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Does your fuel/oil project require a silicone hose? Look no further.

When dealing with fuels such as oil, it’s incredibly important that you choose a fuel hose that provides the quality needed to ensure both reliability to ensure any unwanted accidents or issues, while also looking at the performance, to ensure quality of the fuel application and also increase longevity and value for money. At Viper Performance we have a wide variety of fuel friendly hose applications, including our oil resistant silicone hoses & flexible nitrile fuel filler hoses…

Both products offer solutions to a wide variety of fuel applications (confused which hose is right for the fuel you are using? Check out this handy compatibility chart below).

Fluoro lined hoses are especially compatible for oil applications, with heavy oil mists or oil flows, while fluoro silicone hoses offer fuel resistant properties and can work as fuel filler hoses. Braided silicone hoses can be especially useful when working with fuel lines and have great applications in those areas. The majority of our fuel resistant hoses are made with fluoro liner, but are limited by stock so be sure to email us for a production run of a specific size.

If you are looking for added flexibility, the flexible nitrile fuel filler hoses are made with nitrile liner, with an added wire helix embedded between, giving It additional flexibility, making it a perfect replacement for difficult fuel filler hoses.

At Viper Performance, quality is always put first, that’s how we are able to offer such a wide range of fuel friendly hoses, backed by an array of quality 5* reviews, from customers who have come time and time again for our quality and great value for money.

Looking for silicone hoses for your project or application? Check out our full range of high-quality silicone hoses here.

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The automobile industry has been revolutionized by the introduction of electric cars. In recent years, the demand for electric cars has increased significantly, and the industry is set to see some exciting new models in 2023 as more and more manufacturers attempt to enter this market. With all of this we take a look at our most exciting upcoming electric car of 2023!

Now this wouldn’t even be a discussion if we didn’t mention Tesla… The Tesla Cybertruck is expected to make it’s long-awaited debut this year (hence our excitement), unless it is delayed (again), and is easily our most anticipated electric car of the year. With its bold design and impressive capabilities, the Cybertruck is set to change the game for pickup trucks.

To truly understand our excitement, you must know that the Cybertruck is incredibly powerful. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, which is faster than most sports cars on the market today. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who needs a powerful vehicle for towing or hauling heavy loads. (Did we say it can tow up to 14,000 pounds)!

The Cybertruck also has impressive range capabilities. It can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most people’s daily commutes. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs.

Another key capability of the Cybertruck is its durability. It is made from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel and features armoured glass windows, which makes it incredibly tough and resistant to damage (unless you are Elon Musk throwing a brick). This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who needs a vehicle that can withstand tough conditions, such as construction sites or off-road environments.

The Cybertruck also has some unique features that set it apart from traditional pickup trucks. For example, it has a retractable tonneau cover that can be used to protect cargo from the elements. It also has a built-in air compressor and power outlets that can be used to power tools and other equipment.

Now as excited as we are for the Cybetruck, there are a wide range of equally exciting upcoming EV’s, here’s our pick of the best of the rest..

Audi Q6 e-tron:

The Audi Q6 e-tron is an all-electric SUV that promises to be a game-changer in the luxury electric car market. It will be powered by a 95 kWh battery pack, providing it with a range of over 330 miles on a single charge. The car will feature all-wheel drive, and Audi is aiming for a top speed of 112 mph. The Q6 e-tron will also come with advanced safety features, including a suite of cameras and sensors that will help drivers avoid accidents.

BMW iX5:

BMW’s latest electric car, the iX5, is set to be released in 2023. Will also come with BMW’s latest advanced driver assistance technology, including lane departure warnings and automated emergency braking. The iX5 will also feature a spacious interior, with room for up to five passengers.

Mercedes-Benz EQE:

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a new luxury sedan that will be released in 2023. It will be powered by a 90 kWh battery pack, providing it with a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. The car will feature a sleek, modern design, with a spacious and luxurious interior. It will also come with advanced driver assistance technology, including lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking.

What an exciting time to be an electric car fanatic…

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The age-old question beckons, how are carbon fibre pipes made?

Carbon fibre pipes are typically manufactured using a process called filament winding. Here are the detailed steps involved:

Preparing the mandrel: A mandrel, which is a cylindrical tool, is prepared with the required dimensions and shape for the carbon fibre pipe. It is made of materials such as aluminium, steel or plastic and is usually coated with a release agent to prevent the pipe from sticking to it.

Preparing the carbon fibre: The carbon fibre is typically in the form of a woven fabric or unidirectional tow. The fibres are impregnated with a resin, usually epoxy, which is mixed with a hardener to form a tough, durable composite material.

Filament winding: The impregnated carbon fibre is wound around the mandrel in a specific pattern using a filament winding machine. The machine rotates the mandrel while a filament winding head guides the carbon fibre onto the mandrel. The winding pattern is chosen based on the required properties of the finished pipe, such as strength, stiffness, and durability.

Curing: Once the desired number of layers of carbon fibre has been wound onto the mandrel, the pipe is heated to cure the resin. The curing process is typically done in an oven or autoclave, depending on the specific resin used. The heat and pressure applied during the curing process help to bond the fibres and resin together, creating a strong, durable composite material.

Finishing: Once the curing process is complete, the carbon fibre pipe is removed from the mandrel. It may then undergo additional finishing processes such as sanding or polishing to achieve the desired surface finish. The ends of the pipe may also be trimmed or machined to the required dimensions.

Quality control: The finished carbon fibre pipe is inspected for defects and undergoes testing to ensure it meets the required specifications for strength, stiffness, and durability.

Overall, carbon fibre pipes are made using a precise and controlled manufacturing process to ensure high-quality, consistent performance.

Looking for carbon fibre pipes for your project or application? Check out our full range of high-quality carbon fibre pipes here.

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Quality is paramount, but what do carbon fibre pipes really do?

Carbon fibre pipes are a type of lightweight and strong material that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They are made by weaving carbon fibres together into a rigid structure, which is then reinforced with epoxy resin. The resulting material is incredibly strong and durable, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

One of the major applications of carbon fibre pipes is in the automotive industry. Here, they are used in everything from racing cars to everyday vehicles. Carbon fibre pipes are ideal for use in racing cars, where weight reduction is crucial to achieving high speeds and agility. They are also used in the production of high-end sports cars, where their strength and durability make them ideal for use in everything from body panels to suspension components.

Carbon fibre pipes are also used extensively in the construction industry. They are commonly used in the construction of bridges and other large structures, where their strength and durability make them ideal for use in everything from support beams to reinforcement rods. They are also used in the production of wind turbines, where their lightweight and high-strength properties make them ideal for use in everything from rotor blades to tower structures.

The marine industry is another area where carbon fibre pipes are commonly used. They are ideal for use in boats and other watercraft, where their strength and resistance to corrosion make them ideal for use in everything from hulls to masts. They are also used in the production of offshore oil rigs and other marine structures, where their strength and durability make them ideal for use in harsh environments.

When compared to other materials such as silicone, carbon fibre offers a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it particularly beneficial in industries that require high quality for performance, while also keeping weight down. Such as Formula 1 where we are seeing more and more teams adopt carbon fibre as a material for increased performance & competitiveness.

Interested in discovering our carbon fibre pipe range? Check it out here.

Can our silicone hoses really be made in any colour?

Here at Viper Performance, we stock a wide range of high-quality silicone hoses that can be pigmented or dyed to achieve a wide range of colours, however there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind when choosing if to dye your silicone hoses:

1. Lightfastness: Some pigments and dyes may not be able to withstand prolonged exposure to UV light or high temperatures, which can cause the colour of your silicone hose to fade or change over time.

2. Chemical resistance: Certain colours or dyes may not be compatible with certain chemicals or fluids, which can cause the colour to break down or leach out of the material.

3. Cost: Some pigments or dyes may be more expensive than others, which can affect the overall cost of the silicone hose and it’s material. Pigments (Masterbatch) are purchased in minimum quantities from our pigment suppliers, then the colour mixing process (milling) must be manufactured in batches of 20kg minimum.  It is not cost-effective to process a custom or special colour unless there is a substantial volume order for silicone hoses in that colour. For more information please be sure to check out our FAQ.

4. Availability: Not all colours may be readily available for every type of silicone material or manufacturing process. Custom colour options may be limited or require longer lead times. For more information please feel free to contact us

5. Performance: Some pigments may affect the mechanical or physical properties of the silicone material, such as its flexibility or tensile strength. This can impact the overall performance and lifespan of the silicone hose. When choosing a colour it’s important to take that into account, for performance questions be sure to get in touch with us and our experienced team.

It’s important to work with a reputable silicone hose manufacturer who can help you choose the best colour options for your specific application and ensure the material meets your performance and durability requirements.

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Electric cars have become increasingly popular over the past few years as people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality, spearheaded by rising fuel costs & more attention to environmental issues. In the UK, the number of electric cars on the road has been steadily increasing, going just 134 registered EVs in the country in 2011, to over 550,000 today. With this growth largely driven by government incentives, improvements in battery technology, and growing consumer demand.

According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there are currently over 550,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads in the UK. This includes battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Of these, around 435,000 are pure EVs, meaning they run solely on electricity and have no internal combustion engine. The remaining 115,000 are PHEVs, which have a combination of an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine.

One major factor driving the growth of the EV market in the UK is the increasing availability of charging infrastructure. There are now over 25,000 public charging points in the country, with plans to increase this number to 70,000 by 2030. This has helped to address one of the main concerns for EV buyers which has restricted orders in the past.

In addition to government incentives and charging infrastructure, there has been a growing awareness among consumers of the need to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change. Many people are choosing to switch to electric cars as a way to reduce their environmental impact and make a positive contribution to the planet.

Despite the growth in the market, however, electric cars still represent a relatively small proportion of all vehicles on the roads in the UK. According to the SMMT, EVs made up just 2.3% of all new car registrations in 2020.

While EVs still represent a relatively small proportion of all vehicles on the roads, the market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more people become aware of the benefits of electric cars, more models become available, and prices steadily decrease. As the UK aims to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2050, the growth of the EV market will play an important role.

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Why is aluminium used for aircraft production

Aluminium is widely used in the aerospace industry for constructing the body of aircraft. It has become a preferred material for aircraft manufacturers due to its unique properties that make it suitable for use in such applications. There are a number of key characteristics that make it a preferred choice;

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

One of the most important properties that make aluminium ideal for use in aircraft construction is its strength-to-weight ratio. This means that aluminium is lightweight and yet, it has good strength. This property makes it perfect for use in constructing aircraft bodies because it reduces the weight of the aircraft, which in turn increases its fuel efficiency, saving the manufacturer and airline fuel costs.

Corrosion Resistance

Another significant property of aluminium that makes it ideal for use in aircraft construction is its excellent resistance to corrosion. Aluminium forms a thin layer of oxide when exposed to air, which provides a protective barrier against further corrosion. This layer of oxide is self-healing, which means that if it is damaged, it will quickly repair itself. This property is particularly important for aircraft that operate in harsh environments, such as polluted air.

Heat Conductivity

Aluminium has excellent heat conductivity, which means that it can quickly and efficiently transfer heat. This property is important for aircraft given the heat generated by the engines, which could affect the aircraft’s performance.

Cost-effectiveness

Finally, aluminium is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, such as titanium or composites. This makes it a cost-effective option for aircraft construction, especially for large commercial aircraft. The cost savings associated with using aluminium can be passed on to airlines, reducing the cost of air travel for consumers.

In addition to the properties discussed above, there are other reasons why aluminium is the preferred material for aircraft bodies. For example, aluminium is widely available and easy to source, making it easy to obtain the necessary raw materials for aircraft construction, especially in times of high demand.

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Are electric cars really cheaper to run?

The rising cost of fuel and growing concerns about the environment have led to the increasing popularity of electric cars. One of the key selling points of these vehicles is that they are cheaper to run than traditional gas-powered cars. But is this really true?

The Cost of Electricity vs. Gasoline

Electric cars are powered by electricity, which is generally cheaper than fuel, when charging your electric car at home for example you can save over 56% when compared to petrol or diesel per mile. With fuel prices constantly changing (hitting high peaks last year), the appeal behind electric cars for that reason are ever growing.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Another factor to consider when comparing the cost of electric and gas-powered cars is maintenance and repair costs. Electric cars have fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars, which means that they require less maintenance. They also don’t need oil changes, which can save drivers hundreds of dollars each year.

In addition, electric cars don’t have exhaust systems, spark plugs, or other components that are prone to wear and tear. This means that they are less likely to experience mechanical issues and require expensive repairs.

Environmental Benefits

While the cost savings of electric cars are certainly significant, it’s also important to consider the environmental benefits. Electric cars produce zero emissions, which means that they don’t contribute to air pollution or climate change, (which conveniently means they don’t have to pay congestion charges found in Birmingham, London etc.)

It’s also important to remember that if you own an all-electric vehicle, you will exempt from paying both first year and standard rate vehicle tax.

Overall, electric cars offer significant cost savings over the lifetime of the vehicle, as well as environmental benefits. As electric car technology continues to improve and become more accessible, we can expect to see more drivers making the switch to electric vehicles in the coming years.

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How long do electric car batteries really last?

Behind their futuristic presence, cool slick designs & economic and environmental benefits, jus like petrol + diesel cars, electric car batteries are not made forever, and just like their non-electric counterparts nothing is forever.

Now firstly, it’s important to understand that electric car batteries are designed to last for a certain number of charge cycles. A charge cycle is defined as using the battery from full charge to empty, and then back to full charge again. The number of charge cycles a battery can handle before it starts to degrade varies depending on the type of battery and the specific make and model of the electric car. However, generally speaking, most electric car batteries are designed to last for around 300,000 miles or even more, with the majority of car batteries still providing at least 70% of it’s capacity even after 200,000. This means that, in theory, you could drive your electric car for several years at full capacity, and even longer at lower levels. That said, there are several factors that can impact the lifespan of an electric car battery. However regardless of use, like all batteries, an EV battery will degrade, as a general rule, most electric car manufacturers recommend replacing the battery after around 8-10 years, regardless of the number of miles driven.

One of the biggest factors is temperature. Electric car batteries are most efficient and have the longest lifespan when they are kept at a moderate temperature range. If the battery gets too hot or too cold, it can cause the chemical reactions inside the battery to degrade, which can lead to a shorter lifespan. For this reason, many electric car manufacturers recommend that owners park their vehicles in a garage or other sheltered location, especially in extreme temperatures.

Another factor that can impact the lifespan of an electric car battery is the way the battery is used. For example, if the battery is frequently discharged to a very low level and then charged back up again, this can cause the battery to degrade faster. On the other hand, if the battery is always kept at a moderate level of charge, it may last longer. Additionally, frequent rapid charging can also cause a battery to degrade faster, so it’s important to use rapid charging only when necessary.

It’s also worth noting that the type of electric car battery can impact its lifespan. There are several different types of electric car batteries, including nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), and solid-state batteries. NiMH batteries are less common in modern electric cars, as they are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than Li-ion batteries. Li-ion batteries are the most common type of electric car battery, and are generally more efficient and longer-lasting than NiMH batteries.

It’s incredibly important to keep an eye on your car’s battery, and there are a few warning signs from (the incredibly obvious) battery warning light to minor issues such as struggles to start. A dying battery means that not enough capacity can be supplied for it’s intended application (hence the spluttering and subsequent degrading of performance). Now most of these issues come from corrosion, active material loss and sulphation. Now of course all of these processes come naturally as part of the chemistry of your engine (so don’t panic too much)..

Ultimately, the lifespan of an electric car battery will depend on a variety of factors, including the make and model of the electric car, the type of battery, and how the battery is used and maintained. However, most electric car batteries are designed to last for at least 300,000 miles minimum, and can most definitely last for several years beyond that. With proper care and maintenance, electric car batteries can provide reliable and efficient power for a long time.

Now don’t worry if you battery degrades quicker than expected, thanks to technology (and a drive towards sustainability) we are starting to re-use batteries once they are no longer needed in the car. One of America’s largest EV car manufacturers, General Motors, are planning to integrate such technologies into their supply chain, allowing to spearhead a reduction in environmental footprint by gradually reducing waste & production requirements in EV manufacturing.

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The EV revolution is coming, but how much does it really cost to charge your EV?

Electric cars have become increasingly popular in the UK over the years, as more people look for eco-friendly and sustainable modes of transportation. One of the advantages of electric cars is their lower fuel costs compared to petrol or diesel cars. Thinking of joining the craze or have you already made the switch, find out below;

The cost of charging an electric car can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the charging method used, and the cost of electricity in the area. Generally speaking, the cost of charging an electric car is much lower than the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel car, and can result in significant savings over time.

One of the most common ways to charge an electric car is through a home charging station. The cost of installing a home charging station can vary depending on the specific make and model, but typically ranges from £500 to £1,000. Once the charging station is installed, the cost of electricity will depend on the rate you pay for electricity from your energy provider. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average cost of electricity in the UK is around 14p per kWh (kilowatt hour).

Based on this average rate, charging a Nissan Leaf for example with a 40 kWh battery from empty to full would cost around £5.60. This means that the cost per mile would be approximately 4p!

When charging away from home you are unfortunately at the whim of the local charging station, for example there are three types of charging stations: slow, fast, and rapid. Slow chargers are the most basic type of charging station and can take several hours to charge an electric car fully. Fast chargers can provide a full charge in a few hours, while rapid chargers can provide an 80% charge in around 30 minutes.

Not many people know but when charging at home one way to reduce the cost of charging an electric car is to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Many energy providers offer lower rates during certain times of the day, typically overnight. This can be a good option for those who have a home charging station and can charge their car overnight. It’s worth checking with your energy provider to see if they offer off-peak rates.

Overall, the cost of charging an electric car in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the charging method used, and the cost of electricity in the area. However, in general, the cost of charging an electric car is much lower than the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel car, and of course price aside you can be safe in the knowledge that you are producing lower carbon emissions than traditional petrol and diesel cars.