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advice for motorists

7 Top Tips For Washing Your Car in Winter

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


  It’s that time of year again – as summer becomes a distant memory, get ready for wet and stormy conditions, frosty mornings and cooler temperatures. As well as swapping our summer t-shirts for snuggly jumpers, winter means taking care of your car in a different way, too. Freezing conditions, snow and rock salt on the roads bring their own challenges; salt melts into slush and gets splattered onto your vehicle’s paintwork and, if that mixture refreezes, there’s added potential for damage and corrosion. The key stages of pre-wash, wash, rinse and dry stay the same, but here are our top tips for washing your car in winter. Start with the wheels Wheels take a lot of punishment in the...

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The Top 5 Reasons Couples Argue in Cars

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


How do you feel about car journeys with your partner? Maybe you look forward to time together with no other distractions – or perhaps the mere thought of it sends your stress levels rising. In one European survey, a third of respondents said they found their other half was the most stressful passenger to have in the front seat. (You might be interested that one in five said their mother had that honor – putting them in second place.) So why is the car such a battleground for some couples – and is there anything they can do about it? The reason behind the rows Most of us drive our cars without even thinking about it. It’s an everyday event....

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How Do Electric Cars Work?

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


Switching to electric vehicles is something we’re all being urged to do in the fight against climate change. While you might be aware of the environmental benefits, the technology isn’t something that’s as widely understood. If you’ve wondered how electric cars work, here’s a quick guide. Are there different types of electric vehicle? Yes. They fall under different categories depending on how energy is used to propel them. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) All three use electricity as an energy source, but the BEV is the only one that uses nothing else. Popular models include the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf. So – how do electric cars work? How does a...

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What To Do With Your Car Before You Go On Holiday

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


As we roll into high summer, you might be getting excited about going on vacation. What do you plan to do with your car if you’re not taking it with you? If you have dogs, cats or other pets, you’ll have made provision for them with an animal boarding facility or pet sitter. But most of us don’t think about our car sitting in the garage or on the drive while we’re away. If you’re heading off on a holiday, business trip or other journey, especially if it’s for longer than a couple of weeks, then you should make sure your vehicle is taken care of too. It’s likely your main mode of transport in your everyday routine, so you...

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What Not To Do When Your Car Gets Scratched

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


As well as getting us from A to B, our cars are an extension of who we are. So that moment when you spot a scratch on your paintwork triggers a range of emotions – it’s annoying, upsetting and sometimes (if you have no idea how it’s happened) puzzling. You might be angry at yourself for a careless maneuver or concerned the damage will affect the value of your vehicle if you’re planning on selling it. However they happened, there are a few things you shouldn’t do when there are scratches on your car. Ignore them It’s tempting to leave them, especially if they’re not that bad. Once the initial irritation has faded, you might think they’re not that noticeable...

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Think Bike! How to Drive Safely Around Cyclists

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


You might have noticed more bikes on the roads in recent times. Cycling is increasingly popular, both as a hobby and a mode of everyday transport. Some people want to live a greener lifestyle or have had enough of sitting in queues of traffic on the daily commute. For others it’s their exercise of choice in a bid to get fit and healthy, or a way to wind down at weekends. As motorists, it means taking extra care while driving to avoid accidents. Yes, there are rules of the road for cyclists too and it’s important they follow them to keep themselves and their bicycles out of trouble. But in a collision between the average car and a bike, the...

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4 Tips for Towing Trailers and Caravans Safely

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


There’s an art to towing a trailer or caravan safely – it’s not as simple as hooking up and driving off.  Whether you’re planning to go caravanning this summer or even if you’ve just borrowed a trailer to dispose of garden rubbish, there are laws and safety measures to bear in mind. Take a look at our guide to towing, and make sure you stay safe when you hit the road. Keep an eye on your load There are rules when it comes to how much weight you’re allowed to tow with your vehicle. You’ll need to check the exact regulations depending on which country you live in, but generally the loaded weight of our caravan or trailer shouldn’t be...

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8 Ways To Be a Greener Driver (And Save Money)

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


However committed we are to caring for the environment, it’s an undeniable truth that the car is an essential part of life for most of us. Some industry analysts estimate there are more than 1.4 billion vehicles on the world’s roads, a number that is only expected to increase. The effects of so many vehicles on the planet are well-documented, and car manufacturers have begun to focus on electric and hybrid models as a result. Governments too are bringing in laws to make motoring more eco-friendly; in the UK, for example, no new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel will be sold from 2030. While choosing to buy an electric or hybrid car is the obvious way to become...

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The Must-Have Features on Your Next New Car

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


Whether it’s fresh out of the showroom or pre-owned, buying a new car is undeniably exciting. Comparing features and choosing which make and model you’ll get is half the fun. But it can be confusing, too, with a bewildering array of accessories and add-ons to consider. The more features you choose, the higher the cost of your vehicle, so while it’s tempting to go for them all it makes sense to work out what’s really necessary. While your specific needs will determine your final choice, we’ve rounded up some of the features you should consider when looking for your next new car. Essential safety features Keeping yourself safe while driving should be your primary concern when choosing a new car....

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Why Waxing Your Car in Spring is a Good Idea

Posted by Marc Michelsen on


As signs of spring begin to appear, it’s time to wash away the last of the rock salt and prepare your car for brighter days. The winter weather can take its toll on your vehicle’s condition and appearance, so it’s time to dispense some TLC. As well as giving it a thorough clean inside and out, waxing your car in spring is a wise move. There are still seasonal factors to consider that can adversely affect your vehicle, and waxing will help combat them. Why wax your car? A coat of wax adds a protective layer, shielding your paintwork against extreme weather conditions. While many of us look forward to warmer temperatures, it still rains a lot in the spring....

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