Last Friday, my wife and I, along with our two energetic kids, immersed ourselves in the vibrant festivities of The Glam Circuit Festival 2024, held in the heart of the historic Kampong Gelam. As part of the Grand Prix Season Singapore celebrations, this 10-day extravaganza promised a blend of racing thrills, culinary delights, and family-friendly fun – and it certainly delivered!
A Feast for the Senses
We kicked off our adventure exploring the bustling culinary and shopping lanes. The aroma of sizzling kebabs and freshly grilled seafood filled the air, tempting us at every turn. Our little ones were particularly drawn to the sushi bake from Home of Seafood – a delicious and kid-friendly treat that they devoured with gusto.
Carnival Games & Creative Delights
The festival truly came alive for our children at the Games Village. The classic carnival games, like Ring Toss and Mini Golf, brought out their competitive spirit. Unfortunately, the Bubble Play Zone weren’t ready when we visited.
The Canvas Circuitry was another highlight. The kids loved contributing their colourful strokes to the life-sized cardboard race car, a collaborative masterpiece that captured the festival’s spirit of community and creativity.
Music, Memories & More
As the sun began to set, we settled down to enjoy the live music at Sultan Gate Park. The Kampong Gelam Music Festival showcased a fantastic lineup of local talent, creating a lively atmosphere that had everyone tapping their feet. We were impressed by the variety of genres on offer, from reggae to indie-pop, providing a true reflection of Singapore’s diverse music scene.
A Festival to Remember
Overall, The Glam Circuit Festival 2024 was a fantastic experience for the whole family. The combination of delicious food, engaging activities, and lively entertainment created a truly memorable day out. We loved that the festival catered to all ages, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, had a wonderful time. If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant way to celebrate the Grand Prix season in Singapore, we highly recommend checking out this fantastic event.
The Glam Circuit Festival 2024 is part of the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS). The event will open daily from 13 to 22 September from 2pm to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, and till 10:30pm from Friday to Sunday. For more information and the latest updates, please visit One Kampong Gelam’s Facebook and Instagram.
As more businesses strive towards carbon neutrality, HVO fuel has become an increasingly popular solution. But what exactly is it?
Hydrogenated/hydrotreated vegetable oil (HHO) is an eco-friendly replacement fuel that’s helping businesses go green. Thanks to its paraffinic petrochemical structure that’s virtually identical to fossil diesel, HHO can be used as an immediate drop-in replacement without altering infrastructure or having to clear out summer-grade fuel stocks first.
1. It’s A Renewable Fuel
HVO fuel offers several advantages over fossil diesel. Its primary advantage is being an eco-friendly, renewable alternative that is made by turning waste vegetable oils and animal fats into hydrocarbons that can replace or supplement traditional diesel in engines and industrial equipment.
Fuel made with recycled ingredients emits lower emissions of carbon dioxide than its fossil diesel equivalent, as well as less particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides – contributing to reduced air pollution that has been linked with respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
HVO fuels are generally considered more eco-friendly than both conventional diesel and biodiesel, thanks to its higher cetane number, helping improve combustion and fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, HVO adheres to EN15940 standards for paraffinic fuel storage, meaning they can be safely used without modifications for storage purposes. HVO has been approved by several OEMs so it can be used without modification on most engines.
Due to it being made from existing vegetable oils and fats, this fuel produces net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved by drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere through isomerisation processes before recycling it back into fuel production through isomerisation.
Harvesting practices also play an integral part in greenhouse gas emissions. Palm oil use in fuel production has become contentious in recent years, as ENI and Total have moved away from using it due to environmental considerations. However, fortunately, most HVO is now produced through converted no longer profitable plants, saving thousands of jobs while alleviating pressure for businesses to adopt more eco-friendly energy sources.
2. It’s Cheaper than Diesel
HVO can play an essential role in helping reduce carbon emissions significantly while simultaneously helping address net new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by replacing fossil diesel with renewable biofuels like HVO. They also boast lower production costs compared to fossil fuels. Furthermore, running HVO costs significantly less than conventional diesel due to reduced production costs associated with biofuel production versus fossil fuel production.
Low sulphur content makes cellulose important in reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and contributing to biodegradability and renewable production derived from plants and animal sources, leading to significantly less dependence on fossil fuels which has become increasingly costly and unsustainable over time.
HVO stands apart from traditional FAME-based biofuels by not causing performance issues due to its non-hygroscopic nature and inability to draw moisture into an engine, meaning it can be used directly as a drop-in replacement without costly equipment modifications required for modern engines – making it the perfect solution for businesses needing an expedient yet cost-effective response to climate change.
HVO can be produced using a range of raw materials, such as waste cooking oils; residue fat fractions from food, fisheries, and slaughterhouse industries; tall oil byproducts, and non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions sourced sustainably and ethically.
As many existing diesel engines can run on HVO fuel, businesses of all sizes can quickly achieve climate neutrality by switching over. You can learn more by clicking the link.
From emergency generator sets in data centres to engines powering dump trucks, trains, and ships – they all can easily use HVO without additional hardware or engineering requirements – plus HVO can reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint significantly when used for boilers in commercial buildings.
3. It’s Cleaner
Biodiesel is produced through hydrotreatment that changes its molecular structure into paraffinic hydrocarbon fuel that burns cleaner than conventional fossil diesel and produces lower particulate, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions than its fossil diesel counterpart.
HVO fuel production is considered a sustainable energy source because it relies on existing biomass sources and uses existing carbon in ecosystems while only contributing a minimal amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Environmentally friendly alternatives exist such as second-generation FAME biodiesel that does not release CO2, while still improving combustion efficiency with improved cetane values and fuel economy, leading to reduced CO2 emissions. This is why HVO Fuel UK is rapidly catching on. As its production process is highly controlled and contamination-free, HVO fuel has a significantly longer shelf life than diesel – up to 10 years if stored and inspected regularly.
4. It’s More Flexible
Traditional biofuels like FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), produced from vegetable oils and animal fats using methanol, are highly hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture and are susceptible to microbial contamination – creating an ideal breeding ground for “diesel bug.”
As such, it can be used in vehicles and equipment without needing any modifications to their fuel system, and without creating issues for engine performance in cold temperatures – making it perfect for commercial fleets operating across various environments and climate conditions.
HVO fuel can provide an ideal alternative to fossil diesel since it does not present many of the same reliability and storage issues. Furthermore, HVO blends can be mixed freely with conventional diesel without impacting either vehicle operation or engine performance.
Converting existing oil heating systems to run on 100% HVO fuel can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 85%, helping households reduce their carbon footprint quickly and effortlessly.
HVO fuel could be a game-changer in terms of sustainable energy in the UK. Not only is it renewable and cost-effective, but switching could save five tonnes in CO2 emissions annually from each household in Britain!
HVO fuel can help businesses around the world become more environmentally friendly while simultaneously driving down operating costs, from emergency generator sets in data centres to engines in cranes, dump trucks, and trains. Deutsche Bahn, Europe’s largest freight train company has even pledged climate neutrality by 2040 thanks to HVO.
Moving to a different state, or a brand new country? Or going somewhere for a couple of months or a year, but without knowing whether you’ll stay there for good? There’s one thing you do know. You’ll need your car while you’re there, because relying on public transport solely is not the most convenient idea, and we all know how taxis can be expensive.
So, you want to take your car with you but yet, you can’t exactly pack it up and load it on your plane? Having figured out you can’t do something like that, you’ve probably started wondering one thing. How can I find great car shipping near me, because that’s clearly the best option to use in such situations? Well, that’s a pretty important question.
Realising that shipping your vehicle is much smarter than driving it to the new location yourself, or than selling it and buying a new one once you reach your new destination, you’ve become quite interested in engaging these services. However, since you haven’t done something like this before, you’ll get a bit confused because it is not about whether you need the service, but about how to get a great one.
Getting poor services can result in numerous problems. Your car could get damaged along the way and you may not get refunded for it, or you may even fall for certain scams (which is the worst case scenario) but still one to be wary of. Bottom line? You want to get great car shipping services and you need to understand how to actually do that.
Be Careful When Choosing a Company
The talk about the scams and about the damage done to your vehicle without the possibility of you getting paid for it must have made one thing perfectly clear. It matters which company you work with. In fact, this is what matters the most, so being reckless when making the choice is undeniably not the best idea. Instead, what you need to do is be rather careful when selecting the company to be your transportation partner in this process. Taking the time to do your research, even if you’re in a hurry, is definitely a must.
Any ideas on how to do the mentioned research? Start with proper background checks. Finding as much relevant information about the firms you’re considering is clearly a must, so take your time to do that, and begin gathering the info by visiting the official sites, reading the “About” pages and taking similar steps. Background checks will let you know if a company is legit, as well as how long it has been in business, which is also of crucial significance, because you want to work with professionals that are highly experienced.
Find Out What Past Clients Have to Say
Would you like to know what some of the previous clients have to say about the car transportation companies they’ve worked with? Of course you would! Do you, however, think that this is impossible? Because it isn’t! Apart from checking if some of the people you know have used these services and worked with the companies you’re considering, you can also find online comments that those past clients have left about them, allowing you to easily determine the reputation of the firms and the quality of their services.
Remember the Costs Too
Quality trumps price, that’s for sure. It’s a fact that nobody will even try to deny, as it has always been this way, and will continue to be that way in the future. That, however, doesn’t exactly mean that taking the prices for granted is the right approach, although a lot of people assume that it means just that, so they wind up ignoring the costs altogether. Not the best method. Remembering the costs, comparing them and ensuring that you’ll be charged a reasonable price is undoubtedly a must, just like ensuring you’ll get perfect quality services.
Inquire About Vehicle Preparation
The steps mentioned above will lead you to finding out not only how much shipping should cost (which is also explained here) but also which companies could offer the perfect service. Getting in touch with a few of those that you believe could be great for you is, thus, important. Among other questions, you should also remember to inquire about vehicle preparation, so that you know how to get your car ready for the professionals that will arrive to pick it up.
Agree on the Time and Date
Talking to a few different companies will result in you being more confident in making a choice. Upon doing that, all you’ll have to do is agree on the time and the date of pick-up and delivery. Find the timeframe that works for you and for the professionals that you’ve hired, and enjoy the idea of your car meeting you at your new location.
Fleet managers are always looking for ways to keep their maintenance costs low. This blog post will discuss 6 tips on how to keep maintenance costs low on your fleet.
1. Keep Your Fleet Well-Maintained
This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to keep your vehicles in good condition if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road. So make sure you have a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it.
In addition, pay close attention to your vehicles and don’t ignore warning signs that something may be wrong. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix.
2. Use Quality Parts and Products
When time comes to do repairs or maintenance on your fleet, use quality parts and products. There are resources from which you can choose, such as car wreckers. This may cost a bit more upfront, but in the long run, it will save you money by preventing further damage and extending the life of your vehicle.
In addition, be sure to hire a reputable and qualified mechanic or technician to work on your vehicles. Using someone who is inexperienced could end up costing you more in the long run.
Recalls happen more often than you may think, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on any that may affect your fleet. Ignoring a recall can end up costing you a lot of money in repairs, so make sure you’re aware of any that will apply to your vehicles.
4. Shop Around for Quotes
Don’t just take the first quote you get when the time comes to repair or maintain your fleet. Instead, get multiple quotes from different businesses and compare prices before making a decision. This will help you ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
5. Have An Emergency Fund
No matter how well you maintain your fleet, there’s always a chance something will go wrong. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency fund set aside specifically for unexpected repairs or maintenance costs. This will help you avoid going into debt if something unexpectedly goes wrong with your fleet.
6. Educate Your Drivers About Proper Driving Habits
Teach them how to brake gently, accelerate slowly, and drive at the correct speed according to road conditions. Improper driving can cause excessive wear and tear on a vehicle. In addition, it can also lead to accidents, which can be costly to repair.
Here are a few ways to educate your drivers:
Have regular meetings to discuss proper driving habits
Teach them through driver’s education courses
Give them written materials to study
Require them to take a test on proper driving habits
In conclusion, by following the tips mentioned above, you can keep your fleet’s maintenance costs low. Remember to keep your vehicles well-maintained, use quality parts and products, stay up-to-date on recalls, and shop around for quotes. In addition, having an emergency fund will help you cover any unexpected costs. Finally, educate your drivers about proper driving habits to help prolong the life of your fleet.
Driving in a foreign country can be scary, even if it’s just for the day. If you’re planning on driving in a different country, there are some things you should know. You may not know the road rules, or the signs may be all in another language. Here are five helpful tips to remember when driving abroad so you’ll feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
It’s important to know what the different road signs mean, especially if you’re driving in a country where English is not the primary language. When it comes to roads and traffic, there are international symbols that all drivers should be aware of. For example, a stop sign means “stop” or “arret” in French, and a yield sign is “cédez le passage“. Knowing what these symbols mean will help you feel more confident on a foreign country’s roads.
Not only do you need to know how to read the signs, but you also need to know what they mean.
Drive a car you are comfortable with
If you’re used to driving a smaller car in the US for example, it would be best to rent a smaller car in France. If you’re used to driving a large SUV in the US, it would be best to rent an SUV when in France. This is because cars in Europe tend to be smaller and more compact than cars in America. The roads are also narrower and curvy, so it’s good to have a vehicle with enough width and power to manoeuvre these roads easily.
An excellent way to find an appropriate car is to hire a local outlet to know the correct type of car for the area, such as sydneyutehire.com.au. You can find a vehicle you are more comfortable with and withstand your activities.
Know speed limits and driving laws
Before getting in the car, familiarise yourself with speed limits and driving laws. Knowing the speed limit helps a lot when you’re driving in a foreign country because you know whether or not you’re going too fast. You might also want to learn some of the road signs in advance to help you read them when they come up.
Consider an advanced driving course.
Even if you’re a good driver, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your skills before driving abroad. The road rules can vary from country to country, and you may not be familiar with the signs or what they mean. Taking an advanced driving course can help you learn about any specific rules and signs so you’ll know what to do when you’re behind the wheel. Remember that speed limits can be in kilometres per hour instead of miles per hour, so if you haven’t taken a course on kilometres, now is a good time.
Stay in the slow lanes.
First, keep in the slow lane. This will prevent you from getting in trouble with cars that are going faster than you in the fast lane. It’s also a good idea to stay towards the centre of your lane when driving on a two-lane highway with a centre divider. When passing slower vehicles, use caution and only do so when it is safe to do so.
Road trips are one of the ways many of us enjoy getting away from it all for a vacation. While they may seem simple, road trips can be fraught with hazards that can put your safety or the safety of others at risk.
What might seem like a harmless diversion can cause severe injury or death to others, making you need the services of diligent car accident lawyers. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential hazards as you drive to ensure that your road trip is as safe and carefree as possible. Here is a list of 3 common risks you should avoid on your next road trip.
A Toddler Climbing Out of A Car-seat
The problem is that the child feels confined in the car seat. As a toddler grows, it’s challenging to keep them in because they feel like they are suffocating. A toddler will attempt to climb out of the car seat, making it difficult for an adult to keep track of them.
To avoid this problem, you should stop your car every two hours and take your child out of the car seat for a few minutes. It allows the child to move around and get rid of excess energy. If you feel your child is old enough, you can also install a video game or DVD player in the back of your vehicle. It will allow the child to be more comfortable while still allowing them to be entertained.
Not Using The Proper Tire Pressure
Maintaining the proper tire pressure in your car is crucial because it helps keep your car safe on the road and prolongs its life. Too much or too little tire pressure can cause problems for your car.
For example, with too little air in your tires, they will wear more quickly and generate irregular wear patterns on the treads. Too much air pressure can cause accidents because it affects how well your vehicle can handle bumps in the road. To check your tire pressure, you should use a tire gauge.
Not Paying Attention To Road Signs
Many road accidents happen because drivers either miss or ignore the road signs. Driving while paying attention to the road signs is an excellent way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and reduce your risk of crashing.
It’s important to always pay attention to what the road signs say and obey them. For example, if a sign indicates that you must turn left in coming up ahead, you should start slowing down and turn when it is time to do so. If you’re unsure, you can always pull over and recheck the signs.
Conclusion
Safe driving requires drivers to be aware of their surroundings and actively avoid any dangers. Road trip hazards can appear seemingly out of nowhere and put the safety of everyone in the car at risk. To reduce your risk of crashing and enjoying your vacation, you should remain alert and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
It is also essential to plan ahead of your road trip to avoid any potential hazards that may happen along the way. With a bit of foresight, you can make sure that your road trip is a safe and enjoyable one.
Even the most precise driver who has passed their driver’s test is not immune to an accident on the road. Most of the time, after experiencing this, we go back behind the wheel and drive as if nothing had happened, although maybe a bit more cautiously than before the accident.
But not everything is quite as easy as this. Sometimes, after a severe accident in which our lives or the life of a passenger was on the line and we needed a motorcycle accident attorney to help with the aftermath, we are no longer able to drive a vehicle.
If you are afraid or anxious about driving, the first thing you should do is assess the circumstances. Once you’ve realized you’ve been subjected to trauma, you must accept that fact. Only then can you begin to take meaningful steps to reclaim your driving abilities. Read on to find out more.
Stop Blaming Yourself
It is doubtful that you decided to purposefully get in an accident when you did – or at any time. In fact, you will have done everything in your ability to avoid the accident. There is nothing that you should feel guilty for, and you must stop blaming yourself. Accidents happen a lot, and you might feel bad, but there is nothing that you can do, and you can only move forward.
Remember Why Driving Is Good
Consider how your life will change once you become a pedestrian. After all, driving a vehicle meant you had a set routine. And now you have to alter your schedule to keep up with everything. Trips on public transportation following the luxurious interior of your vehicle will be potentially problematic for you, for example.
People dislike change and will go to any length to save what they value. If this means having to get back behind the wheel of a car because you realize just what it was about driving that was so good and benefitted you so much, then that’s what you’ll need to do.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
You can only deal with an issue if you accept it. If you have suffered an injury – either physically or mentally – after an accident and this has changed your life in some way, then there is no reason to ignore it or be ashamed of it. It is part of you now. The sooner you can come to terms with this fact, the easier it will be to start driving again.
Think of all the times you drove when you didn’t get in an accident. These are the times you need to remember, not the one time something terrible happened. Having this in mind will help you immensely.
Get Down To Specifics
If you haven’t experienced anxiety after your road traffic accident, you should be feeling okay; if you have experienced it, you’ll definitely know the symptoms. If this is the case, attempt to find out what’s causing it. Could it be the car or motorcycle itself? The specific road you were driving on? Night driving, or driving in the rain? Determining what it is that’s causing the major issues means that you can focus on dealing with that.
Driving in the rain, whether a light drizzle or a torrential deluge, may be one of the most challenging conditions a motorist faces. Rainy weather is closely related to a greater accident rate. You will likely be forced to drive your car or ride your motorcycle in the rain at some time, regardless of where you happen to live; even the driest areas have rain sometimes, and of course, you might be visiting a much wetter place too. Understanding how wet roads and limited visibility influence how your vehicle behaves can assist you in driving safely in rainy weather. Read on to find out more.
Wait until the weather improves before driving if you are uncomfortable driving in the rain or postpone your trip / commute. There’s no need to put yourself at risk if driving in rainy weather isn’t absolutely essential. Of course, this isn’t always something everyone can do – your boss won’t be impressed if you say you’re going to be late because it’s raining – but when you can stay home, it’s often for the best. The last thing you’ll want to do is have an accident and need help from a motorcycle accident attorney if you could have avoided the accident.
Slow Down
Rain means you’ll have to plan for a longer journey time since traffic will be slower, and you’ll have to slow down. Hydroplaning is most often caused by cars going too quickly, therefore slowing down is a wise decision. Slow down as the rain begins since new rain will bring out the oils on the road and make conditions slicker.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control in wet weather may lead you to lose control of your car. To avoid traction loss, drivers may need to decrease speed by letting off the pedal, however, this is not possible while using cruise control. Furthermore, when driving in rainy weather, the driver must be completely engaged, thus you should avoid cruise control.
Give Other Cars More Room
You should always maintain a safe following distance, but be particularly mindful of giving vehicles in front of you plenty of space. You’ll have more time to respond to what’s coming next if there’s a bigger gap between you. Keep an eye out for brake lights ahead of you.
Turn Your Lights On
If your windshield wipers are on, so should your lights be. When it’s difficult to see through the rain, headlights can assist and improve your visibility and make it simpler for other cars to notice you, preventing an accident.
Avoid Harsh Braking
Use your brakes as little as possible, and try to avoid severe braking if at all feasible. Slow down, allow people space, and lift your foot off the accelerator quickly enough to avoid slamming on the brakes. On wet roads, avoid abrupt movements by steering, stopping, and accelerating gently. It’s best if you test your brakes well before you set off.
Stay Away From Flood-Prone Area
Know which roads in your region are prone to flooding and use alternate routes if heavy rains are forecast.
Be Ready To Turn Back
Driving through flooded regions may be hazardous, if not fatal. If you drive onto a heavily flooded road, your vehicle may begin to float and absorb water. It may even be washed away while you’re still in it. Don’t take any chances. Check for depth gauges and be familiar with the roads you’re travelling on. If you are unsure about the depth of the water, turn back and find another route.
Know How To Manage A Skid
Don’t panic if your vehicle starts to skid. Continue to drive in the desired direction and avoid slamming on your brakes since this makes it more difficult to manage your car. Also, keep your cool if your vehicle begins to hydroplane. If this happens, gradually take your foot off the accelerator and avoid steering. Simply slow down and hang on until your car makes contact with the road again.
Be Prepared For Strong Winds
Wind, which could push your car and other cars about on the road or cause you to lose control, frequently comes with rain. Maintain a firm hold on the steering wheel, offer a wide space to high-profile cars that may be more vulnerable to wind, and be aware that powerful gusts may strike you.
Watch For Pedestrians
Avoid splashing people. As you drive, keep an eye out for puddles where people are walking parallel to you. Despite the fact that eighty-eight percent of pedestrian deaths occur in the absence of bad weather, drivers should not relax their guard and must look out for people nearby.
Check Your Tires
In rainy weather driving, your tires are your greatest friend, providing grip and keeping you stable on the road. Check your tread and tire pressure to ensure you’re set to go even if it’s raining.
The words “McLaren” and supercar are synonymous in today’s automobile market. The brand has a knack for producing quintessential supercars that not only look fast but also perform exceptionally well on the road.
Recently, the brand released the Artura, a slick new hybrid supercar that features classic McLaren sweeping lines and, of course, an electric motor. Here are some things that you need to know about the vehicle.
The Interior Is The Same As The 720S
Let’s start with some slightly disappointing news: the interior on the Artura is essentially the same as that of the 720S.
That is to say, it has a great interior. But McLaren hasn’t redesigned it in the way that many ardent followers of the brand might hope.
McLaren isn’t being lazy, though. In fact, the company says that 98 percent of the materials used to construct the vehicle are actually different. The Artura, therefore, isn’t a chimaera made by stitching together components from other vehicles. In a pure engineering sense, it is brand new.
With that said, the interior does look very familiar. These are some cosmetic changes compared to the 570S, but other than that, you can’t really tell that you’re in a brand new vehicle.
The Rear Suspension Is Brand New
Some 570S drivers complained that the rear suspension on the vehicle wasn’t quite up to standard for a sports car in its price range. Because of this, McLaren went back to the drawing board and looked for ways to improve it. The company eventually decided on a combination of a wishbone on the top and a multi-link setup below. The brand hopes that the new arrangement will improve stability on the racetrack and performance under heavy braking at the same time.
If you buy the car, you may still need to hire a car accident lawyer. But thanks to this subtle new safety feature, drivers have much more control.
It Won’t Run Out Of Charge
Another tremendous benefit of Artura is the fact that the vehicle will never run out of charge. The electric range is only around 19 miles (because the battery is quite small). But the car uses an axial-flux e-motor which means that the regular gas-powered engine can charge the batteries. This system means that the electric motor itself will never run out of charge.
For convenience, McLaren says that drivers can charge the battery to 80 percent in 2.5 hours.
The Gearbox Features Some Bleeding-Edge Technology
Most people don’t get excited about car gearboxes. But McLaren says that it is fitting the Altura with a “tri-clutch” – meaning that the car has three clutches.
Why would you need three clutches? Well, you need two for accurately shifting up and down the gears. The third clutch is there to make it easy for the car to transfer from gas operation to electric car mode.
This setup means that the vehicle will easily transition between modes when required. It will also use battery energy in conjunction with regular motor power.
The gearbox is sophisticated for another reason: McLaren doesn’t equip it with a traditional reverse gear. Instead, when the driver wants to reverse, they simply put the car into electric mode and use the electric motor alone. This feature is similar to Ferrari’s SF90 Stradale.
It’s Super Light
The first generation of hybrid sports cars was quite heavy because of the extra weight of the battery and electric motors. But McLaren has found a way around these problems to make the Altura one of the lightest cars on the market. McLaren says that the vehicle is more than 46 kg lighter than the 570S even though that car didn’t have any hybrid additions.
The main reason the car is so light is the all-new carbon fibre chassis which McLaren calls the “McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture.” The addition of carbon fibre gives the car more strength and rigidity than before at a much lower weight. It’s allowed designers to actually build more safety features into the vehicle at the same time.
Weight saving, however, doesn’t finish with the chassis, though. McLaren says that it is using a new “zonal” wiring architecture. This reduces the weight of the wires running to all the sensors planted around the vehicle. The result is a car that weighs around 1,400 kg which is substantially less than rivals such as the Aston Martin DB11.
Overall, therefore, the Artura is shaping up to be a very impressive car indeed. Looks-wise, it is similar to what’s come before. But the materials technology to make the car is vastly improved.
When you own a car, something that you must always think about is how much maintenance that vehicle will require. As well as extending the life of the car and making the most of your money, good maintenance can also help to prevent accidents, and that is something all drivers are going to want. No matter what kind of car you have or what age it is, here are some of the most essential elements to consider when it comes to maintenance.
Your Tyres
Something that can certainly put you in danger when you’re driving are poorly maintained tyres. When your tyres are properly inflated, this can stop you from having a blowout which in turn can cause you to lose control of the car – the faster you are going, the more dangerous this will be for you and other road users. Plus, tyres that have worn away are never going to be able to grip the road safely.
It might be that you can opt for tyre repair rather than having to buy new tyres, but this will depend on the problem and what the experts say about it. Some punctures can be repaired but worn treads can’t be.
Your Brakes
As you might imagine, having working brakes is always going to be a priority when it comes to your car maintenance. You never know what obstacles or issues you will come up against, and being able to safely and quickly stop your care is vital. Stopping in time can prevent a great many accidents, and even if your brakes work but are old or if it takes a long time to slow down, those few seconds could be the difference between keeping safe and being injured.
There are many reasons why your brakes can fail, and ensuring that your vehicle is regularly serviced will help to keep them in check. However, it’s also a good idea to test your brakes yourself before you head off on any journey, long or short, to make sure they are working as you want them to.
Lights
The lights on your car are there for two reasons. The first is so that you can see where you are going when it’s dark or when the weather is bad. The second is so that other road users can see you. As you can see, it’s vital that your lights are working in the best way they can to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If others can’t see you or you can’t see the road and any other obstacles, accidents can easily occur.
When you start your car, turn on the lights and take a look at them. Are they all working? Remember this includes not just your headlights but your indicators, your brake lights, your reversing lights, and your sidelights too. Wipe them all down so that they are clear and visible, and if you notice any broken bulbs, replace them as soon as you can.
