12th December 2011

With Christmas a mere two weeks away and the possibility of a cold snap catching us unawares, Sureterm Direct provides key advice to 4X4 owners to ensure they don’t get caught out in the cold.

Gary Long, account manager from Sureterm, said: “According to figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders it seems the sale of 4X4s has experienced a reasonable increase in recent years with figures in 2010 of 156,552 compared with 132,472 in 2009. This may reflect the harsh winters we have experienced in the UK and suggest that motorists are preparing for the worst. But it is important that 4X4 drivers don’t become complacent during the cold, dark months and we hope our advice will be of some assistance to those drivers out on the road this winter.”

o Your 4X4 vehicle may allow you to grip the road and navigate steep icy roads, but you could still experience difficulties when braking. Ensure you drive slowly and carefully, leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front
o Preparation is key. If you’re considering using winter tyres* to increase your vehicle’s reliability, ensure you have fitted them to your 4X4 before the bad weather sets in. You don’t want to be changing them knee deep in snow
o When the weather worsens, news and weather reports will often advise drivers to only travel if necessary. Listen to these forecasts and take their advice
o The weight of a 4X4 can be beneficial when navigating slippery or snow covered terrain however, this can also be its downfall. If you lose control, it can be difficult to regain. Keep a steady pace and steer the vehicle slowly and carefully
o Many 4X4 drivers don’t use their four wheel drive in order to improve fuel economy. In wintry conditions and if in doubt, use it
o Don’t be a hero. If you see other cars stranded on ice or in snow, don’t attempt to tow them out if there’s the possibility you could be putting yourself and others in danger
o Remember that you aren’t invincible. Drive cautiously as black ice and snow drifts can catch out the most experienced driver in the sturdiest of vehicles

* Check your car insurance policy for details regarding changing your vehicle’s specification.

Sureterm Direct can arrange insurance for your 4×4 insurance or Land Rover insurance policy. Call Sureterm Direct free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for an online 4×4 insurance quote.

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16th March 2011

From Spring 2011 all motor vehicles in the UK that don’t have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) will require valid road insurance. The change in this requirement aims to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the roads by linking the records of the DVLA and Motor Insurance Database (MID).

Lisa Joy, director at Sureterm Direct, comments: “It is important that anyone who owns a motor vehicle which is kept off the road understands these new changes. If you intend to use your motor vehicle in the near future you should arrange adequate insurance cover.”

According to the UK government, uninsured drivers inflict a major financial burden on other motorists, estimated at £380 million each year or around £30 of the cost of each insurance premium*. If you have not taken out road insurance cover for your motor vehicle or declared it SORN you will receive a letter warning that you could be fined as part of the ‘Continuous Insurance Entitlement Scheme’.

SAMPLE INSURANCE QUOTE
1971 Land Rover 88, value £2,000
• 40-year old club member, garaged at PE28, 1,500 miles per year, full UK licence, no claims/convictions.
Prices from £85.79 (£100 excess).
• 40-year old non club member, on drive at PE28, 3,000 miles per year, full UK licence, no claims/convictions.
Prices from £95.89 (£100 excess).

* Subject to underwriting criteria.

Sureterm Direct can arrange insurance for your 4×4 insurance or Land Rover insurance policy. Call Sureterm Direct free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for an online 4×4 insurance quote.

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If you have one of these Land Rovers, obtain an excellent Land Rover Insurance quote today. Apply online or call FREE on 0800 999 2030 today!

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The new Discovery 4 comes with a new remote entry key which gives out the signal required for passive entry into the vehicle. This means the holder of the key can simply touch the door handle without using the ‘unlock’ button on the key fob to open the doors. The new key also generates the signal required for the Push Button start of the vehicle. Sensors in the vehicle recognise the presence of the key in the vehicle, confirm security credentials and then accept the ’start’ command via the new dashboard mounted push button.

High beam assist technology is another one of the upgrades on the new Discovery. This new technology can automatically switch on high beam headlights when external light levels drop below the system’s threshold. Dazzling other oncoming cars is not an issue either as the system is also designed to detect approaching traffic and switch back to low beam in a split second.

The Discovery is also fitted with five digital cameras. These make up the new surround camera system which feeds back a 360-degree view to the internal touch-screen. The system can be used at speeds up to 11mph with additional options for selecting and zooming in to assist with towing and close quarter parking.

With a wide field of view due to the side cameras and a ‘tow assist’ function towing manoeuvres can be made much more accurately as well. Guildelines overlaid on the rear camera image also illustrate both the vehicle and trailer’s trajectory.

In conjunction with towing, another aid is TSA (Trailer Stability Assist). This feature detects weaving and snaking of a load being towed and adjusts the engine torque and braking of individual wheels to bring the trailer or caravan back under control.

If you need a Land Rover insurance quote, give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone calls, but they will save you money on your Land Rover insurance policy.

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Newark Showground is a perfect site for a Land Rover show with plenty of space for all the major Land Rover club stands, two arenas – one for action and one for displays of special Land Rovers – Land Rover trade stands both big and small, a fabulous new off-road course on-site, great catering facilities and a laid back, relaxed and safe atmosphere.

Entry prices have been kept low and kids go FREE – just £7.50 per adult in advance – so parents and kids can spend the day at the show for just £15. A weekend ticket for all three days of the show is only £20 per person.

Camping, too, is exceptional value – a family can camp on-site for a whole week for only £120 – or stay for just the Friday or Saturday night for £25 per pitch.

For more information on the show go to www.lrmshow.com.

For a fantastic Land Rover insurance quote, give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone call, but they will save you money on your 4×4 insurance policy.

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4×4 Values
4×4’s have never been cheaper than today. A quick search on any used car website will bring back a list of used but reliable 4×4’s at excellent prices. For example, we found a 1997 Suzuki Vitara with 40,000 miles on the clock, full service history and a recent cambelt change for just £1,000.

4×4’s are green
Yes you did read it correctly, 4×4’s are green. In fact, in 2006 the Jeep Wrangler was proven to be the world’s greenest car. The survey took into account the environmental impact of the vehicles from the date of manufacture to when it is scrapped.

Based on the fact 4×4’s share lots of common parts, simple technology, are built to last and are easier to recycle they are more likely to come out on top in such tests.

4×4 parts can be really cheap
Compared to parts on conventional cars which can cost a small fortune, 4×4 parts are generally quite cheap. For example, a complete exhaust system for an older Land Rover Defender will only cost around £50. Being part of an enthusiast club can also result in parts costing even less.

4×4s make great family cars
You can fit loads of people inside them, the kids absolutely adore the view due to the high-rise seats, the interiors are tough and they are easy to bolt bike racks and load boxes too. For a family a 4×4 is an excellent selection.

4×4s can be economical
Depending on your 4×4 there are all sorts of additives and magic potions you could use to get more miles to the gallon. The quick solution is an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) conversion which can cost around £2,000 to get installed and will half your fuel consumption.

For drivers of diesel 4×4’s there are chips in the region of £300 which once inserted into the right ECU will make the engine operate more efficiently. Depending on whose product you use, you can look forward to savings of 15% plus.

If you need a 4×4 insurance quote, give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on             0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone calls, but they will save you money on your 4×4 insurance policy.

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Towing vehicle over 3500kg GVW
- Length (exc. the coupling and drawbar) – 12 metres if at least 4 wheels
- Maximum width – 2.55 metres
- Length of towing vehicle & trailer combined – 18 metres
- Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer – 3.05 metres

Maximum trailer sizes
Type 01: unbraked trailers – max. 750kg gross trailer weight or half the towing vehicle’s kerb weight – whichever is less.
Type 02: trailers on overrun brakes – max. 3500kg gross trailer weight.

1982 regulations require that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg. This may be checked at any time by the police at a weighbridge. Since 1 January 1997, all unbraked trailer plates must show the year of manufacture.

Safe weight ratios
For stable and safe towing we would always recommend that you choose the smallest and lightest possible caravan suitable for your intended use. The less the laden weight of the caravan is in relation to the weight of the towing vehicle, the safer and more stable the outfit will be. The Caravan Club, for example, advises that you should aim for a towed load that is no more than 85% of the car’s kerb weight for stability and safety. The CC advice is NEVER to tow above 100% of the car’s kerbside weight.

N.B. The car manufacturer’s specified maximum permissible towload is always the absolute towing limit regardless of any 85% or 100% weight ratio guideline. This is especially important in those cases where the manufacturer’s figure is particularly low – in a few cases even below 85%.

Noseweight
It is a legal requirement that the noseweight should be 4% of the weight of the trailer or at least 25kg, whichever is the higher.. For safety you should aim for, but not exceed, the lower of the 2 figures specified for caravan and car respectively.

Load distribution
Proper load distribution, in general, must be ensured too, with all heavy items in the caravan low down and directly over the axle wherever possible. Correct tyre pressures for car and caravan are absolutely vital.

Driving Licences
A full (not provisional) driving licence is required to tow a caravan. From 1 January 1997, new category B (generally held as ‘normal’ car entitlement) vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kg Maximum Authorised Mass allowing a combined weight of up to 4.25 tonnes MAM OR a trailer (for example a tourer) over 750kg MAM provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes MAM. This would mean that many drivers who possess only a category B on their licence would be able to tow a caravan provided it was not heavier than their car, and that car and caravan combined, does not weigh more than 3.5 tonnes.

New drivers of outfits over these limits must take a category B + E test.

Further information from: Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) www.dvla.gov.uk

Passengers
It is illegal to carry passengers inside a caravan whilst on the road. It is permitted for pets to travel in the caravan, although this is not recommended safe practice.

Speed
Towed outfits may travel at up to 50 mph on single carriageway roads and up to 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Towed outfits are not permitted in the outside lane of a three or more lane motorway unless other lanes are closed.

Brakes
A caravan with a maximum design laden weight of more than 750kg must be braked with an intertia (overrun) type braking system up to a maximum permissible laden weight of 3500kg.

Road lights
Caravans must have flashing indicators fitted at the back. A buzzer or other means of alerting the driver must be installed to highlight the failure of any of these indicators.

Caravans must have two rear lights conforming to certain size requirements and bearing the appropriate CE mark. Marker lights must be fitted ‘as high as practicable’ on the side or at the front and rear of caravans over 2.1m wide.

Carrying gas cylinders
Regulations relating to the use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in vehicles on the public highway require the gas to be shut off at the cylinder when no appliance is in use. While the vehicle is in motion, no gas appliance should be in use. Special restrictions apply in certain road tunnels, the Channel Tunnel and on ferries. DO check before setting off.

Parking
Do not park your caravan:
• where it may cause an obstruction
• at night on a road without lights
• in street parking bays as some local laws forbid this
• at a parking meter, as caravans are not permitted
• unless securely braked or chocked to prevent movement

And finally ….
• A caravan stored in its owner’s garden may be used as a spare bedroom to accommodate non-paying guests. Friends can bring their own caravan and stay within the garden of a house.
• Caravans must have a rear number plate, matching that of the towing vehicle, and illuminated at night.
• TVs used in caravans are covered by the owner’s domestic TV licence as long the caravan is occupied by someone resident where the TV licence is registered.
• Caravans do not have to undergo an MOT test.
• All safety regulations for car tyres apply to caravans. Retread tyres should not be used. Radial and cross-ply tyres must not be mixed on the same axle.

Further information from: National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) www.ntta.co.uk/law.

If you require a caravan or 4×4 insurance quote give the team at Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone call, but they will save you money on your insurance policy.

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With Land Rover now under Indian ownership via the takeover of Jaguar Land Rover by Tata in 2008, the move is probably not surprising. But while you might assume that it would be the tough and rugged Defender range that would appeal most to Indian buyers, the company’s Indian line-up will comprise only the Discovery, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport – at least to begin with.

David Smith, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said: ‘We are delighted to be formally entering the Indian market, an economy which is still growing appreciably, and able to offer our premium products to a whole new group of customers. It is an important strategic move for Jaguar Land Rover and will enable us to realise our competitive potential in this significant market.’

For a competitive Land Rover insurance quote, then give our team at Sureterm a call on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone calls, but they will save you money on your 4×4 insurance policy.

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The Sport and Discovery also get 443lb ft 3.0 litre LR-TDV6 and all three benefit from an improved six speed auto transmission.

All models have new front bumpers and grilles plus revised interiors and the Range Rover gets the world’s first dual view screen enabling the driver to see the navigation system while the passenger watches a movie.

The Range Rover Sport now includes modified suspension with new bushes and New Dynamic Programme on Terrain Response plus 360 degree camera system.

The Discovery has a revised suspension to raise roll centre improving cornering, stiffer roll bar and revisions to Terrain Response settings and 360 degree camera system with ‘Towing Assist’ feature.

For a great Land Rover insurance quotation for your Range Rover, Sport or Discovery, then give our team at Sureterm a call on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the phone call but they will save you money on your Land Rover insurance policy.

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Despite the recent doom-and-gloom and negativity surrounding 4×4 vehicles, sales in the north-east appear to be as successful as ever.

David Nicoll, sales manager at Town and County Land Rover, says that despite news of buyers downsizing to smaller SUVs, locally, things are looking good in the 4×4 market.

“Off-road vehicles in the north of Scotland are an important way of life because much of the area is rural and it is sometimes the only way to get from A to B,” he said.

“Demand is so good just now. We achieved 40% above our target for the last quarter and the outlook looks good. The internet has certainly brought in customers from far and wide, and we are getting customers from all over the UK.

“But the majority of our business is still from the local area.”

Craig Finnie, director of Finnie 4×4, Peterhead, said that the current climate actually allows manufacturers to pass on savings to their customers.

Though motorists may be put off buying a new car during the current state of the economy, now may be the best time to buy a new or used 4×4, with many dealers offering extra incentives or deals.

“Now is really a good time to buy a 4×4,” said Mr. Nicoll.

“Of course with all that’s going on with the economy people are being more cautious with their money, but they’re also realising that, at the moment, car dealers are keen to offer real value for money. It really is buyers’ market.

“Value is at the top of many customers’ lists and it’s certainly what they’ll get.”

For a good value 4×4 insurance quote, then call Sureterm Direct on 0800 999 2030. They won’t charge you for the calls but they will save you money on your 4×4 insurance policy.

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