Washing a car the other day and my eyes were attracted to the tyres, specifically what all those numbers and letters really mean. It was just as well because two needed changing and I know it's important to get not only the correct size but also their loading weight, as set out in the manufacturers handbook. They might all look the same, but there’s more to those black and round tyres on your … [Read more...]
Lockdown security warning to businesses
Security of used cars and vans without access to formal storage facilities could be a growing problem for the remarketing sector over the course of the coronavirus lockdown, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The body, which represents organisations involved in the remarketing of 1.5m cars and vans every year, said that large numbers of vehicles left largely unattended in storage could … [Read more...]
Garages’ concerns over delaying MoT Tests
The Independent Garage Association is raising concerns to the government about the huge impact of extending MOTs for six months. Whilst supporting the government’s measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, the IGA does not agree with the six-month MOT extension period. The IGA is proposing to government that they start with an initial six-week MOT extension period, which could then … [Read more...]
MoT penalties soar
The MOT test changed in May 2018, with tighter rules around emissions and safety as well as higher fines for drivers caught with an unroadworthy vehicle. A freedom of information request revealed 68,027 have been issued with penalty charges across England and Wales by police since the changes. The Met Police force caught the most drivers (15,772), followed by West Yorkshire (6,019), Merseyside … [Read more...]
January is high risk month for accidents
Drivers, it appears, may have more reason to be blue this January as new analysis from UK telematics insurance pioneer, insurethebox, reveals five out of the 10 riskiest days fall in January. Drivers in Scotland see the biggest risk as they’re 32% more likely to have an accident, with the North and West of England 19% and 17% more likely to have an accident in January than the rest of the … [Read more...]
Potholes are biggest shock for drivers, says survey
A survey of 2,000 road users found the craggy gaps in the road surface were more irritating than tailgaters, drivers failing to use their indicators, and even breaking down. Eight in 10 drivers, cyclists or motorcycle riders even say they have to navigate potholes every time they use the roads. Glasgow is the worst city in the UK for potholes according to residents - as nine in 10 locals claim … [Read more...]
Drivers sceptical of “smart cars”
Britain’s motorists are highly sceptical over the future use of driverless cars according to comparethemarket.com. In its Road Ahead research series looking at the future of driving, it was found that only 55% of people expect driverless cars to be in use in the next ten years. According to a survey of over 2,000 British motorists, 80% are worried about the safety of driverless cars. This … [Read more...]
Bright tips for dark nights
With the clocks going back on Sunday 27 October, we’re going to be travelling more in the dark and IAM RoadSmart has top tips about riding and driving in the autumn and winter. It’s not just drivers and riders who need to be more careful, there are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists that need to be aware of the dangers too. IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding … [Read more...]
Youngsters rejecting cars for mopeds
It is encouraging to see motorcycle registrations bounce back with a 4.3% growth in July following June’s decline, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK. Motorcycle registrations rose by 4.3% in July following the double-digit decline of -11% in June. A total of 9,916 machines were put on UK roads last … [Read more...]
Plan and take your time for the Easter getaway
If you’re planning a bank holiday getaway then be sure to make your journey a safe and stress-free one, says advanced driving body RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman. A little preparation goes a long way. Take some time to check your vehicle inside and out before you set off. Check the tyre pressure and fluid levels are right and make sure your car … [Read more...]
