Driving in the snow has been made easier as Vauxhall launches a new gadget to give tyres extra grip to prevent cars from skidding.

A set of snow socks has been invented by Vauxhall to be put on the outside of car tyres as a clever new way of preventing damage to car parts during seasons of heavy snow.

Cited by the RAC, the new car part is a pair of fabric snow chains so car wheels get extra grip when driving on roads thick with snow.

Car insurance claims are expected to fall with the increasing use of this product and some may even reduce their premium if you prove you use them.

Vauxhall claims the fabric snow chains work better than winter tyres and are easier to fit than usual snow chains.

The pieces of fabric are made to go at right angles in the direction of travel so they plough through the snow better.

Using the snow socks should be used only for vital journeys where the weather is severe or where you are likely to drive at a slow speed throughout as they can only be used at speeds of up to 50mph.

A set of two snow socks costs £49.99 and can be obtained from a Vauxhall retailer – they can be used on any model car too.

Check Car Parts for Snow Driving

Before you set off on a journey this winter make sure your car is up to the job as British weather could turn suddenly and you could be faced with harsh driving conditions.

Even though many car owners do not change their car tyres for winter ones as the leaves turn it is still advised you check the condition your current ones are in.

Make sure the tread is above 3 mm and they are fully inflated, it is also worth checking oil levels and screen wash so you are not caught out on a long journey.

When it comes to selling your current car it is important to ensure it is viewed in its best possible condition in order to get the most money from a sale.

A report by Manheim Auctions recently showed that one in 10 drivers fail to repair small damages on certain car parts to their vehicles before a sale, such as dents and scratches, resulting in a smaller resale price.

A loss of up to £500 is at stake as damage to alloy wheels could reduce the value by £50 to £150 per wheel and cracked headlights by £75 to £150.

A damaged windscreen could devalue a car by £100-300, carpets and front seat material in poor condition can affect it by £100-350, and minor accident damage to panels by up to £250 per body part.

“It’s imperative that motorists do everything they can to maximise what their car is worth,” said Craig Mailey, Manheim Auctions’ client service and marketing director.

“Ensuring a car is clean and in the best condition possible will go a long way to getting the best resale price.”

How Can I Revamp my Car?

The amount of work you invest in sprucing up your motor is entirely up to you but there are some cheap ways of making it look more expensive.

Giving the car a good clean inside and out is an essential start, after this you will be able to identify any dents or scratches in the body work more easily.

A good lick of paint may be sufficient to cover this however if it is still obvious you may consider replacing that door or particular body panel.

To make a good investment with the car you will want to keep the cost of new car parts to a minimum and so motorists are advised to look online to get good deals.

Many online stockists have large supplies of car parts suitable for every type of motor including tyres, windscreen spares and interior necessities such as carpets and replacement seats.

SsangYong have expanded its core sport utility model for the first time with the launch of the new Korando.

Recently previewed in Mallorca the Korando is a crossover model combining the practicality of a 4×4/SUV with the accessibility of a family hatchback enabling the company to take advantage of vaired car parts within this growing market.

The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in a more contemporary style with a monocoque construction which is the first time the company has changed their ladder-rack chassis architecture.

As part of the fourth generation of Korando this model aims to compete with the like of the Ford Kuga, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The launch in the UK will see five models come onto the market with customers given the option of a two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual and automatic, and two trim levels.

The car boasts new improved power, generated from a new Euro5 2.0 litre diesel engine delivering improved fuel economy and 157gkm CO2 emissions below the critical 160g/km level permitting a 25 percent tax reduction.

Deliveries to the UK are set to start towards the end of the year aiming to be on sale in January as production of right-hand-drive vehicles begins this month.

Korando Car Parts

If you own an SsnagYong motor and require a spare part to replace one that is damaged 247 Spares will be able to find you a cheap spare part to fit your requirements.

We are the largest online stockist of car parts priding ourselves on providing quality car parts at discount prices to suit the needs of all our customers.

Furthermore, if you find a suitable part on our site you can order it on the phone or via the net for it to be delivered straight to your front door.

The star sale of the latest Barons’ event at Sandown Park saw a rare 1963 Bentley Continental two door coupe go for £159,000 in the auction.

The event on October 26^th was classed as the second-best sale in the 12 years since the car auction was founded by Laurence Sayers-Gillan.

The Bentley designed by Mulliner is one of just eight examples built with car parts enabling right hand drive configuration and one of only 11 in total.

Additionally, a pair of Jaguar E-type FHC’s went for an impressive £31,860 for the 1969 Series Two while the 1967 Series One 4.2 went for £53,000.  Seven out of 10 of the top cars represented at the show were Jaguars.

“This was an excellent result and was not only significant for the sale of the Bentley,” said Laurence Sayers-Gillan, Barons’ managing director.

“We now look forward to our popular annual Yuletide Classic sale at Sandown Park on December 7^th.

“This is already looking good with some very tasty consignments.”

A Saab Sonnet II V4 was sold for a healthy £9,790 of which auctioneer Fabian Hine admitted in his 37 year career he had never offered such a car while most auction goers had never even seen one.

Other sales included a 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Sedan which went for £14,539, a 1969 Chevrolet (GM) Camaro SS Coupe which went for £8,951 and a 1972 Mercedes 280SE which went for £6,158.

The annual Yuletide Classic sale at Sandown Park will see a SSI Tourer, an Aston Martin DBS 6 with ZF manual box, and a rare Lotus Cortina SE MKI being auctioned.

Bentley Car Parts

For regular auction goers and collectors of classic cars, it is important to replace any part of the car with a quality alternative that is within keeping of the style and model of the rest of the vehicle.

At 247 Spares we have a large online stock of quality car parts for Bentley cars and other popular classics to ensure your motor can be repaired to its original condition.

The latest Volkswagen Jetta model has made its debut in Europe at the Allianz Arena in FC Bayern Munich.

This follows the first launch earlier in the year in Times Square New York where the Jetta’s design and new car parts were showed off.

Features include a grille at the front which has been likened to the new Phaeton with horizontal fins which aims to create the impression it is lower and wider than it actually is.

The car was designed by Klaus Bischoff who is the Head of Volkswagen Design – and he created the Jetta’s clean simple lines with intricately styled light units both at the front and the rear.

Inside the cabin the design takes on similarities with the Golf as a new centre console is included and additional entertainment and climate control systems and steering wheel design.

The main difference however is how the new Jetta has grown in length to 4,644 mm, 90 mm longer than the previous model, and with an extended wheelbase of 2,648 mm which creates a 67 mm increase in the rear seats for legroom.

The US model differs slightly from the European one as the latter includes a four-link suspension system which again sees similarities with the Golf – it also boasts a wider track at the rear as well as revised springs and dampers.

As the sixth generation of the Jetta range this new model offers greater efficiency and few emissions for the environmentally friendly motorists.

The Jetta is available in a pair of 1.4 litre TSI engines, developing 122 PS and 160 PS and two diesel engines, 1.6 litre or 2.0 litre.  The 1.6 litre engine features BlueMotion Technology and stop/start features.

Sales are aimed to hit the UK early 2011.

Volkswagen Car Parts

Volkswagen car parts are available from247 Spares at discounted prices to suit every model in this range.

Next-generation electric cars that are capable of travelling longer distances without the need for recharging could be a step closer as Volvo announces they are looking to develop an electric car.

The research is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency to create a new car part fuel cell that can extend the electric car’s operating range without any CO2 emissions.

Their overall aim is to create two chassis based on the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric ready to be tested for everyday use in 2012.

“This is an exciting expansion of our focus on electrification,” said Stefan Jacoby, Volvo Cars President and CEO.

“The project gives us increased knowledge about fuel cells and hydrogen gas.”

By redesigning fuel cells of electric cars it enables the distance the cars can cover to be extended before they need to be recharged.

The Volvo research includes a reformer being added to the fuel cell which breaks down a liquid fuel (petrol normally) to create hydrogen gas, this is then converted into electrical energy used to power the car.

“We have just taken the first steps and it is naturally too early to talk about market introduction of electric cars with Range Extenders,” Mr Jacoby added.

The end products result in reduced CO2, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides due to the increased efficiency so merely electricity, water and a small amount of CO2 is produced.

The technology is expected to increase by up to 250 kilometres the electric car’s operating range.

Volvo Car Parts

If you require Volvo car parts to replace worn or damaged parts on your vehicle 247 Spares can provide them at discounted prices.

Whether it is a new engine, body panels, windscreen wipers or tyre spares, we have the largest online stock of quality spare parts to suit every car model.  Furthermore, the parts can be ordered online or over the phone and delivered to your door.

Classic cars come in all shapes and sizes with styles varying due to design and modern tastes constantly changing.

If you are looking into classic cars to make a purchase or simply as a fan, check out the following best classic cars.

1 Morris Minor

Produced in 1948-1971, this classic car can be purchased today through specialised car dealers for an affordable price. The design, though classic, has survived the test of time and is a popular car even today for those looking for a vintage alternative to the racing style designs new cars sport. Buy Morris Minor Car Parts Online

2 Jaguar MK2 Fleet

The Jaguar MK2 Fleet is a saloon classic which is popular today for renting or hiring for special occasions such as weddings. Made famous by bank robbers and TV programmes, the elegant appearance makes it instantly recognisable as a quality classic car by those not necessarily car enthusiasts. Buy Jaguar Car Parts Online

3 Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo classic car range is the epitome of romance made by the Italians for use as a convertible for a passionate weekend break.

The Spider is a classic Alfa sports car which many motorists enjoy taking for a quick spin to test the car’s speedy performance.  The original Alfa Romeo was known as the Duetto created in 1966 and actually cost more than a Jaguar E-type.

4 Aston Martin DB6

A James Bond favourite and this DB6 is no exception.  Made in the 1960s this car comes in just 71 Vantage specifications. A four-seater car with a six cylinder engine, large boot and two doors – one for the family maybe?

5 Classic Mini Cooper

One of the best known British cars ever made – the classic Mini Cooper was launched in 1959 and has been in continuous production for over 40 years.

Classic Mini features included in the small saloon are the four seats, two doors, leather interior, and walnut dashboard.

Classic Car Parts

If you collect classic cars or are looking to spruce up your existing one 247 Spares has a large stock of quality classic car parts which will be in keeping with the look of your car while ensuring it drives well and safely.

The Range Rover Sport was named the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year 2011, winning Best all Wheel Drive Towcar over 1800kgs.

Recently the car was upgraded with an economical new 3.0 litre diesel engine and other new automotive parts including exterior design changes and a redesigned interior.

To gain first prize, the Range Rover Sport had to beat off competition from the Honda CRV, Toyota Land Cruiser and the Hyundai Sante Fe.

The cars were tested at Millbrook Proving Ground where each was assessed by a panel of judges on towing ability, braking and ability to cope with demanding hill starts, acceleration, and dynamics when hitched.

“The Range Rover Sport handled all of the tests effortlessly,” added Clive White of the Caravan Club, driving judge.

“The Range Rover Sport is a truly capable vehicle,” said John Edwards, Land Rover UK’s managing director.

“It really is the perfect vehicle for caravan enthusiasts who want the comfort and luxury of a Range Rover cabin.”

The new Ranger model encompasses the new Tow Assist technology which enables the driver to better perform towing manoeuvres, and Trailer Stability Assist which initiates engine torque reduction and braking interventions so control is maintained when the trailer goes off course.

It also boasts a Surround Camera System so drivers can keep a close eye on the trailer while driving and manoeuvring into parking spaces.

The Range Rover Sport is currently on sale priced at £46,995.

Range Rover Sport Automotive Parts

If you have a vehicle designed for towing trailers, or would like to enhance you current one to be able to do so, Range Rover automotive parts are available at 247 Spares.

It is important to ensure your vehicle is capable of handling a trailer and as such it is advised to ensure your brakes, tyres and other essential car parts are checked regularly so replacements can be made.

October is TyreSafe month and drivers are being urged to ensure that their car tyres are safe and roadworthy for winter motoring. Find cheap spare car tyres online now.

When you drive a car it is your responsibility to make sure that the car tyres are suitable for driving. If you are driving a car where the tyres are in a poor condition you could lose your driving license: poor tyres can leave you with three penalty points per tyre.

UK law requires car tyres to have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.

A survey of visitors to the Honestjohn.co.uk website has revealed recently that 30 percent of motorists do not have a spare tyre in their vehicle, but instead have a tyre foam kit.

The kits provide a short-term solution to allow motorists to get to the nearest garage. They are not intended for long-term driving use and after using a kit to repair a tyre you are sometimes restricted to driving at 50mph or lower.

“Whilst tyre foam kits can get a car to the nearest garage, our survey seems to suggest that being stuck with a flat in the middle of nowhere with just a can of foam is a situation most motorists would like to avoid,” said Daniel Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk.

With winter on the way it is important to make sure your tyre tread is good enough for winter driving and to ensure that your tyre pressure is correct. If you need replacements, don’t delay and order them now.

Find Spare Tyres Online

If you are in need of car tyres, either as a spare, or to make your vehicle more roadworthy, you can find a range of car tyres online for any make or model at 247Spares.co.uk.

Approximately two million cars are taken off the road each year the DVLA reports, generating 3.5 million tonnes of scrap in the process. Follow these tips on what to look for when buying a scrap car.

Although the Government’s car scrappage scheme finished in March, there are still many spare parts and scrap cars available, however, not all scrap parts are safe to use and it is important to know what to look out for.

Whether looking to buy a scrap car to do up or simply to use for car parts, there are plenty of things to take into consideration.

Rust

While you are not likely to be looking for top condition car parts when buying a scrap car you should look to take onboard any rust you find on it.  Some cars have had a cheap lick of paint to cover the rust, so inspect it thoroughly, especially if you are looking to buy for body panels.

Damages

The amount of damage to the body panel of a scrapped car will indicate the condition the car is in and help you decide how much it is worth and if you are prepared to fix it.

Look along the bodywork of the car from each corner looking for any dents and parts which are slightly different colours as body fill commonly used to fill up dents will cause inconsistencies in the paint work.

Leaks

If the car has leaks it is often a sign that certain car parts have eroded or damaged and this will also be a good tell-tale sign about the overall condition of the car.

Look around the edge of the windows, in the boot and around the sunroof for any water marks, however it is also worth considering the weather at this point, as it could just be damp, rather than a leak.

Engine

If the car engine is dirty and rusty you can assume it is not in good condition and has not been looked after well.

If possible turn the engine on and take the car for a test drive, if it is not drivable observe the colour of the smoke from the exhaust, black or blue smoke could suggest problems with the engine and the oil.

Replacement Car Parts

If you have bought a scrap car with the intention of giving it a makeover, quality spare car parts can be purchased online at discount prices from 247 Spares.