After a national lockdown, it’s likely that some will find their car battery has lost its charge during an extended period of inactivity. If the worst happens and you do emerge from lockdown to find your vehicle battery is flat, jump starting the car with jump leads can cause damage. For some modern cars it is even not possible or requires specialist … [Read more...]
Weeds need removing from our green drive
There are a few weeds to be taken care of as the motor industry, energy providers, related suppliers and authorities take us down the green road towards 2030 and onwards, writes Robin Roberts. The haste and race to have low emission cars and other vehicles on our roads is tripping over some serious issues, notably cost, and not just for vehicles and … [Read more...]
Newslines 19 February
Ford will sell only pure electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. In five years it will offer hybrid cars across its range as it transforms, two years after its vans, and it will use Volkswagen platforms but assemble models in Cologne. MG electric car owners can subscribe to a £6 monthly service plan if they do under 10,000 miles annually. Petrol models cost … [Read more...]
High fleet returns pose problems for businesses
With the volume of lease extensions coming to an end, voluntary terminations and repossessions expected to substantially increase as lockdown eases. Now MJB Automotive is warning fleet and remarketing decision-makers to prepare for the reality that completing vehicle repairs before resale may not be achievable. According to MJB Automotive if the support … [Read more...]
£1,000 bill for diesel drivers after lockdowns
Diesel vehicle drivers are facing a possible £1,000 bill when they start up after prolonged lockdown, unless they take precautions, warns warranty company Motor Easy. Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO at MotorEasy said, “Throughout the three lockdowns, we’ve seen a spike in battery and alternator claims as a result of cars not being used as much. Batteries are not … [Read more...]
Radical shake up of MoTs suggested
The MoT test may need a radical shakeup to reflect the arrival of electric power and very sophisticated technology fitted to the latest vehicles. That’s the view of KwikFit, which test about a million vehicles annually and head of their service Eric Smith. He points out that currently hybrid models and battery electric vehicles are not tested for emissions … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 February
Volvo Cars has received the highest global rating for its sustainability performance from EcoVadis, a leading provider of corporate sustainability assessments. According to EcoVadis, Volvo Cars’ sustainability performance deserves an Advanced Platinum Medal rating, placing Volvo Cars in the top one per cent among all 75,000 companies assessed by … [Read more...]
Insurance shock looming for latest car owners
Thousands of drivers could see their car insurance rocket if new uncapped data is used by insurers. Since 2009, Thatcham's Group Insurance Rating has placed vehicles into a 1-50 system by using a capped algorithm to help insurers determine the cost of cover. While there are no plans to replace the current process, raw data shared as a result of taking the … [Read more...]
Keep up maintenance during lockdown
As the UK enters a third national lockdown, Kwik Fit is encouraging drivers to include some key car care measures into their lockdown routine to save their vehicles from damage. In normal years, the fact that cars make fewer journeys over the Christmas holidays always leads to a spike in battery problems in the first weeks of January, helping to make … [Read more...]
Lockdown checklist for motorists
With the Christmas break looming as well as more irregular and varying lockdowns being imposed, it's important motorists keep their cars in working order, get them MoT tested if appropriate and fit to hit the road when the restrictions end. Helpfully, here are Green Flag's top tips for keeping a car healthy through winter and lockdowns: Look after … [Read more...]
