The top five most simple-to-avoid used car turn-offs have been released by the editors of Glass's Guide. The advice is aimed at private sellers who may be wiping hundreds of pounds off the value of their cars by failing to take a few simple steps before they put them up for sale. Rupert Pontin, Head of Valuations, said: "Preparing your car for sale is important if you want to get the best … [Read more...]
Features
EC blamed for worsening road safety
The European Transport Safety Council says the European Commission must stop delaying new road safety policy measures if it is to help reverse an increase in deaths on EU roads. Within the last year, the European Commission was expected to come forward with revisions to vehicle safety, pedestrian protection and infrastructure safety rules as well as a new target and measures to reduce serious … [Read more...]
Key-fob breathalyser developed
Hitachi and Honda announced they have developed a prototype of a portable alcohol detector that can be integrated into a smart key. The prototype is tamper-resistant as it can distinguish human breath from alternative gases.This device is capable of distinctively detecting the saturated water vapour from human breath and accurately measures alcohol levels within three seconds. Hitachi and … [Read more...]
Get Easter in tow and put any troubles behind you
The Easter holidays are a great time for holidaymakers to hit the open road and enjoy their first caravan or motorhome holiday of the year. Martin Spencer, technical manager, The Caravan Club, said, “Hitting the road for an Easter motorhome or caravanning holiday has become somewhat of a British tradition. Here at The Caravan Club, we value our holidaymakers’ safety and can’t stress enough how … [Read more...]
Crack the Easter and holiday getaways
With the Easter getaway and summer coming, the IAM has issued advice on making sure you get where you want to go. This week’s tips, from the IAM’s director of policy and research, Neil Greig, are advising drivers on how to cope with a breakdown on the motorway. Read our essential tips to find out more. Ensure the coolant and washer fluids are topped up, the oil level is correct and the … [Read more...]
Men go to mars and women go to venus, official
It is official, men and women drift into different worlds when switched to ‘autopilot’ and hope for different benefits from future automotive advances. Women drivers are nearly twice as likely as their male counterparts to compile a mental shopping or ‘to do’ list whilst men listen to music, the radio or podcasts. Eight in ten road users admit they sometimes drive on autopilot – zoning out … [Read more...]
Facts suggest there should be more not fewer accidents
It is a wonder more serious accidents are not happening on our roads, says Glass’s. With consistent annual growth the total increase in the number of cars licensed to use the road network over the full ten year period is 8.7% and highlights that our roads have become ever more congested and therefore arguably more dangerous. Also consider the fact that cars have also been getting longer and … [Read more...]
Agisters joined by Vloggers
The digital tribe of YouTubers, bloggers and social media marketers simply haven’t existed as far as the UK car insurance industry is concerned - until now. While ancient, outdated or incredibly niche occupations including agisters, almoners and ostlers are catered for by the Association of British Insurers, modern careers in digital media do not appear on the lists used by insurers to rate car … [Read more...]
Drivers admit to hiding penalty points
Nearly a fifth of motorists would not inform their insurer if they picked up penalty points while driving, new research by RAC Insurance has found – potentially putting nearly seven million drivers at risk of holding invalid insurance, as well as future prosecution. The data also shows that a quarter (25%) of motorists surveyed who already have penalty points did not inform any organisation … [Read more...]
Trade is split over buying stock
A split between "two tribes" of trade buyers - those who buy almost entirely online and others who remain motor auction-based - is becoming increasingly apparent, says Glass's. The motor industry data market leader reports that there has been a noticeable hardening in the shape and attitude of both groups over the last year or so. Rupert Pontin, Head of Valuations, said, "To an extent, the … [Read more...]