By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Chameleon Tint Is Becoming More and More Popular in the UK - But Is It Really Road Legal? Walk down any UK high street or scroll through social media and you will probably have noticed them: windscreens and front windows with a subtle purple, blue, green or gold reflective appearance that seems to change colour depending on the angle, sunlight and surroundings. It is usually called chameleon tint . The effect can look fantastic. On a clean, modern car, a light chameleon film can give the windscreen a distinctive appearance without looking as dark as traditional black window tint. It is especially popular with modified cars, show cars and enthusiasts who want something different from the usual smoked-window look. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog But there is an important question that every UK driver should ask before putting any film on their windscreen: Is chameleon tint actually road legal? The short answer is: it can be - but not simply because a seller or ins...
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Renault Ampere’s Game-Changer: The Cobalt-Free Battery
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By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Renault Ampere’s Game-Changer: The Cobalt-Free Battery That Could Revolutionize EVs
In late 2025, a new type of battery chemistry called LXMO has been turning heads in the electric vehicle (EV) world. LXMO short for Lithium-X-Manganese Oxide is a cobalt-free, manganese-rich battery designed to solve some of the biggest problems in EV production today.
What Makes LXMO Special?
Cobalt-free design: Traditional high-performance EV batteries rely on cobalt, a costly and ethically problematic material. LXMO eliminates cobalt, making batteries cheaper, safer, and more sustainable.
High energy density: Despite ditching cobalt, LXMO delivers energy density comparable to premium nickel-based batteries, potentially offering longer driving ranges.
Durability: LXMO batteries maintain most of their capacity after hundreds of deep discharge cycles, promising long-lasting performance.
Essentially, LXMO aims to combine the best traits of two worlds: the high energy and long range of traditional “ternary” batteries and the safety, stability, and affordability of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries.
Why Automakers Are Excited
Battery makers and EV companies are paying close attention to LXMO because it could address some of the EV industry’s long-standing challenges:
Lower cost & supply chain resilience: Cobalt and nickel are expensive and geopolitically sensitive. Manganese is abundant and easier to source.
Improved safety: Cobalt-free cathodes tend to be safer and less prone to overheating or failure.
Long lifespan: LXMO batteries show minimal capacity fade over hundreds of cycles.
Competitive range: Energy density may allow EVs to rival high-end nickel/cobalt batteries in terms of distance per charge.
Who’s Working on LXMO?
The most prominent commitment to LXMO comes from Ampere, the EV-focused subsidiary of Renault. They’ve partnered with Stratus Materials to test cobalt-free batteries for future Renault EVs. LXMO is currently in testing and validation, with lab results showing promise, but production EVs using LXMO are still a couple of years away.
What LXMO Could Mean for the Future
LXMO could change the EV landscape in several ways:
Affordable EVs: Reducing battery costs could make electric cars more accessible.
Sustainability: Eliminating cobalt reduces environmental and ethical concerns.
Supply chain stability: Using more abundant materials lowers risk of shortages.
LXMO represents a bold step toward cleaner, safer, and more affordable EVs. While still in development, this cobalt-free battery could become a cornerstone of next-generation electric vehicles, helping automakers deliver longer ranges without breaking the bank or the planet.
Keep an eye on Renault Ampere in the coming years. If LXMO lives up to its promise, the future of EVs may just run on this game-changing technology.
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Audi A4 Avant boot dimensions in centimeters The Audi A4 Avant is a popular station wagon model that offers ample cargo space for practicality and versatility. In terms of boot dimensions, the A4 Avant offers a spacious cargo area that can accommodate a variety of items. The exact boot dimensions of the Audi A4 Avant may vary depending on the specific model year and trim level, but here are some approximate measurements: Volume: 1,495 litres (seats folded down) Volume: 495 litres (with the rear seats up) Follow Car Guru DIY Blog These measurements indicate that the Audi A4 Avant offers a generous amount of cargo space, with a wide opening and a relatively low loading height for easy access. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded down to increase the cargo capacity to up to 1,495 litres, which is ideal for larger items. Overall, the Audi A4 Avant is a practical and spacious vehicle that is suitable for a wide range of uses, from transporting groceries to carrying sports...
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Adaptive Power‑Flow Charging Flap: The Future of Effortless EV Charging Electric vehicles (EVs) have transformed how we think about driving, but one aspect that can still feel clunky is charging. Plugging in a cord, aligning it perfectly, and making sure the connection is secure it’s functional, but not exactly futuristic. Enter the Adaptive Power‑Flow Charging Flap , a breakthrough in EV charging technology that promises to make charging as effortless as parking your car. What It Is The Adaptive Power‑Flow Charging Flap is a smart charging port designed to automatically open, align, and connect as you approach a charger whether it’s a human-operated plug or a robotic charging arm. Essentially, it transforms the act of charging into a seamless, almost magical interaction: Follow Car Guru DIY Blog Auto-opening flap: The charging port door detects an approaching charger and opens automatically. Precision al...
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Jaecoo 7 - Stylish Mid‑Size SUV with Premium Tech and Practical Space The Jaecoo 7 is a bold contender in the mid‑size SUV segment. With eye‑catching styling, advanced technology, and a flexible choice of powertrains, it offers a value-driven alternative to more established rivals. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Toyota Corolla Verso / Toyota Verso Boot Dimensions in cm. If you’re looking to transport cargo or luggage in your Toyota Verso, it’s important to know the dimensions of the boot or trunk space. In this article, we’ll provide you with the boot dimensions in centimeters, which are available at YouTube channel Car Guru DIY. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog The Toyota Verso offers a spacious boot that can accommodate a large amount of cargo. There’s plenty of room for luggage and other items. The height of the boot is also generous. Toyota Verso Boot Dimensions in cm: Length Width (between wheel arches) Width Height (to parcel shelf) Height (to ceiling) Boot opening
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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4 Car Gadgets You’ll Wish You Bought Sooner: The Secret Upgrades Turning Everyday Cars Into Smart, Safe, Future-Ready Machines If you think your car is “fine as it is,” get ready because what you’re about to discover will completely change the way you drive . 2025 has arrived with a wave of smart, safety-boosting, comfort-enhancing gadgets that are no longer just “nice extras” they’re becoming must-have essentials for anyone who drives regularly, commutes long distances, or simply wants more peace of mind on the road. And the best part? You don’t need a luxury car to experience premium features anymore. These gadgets give ordinary cars extraordinary abilities and once you try them, you’ll genuinely wonder how you ever drove without them. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Peugeot 208 diagnostic plug OBD 2 and Fuse box location If you’re looking to diagnose issues with your Peugeot 208 using an OBD2 scanner or need to access the fuse box, this guide will help you find the diagnostic plug and fuse box location. First, let’s start with the diagnostic plug. The diagnostic plug on the Peugeot 208 is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look for a rectangular-shaped port with several pins inside. This is where you will plug in your OBD2 scanner to read and diagnose any issues with your car’s systems. Follow Car Guru DIY Blog Next, let’s move on to the fuse box location. The fuse box on the Peugeot 208 is located in the engine bay, near the battery. To access it, simply lift the lid and you will see the various fuses and relays that control different components of your car. Be sure to consult your car’s manual to identify which fuse corresponds to which component before attempt...
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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BYD SEALION 7 - UK-market deep dive: powertrains, specs, colours, trims, pros & cons The BYD SEALION 7 has entered the UK as a strong, modern mid-size electric SUV aimed at buyers who want high-tech equipment, spacious practicality, and excellent value. With its Blade battery technology, generous equipment levels, and a choice of powerful drivetrains, it targets mainstream and premium alternatives such as the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 often undercutting them on price.
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
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Dacia Spring EV UK Review: Is Britain’s Cheapest Electric Car Worth Buying? Electric cars have traditionally been expensive. For many years, owning an EV meant paying a premium price compared with petrol or diesel cars. The arrival of the Dacia Spring changed that conversation by bringing a genuinely affordable electric vehicle to the UK market. The Dacia Spring is designed around one simple idea: make electric driving accessible to ordinary drivers . Instead of offering luxury materials, huge batteries, and sports-car performance, Dacia focuses on low purchase prices, cheap running costs, and simple everyday transport. Follow CarGuruDIY Blog
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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DVLA 2026 Number Plate Bans: What’s Changing and Why It Matters Every year, the DVLA updates the UK’s vehicle registration system and with each new rollout comes a fresh wave of banned number plates. For 2026, the scrutiny has intensified. Hundreds of potential “26” and “76” registrations have already been blacklisted before they ever reach the public.
By Peter Mytko • Cars. News. Reviews.
Car Guru DIY
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Most car interiors compete for your attention. Screens multiply. Menus expand. Information floods every corner of the cabin. Then there’s McLaren. In some McLaren road cars, pressing Track mode does something unexpected: the instrument cluster partially folds away. The result feels almost surreal the first time you see it. The large digital display collapses into a narrow strip. Most of the dashboard disappears from your field of view. What remains is only the essential information: speed, gear, and a few critical indicators. Suddenly, the cockpit feels less like a luxury sports car and more like an aircraft. And that’s exactly the point. Follow CarGuruDIY Blog Enjoying my DIY car content? Buy me a coffee and help support future tutorials and projects: CarGuruDIY on Buy Me a Coffee Every coffee is greatly appreciated! The Dashboard That Steps Out of the Way Modern performance car...
