The firm is testing...
The firm is testing a project called SmartWeb, which allows drivers to ask any question and get an answer in seconds. It"s voice-activated, so responses arrive within moments. The system works by sending the questions wirelessly to a dedicated computer which scours its Internet database and sends the response as synthesised speech. A prototype was unveiled at the CeBIT electronics show in Hanover, Germany last week. "The driver can simply retrieve the information from the device on demand," said Siemens scientist Friedrich Schön.
In extreme cases, the...
In extreme cases, the damage can be so severe that scars similar to those pictured in this week"s mag are left on the side of the rubber. Even if the tyre appears to be unharmed, microscopic perforations may still be present, which can weaken the tyre and cause a blow-out.
In addition, a jet wash"s high pressure and strong soap can remove the protective chemicals from the sidewall, causing it to perish prematurely. The results of this often appear in the form of brown watermarks. A spokesman for the Tyre Industry Council advised: "Motorists should always use a normal hose and sponge to clean their wheels, and steer clear of strong detergents." He also recommended that damaged tyres be replaced immediately.
The new findings follow a warning from the AA in Issue 816 that jet washing under a car"s bonnet can damage electrical components.