Brighton MG

17/01/2024

What's the best way to de-ice your car?

Many drivers have been waking up to frozen landscapes - and the need to de-ice their cars.

But do not to use boiling water to de-ice windscreens - hot water can crack the glass and the water will only freeze again on the screen or on the ground.

Instead, we recommend turning on the car engine - ensuring the wipers are switched off to avoid damage to the blades & windscreen - and directing warm air to the windscreen.

You should also turn on your rear windscreen heater, and use air-con if you have it to ensure your windows don't fog up.

The next step, whilkst your car is warming up, is to clear any snow with a soft brush, before using a scraper and liquid de-icer.

Please remember it is illegal to leave unattended a vehicle with the engine running - and if your car is stolen, your insurer is unlikely to pay out.

If you have an app for your car (many EV's do), you may be able to remotely de-frost your car from the comfort & warmth of your home, whilst your neighbours battle the freezing temperatiures.

Steer clear of gimmicky hacks such as rubbing half a potato on the inside windows and windscreen to stop them steaming up, which risks just smearing the glass.

16/01/2024

MG has a number of new models due for launch in 2024 - and they will be unveiling the all-new MG3 at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show! Watch this space for more news!

11/01/2024

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Back in the day before the internet, smart phones and computers, if you wanted to read about cars or find out all about them and the new models coming out you only had a few options.

You woukl have to go to car showrooms, sit in the car and maybe come away with a brochure. Not easy if you were a 16 year old and couldn’t drive. So the final option was to buy a motoring magazine from the local newsagents.

Magazines such as Autocar, Motor, Car, Motor Sport, Hot Car, Cars & Car Conversions – or Triple C as it was known ! – were all great sources of information and they contained some of the best car adverts you’ve ever seen.

MG had some wonderful ads over the years with their most famous being ‘Your Mother Wouldn’t Like It !’ adverts. Very much 1970’s Carry On film sort of tongue in cheek innuendo, typical of the period.

10/01/2024

Brighten up the leaden winter colour palette with the MG4 in Volcano Orange 🧡⚡🚗

10/01/2024

Now that temperatures have dropped significantly, the expected range on your EV will drop. The performance of an electric car's battery is be affected by cold weather and the battery may lose some of its ability to store and deliver power, which can lead to a reduction in the car's driving range.

The WLTP fuel efficiency test, published for all new cars by the manufacturers, is carried out on a rolling road in a laboratory. Whilst this means every car is tested in exactly the same conditions, it does mean the figures are not necessarily reflective of real world conditions.

The biggest factor for an electric vehicle is ambient air temperature – the test is carried out at 21.5 degrees Celsius, which is a tad warmer then it was at 6am this morning whilst I was walking the dog!

So there are 2 main reasons why your EV won’t give you the same driving range in summer as winter. One is very technical, the other a bit more obvious so let’s start with that.

When it’s cold, you demand heat from the blowers. The heat has to be produced and uses up power which could have been used to turn the wheels.

The technical reason is because the chemical reactions that produces and stores energy in the battery are sensitive to changes in temperature, and in cold weather, these reactions occur more slowly, reducing the battery's performance.

To help you get the most out of your electric car in cold weather, here are a few tips:

1. Firstly, don’t always believe the predicted range. The predicted range is based on your previous driving and demands made of the car at the time. To more accurately estimate your car’s range, take your achieved m/kWh and multiply it by your car’s battery capacity (in kWh). For example, a 64kWh battery achieving 3m/kWh will have a range of circa 192 miles.

2.Drive in Eco mode – this reduces the overall acceleration of the car (but not top speed), but means you’ll drive further on the available energy in the battery.

3. Use the car's regenerative braking system (KERS). This system uses the energy as you slow down to recharge the battery, which can help to increase the range. There are three settings, with level three giving you the greatest energy recovery, so make sure this is set to 3 to maximise your potential driving range.

4. Use the car's heating and other systems sparingly. These systems can use a lot of energy, which can quickly drain the battery and reduce the car's range. If your car has heated seats, you may find that using the heated seats rather than more demands on the heater, may consume less battery.

5. Plan your trips. Before setting out, check the weather forecast and the expected range of your car in cold weather. If your car has intelligent battery heating, utilising this 15 minutes before rapid charge is likely to increase your charging speeds if you do have to stop.

We understand that the effects of cold weather on your electric car's range are not ideal, especially if this is your first cold snap in an electric car, but by following these tips, you can help to minimise the impact and continue to enjoy your car in all weather conditions.

09/01/2024

Gridserve has unveiled its new Gatwick site - the first major charging hub at a European airport - complete with 22 ultra-fast chargers and a staff-free shop!

09/01/2024

Quick Winter Driving Checks Before A Journey

Breakdown recovery companies see a sharp increase in the volume of breakdowns when the weather turns cold, so it’s well worth taking the time to ensure you carry out the right checks on your car. Any underlying mechanical issues could escalate as temperatures plummet.

We suggest you remember and use the acronym FORCES for the regular ‘DIY checks’ you should carry out through the winter and especially as we head into another icy blast.

That's Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screen wash

Get ready for driving in cold weather and help stop your car breaking down with these quick checks.

1. Fuel
Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for your journey. It may sound obvious but you would be surprised how many people run out of fuel and with temperatures as low as expected you really don’t want get stranded.

2. Oil
One in three vehicles attended by breakdown recovery agents are found to be dangerously low on oil. This can cause a breakdown or lead to catastrophic engine damage at worst.
You should check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car's dipstick and top up if necessary. If you're unsure, we have a guide on how to check your car's oil.

3. Rubber
Your tyres are your car’s only connection to the road and it is vital that they are in good condition and correctly inflated for good traction and grip.
Check your tyres for general wear and tear racks, cracks, splits or bulges, and most importantly, tread depth. Although the minimum tread level is 1.6mm, during winter it’s advisable to have 3mm of tread on your tyres to help with traction and grip. Also ensure that you have the correct pressure in your tyres - check your owner’s handbook for the correct inflation levels.
Next check your wiper blades. They are not everlasting and will need replacing from time-to-time, so check them for splits and cracks.
Wiper blades can get frozen to the windscreen in freezing conditions and when there is snow. In colder winters, RAC patrols see a big increase in callouts to members' cars which have blown a fuse or broken the motor/mechanics when operating the wipers when they are frozen to the screen.
So clear your windscreen and ensure that they will lift off the screen before switching them on. Use de-icer or warm water (never hot water) to free them if necessary.
Cover your windscreen with a blanket or an old sheet to keep it ice and snow free and wrap the wipers up in the sheet to avoid them sticking to the screen. Or place a strip of plastic or card between the blades and the glass.

4. Coolant
Check your car’s coolant level. The last thing you need is a frozen engine or for your car to overheat. Although it’s a sealed system and shouldn’t need to be topped up, you should always double check, especially before a long journey.
Check your coolant levels when the engine is cold.

5. Electrics
Check your lights – they are essential for you to see and be seen.
It’s vitally important to make sure not only that you can see where you’re going but also that other drivers can see you. Walk around your car and make sure all lights are working and that they are free from dirt, grime and snow.
With a cold engine, check the battery terminals under the bonnet are clean and tight. If your car struggles to start and the engine ‘labours’ when you turn the key you should get it checked by a garage. If your battery is over four years old it may be getting to the end of its life and it could let you down.
If you are having your battery tested, ask a garage to check the charging system and the drain on your battery – this will give a better picture of your car’s overall electrical health. Batteries have to work that much harder in cold conditions and they have endure greater demand from extra electrical equipment like the lights and the heater.

6. Screen wash
Check your screen wash level and top up with a quality screen wash additive or pre-mix which is effective down to at least -15 degrees celsius.
There’s more muck and dirt on the roads during the winter, as well as salt, so it’s important to make sure you can keep your windscreen clean. And remember to keep checking and topping up the level as you use the screenwash up.

Drive safe!

08/01/2024

What’s your next vehicle on the Scheme going to be?

On the Motability Scheme, there are 5 MG models available with zero Advance Payment.

That means you can simply exchange your weekly mobility allowance to lease them, and you’ll get an affordable brand-new car 🚘

• MG3 Exclusive Nav - a 5 door manual supermini
• MG ZS 1.5 Excite Manual - for those who like an SUV
• MG HS Excite Manual - a bigger, family friendly SUV
• MG4 EV SE Standard Range Automatic - the multi-award winning fully electric supermini
• MG ZS EV SE Standard Range Automatic - the fully electric SUV

If you choose an EV, Motability will pay for the standard installation of a dedicated home charge point - details here : https://www.motability.co.uk/whats-available/electric-cars/home-chargepoint/

If you qualify, you'll receive the £750 New Vehicle Payment around 5 days after you take delivery - more details here : https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/what-is-the-nvp/

Call Lookers MG Brighton - 01273 388808!

08/01/2024

Summer is feeling a lifetime away right now - temperatures have dipped across the country.

Your safety whilst driving is key. In these conditions it’s essential to change our approach to driving in terms of how we prepare our cars, plan our journeys and more importantly, the way we drive.

Here’s our essential tips for you to stay safe on the roads:

1. PREPARE YOUR CAR
Even the most minor faults can cause major safety issues during winter condtition. Putting your car through a service will ensure any issues are identified and fixed. Our knowledgeable team can tell you more about our flexible service plans.

Alternatively, you should at least make sure your lights, brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers and car battery are all in tip-top condition ahead of any change in weather.

Also check and top-up all your car fluids. A 50-50 mix of water and anti-freeze provides the best protection from severe engine damage caused by a frozen or cracked engine block. This will cost significantly more to repair than a bottle of antifreeze.

2. FIND THE RIGHT TYRES
The legal minimum tyre thread during winter months is 3mm – which is almost twice the 1.6mm minimum tyre thread requirement during any other season. So at the very least, make sure your tyres are legal for winter driving, but also consider investing in some winter or all-season tyres. These retain their softness at lower temperatures and therefore provide a stronger grip on slippery surfaces.

We’re happy to suggest and fit the right tyres for your vehicle in winter.

3. PACK THE ESSENTIALS
However long the journey, don’t just rely on your car’s heating to warm you up. Wear sufficiently warm clothing and take a hot flask out with as well as a snack. You’ll surely be glad of it if you break down or hit heavy traffic. A fully charged phone also comes in handy in the event of a breakdown.

Here’s a list of other essentials that can be left in your car throughout the winter:
A warm blanket
Torch
Wellies
De-icer
Ice-scraper
Spade
Emergency warning triangle

4. ALLOW MORE TIME BEFORE ANY JOURNEY
The Highway Code dictates that you must be able to see clearly out of all windows before setting off on your journey. A lot of people don’t think to set time aside each morning to properly de-ice and de-mist their car windows. This can lead to people driving with incredibly limited vision of what’s ahead and around them, which can easily lead to an accident.

Use cold water (never hot or boiling), a good ice-scraper and de-icer whilst running the engine to quicken the process. Just make sure that all windows are clear of ice, snow and mist before you leave.

5. ENSURE YOU ADAPT FOR ICE AND SNOW
Arguably the biggest challenge of winter driving is dealing with icy roads and snow. Always reduce your speed and keep a large gap between you and the car in front to prepare for increased stopping distances.

Avoid sharp braking and steering at all times, especially around bends. Instead, go into a lower gear earlier on and allow your speed to smoothly reduce before gently hitting the brake to avoid skidding. If you do find yourself skidding, don’t panic. Gently steer into the skid to straighten up and regain control.

6. KEEP YOUR CAR WELL VENTILATED
Condensation in cars is a more regular occurrence in freezing conditions as there is a greater difference in temperature and moisture levels inside and outside of the car. This can build up during a journey which can be dangerous if visibility decreases. Fully turned up heaters can also lead to drowsiness – increasing the need for fresh air.
Avoid using air recirculation settings during winter as this closes off the vents that allow outside air into the car. Opening the windows slightly will also help create more of a balance.

7. KNOW HOW YOUR ABS WORKS
Most modern cars feature anti-lock braking systems (ABS) but it should not be overly relied on, especially in dangerous conditions. ABS uses sensors to prevent wheels from locking during heavy braking in order to prevent skidding. This allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking, but ultimately ABS works less efficiently on slippery surfaces.

Therefore, while it’s an incredibly useful safety device, it’s no substitute for cautious driving.

8. KNOW WHEN TO USE YOUR FOG LIGHTS
Colder and wetter conditions lead to fog and ultimately impaired vision when driving. Driving through fog calls for a much more cautious approach although, according to the Highway Code, you must not use your fog lights unless visibility is seriously impaired.

Turn them off when visibility improves or else they may dazzle other drivers and overpower your brake lights.

9. PREPARE FOR LESS LIGHT
Less sunlight means that roads will be busy often in complete darkness or during sunrise and sunset. The result is plenty of glare from low sunlight and headlights, so ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out to reduce the dazzling effects.
Think about replacing old windscreen wipers with new ones to avoid smearing – particularly when incoming light is amplified by rain or snow.

10. KNOW HOW TO TACKLE FLOODED ROADS
In Britain we’re used to regular rainfall all year round, but we tend to receive substantially more during the winter months. Avoid driving in the event of severe floods. Otherwise check weather reports and if there’s a chance of flooding, plan your route accordingly and stick to main roads.

If you do encounter a flooded road and you are unsure of how deep the water goes, turn back and find an alternative route. If you’re certain the water is shallow enough to drive through, drive slowly in first gear to avoid stalling, as attempting to restart the engine while stranded in water can cause large repair bills.

Stick to the middle of the road where it is at its most shallow and always press your brakes when you reach the other side to dry them off.

And if you don’t already have it, consider getting breakdown cover.

If you'd like to have your car checked to see if it ready for winter, call our Aftersales Team at Brighton MG on 01273 38804.

01/01/2024

2023 was a record breaking year for MG in the UK - and 2024 will be a very exciting one, with new models due to launch, including the stunning Cyberster!

Look out for details in the next couple of days of our offers across the multi-award winning MG range of cars & SUV's.

Wishing you all health and happiness for the coming year!

01/01/2024