Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

AM DBS becomes the new Aston Martin Vanquish

The new Aston Martin DBS debuted at Villa D’Este as the Project AM310. But it’s going to be the new Aston Martin Vanquish when it arrives. It’s a problem we all face: What do we call our new offspring?

Cadillac launches four-year maintenance program for all 2011 models

America's luxury brands are seemingly engaging in a game of high-stakes maintenance. Days after Lincoln launched a three-year/45,000-mile program for new cars bought or leased this summer, Cadillac has upped the ante. Cadillac is offering four years or 50,000 miles, besting Lincoln in time and travel.