Tag: CarStore

2 in 5 drivers break the rules while travelling with their furry friends

CarStore and Battersea announce partnership to empower dog-owning customers to find the right car for them

With many set to take their pooches away with them this summer, new research of 2,000 dog owners has revealed more than two thirds of drivers (68%)* aren’t aware of the current rules surrounding car travel with dogs.

To mark the launch of CarStore’s partnership with leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, a new study suggests that over half (52%) of us are happiest while out driving with our dogs – yappy days! What’s more, 42% proclaim to treasure them as part of the family, so it’s troubling to find that despite this, 2 in 5 drivers are unknowingly breaking the rules when out travelling with their dogs.

While 1 in 5 (20%) don’t have a designated zone for their pooch, only half (54%) keep their dog restrained while out travelling and just 5% are aware of the severity of the repercussions of driving without due care and attention can entail (up to £5,000 and nine points on your driving licence), it’s clear there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when out driving with our four-legged friends.

As one of the first used car brands in the UK to partner with a national animal charity, CarStore is delivering on its commitment to flex to the needs of contemporary car-seekers via the partnership.

Battersea will be hosting training sessions for CarStore Personal Advisors, educating them on how to manage experience centre visits from dog-owning customers and create a more dog friendly environment.

Personal Advisors will also be informed about the legal requirements surrounding car travel with dogs, and the equipment available to meet these requirements. Alongside this training, CarStore and Battersea will co-create useful advice and content to help improve customer understanding of the rules and requirements for travelling with their furry friends.

Kim Costello, Chief Marketing Officer at CarStore, said: “We know there has been a huge surge in pet ownership over the past 12-18 months and as a result, a likely need for individuals and families to purchase a new car to accommodate their new furry friends.

“This new alliance between CarStore and Battersea aims to help as many of the nation’s dog owners as possible find the right car for them.

“Specially trained by Battersea experts, our Personal Advisors will be equipped to support dog-owning customers with the car-buying process. Whether they’re looking for a car to accommodate a large German Shepherd, or something smaller to seat a Cockapoo and a small carrier, our Personal Advisors will be on hand to support and help customers find their perfect car.”

The survey suggested that many do not believe their car is currently practical for travelling with a dog, with almost half (49%) wishing they could do more to dog proof it. However, 10% confirmed they do not know where to source correct and accurate guidance, with many admitting to checking social media (18%) or forums online (18%) rather than reputable sources.

Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with CarStore to further help dog owners travel safely and wisely with their pets.

“With the good weather returning, many families may be looking to travel with their dogs during their staycations and Battersea wants to ensure dog owners have the right knowledge before embarking on a car journey with their pets. 

“When in the car with your dog, it’s important that they are comfortable in their environment to reduce stress and anxiety, so familiarising your pet with your vehicle before embarking on a long journey will help them get used to travelling. 

“It’s also important to ensure they are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you need to stop suddenly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet crate or guard are all suitable ways to travel safely with your pet.”

CarStore offers customers a combined approach when it comes to buying, selling, and purchasing a used vehicle, blending digital and physical locations to give customers the flexibility and freedom to approach the process in a way that works best for their lifestyle. CarStore’s impartial Personal Advisors provide expert advice and empower customers to make informed decisions that are right for them.

Visit the website to find out more about the partnership and access the content hub: 

https://www.carstore.com/about/battersea/

For tips on how to get your dog used to travelling in a vehicle, visit Battersea’s website for useful advice, videos and downloadable guides: 

https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-advice/getting-your-dog-used-car-travel

For more information on the rules around travelling with pets in a vehicle visit:

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/rules-about-animals-other-animals.html

HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL WHEN TRAVELLING DURING THE NEXT HEATWAVE

  • Parts of the UK are set for a second heatwave in the coming weeks, with temperatures set to reach 28C
  • Dogs are at increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses and start to suffer in just a few minutes
  • Battersea and CarStore have shared the key watchouts and guidance for looking after your dog in these hot temperatures 

With temperatures set to soar again next week, reaching 28C or higher in some areas, it’s important for pet owners to know exactly what to do to keep their dogs safe when travelling in these balmy temperatures.

Looking after beloved pooches is all about planning ahead and being prepared. The aim is to keep them healthy, happy, and hydrated, to reduce the risk of the dog suffering from heatstroke – a genuine threat on a hot summer’s day.

To help drivers stay on top of things whilst out travelling this summer, CarStore have joined forces with Battersea to share their top tips for dog-owning drivers:

  1. KEEP THE CAR COOL

If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight.

You should also make sure your dog has access to water during the journey. The amount of time it takes for a dog to overheat in a car is much shorter than many people think, especially if your dog is long-haired or has a short snout – in some cases, it could be minutes or less. Many of these dogs have difficulty breathing and these problems are exacerbated in hot weather, even from 20°C.

  1. TAKE CARE ON HOT SURFACES

Lots of surfaces heat up in the sun, such as leather car seats or the tarmac in a car park, and this can be painful for your dog’s paws, causing injuries such as blisters. If in doubt, check for yourself using the palm of your hand. If it feels too hot for you, the chances are your dog will feel the same. Use a towel or dog bed in your car to ensure your dog is not sat directly on a hot seat whilst on the move.

  1. PLAN STOPS ON YOUR JOURNEY

If you’re travelling for any kind of significant distance, make sure you take a route that has enough places to stop, so not only can the human passengers take a break, but your dog/s can stretch their legs, go to the toilet, rehydrate, and have a cooling treat too. We would recommend setting off earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and there is less traffic, if possible.

  1. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR

Cars can get very warm, very quickly, and this can be deadly for your dog.  Even if your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.

  1. LOOK OUT FOR HEATSTROKE

When your dog gets too hot and can’t reduce their body temperature they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. The signs to look out for include: 

  • Heavy panting
  • Glazed eyes
  • A rapid pulse
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lack of coordination, or confusion
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you need to act fast. Immediately take them to a cool, shaded area and ring your nearest vet clinic.

Once in the shade, lay them down on a towel soaked in cold water and let them drink small amounts of cool water. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Try to keep cooling them down while you take them to the vets.

Wherever you’re heading, we wish you and your dog a summer full of safe and cool car journeys.

For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in summer, visit the CarStore site, or for pet advice, the Pet Advice section on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home website is full of expert information.

Fuel to hit £2 A LITRE? Tips to help you save at the pump

As households across the UK brace themselves for the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, CarStore’s Personal Advisors offer some tips to follow in order to improve fuel economy.

Mark Akbar, Managing Director at CarStore, said: “As prices at the pump are increasing rapidly and the cost-of-living crisis escalates, it’s more important than ever that drivers make the most out of every drop of fuel, improving driving economy and saving themselves money in the process.

“At CarStore our Personal Advisors are committed to listening and putting our customers’ needs first and we want share any informed, impartial advice that we can to make our customers’ lives easier and more affordable.”

“There are many different techniques and habits you can incorporate into everyday driving that will have a positive impact on your vehicle’s fuel economy. Try following even just a few of CarStore’s tips and tricks below and you may be pleasantly surprised just how much difference a change in driving style and habits can make to the miles per gallon you’ll achieve.”

  1. Check your tyres & Tyre Pressures

One of the biggest factors in terms of fuel economy is the performance of your tyres – they are, after all, the only thing that connects your vehicle to the road. Having your vehicle’s tyres inflated to the correct pressures has a significant impact on your vehicle’s fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres can have a detrimental effect on your mpg by as much as -2.5%.

  1. Always anticipate

Simply anticipating what is likely to happen in front of you when driving will greatly improve your efficiency as well as reduce wear and tear on your car’s brakes.  While maintaining your focus on the vehicle directly in front of you, take the time to look further ahead to see what’s going on. If there’s a red light, try to lift off the accelerator  a little earlier than you might normally, without taking it to extremes of course. If the lights change, you’ll still be rolling and you’ll spend less time getting up to speed, using less fuel in the process. Simply put, the less time you spend with your foot on the accelerator, the less fuel you will use.

  1. Accelerate and Decelerate Smoothly

When the lights turn green, don’t stamp on the accelerator and get up to speed as fast as physically possible. Accelerate briskly but smoothly, reaching the desired speed in a reasonable time frame so as not to frustrate your fellow road users behind you. Don’t wait until the last minute to come to a standstill either, lift off the gas nice and early and brake gently until you come to a stop.

  1. Remove Excess Weight

The heavier your car is, the more fuel it will use trying to get from A to B, so anything you can do to make it lighter will save you money. Roof boxes and bike racks are the main culprits, but simply having a good clear out of what’s in the backseat and the boot can have a positive impact as well.

  1. Check Your Speed & Use Cruise Control

Always being mindful of the speed you’re travelling at is good, safe practice anyway, but it can help in terms of fuel economy too. Motorists should adhere to speed limits at all times so as they aren’t breaking the law, but saving money is another solid reason to do so. For instance, travelling above the national speed limit at 80mph instead of 70mph will use an extra 10% of fuel, as well as cost you extra money in speeding fines too. Cruise control only helps the situation too. Slowing down and speeding up increases fuel usage in a big way, so letting the car maintain the exact cruising speed for you whenever possible is simply the most efficient way to get around.

  1. Use Your Gears Properly

It’s not part of the driving test to learn how to use your gears efficiently, you simply have to be able to use them to get the car to move at various speeds. However, to make the most out of every drop of fuel and maintain maximum efficiency, it’s vital that you’re always using the right gear at the right time. Be careful not to over-rev the engine, as this will use more fuel, and make sure you don’t labour the engine by being in a gear that’s too low for the speed and terrain. Generally, petrol cars are at their most economical between 1500 and 2500 rpm, so you should aim to change up to the next gear whenever you exceed the higher end of that band. For diesels, it’s between 1300 and 2000 rpm.

  1. Service & Maintain Your Car

Ensuring that your vehicle is in tip-top mechanical shape is vital when making sure that fuel economy is as good as it can be. A car that has its engine serviced regularly and in line with service schedules using the correct parts, fluids and lubricants will work better and be more efficient than one that isn’t. It’ll be more reliable too. Wheel alignment (also known as tracking) can also have a negative effect on fuel economy too, and it can be knocked out by something as simple as a pot hole in the road, so make sure you get it checked regularly.

  1. Avoid Unnecessary Idling

When the car is standstill and the engine is turned on and idling, you’re getting precisely 0 miles per gallon from your fuel. This is because fuel is being used but you aren’t going anywhere. So, waiting for a mate outside their house? Turn the engine off. Eating your burger at the drive thru? Turn the engine off. And yes, even if you’re defrosting your car, if you want to save fuel, you’ll have to turn the engine off. Modern cars with “stop/start” technology save fuel by turning the engine off while the vehicle is stationary. If your car has this function, keeping it turned on is the best thing you can do for fuel economy.

  1. Use Air Con & Heating Functions Wisely

As a general rule, anything that drains the car’s battery in any significant way is also a drain on your car’s fuel tank. This is because it uses the alternator to charge the battery back-up, which is powered by the engine, which needs fuel to work. Air con is the biggest culprit here, increasing fuel consumption by around 5-7% in town driving. At higher speeds the effect is less noticeable, and using the air con at motorway speeds is actually more efficient than having the windows down because of the drag that’s created. Heated seats, heated steering wheels, heated windscreens and anything else heated will use extra fuel too.

  1. Don’t Coast

Many drivers, particularly those who are used to driving cars from the ’70s and ’80s or even earlier, will swear that putting the car into neutral while going downhill or coming to a standstill will reduce fuel consumption because the rpm is lower. This is not true, certainly not of modern vehicles. Simply leaving the car in gear and coming to a stop – without labouring the engine – means you won’t be using any fuel at all. This is because the engine is using the drive. Coasting can also be dangerous too, as you’re less in control of the car.