The benefits of performance upgrades

Car customisation is undoubtedly a booming business. It might not be for everyone but there is a mass of car enthusiasts wanting to put their own stamp on their vehicle. But how many modifications improve the vehicle performance, are purely aesthetic or adversely affecting the vehicle? Whilst most people know certain car mods are illegal, how far is too far?

Are modifications safe?

Primarily the question we should all be asking is are modifications safe. Carefully chosen aftermarket parts from trusted suppliers should not be an issue, provided they are fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions and a fitted by a qualified mechanic. As long as the correct parts are chosen for your vehicle, aftermarket upgrades should not need to be altered to fit your vehicle.

Modifications which aren’t safe can actually be deemed illegal. Theses include LED neon lights and tinted windows. There are limits to how bright your lights are allowed to be and how dark you can tint your windows. It is a grey area really as there are no exact specifications to be found, if in doubt ask your mechanic!

If you’re choosing aftermarket parts to enhance the safety of your vehicle these could include brake pads and discs and bushes/arms. We’ve previously written a blog on the benefits of RTS upgraded brake pads (you can read that ‘here’). We are a Superpro dealer and hold much of their stock for VAG vehicles in reception. Upgraded bushes have benefits such as maintained steering geometry. Enhanced handling & ride characteristics. Essentially a safer vehicle with more grip!

Will the warranty be void?

One of the most important factors to deciding whether to modify your car is whether your warranty will still be valid. This is obviously more prevalent in cars under 3 years old. Warranty may not be covered with certain modifications. Wheels, Tyres and Suspension are the safest options to start with as these parts wont add stress to anything. In fact, in most cases, you’ll be lowering that stress with a lighter wheel and tire package. As a basic rule check your owner’s manual, however modifications such as large bore and sports exhaust systems can fall foul of both fuel emission rules and laws limiting noise pollution. Check with your warranty provider and make sure whoever is fitting the parts is an approved engineer! Insurance companies also need to be informed of any modifications or your insurance could be voided!

We stock a range of vehicle upgrades in our reception and are authorised dealers for several companies. Including Revo, Racingline, Superpro, RTS performance and many more! Get in touch if you’re looking for a quote on 01642 613852.

The benefits of performance upgrades

I’m sure everyone has heard by now about the introduction of E10 petrol across the UK. But how does it affect your vehicle, the environment and most importantly what can you do to help your petrol vehicle keep in good condition!

Current petrol grades in the UK contain up to 5% bioethanol. The new percentage of bioethanol has increased to 10%. It’s estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year. This will help massively to reduce the effect of climate change than at the current rate. It is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars of todays roads! The E10 blend is already used in other countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.

However its not all sunshine and roses. There could be as many as 600,000 cars which aren’t compatible with the new grade of petrol due to a number of reasons.

How to check if your vehicle is compatible?

You can check if your vehicle is compatible by using the online fuel checker here. Drivers are advised to contact the manufacturers for their specific vehicle. That is, if there are any questions surrounding which fuel is to be used. If you put E10 fuel in an incompatible car it will still run, you are advised to then fill up with the E5 fuel when you next can. Most petrol stations will have both fuel available however in rural areas you may just get one or the other. If you continue to put E10 in your non-compatible car then over time (especially in classic cars) the seals, plastics and metals will be damaged due to the corrosive properties of bioethanol. E10 is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere. This can lead to condensation and corrosion of the fuel tank if unused for periods of time.

To re-iterate, if you fill up with E10 Fuel and your car isn’t compatible, don’t panic just fill up with E5 when possible!

Performance changes?

Unfortunately those with cars compatible to use E10 fuel may see a decrease in performance too. They may get fewer miles to the gallon due to it containing double the percentage of ethanol. You may see a reduction of around 1%, but it is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving. It looks as though those drivers who have no choice but to use super unleaded E5 petrol will be paying through the nose, as it’s averaging around 147p a litre – that’s 12p more expensive than the current UK average for standard unleaded. This will quickly mount up for anyone who has to drive a lot of miles to get to work every week. It’s also probably the case that many of those driving older cars will already be from lower income backgrounds, so they will end up being even worse off.

So what can help your vehicle using E10 fuel?

We sell Liqui Moly E10 fuel additive in the workshop and on the VAG performance website. Additives are like vitamins for your car, they aren’t necessary, but they will improve the vehicles running over time. It is an Ash-free fuel additive for improving combustion and faster acceleration in partial load range. It is specially developed to compensate loss of performance from E10 fuel and improves the vehicle acceleration and smoothness. This product protects against the higher water content in E10 fuel. You can purchase direct here.

Ultimately we all care about the environment and little changes we can make to counteract the rate of climate change, but how does this affect you? What are your thoughts on the E10 fuel?

Read more about the E10 fuel in a blog by Liqui Moly here!

Introduction of E10 petrol across the UK