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How to install your own license plates?

Just got a new license plate for your new car? Or did the one on your old car come off? In either case, you need to ask. Generally, the installation is done by a professional of the car industry. However, considering the price already paid for the purchase of a new license plate if you have the right tools, you can also do it yourself. We show you how to do this in the following paragraphs.

What tools should I use to install my license plates?

You don’t need to be a mechanic or a skilled handyman to install a license plate. What we need are simply three tools that will be useful for fixing. We are talking about a drill with a 5 mm drill bit, 4 rivets and a rivet gun. We don’t need anything else! These three will do very well and can be easily found in hardware or car parts stores.

The steps to follow

Now that you have all the equipment with you, you can get right to work. The first thing to do is of course to remove the old plates from the car. To do this, you only need to drill the plates at the level of the rivets that are already installed. Once all the rivets are removed (and you’ll need to check), the plate will come off and you can then move on to installing the new plate. Here is how you should proceed:

First, drill 2 mounting holes on your new license plate. Here, you will not have to worry about the location since all plates already come with marks where you can make the holes.
Next, you will have to make holes on the car and for that you have to put the plate on the chassis and where you want to place it. Then drill the plate on the right and make sure the hole goes through the plate and the vehicle frame.
Once the holes are made, you just have to put the license plate on the frame and fix it with a rivet clip and a rivet. Here, you will have to press hard enough so that the rivet breaks and is fixed on the plate.

After these operations, your license plate is now installed. And finally, you can put a cover on the rim to enhance the aesthetics, but it is not mandatory.

How to choose the right car license plate?

After purchasing a new car, registration is one of the most important steps to take. The new vehicle must be registered so that it can be easily identified in the future. Registration can be done directly with the prefecture. However, with the new vehicle registration system (SIV), authorized car professionals can also carry out the procedures. As far as the license plate is concerned, motorists can choose for themselves the department they wish to be affiliated with and also the type of material for their plate. Find out all about it in this section.

Which department should I choose for my license plate?

Although the 2009 reform no longer allows drivers to choose their registration number, it does allow them to choose the department where they want their car to be registered. Indeed, the current license plate must consist of a department number and the logo of the corresponding region. If you like a particular number or logo, you can display it freely on your license plate. You can choose any department or region even if you do not have your main residence there. The only category of cars that escapes this rule is that of collector vehicles. Unlike others, they may not have a territorial identifier on their license plate, at least for now.

What about the material?

In addition to the choice of region and department, the material is also an important element to consider when choosing a license plate. It is indeed from him that one can judge the resistance and the quality of its plate. Here, we have mainly the choice between plexiglass and aluminum. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, it all depends on what you need and what you are looking for. If the Plexiglas license plate is appreciated for its solidity and its resistance to the climatic hazards, the aluminum license plate is on the other hand more economic and more ecological (100 % recyclable).

Car registration: you can now do it with car professionals

Registration is an essential step that every new car buyer must take. As you probably already know, this is an operation that consists of registering the vehicle and certifying its existence. In the past, such a procedure had to be carried out at the prefecture, but this is no longer the case. Indeed, the car registration can now be done with car professionals. This obviously has many advantages for motorists, and that is precisely what we will talk about in this section.

A simpler and faster solution

With the new reform initiated by the State and the new SIV, the car professionals have been given a new role. In addition to fitting license plates, they are now authorized to carry out the administrative formalities for registering a car. The aim is to simplify the process and offer motorists a local solution. With this option, they will no longer have to wait in line at the registry office or the prefecture to register their new vehicle. All it takes is a visit to a garage or other such professional.

Of course, the advantages are numerous for both professionals and motorists. For the latter, the formalities and steps become easier to do. Also, they will no longer have to waste too much time with the long lines that tend to be observed in traditional registration centers. In addition, it is good to know that apart from the services now offered by car professionals, it is also possible to register your vehicle online.

Professionals authorized by the State

If the car registration can now be done with car professionals, it does not concern any establishment. Indeed, only authorized professionals have the right to carry out the registration. By virtue of their authorization, they have access to the central registration file. Moreover, they are authorized to collect taxes that will then be paid into the Treasury account. While this makes it easier and quicker for motorists to register their cars, there is a small cost involved.

Rising tire prices: how to buy cheaper tires?

Tires are one of the most important parts of your car. As you already know, they should be changed from time to time, sometimes because of wear and tear and sometimes because of the season. However, it is not possible to take into account the announcement made by the tire manufacturers regarding the10% price increase starting this April. So now you have to pay more for your tires, but not necessarily. Here are some tips to help you always pay less for your tires.

Buy your tires online

In recent years, the Internet has become a true center of commerce. Indeed, all kinds of things are sold there and the brands even have their own sales site. And in the specific case of the tire industry, a Google study states that tires remain the most sought-after products by motorists. The sector alone accounts for 60% of Internet searches. If the market is so saturated, it is above all because the Internet remains the best place to buy cheaper tires.

By doing your transaction online, you usually pay 20-50% less. This is a very good deal compared to what you can find in physical stores today.

Visit garages and car centers

If you are not very comfortable with the Internet, you can always turn to garages and car centers. This will allow you to get your tires cheaper. Although their prices are more expensive than those on the internet, they still offer great promotions from time to time. So if you keep your eyes open for information, you can find great deals every month.

Opt for retreaded tires

Finally, another option is to invest in retreaded or reconditioned tires. Since they are not new, their price is obviously lower. So you can buy these tires cheaper and fit them to your vehicle. You’ll simply have to make sure that the tires in question are still in good condition and are not likely to put you in danger.

Tips and tricks to sell your car easily and quickly

You are planning to change your car? This is a great idea! There is nothing better than having a new car to find the pleasure of driving again. However, to get a better model, you may have to pay more. And to find the necessary funds, you can very well start by selling your old vehicle. By using the right methods, you can quickly find a buyer. To help you, here are some tips and tricks you can use to sell a car.

Selling a car to a garage or trade-in professional

The first option is to sell your used car to a garage or a trade-in professional. Many providers will indeed be willing to take your car if you agree on the price. Here you can choose between two processes:

Unconditional trade-in
This procedure is much more advantageous in that your car will be taken back within 24 hours. The price estimates are made online and the company takes the vehicle back once you have reached an agreement. No technical inspection is necessary and you do not have to buy a new car. Moreover, with this process, it is the professional who will take care of the administrative formalities and also the resale of the vehicle.

Trade-in with car buy-back
This option allows you to sell your used car to the dealer and then buy your new vehicle from him. There are also many benefits. One example is being able to sell your car more quickly, regardless of the damage to it.

Selling a car to a private individual

This option is also interesting if you don’t want to go through a professional. Depending on your wishes, it is possible to sell your car yourself from private person to private person. Many car owners are doing this today and it is as effective as the option described above, to say the least. However, there are a few things that need to be addressed in order for the resale to be done as quickly as possible.

The first thing to do is to have a technical control of your car. This will allow you to determine the price at which you can sell it. If you want to sell it quickly, first make sure it has no defects. Then use online sales sites to find buyers. And to make your offer interesting, try to put an attractive price and add many pictures so that they can have a clear idea of what you offer.

How to cancel your car insurance?

Are you tired of your old car insurance company and want to find a new one? This can be done very well! Switching from one car insurance policy to another is not done in a vacuum. First of all, you will have to start by terminating the contract with your former insurer. For this, there is a certain specific procedure to follow and in this section, we will show you what you need to do. But first, let’s look at the reasons why you should cancel your car insurance.

Why cancel your car insurance?

There are several reasons to cancel your car insurance. This happens most often when the insurance price charged by the current insurer is too high compared to the competition. If you no longer feel you can afford to pay that rate, then there is no reason not to look elsewhere. However, before doing so, the old contract must first be terminated. Cancellation of a car insurance policy can also occur if another insurer offers offers that perfectly meet your needs and expectations. In this case, we would like to take advantage of it and to do so, we have to get rid of the contract that binds us with the current insurer.

Steps to follow when cancelling a car insurance policy

As mentioned above, there are a few steps to follow to cancel your car insurance. As of 2015, this termination became easier with the entry into force of the Hamon law. In its provisions, this consumer law offers, among other things, the possibility for policyholders to terminate their insurance contract whenever they want. However, this can only be done after one year of subscription and must follow specific procedures:

To begin with, the insured who wishes to terminate his contract must first find a new insurer. Such a measure has been taken in order to ensure that your car is always well protected and as you already know, third party insurance is the minimum guarantee to be taken out.
Once the insured has found his new insurer, he must sign a contract directly with him. The insured will then sign a mandate authorizing the new insurer to initiate the termination process on his behalf.
Once completed, the old contract will expire after one month and the new one will begin to take effect.

Registration: the old plates will end in 2020

If your vehicle still has an old license plate, it may be time to change it. Indeed, the authorities in charge of registration have decided that they will no longer be valid from 2020. If you are among those who have not yet changed theirs, you should now think about complying with the new system launched in 2009. To learn more about this subject, we invite you to read the following paragraphs.

What you need to know about the new registration system

The new registration system used today came into effect on April 15, 2009 for new cars and on October 15 of the same year for used cars registered under the old registration system. Until now, the two have always overlapped, but this will no longer be the case as of 2020. According to the French Federation of Vintage Vehicles, the new registration system will govern all registered vehicles in France. Thus, in about 3 years, all license plates will have the following shape: “AA-000-AA”. This is true for light cars as well as for commercial vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.

What are the consequences of this decision?

While this decision serves primarily to standardize the registration system for all vehicles, it is not good news for all motorists. For collectors, for example, they will have to give up their old plates. This could devalue their car as it will not be easy to prove the age of the classic cars. The same applies to the disappearance of the numbers that correspond to the vehicle model. Starting in 2020, all this will disappear and vehicles will have to keep their number until they are destroyed or exported abroad.

The plates will no longer be linked to an owner, but directly to a vehicle.

Which car insurance should I choose for my first car?

Have you just bought your first car? Congratulations! While it will make your life easier with all the things you can do with it, you should not forget that a car also subjects you to some obligations. Car insurance is one of them. Regardless of the type of vehicle you have, you must purchase one. There are many offers in this field and you will have to choose between different formulas. To help you, here are a few tips that may be helpful in choosing your first car insurance.

Choosing your first car insurance when you are a young driver

The calculation of the car insurance premium is based on a number of criteria. Among the most important are the type of vehicle you have and its power. A high-powered car is more likely to be involved in an accident. Of course, the insurance premium will also be high. For a young driver, the first car should ideally be a low-powered car. It would be best to opt for an older model. This way, you won’t have to pay for comprehensive insurance. However, if you have a large budget, there is no reason not to choose this option.

What guarantees should I subscribe to?

When you purchase your first car insurance, you will have a number of coverages to choose from. Some of them are of course mandatory. More precisely, we are talking about third party insurance or compulsory civil liability. This is the minimum coverage to purchase and the insured will simply have to choose it if they have a very limited budget. However, if you want to be compensated in the event of an incident, you can add a few damage coverage options. You can choose between glass breakage, theft, fire and collision coverage. Apart from that, other complementary guarantees are also offered. Examples include legal protection, assistance, driver’s personal guarantee, driver’s bodily injury insurance, driver’s individual traffic guarantee, etc.

Of course, you are not obliged to subscribe to all of its guarantees. For your first car, stick to the essentials. The third party insurance is the most important one. However, you can also choose from damage coverages to enjoy better protection.

How to register your car online?

Registration is an administrative process that all new car buyers must complete. It consists in particular of the request for a registration card and the registration of the new vehicle in the register of the prefecture. In general, this procedure must be carried out at the prefecture. However, this has changed and with the new registration system (SIV), it is now possible to register your car online. With this approach, it is no longer necessary to wait in line at the prefecture. The formalities become simpler and faster. We tell you all about it in the following paragraphs.

Steps to take to register your car online

As mentioned above, applying for your vehicle registration card online offers many advantages. In addition to saving time, the steps to be taken are also less cumbersome. However, it is good to know that the request must be made only to a certified and authorized professional. There are many providers on the internet and you just have to choose the one that suits you. The approaches are not always the same, but they are most often based on the same principle. Basically, here’s what you need to do:

First, you will be asked to fill out an online form in which you must provide all the information about your new vehicle.

After registering your data, you will normally receive an e-mail with a list of documents you need for registration.
Once the necessary documents are gathered, you need to send them by mail to the provider.
Finally, you should receive your new vehicle registration card in the next few days. It will be sent to you by mail.

The price of an online car registration

As you have seen, the process of applying for a car registration online is practically simple. This is only an advantage for you. But what about the price? Well, there’s no need to worry about that. The fees are about the same as those you have to pay to the prefecture. You will simply have to add the provider’s commission and it is the latter that usually tends to change from one professional to another.

Some tips and tricks to buy your car cheaper

Planning to buy a new car in the near future? This is an interesting project! Since there are so many models on the market today, it will be easy for you to find the one that will meet your expectations. However, you need to be well prepared when it comes to the budget. As you already know, prices tend to rise these days. However, with good advice, you can always find a cheaper car. And that is precisely what we will offer you in this section. We will give you tips and tricks to find the right car for your budget.

Going through an agent on the internet

The automotive market is very competitive these days. This is a real advantage for you if you want to get a cheaper car. And if you are not a good connoisseur of the field, the best thing to do is to use an Internet agent. This way, you can purchase your new vehicle at a price that is up to 25% lower. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the quality of the car since, as a specialist, the agent will provide you with a reliable and efficient model. You just have to choose the right provider.

Buy a new car

Investing in a new home often requires you to spend a huge amount of money. That’s why it’s best to go for the second hand. However, since cars in this category are not always reliable, opt for a newer model. With a car that has 10,000 km on the odometer, for example, you can buy it for less and still get good performance. Simply visit the dealerships that sell these types of vehicles and carefully choose the model you need.

Negotiate with the dealer

Another way to buy a car for less is to negotiate directly with the dealer. Of course, this will not apply to all models. Nevertheless, the dealer may be able to do you a favor on the less popular models on the market. This is the case, for example, for cars with automatic transmissions or large models. If they correspond to your tastes and needs, then it will be possible for you to obtain them at a discount of 8 to 10% if you are a good negotiator.

Turn to Chinese cars

Finally, this solution may not interest you as Chinese cars are known to be less reliable and durable. However, there are models that are equivalent to American and European vehicles in terms of comfort and power. They are usually cheaper than the latter and this will allow you to get your vehicle at a low price.

Used vehicles are gaining ground in the French market

It seems that the French are not really interested in new cars anymore. In fact, if the latest sales figures are to be believed, used vehicles are the most attractive to motorists. While this choice is somewhat surprising, there are many reasons for it. In order to learn more about it, we will detail it in the following paragraphs.

Used car market up 3.7% in the first quarter

The numbers are pretty self-explanatory when it comes to the evolution of the used car market during the first quarter of this year 2017. Indeed, the used car market has increased by 3.7%. Even more surprisingly, the oldest cars are the most sold, with one third of the models sold being more than 10 years old. The reasons for this choice are primarily explained by the still affordable prices of these types of vehicles. But the quality is also part of the game. This is why models with 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers on them are the most popular. Their engines are still considered reliable and efficient.

Based on brand and model, the Renault Megane and Clio as well as the Peugeot 206 remain the most sought after cars. However, foreign brands such as Hyundai, Dacia and Kia are also beginning to make their mark on the French car market. All three have seen double-digit growth.

Diesel still preferred

As new vehicles struggle in the market, diesel continues to persevere in its rise. Of course, vehicles with this type of engine are no longer very popular on the new car market. However, they literally dominate sales on the used side. According to the figures available on this subject, diesel remains the preferred fuel of French motorists, with two out of three sales.

In short, if the market is currently dominated by the second-hand market, this should still be the case for the remaining months to come. If the new car market is to grow and take a larger share of the market, it will have to start by adjusting prices and making them more affordable so that new cars can be accessible to as many people as possible.

Tips for choosing summer tires

Summer is coming soon and as you already know, it’s time to prepare your car. Indeed, you will now have to put away your winter tires and start by mounting the summer tires. This will allow you to ride more safely and enjoy better performance. All you have to do is find the right tires for your vehicle. And for this, you must of course rely on several objective criteria that we will detail in the following paragraphs. But first, let’s take a moment to explain the specifics of summer tires.

All you need to know about summer tires

As the name clearly implies, a summer tire is primarily a tire intended for use during the warm seasons. However, this is just a name, this tire is much more than that. It is a tire that can be used all year round (performance guaranteed from 7°C). It certainly does not offer better performance than the winter tire in the cold season. Nevertheless, it can be used to save money, but be very careful.

Another interesting thing to know about summer tires is that they are the original tires that are mounted on new vehicles. Moreover, these are also the most popular tires on the market. They come in a wide variety of models and it is easy to find the right one for your car.

How to choose your summer tires?

As mentioned in the introduction, the choice of a summer tire is based on a few objective criteria, which are as follows

Dimensions
This is the most important criterion to take into account. You should always choose summer tires that are well adapted to your vehicle. So, first of all, find models that are the same size and characteristics as your old tires. All you need to do is look at the markings on the tires. Normally, you will find information about the width, height, rim diameter, load capacity andspeed rating.
The type of vehicle
In addition to the dimensions, the summer tires you buy must also correspond to the type of car you have. If you own a passenger car, find tires that are specifically designed for this particular type of vehicle. The same applies to 4×4 cars, motor homes, vans, etc.

The brand
Finally, this is not strictly speaking an objective criterion. You can freely choose the brand of tires you want. However, some manufacturers offer quality products that perform better than others. The best thing to do would be to make comparisons and get information from users’ opinions before choosing your tires.

Tips and tricks for choosing your motorhome

You want to go on a family trip for the next summer vacations? This is a great idea! Indeed, there is no better way to strengthen family ties than to see other horizons together. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity to get away from it all, to relax and enjoy the beautiful days. The best would be to travel in a family vehicle, and why not a camper ? In addition to being spacious and comfortable, this type of vehicle is also well equipped and therefore economical. You simply have to choose it well and in this section we will show you how.

Capucine, profile or integral ?

Before making your choice, you should first know that there are three main models of motorhomes:

The Capucines
This is the most suitable model for families. It has more or less the same characteristics as all other motorhomes. However, it is distinguished by the presence of a high sleeping area. This is located above the driver’s cab. This is what makes it more practical and also more comfortable.

The profiles
If there are only two of you on a trip, this model will be perfect for you. Unlike the model described above, it has a lower height. Nevertheless, this contributes to its better aerodynamic performance. With the profiles, the sleeping area remains at the rear of the vehicle and the cockpit is topped with a cap.
The integral
This model is suitable for both families and couples. As its name suggests, it is perfectly equipped. Luxurious and spacious, the integral is also the most expensive of the three.

When buying your motorhome, you can base your decision on these criteria. Choose the model that best suits your needs and budget.

Choose your motorhome according to your needs

The choice of a motor home must first of all go through the consideration of its needs. Indeed, although the models proposed by the manufacturers are very numerous, it is always necessary to choose the one adapted to its needs. To do this, you must rely on a number of criteria.

Start by asking yourself how you will use your motorhome. If, as mentioned above, you are going to use it for a family trip, ask yourself if you want to use it all year round or just for the vacation season. In the latter case, there is no real need to invest in the purchase of a motorhome. Instead, you can limit yourself to renting. It will be more economical and also more advantageous in terms of comfort and safety.

However, if you are really decided to buy one, you must necessarily consider some essential criteria such as comfort, size, autonomy, motorization and many others. Also, don’t forget to consider parking and make your choice based on where you are likely to go.

How much does it cost to renew my registration?

Has your vehicle registration certificate been stolen? Or is it simply damaged? In either case, you need to renew it. In fact, wherever you drive your vehicle, you must always carry your vehicle registration document. The renewal process is not as complex as people tend to think. However, most motorists are often hesitant because of the potential cost. But what exactly is the price of a registration renewal?

Well, the price is extremely variable. It depends on several parameters and it is precisely this that we will detail in this section.

Why renew your registration?

As mentioned above, there are several reasons to renew your vehicle registration. The first one usually concerns the loss of the vehicle registration document. As we cannot circulate without this document, it is important to get it as soon as possible. Therefore, you have to start the procedure at the prefecture and ask for a new registration.

The other case, which we have already mentioned above, concerns the deterioration of the document. In case your car registration card is damaged, it will also have to be changed, and change means renewal. Of course, we’re not talking about a small tear or anything like that. The deterioration must be quite significant and must affect the readability of the document and therefore its use. In such a case, the steps to take are the same as for the loss of the registration certificate.

Finally, a registration renewal must also be done when purchasing a new vehicle. Since you are going to be the new owner, you need to have the papers up to date and the car registered in your name. If the vehicle does not have a registration card, here are our tips.

The price of a registration renewal

As we mentioned in the introduction, the price of a new registration varies greatly. It varies above all according to the department in which you are, the taxes being different from one region to another. In fact, in total, the cost of renewing a vehicle registration is not far from the cost of acquiring a new vehicle registration document. Both are calculated by adding the regional tax, the tax for the development of professional training (for vans), the CO2 tax and the ecological malus (if the vehicle is polluting) as well as the management tax and the fee for the routing of the title.

Moreover, as we said above, the procedures are done with the prefecture. However, it is also possible to do them at a licensed garage or a specialized online service provider.

How to register a used car?

Have you just purchased a used car? Congratulations! However, you should not wait too long to register it. Indeed, now that you are the owner, it is important that all documents associated with it are in your name. You have a period of one month after the purchase to establish the registration certificate. Note that this document is mandatory and you need it if you want to drive your new car freely. Here are the different steps to follow to register a used car.

Apply for a registration

This is the first thing you need to do to register your used vehicle. The request must be made to the prefecture of the department of your choice. However, it is also possible to do so directly with your garage. It is enough that this one has an authorization signed by the prefecture.

If you don’t have the time to wait in line, you can apply for a registration by mail. The latter must be sent to the prefecture. This method seems practical and comfortable. However, in some prefectures, this can take more than a month. The best thing to do is to find out in advance.

Finally, if you cannot go to the prefecture yourself, you can apply by proxy. And again, make sure you provide all the necessary files to the person you are mandating. Also, the latter must be explicitly named and must carry a valid ID. Without all of these elements, the application may be denied and you will be required to apply personally.

The various documents to be provided

As previously mentioned, there are certain documents that you need to collect to register a used car:

The declaration of transfer of the car
You have to ask the seller for this cerfa 13754 form. It must be well filled out and signed by both the seller and the buyer, i.e. you.

The old vehicle registration document
When you purchase a vehicle, this document automatically reverts to you. For the old “FNI” model, the words “vendu le” or “cédé le” must be displayed on the card, along with the date and time of the transfer. On the other hand, for the new model of registration certificate “SIV”, the details of the buyer and the signature of the seller must also be included.
The certificate of non-pledge
This document certifies that the car purchased is not subject to a pledge. In other words, it can be sold without harming anyone. The seller must give this certificate to the buyer at the time of the transaction.
The technical inspection report
This document certifies that the vehicle is in good working order and contains no hidden defects. The certificate must be less than 6 months old or 2 months old in case of a second inspection.

The price of registering a used car

The cost of registering a used car in France depends on several taxes and fees. Indeed, the price of the registration certificate is made up of 4 taxes and a fee, including the regional tax which is different according to the departments. The amount of this tax is calculated according to the price of the fiscal horse and can vary from one region to another. However, since January 2021, used vehicles are no longer subject to this tax. To find out the price of the registration document for a used car, just enter the vehicle registration number and calculate the cost online. Although the cost of registration is not the same for all vehicles, it is possible to estimate the price online and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Change of address on the vehicle registration document

When moving, it is important to update the address on your vehicle registration certificate. You have one month after the move to do this. You can make this change online on the ANTS website, by going to a prefecture, a sub-prefecture, to an approved professional or by mail. Remember to provide the necessary documents such as the old car registration document, proof of address, proof of identity and proof of insurance. Generally, the first three changes of address are free, but a fee applies from the fourth change onwards.

Electric cars: already 100,000 vehicles registered in France

Electric cars have really caught on in recent years. They are now in the limelight and attract more and more drivers.

As a reminder, electric vehicles are what most governments are promoting today, thanks in part to their ecological and environmentally friendly nature. Aware of this, car manufacturers are investing more and more in the manufacture of electric and hybrid models and making them more and more accessible.

In the particular case of France, the number of motorists who prefer to turn to electric cars is constantly increasing. Currently, the country has more than 100,000 such vehicles registered throughout its territory. This figure has enabled it to overtake Norway and become the leader in zero emission cars in Europe.

Let’s analyze all this in more detail and find out why and how France is where it is today.

A 24% increase in the first quarter of 2017

Norway used to be the leading European country with the highest number of registrations in the electric car segment. A situation that is quite normal judging by the measures taken by the government and investors to encourage its establishment (more favorable tax arrangements, important recharging infrastructure, etc.).

However, France also has its own assets and they are not at all negligible. Of course, we don’t have the same infrastructure as the Norwegians. Nevertheless, the offer is increasingly rich in France and electric cars are becoming more accessible. Some regions are particularly interested in this new technology (Île de France and Auvergne Rhône Alpes) and motorists are well motivated to acquire it. Facts that have enabled France to record a 24% increase in vehicle registrations in this segment in the first quarter of this year 2017.

350,000 electric cars by 2020

With the current progression of sales and registrations of electric cars in France, we should reach 350,000 units of this type of vehicle by 2020. This is the forecast made by AVERE (National Association for the Development of Electric Mobility). Although it is not yet clear that this will be the case, we can nevertheless remain optimistic about the subject. Moreover, a recent IPSOS survey revealed that 35% of French motorists would be ready to switch to electric cars.

How to change the oil in your car yourself?

Oil change is an important operation that must be performed regularly to keep your car’s engine in good working order. It consists of emptying the oil in the tank and replacing it with new oil. If this is not done from time to time, the used oil will no longer be able to do its job properly. And of course, the engine will pay the highest price. Changing the oil in your vehicle is therefore a good way to preserve the performance of your engine. You can do this by taking your car to a garage. However, you can also do it yourself. All you need to do is get the right materials and follow a few steps. We will explain everything about car oil change in this section.

What tools are needed for a car oil change?

To change the oil in your car, you need very little:

Candles to wedge the car;

Jack to raise it;
A drain pan to collect used oil;
A new drain seal;

Wrenches to loosen the crankcase cap;
A new oil filter;
A can of new motor oil;

A funnel for pouring new oil;
Work clothes and gloves to protect yourself.

The various steps to follow

Once you have all the tools you need, you can now take action. To do this, you need to follow a few steps. The first is to unscrew the oil filler cap in order to facilitate the evacuation of the used oil. Then use the stanchions to raise the car and thus access the tank. Once in front, you need to remove the engine underbody protection and put the drain pan in position to receive the used oil. After that, all you have to do is remove the screw from the tank so that the used oil drains into the tank.

Now make sure the tank is completely empty by inserting a glass of new oil into the filler cap. After that, you can put everything back in its place and take the opportunity to install the new seal. Finally, you can fill the engine with new oil through the funnel. Put in 4 liters at the beginning and add until the dipstick shows the right level.

How to register your scooter?

Do you use a scooter for your daily commute? This is a great idea! With traffic jams starting to invade our streets, riding a moped is the best way to save time and be more productive. However, there are certain rules that you must know and respect. Among the most important, we will mention first of all the registration. The obligation to register scooters and large motorcycles has been in effect since April^1, 2011. If you are not yet in good standing, now is the time to proceed with the registration formalities to avoid penalties. But what are the steps to follow in this case?

Who should I contact to apply for a vehicle registration document?

Generally, you can go to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your choice to register your scooter. However, the formalities have recently been lightened. From now on, you can go directly to an automotive professional (garage, dealer, etc.). However, the latter must be authorized by the Ministry of the Interior.

You can also simply send your request by mail to the prefecture or sub-prefecture. In this case, you won’t have to waste time going door to door with government officials. Moreover, to make things even easier for you, apply online with a professional authorized by the Ministry of the Interior.

What documents are required?

Like all other administrative procedures, the application for scooter registration is subject to certain formalities. To begin, you need to fill out a CERFA form to request a registration certificate. Along with this form, you must provide the people in charge of the file with other documents such as a valid proof of identity, a recent valid certificate of residence, a certificate of transfer or an invoice from the seller and payment of the price of the vehicle registration document.

Of course, these documents are not difficult to obtain. You will be able to obtain the registration of your scooter quickly. It all depends on the professional through whom you have made your request. As for the price, it is not fixed and varies from one region to another and also from one provider to another.

What information can I get from a license plate?

There are situations that often lead you to wonder if it is possible to obtain certain information from a license plate. This is the case when you want to know the identity of the owner of a vehicle that hit and run after hitting you from behind. A driver has left a parking lot and forgotten something valuable, how can you tell him that his property is in good hands? Or you simply want to know the identity of a pretty young woman in the car next to you. Rumors are currently circulating about the possibility of obtaining a good amount ofinformation through one’s license plate. Is this possible? What type of information can be collected?

Know the identity of the motorist through his license plate

In principle, access to the vehicle registration system (SIV) is reserved only for a restricted category of people. Indeed, only the gendarmerie, the police, the prefectures, the administrations and the government can access the SIV file. These documents and information are useful to them in the performance of their work. Of course, individuals are not allowed to consult them in order to avoid abuse.

In case of a hit and run or bad behavior on the road, what you can do is to file a complaint. This way, you can easily identify the owner of the vehicle after the investigation by the officials. Unfortunately, the way seems complex, even impossible for a private individual who wants to know the identity of a motorist who forgot his backpack in the parking lot or the beautiful young woman in the car next door. It should also be noted that it is not possible to obtain a motorist’s telephone number from his or her license plate, in order to protect individual privacy.

Does the registration identify the model of a vehicle?

Currently, several online sales sites for spare parts or for the coast of the car can clearly identify the model of the vehicle from its registration. All the user has to do is type in the series of letters and numbers, and it’s done. However, the use of such information requires prior authorization from the prefecture.

Get the car’s serial number

The sequence of letters and numbers on the license plate cannot be used to determine the vehicle’s serial number. To acquire it, you need to see the car in question. Rest assured, the vehicle identification number (or VIN) is prominently displayed in several places, such as on the lower part of the windshield.

Is the department identifiable?

Determining the department or region of origin of the car is possible. This is done through the last two or three characters on the license plate. But for some time now, motorists have tended to put the department of their choice on their car. This does not make certain the veracity of the information provided by the license plate.

In conclusion, the registration may contain some confidential information, which does not allow everyone to have access to it. However, there are a few exceptions.

Volkswagen unveils the Golf R Performance

A few days ago, a rumor spread that Volkswagen was preparing a performance package for its Golf R. Today, this is confirmed with the presentation of this new model at the Geneva Motor Show. Of course, this new Golf R Performance will be more than welcome by fans of this powerful and stylish vehicle. But first, let’s discover what it has in the belly and also what differentiates it from its predecessors.

No noticeable change in design

Volkswagen has used a video to show us the features of the Golf R’s performance package. In this video, we can clearly see the look and the specificities of the newcomer. And what we can say at first glance is that there is not much new in terms of appearance and design. Indeed, we find almost the same lines as those of the classic Golf R.

The same is true for the car’s interior. The atmosphere is still quite cool and the materials used are of high quality and meet modern safety and comfort requirements. In short, as far as appearance is concerned, Volkswagen decided to keep the same overall style as the other models attached to the Golf R. This is not really surprising since all these models belong to the same category.

A performance surplus

The new Golf R Performance is called that for a reason. Indeed, if no apparent novelty was noticed at the level of the design, it is not the case for the other aspects of the vehicle. Thus, for the Golf R Performance, Volkswagen benefits above all from improved aerodynamics. Improvements have also been made to the suspension (firmer), brake discs (larger), exhaust (Akrapovic titanium), etc. Apart from that, the maximum speed has now been reduced to 265 km/h, but no longer limited to 250 km/h. However, no novelty seems to have been brought concerning the motorization. The Golf R Performance keeps the same 2.0 turbo four-cylinder engine developing 310 hp.

At the moment, there is not enough information about the launch date or the price of this new pack. However, its price should not be very far from the classic Golf R which was announced at 42 790 €.