Qdos Breakdown

With the cold weather currently hitting many parts of the UK, there may be frosts overnight in many places.
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When it comes to keeping your windscreen clear, it often results in wiping it with a cloth or other item to hand. However, a kind-hearted chap went to the trouble to carry out a raft of scientific studies to definitively give you the best way to keep your windscreen mist-free.
... Take a look and you'll clearly see (pardon the pun) how and why it works.
1. The first thing you do is turn on your heating, full blast. You use HOT air because hot air holds more moisture.
2. Next, you turn your air conditioning on. This is important because it pulls moisture out of the air as the air passes over the cold coils.
3. Then, turn your inside air circulation OFF. The likelihood is that the outside winter air is cold, so it won’t hold much water.
4. Finally, put as many windows as possible down a little for a short time. This will exchange the humid air from your car with the dry air from outside.
Another couple of life hacks that can speed up the process even further:
• Find one of those spare socks that you have lying about the house, place some cat litter into it and tie it up. Put this right at the base of your windscreen and it should help absorb moisture.
• Don’t forget to keep those windows extra clean! Not only do clean windows help maintain visibility in every weather, but clean windows are less prone to fogging.
You should now be good to go! Now you know what to do, put it to good use next time you find yourself in this position. Stay safe on the roads.
Does anyone have a different way of defogging the windows that works for them? Chat to us in the comments and let us know.
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Cold weather warnings have been issued overnight.
Temperatures could drop as low as -7 degrees Celsius in parts of the country with a Met Office Level 2 cold weather alert being issued until Friday.
Please drive carefully and remember not to use cruise control when driving on any slippery surfaces.
... #DriveSafely
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Has connected car technology invaded our personal privacy? More importantly, can it be trusted?
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New cars coming onto the market are full of car-tech; they can record how hard you brake, how fast you travel and even your destinations. Car manufacturers use hundreds of sensors to document endless amounts of this data. In 2015 hackers from NCC Group worryingly demonstrated that they were able to take control of a car’s brakes and numerous systems through the car radio.
... It all started in 1995 with General Motors when they introduced the OnStar telematics system and now most new cars have about 100 electronic actuators throughout the various systems that log and store all data to send back to the manufacturer. This data is then apparently used to assist the vehicle owner with car maintenance.
Beyond this, devices have microphones and video cameras; the on-board entertainment and satnav systems keeps track of what music you’re listening to and where you travel. In the US a “black box” has been placed in every new car since 2014 which logs whether you use your seatbelts and almost every other aspect of the drive for use in law enforcement and post-accident assessment.
So how can we remove this? The answer is, with great difficulty. A Volkswagen Golf owner tried to remove the system and found that he had to dismantle the entire dash to remove the Car-Net box, but even when the car system’s antenna was physically disconnected, the car was still online. VW even said that removing the system totally would be impossible.
But it’s not only Volkswagen that have these on-board systems, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Mini, Hyundai, and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep cars all come with their own versions of Car-Net.
These snooping systems aren’t going to get less intrusive over time. Unless, of course, consumers start calling for privacy. Do you have any feelings towards these on-board systems either way? Let us know below.
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Tesla have released a video promoting its new self-driving software, demonstrating what 'Tesla Vision' can see behind the scenes.
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Not only does the video have a view of what you would see if you were sitting in the autonomous car as it drives, but also the real-time feeds of the image processing system that allows the car to be totally self-driving.
... You are able to see the feeds from the side and front-facing cameras with ‘Tesla Vision’ detecting cars, pedestrians, lanes, free space and road flow in real time. Impressive stuff!
Although you only see 3 feeds on the video, there are actually 8 cameras on board that are transmitting data. It really is a captivating watch, much better than Tesla’s first video demonstration. We hope you enjoy it!
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This emotive video really hits home about how destructive using mobile phones can be whilst you’re driving.
Remember that it's illegal to use a handheld mobile device whilst driving. This includes using your mobile phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. It applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
Please switch your phone off before you drive. It saves lives.

We have some good news for motorists to brighten up a gloomy day.
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Asda has announced that from today (Tuesday 15th November) they are cutting the price of unleaded petrol by up to 3p per litre. This means that you shouldn’t pay over 110.7p per litre at any Asda petrol stations nationwide.
... Even better, they are also cutting the price of diesel by up to 2p per litre, which will mean motorists shouldn’t pay more than 112.7p per litre.
Asda are the only retailer that has a national price cap on fuel nationwide, ensuring that every customer knows the maximum price that they will pay before they even get to the pump, no matter where they live.
Thanks Asda!
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The number of motorists caught speeding on the roads increased by 2,500% in 5 years after the introduction of smart motorways.
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A new BBC report has found that the number of motorists caught speeding on some of the UK’s busiest roads has increased drastically. Last year, on 11 sections of smart motorway, a massive 52,516 penalty fines were issued. In comparison between 2010 and 2011, the same stretches of motorway before they were upgraded issued only 2,023 fines.
... These numbers suggest that on average, more than 1,000 drivers are being caught out by the changeable speed limits on these busy motorways. The BBC One Show collected the data and evaluated that the revenue going to the government last year exceeded £1.1 million, compared to £150,600 just 5 years ago.
More than 236 miles of motorway in England have now been adapted to become smart motorways, though the government are intending to almost double that figure in the next 9 years, at a total cost of £6 billion.
It’s not just the substantial increase in fines and revenue that have been scrutinised; a reduced level of safety has been raised, as hard shoulders are removed at peak times to allow cars to use the lane.
Do you think the new smart motorways are helping to reduce the amount of traffic and accidents? Do we need double the amount of smart motorway to appear in the next 9 years? Let us know your thoughts.
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Admiral Insurance's new plan to analyse the Facebook profiles of first-time drivers has been blocked.
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The insurer announced its plan to investigate prospective customers by using an algorithm to determine whether they would be a careful driver. However, this idea has been stopped before it even began.
... This firstcarquote scheme claimed that those who allowed Admiral to search through their Facebook page would receive a discount of us to 15%. Facebook did not agree to this as it would be against guidelines, therefore the launch of their firstcarquote app has been postponed.
However, a spokeswoman for the firm stated that the plan would still go ahead, but it would be adapted. She said: "Following discussions with Facebook the product is launching with reduced functionality, allowing first-time drivers to login using Facebook and share some information to secure a faster, simpler and discounted quote."
The chief executive of Big Brother Watch, Renate Samson, described the scheme as “terrifying”. In addition, the shadow minister for the digital economy said that the Government really should establish the boundaries around the use of data on social media.
Do you think Admiral are onto something? Or do you also find this idea terrifying? Let us know.
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Sat Nav applications for smartphones are quickly becoming the preferred choice over factory-fitted navigation systems. So how do they compare against each other?
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A total of six free satnav apps were tested in both urban and rural parts of the UK to see which fared the best.
... 1) CoPilot GPS (iOS & Android) This was easy to set up and has a simple layout but the default mode on the app is zoomed out too far. The zoom becomes difficult to use whilst driving and needs precise destination input to operate, which is not ideal when in a hurry. Rating: 2 stars
2) Navmii (iOS, Android & Windows) This version gives real-time traffic and hazard information; fellow app users can notify you of events as they happen which is a real positive (but there are adverts before the journey starts). The screen and directions are clear and easily navigable. Rating: 3 stars
3) Google Maps (iOS & Android) It is clear to view and simple to set up, with a few added features that you don’t have to pay for. It is easy to plan journeys adding in additional stops and you can even use it whilst abroad, but be careful it doesn’t use up all your data. Rating: 4 stars
4) GPS Navigation by Scout – SatNav (iOS & Android) Easy to read layout and directions and even has a feature to locate your car for you. However, altering the requirements once the route is allocated can be tricky and estimation of arrival times are a little inaccurate. Rating: 2 stars
5) Here WeGo (iOS & Android) WeGo is simple to set up, use and follow and has a few added extras you would normally have to pay for. It shows parking locations, includes real-time traffic information and uses an alternative satellite view facility which helps to recognize and tally landmarks. Rating: 3 stars
6) Waze (iOS & Android) This more interactive app allows drivers to ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ warnings so that traffic situations can be kept accurate. It also lets you know what the incident might be due to. Arrival times are accurate and has a ‘Where is my car?!’ feature which can come in handy. The screen layout is simple and the routes are clear to read. Rating: 4 stars
In conclusion, the order of recommendation is:
First: Waze Second: Google Maps Third: Here WeGo
For further information on these apps, click on the link provided.
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Speeding fines can sometimes be a little confusing. People have differing opinions on how fast you have to go to get a ticket, how many points will that will be on your licence and how much the fine will be. Well, look no further, the facts are below.
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Speeding Tickets... You are liable for a speeding ticket the moment that you exceed the limit. Yes, that means even 1mph over the speed limit that you are in.
Taking into consideration inaccurate speedometers and other innocent reasons for speeding, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) suggests police don’t prosecute until drivers exceed a 10% margin of error of the speed limit for driver concentration, and 2mph for speedometer error.
This means that MOST police forces will not prosecute unless you are driving 57mph in a 50mph zone or 35mph in a 30mph zone etc. But it is entirely up to the individual police force and officer as to whether you will be prosecuted at 1mph over the limit or 10% plus 2mph.
Methods of Being Caught Speed cameras: This is the most common method. These can be the bright yellow boxes on poles, an average speed camera system, mobile speed camera vans and speed traps. They are usually accentuated somehow with bright yellow colouring to alert you of their presence. Police officers: These can pull you over and report you after obtaining evidence through a speed gun or camera on a bike or car. (NB: on a motorway, the officer does not need any extra evidence of speeding. The officer's opinion is enough to prosecute.)
The Penalty The police will either send you an offer to attend a speed awareness course, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a court summons, depending on how fast you were going.
An FPN results in 3 points on your driving licence and a £100 fine. If you reject the FPN, or your speed was high enough to land you in court, the penalties could be up to £1,000 (or £2,500 on the motorway) as well as your licence being revoked.
For more in-depth information on the topics above and to find out how to appeal, get information on fines whilst abroad, please click on the link provided.
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A reporter from The Telegraph carried out three driving simulators; one with his normal 20/20 vision, another at the legal minimum and the final at below-legal eyesight using eye examination lenses, and the results were alarming. Is it time to take another look at the law?
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When David Williams was driving at the minimum legal eyesight stated that he felt like he was driving half-blind and that his confidence had plummeted due to it being harder to stay in lane and see wh...at is happening ahead of him, leading to a high-speed simulator incident. During his third test with below legal minimum vision he found it difficult to read roadside signs and realised that queues are even harder to spot, leading to an even bigger simulated crash.
A survey of 2,003 adults found that 13.3 million UK motorists risk their lives, and those of other road users, when driving with poor eyesight as a result of not wearing their glasses or contact lenses. A fifth admitted to always driving without them.
Figures from the Department for Transport reveal that in 2014, 260 accidents were caused by uncorrected, defective eyesight; 9 of which were fatal, 56 serious and 195 slight. This evidence is now demanding reviews for vision checks ahead of the driving test, and requests follow-up, periodic eyesight tests as a drivers age increases.
Road safety charity, Brake, states, “We need the Government to make it compulsory for drivers to prove a recent professional eyesight test when renewing their licence. Every 10 years for the general population and every three years for those over the age of 70.” Whilst The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency claim that it is “simple and effective and can be reproduced by motorists to check whether they meet the standards themselves, as well as by police at the roadside”.
Do you think it is time for a change to the driving laws regarding eyesight?
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Flawed decisions and delays from the DVLA are keeping motorists with disabilities off the road as they are not meeting their obligations to make fair and safe decisions, leading to “significant levels of unnecessary inconvenience and distress”.
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Driving licenses are being rejected for vulnerable motorists due to assessment flaws in how their fitness to get behind a wheel is being recorded, a report has found.
... People with complex medical conditions and disabilities are being falsely prevented from driving for several years by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) due to improper decisions, severe delays and poor communication. This is the outcome of an investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
Eight cases were focused on to demonstrate the problem. These people varied from a self-employed lorry driver who had a heart attack and consequently lost his business, to a piano teacher who had a stroke and could not travel to their pupils even though she was symptom free.
Julie Mellor, the ombudsman, said: “DVLA has accepted our findings and has taken steps to address some of the failures identified, such as producing a new guide for medical professionals and improving its complaint-handling and communications.” The DVLA’s chief executive, Oliver Morley, said: “We are sorry for the way we handled the customers’ cases highlighted in the report. These eight very complex cases, however, date back to 2009 and since then the vast majority of the four million cases we’ve handled have been dealt with swiftly and correctly.”
It is worth noting that the system is in place to prevent incidents such as that in Glasgow, December 2014, when Harry Clarke, a bin lorry driver, lost consciousness behind the wheel and the truck careered out of control. During the fatal accident inquiry into the crash, it emerged he had a history of blackouts which he had not disclosed to the DVLA.
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If you don’t want to keep changing between summer and winter tyres, which are the best ‘all-round’ tyres that can be used in all seasons?
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You should always do your research before buying tyres; it’s not safe to just buy a set of well-known tyres and hope for the best. Different tyres perform in particular ways depending on the weather conditions. The current technology isn’t advanced enough to create one ‘perfect’ tyre for all conditions. The performance categories that... need to be taken into consideration are; dry grip, wet grip, hot temperature performance, cold temperature performance, aquaplaning ability, wear and noise.
It is claimed by tyre manufacturers that 95% of UK motorists use ‘summer tyres’ all year round. These are the better choice for approximately 65% of the driving year. However, now there are ‘all-season’ tyres which try to compromise between the Summer and Winter tyres.
After testing out four leading tyre types in various conditions, one outshone the others. This is the Michelin CrossClimate; it is claimed to have the performance of a summer tyre in warm conditions, plus 95% of the winter tyre performance during traction and braking tests on snow and ice. Remember, this is just for our UK climate, and is not for extreme weather conditions.
To understand more about Summer and Winter tyres, the Michelin CrossClimate tyres and also about the testing process that was used to reach this outcome, click on the link provided.
Remember, doing some research on your tyres before you buy them could save your life.
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Audi has now made carbon-neutral diesel a reality.
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German car manufacturer, Audi, had successfully invented a fuel that is made exclusively from carbon dioxide, water and renewable energy sources. This ‘e-diesel’ is crystal clear and is already being used to power the Audi A8 which is owned by Federal Minister of Education and Research, Johanna Wanka.
... A pilot plant in Germany has been set up by Audi and operated by clean tech company Sunfire, and will pump out 160 litres of the diesel every day over the coming months. Once the base product known as ‘blue crude’ has been refined, the e-diesel can be either be mixed with normal diesel fuel, or used on its own to power cars in a more sustainable way.
Sunfire has reported that this synthetic fuel is not only more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, but it also has superior combustion; therefore, the overall energy efficiency of the e-diesel is an impressive 70%.
Once the e-diesel production is increased, it is anticipated that it will sell to the public for between 1 and 1.50 Euros per litre. Fossil fuel diesel is currently on the market for upwards of 1.50 Euros per litre in Germany, therefore the e-diesel will be extremely competitively priced and allow sustainable travel to be accessible to everyone.
For all the scientific background as to how this fuel has been created, click on the link provided.
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A survey has found that 77% of people think the drink drive alcohol limit should be decreased.
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Research conducted by the Public Health England found that a considerable ¾ of people are in favour of the law being changed to ensure drivers consume less alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car.
... The amount a person can drink before being over the legal level varies depending on a variety of factors including weight, age, sex and how much food the individual has eaten. But the 50mg limit is equivalent to roughly a pint of beer or large glass of wine for a man.
Two years ago the limit in Scotland was brought down from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg. Transport minister, Andrew Jones, said in February that he would discuss with his Scottish counterpart how lowering the limit had impacted drivers.
A survey at the end of last year suggested attitudes in Scotland were changing following the ban, with 82 per cent of people saying they thought drinking any alcohol before driving was unacceptable.
We suggest that you avoid alcohol altogether before driving, there is then no question as to whether you could be over the limit. #DontDrinkAndDrive #NoneForTheRoad
Do you agree that the legal driving limit should be reduced? Let us know below.
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A 5-year study reveals air pollution could be the cause of hundreds of car accidents per year.
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A study undertaken by the London School of Economics revealed that when levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) rise just one microgram per cubic metre, the number of collisions rises by two per cent. The amount of traffic growth per year was accounted for within this measurement.
... It is believed that a drivers fitness is affected by toxic air, as well as watery eyes and an itchy nose possibly causing distractions whilst driving. Analysis has also found that the amount of air pollution inside a car can be more than double that on the outside due to the NO2 building up in a small space.
A post-doctoral candidate calculated that in West London (an area that suffers one of the highest levels of air pollution) a cut of approximately 30% in NO2 concentration could reduce the number of road accidents every day by almost 5%.
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Fuel prices are set to rise by up to 5p per litre by the end of the month. We’ve got some advice to help reduce your costs.
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In just a couple of weeks the fuel prices are set to rocket up to 5p per litre. Due to the pound being weak and a rise in oil prices the prediction is that it will increase the cost of both petrol and diesel. Brent crude oil prices reached the highest level in a year this week, costing more than £53 per barrel.
... The chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, Brian Madderson, said “Motorists can expect increases of up to 4p or 5p per litre by the end of the month unless there are favourable corrections to the exchange rate and to global oil prices. This will also increase UK inflation rates.”
To help you drive down the cost of filling up even further, here are our top 5 tips to getting even cheaper fuel:
1. Fill up at busy petrol stations: These stations buy more fuel and can take advantage of falling prices.
2. Look for stations in close proximity - When several stations are in a cluster, they are more likely to cut prices to compete and also to tempt drivers in.
3. Watch for supermarket offers - Supermarkets are competing on fuel prices so keep an eye out for vouchers offering petrol discounts.
4. Do some research – Have a look online to compare prices in your area. The latest average prices should be listed so that you know if you’re being ripped off.
5. Drive carefully and smoothly - Research shows that drivers who drive smoothly without any harsh breaking and rapid acceleration, save money on fuel through increased efficiency.
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A new navigation system has been created that uses a vibrating belt to guide users instead of having to keep looking at a screen whilst driving.
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A new way to receive directions whilst behind the wheel of a car has been announced. This new method vibrates a belt to inform the user in which direction to travel. It is called Ubivade, and you wear it exactly like a traditional belt.
... It works by utilising vibrating points along the edge of the belt that are connected wirelessly to a smartphone via an app. The user puts their destination into the app, it creates a route and they follow the vibrations given by the belt.
The idea is that it prevents motorists from getting distracted by a satellite navigation system when their eyes should be focusing on the road. The patterns of vibrations differ depending on the direction the user is going to travel.
Do you think this is a brilliantly innovative idea for the future of driving? Or can you foresee problems with the belt? Let us know.
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