Tag: advice

Reduce your Gas Bill this Winter

Below is a list of 10 tips from heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk on how to reduce your gas consumption and keep those winter energy costs in check.

Read on for everything you need to know…

1.  Unleash the Power of Insulation

Let’s begin with the foundation: insulation. A well-insulated home is like a cosy cocoon, retaining the precious heat and preventing those hard-earned pounds from escaping through the roof and walls.

Below is a list of ways to insulate your home:

  • Loft Insulation – The humble loft is often a major culprit in heat loss. Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation. The recommended depth for most homes is around 270mm. If your loft insulation is looking a little thin or patchy, consider topping it up.
  • Wall Insulation – Cavity wall insulation is a fantastic way to significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. This involves injecting insulating material into the hollow spaces between the two layers of brickwork.
  • Draught-Proofing – Those pesky draughts can sneak in through even the smallest gaps. Conduct a thorough draught-proofing inspection around your windows and doors. Look out for gaps around the frames, letterboxes, and keyholes. Employ a variety of draught-proofing methods, such as the following: Draught Excluders, which are soft, tubular devices that can be placed under doors to prevent the cold air from seeping in. Weather Stripping is a self-adhesive tape that can be applied to window and door frames to seal gaps. Window Film is a transparent film that can be applied to single-glazed windows to reduce heat loss.

2.  Master Your Heating Controls

Your thermostat is paramount in tackling high gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Temperature Tweaks – Lowering your thermostat temperature by even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Aim for a comfortable temperature of around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Embrace Smart Thermostats – Consider investing in a smart thermostat. These nifty devices can learn your heating habits, automatically adjust temperatures when you’re out or asleep, and can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
  • Timer Tactics – Utilise your thermostat’s timer function to schedule your heating to come on only when you need it. For example, you could set it to warm up the house an hour before you wake up and turn it down again when you leave for work.

3.  Embrace The Cosy

Sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Take a look at the tips below:

  • Layer Up – Ditch the t-shirts and embrace the power of layering. Put on some cosy socks and jumpers, and snuggle yourself up in a blanket. You might be surprised just how much warmer you feel without having to crank up the thermostat.
  • Hot Water Bottles – These are a classic for a good reason! A hot water bottle can provide comforting warmth on chilly evenings, especially when curled up on the sofa.

4.  Heating Hacks

Below are some heating hacks that can help make your home warmer while saving you money on your gas bills:

  • Bleeding Radiators – Imagine your radiator as a water-filled pipe. If air becomes trapped inside, this prevents water from circulating properly, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating. Bleeding your radiators regularly allows you to release this trapped air, ensuring that your radiators heat up evenly and efficiently.

How to Bleed a Radiator

Take the steps below to successfully bleed your radiator:

  1. Run your hand over the radiator and check if it is cold at the top or the bottom. If the top of the radiator is cold, this means that there is air trapped inside and that the radiator needs to be bled.
  2. Start by turning off your central heating system.
  3. Then, place a rag or old piece of cloth underneath the valve so that you can catch any water that may start to drip out while you are bleeding the radiator.
  4. Use your radiator key and turn it anti-clockwise by roughly a quarter of a turn. It should start to hiss. Leave it open until the air stops coming out and water starts running out of the valve.
  5. As soon as water starts coming out of the valve, turn the radiator key to the off position again.
  6. Bleed any other radiators that need to be bled while your central heating system is still off.
  7. Check your boiler pressure.
  8. You can then turn your central heating system back on and the issue should now be resolved.
  • Radiator Reflectors – Radiators emit heat in all directions, including towards the wall behind them. This heat is then absorbed by the wall, effectively wasting energy. Radiator reflectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They are typically made of reflective foil and are placed behind radiators to direct the heat back into the room. This simple hack can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your radiators and make a noticeable difference in the temperature in your home.

5.  Kitchen and Bathroom Tips

There are several things you can do in the kitchen and bathroom to help lower your gas bills. Take a look at the list below:

Shower Power

  • Embrace the “Eco” Setting – Many modern showers have an “eco” setting that reduces the water flow. Even a slight reduction in water flow can significantly lower your energy consumption.
  • Timing is Key – Aim for shorter showers. Every minute counts when it comes to reducing water and energy usage. Consider setting a timer to keep track of your shower times.
  • Install a Low-Flow Showerhead – Investing in a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce your water usage without compromising your showering experience. These showerheads are designed to deliver a powerful spray while using less water.

Lids on Pots

  • Boiling Point Breakthrough – Using a lid when you are boiling water or cooking using the hob creates a much more efficient and faster cooking process. The lid helps trap the heat within the pot, allowing the water to boil much quicker, and this helps to reduce cooking times.
  • Energy Savings – By reducing your cooking times, you are using less energy from your hob. This not only saves you money on your gas bill, but it also helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

6.  Government Schemes and Support

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, rating it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The EPC highlights areas where your home is losing heat, such as poorly insulated walls or a draughty loft. By understanding your home’s energy performance, you can identify areas for improvement and prioritise energy-saving measures.

Government Grants and Schemes

The UK government offers various grants and schemes to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency.

  • The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – This scheme provides financial support for homeowners and landlords to replace old gas boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives such as heat pumps.
  • Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme – This scheme helps low-income and vulnerable households improve their energy efficiency through certain measures such as insulation and boiler upgrades.
  • Local Authority Grants – Local councils may offer grants or funding for energy efficiency improvements within their area.

It is very important to research and explore the available schemes to see if you are eligible and how you can benefit from them.

7.  Washing Machine and Dishwasher Efficiency

  • Take Advantage of Full Loads – Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to operate most efficiently when fully loaded. Running half-empty loads wastes both water and energy.
  • Utilise Eco Modes – Most modern washing machines and dishwashers offer an eco or energy-saving mode. These modes use less water and energy while still achieving an effective cleaning result.
  • Wash at Lower Temperatures – Washing your clothes at lower temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) can significantly reduce the energy consumption. Modern detergents are highly effective at lower temperatures.
  • Air Dry Dishes – If possible, air dry your dishes instead of using a heated dry cycle in the dishwasher.

8.   Switch Suppliers

The energy market in the UK is highly competitive. Energy suppliers are constantly adjusting their tariffs to attract new customers. Regularly comparing energy tariffs from different suppliers is essential. Consider using price comparison websites and energy-switching tools to easily compare tariffs from various suppliers.

When comparing tariffs, consider your annual energy usage. Some tariffs are better suited for high-usage households, while others are more cost-effective for low-usage households.

Be aware of any exit fees associated with your current energy contract. The switching process is generally quite straightforward. Your new supplier will handle the transfer of your energy supply from your old supplier.

1.  Energy-Efficient Appliances

Consider your choices of appliances and how they are affecting your gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:

  • High-Efficiency Boilers – Consider upgrading your old boiler to a more efficient model, such as a condensing boiler. Modern boilers are designed to extract more heat from the fuel, resulting in significant energy savings.
  • Regular Boiler Servicing – Regular boiler servicing ensures your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. A well-maintained boiler will use much less gas to heat your home.
  • Check for Boiler Issues – If you suspect your boiler is not functioning correctly (for example, it is taking longer to heat up or is producing unusual noises), call a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair any issues.

2.  Mindful Habits

It is important to be mindful if you want to save on your gas bills. Consider the following tips:

Using Sunlight

  • Embrace Natural Light – Open your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the natural sunlight to warm your home. Utilise the sun’s warmth to help heat your home during the day, reducing your reliance on artificial heating.
  • Maximise Daylight – Position the furniture in your home strategically to make the most of the natural sunlight.

Use The Curtains

  • Prevent Heat Loss – Close the curtains and blinds at night to prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
  • Reduce Draughts – Curtains can also help to reduce draughts around windows, further improving your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Consider Thick Curtains – Invest in thick, lined curtains for added insulation.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your gas consumption and keep your home cosy this winter without breaking the bank. It’s important to remember to be patient. Making significant improvements to your home’s energy efficiency may take time and investment. However, the long-term savings on your gas bills will be well worth it.

Consider consulting a qualified assessor who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t implement all of these tips at once. Start with a few small changes and gradually work your way through the list. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!

We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to stay warm and save money this winter!

MATTHEW JENKINS

Matthew Jenkins has worked as a self-employed tradesman in the domestic heating industry for over fifteen years. Matthew is a gas-safe engineer specialising in heating and plumbing.

He also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert knowledge to homeowners and tradespeople and has been featured in a range of established news outlets.

Avoid fines when driving in the snow with these winter hacks

A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.

Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.

The firm, which runs one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison services, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter: 

Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.

Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’, and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.

Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.

Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.

Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.

Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence. 

Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.

Numberplate – excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.

Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.

Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

Car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.

“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.

“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, save on all sorts of motoring products such as van insurance, convicted drivers insurance and breakdown cover. 

Feeling the cold: 52% of Scots unsure how to check their boiler

With colder temperatures seemingly here to stay, many of us are thinking about our boilers more. Checking your boiler and central heating system are functioning properly and efficiently is crucial, as we rely on them to keep us warm over the winter.

But how confident and comfortable are you checking the health of your boiler and central heating system? This was just one of the questions British Gas asked 1,000 boiler owners across Britain to discover the nation’s levels of knowledge, confidence and understanding of boiler-related issues. Of those surveyed, more than half of Scots (51.9%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.

The full survey explored everything from how many cold showers people would endure before calling a gas engineer for help to how confident they would be bleeding their radiators.

British Gas also offers expert advice on how to check your boiler’s health, as well as how to maintain a healthy boiler throughout the year, which you can find below.

Key Findings:

  • More than half of Scots surveyed (52%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
  • 42% of Scots find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’.
  • Almost 3 in 10 of Scots ‘never think about their boiler’
  • 46% of Scots would endure at least one cold shower before calling in a boiler expert.

You can see the full results of the survey here:

 https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating/boiler-repair/feeling-the-cold.html

More than half of Scots unsure how to check the health of their boiler

It is obvious from the survey that there are some confidence and knowledge gaps across the country when it comes to boilers. More than half (52%) of survey respondents admitted they don’t know how to check the health of their boiler. 

Do you know how to check the health of your boiler?Percentage of responses (Scotland)
No, I do not know how to check51.9%
Yes, I check once per year18.5%
Yes, I check it once per month22.2%
Yes, but I never check it7.4%

On top of this, more than two in five (42%) find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’, while over 28% of the Scottish public answered that they never think about boiler issues. That’s in comparison to only 30% that feel confident solving problems.

How do you feel about solving boiler-related issuesPercentage of responses (Scotland)
I find it stressful and intimidating42.0%
I never think about it28.4%
I feel confident29.6%

How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?

To find out how long people are willing to ignore their malfunctioning boiler before calling for help, British Gas asked how many cold showers they would endure before seeking repair works.

Although the majority of Scots would not stand the thought of a single cold shower before picking up the phone to an engineer, there were some staggering findings to the contrary. 46% would endure at least one icy shower, with 1.2% answering they wouldn’t mind 10 or more before calling out for repairs.

How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?Percentage of responses (Scotland)
Wouldn’t endure a single cold shower54.3%
Would endure one or more cold showers45.6%
Would endure two or more cold showers14.7%
Would endure three or more cold showers.6.1%
Would endure ten or more cold showers1.2%

Expert commentary on boiler health from Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas:

How can I check the health of my boiler?  

With over 50% of people not understanding how to check their boiler’s health, it can feel puzzling sometimes. If you’re one of those people who aren’t too sure, you can do simple things like turning the heating on and checking radiators to ensure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been turned on recently. 

Bleeding your radiators is another simple task you could carry out to ensure your home heating system is functioning as it should. If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, this could be something to try. To do this, turn off your heating, let your radiators go cold and then bleed them with a bleed key and cloth.

Remember that if your boiler does stop working, you can book a one-off emergency repair with British Gas before 11 am and they’ll be there the same day*

*Based on 2024 performance data, 80% of customers contacting by 11am received the same day service.

How often should I check my boiler?

While you don’t have to be an expert to check if your boiler’s working properly, there are lots of simple things you can do. Turn the heating on and feel the radiators to make sure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been used in a while.

And when it comes to servicing, once a year is the right amount. We recommend that your boiler is serviced once a year, but if you want a more in-depth assessment by a professional who will make sure it’s all in working order, book a boiler service when you need it.

Whether you choose to do this in the summer, winter or at any time of year, annual servicing can prevent any unwanted breakages or faults before they happen.

What should I do if my boiler is making noise?

With over 12,000 searches a month across the UK for queries relating to boiler sounds, this is certainly something people worry about. While it can be a little concerning, don’t panic. Boilers make sounds, even when they’re switched on and being used. If you’re hearing a specific sound – banging, vibrating, whistling or any other noise – this may be a clue to what is going on inside your boiler.

Vibrating sounds coming from your boiler? With over 2,740 searches a month, steady and continuous noises can be common and may indicate loose brackets that need tightening or trapped air. If uncertain where it’s coming from, get an engineer to scan the source and diagnose any faults. 

Mechanical sounds like banging, knocking and clunking are also a common concern, with over 2,200 searches a month. This can signal a faulty part inside a boiler or even a problem with the heat exchanger. It’s best to address these issues promptly so that you can put your mind to rest.   

Since your boiler pumps a lot of water through the pipes in your house, hearing water and liquid sounds coming from the unit can be normal. 

If you’re hearing something out of the blue or extremely loud, then it may be time to double-check that everything’s working okay. It’s important to remember that boilers will have automatic switches and safety mechanisms that turn the boiler off before it is dangerous. If this happens, get in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler working again. 

Always book a gas safe engineer if you are not sure what’s wrong.

Healthy Heart Tip: How to drink less alcohol this New Year

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Alcohol can often be at the forefront of the festive season. This time of year, is for gathering and celebrating with your loved ones, which can often mean consuming too much alcohol.

Over 60% of drinkers in the UK over-indulge during the festive period, consuming more alcohol than usual and having their first drink at an earlier time of day. Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the heart and a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day, making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.  

In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy. 

Alcohol-free drinks 

With so many alcohol-free alternatives of your favourite big-name brands now available, why not use Christmas as a time to try them out?

You may need to try a few to find one that you like, but often they taste very similar to their alcoholic counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.  

Mocktails 

Mocktails or cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Bars and restaurants often have a wide range of mocktails for you to choose from, and they’re usually cheaper too.

Be mindful when choosing your drink of how much sugar is in it, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices. Instead, opt for ones containing ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water. A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home. 

Enjoy alcohol in moderation 

To look after our heart, we don’t have to stop drinking completely. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits alongside this.

The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days which is the equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.

By not exceeding these recommendations, you may feel more able to be physically active and cook healthier meals. 

FLU: What To Do

Having the flu can leave you feeling awful, but there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery:

Do:

✅ Rest and get plenty of sleep

✅ Keep warm

✅Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

✅ Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains

✅ Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better

Don’t:

❌ Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol

You can check your symptoms and decide what to do next by visiting

https://nhs24.info/flu

Working this Christmas? Check your pay!

Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours. 

Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates. 

HMRC’s festive video issues a clear reminder: 

“Have you started a Christmas job? 

“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.

“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.

“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”

The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:

  • £11.44 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
  • £8.60 – Age 18 to 20
  • £6.40 – Age under 18
  • £6.40 – Apprentice

Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended. 

To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays. 

Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:

They can also contact Acas for advice.

Granton Information Centre delighted with feedback survey response

Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback so far by completing our survey!

GIC are passionate about providing the best possible service to our clients and we are delighted with the results and the many positive comments we’ve received since April:

Motorists urged to follow winter warnings

Motorists are being warned about winter driving hazards they need to be aware of as temperatures start to drop.

Experts from car insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk have revealed ways motorists can avoid penalty points, fines, higher insurance premiums and help keep themselves and other road users safe.

Winter is a dangerous time of year to be driving, with darker nights, awkward sunshine and icy road surfaces.

When asked about their biggest fear when driving in the winter, a recent Quotezone survey found 48% said driving in snow and icy conditions is their biggest worry.

To try to alleviate these fears, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for the winter weather, be extra cautious and adjust their driving to meet the conditions.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Winter is probably the most challenging time of the year for drivers, as part of Road Safety Week we wanted to raise awareness of the difficulties many drivers face every day and encourage everyone to get prepared for winter.

“The Quotezone survey showed nearly half are worried about driving in snowy and icy conditions, but there are steps drivers can take to help keep them safe.  It’s important to make sure the vehicle is road worthy – especially tyres, it’s vital they are fit for purpose, fully inflated and pass the 20p tread depth test to ensure they have enough grip in treacherous conditions.

“It’s sensible to give your vehicle some TLC before setting off, especially on longer road trips over the festive season to visit friends and family, ensuring all lights are working and fluid levels are all topped up.  It can also be helpful to pack the boot with a winter survival kit, with essentials in case of an accident or breakdown.

“Road safety is paramount and something all drivers need to take seriously.  We’re proud to support road safety charity Brake and the vital work they do supporting communities throughout Great Britain – their vision is a world where we can all move in a safe and healthy way, working to stop crashes on our roads, reduce harm when a crash happens, and help every road victim get the support they need, for as long as they need it.”

Quotezone.co.uk has put together a list of five things to look out for when driving this winter:

1.Check tyres

Motorists can be fined a hefty £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points, resulting in the loss of a driving licence.  Bare and worn tyres will have less grip and be treacherous in icy conditions, when you insert a 20p into the gap in the tyre tread, the rubber needs to cover the bottom line of the 20p, to ensure the tyres have enough grip.

2.Clear your windscreen before you set off

Windscreens with inhibited views can land drivers with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before you start driving – not having a full view of the road is incredibly dangerous.

3.Defrosting

It’s tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if the vehicle is stolen in the meantime, many insurance companies will not cover the loss. Leaving engines running, also known as ‘idling’ is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is because it’s bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.  It’s also incredibly dangerous if done near a school so best to switch the engine off completely if waiting on the school pick-up.

4.Clean the number plate

Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the number plate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.  The police need visible access to your number plate at all times, for the safety of all road users.

5.Driving in a flood

Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.  It’s also extremely dangerous as the engine can stall and the vehicle can be left stranded.

It’s also sensible to pack the car with winter essentials before setting off, such as a torch, a blanket, a shovel, water and rations, a first aid kit, de-icer and a spare phone charger – to help cope with the unexpected.

Quotezone.co.uk helps drivers compare and save on all sorts of motoring products such as breakdown cover, car, motorbike and van insurance.

Worried this winter? Let’s chat.

If you are worried about heating bills and the cost of living this winter, the Citizens Advice network is here to help.

Continued high living costs and months of unaffordable energy bills means many of us are worried about managing payments again this winter. Sadly, too many of us are switching off the heating, turning to credit to cover essential livings costs, or feeling like there is no solution to unmanageable bills.

But the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here for you with free, impartial and confidential advice.

Find your local CAB

Your first port of call should be contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confidential and impartial advice. One of our specialist advisers will be able to talk to you face-to-face, go through your situation and work out the next steps. They will be able to help communicate with your energy supplier, set up a manageable repayment plan or find out if you are eligible for any grants or discounts.

Get help online

Specialist services

  • If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, we can help. Our Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone (0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim.
  • The Money Talk Team at your local Citizens Advice Bureau helps you maximise your income, look at options to reduce costs and offers specialist debt advice. To find out more, start a webchat here.
  • If you are elderly, have certain health conditions, are pregnant or have young children, you may be eligible for additional support from your supplier. Check if you are eligible for the Priority Services Register here.
  • You can also call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for help with your home energy this winter.