Blogs

Designing a modern 4×4 is a very difficult task, but there’s a few things which are about as easy to get right as do wrong, so please carmakers, do it right! Switchgear location INEOS have put the offroad switchgear in the roof of the Grenadier.  In my latest video, I disagree. I want it easily … Read more

I have produced a lot of content explaining how towing works; what the weights are, what causes sway, offroad driving and much more. There’s also a calculator to give you an idea of likely weights for your rig. But nothing will replace careful measurement of your rig on a set of purpose-designed scales operated by … Read more

Ever thought about why driver training exists? There’s just one reason, and that’s to reduce the risk of incidents, damage and problems. You look at what’s likely to go wrong, and you train accordingly. I’m involved with both 4WDs and sports cars, and the difference between the two cultures endlessly fascinates me, but that’s for … Read more

Nissan’s latest and last petrol-engined Z car is simply called the Z, and it’s essentially a development of the 370Z – a two-door coupe powered by a V6 engine in the front driving the rear wheels.  I had a quick drive of one on a cold, wet night, not long enough for a full review … Read more

Yesterday I spotted a petrol Mini parked in an EV charging bay. Was the driver right, or wrong? The default answer for EV people is ‘wrong’.  They would say that EV charging bays are for EVs to charge, and even more specifically, charge not park.  The reasons are simple; EV chargers are a scarce resource, … Read more

“Robert, could you please explain why different brake traction control calibrations are needed? I (perhaps incorrectly) presume that a BTC program that intervened as immediately as possible and stopped applying the free wheel’s brake as soon as it regained traction would be ideal for all off-road situations” At first sight, Brake Traction Control (BTC) has … Read more

Everyone and everything needs to move with the times, and car companies are no exception. Jaguar Land Rover has looked into the future and decided it knows what it needs to do. In short; two platforms not the current nine, luxury focus, AI, tech, digital services and sustainability. Behold, the new logo: Does the little … Read more

New to Sandown Raceway in Melbourne? Here’s a lap guide to give you a head start on your track or race day. It assumes you already know how to drive, but are new to this track. Some other useful points for Sandown:

I’ve noticed a lot of tyre pressure questions of late so here’s one article which hopefully answers them all. If missed any, comment below. WHERE DO I FIND THE RIGHT TYRE PRESSURES FOR MY VEHICLE? Your vehicle will have a tyre pressure placard on it, usually somewhere around the driver’s door jamb.  It will specify … Read more

Back in 2017 I tested a Ford Everest and as part of my testing put it on a hill. What I found was extremely interesting and not something I’d ever seen before. You can see what the problem was, and an explanation in the video below: Here’s a little more context to the video. Modern … Read more