New modern car advancements ,likes and dislikes.

nilagin said:
Mine work in mist and fog, Sunday morning was foggy on the way to work, all I had to do was put the fog lights on in the thicker patches.
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But you've got a Ford, it has everything, and everything works perfectly :P

Some fog/mist can be pretty bright, if the sensor works on light intensity then it is understandable it may not kick in. My VAG and Mercedes cars are pretty sensitive, but my brain also engages to double check the computer got it right.
 
I leave my headlights on all the time whilst driving.

It does make me chuckle when I see people driving around with fog lights on when there's a slight mist on the road. Sometimes I think these people have never driven through "proper" fog where you have to drive at crawling speed because visibility is so poor.
 
omens said:
I leave my headlights on all the time whilst driving.

It does make me chuckle when I see people driving around with fog lights on when there's a slight mist on the road. Sometimes I think these people have never driven through "proper" fog where you have to drive at crawling speed because visibility is so poor.
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In proper fog I do have my lights off to improve my visibility, and only switch on fog lights to be seen. Especially when it is dark. We often got some proper fog up here, and down in the low lands when I used to live there. But speed is definitely slow.
 
omens said:
It does make me chuckle when I see people driving around with fog lights on when there's a slight mist on the road. Sometimes I think these people have never driven through "proper" fog where you have to drive at crawling speed because visibility is so poor.
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What puzzles me is that to turn my rear fog lights on, I have to turn the front fogs on first. This is my first car with front fogs fitted as standard and this seems an odd arrangement. Not that I'd use them (front or rear) unless the visibility really did drop.

Whilst on the subject of lighting, side lights - what's the point?
 
Alastair said:
What puzzles me is that to turn my rear fog lights on, I have to turn the front fogs on first. This is my first car with front fogs fitted as standard and this seems an odd arrangement. Not that I'd use them (front or rear) unless the visibility really did drop.

Whilst on the subject of lighting, side lights - what's the point?
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I agree, I seem to recall that in the past I was able to switch on my rears first, and then if I really wanted turn it one more turn and have the front as well. I might imagine things but I'm glad I'm not the only one.

I use my side lights mainly when parked up on a unlit road, i.e. speed greater than 30mph. Although some cars have parking lights where you can leave the indicator to the side of the road, and then only that sidelight is on instead of both.
 
dejongj said:
But you've got a Ford, it has everything, and everything works perfectly :p

Some fog/mist can be pretty bright, if the sensor works on light intensity then it is understandable it may not kick in. My VAG and Mercedes cars are pretty sensitive, but my brain also engages to double check the computer got it right.
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Depends on level of trim, but there are always a few extras that can be added. Glad to see your finally understanding though. ;) Even though it is raining this morning, the sky is still bright as opposed to dull and the auto lights came on straight away.
Alastair said:
What puzzles me is that to turn my rear fog lights on, I have to turn the front fogs on first. This is my first car with front fogs fitted as standard and this seems an odd arrangement. Not that I'd use them (front or rear) unless the visibility really did drop.
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My fog lights are operated by separate switches next to the light switch. I can have front, rear or both fog lights on whichever I require. Even in patchy fog I'll use them, it means you can be seen at the earliest opportunity by other road users.
 
:) I will get a Ford one of these days. I'm still drawn towards the mustang v8.
 
nilagin said:
Even though it is raining this morning, the sky is still bright as opposed to dull and the auto lights came on straight away.
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On because of the light level, or because the default to on when the wipers are on and the switch is at auto-lights? - would bright mist trigger them too?

Looks like I might get to play with the auto-wipers today, still not convinced by the auto-lights.
 
dejongj said:
:) I will get a Ford one of these days. I'm still drawn towards the mustang v8.
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Be prepared there is apparently a fairly long wait.

Alastair said:
On because of the light level, or because the default to on when the wipers are on and the switch is at auto-lights? - would bright mist trigger them too?

Looks like I might get to play with the auto-wipers today, still not convinced by the auto-lights.
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I believe it is just the light level itself. Even the other morning, it was bright sunshine but low level which would make it hard for following cars to see and the auto lights were on. The auto lights certainly seem better than I had on my 2007 Mondeo, and I thought they worked well enough at the time.
Ford are introducing another improvement for it's cars with the Adaptive Front Lighting System. https://www.at.ford.com/en/homepage...ighting-technology-makes-driving-in-torr.html
 
nilagin said:
Ford are introducing another improvement for it's cars with the Adaptive Front Lighting System. https://www.at.ford.com/en/homepage...ighting-technology-makes-driving-in-torr.html
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The Adaptive Front Lighting System adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment, such as a longer, straighter beam for better visibility further ahead at motorway speeds, or by directing light further into a bend when cornering on country roads. Testing included a purpose‑built light simulation area and test drives in night-time conditions around the globe.​

Sounds like a evolution of the system on my Citroen that uses the inside fog light to illuminate the inside of a corner below 25mph.
 
Alastair said:
​
Sounds like a evolution of the system on my Citroen that uses the inside fog light to illuminate the inside of a corner below 25mph.
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My Focus has Adaptive Lighting due to having Xenons, but as it is a 2013 car it's not up to the current level of lighting. Mine too has the cornering lights but it is a light purpose built into the headlamp. I think mine may work at a slightly higher speed than 25mph though.
 
nilagin said:
Be prepared there is apparently a fairly long wait.



I believe it is just the light level itself. Even the other morning, it was bright sunshine but low level which would make it hard for following cars to see and the auto lights were on. The auto lights certainly seem better than I had on my 2007 Mondeo, and I thought they worked well enough at the time.
Ford are introducing another improvement for it's cars with the Adaptive Front Lighting System. https://www.at.ford.com/en/homepage...ighting-technology-makes-driving-in-torr.html
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Gives me some time to find some pennies behind the sofa :)

My GL (three years old) has that kind of lighting system. It was the first option I ticket on our replacement GLC.
 
Alastair said:
What puzzles me is that to turn my rear fog lights on, I have to turn the front fogs on first. This is my first car with front fogs fitted as standard and this seems an odd arrangement. Not that I'd use them (front or rear) unless the visibility really did drop.
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Mine does this - pull switch to first position to turn on front fogs, and pull to second position to turn on rear fogs as well.

Alastair said:
Whilst on the subject of lighting, side lights - what's the point?
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I always thought it was that if you parked on a road with speed limit of 40mph or greater, they had to be turned on and left on.
 
ianp5a said:
This will probably push things along a bit: Germany Calls For a Ban On Combustion Engine Cars By 2030

Hooray for the end of smelly, noisy, heavy cars!
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Hooray for smelly factories creating the resources required to build those batteries, the impact on the environment, and the scrapping of perfectly good goods.

Don't know about your car but mine doesn't smell, is not noisy, and a lot lighter than the electric versions ;)
 
Internal combustion engine are tiny explosions, there's only so much noise isolation can be done. Electric motors are quieter by definition.
Modern cars may not smell, but they do certainly output harmful gas during operation, harming everyone behind you.
There's no denying our cities will be a much nicer place without internal combustion cars pumping pollution and noise next to you.

Weight is something electric cars need to catch up on. This is the inherent benefit of having such a high energy density storage known as fossil fuel. But car engines are only 20% efficient compared to 60% of electric cars (source), with fossil fuel age coming to an end in this century, we must use the most efficient power train wherever possible.

Also, electric cars make city driving more fun, no more waiting for engine, turbo and gears to get into their optimum speed/ratio. Just the go peddle and you. The new Zoe looks to be the car to get when they abolish their battery rental monthly charges.
 
wuyanxu said:
Internal combustion engine are tiny explosions, there's only so much noise isolation can be done. Electric motors are quieter by definition.
Modern cars may not smell, but they do certainly output harmful gas during operation, harming everyone behind you.
There's no denying our cities will be a much nicer place without internal combustion cars pumping pollution and noise next to you.

Weight is something electric cars need to catch up on. This is the inherent benefit of having such a high energy density storage known as fossil fuel. But car engines are only 20% efficient compared to 60% of electric cars (source), with fossil fuel age coming to an end in this century, we must use the most efficient power train wherever possible.

Also, electric cars make city driving more fun, no more waiting for engine, turbo and gears to get into their optimum speed/ratio. Just the go peddle and you. The new Zoe looks to be the car to get when they abolish their battery rental monthly charges.
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And how does the electricity get generated to charge these vehicles? Or build the battery packs?
 
dejongj said:
And how does the electricity get generated to charge these vehicles? Or build the battery packs?
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How does the energy get created to refine the petrol and diesel that is used currently in less efficient modes of transport?

That's always forgotten. The energy needed for refining is quite substantial. Plus cost of transporting it, getting it out of the ground, arguing with various countries about who owns it.

As the grid becomes cleaner then so do electric cars.
 
Fair point well made :)

Out of interest @ianp5a @wuyanxu @srichards which electric vehicles do you gents drive? I was totally disillusioned without our Toyota Prius, in real driving between that Prius and our Mercedes GL there was only 15mpg between them. Nowhere near enough to compromise as much that was required considering the size and comfort difference between both vehicles.
 
I have a Kia Soul. It's roomy and range is ok for a local runabout. It's not a luxury car. Tesla do that better. The S is huge. It's RS6 avant sized at least.
 
srichards said:
I have a Kia Soul. It's roomy and range is ok for a local runabout. It's not a luxury car. Tesla do that better. The S is huge. It's RS6 avant sized at least.
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Yes Tesla S is pretty large however not really a seven seater as the seats in the boot are for children only. The X is much better from that perspective.

Didn't know the Soul is electric as well.
 
dejongj said:
Don't know about your car but mine doesn't smell, is not noisy, and a lot lighter than the electric versions ;)
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This is about real electric vehicles. Not combustion vehicles with the engine and gearbox replaced with a battery and motors. The body structure is very different. And it brings with it new possibilities.

This proposed law is intended to bring heavy investment into the business. In order to solve the various issues and improve the efficiencies. It is obvious to me it's about the future, which will be different to today. So sneering about today's problems is missing the whole point.
 
dejongj said:
Out of interest @ianp5a @wuyanxu @srichards which electric vehicles do you gents drive?
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None, I drive a dirty diesel at the moment, waiting for Model 3. I figure there's no point buying a new car when all I get is a bigger screen on the dash, while creating more pollution to get the car made for me. 3-year car leasing/PCP is such a waste IMHO.

I've also eyeing the Zoe for my wife, she had a Fiat Panda, which was sold when she no longer needs it. Zoe is the only small, nice looking, practical EV out there. Shame about the purchase model, would have prefer an outright purchase.
 
The more we move to renewable energy such as hydro, wind and tidal the more environmentally friendly electric cars will be I guess.
 
I think it was Honda who brought out a model a while ago I would have been interested in with an option to have your own hydro fuel cell plant installed. That project seemed to have died a very quiet death unfortunately.

So none of you actually take any of the current available options. Interesting and at least I actually had endured a s***box hybrid when I wanted to go green six years ago and put my money where my mouth is.

I tell you what there is going to be needed a whole heap of investment to make them comfortable, give them range, and most of all make them actually efficient.
 
I don't take EV in its current form because I can't afford a Model S, and the lack of internal storage space (door bins, central cubby) caused a veto from the wife.

The Prius is hardly green. All of its energy still comes from the 20% efficient power plant burning dead animals. You'd really want renewable energy source to power the car such as solar/wind/hydro.

In that sense, I have put my money where my mouth is, I've invested in solar panels on my roof. I'll be adding a battery to the system when the technology becomes ready. The idea is that the excess power in the battery after evening usage will charge my EV.
 
wuyanxu said:
I don't take EV in its current form because I can't afford a Model S, and the lack of internal storage space (door bins, central cubby) caused a veto from the wife.

The Prius is hardly green. All of its energy still comes from the 20% efficient power plant burning dead animals. You'd really want renewable energy source to power the car such as solar/wind/hydro.

In that sense, I have put my money where my mouth is, I've invested in solar panels on my roof. I'll be adding a battery to the system when the technology becomes ready. The idea is that the excess power in the battery after evening usage will charge my EV.
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I did the sums on my roof for that technology, break even point would be in 19 years. And that is on the basis that nothing goes wrong with it. It seems to make no sense when you've already got an efficient house. I'd love it when it is all build in to the roof tiles. And as I said I would love a hydrocell generator on my driveway.

There definitely has to be a change, but I think it is much further away then people imagine.
 
wuyanxu said:
Weight is something electric cars need to catch up on. This is the inherent benefit of having such a high energy density storage known as fossil fuel. But car engines are only 20% efficient compared to 60% of electric cars (source), with fossil fuel age coming to an end in this century, we must use the most efficient power train wherever possible.

Also, electric cars make city driving more fun, no more waiting for engine, turbo and gears to get into their optimum speed/ratio. Just the go peddle and you. The new Zoe looks to be the car to get when they abolish their battery rental monthly charges.
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Modern turbo direct injection petrol engines have an efficiency of around 35%, advancements in friction losses and power increases are being made all the time, Some of the losses are from driving/powering ancillaries on the car, so aren't true losses as they are still being utilised. EV vehicles still have a very limited range, hence why hybrids are currently the better option.
Twin turbos and e-turbos will produce the energy on tap with no waiting.
 
Having just recently moved, there are occasions when I have to park on a steep hill. I put our Galaxy in P, then press the electronic parking brake. It lurches forward a little, when the parking button is pressed, and I remove my foot from the foot brake. Feels a little strange, not having a handbrake, that I can reassuringly apply. When I first parked on a hill, I had visions of the car rolling down the hill. Not even a decent kerb, to prop wheel against .
 
Finally got a clip of what our new family car will sound like, it sounds fantastic to me especially considering this is on a new car and not yet run in. However my wife asked whether it can be not so loud, and that is where we are bang on topic for thread. Adaptive settings and keys, she can have her settings and have the exhaust closed and in quiet mode and I can have mine Fast and Loud :)

View: https://youtu.be/zn2Ti_PzfaE
 
dejongj said:
Finally got a clip of what our new family car will sound like, it sounds fantastic to me especially considering this is on a new car and not yet run in. However my wife asked whether it can be not so loud, and that is where we are bang on topic for thread. Adaptive settings and keys, she can have her settings and have the exhaust closed and in quiet mode and I can have mine Fast and Loud :)

View: https://youtu.be/zn2Ti_PzfaE
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I think I would prefer stealth mode, don't like to draw attention to myself :).
 
Oooo I had an escort that sounded like that once.
I got a new exhaust, and it was fine after that, it even passed the MOT :thumbs:

:D
 
dejongj said:
Finally got a clip of what our new family car will sound like, it sounds fantastic to me especially considering this is on a new car and not yet run in. However my wife asked whether it can be not so loud, and that is where we are bang on topic for thread. Adaptive settings and keys, she can have her settings and have the exhaust closed and in quiet mode and I can have mine Fast and Loud :)

View: https://youtu.be/zn2Ti_PzfaE
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Other than the lack of turbo spooling down, it doesn't sound too dissimilar to my old Mondeo ST TDCi with decat and performance exhaust.
For true sound you need to hear it being driven and engine is under load, not just revving it at standstill.
 
nilagin said:
Other than the lack of turbo spooling down, it doesn't sound too dissimilar to my old Mondeo ST TDCi with decat and performance exhaust.
For true sound you need to hear it being driven and engine is under load, not just revving it at standstill.
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Whilst I agree that for the true sound you need to hear it driving under load, and ideally the exhaust has done about 10K miles at least. But hey if it sounds called like that then I can imagine how magical it will become :)

But come on, you seriously want anyone to belief that your Ford 4 cylinder diesel engine sound like that. Really, honestly? Come on nigalin, I respect your knowledge on engines but that is just daft Ford Fanboyism.
 
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