SMART GARAGE CAM KEEPS AN EYE ON PRECIOUS CARS

NEW PRODUCT Nest Cam security system

Price: £159 Contact: www.nest.com Rating: ★★★★

WITH thieves increasingly targeting classic and prestige cars, security is a worry for owners who lock their vehicles away for long periods. The Nest Cam will raise the alarm if the worst happens, and lets you keep an eye on your car via a smartphone.

It needs power and Wifi access to work, so it’s no use for isolated lock-ups or remote barns, but works well in a home garage. Installation is easy; the compact cam comes with a magnetic base and metal disc, for mounting almost anywhere. Just find a spot that gives a good view of the space, plug in and download the free IOS or Android app.

The camera delivers bright, crisp and sharp 1080p HD footage. Plus, the monochrome night vision is really clear. Video can be viewed via the app or online, and a free 30-day Nest Aware trial lets you see and share past footage. The 10-day history is £80 a year; the 30-day version £240.

Motion alerts work well, via the app or E-mail, plus with Nest Aware, you can see what triggered it. For us it was usually bugs in the garage. With no subscription, you can view the live stream.

Nest Cam is designed to be part of a home security system where you can talk through the unit, but that’s hardly crucial in a garage. The downside is it’s power hungry and quickly runs down the phone battery. Still, it’s a great kit at a decent price.

Legendary Aston is a cuff diamond

TMB Art Metal is responsible for creating some of the world’s most stunning cufflinks, and the latest immortalise the legendary Le Manswinning Aston Martin DBR1/2.

Crafted using aluminium from redundant body panels replaced during an early restoration, the new cufflinks (above) are finished in 18-carat gold and sterling silver.

Only 50 pairs have been made, although at around £900 each, they’re only for the seriously well off. Log on to www.tmbartmetal.com for details.

New all-season tyre taps into sales boom

UNPREDICTABLE weather has seen UK sales of all-season tyres rise, and latest to launch is the Quadraxer 2 from Michelin-owned Kleber.

Available for the first time for 17-inch rims and a large number of vehicles, the Quadraxer 2 claims to be improved in every way over the tyre it replaces. It promises a 3.5-metre shorter braking distance in the dry and up to a nine-month longer life than its Hankook Kinergy 4S rival. It also has a tyre label rating of B for wet grip.

The Kleber Quadraxer 2 will fit most family saloons and hatchbacks.

Classic cars come together on common

EVERY year, Harpenden in Herts hosts Classics on the Common, which is open to any vehicle over 22 years old. A diverse selection of exhibits is expected at this year’s event, which takes place on 27 July, and entry is free for all spectators.

Organisers will be trying to beat 2015’s charity total of £33,000. Visit classicsonthecommon.com for info.

Know an event coming soon? Contact products@autoexpress.co.uk

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