Jan 3, 2017
It’s always been a rather strange anomaly that learner drivers in Britain are not allowed to drive on motorways as part of their driving instruction. However, as soon as a new driver has passed their test, they are free to immediately drive on faster and more hectic roads than they are likely to have experienced before.
Driving schools and instructors often encourage new drivers to undertake at least one motorway lesson once they’ve qualified for their full license but, let’s be honest, we don’t often hear of many people who do this!
All this is set to change, with the news that novice drivers will finally be allowed on the UK’s motorways while they are still learning, as part of a set of proposals put forward by ministers.
The proposals are sure to divide opinion; While the thought of learners on fast, busy motorways may cause concern to other drivers, it’s arguably a better scenario than seeing newly qualified drivers take to these roads for the first time with no supervision. There’s also concern that a lack of experience on motorways is causing some new drivers to choose minor roads for their journeys – roads where they’re actually statistically more likely to have an accident.
Dual Controls
One detail that may put some minds at rest is that the proposal only involves learners driving on motorways under the supervision of trained instructors with dual-control cars. This means it won’t merely be a case of a family member slapping some L-plates onto a car and taking an inexperienced driver onto the M25!
Other Potential Changes
This law change is just one of a raft of measures the government has come up with to make Britain’s roads safer. There is also a plan to make all trainee motorcycle / moped riders complete a theory test before they can pass their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Furthermore, should all the proposed measures be implemented, motorbike drivers on a provisional license will be banned after just six penalty points.
The new measures don’t focus purely on new drivers. According to reports, ministers are also considering potential life sentences for people who cause death by dangerous driving as a result of using a mobile phone at the wheel – an offense that currently carries a maximum 14-year sentence.
Time will tell as to exactly what measures are implemented. However, reports suggest that some previously discussed proposals, including making youngsters wait until they’re 18 to pass their test, and the implementation of a mandatory 120 hours of supervised driving, will not be taken forward.
How do you feel about the prospect of learner drivers being allowed on motorways? Let us know in the comments.
Dec 27, 2016
Predicting petrol prices in an increasingly unpredictable world isn’t an easy thing to do! However, that doesn’t mean we cannot try.
As we head into 2017, it’s inevitable that we’ll wonder what the new year may have in store for motorists, so in this article, we’ve summarised some of the things we think may come to pass.
Clearly, our predictions can be little more than conjecture, especially as they become more long-term, so please take them in the light-hearted manner intended. It will be fun to look back on these in a year’s time and see just how educated our “educated guesses” turned out to be!
Winter 2017 (January – March)
After seeing petrol prices shoot up in December, we think it’s likely there may be some stabilisation as we head into the New Year, particularly by the end of January – when the world will be watching the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Once Trump takes the keys to the White House, there’s a strong possibility that there will be downward pressure on the oil price, which will hopefully lead to falling petrol prices. While time will tell exactly what kind of protectionist decisions Trump makes, a pro-fossil fuels and pro-fracking president is likely to want to boost national production, which could put pressure on OPEC and other nations to lift their production caps to compete.
While it’s impossible to predict how financial markets will react, there’s also a chance the Dollar will fall once Trump takes office. If it does, this could also contribute to cheaper consumer fuel in the UK.
Spring 2017 (March – June)
The 20th March is the first day of spring in the UK, and the end of March is Theresa May’s target date for invoking Article 50 to begin Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. As such, it’s likely British eyes will turn away from the US and back to more local matters by the time the clocks change!
It’s almost impossible to predict what will happen to petrol prices around the invocation of Article 50, especially because we don’t know at the time of writing whether it will definitely be invoked in March at all. If it is, there’s a change it may result in another fall in Sterling, which is likely to push petrol prices up – to what degree is impossible to say. If it seems as if the UK may be heading for a “soft” Brexit, we could see the opposite happen, with Sterling strengthening and fuel prices falling instead.
Spring will also be time for another budget – the last before the spring budget becomes the “Spring Statement.” With all eyes likely to be firmly on Brexit, another fuel duty freeze seems most likely at this point.
One thing the budget is likely to address, however, is a way to finally deal with the nation’s lack of progress against emissions targets. The likelihood is that the spring budget won’t be a happy one for diesel drivers.
Summer 2017 (June – September)
The Geneva Motor Show takes place in summer 2017, and we expect electric cars to be big news. While there are only 1.5 Million electric cars globally (at the time of writing) and 1 Billion fuel driven vehicles, electric car adoption is growing ten times faster. This could go as far as affecting fuel prices if oil producers begin to worry about a potentially shrinking market.
Autumn 2017 (September – December)
As we head to Autumn 2017 our predictions must, by their nature, be somewhat bolder but potentially less accurate!
Britain will have its first Autumn budget, and we predict it could prove to be one of the most important budgets in recent history. The Chancellor will need a stimulus package for the next year that will reduce the national debt burden. However, he will also have to invest in growth to offset inflationary pressure and increase productivity.
At this point, we’re into the realms of educated guesswork, but we cautiously predict that the Chancellor will make a huge bet that the value of the Pound will rally against the Dollar. Combined with Trump’s USA increasing oil production capacity, this should bring fuel prices down. However, after eight years of fuel duty freezes, we can’t help but wonder if there’s not a good chance the government will finally raise this duty by 2.05 pence to make it 60 pence per litre.
Overall Predictions
2017 is going to be another difficult year for fuel prices with many significant events taking place that could impact costs – upwards or downwards.
While it seems highly unlikely that we’ll see extremes of pricing near the 145 pence per litre levels of 2012, we do expect prices to reach between 120-130 pence per litre at certain points in 2017.
So now, over to you! What do you think of our predictions, and what are yours? Let us know in the comments section below!
IMAGE CREDITS: Pexels,
Geograph, Rich Tea, cc-by-sa2.0
Geograph, David Crocker, cc-by-sa2.0
Dec 27, 2016
The past year was nothing if not eventful in many respects! We’ve seen a vote to leave the EU (complete with no shortage of political drama in the aftermath), and the controversial presidential success of Donald Trump over on the other side of the pond.
Before we move into what seems likely to be an equally notable year, here’s a round-up of what happened in the world of petrol prices and motoring in 2016. Some of this now seems like an awfully long time ago!
January
January 2016 saw many of us enjoying petrol and diesel for less than one Pound per litre, helped along by low oil prices and one of several supermarket price wars we experienced throughout the year. However, as the month drew to a close, oil prices began to recover, causing us to speculate as to whether we’d seen the end of the price reductions.
February
The oil price was volatile throughout February, leading us (and others) to wonder whether petrol prices would rise or fall. As it turned out, no large rises occurred thanks to a global glut of crude. With the budget approaching, there was also considerable speculation as to whether fuel duty would be increased – thankfully something that didn’t happen.
March
In March, fuel duty was frozen, but sadly we did see petrol and diesel prices start to rise slowly. We also witnessed the usual traffic delays over the bank holiday weekend, and saw the launch of fuel price signs along the M5 motorway – part of a pilot scheme from Highways England.
April
In April there was plenty of discussion on the site about changes to road tax, which will still take effect in April 2017 – details here. We reported on the fact that plenty of drivers of relatively low-emission vehicles would end up paying more – something that unsurprisingly remains controversial to this day.
Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices continued to edge up, and while a 99p litre was still a possibility, these deals became far harder to find.
May
May was a busy month for fuel and motoring news. Brexit referendum fever started to build, and we looked at how the price of fuel varied between Britain and mainland Europe. We also reported on the spread of average speed cameras across the UK and the possibility of driving licenses “going digital” after the DVLA released an app. As yet we’ve heard little more about this particular story!
June
June 2016 marked the launch of our free revamped PetrolPrices.com apps! Since then we’ve continued to work on them, fix bugs and add features. They’re now installed on in excess of 120,000 Android and iOS devices across the UK and hopefully saving our members a considerable amount of money.
Of course the biggest news of June was the “out” vote in the Brexit referendum. While petrol prices continued to climb steadily in run-up and aftermath, the shock price increases some parties predicted didn’t come to pass.
July
July saw opposing forces affecting petrol prices. While a post-referendum Sterling fall served to push prices up, the price of oil stumbled, leading the two factors to largely cancel each other out.
Also in July, we discussed some anecdotal evidence that suggested many drivers were managing to get away with abusing the electronic road tax system, and not being penalised for failing to keep things up to date.
August
August began with another supermarket petrol price war. Morrisons and Asda both introduced price caps and saved money for plenty of drivers.
Unfortunately, while motorists were able to save on fuel, we also reported on rising motor insurance costs – for the first but not the only time in 2016.
September
September 2016 started with chaos on the roads for Kent residents, after problems with traffic queues heading for Dover ferries and the Channel Tunnel were compounded by an accident destroying a bridge on the M20.
Following on from the story about increasing insurance premiums in August, we also conducted a survey that revealed that over 70% of motorists had had cars damaged whilst stationery, with very few perpetrators stopping to “own up.”
October
In October, we launched our exclusive “FuelBack” tools, which allow you to earn fuel cards when purchasing the kind of motoring products and services you need to buy anyway. A large number of our members have already earned fuel cards by taking advantage of these exclusive offers. (Please note you’ll only be able to gain access to “FuelBack” when you’re logged in to our site – membership is completely free if you’ve not joined already!)
Also in October, we saw autumn fuel prices go up – for the first time in six years.
November
November started with another story of car insurance increases, but this rapidly became small news when Donald Trump was elected as President of the United States on 8th November.
Plenty more happened in November too! Trump’s victory caused the Dollar to fall and Sterling to recover slightly, which allowed petrol prices to fall a little. A small-scale supermarket petrol price war also broke out, which included Morrisons offering unleaded for less than a Pound a litre, but only for people spending over £50 in store.
Fuel duty was also frozen in the Autumn Statement, and a report found that Britain’s roads were the most congested in Europe. All in all this made for a very busy month of motoring news!
December
Unfortunately, we didn’t end the year on the highest of notes, because petrol and diesel prices started to climb, as you’re no doubt aware. We also reported, as usual, on the likelihood of travel delays over the Christmas period. We imagine more than one of the members reading has already been caught in a hold up of some description!
So, there we have our round-up of 2016. We thank all our members for being with us throughout the year, and look forward to saving you all more money on fuel in the new year.
IMAGE CREDITS: Geograph, Flickr
Dec 20, 2016
If you have any true motoring enthusiasts to buy Christmas gifts for this year, you have plenty of options. There are lots of items aimed at “petrol heads” and you still have time to order something in time for the big day.
We’ve trawled the Internet to find some items that car-obsessives will be glad to open on Christmas morning, so if you’re still trying to think of something to buy someone who meets the “petrol head” description, this list should hopefully provide a little inspiration.
1. Something to watch
While its impossible to deny that Messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May divide option amongst the general public, it’s fair to say that most car enthusiasts have quite a soft spot – for them, and for Top Gear.
With The Grand Tour still exclusive on Amazon Prime, there’s no box set of that available yet, so the next best thing is this 13 DVD set of all the most memorable Top Gear specials.
Included are specials recorded in Botswana, Australia, Italy, and ten other countries. In many cases, they are “Director’s Cut” editions that weren’t shown on mainstream TV.
There are plenty of laughs and no doubt some controversial moments if you choose to seek them out. All in all, however, this will provide hours of entertainment for Top Gear fans.
Positives:
- Great value for many hours of entertainment.
- Includes previously unseen footage.
Negatives:
- Top Gear doesn’t appeal to everyone!
2. Something for eager new drivers
If you have a teenager in the family just itching to get behind the wheel and approaching the right age, this driver bundle will whet their appetite (and perhaps raise your blood pressure!)
Containing magnetic “L” plates, probation plates and a Highway Code, it’s everything required to get a learner started. It doesn’t matter if they’re a few months away from their 17th birthday – it’s never too early to start learning the rules of the road.
Positives:
- A good value gift for learners.
- “P” plates encourage new drivers to display their novice status after passing their test.
Negatives:
- Magnetic plates don’t mount well to all vehicles.
3. Something for racing fans
If you know someone who’s Formula 1 obsessed, this is the perfect gift – and after such an exciting season there are plenty of people who will be keen to relive it.
When we began our petrolhead gift search, we looked for some F1 books, but this double-DVD official review of the season grabbed our eye as a rather more interesting present. (It also didn’t help that many related books seem to be out of stock in the run-up to Christmas.)
A particularly great thing about this gift is that the set was only released on 19th December. As such it’s fairly unlikely that the recipient is going to end up with a duplicate gift from another friend or relative!
Positives:
- Perfect for all F1 fans.
- Previous 2015 edition received great reviews.
Negatives:
4. Something to read
Written by Ben Collins, the man who was formerly the famous “Stig” on Top Gear, this “How to Drive” book is perfect for those people for whom driving is a leisure pursuit and a pleasure.
This isn’t a book designed to turn people into racing drivers – there’s actually a lot of practical information about driving safely and economically.
Reviewers state that they have learned lots of new driving techniques based on the information in the book, which is equally suited to experienced and enthusiastic drivers, as well as those taking to the roads for the first time.
Positives:
- “Stocking filler” price.
- Great for drivers of all experience levels.
Negatives:
- Not suited to those who don’t appreciate a humorous read.
5. A real experience!
If you really want to treat the car enthusiast in the family, this “Driving Thrills” experience is just the thing – and it allows the recipient to choose exactly the experience that appeals to them.
There are over 400 experience options, driving everything from supercars to trucks and quadbikes. It’s also notable that the voucher lasts for two years, rather than just one, and that there are enough possible locations to make using the voucher an enjoyable and hassle-free experience rather than a chore.
Positives:
- Loads of options.
- Long expiry.
- Experiences for one or two people.
Negatives:
- More expensive than some of our other gift ideas!
Dec 14, 2016
We don’t like being the bearers of bad news here at PetrolPrices.com, but it now seems all but certain that we’ll see significant rises in the cost of petrol and diesel between now and Christmas. According to our figures, average prices have already begun to edge up.
As we discussed last week, the OPEC nations agreed back on 30th November to cap oil production. This was a successful attempt to drive up demand and, in turn, the price of oil.
To compound this, on Monday a number of other non-OPEC oil producing nations agreed to join in the production “freeze.” These countries include Mexico and Oman. Together they have reduced the supply of oil by over half a million barrels per day.
All of this had the desired effect; After the other countries joined the freeze, the price of a barrel of crude oil hit its highest level in 17 months.
What can we expect from Christmas fuel prices?
Such a significant increase in the oil price will undoubtedly lift the costs of UK petrol and diesel, which have already suffered in recent months due to the weakness of Sterling. The question is how much will it climb by Christmas?
An increase of around three to five pence in the per-litre cost seems most likely to us, and this is in line with predictions being made by other parties. This sadly means averages of around the 120 pence per litre mark and an increase of a couple of Pounds on each fill-up – not what anyone really needs in the run-up to the festive season.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
For those wondering how long this will all last, there is a possibility that oil-producing nations are making hay while the sun shines. A lot could change following Donald Trump’s forthcoming presidential inauguration on January 20th 2017.
Trump is hardly known for his environmental credentials and is very much in favour of fossil fuels. A US fracking free-for-all could push the price of oil down, and force OPEC and other nations to give up their freezes in order to compete. As such, the silver lining in this particular cloud is that there’s at least a chance it may prove short-lived.
How to find the cheapest fuel
If you’re looking to find the cheapest fuel close to you or along a journey, you’ve come to the right place. Our free service and apps will help you locate the best value fuel wherever you are in the UK. We also always display averages on our website so you can get a sense of what price you should be expecting to pay.
In addition, it’s well worth keeping track of supermarket offers and loyalty card deals in the run up to Christmas. Supermarkets are often the cheapest place to find fuel as deals attract customers to the retail stores. We’d be very surprised not to see such enticements in the coming days and weeks.
Finally, don’t allow yourself to be a captive audience. Too much hurry to begin a long Christmas journey can leave you with no control over where you stop for fuel. A quick check on our service and a five-minute drive to a local supermarket or independent garage before you set off could save you a significant sum, with nearly 20 pence per litre separating the cheapest and most expensive per-litre prices of unleaded at the time of writing.
What do you think will happen to fuel prices in the coming year? Share your thoughts below.
Dec 14, 2016
We all have certain friends and family members who are really difficult to choose presents for. Thankfully, if you have an enthusiastic driver to buy for, there are plenty of options available to you.
We’ve had a good search of the web to help you with some ideas. In this list we’ve provided a mixture of products that have proved popular in past features and some all-new items.
Whether you’re looking for something for a new driver (perhaps a child or grandchild) or a motoring obsessive, you should find something to fit the bill below – whether you’re looking for a “main present” or a stocking filler.
1. Something practical
A recent PetrolPrices.com survey revealed that around 20% of respondents wouldn’t know what to do if they got a puncture whilst out on the roads. This is actually a far lower proportion than has been revealed in other similar surveys – some of which name a figure closer to 50%
This suggests a worrying number of people don’t know the absolute basics of taking care of their vehicles. Therefore, this spiral-bound book is perfect for people who need to get to grips with the basics of tyre pressure checks, oil level checks and coolant top-ups!
Positives:
- An inexpensive gift.
- Fits neatly in the glovebox.
- Can improve a driver’s knowledge and increase the safety and longevity of their vehicle.
Negatives:
- Perhaps a little too practical for a “fun” gift!
2. A perfect stocking filler
There’s a strong reason why this inexpensive stocking filler features on the list; One of the PetrolPrices.com team received one from a family member last year and it’s been in constant use ever since.
Looking back at how complex car kits for mobile phones once were, this seems (and is) super-simple – but the best ideas often are. The back clips onto a convenient vent, and your smartphone (of any type) goes into the spring-loaded front section. Add a 12V car charger and you’re all set.
Positives:
- Allows you to mount the phone horizontally (ideal for navigation) or vertically.
- Grips on to almost anything.
Negatives:
- For some, having a phone so conveniently mounted can serve as a distraction.
3. Something for novice drivers
Seeing a relative “come of age” to drive a car can produce a mixture of excitement and trepidation. We all want to keep our children and grandchildren safe while they enjoy their new-found freedom.
There are various gift sets available for new drivers; This is the most comprehensive we’ve found, with safety items including a warning triangle, torch and first-aid kit along with the standard-issue Highway Code and L-Plates. A perfect gift for anyone approaching driving age.
Positives:
- Perfect for young drivers.
- A wide variety of good quality items.
Negatives:
- Cheaper kits are available (but with fewer items).
4. Something for those who love their car!
If you have a friend or family member who’s obsessed with their vehicle and constantly buffing and polishing it, this is the perfect gift.
Auto Glym products are well-renowned and loved by many, and this collection includes nine of them, along with a bag and a range of cleaning cloths and sponges.
There’s everything here to give a vehicle a show-room quality valet, and the right recipient will enjoy every minute of doing so!
Positives:
- Loads of items included.
- Great reviews.
Negatives:
- A more expensive gift than some!
5. A useful and practical “main present”
f you’re looking for a well thought out gift that will please a regular motorist and help to keep them safe and moving, this is a really decent choice that proved popular when we included it in a previous round-up of winter car accessories.
Its primary function is to jump start a broken down car without the need for another vehicle, but really this is just one of the features. The device can also charge mobile phones and other USB devices, and includes hazard lights, a torch and a compass.
This is a perfect gift to provide practical peace of mind to both the recipient and the gift-giver!
Positives:
- Positive online reports.
- Plenty of features.
- Fits in the glovebox.
Negatives:
Nov 30, 2016
Roof racks and roof boxes are a great way to extend your storage space and carry extra objects from A to B using your vehicle.
Long gone are the days when a roof rack simply meant a couple of bars to which objects could be untidily and haphazardly strapped. There are now all kinds of roof-mountable options for cars of all sizes – whether you require something as a permanent fixture, or merely for one-off journeys.
We’ve scoured the web for the useful and well-reviewed options currently available. If you need to transport something on the roof of your car, you should find just the thing to help on our list below.
Before you begin, it’s important to familiarise yourself with what features your vehicle may already have to facilitate the use of roof-mounted accessories. For example, many estate cars and MPVs have roof rails already present. As such, make sure you know what you need before purchase, to avoid buying more (or less) than you need.
1. One for cars with existing rails
If you have a car that already has rails on it’s roof, these inexpensive Aero Roof Bars are just the thing to form the foundation of a simple yet sturdy roof rack.
An Amazon best seller, they are road safe for loads of up to 60kgs – the equivalent of three heavy suitcases, and therefore more than up to the job of carrying roof boxes or cycle carriers.
Despite the low price, many reviewers describe them as sturdy and easy to fit.
Positives:
- Low cost.
- Fit most cars (but do check your measurements!)
- Perfect for boxes and cycle carriers.
Negatives:
- Not compatitble with T-Track fitting accessories.
2. One for cars without existing rails
If your car’s not pre-fitted for roof accessories, it’s not a problem. These Summit bars are designed for cars without factory roof rails, and don’t cost much more than the option above.
The fixings supplied are compatible with a vast range of cars, but you are advised to check before ordering. There’s a detailed list available online.
This is a versatile product, and owners report an easy installation experience.
Positives:
- Requires no existing fittings.
- Perfect for boxes and bike carriers.
- Inexpensive.
Negatives:
- Not compatible with all cars – essential to check.
3. A high capacity roof box for all purposes
THULE are a well-known name in car accessories, and while there are cheaper options available, you tend to get what you pay for!
This roof box is sleek, but has a large 320 litre capacity. It can hold up to 50kg and weighs just 10kg on its own. It’s lockable and will fit onto almost any roof bars.
Best of all, it loads from the rear, which makes it so much more practical in day to day use than something you have to climb up to or lift up and down. Perfect for occasional AND every day use.
Positives:
- Wide compatibility.
- Easy to load.
- UV protection to prevent fading.
Negatives:
- Cheaper options available.
4. A portable option
This is another high-quality option from THULE, but very different to the last. Designed to be highly portable, this roof box / bag can be easily removed and stowed, with no tools required.
Camping is the first use that springs to mind for this, but with a 50kg maximum load it can hold plenty of goods of all kinds. It fits both aero and square bars.
Just like it’s rigid cousin above, it allows for easy access to the contents, with both side and rear opening possible.
Positives:
- Highly portable, yet sturdy.
- High capacity.
- Great reviews.
Negatives:
5. One for the cyclists
One of the most popular reasons to install roof racks / bars is to carry cycles, so we finish this round up with a twin-pack of roof carriers for bikes.
In case you’re wondering why we’re featuring yet another THULE product, we’re doing so because we found one big thing in common with all the cheaper roof-mount cycle carriers out there – a host of bad reports and negative reviews. These are almost universally praised and well-regarded – and if you’re someone who cares about cycling you probably have a steed you wouldn’t want to trust to an inferior product.
These are sturdy, lockable, and available in packs of one, two and three.
Positives:
Negatives:
- More expensive than some other (inferior) options.
Three Essential Tips!
If you’re mounting anything to your car roof, ignore the following tips at your peril!
- While many roof accessories are easy to self-install, don’t leave things to chance if you’re not comfortable with such jobs – the dangers of incorrect installation are simply too great.
- Always remember when you have something mounted to your roof making your car higher – it seems obvious but people do sometimes forget for bridges and tunnels!
- Always read instructions, and stay on the right side of maximum loading guidlines.
IMAGE CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons
Nov 30, 2016
If you’ve sat in a traffic jam recently on Britain’s roads, you’re not alone. It will come as no surprise to anyone who regularly drives in the UK that our roads are very busy, but the proof is now in that they’re actually the most congested in the whole of the EU.
The proof comes from a study of EU cities performed by Inrix, and reported on by The BBC. Inrix, a data analysis organisation, spent time studying traffic data from over 120 European cities and identifying “traffic hotspots.” These are “pinch points” where drivers have to slow down to 35% (or less) of their expected speed for at least two minutes.
It turns out that here in the UK, we have over 20,000 of these hotspots across 21 of the cities studied. This is by far the highest number of any EU country. Behind us, by a long way, is Germany, with 8,517 hotspots, and Italy, with just over 5,000. Without doubt this means many UK drivers suffer more frustration on the roads than anyone else across the EU.
Which of Britain’s Roads are Worst?
Unsurprisingly, London is right at the top of the list, with the M25 singled out as the place in Britain where people are most likely to suffer gridlock. The worst hotspot of all is the Northbound M25 between junctions 15 (M4) and 16 (M40).
Scotland is next on the list with the Edinburgh bypass named at Britain’s second worst hotspot, and Glasgow’s A8/M8 junction closely behind.
With over 20,000 of these hotspots across the UK, it’s almost impossible to avoid some of them on any cross-country trip. Factor in Britain’s rather unpredictable weather, and things look even worse.
Hopefully, investment announced as part of the recent Autumn Statement may finally see the nation making some headway with these almost-perpetual jams. £1.3 Billion of funding has been announced, over £200 Million of which is specifically to address “pinch points.” With over 20,000 of them identified in this study, Britain clearly needs every penny of it.
Do you think Britain’s roads are too congested? What do you think is the main cause? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Nov 9, 2016
Unless you’re a motoring enthusiast, car cleaning is probably more of a chore than a pleasure. Either way, this list of car cleaning accessories provides you with plenty of options to make it easier to keep your vehicle spick and span.
We’ve made a point of paying attention to the inside of your car as well as the outside. If you do have a tendency to let your car become cluttered and grubby (and some of the team here at PetrolPrices.com are occasionally guilty of that!) a thorough internal clean can make it feel like you’re sitting in a brand new vehicle. As such, we’ve included a few items to help you give the interior a decent overhaul.
With a bit of effort, and the help of some of these car cleaning accessories, you can make your car feel like it’s just had a professional valet. Do this before a long road trip, and you’ll enjoy the journey in far more comfort.
1. One for the interior
If you’ve ever tried to drag your household vacuum cleaner outside to clean the car, you’ll know it can prove to be an awkward exercise!
This Black and Decker car vacuum plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, and comes with an upholstery brush and various other attachments to help you get down into all the cracks and crevices that are always a magnet for crumbs.
While there are cheaper car vacuums available, this is powerful and well-reviewed and comes with a two-year warranty.
Positives:
- Powerful.
- 12V powered.
- Several accessories included.
Negatives:
- Cheaper options are available.
2. One for the exterior
When we looked at car pressure washers for an earlier feature, this Kärcher model came out as the best all-rounder.
It comes with all the accessories you need to give the outside of your car a thorough clean, and isn’t too unwieldy to use comfortably.
It’s important to note that this pressure washer does require you to have access to a mains plug and a water source.
Finally, we should add that after our previous feature, some members commented that they’ve had issues with seals and delicate parts when using pressure washers to clean their vehicles. While we’ve had no personal experience of these problems (and such gadgets are marketed specifically for car cleaning) – we should say that if you’re concerned about this you may wish to proceed with caution.
Positives:
- Powerful despite its diminutive size.
- Full car cleaning kit included.
Negatives:
- Needs a tap and a mains power source.
3. One with a bit of everything!
If you fancy spending a Sunday morning giving your car a really thorough external clean, this is the perfect package to invest in. It’s complete and inexpensive, and even comes with a bucket!
The kit includes an all-in-one wash and wax solution, various sponges, pads and cloths, and a “bug shifter” for stubborn insect marks.
At this price, it’s also a perfect small gift for any car enthusiast in your life – or you could buy it for the children or grandchildren and bribe them to do the hard work!
Positives:
- Plenty of car cleaning products included.
- Great value.
Negatives:
- Better individual products out there for those willing to spend a little more.
4. One for a perfect finish
Auto Glym products are much-loved among car enthusiasts, and this pack, “The Collection,” contains an extensive selection for those who wish to get their car up to a “showroom shine.”
The products included are for both the inside and outside of the car and include shampoo, polish and tyre dressing. or the interior, you’ll find interior shampoo and glass polish. Sponges and cloths are included too.
Reviews are overwhelmingly great – and once again this would make a perfect (albeit more expensive) gift!
Positives:
- A huge selection of products.
- Fabulous reviews.
Negatives:
5. The Professional Option!
We end on a slightly more obscure option – but if you happen to have a Vax vacuum cleaner already, this can be a really cheap way to convert it into a fully fledged car interior cleaner.
Compatible with any Vax model, this kit contains multiple attachments specifically for car cleaning. If you’ve ever tried to use a conventional vacuum for car cleaning, you’ll probably appreciate the need for these. Particularly handy is the “flexi-crevice tool” – something absolutely essential for removing crumbs and debris.
If you have a Vax, this is well worth a look – it’s far less expensive than a dedicated car vacuum, and does the job just as well.
Positives:
- A great way to turn your home vacuum into a car cleaner.
- Inexpensive.
Negatives:
Nov 8, 2016
Not all the controversy produced by the British High Court last week was related to Brexit! There was also a ruling that could result in some trouble ahead for UK diesel drivers.
Following a case brought against the UK government by ClientEarth, an environmental legal group, the High Court ruled that the UK is doing nowhere near enough to meet air pollution targets. Nitrogen emissions from diesel vehicles were singled out as a particular problem, with ministers accused of relying on “optimistic” tests. A big takeaway from the ruling was that the government “must be tougher on diesel.”
It’s undeniable that many people who have chosen to drive diesels have a right to feel affronted by the government’s “about face” on such vehicles in recent years. Not that long ago, people were actively encouraged to move in a diesel direction – before scientific research resulted in the government changing tack.
New taxes for UK diesel drivers?
One idea being mentioned is the prospect of drivers of more polluting vehicles having to pay daily charges to drive into the centre of a number of UK cities. No doubt many diesel drivers would see this as very unfair, especially if they purchased their car while the use of diesels was being encouraged rather than discouraged.
In reaction to this, something else being proposed is the idea of a scrappage scheme for polluting vehicles, to give people an incentive to trade in for something “greener.”
However, it’s hard not to see the whole situation as a rather depressing comedy of errors. Early next year, new road tax changes will see the incentive to choose a low emission vehicle somewhat compromised, with only zero emission cars exempt from excise duty. On top of this, it was separately announced last week that company car taxes will soon increase, with some pundits theorising that the move will further reduce the benefit of selecting a vehicle that’s kinder to the environment.
The emissions muddle the country finds itself in is largely down to an approach to diesels that was wrong in the past. It’s therefore increasingly important that the current government gets all of these policies, incentives, and “discouragements,” aligned and coordinated this time around – something it’s fair to say we’re falling short of right now.
