A Unique Concept - Gift Sent From Heaven

An amazing new concept that I have recently come across. I recently required the services from a lady called Laura Helen, She runs a company that writes Eulogies.

A close friend passed recently and I was asked if I would do the Eulogy, This I thought of course, it would be an honour, I knew it was going to be difficult, but of course. 

I had been searching the internet for ideas of what sort of stuff to include, and how to word it.

I am not a public speaker nor am I a writer, but I wanted something that I could read aloud that would do my friend justice.

Gifts Sent From Heaven.com 

Catchy, the name got me thinking and I checked this site out. They have got a few Eulogy options,  I chose the £50 package, I wasn't in a rush and they said 3-5 days. They do have a 2 day deadline (excuse the pun) for £30, but I had plenty of time. They delivered in 4 days, so gave me time to practice.

It started with a Skype call with Laura Helen, very friendly and pleasant, she asked about me, my friend, our relationship, what he liked to do, hobbies etc. It lasted about 30 minutes, it really helped me actually, talking to someone that didn't know us, reminiscing with the things we got up to, asking about me. Very supportive.

Then 4 days later she emailed me the Eulogy, it was amazing she had managed to get everything in there, the bit when we were kids, what we would get up to, about his family, I hadn't realised how much information I had given her. It was very well written and easy for me to read. She also said if there was anything that I wanted changing to just let her know and she would change it around.

My friends Mum thanked me and couldn't believe I could come up with something that good. She said the family was very moved.

Gifts Sent From Heaven.com

That wasn't the best bit.

She also organises gifts for people who know they are about to pass, it wouldn't of helped my friend as he passed quite suddenly, but the elderly or terminally ill, would be impressed with what she does.

She talks with you, about you, your relationships, your loved ones that are going to miss you dearly,  and come up with ideas that will help the heart ache of your loved ones when you have passed, to let them know that you are still thinking of them and that its OK to get on with their life's.

She says about a letter or poem to arrive shortly after you have passed, or a bunch of flowers on an wedding anniversary or birthday, or special gift that they know only you would buy for them.

I know my friends wife would love something like that, or his mum or even me, a special bottle of Cider that we used to drink, turn up one Saturday. Saying "Cheers, have a drink on me" Wow how awesome that would be.

I cant say I have seen anything like this before, but wish her the best of luck.

Gifts Sent From Heaven.com what an amazing concept, a truly original idea.

6 checks for your car this Summer

So its that time of year again! Holiday season, and with the huge recession many of us are choosing to stay in the UK and driving to our holiday destination.

 

Before the long drive, going on holiday you should definitely do some simple checks for your car this Summer.

This will help hugely reduce the chance of  a breakdown, also piece of mind to know your not only safe but legal.

The best thing to do is have your car serviced before hand and any little jobs doing at your local garage it will save you  holiday time and spending money.

There is nothing worse whilst on holiday than trying to find a reputable garage that you can take your car to, and then being without your car while you are wanting to take in the local sites.

If you are going to do the checks yourself, here are 6 checks for your car this Summer.

 

First of course is Tyres:-   

 

Check your tyre pressures (not forgetting the spare tyre) are at the correct setting, not forgetting the extra load you will be carrying or, possibly towing.

Refer to you owners manual for the correct settings.

Remember to do this when the tyres are cold, not after distance of more than 5 miles.

 

This helps you ensure better grip, less tyre wear and will be more fuel efficient.

Check all your tyres for any cuts or damage to the sidewalls.

 

If you have locking wheel nuts fitted to your vehicle do ensure the key removal kit is in safely in the car just in case.

 

Your Levels:-

 

Oil: Check the level using the dipstick and top up if needed, carry a litre of spare oil if you can for top-ups. If the car is due an oil change it’s worth getting it done before you go away.

The engine will run more efficiently and reduces the risk of you damaging the engine.

 

Water: Check the coolant level and top if it is needed,

but do this only when the engine is cold.

 

Power steering:- make sure that the fluid is filled up to  the correct level. Top up if needed using hydraulic fluid you may need to refer to your car handbook.

 

Windscreen:-

 

Wiper blades and screen wash, always start your journey with a nice clean windscreen, also check for any chips or cracks and get them repaired or replaced asap.

Check your wipers are in good condition and make sure they are clean. If they are worn or dirty they will smear your windscreen instead of clearing it.

Ensure you top up your screen washer bottle, with screen wash not just water, as baked on bugs are hard to clear, and ensure the jets are working correctly and hitting the screen evenly.

 

Lights:-

 

Check all your lights are working and clean, Side lights front and back, dip beam, main beam, indicators front and back, brake, reverse not forgetting hazards and fog lights. Carry spare bulbs with you, in the glove box or side pocket, some where that you can get to the easily enough with your car fully loaded with your luggage.

   

Roof racks and bike carriers:-

 

Roof racks are a smart way of taking your belongings out of the car, giving your passengers more space and reducing the risk of your belongings being thrown around inside the car especially if you need to make an emergency stop. Ensure they are securely and correctly fitted.

 

Fuel:-

 

This sounds obvious but Ensure that you have enough fuel at all times. Running out of fuel is the most common reasons for the breakdown services being called out. Also it is bad for your engine and very embarrassing, do not wait until the next services.

 

Now that you have done the 6 checks for your car this Summer there maybe extra items you may need if travelling abroad.

 

If your lucky enough to be driving abroad there are a few different rules, most European countries insist you carry spare bulbs, a warning triangle and a high visibility jacket. Others require you to carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Documents to take when driving abroad

• Valid full (not provisional) driving licence
• Driving licence paper counterpart - if you have a photo card licence
• An International Driving Permit (when necessary)
• Vehicle registration document (V5c) - the original not a copy
• Motor insurance certificate
• Passport

You must ensure you have the right insurance cover and if you are in a leased or rented car you will need a VE103 form from the registered keeper

hope this helps you to have a pleasant and safe journey.

 

Happy Holidays!

Check out for more information.

 

Diesel engines and brake pedal creep

The MOT test.

If a vacuum servo is fitted, then with the engine off, repeatedly apply the service brake to totally deplete the stored vacuum.

Fully apply the brake and hold at a constant pressure and check whether the pedal can be felt to travel further when the engine is started.

Reason for failure,

• No dip can be felt when the engine is started, indicating vacuum assistance is not working satisfactorily.
• sponginess indicating air in the hydraulic system.
• The pedal tends to creep down while held under pressure

Vehicles with high servo boost

1. Where possible check the brake fluid level in the reservoir then pump the brake pedal several times and check that the fluid level  in the reservoir is unchanged, this will test whether there is fluid loss caused by a leak somewhere in the hydraulic system present.

Urgent attention is required if regular top up of fluid is needed - because this indicates a leak

 2. With the stored vacuum depleted ensure the pedal is not spongy or does not creep.  If there is no loss of fluid, the problem will be caused by fluid being forced past a worn seal or a valve. This could happen in the master cylinder, ABS valve block, or pressure regulator valve.

 

 3. With servo assistance, fully depress the pedal, if pedal goes down and touches the floor a master cylinder or servo could be the problem. On a single circuit system (one outlet pipe), the fault is likely to be in the master cylinder. Pedal creep (with no loss of fluid) is unusual with tandem (twin circuit) master cylinders; but it may happen.

The answer is to strip down the cylinder and check for damaged or contaminated seals or

corrosion of the cylinder bore strip down and rectify. It may be necessary to replace the cylinder.

 

 

Diesel engines and brake pedal creep

However.

Vehicles with petrol engines uses the inlet manifold to generate the vacuum for servo assistance.

Larger vehicles such as vans and 4x4s with diesel engines usually use a pump to generate the vacuum, Unlike the inlet manifold of a petrol engine, there is no vacuum relief with a pump. If excessive pedal pressure is applied when the vehicle is stationary (and the engine is running) as required for the MOT test the hydraulic pressure required to stop the vehicle will be grossly exceeded and fluid will be forced past seals that are between circuits.

The rare occurrence is known as diesel creep; and it is often incorrectly diagnosed as being caused by a faulty master cylinder.

The solution is to stop applying the excessive pressure.

If you can get the brake pedal to creep with the engine switched off and servo exhausted,
or actually under braking there is a serious problem that requires urgent attention!

A road test maybe an option to satisfy yourself, but if in doubt give the benefit of the doubt to the vehicle presenter.

Diesel engines and brake pedal creep

Buying Part worn Tyres and Car Tyre Safety

To keep your vehicle safe when it is time to buy car tyres, this is something that you should think about. Buying part worn tyres from a vehicle recyclers could be putting your life and the lives of your family at risk.

Part worn tyres are tyres that have been previously used, some tyre dealers remove tyres from a car and fit new tyres and the tyres that were removed as long as they have more than 2mm of tread, put into a pile to re-sell on as a partworn tyre, unknown to them the life the tyre has endured.

Buying Part worn Tyres and Car Tyre Safety Explained

This wheel and tyre was in an accident, as you can see from the image it has had a heavy impact to the wheel and tyre, the vehicle was written off causing major damage to the drivers side front. The bumper, offside front wing, bonnet, shock absorber, brake pipe and wheel was damaged.

As you can see from the picture the wheel has a large crack and a piece of the alloy wheel missing, but the tyre is inflated and only a minor bulge is showing and this is only where the part of the wheel is missing. If the tyre were inflated to the highest pressure on a good wheel then this tyre would show no signs of bulging.




Broken Alloy Wheel but is the tyre safe.

This is a premium brand tyre with 5mm of tread and once deflated would show no signs of sidewall damage. If you were to Buy this part worn tyre from a vehicle recyclers it would be sold for £25.00. A cheap car tyre, unless you know where it came from.

Are Part Used Tyres Safe?

The sale of part used / worn tyres is controlled by The Motor Vehicle Tyres Regulations 1994 act, which is part of the Consumer Protection Act . Check it out.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/3117/regulation/7/made

Like everything you buy used, there is always an element of risk buying something that is not new. Many people commented that Buying Part Worn tyres are not safe, that they should not be allowed to be sold, but what about used cars? When you buy a used car, they have tyres on that have been used?

Used cars have used tyres and unless you buy from a reputable dealer your not going to know the history of the tyres and if they have been in an accident or not, but you are unlikely to be buying your car from a vehicle recyclers, where this is more likely to happen.

When buying car tyres take the guess work out and the remove the element of risk. Always buy new, a quality budget tyre will keep the pricing down and ensure you are fully safe.

Buying Part worn Tyres and Car Tyre Safety

Parking your Car for your Summer Vacation

A) Do you get a lift from a friend who borrows your car? With the journey being done 4 times, ( so your friend can get back home, and then pick you up again.) With the fuel cost going up and up this may not seem viable.

B) Do you get the bus or train? Carring your heavy luggage on the bus or train, with changes and transfers. Summer usually means hot weather, so a hot and sticky bus with 50 or so strangers is not my ideal way to start a holiday.

OR

C) Do you pay a reasonable price to pay for your car to be parked securely at an airport?

Purple Parking, the UK’s largest airport parking operator, has specialised in car parking for the business and leisure travel market for over 25 years. With over 25 different airports to choose from, you are sure to find a parking place just for you.

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Do I need to service my Car?

What is the difference between an MOT and a service.

An MOT is a basic test and checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum legal requirements for the items required to be tested under section 45 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

It does not tell you how long your vehicle will continue to meet these minimum requirements. Therefore, you may still be prosecuted for driving an unroad-worthy vehicle before the end of the current test certificate. You should continue to maintain your vehicle to ensure that it will always pass an MOT.

Brakes are not checked for condition, only an efficiency test is carried out. If alloy wheels are fitted and the tester can see the brake pads through the wheels and the pads are below 1.5mm then this shall be reason for a fail because they are too low, but if they can not be seen through the wheel then a 0.5mm pad will still pass the MOT, even though that it is getting dangerously close to running out of brake pad material. Brake discs will fail if any signs of cracks or covered in oil or brake fluid.

Remember the wheels are not removed for the MOT test.

Just because your vehicle passes the MOT it does not mean that your brakes are in good condition.

A service is a more in depth check, its not a simple changing of the oil and filters etc, any advisories that would be mentioned with your MOT will be rectified, ensuring that your vehicle meets a high standard, to ensure you will stay safe and legal rather than only the minimum legal requirements being met.  The wheels will be removed, checking the brake discs and pads thoroughly and on some rear brakes the brake drum and shoes cleaned, inspected and adjusted.

Below is an image of a brake pad which had just passed the MOT, luckily the vehicle was in for a service and MOT. As you can see there is very little pad material left, the edges of the pad had been scraping on the rusty lip of the brake disc leaving no material left, actually scraping down to the shiny metal of the brake pad backing.

Even though the pad material was extreemly low, there was still just enough touching the disc to give an acceptable efficiency reading, allowing it to pass.

This shows how important it is to get your vehicle serviced regularly, not necessarily at a main dealer with their very high service costs but at a good reputable garage, they will give you good honest advice and great service for a lesser cost.

The Car MOT and its changes

From 20th March 2013 The new vehicle test components in accordance with the new EU Directive will become effective.

 

If your vehicle is suffering from any of these issues

• The steering lock is now part of the test,
• The main beam tell tale warning light must illuminate when the main beam is selected.
• The car battery will be inspected for security and leaks.
• All visible electrical wiring and connectors will be inspected for any damage
• Engine and gearbox mountings are to be assessed for excessive movemen
• Coil spring with broken tangs, ( the last bit of the coil) will now result in a failure.
• A tow bar electrical socket will be checks for damage and security and all lights will be checked using an apporved trailer socket tester
• Headlamps fitted with LED or HID (high definition) bulbs
• Illumination of the malfunction indicator light (MIL),

If any of the following MIL systems are illuminated, this will result in a fail:-

• Electronic power steering
• Electronic stability control (traction control)
• Electronic parking brake control
• Brake fluid warning lamp
• Tyre pressure monitoring system obviously inoperative
• Supplementary restraint systems (SRS) i.e. airbag light

The vehicle can be presented for an MOT test upto 30 days before the current one expires, check your current certificate for the exact date.

 

You have until Tuesday March 19th to get your vehicle tested under the old rules.

 

All the information and much more... http://www.newtyresquick.com/what-is-an-mot.html

NEW TYRES TO THE FRONT OR REAR?

So you’re buying new tyres, but where is it best to put them. There is a conflict of opinion between tyre manufactures, vehicle
manufactures and tyre dealers. So how are you expected to know? Well let me give you the information and were go from there.

You’re changing your front tyres! If your vehicle is front wheel drive, like the majority of cars of today, these tyres will always wear first.

• Do you just put the new ones on the front?
• Do you swap the tyres around and have the new ones on the rear?
• Do you buy all 4 for safety?

Whether you have front or rear wheel drive, we recommend that you use newer tyres for the rear set, for extra safety in unforeseen or difficult situations (emergency braking, tight bends etc) particularly on wet surfaces. Numerous tests have shown that it is easier to control the front wheels than those at the rear. Front tyres generally wear quicker than those fitted at the rear, particularly on front wheel drive cars, which are currently in the majority.

New tyres fitted in front:

The behaviour of the car will change, because the front / rear balance will be reversed. The driver, used to a car with less grip at the front, will therefore
be taken unawares. On a slippery road, the rear will lose traction before the front of the vehicle. The driver will have no chance of controlling the rear,
and will be tempted to accelerate further, which will amplify the spin effect. Only an experienced driver will be able to recover from this dangerous
situation.

New tyres fitted at the back:

The handling of the vehicle will be similar to that known by the driver before the tyre change, because the traction balance will be the same Rear traction will be better, and the driver will be able to control and steer their vehicle without a problem by decelerating and turning the steering wheel in the direction of the bend. That's why at New Tyres Quick we advise you to reduce the risks you take by fitting new or less worn tyres at the rear of the vehicle for:

Better grip on bends:

As with vehicles with different size tyres that are fitted as standard, swapping around would not be possible and a cautious approach to driving at first would be recommended.

4 Wheeled drive vehicles.

It is recommended that tyres are used in identical sets of four, same size, brand, pattern, load and speed index. An exception is when the vehicle is
originally fitted with different tyres sizes front to rear. The vehicle manufactures should also be followed

For more information and to carry on reading http://newtyresquick.com/new-to-the-rear.html

What is Tread? Car tyre tread expalained

TYRE TREAD

• Lugs are the actual tread that is in contact with the road at any given time, known as the contact patch.
• Voids are the gaps between the lugs allowing the tyre to flex as the contact patch leaves the road, also allowing the water to be removed.
• void ratio is between the amount of lugs and voids. The lower the void ratio the more tread it has in contact with the road surface giving better traction on dry tarmac. Mud and Snow tyres will have a higher void ratio to allow the mud and water to escape through the gaps in the tread.
• Grooves are the main channels that run around the tyres circumference that push the water into allowing the tread contact with the road.
• Sipes are the small slits that are cut across larger tread elements to allow the water from the groove channels to escape to the edge of the tyre, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Up to a point, more sipes will produce more traction in snow and mud as well as over various terrains found off road.

The way your tyres are worn will tell you a lot.

• The tread should be slightly thicker in the middle than the edge
• If the outer edges are a lot more worn than the centre this means that your tyres are under in-flated.
• If the centre of the tyre is a lot more worn than the edges this would show your tyres are over inflated.
• If your tyres are worn a lot more on one side than the other this would indicate a suspension problem or you may need a wheel alignment.

You should Check your tyres regularly for uneven wear, keep to the correct tyre pressures, drive steadily and avoid excessive acceleration and heavy cornering, Swap your tyres around putting the new tyres to the rear this will ensure you get the most out of your tyres.

New tyres usually start at 8mm but some only 7mm, and some budget tyres only start with 6mm
so you have already lost 31% wear. This can be false economy when buying budget tyres.

Independent research by MIRA motor industry research association indicate.... read more

 

Want more information and to carry on reading http://newtyresquick.com/tyre-care.html

Do you know how important tyre pressures are?

Driving with the incorrect pressures can result in tyre failure. This can be dangerous; at high speeds you can lose control of the vehicle. Incorrect pressures can also dramatically increase your braking/stopping distance.

Low tyre pressure increases fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and contribute to tyre safety. Tyres under inflated by 15psi, have increased rolling resistance leading to around 6% greater fuel consumption.

A car that normally averages 40mpg, would only get 37.6mpg with the
tyres under inflated.
 

A correctly inflated tyre improves the safety of your vehicle, is more economical to use and is better for the environment. Find out the correct tyre pressures by looking in your hand book, fuel cap cover or front door panel, remembering to check the size of the tyre for comparison on the chart. Also a

lot of vehicles have different tyre pressures from front to rear, so check carefully.

It is recommended that you check your tyre pressures once a week, but, you should definitely check them once a month. Also before a long journey or towing as adjustments will need to be made.

Even if tyres are inflated with nitrogen, the pressures and overall tyre condition must still be checked
frequently. http://newtyresquick.com/nitrogen.html

Always check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, which have not yet been used in the last two hours or have covered less than two miles at low speed. If tyres are hot when they are checked add 4-5 psi to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, Re-Check the pressures when the tyres are cold.

Want more information and to carry on reading http://newtyresquick.com/tyre-pressures.html

The 4 essential steps to checking your tyres.

Looking after your tyres is ultimately what is going to keep you on the road and safe.

Many factors need to be taken into account before you are fully safe on the road.

The 4 essential steps to checking your tyres

• Correct Pressures
• Tread Wear
• Age of tyre (perishing on sidewalls)
• External damage (cuts or bulges)

These all need to be checked weekly or if you feel anything unusual or have an accident causing to skid, hit your tyre or drive over glass.


As the only point of contact between your car and the road is your tyres, the tyres play a critical role in keeping you safe.

You rely on your tyres for acceleration, steering and cornering, making it essential that they are properly cared for and regularly examined.

Poorly maintained tyres reduce performance and compromises
safety.

You should check your tyres condition as often as you check the pressure. If you park with the steering turned on full lock you will see more of your tyres.

Tread depth, most new tyres have a tread depth indicator built into them between the main grooves. When the tread gets down to these bars then the tyres need replacing.
Damage, look for any deep cuts, bulges, cracks or excessive wear.

It is illegal to drive with badly damaged tyres.

If you’re unsure about damaged tyres call into your local garage and they will give you free advice.

Driving on poorly maintained tyres has very serious safety implications not just for you and your passengers but also for other road users.

For more information and to carry on reading http://newtyresquick.com/tyre-care.html

At newtyresquick, we not only sell great tyres at low prices, but we give
you all the information you need to be able to keep them in top condition,
allowing you to gain further mileage, lower your fuel bills and to drive
safer for longer on your new set of tyres.


Over the next 4 days we will be giving you some extra knowledge, so you
can keep safer on the roads.


Day 1 Tyre Condition
Day 2 Tyre Pressures
Day 3 Tyre Tread
Day 4 New tyres to the front or rear

Look out for more useful tips and advice headed your way over the next 4
days.

And best of all, all our information is free.
http://newtyresquick.com

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

Welcome to 2013, well the world did not end so here goes to another great year,

Would you like to save a further 5% off your next set of tyres, enter coupon code

Five2013

To receive 5% off 4 or more tyres of the same size and pattern when purchased at the same time.

A little something to thank you for your support this year, we have had a great 2012 and we hope that you have too. We look forward to supplying you with tyres in 2013 and hope that you continue to choose us for your automotive helpful information website.