accessories that are personalized to the area you live in, like Wootton, Grange Park, Milton Malsor, NN3, NN7 etc. Alternatively personalize them yourself! visit shop> |
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Business For Sale Sandwich van or the complete business! The round is based in Northampton but could easily be set up anywhere. Van @ £11,500 + VAT or the business: Including the van, established round, website, storage fridge and freezer, contacts and valuable advice! £14,500 + VAT - the cheapest established round on eBay! we paid more than that for just the van 6 months ago! Remember if you go VAT registered you can claim the vat back on the van! Firstly the van:Here for sale is our sandwich van, the front is a low mileage Peugeot partner in very good condition. The oven, chiller and whole back was fitted six months ago and was all brand new at the time. |
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Silverstone The first race at the famous Silverstone motor racing circuit in the Northamptonshire village of Silverstone, was a race setup by some friends in September 1947.
Silverstone circuit was previously an airfield inhabited by RAF Silverstone. in 1948, the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) leased the airfield and constructed a more formal racing circuit.
It is best known as the home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948 and which has been held on the circuit every year since 1987. |
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Business Forum
Register, discuss topics and promote your business for free online at the Northamptonshire Business Forum. www.northants.biz >
Northants Advertising Advertise your business here in the Newsletter. details> Promote yourself over all 19 Northamptonshire postal code NN1-18,29 websites such as www.nn1.co.uk >
Website Development Do you require a new website or website rebuild? Would you like to easily manage your products & services yourself? A database driven bespoke Content Management System can be designed for YOUR needs. read more> |
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Home Security
Going away on holiday? Leaving your home unattended? Do you have laptops and flat screen TV's in your house?
Next month will are covering Home Security and Alarm Systems. Protect your home! |
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