The RAC yesterday coped with over 12,000 breakdown calls in what it said was the ‘worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail’. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said, “Yesterday was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day. Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t … [Read more...]
Ten most common driving test failures
It’s rare to pass the driving test without picking up a few faults. And it’s not just the serious or dangerous mistakes you need to worry about, Go.Compare said after looking at the results. If you add up 15 minor faults, or make the same one three times, you’ll fail your test. But which mistakes do learners make the most? Scotland wins hands down for the highest pass rates in … [Read more...]
Porsche and JLR knocked for reliability
Porsche has been named the most unreliable marque according to Warrantywise. Joining it is a range of premium luxury passenger car makers; proving that despite a high price tag, even for a used car, luxury cars could also cost owners more in the long run. Analysing over 131,000 extended car warranty plans, the Reliability Index places Porsche as least reliable used car marque - scoring a mere … [Read more...]
What is autonomous or not
Thatcham Research has revealed further insights from its Trust in Automation study - which polled 2,000 motorists in the US and 2,000 in the UK – and found a significant disconnect between attitudes and behaviours on either side of the Atlantic. American drivers are more likely to a see a benefit to self-driving or autonomous technology than British drivers: 81% versus 73% respectively. However, … [Read more...]
Become a hybrid hero, says Toyota
As the cost of living continues to increase with persistently high fuel prices, Toyota (GB) has put together some tips to help drivers get the most out of their hybrid electric cars, improving fuel consumption, so they can travel further for less. A new short film features TV presenter Grace Webb (above) explaining the Toyota Hybrid driving tips for best fuel economy. It’s not just hybrids … [Read more...]
Drivers in Wales face tougher breath testing regime
Drivers in Wales are being warned they are around two and a half times more likely to be breath tested this December than any other month. Analysis of Home Office data by personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense shows that in December last year, Welsh Police stopped 3,344 motorists suspected of drink driving. That compared with 1,375 in an average month. South Wales led the way with 1,165 tests, … [Read more...]
Tradelines 30 November
The excessive margins being taken on fuel by the UK’s four big supermarkets have been further called into question as the RAC discovered membership-only retailer Costco has reacted to the falling wholesale market by cutting its petrol by 8p a litre to 147.7p– 12p less than the average price of a litre bought at a supermarket and 14p lower than the UK average. The RAC – which earlier this week … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]
Graham’s cosy car guide to surviving winter
With rain lashing down and gales blowing Britain’s classic car owners are putting their cherished vehicles away for winter; but what are the pitfalls to avoid which can lead to heartbreak and big bills when you come to retrieve it next Spring? The man charged with overseeing Toyota and Lexus UK’s press and heritage fleets has put together his top tips for how to do it right, and the mistakes to … [Read more...]
After the hard winter, more chilling news to come
A massive hike in fuel duties is on the cards next spring after a particularly tough winter of rising costs, said the RAC. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said, “As things stand, drivers will face an enormous hike in the cost of fuel next Spring due to fuel duty going up. “The Office of Budget Responsibility expects to see 12p added to a litre of fuel, as a result of the current 5p duty … [Read more...]