How To Kill An Hour

Axle Back vs Catback Exhaust Systems

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So you’re looking to get yourself an aftermarket exhaust system on your car? It’s an exciting decision for any car lover, but where should you begin? Two of the most popular aftermarket exhaust systems are the catback and the axle. To help you make a decision, let’s break down the ins and outs of each one.

 

Catback Exhaust

 

A catback exhaust system is one that replaces everything that sits behind the catalytic converter to where the exhaust pipes finish, hence the term ‘cat-back’. These are a real popular aftermarket exhaust as they offer a strong performance and sound plus you don’t need to invest in a new catalytic converter. It’s essentially a powder mod which produces a stronger engine note plus frees up the gas flow of your system. Generally, these are made of a muffler, resonator and a rear-pipe. The benefits of investing are: 

 

1 . Improved Power 

 

When you get yourself a cat back exhaust, you’ll certainly be achieving more power. Aftermarket exhausts are usually designed with larger piping and higher quality mandrel tubing; improving the overall flow. There’s less pressure within the engine, so it has the opportunity to give more horsepower. 

 

  1. Improved Sound

 

Most people who want an aftermarket exhaust system are looking for enhanced sound performance on their vehicle. With a cat back exhaust, you’ll certainly achieve this; giving your vehicle that sweet racing-car growl! 

 

Axle Back

 

An axle back system replaces the components that sit behind the axle, all the way to the end of the pipes. Essentially, the axle back includes the pipe and the muffler only. The benefits of choosing an axle back include:

 

1 . Price

 

The axle back is less expensive than cat-back systems, yet can still provide an enhanced performance for your vehicle. If you’re looking for an aftermarket exhaust system, but you aren’t keen to overspend, one of these is a great bet.

 

  1. Easy Installation

 

Axle backs are easier to install than cat back exhausts. It’s generally because fewer components are replaced, and so you may be able to install the exhaust system yourself. With an axle back you’ll still get improved power and sound performance on your car, though it may not be as impressive when compared with the cat back.

 

Making the choice 

 

To make a decision, you’ll need to include your budget and needs. For instance, if you’re a racing enthusiast regularly engaging in competitions, you may want to go for the strongest power and opt for a cat back. Megan Racing offer both types and more should you require more info. However, if you simply want a little more horsepower and sound performance at a nicer price, an axle is likely the one for you.

 

As with any motor decision, ensure to do your research thoroughly before investing. There are also other types of exhaust systems to take a look into. The decision is just as important as choosing the right car; whether you love the The Lexus RX 450h F Sport or your waiting out for the Aston Martin DBX!

PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

Legendary Guy’s Night Ideas You Need

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A night with the guys. It’s a night for fun, laughing, banter, and drinks, and it has to be one that everyone can remember. It doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s night out for single guys in your circle. You can invite all the guys and have a night to remember – no limits!

 

Men need a way to blow off some steam. So, whether one of you buys one of the many used Aston Martin cars for sale from Dick Lovett and pulls up ready for a road trip, or you simply need a day out at the golf to unwind and bond, we’ve got some legendary ideas that should make the cut. You need to go and have fun every now and then. Let’s take a look at some of the best guys’ night out ideas around.

PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

At The Grill

You do not have to jaunt up and down the country to get a good night in with your friends. The summer looms ahead, so why not coordinate when everyone is free and book a date in the calendar so that you can come together and grill? A few steaks, cold beers, and damn tasty side dishes already make for a great night. Throw in a darts board, and you have a competition going!

Poker Night

We’ve picked poker specifically based on the fact that the game isn’t hard to learn, and you can play for dares or bets if you don’t want to play for cash. Put a ceiling on your buy-in, and you can all have a good time without going bankrupt. It’s a great way to test each other and challenge one another to win, and you also get the chance to win some cash! You can swap houses for hosting, and then when you get good at the game, hit up a casino and enjoy what they have to offer with much a bigger prize.

Movie Night – With A Twist!

Instead of heading to the movie theater and not talking to each other, why not put your own cinematic experience in the backyard? You can add a large white sheet and get a movie projector to project the latest and greatest action movies. Bring snacks and drinks, and get comfortable. There are so many options for movie night that you are spoilt for choice.

Sports Games

Are you basketball fans? Is there enough of you to be able to play football? Get a team together and add sports games to grill night. You can run up a little healthy competition and get together to trash talk the action one on one.

Road Trip

The ultimate guys’ night idea is the beginning of a road trip. Pick a night you can all leave and throw a dart at a map to hit the city you want to get to. This type of trip can be life-changing for you and your friends, and if you’ve already got the Aston Martin, you can travel in style!

 

How To Step Up To Any Challenge

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There comes times in our life where our mettle is tested and this grants us an amazing opportunity. Not only does the event in question test your character, but it has the potential of helping you push farther than you think you could go. You’ve likely had those moments where you wake up groggy and feel too tired to go to the gym. You just want to sleep. Then, when you’re there, lifting the weights and doing so with perfect form, you see just how many reps you can get. There’s something motivational about being exposed to struggle and wanting to achieve in that moment – even if we didn’t expect to feel that way prior.

 

One thing is for certain – challenges will come in your life, and they’ll come in a variety of ways. If you’re not prepared, it’s extremely easy for you to fumble the ball and snowball into missing the mark. That can ruin the confidence of any young man or woman, and so trying your best is not only worthwhile, but crucial. Even if you fail, trying your best will help you grow and learn more for next time. Before long, you will prevail.

 

You can step up to any challenge with the following advice:

 

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

 

The more you sweat in battle, the less you bleed in war. Perhaps it’s unlikely that anyone reading this will see an actual battlefield in their lifetime, and that’s a good thing. But we have our own battlefields to fight each and every day. Perhaps your battlefield is the squat rack. Maybe it’s preparing well for your driving theory test, which you are nervous about taking. The more info you collect and the harder you train, prepare, study or practice, the more likely you will be to come to the best result.

 

There’s No Way Around Hard Work

 

The moment you begin looking for ‘hacks’ to subdue the need for hard work, you have already lost. Does that mean you can’t work smarter and not harder? Of course not. But it does mean that you can never be afraid of hard work. The good thing to learn here? Hard work is not your enemy. You can learn plenty from it. You can shape yourself in the best manner. Alexis Carrel once said ‘Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.’ When you accept that as soon as you can – you’ll start with the strongest footing.

 

‘Because It’s There’

 

When George Leigh Mallory was asked just why he kept trying to climb to the peak of Mount Everest in the early 1900s, he replied with a very simple phrase. ‘Because it’s there,’ he said. Worthwhile challenge is not only challenge that is pressed upon us – it’s challenge we seek out. Sure, you might have passed your driving test, but are you taking extra lessons to drive on the motorway/highway with confidence? Sure you hit your workout lifts this week – but how well are you sleeping? There’s always something to do and to keep us busy, and that attitude will help you live a higher quality of life than you could imagine.

 

With this advice, you’re sure to step up to any challenge. You’ve got this.

How to Step Things Up in 2020

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It’s always possible to upgrade your life, but there’s no denying that a new year does provide an especially excellent opportunity to mix things up. And when it comes to 2020, we’re not just entering a new year, oh no: this an entirely new decade. The last decade has gone, whether it was good or bad, and all our energies should be focused on making the new roaring twenties extra special. But how can you do this? We take a look at a few ideas below — incorporate them into your life, and you’ll be on your way to a great year/decade.

 

 

New Careers

 

Have you hit something of a rut when it comes to your career? It does happen from time to time! Even if we’re in something that we like, it can begin to feel a little tired and old if we stay for too long in the same position without progressing. So while you might have been vaguely aware that things have to change a little, the new year will provide the opportunity to actually do it. It might involve topping up your education, applying to new jobs, or selecting a new career altogether. 

 

Upgraded Home

 

The new year can also provide an opportunity to look at your living arrangements, and figure out if it’s really all that it could be. Of course, how you upgrade will depend on where you’re currently living. If you’ve not long left university and you’re still living like a student, then this might involve putting together a more adult space. Or it might involve moving out on your own if you’re still living with housemates. They can be super enjoyable to be around, but at some point, we all have to fly the safety of the nest and live on our own.

 

Getting Around

 

There are many things that can make us feel like we’ve arrived in adulthood, but some are more important than others. Where we live, outside above, is one. How we get around is another. If you’re forever relying on public transportation, rides from other people, or you’re driving around in a vehicle that you’re ashamed to be seen in, then this is a clear area where you can upgrade things in 2020. If you can’t yet drive, then your mission could be to pass your test. If you’re looking for a new vehicle, then you could look at the many Vauxhall new car offers that are available. You’ll definitely feel things are moving in the right direction once you’re riding around in your new set of wheels!

 

New Challenges 

 

Finally, you can look at making the forthcoming year one to remember by pushing yourself to try and experience new things. This might involve picking up a new hobby or joining a club, or taking a new kind of trip to somewhere exotic and exciting. It doesn’t matter what you do, actually, so long as you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone. It might not always be comfortable, but it will be worth it! 

 

Mistakes People Make When Looking After Their Car

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It does not matter what sort of vehicle you have, it is imperative that you look after it properly. After all, a car represents a considerable investment. The last thing you want is to throw your money down the drain because you have not looked after it properly. With that being said, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the biggest mistakes people make when looking after their vehicle so that you can avoid making the same errors.

Not having it serviced regularly – There is only one place to begin, and this is with not having your vehicle serviced on a regular basis. A lot of people do not do this because they think it is going to be a waste of money. They do not want to spend money on their car when there is nothing wrong with it. Nevertheless, if you simply wait and wait until something goes wrong, you are only going to end up spending more money in the process. With servicing, you can ensure that your car runs efficiently and that any problems are picked up on quickly before they turn into bigger and more expensive ones.

 

Getting Complacent Behind The Wheel 

 This is an obvious point but one that a lot of people have trouble with. It’s easy to become complacent on the road when you’ve been doing it for so long. This means treating the car like it’s invincible and also misbehaving on the road. Needing a car accident lawyer isn’t fun when you end up getting into a little trouble. The ultimate way of looking after your car is to simply not get into situations that could cause serious harm. 

Choosing cheap spare parts – Aside from not getting your vehicle serviced on a regular basis, you need to make sure that you replace car parts with genuine replicas. One of the biggest mistakes people make is replacing their vehicle parts with cheap alternatives, which can actually damage the vehicle. This is especially the case if you choose second hand parts that have not been created with the make and model of your car in mind. 

Believing your car is stronger than it really is – Something that newer drivers are guilty of. Because people think their car is a big and strong machine, it’s going to withstand most of what you throw at it. But when you start to dress up your car with alloy wheels and new bumpers, you’d better have that alloy wheel repair supplier on standby! Your car can save you in a crash, but even a little scratch could cost hundreds in repair fees. Your car is not invincible.

Not choosing a mechanic with care – Another mistake people make is failing to take the time to do their research when it comes to choosing a car mechanic. There are so many different mechanics available today, yet they do not all provide a service of a good standard. This is why you need to do your research, and the Internet can help with this. Make sure you check out independent review platforms so that you can read comments that have been left by others. By using independent review platforms, you can be sure that the comments left are genuine and that they have not been manufactured by the company themselves. 

As you can see, there are a number of different mistakes that people tend to make when it comes to looking after their vehicle. If you can avoid the mistakes that have been discussed in this blog post, you can give yourself the best chance of making sure that your car lasts for as long as possible and runs efficiently in the process.

Not starting their car properly in winter

If your car has a valid MOT then it either has electronic fuel injection or a battery (or both if it’s a hybrid). It doesn’t matter if your car is a used Pentagon Vauxhall or an ultra-modern, self-driving city smart car. Those are the only two options and neither of them benefits from leaving the engine idling “to warm up”.

If your car has electronic fuel injection, then the way to start it in winter is just to put it in gear and drive off slowly. Give it five minutes or so and then start building up the speed (keeping it safe obviously). After about 10 minutes or so, you should be able to hit your regular cruising speed.

If your car has a battery, then, in principle, you should just be able to turn it on and go. In practice, your best chance of this happening is to make sure that your battery is on the maximum charge. Winter means cold weather and cold weather drains batteries quickly. This means that you should take every possible opportunity to give your car battery a charge.

It’s also a smart move to ensure that you have something in your boot to help your car tyres to grip when you move off from stationary. If you live in an area with regular, heavy snow then proper snow chains are a good investment. Just make sure you’re clear on the law about using them. For everybody else, rubber mats or old carpet will usually get the job done.

How To Kill An Hourr

Get Yourself A Car That Will Survive The Winter

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The thought of getting a new car is so exciting to the majority of us. It’s like getting a new toy that we never have to give back, will probably not break on us for the next couple of years, and allows us to have some new fun. It’s like getting a new phone, or buying a new house, the excitement is up there, and for some of you will definitely be a lot higher. Because for someone who is into their cars so much, a decision like this does not come lightly. You will no doubt be in love with the car that you have now, doing anything you can to keep it on the road if it’s packing up on you. Which every car eventually will do after many years of having an owner, especially one with bad driving habits. So you have to ask yourself, is your car going to make it through the winter, or is it time to think about bagging yourself a new one. If you know it’s time for a new one, we’ll show you how to make sure you get one that’ll last the winter, as well as the next few years with you!

 

 

One You Trust, From Somewhere You Trust

 

Getting a car that you trust is just so important. The more time you spend around cars, from all different manufacturers and ages, you realise that cars are just not that reliable, and nor are the people selling them to you. Unless you really know what you’re looking for, cars can be an absolute nightmare to buy. So first, go for a dealership that you know has a good track record with selling reliable cars, such as LMC cars. All it takes is one reliable dealership, and you have a place to buy your cars from for life. It’s not always ideal to go straight to the manufacturers themselves, because the money they charge is so much higher, and you can often find a better deal elsewhere.

 

The Best Winter Cars

 

Winter cars are not your average car. Some cars just aren’t made for the harsh weather, such as BMW’s due to their rear wheel drive, and older cars, because they’re more likely to pack up working during the harsh months. So the best car to have in the winter, is a 4×4, and they’re one of the best during the other months of the year as well. It doesn’t have to be a brand new one, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive Range Rover. There are so many affordable 4×4’s that you could look into, ones that we know will be suitable for the harsh weather. All you have to do is get searching through dealerships.

 

Keeping Up The Maintenance 

 

Maintenance of your car is so important. The more you focus on the maintenance of the car, weekly, the longer it’ll last for you. This involves making sure that there’s the right mix of screenwash and water in your car, the oil level is right, and the tyre pressure is right. It’s far more dangerous going out in the ice, and perhaps even snow when it comes.

Need A New Car? These Top Tips Should Help You Decide

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There comes a time in life when you have to put down your electric scooter and upgrade to something a bit more substantial to get you from A to B. Getting a new car is one of the most rewarding ventures, and choosing one that fits your own specific needs couldn’t be simpler. Following a few basic guidelines can help you sort through the thousands upon thousands that are on offer today, and help you to make the most of any test drives you plan for cars that you’re potentially interested in. So, if you need to buy a new or even your first car, then read on for some of the best top tips to aid you in making the right choice!

 

Set Your Budget

 

Before you even start looking for a car, you have to set your budget. Looking at vehicles that are completely out of your price range will only leave you disappointed when you feel as though you are ‘settling’ for a cheaper make and model. Secure an amount that you can definitely stick to, and begin searching for cars that are less than this number. Don’t be afraid to search for second hand vehicles, as despite them having a previous owner, they can still provide you with all of the usual services at a fraction of the price. For example, a brows though a used Audi Q range can offer you some really great prices for SUVs which although they have been used previously, they have been looked after very well with low mileages, valeted to a high standard – what’s not to love? 

 

Petrol Or Electric?

 

With such an increase in investment in the electric car industry, the following question is becoming more and more common: do you really want or need a petrol powered vehicle? Though there is such a wealth of different makes and models that run on petrol, or even diesel, buying an electric car might just be a smart investment. They offer all of the usual services and features of their gas counterparts, but are much more environmentally friendly, and are said to be much cheaper to run and maintain. The main issue with electric cars is finding a charging point when you are out and about, as they are much less common than petrol stations, which could leave you in need of a tow on more than one occasion. 

 

Always Do A Test Drive

 

One of the most important things you must always do before purchasing any car is perform a test drive in the vehicle. That very reasonable price tag might be down to an issue that’s not listed in the advert, and this could leave you out of pocket with a car that doesn’t work. Even if you just go for a short spin around the block, you will get the chance to listen to the car, and test the steering and motor for any obvious faults. 

 

So, what are you waiting for? for? Get out there and find your next car today!

How To Kill An Hour 2019

What Technology Is Popular In Cars Right Now

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A car can simply serve its purpose of getting you from A to B, or it makes commuting to work a lot more stress-free, and there’s not a chance you’ll have to spend your time under someone’s armpit on a cramped train. However, all cars have a certain amount of technology that makes driving that little bit more enjoyable. Here are some of the most popular technology features in cars right now.

 

Vehicle Tracking Software

When we lose something, or it gets stolen, it can be crushing when you have no way of tracking it. Now that phones and other electronic devices have the ability to be tracked, cars are now having this software installed into their hardware so that it’s possible for them to be trackable. This is not only good for drivers but for local authorities to help them spot stolen vehicles. There’s definitely a high amount of vehicles that get stolen each year, and if criminals are aware of these tracking softwares being in cars, it’s less likely to happen. Not only that, but they have less of a chance of getting away with it.

Rearview Cameras For Parking

Everyone has their strong points when driving and there’s the odd maneuver that perhaps aren’t so strong. A lot of the time, parking can be a difficulty for some drivers. Cameras are a great way to solve this problem, and now many cars have rearview cameras installed to help drivers navigate the tightest of parking spaces. It’s also good for when you’re reversing, and your viewpoint may not be as clear when looking at your wing mirrors. It’ll also help to provide footage of crashes and accidents when they happen. That’ll make your wheel repair that little more affordable if the damage wasn’t your fault.

Connecting Phone Apps

It’s no surprise that many of us are using our phones to control our lives. Not just ourselves but for our homes too. With apps that can control our lights to the heating of our home, even when we’re not at the property itself. So there are plenty of apps now that you can connect to your car, and that give you more features to use within the car itself. There are ones that can help you to lock your car doors remotely and to start the car so that it’s warm and ready on a cold winter morning.

Sound Alerts For Objects

Sound alerts for moving or stationary objects in the road are great for reducing the number of accidents that happen. Being on the road can be very dangerous, and a lot of accidents can happen from careless driving or just by not being attentive. So when you’re reversing back or trying to park, these beeping sounds that increase as you get closer to the object are very handy. It’ll certainly save you some money too!

 

Technology is only going to advance and who knows what will become of our cars in the future. Driverless cars exist after all!

Top 5 Facts About Online Gaming

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Since the first video game was released in 1958, the popularity of online gaming has rapidly increased. A million-dollar industry, it has developed into a staple of modern culture. 

 

There are many reasons as to why people play video games. From escapism to gaining a sense of community, it opens up a gamer’s imagination to a world beyond anything they have ever imagined. However, as with online casino games such as those offered by eurocasino casino, it’s important to know when to stop and put down the controller. 

 

A fascinating industry in itself, there are many amazing statistics and facts related to it. If you’re interested in the world of online gaming, here are the top five facts to dig your teeth into!

 

 

  • The Most Expensive Game Ever Made Was Grand Theft Auto: V

 

Grand Theft Auto has to be one of the world’s most famous video games. And its fifth edition is to date, the most expensive to be created. Costing over $265 million, Rockstar North spent roughly equal on the creation and the marketing. However, even though this figure seems crazy, the amount of money that the developer has earned back from its sale has no doubt made it worth it. 

The second most expensive video game is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which comes in at $250 million – with $50 million spent on development and $200 million on marketing.

 

  • There Are More Women Gamers 

 

Often, people think that video games are only played by men. Well, they couldn’t be more wrong. Over the years, the market has heavily diversified to introduce an impressive 48% of female video game players. With more women now identifying as gamers over men, it’s clear that the industry is continuously changing.

 

  • Online Gaming Improves Concentration and Decision Making

 

People often associate online gaming with a lack of concentration. But the complexity of video games means that gamers tend to have better decision-making skills, have an exceptional attention span and can multitask when need be. Having the determination to work out each game and the tasks set by it requires a certain type of mind.

 

 

  • Over 50% of Gamers Are Over 50

 

Continuing on from the discussion above, another clear sign that the industry is ever-changing is that it is now heavily populated by those over the age of 50. Holding an incredible 58% across all of the social online games, this new audience is swiftly taking over. This boom can be seen at online tournaments, such as the e-sports show that recently played host to a team of over 60s called ‘The Silver Snipers’.

 

  • The Chinese Video Market is The Biggest

 

It might come as a surprise (or not) but the Chinese Market makes the most revenue. An ever-growing industry, in 2018 Chinese consumers spent over $38 billion on video games – which makes them hold an incredible 28% market share. Within this statistic, they spent $23 billion on mobile games and $15 billion on console and PC games. 

How To Best Avoid The Depreciation Of Your Motor

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Depreciation is a sad word to hear for any car enthusiast. Unfortunately, when you buy a brand spanking new vehicle, it starts to depreciate at a crazy rate the minute that you get behind the wheel. In the first few years, it’s estimated that new cars can lose up to half their value. Never fear, all is not lost. There are a few things that you can do to combat the beast of depreciation!

Do your research first

So this one starts before you’ve actually bought the thing! If you do a little research, you’ll discover that some cars will depreciate slower than others. Choose wisely and your off to a good start. According to Auto Express magazine, some of the slowest depreciating cars include the Porsche Panamera, the Volkswagen California and the Porsche 717 Cayman. 

How to reduce depreciation 

To reduce the depreciation of your vehicle, it’s essential to consider the mileage that you are ramping up. While you won’t want to avoid driving too much; of course the higher mileage on your car, the less it will be worth. Consider that the average mileage is about 10,000 miles per year. To avoid a drop in value, you may want to stick to the average or below. As well as this, you’ll want to make sure that you get your car serviced as regularly as possible. The closer that you stick to your service schedule, the better. 

It’s vital to repair any damage to the car as soon as possible. It’s a great idea to purchase a used car or a ‘nearly new’ car. Doing so means that the depreciation stages will have already occurred prior to your ownership. Although the value has previously reduced- you won’t be the one who has lost any cash! You also should perform regular maintenance checks of your vehicle. Whether your car is new or used, you’ll want to keep it in the best working order. If you’re looking to make a purchase, sites like Really Easy Car Credit offer lots of attractive and easy to access options. 

Maintenance checks & upkeep 

Check your tyres at least every couple of weeks. You need to ensure the correct pressure and check the spare tyre while you’re at it. Always make certain that your tread adheres to the correct legal measurements. Carry a wheel removing kit and a jack if your car has a spare wheel. You may also want to keep a locking wheel nut key with your tools. Keep an eye on your power steering; have the garage top up your hydraulic fluid on each service. You can also consistently check its levels yourself. Check over the bodywork often to look for signs of rust. You need to watch out for rust as it’s not just ` a cosmetic damage. When ignored over time, rust can cause corrosive damage to your car parts. 

Depreciation is a pain, but buying a used car can take off the financial pressure. It’s also worth looking into the depreciation rates of each vehicle that you are considering. Overall, the better care you take of your car- the less you will be contributing to devaluing it!