It's probably one of the best car inventions ever, the roof box.
It can double the carrying capacity of the car.
Put all the clutter you don't want out of sight.
But when thousands of drivers start adjusting to them in the summer, have you ever thought that they might be a mixed blessing?
First of all, there is a problem where to store them when not in use (
My life is under a bay tree in the garden).
Then, when they are installed, you end up using more fuel because they will make your car less streamlined and add weight.
However, new data from Halfords suggest that more and more people are buying roof boxes --
Just like more of us are renovating and expanding our home instead of moving.
It says to buy a roof box (
My child used to call it "attic ")
Over 13% growth in the past quarter.
So they launched an investigation to find out why.
It seems that the key reason for the purchase is that drivers are now trading more expensive boxes because they believe that the quality of the boxes will be higher and the life will be longer.
Also, perhaps more predictably, people just carry more clobber-
The easiest way to solve this growing problem is to buy a roof box.
The study of 3,200 people showed that the average driver now carries about 140 kg extra people during a holiday break (
300lb, equal to 15 large suitcases)
On their boots or roof rack or roof.
Six out of 10 admitted packaging was more than five years ago, and 71 of those surveyed accused "mothers" of making up the majority.
Only eight people said that their father ate too much.
They should have seen the Americans I found while camping in California.
Some people bring their own leaves.
Some took the axe, the wood, some even dragged four bikes and (
Behind their car home)a spare Jeep.
However, the most interesting thing about this survey is that
The project was called "must have" by the respondents.
They include carpets, portable TVs, tables and chairs, bicycles, and fire extinguishers, indicating that the people surveyed had a few days of camping time.
The driver admits that the more unusual items hidden include Flagstaff, portable solar panels, portable watches, and luxurious electric showers.
Some of the following statistics
It's from Hafez again.
May help explain the results.
Camping and RV clubs apparently had 59,846 new members in 2010, with a total of 508,672 members at the end of last year.
The 2011 bookings on the club's website were up 23% from this time last year, and 3% of members now own tents, which were in 2008.
There may be another reason, according to Halfords.
It says drivers are attracted to small cars, while roof boxes are considered key to providing extra space and are cheap.
But what do people actually carry?
The following list: Men's luggage priority list: wine, food, rubber mallet and lady's luggage priority list for pumps at pump: luggage priority list for hair dryer, mirror and portable lighting equipment: computer games, iPod and bikeFamily essentials: refrigerator, rollaway bed, and microwave.
0 se tdi 140PS manual Price: 26,965 (
Starting at £ 23,470)
Top speed: 121mph 0-60 mph: 10.
Section 9: 146g/kmCombined fuel consumption: 50. 4mpg (claimed)
Sometimes life is just a matter of perspective.
I think I 've done a good job and in the new seven months I 've resisted the recent snowpile and black ice driving to my friend's house
Popular Saran.
In fact, this is a cakewalk bar, a steep and slippery section of the country road, and in any journey of the masses, the journey should pass --
Perfect comfort.
Just as I carefully returned to my own shore, it was still huge ice --Roads (
Never been to this place in London)
I realize how treacherous this is.
When I stopped to stop, I could feel the anti-lock brake system clicking and the traction control light flashing.
Then, just as I congratulate myself for my mistake --
A neighbor roared by riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Brave chap.
Makes me feel very clear. like.
So what do I know about new people?
Carrier when I am not addicted to the road?
This is a particularly smooth operator with more space than the old one as it is nearly 16ft long and 6ft 3 widesome 8.
6in longer and 3.
6 is wider than the original version launched 15 years ago in a joint deal with Ford, which Ford calls Galaxy.
Now there are two new sliding doors that are easy to get in and out, and even an electric tailgate to choose from.
Inside, it feels great, and there is even a large chunk of space in the boots when the last seat is in use.
However, despite its large size, it's still easy to drive and actually doesn't feel that big. The 2. 0-
The upgraded diesel engine we tried was not at all worried about Shalan's passengers, even if they were small passengers.
Traffic and parking drills are still easy to see, which is important for many people --
Airlines in London do look frustrated.
So it's very practical and easy to drive, but do I like it? No.
It looks very common, although it is very functional, but there are not many features;
In this type of vehicle, there seems to be little demand.
It will serve you well.
Even if you buy it for the second time
Hand, because most of the new ones seem to be purchased by minicab)
It will be a great thing for driving on vacation, but you will never fall in love with it.
Even if it faithfully takes you home through the snow.
If people like Kenny Roberts, Kevin Swanz, Freddy Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Reney, and Kenny Roberts are your bags, you will
American hero.
In the hardcover by Norm DeWitt, This 268-
The book tells the story of the GP motorcycle road racing, which has only been a nominal world championship for decades, is an obvious European sport.
But in 1978, after the fiery Kenny Roberts of the United States arrived in Europe, everything changed and began to bash the agency for the generation of racers who will continue to dominate the sport.
The convincing thing is that it was published by car Books for £ 18.