If you press on the brake pedal on your car, you will notice that the brake pedal goes down more than usual. This phenomenon occurs for two possible reasons. The first is that the brake fluid is very low and the second is that the lining of the brake shoe is worn.

How to determine the cause of the problem?

1. The first thing is to open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir, this is usually located on top of the brake master cylinder. See if the fluid level is within the “Max” and “Low” marks on the reservoir. If the fluid is sufficient, you can rule out low brake fluid as the cause of the problem.

As you may not know, when the fluid level is low, the brake pedal will travel further before stopping because the lower the fluid level, the lower the pedal will travel. If the fluid is insufficient, simply add the required amount of fluid to correct the problem, however, the reason for the low fluid level is another problem that needs to be discovered.

2. If, for example, the fluid is at a normal level, then the reason the brake pedal travels more than usual is that the brake shoe is worn. The brake shoe is used in the drum brake which is usually found in the rear brake of the car. This happens because when the brake pedal is depressed, the shoes will press against the drum; if the shoe wears excessively, the pedal will have to press harder before the shoe touches the drum.

To solve the problem of the brake pedal traveling further due to a worn shoe, take the car to a repair shop. Ask the mechanic to replace the shoe lining, also tell the mechanic to check the brake drum because it could also be damaged and needs to be machined. When replacing the brake shoe lining, also consider machining the drums before installing a new lining.

As a small business owner, you will know that all VAT returns have been digital, i.e. online, for some time. But you may not realize that HMRC’s plans don’t stop there. In less than a year, you’ll have a very different set of requirements to meet.

Phase One of the new Make Tax Digital process begins in April 2019. So start planning this tax year for the changes to come in the next.

Doing Tax Digital – the implications

The authorities now intend to make it more or less mandatory for you to buy or rent what they describe as compatible functional software, such as Clearbooks, to make all your entries in real time. (Note to Mac users: Please check that your chosen solution will work in the UK.)

This may mean no more flipping through paper records each quarter or year, but it also means that you (or whoever does the accounting) will have to track and record all forms of expenses as they occur, as well as assumptions such as billing.

It is said (after representations from small business groups) that the spreadsheets can still be used if you link them electronically to HMRC, but this is intended as a temporary measure and could be problematic in practice.

VAT comes first

The initial phase of what is intended to be a complete business tax change by 2021 is that VAT registrations will be made digitally, continuously reportable from April 2019.

VAT returns currently only list total sales and purchases. After April 2019, you must digitally register each item, showing the VAT element, for example, zero rate, standard rate. All the adjustments you can make: reverse charging imports, car leasing, subsistence, entertainment, etc. you also have to show it.

There are potential advantages and disadvantages:

advantage:

• Less physical paperwork and spreadsheet data collection/conversion
• Avoid VAT registration errors and possible fines

Disadvantages:

• Additional cloud accounting software charges (for current non-users)
• Continuous recording replaces quarterly or yearly work
• Likely overtime charged by your accountant on conversion and to ensure compliance

who is affected

Organizations that have annual sales of £85,000 are required to register with VAT: below that level they can choose to register if they think they may exceed the amount in the current year or soon.

It’s not just limited liability companies, but also partnerships, sole traders, public organizations, schools, and charities.

It is quite possible that those who are close but below the threshold will now choose to withdraw from the VAT register, or not join if they planned to do so. We encourage you to talk to us at Region Accountancy if you’re not sure, because there are arguments for and against, and every situation will be different.

There will be an initial 12-month ‘honeymoon period’ where no penalties will apply to those who are VAT registered. Undoubtedly, there will need to be an adaptation stage for small operations that do not have external financial assistance.

With other taxes due to become ‘fully digital’ by 2021, HMRC’s view is that organizations will generally be better off in the future. The devil, as always, will be in the details.

Let us have an early discussion to make sure you are not caught off guard by new requirements and ways of working.

Source: http://www.find-uk-accountant.co.uk/articles/odiri-tax-consultants/107

A V6 SUV is a versatile vehicle, as its owners can attest. Practical not only for passenger-carrying capabilities, but within minutes of folding down a seat, you have plenty of cargo space. Newer models resemble a cross between a mini-van and a car, and come with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

SUVs with off-road capabilities, the traditional closed-truck-looking versions, are still available, but not as widely manufactured. Although they still have cargo carrying capacity; they contain more features to appeal to the passing side of their personalities.

More than ever, there are a variety of models to choose from, in a variety of price ranges and with a variety of personal and safety features.

Vehicles are safety rated for crash tests by the government and the Insurance Safety Institute. Interestingly, IIS has a higher quality standard.

A V6 SUV that has been given a 5-star crash rating by the government won’t necessarily be that high with the ISS. The Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90 and GMC Terrain received 5-star crash and 4-star rollover ratings from the ISS.

All are equipped with front and side airbags, stronger roof structures, and roof airbags are standard on some and optional on others. Price tags start at around $19,800, but the gas mileage is nothing to brag about.

Lexus RX450h

Best in class for mileage economy were the Lexus RX 450h, which starts at $42,600, and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, which starts at $27,900. The Lexus claims to get 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

The Mariner claims 30 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Different reviews have similar ratings. These models are followed by the Toyota Highlander for $35,000 – 20/28 and the Toyota Rav4 for $27,900 – 19/26.
The much-publicized problems with Toyota’s accelerator pedal hazards will put consumers to shame for a while. Hybrids are not as highly rated for safety, as their roof construction is not considered safe.

2010 Buick Enclave

Overall favorites are rated by their handling ability, features, and interior and exterior design. Number 1 on this list is the Buick Enclave. Starting at $34,600, this V6 SUV can carry up to 8 passengers or pull a 4,500-pound payload.

The interior features not only leather, but also burl wood trim. Features include a cell phone link, heated or cooled front seats, 6-speed automatic transmission, and OnStar. Everyone was impressed with the smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

Tied for first place was the Chevrolet Traverse starting at $28,700. Reviewers liked the roomy third-row seat and ample cargo space. Unique features include a rear view camera, a DVD system, a navigation system and remote start. Gas mileage for either is around 17/24.

nissan murano

The Nissan Murano ranks third with an MSRP starting at $26,900. Mileage is around 18/23 and standard features from other models are optional here. Standard features include dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry, tilt-telescoping steering column, and a 6-CD changer with an audio-in jack. Extras include a leather interior, a DVD entertainment system, a 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive, voice recognition, a power button or a navigation system. Roof-mounted curtain airbags or a rearview monitor are also additional options.

Next in line is the Ford Flex, which looks like a cross between an older model pickup truck and a Surburban. Starting at $28,300 with 17/24 mileage ratings, prospective owners can choose between two rows of captain’s chairs or a traditional center bench seat. The third row seat folds electronically. Additional options include a DVD player with an 8-inch screen, a multi-panel roof, and a refrigerator.

If you live in a larger town or city, there may be a number of local handyman services to choose from. The quality of the work and customer service they provide ultimately comes down to who is in your home, whether that person is an employee, a handyman partner, or a lone worker. But there are differences you can anticipate in the many types of handyman businesses out there. Let’s consider the possible candidates you will meet.

There are many handyman franchises that a business owner can purchase. The most successful of these franchises are the larger maintenance companies with lots of bright advertisements, trucks or vans with full body graphics and may have many employees. Like any franchise local handyman service, much of the work is done by the franchise owner, he or she simply plugs in the various advertising and marketing tools provided to them in their franchise package and gets to work. work to find employees. This makes the job easier than starting a business from scratch, particularly in a field they may not be as familiar with. The downside for them is that they have to pay for all these bells and whistles, just like with any franchise. This leaves them with a lot of overhead and a small profit margin. By growing their company and employing more workers, they start to earn money; however, there is a temptation to charge a lot for each and every home repair. If you’ve ever received multiple offers for a given home maintenance project, you’ve probably been surprised by the range of prices. The handyman franchise will likely be on the higher end of the spectrum here.

The advantage of using large franchised home repair services is that they will likely be able to get to your project very quickly, if they have a number of employees. This can be a big problem if you have an emergency repair to handle and a relative comes to visit. As a helpful tip, talk to the seller or owner about their employees. Find out who are the best guys. Not all handymen are created equal, and with any given handyman service, you’ll have a couple of three people who are top-tier craftsmen, the rest will be average to good, and one or two that you’d rather not have in your home. This is a generality, of course, but it is fairly consistent with many construction, property maintenance, or home repair companies. A few quick questions will tell you who your best employees are and when you can schedule them to do your home repairs. If those guys are busy, then it defeats the purpose of going with a larger, multi-employee handyman service.

The next option you’ll find is the smaller business built from the ground up with the owner doing much of the work, or maybe one or two workers. Or this may be the owner and a helper. The advantage for you here is that there is a greater sense of responsibility with these small home maintenance services. If there is a problem, you will not be ‘lost in the shuffle’ so things are handled to your satisfaction. This can be as simple as a quick chat to clear up any confusion, but with a larger company, even this can become an ordeal.

With a smaller two or three man operation, asking about your ‘best man’ is no longer a problem. Handyman companies of this size either do a good job or they don’t. This is determined by the owner. If he is a quality minded craftsman, he will expect this level of help work from him. A handyman service of this size doesn’t have anywhere near the overhead of a handyman franchise; You will most likely get a better price from them, however, even with just one employee, this results in lost revenue for the business owner. You have to keep your guy busy and keep him paid, or he’ll quit, or find work from other sources and therefore be difficult to schedule, so this will be a top priority for the business owner. However, you probably also have a family to feed, so you need to earn a solid income. Their prices may be a bit higher.

Next we have the lone handyman. He is a one man show. You can get a real mixed bag here. At the lower end is the guy who just wants enough work to support himself at the bar every afternoon. At the top of the scale is the perfectionist craftsman who doesn’t like working for or with others who don’t share the same level of professionalism in making home improvements, even with something as simple as cleaning up after they’re done. When it comes to professional handyman services, individual handymen will have the lowest overhead and business expenses. If he’s an expert home repair specialist, he’ll probably charge a rate that matches his skill level, however, with operating costs likely to be very low, his handyman rates will be on the lower end of the scale.

When dealing with any handyman repair service, it cannot be stressed often enough that you should get referrals from every business when you are trying to find a handyman, then call the people on that list. This little task doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds and can save you from huge potential headaches. The larger the home repair project, the more this factor applies. A call to your local BBB will eliminate the bad eggs, but actually talking to happy customers of a maintenance service will give you a lot of confidence that you’re making a good decision, and talking to other customers can give you ideas. of other remodeling or home repair projects you want to do around the house.

For many homeowners, they must deal with handyman repairs over a long period of time. Ideally, they want to find a personal maintenance contractor they can rely on time and time again. Getting the job done right the first time is for many homeowners just as or more important than the maintenance prices charged. By spending time checking the references offered by the companies on your list of handyman services, you will likely find the handyman among all the local handyman services that you can trust and are happy to act as a reference. for you.

India is probably home to one of the largest car user populations in the world. This makes this country a favorite breeding ground for the world’s leading car manufacturers. Most of the world’s most respected car manufacturers even have their own vehicle manufacturing and assembly units in India. In this article, we will particularly discuss the most popular SUV cars in the country.

Before introducing you to some of the most widely used SUVs in India, let us explain what makes these cars so popular in this part of the world.

It is true that SUVs tend to consume much more diesel or gasoline than most other varieties of vehicles; even so, they are the favorites of the Indians for their amazing capacity for accommodation. Indians often have large families and therefore having cars that can accommodate all members of the family is extremely important to them.

Furthermore, in addition to having a large seating capacity, SUVs launched by major automakers in recent years boast remarkable styling and power, which has further increased their popularity.

The first vehicle of this type that we will talk about is manufactured and marketed by the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi. It’s called Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The car has everything a person looking for an SUV would want their car to have. It was initially launched with manual transmission, but a year ago, the automaker even launched a new model with automatic transmission for Indian users. The new version of the vehicle has been named Pajero Sport Automatic. The fuel efficiency of the car is really amazing; Both the automatic and manual versions give users an amazing fuel efficiency of 12.1 km/l.

The next most popular SUV model in India is Ford Ecosport. This car is loved by anyone in particular due to its attractive interiors and compact size. This sport utility vehicle offers plenty of legroom and ample head and shoulder room, making it an extremely comfortable experience to drive. This creation of Ford is available in diesel and gasoline models; So far, the company has launched four diesel and six petrol models for Indian users.

Next, we will talk about a complete Indian-made vehicle. It’s called the Mahindra Scorpio, a vehicle with a perfectly elegant finish. The mileage offered by this car, although not as high as that of the Pajero Sport SUV series, is quite impressive. Mahindra Scorpio offers a mileage of 10.5 km/l. You can expect the mileage to be higher when driving on highways.

If you asked a person in the early 1940s and 1950s about the future of automobiles, they would have told you that they expected flying cars in the early 20th century. While technology has allowed man to make great strides in automotive engineering since it was first made, sadly we have not yet reached the technology to create flying cars for the public. Not yet at least. The 21st century is an innovative age of engineering where “green technology” is the key focus and in an attempt to rely less on fossil fuels and more on alternative options such as electricity. Combined electric and gasoline powered hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular with consumers to save money on gas and reduce toxic emissions. Full electric vehicles are also starting to emerge, but with a hefty price tag attached. To conserve energy, more efficient lighting methods such as LED lights are also becoming increasingly popular with automakers and everyday consumers. LED lighting technology is becoming the future of automotive lighting engineering.

Hybrid vehicles are cars that use a gasoline engine and an electric motor to propel themselves. A small list of notable hybrid vehicles that many consumers drive includes the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Lexus CT200H, Ford Fusion, and many more. Thanks to the engineering of these cars, it’s not common to see an EPA-rated MPG of 40 or higher on the street or highway. Several benefits of hybrid vehicles include saving money by spending less money at the gas station, reducing your global carbon footprint, and access to HOV (high occupancy vehicle) or more commonly known as carpool lanes. In addition to saving money and giving you access to more convenient features on the road, hybrid cars also produce less harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide, mononitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide.

In addition to hybrid vehicles, automakers are starting to produce and sell fully electric vehicles like the Scion iQ, Chevrolet Volt, Tesla Roadster, Toyota RAV4 EV, and more. Unlike its close hybrid counterparts; These fully electric cars do not use a gasoline engine. Fully electric vehicles are the ultimate way to save money on gas; savings of up to $580 advertised by companies like Tesla. Since these cars do not use an internal combustion engine, they do not produce tailpipe emissions; this is a gold standard of a green technology vehicle. One of the downsides of this new era of cars is that the high starting price drives consumers away, but over time they will become more affordable as technology advances. In addition to the cost, the integration of charging stations across the country is still several years away, making it inconvenient to travel long distances without worrying about charging the car.

Other technological innovations to improve vehicle efficiency, such as LED lighting, are also being integrated into these cars. LED stands for “light emitting diode” and is a semiconductor that lights up when power is applied. LED lighting is much more efficient at converting energy into visible light compared to incandescent bulbs. This feature of the light makes it an attractive piece of technology for hybrid and fully electric vehicles that benefits from all the electrical efficiency it can get. Many manufacturers are beginning to integrate LED technology into their cars; For example, the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200H have options to come equipped with factory-installed LED headlights. Factory-installed LED taillights and LED daytime running lights are also becoming increasingly popular with automakers; whether the car is hybrid, fully electric or petrol/diesel powered. LED lights are not only more efficient, but can also produce a more aesthetically pleasing color of light. LED lights can be produced in various shades such as warm white, pure white, red, amber, and more, which can be used in different ways on the vehicle; examples include license plate lights, turn signals, headlights, running lights, taillights, interior lights, and more.

Although we are not yet in the era of flying cars, we are slowly advancing in technology, step by step. While the cost of this advanced technology remains high, as it improves and becomes more integrated into the everyday world; it will be more affordable. LED lights are becoming standard equipment on many vehicles and even in commercial and residential lighting. The future of LED lights is very bright and will continue to grow and mature with the automotive industry as the era of “green technology” unfolds.

Lighting has certainly changed over the years…for cars, that is! Drivers no longer have to rely on halogen headlamps as xenon lighting is coming into fashion. Owners also don’t have to opt for stock taillights like the European ones. [or Altezza] The lights are in fashion. Even fog lights have come a long way, honey! Let’s take a look at the newest kid on the block, xenon headlights, and how they can light up his driving world.

If you could have a set of headlights that produced twice the light of halogen bulbs while using only half the energy, that would be a good thing, right? Yes, it certainly would and that’s the idea behind xenon headlights, which are rapidly gaining acceptance as standard equipment on luxury vehicles around the world, as well as on certain popular mass-produced vehicles.

A key feature of xenon headlamp technology is that they produce a clear white light closer to natural daylight, which has been shown to improve driver concentration. Reduced eyestrain means drivers can do what they do best: get where they and their passengers are going, safely.

Road markings and signs are easier to read with xenon headlights compared to halogen bulbs. In fact, xenon headlights are a major safety upgrade as the driver’s field of vision is greatly increased, improving reaction time in emergency situations. Traveling on dark, unlit back roads can be a safety hazard even in broad daylight. However, with xenon headlights, the obstacle your halogen-powered car might have hit will come into your field of vision much sooner with the xenon lights installed, allowing you to avoid life-threatening contact. [for the buck definitely!]. Popular surveys reveal that up to 80% of all accidents occur due to poor visibility.

In European markets, cars with Xenon technology also come equipped with a headlight cleaning system to ensure optimal visibility, as well as an auto leveling system to allow limited rotation of the headlight projector while turning your vehicle. Some systems take xenon technology one step further: Xenon Dynamic Bending Light or DBL technology are special headlights that rotate the light beam according to the angle of the steering wheel. Bi-xenon headlights, which work in both high and low beam modes, help improve vision on wide curbs by up to 90%.

Naturally, xenon technology is expensive and you can’t convert halogen headlamps to xenon or xenon to bi-xenon…yet. However, some manufacturers sell auxiliary lights that can be added to your bumper to give you an alternative.

Of course, price is one of the factors why Xenon technology hasn’t caught on yet. Even on luxury cars I have seen bi-Xenon headlights offered as an option, to the tune of an extra $750! As with all technological advances, you can expect that someone, somewhere is refining the technology, which hit the market in 1992, to bring xenon headlights to the masses. This is good news for everyone, as accidents associated with poor visibility should start to decline accordingly.

Anyone who admires racing cars and is a fan of auto racing leagues should consider model racing cars as their next investment. Investing in 1:24 diecast cars is the ideal option for racing lovers, as they can have a small replica of their favorite cars at home in an easily accessible place.

Below are some of the other reasons you may want to spend some money on 1:24 model cars for your collection.

collector’s items

The reason so many people show an interest in diecast model cars is because they are the perfect collector’s item. They are made with such detail and precision, so you can see almost all the nuances and features of the real race car in such a small model.

There are some limited edition 1:24 diecast car models that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Given the passion that Australians have for racing, you will certainly be able to find willing buyers in your local area. Selling a diecast model car is very easy, so your investment is relatively liquid.

Building your collection

If you are very new to buying model cars, you don’t have to start with the rare and expensive vehicles. You can buy some of the most affordable car models that you love.

Build a collection with more than just money in mind. Everyone wants a rare piece or two, but the bulk of your collection should be cars you love and admire.

have fun with the kids

Imagine how your kids would react if they walked into your room and saw your collection of unique model cars. They would be so impressed that you took the time to create such a collection, while they will probably want to play with those cars too.

As long as the children are careful, you can allow them to play with the collectibles under careful supervision. Remember that 1:24 scale die-cast cars are not toys, as hitting them can detach one or more pieces.

What are some expensive models?

People who have never heard of diecast cars are surprised when they learn that some can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. There are even one or two die-cast cars that are worth over $1 million.

Examples of the rare diecast cars include the Lamborghini Aventador Gold and the 24K Gold Bugatti Veyron. Both cars can sell for more than $2 million.

Cars like the Tomica Z432 Datsun are worth close to $100,000, showing how much die-cast collectors care about rare models that have limited or no circulation.

show your collection

Learn more about diecast cars and start building your collection of 1:24 classic and rare cars. You can then show off your collection to family, friends, and co-workers.

With the increasing size of the world’s population comes larger women who wear larger size clothing. Retailers are well aware of this trend and many brands are capitalizing on this ever-growing demographic.

Over 50% of women are larger than a size 14. This is an emerging market for both retailers and modeling agencies providing them with talent to showcase their clothing lines.

The days of models being size zero eating their grilled chicken salad with hair and makeup may be on the wane as the new era of plus size models emerges.

Aspiring models have often struggled with the specific requirements set forth by the modeling industry. They often make the mistake of thinking that being more than a size 8 or 10 would be the death of their modeling career, but plus size models between size 10 and 20 are in demand.

There is now a growing trend of plus size modeling agencies claiming their share of the plus size model pie.

Here is a list of the top 5 plus size modeling agencies:

1) MSA Models – I like the energy and professionalism that I feel this agency offers. They are also located in the epicenter of modeling which is none other than New York, NY.

2) Dorothy Combs Models – Located in my favorite winter getaway in Miami, Florida, you’ll find Dorothy’s agency, which specializes in plus size models. They represent women size 10-16 and are always looking for new talent. They are credited with winning the 2012 Plus Model Agency of the Year award.

3) 12+ UK Model Agency – This high profile modeling agency in Europe specializes in curvy models. Their website clearly reveals the support they have for those looking to break into the plus size modeling industry.

4) BGM Models – Founded in 1995 in Australia, BGM Models is looking for women who are size 12 and up to represent. With models like Samantha Morris, Laura Wells and Natasha Fowler, you’re sure to see one of their models on the covers and advertisements of many of Australia’s top magazines and companies.

5) JAG Models – This new agency has gotten quite a bit of press attention lately and is one to watch. Located in New York City, this agency was founded by two former Ford Model employees who are sure to keep their momentum going.

It’s refreshing to see an industry notorious for catering to sizes double zero to 2 finally recognizing the demand for plus-size models that better represent the average woman.

Women who have aspired to become models but feared rejection because of their weight now have hope.

In the next 1-2 years, the list of agencies representing plus size models will continue to grow and the industry will continue to embrace and accept the curvy women represented by plus size agencies.

Is the Cash for Clunker program really suspended? Actually the answer is no, not even at the same time. But, the question is, will the show be discontinued and when? If based on information from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), then it is likely to happen.

Cash for Clunkers is the name given to the Car Allowance Rebate Scheme (CARS). In a real sense, take your old car, which has at least less than 18 miles per gallon and is between 8 and 25 years old, and as long as it’s scrapped, the program will give you a $3,500 to $4,500 discount on a new car that it is more fuel efficient. The US Congress provided $1 billion for the CARS program to support auto industry sales and the program is expected to run until November 1 or until funds run out or whichever comes first. .

It certainly shows that the funds ran out, but only in its first week, although the real problem is that no one really knows. As of July 29, around 23,000 cars sold under the program had been registered, meaning that $96 million of the funds had already been used. But the operative term there is “registered or registered”. So, to be eligible for the program, dealers must go through what is supposed to be an intricate registration procedure.

Some 100 pages of policies directing it and there is news that it could take at least 90 minutes to get a record into an accurate computer system run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, there are reports alleviating the system’s overload and that distributors are being eliminated in full flow and in fact prompting them to start up once again.

Therefore, the vital question is not how many car sales have already been registered under the program, but how many cars have been sold in total, registered or awaiting registration. In fact, this is the main problem after a survey by NADA. The survey says that about 25,000 deals have yet to be awarded by NHTSA, which is about 13 sales per store (2,000 dealers). It becomes an issue that, with 23,000 or so dealers participating in the CARS program, car dealers may already have surpassed the 250,000 car sales funded by the $1 billion Cash for Clunker program.

If the information is true, the program may not be discontinued yet, but it is likely to happen soon. Department of Transportation officials have been advising dealers that the program may be discontinued in due course. According to the White House, the program is not yet suspended, although options are being considered.

There are a few options presented to legislators. The CARS programs could simply claim victory and be done: the purpose was to support car sales, and if the funds run out within four days, that could be a positive stimulus. One more option is to provide more funding for the CARS program.