BMW reveals radical new Panoramic iDrive digital display

By

-

January 8, 2025

BMW has revealed how its future cars will look inside, along with a fresh update for its iDrive infotainment system.

First launched in the BMW 7 Series in 2001, iDrive initially attracted controversy for combining entertainment, information and navigation features into a single display screen.

The German manufacturer has updated iDrive and its operating system ever since, making it one of the benchmark media systems.

However, plans for the latest chapter in the development of iDrive are the most dramatic to date, completely revolutionising the interiors of new BMW models.

Projecting in widescreen

Revealed at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the new BMW iDrive system is designed to work with a Panoramic Vision display.

The latter sees the conventional instrument panel replaced by a head-up display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. Information is projected onto a black bar across the bottom of the car’s windscreen.

The most important data, such as speed, is shown on the section in the driver’s line of sight. However, the rest of Panoramic Vision can be customised to the driver’s preference.

As an additional option, BMW’s new 3D Head-Up Display can be projected further up the windscreen, putting navigation instructions directly in front of the driver.

(Some) buttons still included

BMW has retained a main central iDrive infotainment screen, which is placed closer to the steering wheel for easier access.

A new menu structure is said to be more logical to use, with ‘QuickSelect’ making it faster to find key functions. Widgets on the central touchscreen can be ‘swiped’ upwards so they are projected onto the Panoramic Vision display.

With no classic iDrive rotary controller, operating the infotainment system can be done through voice commands using BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, or via a revised multi-function steering wheel.

Haptic feedback buttons feature on the wheel, with certain functions illuminating when they are available to use. Thankfully, some physical controls remain for the indicators, exterior mirrors and gear lever.

New tech for Neue Klasse

The final piece in the iDrive puzzle will be BMW’s new Operating System X – a development of the current version 9. A greater level of personalisation is included, from adjusting ambient lighting and display backgrounds to tweaking the steering settings.

BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant will make suggestions, such as when to engage Sport mode, but adapt and learn if the driver chooses to ignore these.

Panoramic iDrive will be integrated into all new BMWs from late 2025 onwards, but it will take centre-stage in the forthcoming Neue Klasse electric models.

“The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, it also enables much more extensive personalisation, which turns every new BMW into a car that is very much the user’s own,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president for BMW Group Design.

ALSO READ:

BBC Sounds now integrated into BMW and Mini cars

30 controversial BMW car designs

BMW 128ti review

Rolls-Royce to invest £300m in Goodwood as buyers go bespoke

By

John Redfern

-

January 8, 2025

1

Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has announced a £300 million boost for its Goodwood headquarters. The investment represents the largest injection of capital since the West Sussex factory opened in 2003.

Originally home to 300 staff, the Goodwood facility started out by building one car per day. Now more than 2,500 people work at the ‘Home of Rolls-Royce’, with 28 vehicles leaving the site every day.

The substantial investment by Rolls-Royce is partly driven by demand for personalised ‘Bespoke’ and individual ‘Coachbuild’ commissions of its vehicles.

A record year for special cars

Rolls-Royce delivered 5,712 new cars to customers around the world in 2024, making it the marque’s third-best year on record.

The custom content of each vehicle sold, such as unique paintwork and interior finishes, increased by an average of 10 percent year-on-year.

The flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB attracted the most Bespoke upgrades, followed by the electric Spectre coupe.

The incredible Phantom Goldfinger (pictured above) set the standard for Bespoke commissions in 2024. Embellished with real gold, it marked the 60th anniversary of the classic James Bond film.

A personal experience

The success of the Bespoke service has driven the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s Private Office network. Designed as invitation-only spaces for creating VIP vehicles, Private Offices allow a closer working relationship between customers and design teams.

Along with the original Private Office in Goodwood, venues now exist in Dubai and Shanghai, with New York and Seoul also added during 2024.

Private Office commissions are typically 25 percent costlier than a ‘standard’ Rolls-Royce. The Middle East was the biggest market for Bespoke models in 2024, followed by North America and Europe.

Electrified future in the UK

In its first full year of sales, the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre has become the marque’s best-seller in Europe. Worldwide, the Spectre finished second behind the Cullinan SUV.

After launching four new models during 2024, this year will see Rolls-Royce reveal its next electric car.

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, hailed the new investment: “In 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirmed its position as an authentic luxury house by crafting the most complex, personal and valuable motor cars in its history. This momentum means it is necessary for us to invest more than £300 million in extending the Home of Rolls-Royce.

“This represents our most substantial financial commitment to Goodwood since its opening in 2003 and a significant vote of confidence in the Rolls-Royce marque, securing our future here in the UK.”

ALSO READ:

Unique Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger is the ultimate Bond car

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge review

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II review

The Ford Puma was the UK’s best-selling new car in 2024

By

John Redfern

-

January 7, 2025

0

For the second year running, the Ford Puma has been named as the UK’s best-selling new car. The car sales chart is based on data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).

Ford’s compact crossover racked up 48,340 registrations in 2024, pushing the Kia Sportage SUV into second place.

With 47,183 examples registered, the Sportage wasn’t far behind, however – and notably ahead of the Nissan Qashqai, which managed 42,418 sales in 2024.

SUVs and crossovers dominated the automotive chart, accounting for eight of the top 10 cars. Only the Volkswagen Golf and Polo bucked the high-riding trend.

Fleet sales up, private purchases down

Overall new car sales reached 1.953 million during 2024, representing an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the previous year.

Fleet sales were the main driver of growth, being responsible for 1.163 million registrations, or 59.6 percent of the UK market. Compared to 2023, fleet sales jumped by 11.8 percent year-on-year.

By comparison, business new car registrations in 2024 declined by 3.1 percent versus 2023, down to 42,647 from 44,031 vehicles.

Registrations by private customers also fell by 8.7 percent, down to 746,246 units. This represents the lowest figure since 2020, when the pandemic brought the new car market to a standstill.

Record sales for electric cars

Electric cars gained a record market share during 2024, accounting for almost a fifth (19.6 percent) of new registrations. Generous discounts from manufacturers throughout the year will likely have boosted these numbers.

Compared to 2023, EV registrations of 381,970 cars represented a substantial increase of 21.4 percent. Plug-in hybrid models climbed by 18.3 percent, with regular hybrid vehicles up by 9.6 percent.

However, the SMMT is concerned that weak demand from private customers will make it harder for car manufacturers to meet mandated targets for new zero-emission vehicles.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “A record year for EV registrations underscores vehicle manufacturers’ unswerving commitment to a decarbonised new car market, with more choice, better range and increased affordability than ever before.

“This has come at huge cost, however, with the billions invested in new models being supplemented by generous incentives which are unsustainable. We need rapid results from the regulatory review and urgent substantive support for consumers – else automotive investments will be at risk and the jobs, economic growth and net zero ambitions we all share in jeopardy.”

ALSO READ:

Winter driving: how to avoid getting stuck in the snow

Dacia Duster is AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2025

Your EV questions answered on Motoring Electric

Volkswagen says go electric for your new year’s resolution

By

John Redfern

-

January 6, 2025

0

Still struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution for 2025? Volkswagen suggests making the switch to an electric car.

New research by the German marque finds that owning an EV could help with achieving some traditional resolutions – and unlock the potential for additional ones.

Volkswagen questioned a total of 3,132 UK drivers for the survey, 58 percent of whom were existing electric car owners.

Reduce stress, boost wellbeing

Survey respondents highlighted that driving an electric car had a notable impact on their personal wellbeing.

Forty two percent of EV drivers said they were annoyed by external factors such as potholes, roadworks, other road users and parking issues.

By comparison, almost three quarters (72 percent) of those driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) car said they experienced stress behind the wheel.

Range anxiety doesn’t seem to be causing stress for electric car drivers, either. Only eight percent said they believed EV ownership would be worrying. The figure for non-EV drivers was nearly half (48 percent).

Close to two thirds (65 percent) of electric car drivers said they have covered more than 150 miles on a single charge.

Fewer financial worries with an EV

Volkswagen’s survey also highlighted the potential cost savings from making the switch to electric vehicle ownership.

Data from the Office for Zero Emissions says charging an electric car at home costs about 8p per mile, while a petrol- or diesel-powered car averages between 13p and 17p per mile to fuel.

Some 62 percent of ICE drivers said they were irritated by fuel costs, compared to only 32 percent of electric car drivers.

In addition 53 percent of ICE car drivers admitted that prices at petrol stations were a problem. That contrasts with 30 percent of those who already drive an EV.

ALSO READ:

What are the pros and cons of electric cars?

Is it worth converting a classic car to electric power?

Your EV questions answered on Motoring Electric

How to drive through flood water safely

By

Motoring Research team

-

January 6, 2025

0

When the Met Office issues a Yellow weather warning for heavy rain it inevitably means driving will be more dangerous – yet around three quarters of drivers say they would risk driving through flood water.

A risk worth taking? Absolutely not. Just 300mm of moving water is enough to float a car, yet research shows many drivers aren’t aware of the danger.

Shockingly, 32 percent of flood-related deaths are in vehicles: the leading cause of death in flooded areas.

A survey carried out by the AA, in partnership with the Environment Agency, found that Leicester was the top place for flood-related car breakdowns in the UK over a four-year period.

The appropriately named Watery Gate Lane played host to 88 flood-related callouts during this time. It headed the list of the top 10 places in Britain for breakdowns due to flood water.

‘Never drive through flood water’

Caroline Douglass of the Environment Agency said: “It is concerning that so many drivers are willing to risk their own life and the lives of others by driving through flood water.

“Our message is clear: surface water flooding it is often deeper than it looks, and just 300mm of flowing water is enough to float your car. Never drive through flood water. Turn around and find another route.”

Please do not drive through flood water, particularly when you are close to houses or local businesses. When you drive through it causes a wave and the water then pushes towards homes that are at risk of #flooding. pic.twitter.com/pzIj5fykyB
— Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (@WarksFireRescue) January 2, 2024

The AA’s Ben Sheridan added, “Don’t chance it if the road ahead is flooded – flood water can be deceptively deep and can hide other hazards in the road that can leave you stranded.

“Trying to drive through flood water puts you and your passengers at risk, but it can also cause damage to your car. It only takes an egg-cupful of water to wreck your engine and on many cars, the engine’s air intake is low down at the front.”

How to drive through SHALLOW flood water

The message is pretty clear: you should avoid driving through a flood. However, if you decide that the water is shallow enough to drive through, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has the following five tips:

Allow oncoming traffic to pass before you drive through the flood water
Drive along the highest part of the road (usually the centre), but look out for approaching drivers who may be doing the same thing
Go slowly and keep to a steady speed
Use first gear and keep revs high by slipping the clutch (keep it partly engaged)
Once you’ve made it through, test your brakes before resuming normal driving

NEVER attempt to drive through fast-moving water such as a flooded bridge or a ford. Conditions can change rapidly, so you may be swept away. Equally, you don’t know if the flood water is hiding debris or a broken road surface.

If your engine cuts out after driving through flood water, don’t attempt to restart it. Instead, call your breakdown provider and wait for help.

The AA lists these facts about flood water. They are worth considering before you attempt to drive through a flood.

Most drowning deaths happen within three metres of a safe point
Two-thirds of people who die in flood-related incidents are good swimmers
Just 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet
If the speed of the water doubles, the force it exerts on you and your car goes up four times
Flood water can carry diseases

Listen to local traffic and weather reports, and use social media to receive an early warning of roads blocked by flood water. It’s better to plan ahead than it is to react to sudden changes in conditions.

ALSO READ:

How to drive safely in heavy rain

Why driving through puddles could mean a fine or penalty points

10 tips for safer driving this winter

How to overtake a road gritter without damaging your car

By

Richard Aucock

-

January 5, 2025

0

Roads are often coated with grit during the winter months to improve grip for vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents.

Gritting trucks travel slowly and you will probably need to pass them at some point. But does overtaking a road gritter inevitably mean stone chips and damage to your vehicle?

In this guide, we explain what you need to know when following a road gritter, including how to pass with maximum safety and minimal risk to your car’s windscreen or paintwork.

What is road grit?

Close-up of a road gritter spreading salt

Spoiler alert: road grit is not actual ‘grit’. Years ago, it was a mix of sand, small stones and salt, but rock salt is now used instead. This is softer and less likely to cause damage than stones. The sound you hear is often the ‘splatter’ of salt, rather than the impact of tiny rocks.

Some local authorities use a product called Thawrox. This is a mixture of rock salt and an agricultural by-product produced in the sugar refining process. The manufacturer says it offers a smoother flow with less binding, so the spread pattern is more efficient. It also bounces less when it hits the road surface, so the spread rate can be reduced – also helping lessen the risk of damage to passing cars.

Sometimes, grit is dampened before being spread, so it begins acting on the road surface more quickly. Again, this makes it less likely to chip or scratch nearby vehicles.

Rock salt is largely sourced from three huge underground mines in the UK. It is ground away by machines rather than by hand. Before being transported to storage depots, it is treated with an anti-caking agent.

How do road gritters operate?

The most efficient speed for gritting a road is between 40mph and 50mph. Gritters try to stick to this speed, even on motorways. On three-lane carriageways, gritters will drive in the middle lane, so all three lanes can be treated equally.

Usually, when a gritter is spreading salt, its amber lights will be flashing as a warning to other road users.

Salt spreading is automated and adjusted by speed. When the gritter stops, it will cease spreading salt until it moves again. The equipment at the rear contains an ‘agitator’ to ensure the salt is spread as evenly as possible.

Will following a road gritter damage my car?

Following a road gritter can be a horrible sensation: a noise like your paint and windscreen are being chipped to pieces. However, thanks to a combination of the latest road grit and salt spreading technology, it often sounds worse than it is.

If you’re careful about how you follow a gritter, the risk of damage to your car is minimal. You just need to go about it in the right way.

What is the safest way to pass a road gritter?

The best way to pass a road gritter is to minimise your time exposed to danger. In this case, it’s the spray of salt from the rear of the vehicle. Hang back, out of the way of the road grit, then swiftly overtake when it is safe and clear.

Your objective should be to minimise the clattering noise you hear. If you’re on a single carriageway, leave a clear distance until you pass. On a motorway, do the same, but without ‘lane-hogging’.

On four-lane motorways, gritters will often travel in the second lane (i.e. alongside the hard shoulder). Experienced drivers will travel in the fourth lane (outside lane) with a second car in the third lane acting as a ‘shield’ between them and the road gritter. It’s very satisfying when you manage it…

What if I think a gritter has damaged my car?

The government has a comprehensive online guide for motorists who think their car has been damaged and want to seek compensation. However, it also has a disclaimer: ‘You can’t claim compensation if debris from another vehicle caused the damage. Contact your insurer instead’.

It is unlikely that a claim for chipped paint or a broken windscreen that you believe was caused by a road gritter would be accepted. If you could provide clear evidence, though, such as dashcam footage, it could be worth trying to get compensation.

How do I spot a road gritter?

Road gritter spreading salt on a British road

You would think spotting a road gritter would be easy. Not for some: every year, there are around 40 incidents of people driving into gritters. If the expensive salt-spreading equipment at the rear is damaged, the gritter will be forced out of action.

Following research with the Transport Research Laboratory, National Highways now paints its gritters in one block colour: bright orange. This emphasises the ‘solid’ shape of the vehicle, which research indicated would help salt spreaders to stand out as much as possible.

How advanced are the latest road gritters?

The latest road gritters used across the UK are built by Romaquip. They feature technology that allows route information to be pre-programmed using GPS.

This means salt is spread automatically, taking into account bridges, road features and other specific landscape details. It means salt isn’t wasted, drivers can fully concentrate on the road and, theoretically, there’s less risk of ‘stray’ salt being splattered onto cars rather than the road.

The UK’s biggest operator of road gritters is National Highways. It runs more than 500 winter vehicles to cover 4,400 miles of motorways and A-roads.

What about gritting local roads?

National Highways is only responsible for motorways and A-roads; local roads are the responsibility of the council in that area.

If you live in England or Wales, you can find out which roads your council will grit by entering your postcode into the GOV.UK online tool.

What NOT to do when you see a road gritter

Remarkably, National Highways says some drivers take to the hard shoulder of a motorway to avoid a road gritter.

Quite apart from being illegal, this is highly dangerous, as stranded cars could be hidden from view. Also, if the road is untreated, the area most likely to be icy is the unused section of the hard shoulder…

ALSO READ:

The best car features for winter driving

How to drive safely in heavy rain

What is the margin of error for speed cameras in the UK?

How to recharge a car battery

By

Motoring Research team

-

December 30, 2024

0

Any vehicle can suffer from a flat battery – even an electric car. Charging a car battery is a straightforward process, but there are some important points to consider first. This short guide will explain the process.

A car battery will typically last between three and five years before it needs replacing. There are many signs that a battery is getting old, but common symptoms include the engine cranking slower than normal, loss of power to the electronics and a warning light on the car’s dashboard.

Recharging a failing battery might get you home, but you should fit a replacement as soon as possible. A garage will usually be able to fit a new battery in a matter of minutes.

It’s also important to drive your car regularly to keep its battery in good health. Without use, even a relatively new battery might only last two weeks before it needs recharging. External factors such as cold weather or extreme heat could reduce this period to a few days.

Equally, the cause of a flat battery might be something as simple as an interior light left switched on.

Electric cars use a separate battery for starting the car and powering ancillaries such as the lights and air conditioning – so the same issues also apply to them.

Why has your car battery gone flat?

If you have ruled out the possibility that your car battery is simply old and needs replacing, you need to figure out why it has gone flat. Reasons may include:

Regular short journeys. As many motorists have discovered with increased working from home, the combination of infrequent use and short trips puts a strain on car batteries.
Leaving an interior light on. Also check the boot light, as this is harder to spot when you leave the vehicle.
Using the electrics when the car isn’t running. Did you listen to the radio while you spent the afternoon valeting the car?
Fitting the wrong battery. If it’s too small, the battery will lack the power required to crank the engine.
Extreme outdoor temperatures. Very hot or cold weather will have a detrimental effect on battery life.

How to charge a car battery

Once the car is running, a drive of around 30 minutes – preferably at a steady speed on the motorway – should be enough to return the battery to full health. Don’t stall the engine or you could end up stranded at the roadside.

If you find that the battery is flat or the car is slow to start at the next attempt, it’s almost certainly time to fit a new one. Prices range from around £50 to £200, depending on the size of battery your car requires.

A modern car with stop/start engine technology requires a different and more expensive AGM or EFB battery. You’ll also require a smart charger, rather than a conventional battery charger.

Here is the process for charging a car battery:

Check and clean the battery terminals. If they look dirty, rub them with a wire brush and remove any residue before charging.
On older cars, make a note of radio PIN codes or how to reset the clock BEFORE you disconnect the battery.
Disconnect the battery. Remove the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal, before opening the clamp holding the battery in place. Using a magnetic ratchet set or spanner will reduce the chances of important nuts and bolts dropping into the bowels of the engine. We’ve all been there.
Although it’s possible to charge a car battery in situ, we’d recommend removing it from the car. Position the battery on a flat surface in the garage or shed before connecting the positive cable to the positive terminal, then the negative cable to the negative terminal. Don’t recharge a car battery in the house – there’s a risk of explosion or fire.
With the cables secured, switch on the battery charger and wait for the battery to be charged. How long it takes depends on the size of the battery, but it could be up to 24 hours before the battery is fully topped up. Most chargers have a light or indicator to tell you when the battery is ready for use.
Unplug the charger, disconnect the cables, then position the battery in the car. Secure the battery by refitting the clamp, before fitting the positive terminal and then the negative terminal. Switch on the car’s ignition, check for any warning lights, then start the engine.

If your car spends a lot of time parked up, it’s probably worth investing in a trickle charger. These devices monitor the battery’s health and top it up gradually with electricity from the mains.

Owners of classic cars swear by them, as they ensure older, less frequently used vehicles are always charged and ready to be driven.

ALSO READ:

Car battery shock: 1 in 4 are at risk of failure

Polestar introduces battery health certificates for used EVs

The best new cars to buy in 2026

Volkswagen USA brings home a classic Golf after 37 years

By

John Redfern

-

December 23, 2024

0

A Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has been reunited with its owner, almost four decades after it was first purchased.

Charlene Johnson, now living in Montana in the USA, bought the now-classic Golf in 1987 while on a European holiday.

Johnson had originally planned to ship the car home after taking a short-term teaching job in the Netherlands.

Plans changed, however, and Johnson remained in Europe for far longer than expected. Teaching became a career that she has only recently retired from.

Home for the holidays

Returning to the United States after her teaching career, Johnson knew she could not leave the Golf Cabriolet behind.

“It was the coolest car, and I loved driving it around with the top down,” said Johnson. “We went to our wedding in the Cabriolet. I taught my kids how to drive in it. We travelled all over Europe, and it’s become a part of the family. I never imagined keeping the car for 37 years, but I just fell in love with it.”

Johnson had purchased the Golf Cabriolet in 1987 using Volkswagen’s ‘Tourist Automobile Shipping Program’ (TASP).

Designed to allow American customers to purchase Volkswagens on trips to Europe, TASP then allowed owners to have the car shipped to the United States once their travels were over.

Continuing the memories

Although the TASP scheme has long been discontinued, Johnson had kept the original purchase paperwork that accompanied the Golf. When she contacted Volkswagen of America, the company agreed to uphold the deal made more than 30 years earlier, and bring the car back to Montana.

Volkswagen director of public relations, Mark Gillies, explained: “The programme has been expired a long time. But when we read Ms. Johnson’s story and felt her love of our product, we decided to honour it.”

This saw the Golf shipped to Houston, Texas, before being transported to a local Volkswagen dealership in Montana, where Johnson and her daughter were waiting to collect it.

There was just one slight problem: the car would not start. “There was no gas. Put the gas in and it fired right up,” said Johnson.

“It’s been super-reliable. And I think that’s just part of the Volkswagen brand. For me, the memories about the car, they’re really about the people and it was always part of those memories.”

ALSO READ:

Volkswagen Golf GTI 2024 review

GTI goes electric! Volkswagen reveals ID. GTI hot hatch concept

Volkswagen K70: the story of a ‘quiet game changer’

Buying a new car battery: what you need to know

By

Motoring Research team

-

December 23, 2024

0

As drivers, we are all likely to experience a flat battery at some point. Car batteries usually last around five years, and battery faults are the most common cause of breakdowns – so prevention is definitely better than cure.

Battery issues can occur at any time, but the problem is particularly acute in the winter, when cold temperatures affect the chemical process that produces and stores electricity. This slows the battery down and reduces its ability to hold a charge.

Although a flat battery can be jump-started or bump-started, older batteries have reduced performance, so there’s more chance you’ll wake up to a car that won’t start. Also, starting a car occasionally “isn’t likely to help,” says RAC spokesperson Simon Williams. “In fact, this may end up draining a weak battery.”

Read on for our guide to buying a new car battery, and your options for fitting it.

Why might my car battery be flat?

Although modern car batteries have features to help them preserve charge when left unused, the chemical reaction that occurs inside still discharges the battery slowly over time. Accessories such as car alarms and even the dashboard clock draw a small amount of charge, too.

Alone, these should not cause a healthy battery to flatten fully, but they may be enough to drain the life out of an old or weakened one. This is especially true during the winter months.

Leaving interior lights on, or devices plugged into charging sockets, will obviously be a much quicker route to a dead battery.

How can I stop my car battery from going flat?

The most obvious way to stop a battery going flat is to drive your car. Short trips won’t help, though. A 10-minute journey to the shops is unlikely to be sufficient to restore a battery’s charge.

Manufacturers such as Kia recommend allowing a little-used car engine to run at idle for 20 minutes once a fortnight. Doing so should allow the battery to remain charged up. For your own safety, this should be done outdoors, and with the car supervised at all times.

A dedicated battery charger, or a trickle charger, can also be used to maintain charge during extended periods when the car isn’t used. Some chargers also have the ability to ‘jump-start’ a flat battery.

Where can I buy a new car battery online?

If all else has failed and your car battery is clearly in need of replacement, there are numerous options to order a new item online and have it delivered to your door.

Halfords offers a substantial range of new batteries, and the option to have them delivered. The company also offers a click-and-collect service, plus the option to spread the cost over a number of months.

Similarly, Euro Car Parts is able to supply various different car batteries with free delivery and click-and-collect options.

The RAC Shop sells an extensive range of batteries, and can have one delivered to your door the next working day.

What kind of car battery do I need?

Unlike in many classic cars, you can no longer just stick any 12-volt battery under the bonnet and forget about it. Modern cars have complicated electrical systems, and the right battery is needed to avoid the risk of damaging them.

Cars with automatic start-stop systems, which can turn the engine off when stationary at traffic lights, need their own special type of battery. These will be marked as ‘AGM’ or ‘EFB’, and should be replaced with a similarly designated item. Car parts retailers such as those mentioned above all offer ‘battery finder’ tools on their websites.

Simply type in your car registration number to find the best match for your vehicle. And also check against what is currently fitted, just to be sure.

Can I fit a new car battery myself?

Again, the complexity of modern cars means fitting a new battery yourself is not necessarily a simple task. Cars with automatic start-stop need to have their battery management system reset when a replacement is fitted, which requires specific equipment to do.

For those with older vehicles, the RAC offers a comprehensive guide, should you feel confident enough to replace a battery yourself. If you are unsure about fitting a battery yourself, leave it to a professional.

What if I want someone to fit it for me?

If you decide to have a new battery fitted by someone else, you have multiple choices depending on your circumstances.

Should your battery be completely flat, and you have breakdown cover, check if your policy includes battery replacement. Both the RAC and AA either offer free (or low-cost) battery fitting for members. Certain policies include the actual cost of the battery, too.

Non-members can also use the RAC and AA to supply and fit replacement batteries, with same-day services advertised. Halfords offers mobile battery fitting as well.

Should your car still be drivable, but with a battery that will need replacing, various retailers can fit a replacement for you in store.

Halfords, Euro Car Parts, Kwik Fit and ATS Euromaster are all able to offer battery fitting services. It should be a relatively quick, while-you-wait process – certainly less than an hour.

What if I own an electric or hybrid car?

Electric and hybrid vehicles typically feature two distinct batteries: a main lithium-ion unit for the electric motors, plus a regular 12-volt battery for accessories such as lights and heated seats.

This 12-volt unit can run out of charge, just as in a petrol- or diesel-engined car. If this battery is flat, it may prevent an electric car from starting, regardless of how full the main battery is.

Cleverly, some plug-in vehicles, such as the Kia Niro, are able to jump start the 12-volt battery from their main lithium-ion battery.

Charging and replacing the 12-volt battery in an electric or hybrid vehicle is likely to be more complicated than for a conventional car. Read the handbook for your specific car to avoid the risk of damaging electrical components.

ALSO READ:

How to charge a car battery

Winter is coming: how to prepare your car for the cold

Your EV questions answered on Motoring Electric

BBC Sounds now integrated into BMW and Mini cars

By

John Redfern

-

December 20, 2024

0

BMW has become one of the first car brands to incorporate the BBC Sounds application directly into its infotainment system.

The change will make it easier for drivers to access BBC radio stations, live music, podcasts and more.

Previously, BBC Sounds listeners have only been able to access the application by connecting a smartphone to their car’s infotainment system, making use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Easier access to BBC Sounds

Those using BMW or Mini Operating System 9 will now be able to open the BBC Sounds app without using a smartphone.

Drivers also need to have a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or the Mini Connected Package, which enables unlimited data connectivity. This allows live streaming of content from BBC Sounds, with data usage included as part of the existing subscription package.

Before using BBC Sounds for the first time, BMW or Mini drivers need to download the application for free via the vehicle’s built-in app store.

Once downloaded, the BBC Sounds app is fully integrated into the vehicle’s user interface and can be easily accessed through the ‘All Apps’ (BMW) or ‘Media Selection’ (Mini) menu options.

Compatible with the latest cars only

BMW says the initial roll-out of BBC Sounds will be available to more than 50,000 BMW and Mini drivers throughout the UK. This is expected to increase to 150,000 drivers by the end of 2025.

For now, BBC Sounds will only be compatible with the latest vehicles using Operating System 9. This typically applies to the newest vehicles, launched for the 2024 model year onwards.

It means those with cars running Operating System 8.5 or older will need to be patient, or simply keep using a smartphone connection.

The full list of BMW and Mini models compatible with the BBC Sounds app are:

BMW 1 Series (2024 onwards)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2024 onwards)
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (2025 onwards)
BMW X1 / iX1 (2023 onwards)
BMW X2 / iX2 (2024 onwards)
BMW X3 (2024 onwards)
All Mini models (2024 onwards)

ALSO READ:

BMW 128ti review

BMW has brought the famous Need for Speed M3 GTR to life

Motoring Research’s favourite new cars of 2024