Tag Archives: driving

News

New Filming Studio and Equipment Investment at E-Training World

Multi-award-winning online driver profiling and e-driver training provider E-Training World has made a significant investment in filming facilities and equipment to further upgrade its next-generation online driver profiling and training experience.

In 2023, the company launched its new online driver profiling and e-driver training system after two years of software development and over 5,000 miles of filming. Available on a globally recognised software platform, with a tablet- and mobile-ready experience, the system uses high-definition in-vehicle, roadside and drone video footage to genuinely replicate the on-road experience.

E-Training World has now made a substantial investment in new office space, which includes an additional ‘Green Screen’ studio. The ‘Green Screen’ is an excellent tool for superimposing footage behind actors, and the permanent studio allows for superior sound and lighting when filming training videos, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing best-in-class driver training.

Graham Hurdle, managing director at E-Training World, commented, “Taking filming, editing and production in-house gives us far greater flexibility to produce high-quality driver training modules. We have also invested in staff training for drone flying, filming and editing, as well as hi-tech cameras, sound equipment, lighting and drones. In the videos, we are using actors who have been in TV advertising and some well-known dramas. This investment in high-quality production means we can provide engaging training experiences at the leading-edge of driver training solutions.”

E-Training World is a two-time winner of the BusinessCar Techies’ Best Risk Management’ Award and a company that pioneered online driver profiling and training. As well as serving some of the largest fleet operators in the UK, they provide branded/white-labelled systems to many of the best-known companies in the fleet sector.

News, Sport

125-Year-Old British Oil Duckhams Joins British GT Championship

The original British motor oil, Duckhams, is delighted to announce a new partnership with British GT, continuing its winning partnership with British driver Adam Smalley.

Adorned with the iconic blue and yellow livery, reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion Adam Smalley will make his British GT Championship debut driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for renowned British racing outfit Garage 59.

The British GT Championship is one of the UK’s most exciting motorsports championships. For over 30 years, viewers have been thrilled by the series’ multi-class format, which brings together production-based, race-tuned supercars. This year’s lineup will feature Duckhams-sponsored Smalley in his McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, alongside other incredible cars, including the Aston Martin Vantage, Lamborghini Huracan, Lotus Emira, and the Ginetta G56.

McLaren first drove to victory in British GT in 1996 in the McLaren F1 GTR. They dominated the opening weekend last year and will be looking to repeat that performance when this year’s championship kicks off with the traditional Easter Weekend races at Oulton Park. The championships then traverse through the UK’s premier circuits and the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium before culminating in a final race weekend at Brands Hatch on 28th & 29th September 2024.

Duckhams’ successful association with motorsport began in the 1950s, conquering the British Motorcycle Championship in 1955. In 1971, the company moved into Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula Ford sponsorship, which proved to be a winning move. Duckhams-sponsored Jackie Ickx won the F1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1974, and in 1975, James Hunt won the Dutch Grand Prix in a Surtees. During the 1980s and 1990s, the original British motor oil supported the Van Diemen Works Formula Ford Team and celebrated victory in 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion.

Duckhams’ involvement with the Porsche Carrera GB Cup began in 2021 with a first victory by Duckhams driver Dan Cammish, followed by Adam’s victory in 2023. Duckhams also triumphed at the OR BRIC Superbikes Championship in Thailand in 2023, continuing to earn accolades in motorsports and showcase the pioneering spirit that defines the brand.

Duckhams’ Global CMO, Rajat Moitra, said, “We are excited to be moving into the British GT Championship this year and thrilled to welcome Adam back to a new winning partnership. Adam’s championship win in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB last year underscores his exceptional talent and showcases the dedication and winning spirit that has fuelled Duckhams since 1899. Let’s continue the winning streak and add a British GT title to Duckhams’ motorsports legacy!”

News

JET canvass UK drivers to discover what they missed most about being in the driving seat – Keep on Moving

As restrictions begin to lift and a nation eases out of lockdown, JET – one of the UK’s leading fuel brands – polled 2000 UK drivers to find out what they’ve missed most about driving during lockdown and why they’re happy to be back on the road.

 

Almost half of all UK drivers, 43%, stated that the thing they’d missed most was the sense of freedom with 29% explaining that they’ve also missed the opportunity to drive somewhere new.

 

However for some, the best driving moments are related to simply being in a private space – taking time out to reflect and treating yourself to some much-needed ‘me time’. 22% of the drivers polled in the survey explained that ‘peace and quiet’ and ‘having time to yourself’ has been a much-missed part of driving. And for others (18%) they are relishing a return to those heart to heart catch-ups we only seem to have while on the road.

 

The survey also revealed we are a nation of secret singers! There is a famous quote (attributed to Mark Twain, among others) that tells us to ‘Dance like no one is watching’ and ‘Sing like no one is listening’ – and for many drivers there is no greater pleasure than belting out some classics and being the star of your own playlist while on the road. And according to the poll, more than one-in-ten UK drivers (12%) are happy to admit that they ‘sing like they are the star of a West End show’ while driving!

And let’s not forget the joys of dropping by the service station for a coffee or snack. A massive part of our communities, they have stayed open throughout the pandemic – enabling front line workers to stay mobile with many sites adapting their retail offer to meet the needs of their customers. A simple pleasure many drivers have missed.

 

“At JET we always try and see things from the driver’s perspective,” says Áine Corkery, Manager, Brand UK Marketing, Phillips 66 Limited “ and the more we understand about our customers the better the service we can provide. For some it’s about reconnecting – driving to see family and friends while for others it represents autonomy and freedom – an adventure waiting to reveal itself. But whatever the reason for taking to the road our role at JET remains the same and that is to get the drivers who visit our forecourts back on the road quickly and safely.”

 

Top 10 most-missed moments of driving pre-lockdown:

  1. A sense of freedom (43%)
  2. Driving to somewhere new (29%)
  3. Peace, quiet and having time to yourself (22%)
  4. Adventure/going on a ride for the fun of it (21%)
  5. Heart-to-heart catch-ups and meaningful conversations (18%)
  6. Blasting out your driving mix with the windows rolled down (17%)
  7. Tuning into your favourite radio show, audiobook or podcast (12%)
  8. Singing like you’re the star of your own West-End show (12%)
  9. Visiting the service station for a quick hot drink and snack (11%)
  10. Driving on some of the UK’s best roads (9%)

Please visit https://www.jetlocal.co.uk/

Holidays, News, Travel

Five essential checks for drivers going on staycations

With Brits soon able to go on staycations around the country, many will be about to embark on long-distance car journeys for the first time in many months. However, before they take to the roads, it’s important that motorists conduct a number of basic checks to ensure their car is safe.

Vehicles that have not been used for long periods of time can sometimes develop dangerous issues and faults, such as locked breaks and damaged tyres, and even if nothing appears to be wrong with the car, motorists should be cautious when using their car for a long journey for the first time in months.

To help drivers ensure their car is roadworthy as lockdown restrictions are eased and UK hotels and holiday sites re-open, Euro Car Parts has compiled a list of five things to check before returning to the wheel.

Check the battery

When cars are unused for a long period of time, it’s likely that the battery will lose charge due to remaining idle. Before getting back on the road again, you will need to ensure that the battery is fully charged and in good condition.

Firstly, physically inspect the battery to check that there isn’t any damage to the wiring or signs of corrosion on the terminals. Once you have done this, you’ll need to check that it is still holding its charge. This can be done by using a car battery tester. If you don’t have a battery tester or you’re unsure what to do, then visiting your local independent garage is the best course of action.

Before embarking on a car journey a couple of hours long, you’re best making sure that your first journey is 20-30 minutes long, as this will allow the alternator to fully charge the battery. It’s also recommended to use things that consume power, such as the radio or air conditioning, as little as possible at first.

Check the tyres

If a car has been resting in the same place for a long time, the parts of the tyre in contact with the floor may have become deformed, cracked or damaged.

You will need to inspect the tyres before driving again, so look for signs of bulging, as well as flat spots, cracking and damage to the wall of the tyre. If you notice any damage to your tyres, you should fit a temporary wheel and drive to your local garage for a replacement.

You’ll also need to check that the tyre’s air pressure is within the levels specified in the car manual. This can be done using a tyre pressure gauge, which can be used at home or at your nearest petrol station.

Refill the fluids

Vehicle fluid levels, including windscreen wash, brake fluid, coolant and engine oil, may have reduced while your car has been inactive, so you’ll need to check that they are all topped up. If you’re unsure of the correct level, check the owner’s handbook.

You should also conduct a visual check to ensure that there are no signs of fluids leaking underneath the car. Additionally, keep an eye out for any damage or foreign objects under the bonnet. It sounds unlikely but rodents can sometimes make a nest in a car and can cause damage to the wiring.

Test the brakes

When left unused, a car’s brakes may start to seize up, and in some cases, they can begin to corrode, so it’s vitally important that you drive very cautiously and avoid high speeds on your first journey. The brakes may not be as responsive as they were on the last drive and they will take time to return to normal, so driving with caution should be exercised.

Begin your journey by pulling away slowly and safely. You can then start to pick up the speed but continue to drive slowly until you’re certain that braking has returned to normal. If you notice any issues, you should consult your local independent garage as soon as possible.

Air out the car

A very simple task, but an important one, nonetheless. When you use your car for the first time in a while, you’ll want to air it out to get rid of any unpleasant smells that have built up. This is especially true if you accidentally left any rubbish or food in the car before locking it away.

Simply open the vehicle’s doors for a few minutes to let the musty air escape. It’s important to state that you should not leave your car unsupervised with the doors open and under no circumstances should you leave the keys in the car while doing this.

Colin Cottrell, Marketing & Central Operations Director at Euro Car Parts, said: “Many people across the country will be returning to their cars after long periods of inactivity, and it’s only natural that some vehicles will take time to return to normal.

“The number one rule when taking a car out of long-term storage is to be extremely cautious. Visual and physical checks should be conducted where possible before getting behind the wheel, and you should drive slowly and carefully until you’re absolutely sure that the car is back to normal.”

For cars in need of a bit of TLC and maintenance coming out of the lockdown, click here for a range of products such as batteries and engine oil: https://www.eurocarparts.com/