The latest round of changes to the Irish Driving Test were implemented on, Feb.14th 2005, as part of a chain of E.U.Directives.

Test Candidates are now required to have a basic level of mechanical knowledge, which any good professional School of Motoring would have been teaching from day one in any event.

The car of today is a very different beast compared with its grandparents and any driver, young or old, should have a range of skills that enable them to identify problems and take the necessary remedial action.

The Driving Examiner will select three questions at random from a list of technical aspects which will include opening the bonnet. While it is not exactly space technology, the ability to identify this range of equipment and to describe how individual checks would be performed, does require some thought and a little practise. Some of the equipment will have accompanying warning lights on the instrument panel some does not, so some of the requirements will already be known (hopefully!)

Candidates will be asked to explain how they would perform checks on three out of the following list:-
Engine Oil: Coolant: Steering: Brakes: Horn: Indicators: Lights: Tyres: Reflectors: Windscreen washer.

The under the Bonnet checks relate to:-Power Steering Fluid; Brake Fluid; Engine Oil; Engine Coolant; and Windscreen washer Fluid. In a newer car all of these pieces of equipment are easily identifiable by coloured tops to the various reservoirs, which have an easily recognisable icon painted or etched into them. The location of these five essential items does vary a little from model to model so if you have changed your car in the lead up to the Driving Test then spend a few minutes double checking.

In the event of very bad weather (rarely a feature of the Irish climate) it is unlikely that the Examiner will ask for the bonnet to be opened but since he or she has already spent time outside the car, checking brake lights and indicators and paperwork, its not impossible. If he or she is a fisherman or a boating enthusiast then a few drops of rain will be water off a ducks back. Just keep an eye on the weather and ensure that your heater or demist controls are pre-set .Two persons in the car during rainy weather will mist up the windows extremely quickly and the candidate needs to be equally deft with the controls.

Questions on brakes will cover both the footbrake and handbrake, and on steering will deal with cars that both have power steering and those that dont .Of course there are still a few older cars out there without P.A.S. Its worth adding to the list , one more item of importance to the Driverthat of the Alternator and its drive belt .The fact that all the above need to be demonstrated on the Driving Test should not detract from the need to perform these checks on a regular weekly basis. It is precisely because of the importance of all these pieces of equipment and their monitoring, that it was deemed essential to include them in the scope of the Driving Test.

Show Me Tell Me..Below is an example of the question and answer technique to one of the Test Questions .The full questions and answers will be provided in another follow up article and on the Astral School of Motoring website shortly.

Checking the Oil Level.
Show me the Oil filler cap and tell me how you would check for the correct level of Oil in the EngineExaminer
Here is the oil filler cap and to check the oil level I would first withdraw the Oil Dip Stick, wipe it clean and then replace it momentarily. I would then withdraw the dip stick again and ensure that the level of oil showing was between the minimum and maximum marks on the base of the dip stick, preferably nearer the maximum mark. In the event of the oil level being lower than the half way mark I would top up to the maximum levelCandidate

This latter sentence has been put in for good measure since its not much good knowing how you would check the oil if you didnt then follow through on the result!

Since all equipment in your car needs to be in tip top shape and regularly inspected if we are to stay safe and avoid accidents, look on the acquisition of these technical skills as two sides of the same coin .Safety and Economy .If you look after your equipment you will be both safe and economic. In a number of future articles we will explore the advantages of correct techniques and the impact they will have on your safety AND your bank balance.

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The latest round of changes to the Irish Driving Test were implemented on, Feb.14th 2005, as part of a chain of E.U.Directives.

Test Candidates are now required to have a basic level of mechanical knowledge, which any good professional School of Motoring would have been teaching from day one in any event.

The car of today is a very different beast compared with its grandparents and any driver, young or old, should have a range of skills that enable them to identify problems and take the necessary remedial action.

The Driving Examiner will select three questions at random from a list of technical aspects which will include opening the bonnet. While it is not exactly space technology, the ability to identify this range of equipment and to describe how individual checks would be performed, does require some thought and a little practise. Some of the equipment will have accompanying warning lights on the instrument panel some does not, so some of the requirements will already be known (hopefully!)

Candidates will be asked to explain how they would perform checks on three out of the following list:-
Engine Oil: Coolant: Steering: Brakes: Horn: Indicators: Lights: Tyres: Reflectors: Windscreen washer.

The under the Bonnet checks relate to:-Power Steering Fluid; Brake Fluid; Engine Oil; Engine Coolant; and Windscreen washer Fluid. In a newer car all of these pieces of equipment are easily identifiable by coloured tops to the various reservoirs, which have an easily recognisable icon painted or etched into them. The location of these five essential items does vary a little from model to model so if you have changed your car in the lead up to the Driving Test then spend a few minutes double checking.

In the event of very bad weather (rarely a feature of the Irish climate) it is unlikely that the Examiner will ask for the bonnet to be opened but since he or she has already spent time outside the car, checking brake lights and indicators and paperwork, its not impossible. If he or she is a fisherman or a boating enthusiast then a few drops of rain will be water off a ducks back. Just keep an eye on the weather and ensure that your heater or demist controls are pre-set .Two persons in the car during rainy weather will mist up the windows extremely quickly and the candidate needs to be equally deft with the controls.

Questions on brakes will cover both the footbrake and handbrake, and on steering will deal with cars that both have power steering and those that dont .Of course there are still a few older cars out there without P.A.S. Its worth adding to the list , one more item of importance to the Driverthat of the Alternator and its drive belt .The fact that all the above need to be demonstrated on the Driving Test should not detract from the need to perform these checks on a regular weekly basis. It is precisely because of the importance of all these pieces of equipment and their monitoring, that it was deemed essential to include them in the scope of the Driving Test.

Show Me Tell Me..Below is an example of the question and answer technique to one of the Test Questions .The full questions and answers will be provided in another follow up article and on the Astral School of Motoring website shortly.

Checking the Oil Level.
Show me the Oil filler cap and tell me how you would check for the correct level of Oil in the EngineExaminer
Here is the oil filler cap and to check the oil level I would first withdraw the Oil Dip Stick, wipe it clean and then replace it momentarily. I would then withdraw the dip stick again and ensure that the level of oil showing was between the minimum and maximum marks on the base of the dip stick, preferably nearer the maximum mark. In the event of the oil level being lower than the half way mark I would top up to the maximum levelCandidate

This latter sentence has been put in for good measure since its not much good knowing how you would check the oil if you didnt then follow through on the result!

Since all equipment in your car needs to be in tip top shape and regularly inspected if we are to stay safe and avoid accidents, look on the acquisition of these technical skills as two sides of the same coin .Safety and Economy .If you look after your equipment you will be both safe and economic. In a number of future articles we will explore the advantages of correct techniques and the impact they will have on your safety AND your bank balance.

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Equally impressive and highly durable Jaguar auto body parts, performance parts, replacement parts, discount parts, and accessories are available at Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts online store. When you need parts like accessories, mechanical engine parts, exhaust system parts, and fuel injection parts to name a few, first class quality products like these are available at Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts. Each of these will put you on top of the race due to its strict quality control measures. The number one provider of the best Jaguar parts online also offers Jaguar XK 150 parts and other Jaguar parts in great discount prices.

This vehicle actually replaced the Jaguar XK 140. And it has existed from 1957 up until 1961. The Jaguar XK 150 sports a different look. It is shorter and could only take in into its cabin a maximum of two people. Despite that, the Jaguar XK 150 holds a longer bonnet and a revised front scuttle panel. This kind of change has given the Jaguar XK 150 a more rakish and sleeker kind of look. It is even more modern compared to the other two previously mentioned Jaguar roadsters.

The differences between the other roadsters and the Jaguar XK 150 is that the latter uses a one piece windscreen. The wing line also did not dropped that much over the doors. The bonnet was widened and opened down to the wings. The bulkhead was moved to make it around four inches longer. A wide range of color choices were made available for this vehicle and the list includes Red, Pearl Grey, White, Indigo Blue, Claret, Cotswold Blue, Black, Mist Grey, Sherwood Green, Carmen Red, British racing Green, Cornish Grey and Imperial Maroon.

Just like the Jaguar XK 140, the Jaguar XK 150 also held a 3.4 liter DOHC Jaguar straight 6 engine. It could actually produce some 180 bhp at 5750 rpm. Although, through the years that it was manufactured, this roadster had several other engines equipped in it so as to produce more power and be able to produce a much more superb performance.

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When you go to hire or rent any car you will find that it would have gone through a thorough check .the rental company will have a check list of the car or van which you are about to rent. I have compiled a list of checks which the rental company will go through before and after the car van or truck is rented. When you collect the car van or truck it would have had a valet and would generally be in very good condition .Most vehicles are less than a year old.

Exterior checks

Front windscreen
Rear windscreen
Windows this would include all fixed and door windows
Drivers Headlamp
Passenger Headlamp
Driver side indicator
Passenger side indicator
Also any indicators which may be fitted to the vehicle as this may vary
Drivers side tail lamp
Passenger side tail lamp
Driver door mirror
Passenger door mirror
Front grille
Roof
Boot lid
Bonnet
Ariel
All doors
Front bumper
Rear bumper
Driver side tyre
Driver side rear tyre
Passenger front tyre
Passenger side rear tyre
Spare tyre
Drivers side front wheel trim or alloy
Driver side rear wheel trim or alloy
Passenger side front wheel trim or alloy
Passenger side rear wheel trim or alloy

Interior Items Checked
Radio or CD player
Carpets
Headlining
Boot carpets
Floor mats
Parcel shelf if fitted
Driver side door trim or panel front
Drivers side door trim or panel rear
Passenger side door trim or panel front
Passenger side door trim or panel rear
Drivers seat
Passenger seat
Rear seat
Dashboard
Tool kit and car jack
Drivers hand book
Also any attachments such as cup holders or satellite navigation systems.

Once you have been shown the car that you are about to rent it is strongly adviseble to check the vehicle yourself for any defects and to point them out to the sales person. Always ask the advisor to write down any points which you have found this way you can dispute any damage at a later date.
As most of the check lists are very much standard it is not very often any items are missed.

The assistant will also tell you about the type of fuel that the vehicle that you are renting uses this may either be petrol or diesel. Be sure not to fill up with the wrong type of fuel. When you open the fuel flap you will be reminded also what fuel to use.

Some rental companies supply cars with a full tank of fuel this can be very handy because you may be in a hurry to get on with your journey. But always remember to return the car van or truck with a full tank of fuel also. The reason why is because the hire company may charge you additional prices compared to high street prices.

When booking you may request a car which is automatic or manual transmission , this usually depends on the type of car that have , most prestigious cars have automatic transmission compared to the small to medium cars.

Customers should also ask about the level of insurance that is covered when they rent .in many cases the insurance will not cover for missing wheel trims or damaged alloys petrol caps, tools, or the spare wheel, it may not cover electric aerial damage, glass or tyres. Generally it will not cover accidental damage or negligent damage. You will always be charged for cigarette burns.

One more thing to mention is to return you car truck or van in a clean condition, you may get charged to valet the returned car if it is found to be excessively dirty the price of cleaning can vary. Once it has been fully cleaned it will be inspected again and any damage will be charged to you.

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Do your homework. Read up about the model of car you’re thinking about. Will it perform as you will want? Be aware of any known mechanical problems with that particular model and remember to check them out when you take it for a test drive (see tip 15).

Look up the current second hand values for the car. Try starting at www.what car .com. Also get some of the second hand car magazines and your local paper. Check out the prices being asked for similar cars.

Car Insurance is always a major expense. How much will that car cost you to insure? It’s easy to find out on the Internet get a few quotes. It’ll just take you ten minutes.

Also check out the car’s other running costs. We’re talking about fuel consumption, servicing and repair bills. Again www.what car .com can help. Ensure you can afford to run the car!

When you see the car insist on seeing its registration documents and, if the car is more than 3 years old, its MOT certificate. The registration documents will also show the cars’ VIN number. Carefully check that the documents tally.

Always ensure that the person selling the car does actually own it.

And always see the car at the seller’s own home or business premises. Then ensure that the address on the Registration Document is at the same as the address – if not ask why. You should be suspicious.

Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid? Does the vehicle registration number on the disc match the Registration Document and the number on its number plate?

Ask to view the cars’ Servicing Record. Usually, this will also show the cars’ VIN number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills? Ask to see them.

Now look under the bonnet and look for the VIN Number (it could also be on a plate on the inside edge of one of the front doors). Compare the VIN number with the number on the Registration Document and check that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn’t had its identity changed.

It’s best to take a friend with you who knows’ about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and anything that is agreed.

Don’t pay for a car on your first visit and try not to be pushed into putting down a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

Ask the owner whether the car is subject to any outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. Then, when you get home, get on the Internet and check out the information provided with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC’ web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will confirm whether the car has outstanding finance. Best to be safe without this Check you could find out that a finance company actually has a prior title to the car.

Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look carefully for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Check, that Check will also notify you if the car has previously been written off.

Try to ensure that the car hasn’t been clocked. (Clocked means that the mileometer has been wound back to show a lower mileage.) The average annual mileage is around 12,000. Be wary if the wear and tear on the car looks greater than you would expect from the mileage. The wear on the driver’s pedals is usually a give away. Then ask when the tyres were last replaced. Does the wear on the tyres look about right?

Insist on test-driving the car for at least 10/15 miles. You need to get the car fully warmed up and drive it in varying conditions. Incidentally, don’t forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Don’t assume that your own insurance policy will cover you for driving someone else’s car. Check your policy before you leave home. If the seller claims that his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy a bit of a pain but better safe than sorry!

Has the car ticked all the boxes so far? Then spend some more money get it professionally inspected.

Never pay any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then, avoid paying any money until the car is handed over to you complete with its Documents and tax disc. Always get a written receipt for any money you pay and ensure that it includes the sellers name and address.

Last of all, make sure you’re insured from the moment you drive the car away. The Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you’re driving it without insurance or road tax! If the car has not got Road Tax disc, call in at the Post Office on the way home and get one. You’ll need to show them a valid insurance cover note for the car and the cars up to date MOT Certificate.

If you’ve followed all these steps you’ll have done just about everything possible to ensure the car is legally yours at the right price, and you haven’t bought a scrapper!

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It is no surprise that the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster still has the power and ability to set car lovers and aficionados hearts racing. Yes, the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster is exceptionally great and filled with passion. This vehicle sports two seats that is a tradition with BMW vehicles. It also contains an interior that is finely sculpted just like its exterior. It has eye-catching new touches that include the center console and steering wheel. Some parts have also been done in with finishes that are in the same color as its seat trim. The controls are mounted so as to provide an aesthetic finish. And BMW has once again done it. It has created the ultimate driving machine that is the modern yet interpretation of roadsters and has combined this with a beautiful combination of appeal, power, and performance.

New features and specifications had been added to the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster. The list includes new tail lights with integrated light conductors and horizontal lines, a new rear design that gives off a wider, lower and more muscular look, sophisticated and top quality materials, additional choice of colors, and a more refined interior. Also, this new vehicle comes with a new folding roof that is extremely compact. The front and rigid section of the new roof moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover. This then locks in position with the body of the car. It is very much easy to open and close with just one hand. And the heated rear window is made from scratch-proof mineral glass to make it scratch-free. However, if you do not like this new roof, you have the option of having instead the fully automatic and electrically operated roof. This is opened and closed with the use of a remote control.

To know more about the 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster and other vehicles, you can simply visit Auto Parts Discount. The site holds tons of information regarding the vehicle makes and car brands. Visitors and interested parties may also purchase BMW parts and accessories at the Auto Parts Discount site. Auto Parts Discount is one of the leading suppliers of BMW parts and accessories like crash parts, bumpers and air deflectors to name a few. It holds a wide collection of parts that are made from quality and durable materials. These parts have also gone through the required standards so as to meet the manufacturers criterion.

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