Tag: motoring

Hay fever suffering drivers at risk this bank holiday weekend

Drivers are at risk of an unlimited fine and driving ban for taking over-the-counter hay fever medication

Spring allergies have arrived weeks early in the UK, and the first pollen warning of 2024 has already been issued.

Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, with reports that 10 million people in England alone suffer from pollen allergies. 

Symptoms of hay fever, which include anything from itchy eyes and a runny nose to sneezing and headaches, are usually treated with antihistamines.

However, many motorists are unaware that a normal dose of the tablets can impair driving abilities, causing drowsiness, reduced reaction times, decreased coordination and judgement as well as blurred vision.

The laws surrounding drug driving mean taking over-the-counter medication to treat summer allergies could land drivers with serious charges. 

In the UK, the law doesn’t distinguish between drug driving caused by illicit drugs, over-the-counter or prescribed medication. 

This means that if hay fever medication affects driving ability, it could lead to drug driving convictions.

The penalties for drug driving are severe, even if the driver has innocently taken drowsy-prone hay fever medication.

If convicted, motorists could receive a one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. 

Additionally, for 11 years afterwards, drivers found guilty will have the conviction displayed on their licences. 

The NHS strongly advises those who take medications prone to drowsiness – such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine – avoid driving.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “It may be hard to believe taking your hay fever tablets could land you a criminal conviction, which is why we wanted to issue an urgent warning to those who suffer with seasonal allergies.

“If you are one of the millions of Brits who suffer from hay fever, it is imperative you check the side effects of any medicines you are taking.  

“Blurred vision, slow reaction times and drowsiness behind the wheel can all cause serious issues on the roads, putting yourself and other road users in serious danger.

“Driving in an impaired state under the influence is a very serious matter, meaning the penalties for doing so can be life-changing.

“We’re urging drivers who suffer from summer allergies to check the details of their medication to avoid potentially serious charges.  Any medication that says do not operate heavy machinery includes the use of a car, so drivers need to be on the lookout for such warnings and read all instructions carefully.  If in doubt, ask the pharmacist and err on the side of caution.”

Five driving tips for hay fever sufferers

1.Keep your car as pollen-free as possible – clean your car regularly to get rid of dust that could trigger symptoms before setting out, changing the pollen filters in your car’s ventilation system when necessary and try to keep windows closed. 

2.Plan your journeys – check the Met Office Pollen warnings or download the weather app, which gives a 5-day forecast, for high pollen counts – if your symptoms are particularly bad try additional travel options or ask someone else to drive, don’t take the risk.

3.Check your medication – antihistamines and hay fever medications can differ in strength, check with your doctor if in any doubt about possible side effects and always read the label – the warning, ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is commonly found and applies to cars, forklifts and any other heavy machinery.

4.Get stocked up – keep your car stocked with fresh tissues, hay fever medicine, a bottle of water, eye drops, anything used to ease the symptoms, should they strike unexpectedly.

5.Drive safely – be extra careful on the roads, giving lots of space to fellow road users and taking breaks if hay fever symptoms start to play up.  If you don’t feel well or the pollen count is too high, play it safe and don’t take non-urgent journeys.

Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK find savings – CompareNI.com can help people living in Northern Ireland.

Car insurance costs squeezing British motorists

British motorists are being given top tips on how to save money on their car insurance policy after concerns premiums are on the rise.

In a year many goods have increased in price, car insurance premiums are no exception.

Insurance price comparison specialists Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to take steps to lower their premiums.

One of the most important money-saving tips is to do your homework, compare different providers, and never let a policy automatically renew. 

Drivers need to strike a good balance between cost and coverage, ensuring the policy has all the essentials they need at a competitive price.

Among the list of money saving hacks is shopping early, improving vehicle security, building up the no claims bonus and being mindful of where the car is kept overnight.

These simple tips can come in very handy for those looking to make cutbacks on their insurance expenses without making any major changes.

Quotezone.co.uk Founder and CEO Greg Wilson said: “It’s concerning to see car insurance prices on the rise.  The soaring cost of repairs, materials and even paint, has all had a knock-on effect on premium price.  The volume of claims is also increasing, partly due to the extreme weather we’ve witnessed recently.

“However, we can help, there are ways to save and using our comparison site is an ideal platform to compare products, to make sure you’re getting the cover you need, at a price you can afford.

“While aiming to secure cost-effective coverage, it’s crucial for drivers to ensure they’re not compromising on protection in case of accidents or unforeseen circumstances.  Often there’s very little difference in price between third party cover and fully comprehensive, so if you can, it’s best to safeguard your finances and go fully comprehensive.

“It’s also important to always give accurate information when getting a quote, as any incorrect information can invalidate your policy and leave you unprotected.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top 10 tips to help get a cheaper insurance premium:

  1. Shop early

It’s better to plan ahead and buy your policy early to lock in the price, as premium prices tend to increase the closer you get to your renewal date. The optimal time for bagging the cheapest deal is three weeks before the new policy is due to start.

  1. Pay annually

If possible, it’s best to pay the entire annual premium upfront to save hundreds in the long term. Insurance providers look at monthly instalments as loans and can have high interest rates.  Consider paying it all in one go to knock cash off your policy.

  1. Improve vehicle security

Most vehicles should have an alarm and immobiliser as standard but it’s worth installing anti-theft devices such as a tracker and dashcam – it will upgrade the vehicle’s security and could get you cheaper premiums. Get the policy quotes first to consider whether the extra cost of fitting the devices will be worth it for the insurance savings.

  1. Review your policy

Make sure to only pay for what you need and avoid driving up the premium by adding unnecessary add-ons – such as annual mileage, make sure your estimation is accurate.  Also check your vehicle use, if you use it to drive to the train station for your commute to work it still needs to be noted as used for your daily commute.  If you now work from home full-time, it might be worth switching the vehicle use to social only, it could result in big savings.

  1. Add another driver

If you add another driver to the policy then you may be eligible for a multi-driver discount, plus you can split the cost of the premium. It can be particularly beneficial if the other person is an experienced driver with a clean record as they pose less risk to the insurance company, which could lead to lower premiums.  Just make sure the person who uses the vehicle the most is noted as the main driver, incorrect use of this information is known as ‘fronting’ and is actually illegal, likely resulting in a criminal record and a void insurance policy.

  1. Park in a safe place

Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking can make big savings on their car insurance – parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year. Carport owners can do even better, with savings coming in at £230 on average.

  1. Build up your no claims bonus

Avoid filing small claims to build up your no claims bonus. Opting to pay for minor damages out of your own pocket instead of filing a claim can prevent potential premium hikes.

  1. Opt for a telematics product or black box

Getting a telematics device or black box fitted allows drivers to showcase their safe driving which can lead to cheaper premiums. This is a good option for young drivers and those with previous motoring convictions who are charged more as they are seen to be more at risk. By using the device it’s giving the insurance company data on which to base its risk analysis.

  1. Avoid penalty points

Penalty points on your licence may not only result in a steep fine but will also bump up your insurance costs too. Drivers can expect premiums to rise by 5% for three points and 25% for six points if they’re starting from a clean licence.

  1. Compare everything

Don’t allow your policy to renew automatically or settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Take the time to do your research and compare rates from multiple sources to get the cheapest price on your premium. You can save time and utilise price comparison websites to help you compare providers, compare products and of course compare prices.

To compare up to 110 UK car insurance providers visit:

https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance.

Volkswagen tops UK sales for third year running

  • 162,087 new Volkswagen cars registered in the UK in 2023
  • 8.52-per-cent market share makes Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand
  • Brand preparing to enter additional market segments with new models in 2024

Volkswagen is the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the third year running, as confirmed by figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

A total of 162,087 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2023 – over 30,000 more than in 2022. This equated to a leading market share of 8.52 per cent – an increase of 0.35 per cent compared with the previous year.

Volkswagen was again one of the most popular electric brands in the UK, with two of its ID. models among the top-10 best-selling EVs in 2023: the ID.3 with 10,295 registrations (sixth place) and the ID.4 with 8,495 registrations (ninth place).

Model highlights from 2023 that contributed to these impressive results included the revised all-electric ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 models, as well as the refreshed flagship Touareg. Special- and limited-edition models were also introduced, including the Polo GTI Edition 25 and Golf Black Edition, while the expanded Volkswagen Live Tour continued to take the showroom experience to people’s living rooms, offering real-time online vehicle presentations with product experts.

The brand will bolster its EV offering in 2024 with the introduction of the ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer, while other highlights on the horizon include celebrations to mark the iconic Golf’s 50th anniversary, and the introduction of the new Tiguan and Passat.

Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “I am once again pleased that Volkswagen has secured top spot in the UK for new-car sales. This tremendous result speaks volumes for the quality and attractiveness of our cars, and for the fantastic work of our network partners, who continue to give customers outstanding service before, during and after delivering their new cars.

“This year we will continue to expand our award-winning ID. range of electric cars, and of course we have the 50th anniversary of the Golf as well as many more exciting new products to look forward to.”

Majority of major UK theme and adventure parks yet to provide EV charging points

Only five of the UK’s biggest theme and adventure parks currently offer electric charging facilities but the situation is set to improve in the coming months, according to a new study by the RAC.

Just Thorpe Park in Surrey, Chessington in London, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Crealy in Devon and M&Ds in Scotland provide EV chargers for visitors, with many other popular and well-loved attractions in other regions currently offering none at all. At the five parks that have some provision, the average number of chargers on offer is four.

The parks that currently don’t offer any charging facilities include such well-known names as Legoland Windsor in Berkshire, Alton Towers in Staffordshire, Gulliver’s sites in Cheshire, Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire and Oakwood in Wales. But the good news is that the first two of these parks have publicly committed to installing chargers before the end of the year.

The RAC study also looked at the nearest ultra-rapid chargers to top theme parks as the next most convenient place to charge on a day out and found they were an average of seven miles away, with each offering an average of only five chargers each. In some parts of the country however, drivers need to travel much further, with the closest ultra-rapid chargers to Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk and Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire being some 25 miles away.

RAC Charge Watch data shows that drivers currently pay on average 73p per kWh of electricity at an ultra-rapid (100kW+) charger, making an 80% charge of a family-sized EV currently cost £37.39. If public chargers were only subject to 5% VAT like home chargers, that cost would be around £4 cheaper.

Comparisons with major theme parks elsewhere in Europe show just how different the situation can be when it comes to on-site electric vehicle charging. Efteling in the Netherlands has capacity for 174 electric cars to charge at once, while PortAventura in Spain can accommodate 150 cars charging and Europa Park in Germany offers 32 chargers.

It’s far from a perfect picture everywhere however, with Disneyland Paris and Gardaland in Italy having just four chargers each.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Even though most people visiting adventure and theme parks in electric cars will be starting out fully charged from home, many will still need to charge on the way back depending on the length of their journey and their vehicle’s range.

“For those travelling considerable distances to reach them it surely makes sense to have some chargers at theme parks as cars will be parked for long periods, making slower chargers ideal.

“It’s a little disappointing therefore to find some big-name attractions aren’t yet providing any charging facilities, but the situation is thankfully changing with several having stated they’re looking into installing chargers in the near future. We look forward to these plans becoming a reality to make drivers’ lives easier.

“As things stand, families with electric cars who need to recharge after enjoying a day out will no doubt be relying on ultra-rapid chargers to get on the move again as quickly as possible.

“Our research shows drivers will have to travel only an average of seven miles from a theme park to reach one of these, although in some parts of the country the distance is considerably further. Fortunately, with every month that passes provision is improving and in fact over the last 12 months the number of ultra-rapid chargers in the UK has nearly doubled to 8,772.

“Some leading theme parks in other parts of Europe are currently putting the UK in the shade when it comes to more extensive electric charging infrastructure. As they’ve decided it’s right to put chargers for their visitors in place, we now need all major theme park operators in the UK to come to the same conclusion.”

Quentin Willson, automotive journalist and founder of theEV campaign FairCharge, added: “Theme parks are an obvious example of how we need to make sure the UK’s future charging infrastructure really is joined up.

“Parks, attractions, museums, holiday centres, hotels and leisure facilities need to have plenty of chargers for visitors in EVs. Drivers will base their leisure choice destinations – as many already do – on if there are reliable charging facilities. This is the future.”

In a bid to stimulate the take-up of electric vehicles and make public charging more cost-effective, the RAC is supporting the FairCharge campaign’s call to get VAT on public electricity reduced from 20% to match the 5% domestic rate.

MOT? More like DIY!

Drivers Urged to Maintain Cars Themselves

Motorists have been told to maintain their vehicles if proposed changes to MOTs come into force.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy after proposals to extend the period between tests. 

The proposals have come via a consultation jointly published by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), affecting cars, motorbikes and vans. 

Currently, all new vehicles must be tested after they reach three years old, to ensure they do not present a danger to other road users. 

But if the new proposals are adopted, this period will be extended to four years, in line with many other countries across Europe. 

Advances in technology and the increase in popularity of EVs and hybrid cars mean new vehicles are less likely to need major attention at three years old. 

They also suggest that the period between MOT tests could also be extended from one year for newer vehicles. 

While the experts from Quotezone.co.uk welcome the chance for drivers to create savings, safety must always be the number one priority and both the government and the motorists themselves have a duty to ensure their cars, vans and motorbikes are safe to operate. 

Many countries across Europe have the four year policy, and the proposals would bring Britain in line with countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Government analysis shows less frequent MOT tests could save UK drivers around £100 million per year.

Quotezone.co.uk did a sample survey in Northern Ireland – where all vehicles must be tested at a dedicated MOT centre – putting the system under increasing pressure to clear the pandemic backlog.  43% of drivers were said to be waiting over 3 months for an available test date and 59% were driving on the road pass their test due date. 

These proposed changes may alleviate some issues but it’s important to remember 1 in 10 vehicles fail their MOT first time, under the proposal these vehicles would now be on the road for an additional year which some experts fear may increase the number of unsafe vehicles on our roads. 

Quotezone.co.uk Founder Greg Wilson has said: “These proposals to have less frequent MOT tests is likely to put the onus on the driver to more regularly maintain the vehicle and ensure its roadworthy. 

“Whilst of course money saving benefits are great in this economic climate, getting into an accident or driving an unsafe car could result in costs far bigger than a £40 MOT.

“There are several routine checks which drivers can do at home to help their vehicle stay in a safe and roadworthy condition.”

Quotezone.co.uk has provided checks you can make on your car:

  1. Check tyres: 

Before setting off, it is important to check for any cuts or wear. It is also good to check if the tyre pressures are appropriate for the load and condition of the tyres. The minimum and legal limit for tread depth of the tyres is 1.6mm – drivers can insert a 20p into the tread to double check, the tyre thickness should be more than the first line on the coin.

  1. Check lights: 

You need to make sure your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights all work. Having any of these not working or in a temperamental condition could put you, passengers and other motorists at risk.

  1. Check brakes:

The braking system needs to be in good working order. If the car pulls to one side when applying the breaks then this indicates an issue. Look at the handbrake too and ensure it works well, especially on an incline. If you have alloy wheels, it could be possible to do a visual inspection of the brakes without actually removing the wheel.

  1. Check fluid levels:

Keep your screen wash topped up so you can clean dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility and top up break fluid and oil. 

  1. Check mirrors: 

All mirrors must be secure and free of cracks. If they need replacing you can normally find ones for your car model online, but stay clear of self-adhesive types as these are not durable.

  1. Check windscreen and wipers:

Ensure there is no damage to your windscreen. A chip or crack that exceeds 40mm will actually result in a failed MOT test. On top of the windscreen, the wipers and washers should be functional to ensure good visibility at all times. 

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on household bills and essentials, including niche items such as motorbike insurance, van insurance and courier insurance.  –

Top UK Road Trips: Generation Z Vote for the Lake District

The Lake District has once again been voted the UK’s top road trip location in a new piece of research conducted by leading fuel brand – JET.

1250 UK drivers were asked to rank their favourite UK road trips with just over one-fifth (22%) voting for the Cumbrian national park as their favourite destination with 56% voting it into their top three.

Described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’ – more than 200 years on, the lakes and breath-taking roads that often hug the water’s edge continue to beguile today’s UK drivers. And while we could be forgiven for thinking that the romantic lure of the Lakes is lost on the young – think again! Gen Z drivers (18-24) were the most enthusiastic about the Lake District road trip with one-quarter voting it into the top spot and an unequivocal 59% voting it into their top three.

The stunning drive from Devon to Cornwall, ranked in second place this year with The Peak District taking third place. Other popular road trip destinations include: the North Coast 500, North Yorkshire Moors/Road to Whitby and The Cotswolds.

And while all drivers, across all age groups were unanimous in their top choice of the Lake District, there was less agreement when it came to other favoured UK road trips. 18–24-year-olds selected Devon to Cornwall as their second choice with The Peak District, Stone Henge/Cotswolds and North Coast 500, as their next most popular locations.

In contrast, the over 65s voted for an arguably more adventurous mix with the North Coast 500 as their second pick, the North Yorkshire Moors in third, Devon to Cornwall fourth and Snowdonia to Anglesey in fifth place.

The UK’s Top Ten Road Trips

  1. The Lake District
  2. Devon to Cornwall
  3. Peak District
  4. North Coast 500
  5. North Yorkshire Moors/Road to Whitby
  6. Cotswolds Roads
  7. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  8. Snowdonia to Anglesey
  9. Scottish Borders between Northumberland and Edinburgh
  10. Norfolk Coast

Gen Z’s Top Ten Road Trips:

  1. The Lake District
  2. Devon to Cornwall
  3. Peak District
  4. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  5. North Coast 500
  6. North Yorkshire Moors
  7. The Causeway
  8. A303 down to the West Country
  9. Norfolk Coast
  10. Snowdonia to Anglesey

Top Ten Road Trips 65+:

  1. The Lake District
  2. North Coast 500
  3. North Yorkshire Moors
  4. Devon to Cornwall
  5. Snowdonia to Anglesey
  6. Scottish Borders between Northumberland and Edinburgh
  7. Peak District
  8. The Cotswolds roads
  9. Stone Henge/Cotswolds
  10. The Causeway

JET’s inaugural road trip study was conducted in September 2020.

Brand new fuel costs calculator guides motorists on how much they can save

The RAC has warned motorists that petrol prices could be set to rise again, due to a cut in oil exports that could see prices rise at the pumps.

With petrol prices becoming an increasing concern for many commuters, it’s no surprise that commuters are considering making the switch to an Electric Vehicle (EV).

Sales of electric cars (including fully electric and plug-in hybrids) doubled in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million. 

To help consumers better understand the savings that switching to an EV can make, Select Car Leasing has launched a brand-new Fuel Cost Calculator. The new tool summarises how much a motorist can save, on average, comparing traditional fuel vs electric cars. 

https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/guides/fuel-cost-calculator

Due to the Energy Price Guarantee, brought in on 1st October, the fuel cost per mile in an electric car is lower if you charge at home, compared to using a public rapid charger, where the average price per kilowatt hour (kWh) is 63.29p. Home electricity prices, on the other hand, have been capped at 34p per kWh. Charging at home can also often be cheaper if customers are on a dual-rate tariff that allows for off-peak plug-ins. 

How does the calculator work?

The fuel calculator works on the assumption that the cost of a litre of fuel is £1.71, in line with current petrol and diesel prices, and that a typical, traditionally-fuelled vehicle has an efficiency of 39.5 mpg. 

It also assumes that you’re charging an electric car at home at a cost of 34p per kWh, in line with the Energy Price Guarantee. It also works on the assumption that an electric car has an average efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh – something Select says is a ‘conservative’ figure, with EVs often much more efficient. The Fiat 500 electric, for example, has an efficiency rating of 4.8 miles per kWh. 

By using the calculator’s slider, you can work out fuel prices depending on your annual mileage.

If you, for example, cover 10,000 miles annually, the calculator reveals that it would cost £1,973 to fuel a petrol or diesel car for the year, but just £971 to recharge an electric car. That’s a potential saving of £1,002. 

The table below shows how much petrol/diesel is per mile and illustrates how the electric vs petrol/diesel car comparison favours electric, especially when charging off-peak.

 Cost per MileVehicle EfficiencyFuel Cost
Electric Car – Off-peak2.1p3.5 miles per kWh7.5p per kWh
Electric Car – Energy Price Guarantee9.7p3.5 miles per kWh34p per kWh
Diesel Car19.0p43 mpg£1.80 per litre
Petrol Car20.6p36 mpg£1.63 per litre

What if I can only charge my electric car in public?

Some public charging points are free to use. For example, at Tesco you can often charge for free while you shop.

However, to use the more advanced, faster public chargers – known as ‘rapid’ chargers – you nearly always have to pay. Rates typically vary from about 30p per kWh to as much as 70p per kWh.

If you only use rapid chargers occasionally, you will still save a lot of money by switching to electric motoring.

If you do most of your charging at rapid charging stations, then your savings will be much less and it might even be cheaper in a petrol or diesel car, depending on what kWh rate you pay.

EV and hybrid drivers without breakdown cover vulnerable to unqualified recovery agents with ‘a truck and tow hook’

Motorists running modern EVs and hybrids who are tempted to cut costs by not investing in roadside assistance could be in for a shock from unskilled recovery agents warns leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.

As people tighten their belts, breakdown cover is often the first thing to go. But that could end up being a false economy and particularly for those with electric cars and hybrids.

With many modern vehicles having detailed recovery procedures, specialist and up-to-date knowledge is essential and particularly with modern EVs and hybrids. Failure to recover these vehicles correctly can result in costly damage to the crucial motors, transmissions and expensive electrical components.

Start Rescue says drivers of conventionally powered vehicles could find themselves shelling out £250 or more from inflated call-out charges and extra, unforeseen costs from freelancers, but for EV and plug-in hybrid owners who fall victim to unskilled traders it could mean thousands in unnecessary repair bills.

And if the vehicle is damaged during recovery there is the added worry as to whether the operator has the appropriate insurance cover; potentially leaving the driver footing the entire repair bill.

Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett said: “It’s a false economy to skimp on breakdown cover but particularly for those running electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. These motorists are risking not just their vehicle but leaving themselves open to massive additional bills if the recovery is botched.

“When you need help, you should ideally obtain assistance from a company which has a good reputation in your community or holds an industry recognised standard, such as PAS 43*. If they are PAS 43 registered, you can be very confident they have the necessary skills and technical training to recover your particular vehicle, whether it’s a car, van, motorcycle or a bus.

“Companies operating without a recognised recovery industry standard or lacking the experience of working with varying vehicle types, frequently don’t have the skills to recover a petrol or diesel vehicle correctly. So, if you have an EV or hybrid the risks of hugely expensive damage to these vehicles – which require a specific set of skills – are potentially higher.”

Without appropriate roadside rescue knowledge, these kind of ‘have-a-go’ operators are also potentially putting themselves and drivers at risk of injury, due to a lack of knowledge in appropriately recovering the vehicle or correctly managing the scene.

‘Have-a-go’ traders also may not have DBS or background checks, leaving vulnerable drivers at risk and recovery traders lacking a recognised recovery industry standard may exceed their allocated tachometer hours, increasing the risk of an accident due to fatigue.

Start Rescue is a 2021 Which? recommended breakdown cover provider.

Breakdown cover top tips

  • Get covered! If you don’t know a local reputable company, having no breakdown cover leaves you at the mercy of rogue traders
  • Use a reputable breakdown assistance provider such as Start Rescue
  • Have the breakdown cover’s contact details stored in your phone
  • Check the recovery company’s credentials. Reputable companies should show ID
  • Read your vehicle handbook to check for any special recovery instructions
  • Obtain a written and signed vehicle condition report before and after assistance has been provided and take photos of your vehicle both before and after assistance has been provided
  • Check for vehicle damage straight after recovery; report any problems immediately

Success for Volvo at Used Car Awards

  • Volvo S90 crowned Best Used Executive Car and scoops the overall bronze award
  • XC90 voted Best Used Large SUV
  • S90 wins for a third year in succession, impressing with its comfort, refinement and value for money
  • Judges praise the XC90 for its style, versatile seven-seat interior, load space and value
  • These and all other Volvo models available through Volvo Cars Selekt Direct, the UK’s first end-to-end online service for approved pre-owned car sales direct from the manufacturer

The lasting quality, style, customer appeal and value of Volvo’s prestige models have been rewarded with three honours in the 2022 Auto Express Used Car Awards, announced this week.

For a third successive year, the S90 has been crowned Best Used Executive Car. It also scooped the overall bronze award, marking it out as the third-best used car of all on sale, according to Auto Express. Meanwhile, the XC90 triumphed in the Best Used Large SUV category.

The S90’s pre-eminence in the awards continues with the judges once again impressed by its “compelling combination of style, comfort and value”. In awarding it the overall bronze award, the judging panel said “the S90 is something of a phenomenon and feels a cut above its German rivals”. So high do they rate the saloon’s all-round quality, they already consider it the prime contender for a fourth executive car award in 2023.

The judges praised the XC90 for its “head-turning style”, the versatility of its seven-seat interior, the quality of its infotainment system and its boot capacity. They added: “With the earliest versions now nearly eight years old, you can add superb value to that list of strengths.”

Motorists looking to invest in these award-winners and any other pre-owned Volvo can be assured of the best quality cars and customer support from the Volvo Selekt Approved Used service. Earlier this year, this was made even more convenient and customer-friendly with the introduction of Volvo Cars Selekt Direct, the UK’s first end-to-end online service for purchasing pre-owned cars direct from the manufacturer.

The models on offer are subject to more than 150 quality checks, including software upgrades to ensure optimum performance. Each car comes with 12 months’ Volvo roadside assistance, cover for its next MoT test and a comprehensive warranty. Customers can exchange their car within 30 days or 1,500 miles if they are unhappy with their purchase for any reason.

Andy Dolan, Volvo Car UK’s National Used Car Sales Lead, said: “These awards are a great affirmation of the quality and value that Volvo models offer used car customers.

“We are proud to back this up with the peace of mind and convenience of our Volvo Selekt Approved Used and Volvo Cars Selekt Direct services, which are the best ways to access the finest used Volvo cars on the market.”

More details and the full terms and conditions of the Volvo Selekt Approved Used service can be found at www.volvocars.co.uk/used. For Volvo Cars Selekt Direct, please visit volvoselekt.findvehicles.co.uk/en-gb/store/all.

‘Thunder fever’ could cost motorists up to £5000

The unusual weather this summer is causing issues for drivers that could result in fines or penalty points – adding to the mounting cost of living expenses.

This week alone has seen warnings from medical experts about ‘thunder fever’ – a rare weather phenomenon that makes hay fever (and asthma) much worse with a combination of thunderstorms and elevated pollen counts across the country. It happens when moisture and lightning brought by the storm, shatter pollen normally too large to enter the lungs into tiny pieces.

Whilst drivers need to be careful that sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes brought on by hay fever doesn’t impair their driving ability, there is a serious risk for those suffering with the pollen.  The government legislation that bans driving while under the influence does not distinguish between illicit drugs, prescription medication and over-the-counter medications. 

This means any type of drug that affects a motorist’s driving abilities could potentially result in a drug-driving conviction, even if it’s something as simple as hay fever medication that causes drowsiness. One in four people in the UK has hay fever, which equates to approximately 16 million people.

Other  distractions that could be classed as careless driving include  ‘rubber necking’ at the storm itself or failure to see through the windscreen properly, if caught in heavy rain.

Quotezone.co.uk, a leading car insurance comparison website, says if drivers find themselves stuck in the car during a thunderstorm, official advice from the Met Office is to wind up the window and stay inside the vehicle – the metal frame of the car should act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers and into the ground, should it be struck by lightning.

However, any damage to cars caused by driving through flash floods that accompany thunder storms might not be covered by insurance policies. Quotezone.co.uk warns motorists to carefully check their policy exclusions, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “The weather has been extreme this summer and driving in the heat alone has been challenging but there are things drivers need to know to avoid risking penalty points or fines and keep themselves safe on the roads.

“If a storm is predicted look at official flood warnings, avoid roads that are likely to flood and allow more travel time, note drivers may have to pull over and wait it out if the downpour starts to affect your visibility – drivers can be fined if they can’t see clearly out of all windows.

“Hay fever symptoms can come on unexpectedly and some types of medication do cause drowsiness, or carry a ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ warning. If a driver fails to obey this warning and gets behind the wheel, they could risk a hefty fine of up to £5,000, points on their licence and endanger themselves and other road users.”

It’s always sensible to check the weather before setting off on long journeys and err on the side of caution, Met Office pollen count forecasts available here.

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including  breakdown cover,  and niche products such as motor trade insurance – helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products.

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