Motorists who look after their cars’ engines may find their vehicles become more fuel-efficient, it has been claimed.

According to auto care group STP, certain treatments can cut petrol and diesel consumption by preventing harmful deposits from building up.

The company went on to say cleansing agents work by improving fuel flow to the engine.

It explained various deposits – such as dirt, varnish and gum – are "all too prevalent" in petrol and diesel and need to be removed.

The firm provides treatments for vehicles powered by both types of fuel and it claimed – when used as recommended – they add less than 3 pence per mile to the cost of a journey.

Additional benefits of the products include the fact they combat rust, cut exhaust emissions, minimise intake valve deposits and keep carburettors clean.

During winter, the petrol treatment also prevents fuel line freeze by getting rid of water in the combustion process.

In other engine-related news, Seat recently described the unit under the bonnet of the Leon Cupra R as "brutally powerful".

Motorists could be compromising their safety if they neglect to carry out background checks when buying a used car, it has been suggested.

Auto information group HPI pointed out drivers could end up with a vehicle that has been previously written off, by skimping when it comes to researching the model’s history.

It pointed out one in three second-hand cars have something to hide.

As well as the risk of purchasing an unsafe vehicle, motorists may also end up with a stolen auto, the company warned.

Consumer services manager Nicola Johnson claimed drivers should be suspicious if the price seems too low.

She stated: "We do urge buyers not to take a bargain at face value.

"As the old saying goes, if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is."

In related news, HPI recently announced it had produced its first ever adverts for television to promote its services.

The scrappage scheme has helped improve the green credentials of the UK’s autos, it has been claimed.

According to WhatGreenCar, although the government’s cash for bangers initiative was mainly a measure to improve the fortunes of the ailing motor industry, it has had one other significant benefit as well.

The group explained the programme has played a big part in cutting the country’s carbon footprint.

Figures provided by the organisation show on average the cars being scrapped release 179 g/km of CO2.

On the other hand, a typical new auto being bought through the initiative boasts CO2 emissions of 134 g/km.

Dr Ben Lane from WhatGreenCar said even before the project was launched, many Brits were looking for more fuel-efficient motors.

He added: "The scrappage scheme has helped to continue this trend, at a time when UK car sales were at an all time low."

In related news, WhatGreenCar’s website provides eco ratings for all of the new and used autos in the UK.

Motorists are still interested in second-hand prestige cars, despite the recession, it has been claimed.

According to online used vehicle retailer Autoquake, BMW models tend to attract the most enquiries.

The company’s customers can ask for email alerts about cars due to come into stock – autos from the German manufacturer have been found to generate the highest number of requests.

In addition to this, potential buyers can register interest in vehicles that have already been reserved by other people, in case the sale falls through.

One BMW 318i inspired 220 individuals to ask to be notified if it became available again.

Co-founder of Autoquake Fredrik Skantze commented: "There’s a shortage of quality used cars at the moment, so it’s no wonder buyers are queuing up to buy the most popular models."

In other news, the company recently announced customers can now pre-order ex-fleet vehicles before they are officially available to buy.

The engine in Porsche’s new 911 can rev faster and offers even more power than those in previous editions of the car, it has been claimed.

According to the manufacturer, the power unit of the GT3 RS vehicle has helped to create the most sporting road version of the model ever.

The engine in question is based on the flat six-cylinder boxer variation that is used in the GT3 911.

However, although the new unit displaces 3.8 rather than 3.6 litres like its predecessor, it is also tuned so that it offers even more power to the person behind the wheel.

Buyers can expect an additional 15 hp, compared to the GT3 variation of the motor.

The RS edition of the Porsche 911 is scheduled to arrive in showrooms across the UK and Ireland in February next year.

Prices for the car start at £100,760.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer is to display the next generation 911 Turbo at the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month.

One of Seat’s latest models comes with a "brutally powerful" engine, it has been claimed.

According to the manufacturer, the new Leon Cupra R offers the same output as the version of the vehicle that won the TDI World Touring Car Championship.

The latest addition to the company’s line up features a 265 PS 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine and the firm said the unit provides "remarkable flexibility" and "easy torque transmission".

People who eventually end up purchasing the motor will find it can hit 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before powering on to a maximum speed of 155 mph.

However, Seat pointed out the car is also capable of almost 35 mpg.

The model is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on September 17th.

In other news, the manufacturer recently reported it was launching an edgy advertising campaign for the Altea, highlighting the fact life can still be fun after starting a family.

The use of eco fuels is becoming more widespread across Europe, it has been reported.

Figures from automotive information group Jato Dynamics have shown sales of LPG and CNG-powered cars throughout the continent doubled in July, compared with the same month in 2008.

The company put this down to government-backed incentives aimed at encouraging motorists to go green.

However, the number of Brits opting for such models may still be relatively small.

It was revealed drivers in Italy were most likely to choose vehicles that run on eco fuels, followed by Sweden and Germany for CNG – and France for LPG.

Jato Dynamics’ latest statistics also showed diminutive motors were proving the most resilient in the face of the recession.

Spokesman David Di Girolamo commented: "The much talked about green shoots of recovery can be seen in the small car segment, which is the greatest beneficiary of scrappage incentives and European customers’ desire to move to more affordable cars."

Earlier this month, Jato Dynamics reported auto markets in the eastern and central parts of the continent have suffered a significant slowdown this year.

People keen to see Britain’s roads made as safe as possible may agree that the police should not be able to deal with cases of careless driving by simply handing out fines.

According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), this can be a serious offence – and prosecution and an appearance in court is often a more appropriate course of action.

The organisation voiced concerns that the proposals were aimed at making like easier for law enforcement officers rather than reducing traffic accidents.

Policy director Neil Greig explained the group’s standpoint.

He stated: "We would have been prepared to support the proposal if it was shown that it would lead to an improvement in driving standards and a reduction in casualties."

Mr Greig suggested a move to boost the quality of "obviously deteriorating" police prosecutions would also have been welcomed.

In other news, IAM recently called on students to prioritise safety and reliability when purchasing a car.

Motorists who appreciate that long trips in the car with the family can be stressful affairs may find that the right music can help a journey run smoothly, if the findings of one company are anything to go by.

General Motors has conducted a survey to find out which tunes make for a harmonious ride and which ditties are likely to drive relatives to breaking point.

The poll crowned Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf as the nation’s number one choice of song, with Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and Roy Orbison’s I Drove All Night taking second and third spots respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, Agadoo by Black Lace was named the worst tune to be subjected to while on the road, with Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard and Can We Fix It? by Bob the Builder also proving unpopular.

Drivers may find any measures that help cut out distracting family bickering make car trips safer and more enjoyable.

Motorists may already be aware that getting important car parts checked can help keep them and their loved ones safe on the road.

However, they might not have given too much thought to ensuring their vehicle’s air conditioning unit is working properly.

But, according to Kwik-Fit, this car part can play a vital role in road safety.

Research by the company found eight per cent of arguments behind the wheel are attributed to being trapped in a hot and stuffy auto.

Despite this, the firm claimed many drivers neglect to have their air conditioning units checked as often as they should.

Customer services director David White suggested this could be a mistake.

He commented: "As mercury rises this summer, motorists could find themselves getting extremely hot under the collar."

Meanwhile, people may find they can get a good deal on air conditioning car spares – or even climate control parts – by searching online.