Making the most of your 4×4 can involve a bit of rough and tumble, especially if you enjoy off-roading. If this is the case, then you’re probably aware that you’ll need to repair or replace your propshaft or universal joints at some point.
But as with everything, knowledge is power. So here are a few handy tips to ensure that you have many more road trips on the cards! Continue reading
Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a newcomer, there are a range of misconceptions floating about that aren’t going to do you or your car any good. The good news is that if you do find yourself in trouble and in need of prop shaft repairs, then we’re here to help!
Expect propshaft repairs aplenty on the 8th and 9th of August as titans of the British Truck Racing field will be going bumper to bumper in the next leg of the British Truck Racing Association at Silverstone. At the previous stage, Volvo’s Stuart Oliver climbed to the top of Division One after an outstanding hat-trick of victories at Donington on July 25th and 26th.
Welcome back to part 2 of our off road racing heroes series, we hope you enjoyed our last blog on the world of group B.
Thankfully this time we are keeping the volume way up at 11 and taking a look at an equally dangerous and gruelling championship in the form of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Originally run from Paris to Dakar this original route had to be abandoned due to security threats in Mauritania and is now run in Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Continue reading
Some cars are famous for their beautiful design, their propensity for speed or maybe even their ride quality, but some cars are remembered not for their successes but for the monumentality of their failures. These cars are referred to as ‘lemons’ in the car world, here at Prop Shaft Repairs we get so used to repairing good cars, we have an eye for a lemon.
In order to help you avoid buying one, in this blog we thought we’d highlight 5 of the worst so that you can avoid them. Continue reading
“Where the road ends, the fun begins”
-4×4 enthusiast proverb
Here at Propshaft Repairs, we are huge fans of rallying, if it’s fast and goes off the road then you can be pretty sure that it will raise our pulses.
One of the things that makes rallying so exciting is the element of danger! Even today in the highly sanitised world of rallying there is still real danger and accidents are not a rare occurrence.
Once upon a time though, there was a breed of rallying that redefined danger in a way that is sure to never be replicated. This was of course the beast that is Group B, the most exciting and deadly form of rallying ever to exist. From this era though, some of the most legendary cars ever to strap on a turbocharger emerged.
In honour of this heady time we thought that we would list a few of our favourite cars that emerged from this era, and first in the line up is probably the most legendary of all.
Lancia Delta S4
We could go on about the power to weight ratio, the rumoured 1000bhp versions but there is one figure that really stands out for this car and it is 2.3 seconds. This 2.3 seconds of course refers to the cars 0-62mph time which is amazing even before you factor in that this is on gravel. Even more than 30 years later, nothing that you can buy for the road accelerates at this rate!
For a more visual look of why this car is so special hit play on the video below to see why these cars were often fitted with side window wipers.
Austin Metro 6R4
Taking a microscopic hatch back and fitting it with a 400bhp, 3 litre V6 is surely an act of lunacy, a tale from a petrol heads dream right? Well The Metro 6R4 is proof that this combination came true once and it was nothing short of spectacular!
While it never achieved the rallying success that it probably deserved due to its late arrival, it remains one of the most revered cars ever made. Press play below for a very shouty review of what made it so special.
Audi Quattro Sport S1
No mention of Group B or indeed rallying as a whole is complete without referencing this monster. With almost 600bhp going to all four wheels this car could only be stopped by the regulations that brought group B as a whole down. It dominated the ’83 and ’84 seasons and is the most decorated car to come from this era.
Hit play below to watch rally legend Walter Rohrl make this monster dance, those feet!
We hope that you have enjoyed this little look back at one of the most legendary cars from Group B. Oh and if you are now inspired to do a bit of rallying yourself, make sure that you contact us on 01524 382262 and our friendly team of prop shaft experts will be happy to help.
Stay tuned to our blog for the next instalment of our off road heroes blog that looks at one of the most legendary races in the world… the Dakar Rally!
Is there anything more liberating than sliding into the driver’s seat and getting behind the wheel? Not much, we admit, but there is one thing that makes that moment even more awesome – listening to great driving tunes.
Oh man, where to start with this topic – it’s one we’re going to have to come back to again and again and again. But for now, let’s kick it off with one of the greatest…
Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Picture fast cars cruising around cliff-top roads, or a Hell’s Angels chapter smashing the speed limit along a deserted highway, and this is the song that plays in your head. That’s thanks to countless TV programmes, movies and adverts using this rocking track that’s sometimes called the first genuine heavy metal song.
Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads
Ok, let’s bring it down a notch. This is one for the long drive home. Talking Heads were always a little…out there. And this song was singer-songwriter David Byrne’s attempt to ‘write a song that represented a resigned, even joyful look at doom.’ Backed by a rhythmic drum beat, this is a joy to go late-night driving to.
2-4-6-8 Motorway – Tom Robinson Band
What is it about the oldies that make them goodies? Tom Robinson Band came out with this classic in 1977 – and it’s still a top tune today. It’s like a checklist of everything awesome in a driving song: Steady drum beat, wicked-cool electric guitar wails, and simple, chant-like lyrics.
The Self Preservation Society – Cast of The Italian Job
The Italian Job is widely admired for being flat-out brilliant – from Michael Caine’s performance as criminal Charlie Croker to the simply epic Mini car chase through Italy. And that’s before we even get on to the theme tune. Sung by the cast, it’s lyrically genius, using cockney rhyming slang, it’s got that football terrace chanting, and…it’s catchy as anything. We defy you to listen to this song and not imagine you’re carrying gold bullion across the continent!
Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
Although there are plenty of songs you could leave off this list, there’s one you can’t. The gods of the road will smite thee if you do. Yep, it’s got to be Wilson Pickett’s version of Mustang Sally – a stone-cold classic that’s still being covered today, 50 years after its initial release. Altogether now: ‘All you wanna do is ride around, Sally…’
Of course, driving to great tunes is made superior when your truck’s in tip-top shape – that’s where we come in. We’re seriously experienced when it comes to high-quality prop shaft repair services. For more information about how we can make your musical joyride even better, simply contact us on 01524 382262 and our friendly team will be delighted to assist with your requirements.
Driving can be stressful at the best of times. Bad weather, dangerous drivers, day-dreaming pedestrians – all things that can make a regular drive a little harder.
However, sometimes we come across something that is even worse than the things mentioned above – dangerous roads.
Here at DriveLine, we specialise in prop shaft repair and other maintenance and engineering services. Using our knowledge of the roads, we have put together a list of some of the world’s worst roads.
We suggest that you memorise this list so that you can avoid them on any future road trips (or aim for them if you’re feeling pretty brave).
North Yungas Road (Bolivia)
The North Yungas road in Bolivia has been given the nickname ‘El Camino del Muerte’, which translates as ‘The Road of Death’. Yikes!
The extremely thin road is situated in the mountains at an altitude of 4,650m, and the road winds and turns all the way. It’s probably best not to look down either, as nothing but deep canyons lie below.
The good news? There is an alternative road, so you don’t have to take this one.
Halsema Highway (Philippines)
The Halsema Highway is one of the scariest highways in the world, and is the highest highway in the whole of the Philippines. It is 150 miles long, connecting the Baguio and Benguet provinces to Northern Luzon.
Along the road, drivers have to contend with mud slides, landslides, falling rocks and narrow roads. It’s common to see bus drivers flying along it at high speeds, making it extremely dangerous for those in smaller cars.
There is also a lack of safety rails, meaning drivers are not protected whilst at high altitudes.
Rohtang Pass (India)
This 4,000 metre high road is located in the Eastern Himalayas and connects the Kulu, Lahual and Spiti valleys.
It earns its place on our list of dangerous roads because of the frequent occurrence of mudslides, avalanches and snowstorms.
The road is only open between the months of May – November, as this when the weather isn’t as volatile.
They are current working to provide a safer alternative.
Hopefully you have found this list as fascinating as we have, but we suggest you don’t go looking for these roads!
Here at DriveLine, we are passionate about keeping you safe on the roads. We’re experts when it comes to prop shaft repairs and maintenance, and aim to keep your vehicle running at its best.
If you’d like more information about the services we can provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01524 382262 and a member of our staff will be happy to help.
Check out part two of the worst roads in the world here!
We love driving – everything from the twist of the key to the growl of the engine, gently pressing the pedal and picking up speed as the landscape starts to blur. It’s more than an art-form, more than a passion; for some, driving, even when not actually behind the wheel, is a serious hobby.
Just because you’re not sitting in the driver’s seat doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a good ol’ drive. Park yourself in front of a computer or games console, and you can experience all the awesome highs and lows of being behind the wheel – all from the comfort of your sofa.
With that in mind, let’s check out some of the best driving simulators out there. Not the arcade-style, smash-and-bash video games like OutRun, but the ones that endeavour to simulate the act of actually driving while maintaining all the fun that it entails – we don’t need another Desert Bus, which lets players drive all the way from Tuscon to Las Vegas in real-time. That’s eight hours staring at a screen, with no game saves.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Because one truck simulator isn’t enough, right? Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an extraordinarily detailed sim that offers players the chance to haul cargo across the entire continent, from the UK to Hungary. Choose your vehicle, pick up your load and get driving. As you become more proficient at the game, you can upgrade your rig, rise through the ranks, and eventually own your own trucking company. The trucks are all based on real-world models like Scania and DAF, each intricately crafted right down to the interiors. And making it feel more real than real is the option to stream European radio stations into your cab. Nice touch!
Rigs of Rods
Ok, it might not be much to look at, but this free game is pretty incredible all the same. Rigs of Rods’ physics are an awesome recreation of real-life. So if you damage one part of the rig, it has a knock-on effect on other parts of the truck, from visuals to handling. That means if you crash and/or burn your vehicle, then it’s game over for that truck – although you’ll still keep your real-world driver’s licence! What really makes Rigs of Rods stand out is the modification support, so you can create your dream jet-boat-awesome-mobile – and it’ll handle exactly like it would in real life (Badly, we expect).
Forza 5
For console-fiends out there, Forza is a serious contender for best driving game ever. And there’s a reason it’s so highly rated – sure, it’s more of a racing sim than a driving sim, but it does that job so well. The cars’ handling is an impeccable replication of a genuine racing car, with mistakes and crashes having a consequence on the vehicle. You know when you’ve just t-boned a rival racer. And every grind of the gear, every slap of the brake pads is registered through the controller, providing the same sort of feedback you’d expect when driving a 100mph before drifting around that corner.
Dr. Driving
If you prefer to play your driving sims on a mobile, well, there’s an app for that – to coin a phrase. Dr. Driving is available for iPhone and Android, and gives gamers the opportunity to drive on-the-go. The graphics might to have that real-world sheen, since it’s a mobile game, but the game’s controls and pitch-perfect, even on touch-screen displays and it has tons of different game modes available.
Of course a driving game is no replacement for getting behind the wheel for real. But sometimes it fills the gap until the next time. Here at DriveLine we specialise in the repair and manufacture of everything from universal joints to propshafts, keeping you on the road where you belong. Finding out more about our services is easy – simply contact us on 01524 382262 and we’ll be delighted to assist with all of your enquiries.
Here at DriveLine, we love automotive technology, and that means that we’re pretty taken with the idea of driverless cars. We’ve talked about them on numerous occasions, detailing how they’ve been trialled thus far, and have paid especially close notice to the advent of driverless trucks. You’ll often find us carrying out the odd propshaft repair on existing lorries for our clients, so we’re intrigued by all new developments in this area. It seems that the idea of autonomous vehicles has captured the minds of our government too, as they’ve just pledged a greater level of support for the concept.
Smart Cars and British Involvement
According to The Register, George Osborne has stated that he wants Britain ‘to be right at the heart of it [autonomous vehicles]’. To that end, he’s set aside a round sum of £100 million in the latest budget to further the development of smart cars in Britain. Currently, the only British voice speaking out in the world of the connected car is ARM, so there’s massive scope for UK involvement. In the past, British engineering has led the way in terms of landmark innovations, so why not here as well?
The Future of Smart Cars
So, with a greater array of support in the future, just what might the future of smart cars actually hold? Already, manufacturers like Ford argue that their cars are ‘partially autonomous’ – thanks to systems that assist drivers to park – but what sort of stage are smart cars up to in the here and now?
Regardless, smart cars in the connected sense are progressing well. Ford has already unveiled voice controls, a ‘MyFord’ mobile app that provides feedback on your driving (thereby encouraging good habits) and even touch screens and video screens that take the place of standard rear-view mirrors. Meanwhile, the long-speculated-upon Apple car is nowhere to be seen – other than in the form of one ‘CarPlay’ system and a passing observation that the upcoming smartwatch could ‘replace car keys’ – yet rumours still persist. Clearly, Britain faces some stiff competition to make its ideas heard!
The Reality of Vehicle Maintenance
One thing is for sure, no matter what form smart and connected cars take in the coming months, there will always be a need for vehicle maintenance. That’s why, although we’re fascinated by the future, we’re not unduly worried by it, as we don’t anticipate being out of business anytime soon! If you have a need for vehicle propshaft or driveshaft repairs, components and the like, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 01524 382262. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.
