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Winter Motoring – Is Your Car Ready?
With colder weather now upon us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.
BYD Dolphin Launch Review
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
It is not often that car launches take place on my patch, but that is exactly what happened recently with a regional launch for BYD’s Dolphin. A long association with the company’s PR, I suggested the hotel and planned the drive route. A new career in the making perhaps?
What Is It?
For those not familiar with Chinese company BYD, a little background.
12:00 AM 25th November 2023
Over A Quarter Of Brits Could Experience Hazards On The Road Due To Common Eye Condition
If you see blurry or wavy beams on lights, you could be one of the 27% of people in the UK living with a common eye condition known as astigmatism. This Road Safety Awareness Week (19-25th November), Specsavers reveal the signs and symptoms that may indicate astigmatism and share top tips on how to drive safely with this condition.
12:00 AM 25th November 2023
Unusual Winter Driving Laws Around The Globe
Image Credit: Unsplash
Drivers have been warned of ten unusual laws across the globe that could get them fined or jailed this winter. StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the strangest motoring laws around the world so tourists aren’t caught off guard. With icy roads, poor visibility and frosty windscreens, getting behind the wheel in the winter months can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers.
12:00 AM 25th November 2023
Drivers Warned To Completely Demist Their Car Else Risk Hefty Fines
Image Credit - Shutterstock
Drivers have been warned to demist their windscreens before driving or face fines of up to £2,500. Motoring company LeaseCar.uk have told Brits how to speed up the demising process and to never drive with foggy windows this winter to ensure there is a clear view ahead.
12:00 AM 25th November 2023
Road Safety Week: 5 Tips For Driving Safely In The Dark
With the days getting shorter and nights becoming longer as winter rolls in, driving in the dark carries a lot more risk than driving during the day. However, there are simple steps you can take that make driving at night much safer.
8:52 AM 20th November 2023
Kia Sportage Turns 30 Years Old
The Sportage, Kia’s best-selling car in the UK, Europe and globally, is celebrating its 30th birthday having first been gone on-sale worldwide in 1993. The Sportage was introduced in the UK two years later, with sales commencing in 1995.
1:00 AM 18th November 2023
First Major Gritting Run Of Season As Temperatures Drop
Gritters went out over the weekend for the first significant operation of this autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads as temperatures dipped across the country. Leading-edge technology, in-depth forecasting, and work with partners such as the Met Office and MetDesk means National Highways knows precisely where and when to treat roads with salt.
12:23 PM 13th November 2023
Autumn Leaf Fire Warning For Motorists
Drivers are being warned of life-threatening engine fires if they don’t clear fallen leaves from their cars this autumn. LeaseCar.uk are urging motorists to be vigilant before driving their vehicles as a build-up of wet leaves can have dangerous consequences.
1:00 AM 11th November 2023
Mazda MX-30 R-EV Launch Review
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Mazda is a company which charts its own course. Whilst most manufacturers have rushed to join the EV revolution, some with more success than others, Mazda has taken a far more measured approach. They continue to develop their range of combustion engine cars and only quite recently, launched a new diesel engine in their range-topping CX-60.
12:00 AM 11th November 2023
The UK's Roads Are In Trouble, But What Can Road Users Do About Potholes?
Photo by Matt Hoffman on Unsplash
The RAC’s recent report shows that vehicle breakdowns caused by potholes are at a record level in 2023. The 6,000 pothole-related incidents the RAC has responded to from July to September shows the severity of the ever-present fixture on the UK’s roads. These potholes can be a dangerous hazard and potentially cause serious damage to vehicles. As a result, many of us feel compelled to act.
12:00 AM 11th November 2023
A Third Of Drivers Ignore Or Are Unaware Of The Two-Second Distance Rule
Image by G.C. from Pixabay
32% of drivers admit to being unaware or choosing to ignore the two-second distance rule; Government statistics show that 21% of cars are being driven too close to the one in front; AA Accident Assist data shows the problem is exacerbated in the Winter, where rear-end smashes increase by 25% compared to the rest of the year; “Playing fast and loose with a safe distance from the vehicle in front is much more likely to end in disaster” says AA Accident Assist MD
1:00 AM 6th November 2023
Rev Up Your Mind With This New Licence Plate Brainteaser
A new brainteaser by airport transfer and ground transportation company hoppa challenges people to find the duplicate number plate. Only those with eagle eyes can find it in less than a minute, and 1 in 5 even give up altogether Attentiveness to detail can make all the difference while travelling, especially when it comes to finding your transport and getting into the right vehicle.
1:01 AM 4th November 2023
Can Sneezing While Driving Land You A Hefty Fine And Penalty Points?
There's a legal surprise in the United Kingdom that could make drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel if they feel a sneeze coming on. Believe it or not, sneezing while driving could have you facing a hefty fine in this part of the world.
The Legality of Sneezes
In the UK, drivers are expected to be in full control of their vehicles at all times.
1:00 AM 4th November 2023
Motoring News – Stories That Caught Our Eye
SKODA SUPERB
One of my favourite family cars has just been updated. Acres of space, a sleek yet familiar new look, should tempt some to abandon their SUVs in favour of something that will deliver more rewards behind the wheel.
1:00 AM 4th November 2023
Can JCB End The UK’s Pothole Nightmare?
Transport Minister Mark Harper was given a live demonstration of a machine which is helping fix Britain’s roads and end the scourge of potholes. The Minister was shown the JCB Pothole Pro during a visit to the company’s Derbyshire engine plant and saw for himself how the machine repairs a pothole in less than eight minutes – four times quicker than standard methods.
1:00 AM 2nd November 2023
Be Ready. Be Charged. Be Winter Smart.
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in your classic car or sports cabriolet during the summer months.
1:00 AM 1st November 2023
Stay Safe On Halloween
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Ask yourself this: do you know what spooky driving mishap could deflate the fun on Halloween night faster than a punctured pumpkin? You might not guess, but it's breaking the 'fancy dress and driving' laws that apply in the United Kingdom.
1:00 AM 28th October 2023
Musso Makeover – Ssangyong’s Pickup On Test
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Rewind to 2016 and a pickup from Korean manufacturer SsangYong could have been on your driveway for as little as £15,995 + VAT. A lot has happened since then, and the Musso pickup has gone distinctly upmarket, ably demonstrated by the vehicle which leaves me today, priced at almost £40,000 including tax. The burning question, therefore… Is it good enough?
1:00 AM 28th October 2023
Motorists Issued Urgent Warning Ahead Of Bonfire Night
Image Credit: Pexels
Drivers planning to celebrate Bonfire Night have been warned against carrying fireworks in their cars or face a £300 fine. Motoring company LeaseCar.uk have cautioned drivers over carrying too many fireworks in their vehicle as it could invalidate insurance and lead to a hefty fine.
1:00 AM 28th October 2023
5 Tips For Driving Safely In The Dark
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
With the days getting shorter and nights becoming longer as winter rolls in, driving in the dark carries a lot more risk than driving during the day. However, there are simple steps you can take that make driving at night much safer.
1:00 AM 28th October 2023
Time To Cycle Further Afield – Thule Bike Rack On Test
A keen cyclist in my youth, the appeal of cars soon saw me exchange two wheels for four. With advancing years, and the need to take more exercise, I have starting cycling once more. I must confess to having an electric bike, the hills in my locale being too much for me. Now I can cycle twenty miles plus with ease and should get out more than I do.
2:48 PM 23rd October 2023
The New Amarok From Volkswagen
The original Volkswagen Amarok has been out of production for some time and many wondered if it would ever return. The pickup truck market has changed in the last few years, with many models disappearing. Fiat Fullback, finished; Mitsubishi L200, long gone; Nissan Navara, no more and the Amarok, absent!
1:00 AM 21st October 2023
Driving Safely In Wet And Stormy Conditions
As the UK continues to be battered by severe weather and with no respite in sight, we take a look at how to keep safe on the roads.
5:00 AM 20th October 2023
Battling Bed Bugs In Your Car And Taxis
Bed bugs – these notorious hitchhikers are infesting more than our homes and beds. A growing concern in the United Kingdom is the creep of these unwelcome pests into our personal and shared cars. It's time for drivers and passengers to understand the risks, learn how to spot the problem, and act decisively to protect our travel comfort and hygiene.
1:00 AM 14th October 2023
Honda’s First Electric SUV On Sale – My Launch Review
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Up until now, Honda has only had one fully electric car on sale in the UK. The Honda e has been available for a few years, but its diminutive dimensions and modest range has ensured most buyers are city based. As a cool urban runabout, it does the job admirably, though premium pricing has ensured modest sales.
1:00 AM 14th October 2023
Top Tips For Driving During Wet Weather
Image by Begaji Dukare from Pixabay
As the Met Office issues a yellow flood warning across the country, driving conditions are set to change with the arrival of unstable and potentially torrential weather. This can present many hazards for drivers and pose significant risks, as statistics show that 90% of weather-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads take place in the rain.
1:00 AM 14th October 2023
Jeep’s First EV – The New Avenger Driven
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The Jeep name is known the world over and many use it as a generic name for an off-roader or 4x4. I’ve spent many an hour on some tough trails, putting their vehicles through their paces. One memorable event in the Lake District saw a convoy of Wranglers scale a rocky hillside that even the most experienced rambler would have struggled with.
1:53 PM 9th October 2023
Ineos Grenadier – A Scottish Drive
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
One of the advantages of being very wealthy is that it allows you to make your dreams come true. For Sir Jim Radcliffe, the British billionaire chemical engineer and industrialist, this has allowed him to turn his idea for an all-new off-road vehicle into reality.
1:00 AM 7th October 2023
Things You Need To Know Before Refinancing Your Car
As the cost of living crisis continues, many Brits are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenditure. In a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics, three in ten respondents reported dipping into their savings to tackle rising costs.
1:00 AM 30th September 2023
Wetherby Tales – A Day With The Northern Group Of Motoring Writers
After four lovely years, I have now passed on the baton and am no longer chairman of the oldest motoring writers’ group in the UK. We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary and did so in style with an event at Aldwark Manor, near York. The memories linger.
1:00 AM 30th September 2023
Twisted Automotive’s Jimny On Test
I make no bones about the fact that I like the Suzuki Jimny. I have a good relationship with the manufacturer’s press office and have driven the car extensively both on and off road. In tough conditions, it excels due to a combination of light weight and a capable all-wheel drive system. I seriously contemplated buying one when it was still available as a four-seat passenger car.
1:00 AM 23rd September 2023
Capacious Family Holdall – Dacia Jogger Hybrid On Test
For larger families looking for a roomy car with plenty of seats, the choice can be somewhat limited, especially if funds are tight. A quick trawl through the list of cars on sale in the UK with seven seats reveals that the cheapest are all over £30,000, some by quite a lot! Never fear, for those clever people at Dacia are selling an affordable family wagon in the UK – the Jogger.
2:45 PM 19th September 2023
Drivers Told How To Stay Safe In Flooding
Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash
Motorists have been warned that floods are becoming an increasingly common natural disaster in the UK, and they must prepare for what to do if they find themselves caught in one. As we approach the wettest months of the year road safety company Road Angel have issued guidance to drivers on how to stay safe if they do find themselves caught up in floodwaters.
8:13 AM 19th September 2023
Potholes Now Pose A Severe Risk To Life
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Motorists have been warned that the risk to life because of potholes is now severe, as new figures reveal UK roads are in the worst condition in years. Road safety company Road Angel are urging councils to fork out and repair potholes or they say road users will lose their lives.
1:00 AM 16th September 2023
The MG Cyberster Comes To Yorkshire
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
This week saw Yorkshire car dealership Luscombe MG Leeds welcome a very special visitor. The remarkable MG Cyberster was making its first stop on its global journey, commencing in London and culminating in Shanghai. This unveiling presented a one-of-a-kind chance to see the MG Cyberster up close and offered an exciting preview before its official release in the summer of 2024.
1:00 AM 16th September 2023
Record Number Of Trainees Take Up Roles With Armstrong Watson
New trainees and graduates
Fifty one trainees and graduates have taken up their new roles at Armstrong Watson as the firm continues its commitment to investing in young people Among the new starters are 17 AAT students and two ATT students who will be working towards their apprenticeship qualifications in accounting and tax compliance. There are also 28 ACA graduates who will work towards becoming Chartered Accountants.
8:08 AM 14th September 2023
Motorist Misery As Car Costs Climb 27% Year On Year
The cost of keeping our cars on the road has increased by 27% in the last year alone, that’s £256 more spent by the average motorist, with the annual cost now sitting at £1,200.
1:00 AM 14th September 2023
How To Avoid The Stress Of The School Run
Although significant life events like moving house and getting divorced are typically seen as some of the most stressful times of our lives, on a more day-to-day level, the school run is often the most stressful part of the day for parents.
1:00 AM 9th September 2023
How Much Does It Really Cost To Run A Car In 2023?
Having a car gives you a great deal of flexibility and freedom, allowing you to get from A to B with little hassle. However, when buying a car, it is really important to understand the types of costs involved in car ownership - beyond the initial payment - to ensure your ideal car is affordable day-to-day.
1:00 AM 9th September 2023
Night Time Driving Laws You Need To Know About As The Evenings Get Darker
International Drivers Association are issuing a warning as the nights are getting darker, rule 248 of the UK Highway Code stipulates that if you are parking your vehicle on a road with a speed limit higher than 30 mph at nighttime, you are required to leave your sidelights on.
1:00 AM 9th September 2023
Lexus Life – My Scottish Adventure
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
The call came from the good people at Lexus to join them on the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond for a drive day. Although a bit of a trek from home, previous experience suggested there would be some interesting and relatively traffic free roads close by. Cameron House was the backdrop for the event, and if you fancy treating yourself, I can strongly recommend it as a place to stay.
1:00 AM 9th September 2023
Wasp Warning For Motorists
Image by Ralph from Pixabay
Drivers have been warned to keep a cool head and avoid an accident if they are surprised by a wasp or hornet in their car. Motor safety company Road Angel have issued guidance to drivers to prevent collisions if a wasp flies into their car.
4:25 PM 7th September 2023
The Heatwave Driving Hack You Should NEVER Forget
As the UK continues to grapple with this week's heatwave, Select Car Leasing have the ultimate driving hack to keep you cool on the hot days that everyone should know about. The ultimate hack for driving in hot weather is the recirculation button on the AC unit in most vehicles.
4:00 PM 7th September 2023
Tesla Model 3 Facelift
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Tesla has overnight revealed its updated Model 3. First launched in 2019, the American car maker has introduced a number of significant changes in order to keep pace with the ever-expanding competition. In recent years, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, BMW i4 and Polestar 2 have all appeared, each offering credible opposition to Tesla’s best seller.
1:00 AM 4th September 2023
The UK Motoring Laws That Can Land Hefty Fines
UK traffic laws include some unique and perhaps unexpected regulations that motorists might not be aware of. International Drivers Association have listed 11 that might fall into the "weird" category, you might not be aware of.
1:00 AM 2nd September 2023
It’s Tonale Time – Alfa’s Latest On Test
The dominance of the SUV in the UK car market cannot be understated. Gone is our preference for the humble hatchback or family-friendly estate car. Instead, it is all about that raised driving position and the better view out afforded to all on board. Alfa Romeo has up until recently only been able to offer the Stelvio, a car I have driven extensively over the years.
1:00 AM 2nd September 2023
Potholes Now Pose A Severe Risk To Life
Motorists have been warned that the risk to life because of potholes is now severe, as new figures reveal UK roads are in the worst condition in years. Road safety company Road Angel are urging councils to fork out and repair potholes or they say road users will lose their lives.
1:00 AM 2nd September 2023
Racer Paul Swift – A Guiness World Record Breaker Again
Darlington motorsports superstar Paul Swift went full throttle as he broke a new nail-biting record at the British Motor Show 2023. The stunt pro successfully performed a series of incredible stunts in a car, breaking the record for the fastest time to complete five car stunts at the 2023 edition of the annual event in Farnborough, on 20 August.
1:00 AM 26th August 2023
‘73 Number Plates: A New Era Of Personalisation
Calling all automobile enthusiasts! The much-anticipated wait is over, as the new ’73 series number plates release is rapidly approaching. As of September 1st, all newly manufactured vehicles up until the end February 2024 will have a ‘73 number plate, and these registrations are available to buy now!
1:00 AM 26th August 2023
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