Motoring Advice Archives

Summer Driving Safety Tips for Hot Weather Road Trips

Things are heating up in the UK, and road trip season has well and truly arrived. From coastal escapes to weekends in the countryside, summer is a terrific time to hit the road.

Of course, hot weather comes with a unique set of car concerns, especially when the mercury climbs past 30 degrees. To help keep you safe and on-the-road this season, we’ve put together a roundup of the top summer driving tips.

Check your tyre pressure

Don’t forget to check your tyre pressure before you set off on a summer road trip. The higher temperatures that arrive in months like June, July and August can cause tyres to blowout if they’re at the wrong pressure. Best case scenario, your road trip is delayed for a few hours while you wait for roadside assistance. Worst case scenario, the blowout causes a serious accident.

This is an easy one to stay on top of, so no excuses when it comes to checking your tyre pressure! Once a season isn’t enough. Giving your tyres a quick once over before every road trip is one of our top summer driving safety tips.

Practice defensive driving

It’s the oldest trick in the book – expect the unexpected! Summer comes with an increase in road traffic, which means it pays to be extra alert when behind the wheel. Whether it’s a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly onto a seafront promenade or a car cutting you off on the motorway, being aware of your surroundings and driving defensively is one of the best summer driving tips.

Keep tags on the dashboard

Skyrocketing temperatures can take their toll on engines, especially if you drive an older car. Keeping tags on dashboard warning lights is one of the best ways to avoid causing serious damage to your car. If you see a warning light flick on, pull over immediately and check it out. The oil light needs to be dealt with immediately. If your engine light comes on, it’s usually okay to continue driving, so long as you investigate the problem ASAP.

Keep your car cool

Car cooling systems are put through their paces in summer. Checking your coolant regularly and topping it up when needed is a top summer car safety tip. Keep a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies!

As well as staying on top of coolant levels, here are some easy ways to minimise the risk of your car overheating on a summer road trip:

Put up sun shields on the front and back windows when parking the car. This will keep it as cool as possible and make it more pleasant to return to.
Park in the shade when possible.
Turn off the AC if your car is prone to overheating in hot weather. It’s not always comfortable for passengers but it does take stress off your engine.

Keep your distance

It doesn’t matter how loud the beach is calling your name. You should always keep a safe stopping distance from the car in front of you. As a standard rule, this should be at least two seconds. Remember – if it starts raining, you’ll need to widen the distance to four seconds.

Carry a spare key

There are all kinds of ways to lose keys on a summer road trip. Some drivers forget to take them out of their pockets before a dip in the sea, while others might misplace them in a sun-drenched beer garden. Avoid the stress of lost keys by issuing a passenger with a spare set. It’s one of the easiest summer driving tips and can save you big headaches.

Stay off your phone

This goes without saying – stay off your phone when you’re a designated driver on a summer road trip!

Plan ahead

From accidents to construction detours, there are all kinds of ways a summer road trip can be delayed. Planning ahead and researching your route before you hit the road can save you a whole lot of time and hassle. Charting the fastest route from A to B is also a great way to reduce engine stress during hot weather.

Wear sunscreen and consider installing shades

Just because you’re in the car, it doesn’t mean you won’t get burnt. From lobster-red arms to bright pink noses, it’s all too easy to get fried on hot weather road trips. As well as slathering on sunscreen, consider installing sunshades, especially if you have a baby or toddler strapped into a backseat. They can’t necessarily tell you they’re hot as the sun’s beating down on them through the windows – and by the time you notice, it’s too late.

Best to opt for transparent mesh shades to ensure your visibility isn’t compromised. They’re easy to pick up at your local garage, making this a top summer car safety tip.

Invest in polarised sunglasses

Glare can be a major safety issue on hot weather road trips. Unfortunately, Primark sunglasses just don’t cut it when it comes to cutting out glare. Pro summer driving tip: it’s worth investing in polarised sunglasses, which not only cut out glare but protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Stay alert and energised

From sun-drenched days on the beach to long walks in the countryside, hot weather road trips are packed with good times. But they can also leave drivers feeling exhausted. It’s important not to drive tired and to always pull over and take a break if needed. As a rule of thumb, aim for a 20-minute break every three hours, at a minimum.

Carry hay fever medication

Not everyone suffers from summer hay fever, but it is quite common. Especially if you’re road tripping in the countryside, where the air can be heavy with pollen. Mild cases aren’t too bad, but serious episodes can leave you watery eyed and sneezing behind the wheel.

Carrying hay fever medication is one of our top summer driving tips if you’re prone to the condition. Make sure it’s non-drowsy if you’re driving! Don’t hesitate to hand over the keys to someone else if you experience a bad hay fever spell – or pull over if you need to.

Hit the road this summer with My Car Credit

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Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

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£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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What are the Rules for Overtaking Safely on the Road?

Mastering the overtake is critical. From winding country lanes through to busy urban centres, you need to know how to safely overtake a vehicle no matter where you’re driving.

But what are the rules around how to overtake safely on a road? This article outlines what you should know before you overtake a vehicle.

What is overtaking?

If you’re overtaking, you are passing another road user that is travelling slower than you but moving in the same direction. This could be a cyclist or horse, but it may also include buses or taxis pulled over in urban centres.

Overtaking is perfectly legal, provided you do so safely. Obviously, if there are signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking, then you should not do so. A solid white line, and a double white line on your side of the road all indicate that no overtaking is allowed on that stretch of road. The exception is if you are over the double white lines when passing a cyclist who is on your side of the road.

It is also illegal to overtake a vehicle if done in an unsafe or reckless manner. So, for example, if you attempt an overtake when another vehicle is overtaking you, or if you do so in weather with poor visibility, this is illegal.

How to safely overtake a vehicle – six rules to follow

No speeding

According to rule 125 of the Highway Code, the speed limit is the maximum that you should drive on any road. It is therefore illegal to speed when you overtake. You may be subject to a fine of up to £2,500 and six points on your licence if you are caught speeding when overtaking a vehicle.

Consider safety and necessity

Is the road ahead of you free of obstacles like pedestrian crossings? Is there a dip in the road, or a sharp curve that obscures your vision of oncoming vehicles?

Road safety charity Brake reports that over half of the UK’s fatal car crashes occur on country roads. This figure is both explained and exacerbated by overtaking and risky driving behaviour.

You need around 100 metres of space ahead of you after overtaking. If you do not have this space, if there are hazards, or if your vision is obscured, then it is not safe to overtake a vehicle.

Remember that your vehicle weight changes according to the number of passengers and type of luggage carried. If you’re going uphill, your car may also be slower to overtake.

Only overtake on the right

In the UK, we drive on the left. As such, to overtake safely on a road, you should only ever pass to the right of the vehicle that you’re overtaking. Never overtake by passing on the left or attempting to use a hard shoulder. Don’t weave in and out of motorway lanes to overtake, either.

The exception to the rule is overtaking a vehicle that is turning right. You can also overtake vehicles in the lane to your right if you are driving through particularly congested and slow-moving traffic.

Use your mirrors, signal, and check your blind spot

You need to follow proper driving protocol to overtake safely on the road. Use your mirrors to make sure that the road is clear both ahead and behind you. It’s particularly important to check your blind spot. If a hazard appears, do not overtake.

Don’t get too close to the vehicle you plan to overtake. Always signal to indicate that you’re overtaking, and accelerate with confidence and control, without breaking the speed limit.

Leave space once you’ve overtaken

You don’t want to cut up the vehicle you’ve just overtaken. Ensure that you can see the vehicle you’ve overtaken in your central rear-view mirror before pulling across into the correct lane. Otherwise, you risk them having to slam on the brakes, which may cause accidents.

Don’t follow an overtaking vehicle

Just because it was safe for the car in front of you to overtake a vehicle, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to immediately follow them. Always perform the requisite safety checks before overtaking.

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Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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Will there be a car scrappage scheme in 2023?

Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are being increasingly phased out nationwide, with sales of new petrol and diesel to end by 2030. Fossil-fuelled vehicles are environmentally unsound, but also contribute to urban air pollution, which poses a significant risk to public health.

As such, a number of UK cities and car manufacturers have introduced or are introducing car scrappage schemes for 2023. This article will give you an overview of what a car scrappage scheme is, and whether you may be eligible.

What is a car scrappage scheme?

Car scrappage schemes are designed to help vehicle owners to scrap old, heavily polluting, fuel-inefficient vehicles in exchange for discounts and other incentives to buy more environmentally friendly models.

Car scrappage schemes were once reserved for cars only, but have since expanded to include offers for motorcycles, HGVS and commercial vehicles as a result of their success.

In 2023, Transport for London (TfL), Birmingham City Council, and certain car manufacturers offer car scrappage schemes.

Discounts offered vary between schemes, but typically range between £1000 to £5000.

What cars are eligible for a scrappage scheme?

Whether or not your vehicle is eligible for the 2023 car scrappage scheme will depend on the scheme itself.

Different scrappage schemes have different terms and conditions. Under ULEZ, for example, diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 standards and petrol cars that do not meet Euro 4 standard are not compliant, and may therefore be eligible for the scrappage scheme.

However, the eligibility of the vehicle also depends on a number of other factors, including place of residence and whether a driver receives certain benefits. If you’re planning to apply for a car scrappage scheme, take care to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have all necessary documents to hand.

Remember, if you’re opting for a manufacturer scrappage scheme, you can only get discounts against a vehicle offered by that specific manufacturer.

Car scrappage schemes 2023

The Scottish Government had been offering a car scrappage scheme known as the Low Emission Zone Support Fund. However, as of 17 March 2023, this has closed to both households and businesses. Current car scrappage schemes for 2023 include…

ULEZ

From 29 August 2023, the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scheme is expanding. Under the ULEZ, vehicles that don’t meet the ULEZ emissions standard must pay a fee of £12.50 to drive inside the ULEZ zone.

The Mayor of London has subsequently launched a £110 million car scrappage scheme for 2023 that will help eligible Londoners to scrap high-polluting vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards.

Eligible Londoners with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standard will qualify for the 2023 car scrappage scheme. The scheme is offered for cars and motorcycles, as well as vans and minibuses. Grants offered range from £500 to £9500. Successful applicants will receive money to either fund the purchase of a new, ULEZ-compliant vehicle, or to retrofit their existing vehicle.

The application process is all done online, where you can also check if your vehicle meets ULEZ emissions standards.

Birmingham City Council

From June 2021 onwards, Birmingham City Council introduced a vehicle scrappage scheme.

Non-compliant vehicles can be scrapped as long as all the eligibility requirements are meet. Eligibility requirements range from the length of time a non-compliant vehicle has been owned through to the earnings of each applicant.

Eligible candidates will be able to claim either £2,000 worth of Travel Credits for public transport, or a £2,000 discount on a compliant vehicle that is purchased through Motorpoint.

You can apply for the scheme online.

Car manufacturers

A range of car companies like Kia, Vauxhall, Audi, MG, BMW and Ford have previously offered car scrappage schemes that have since been discontinued.

Currently, the only car manufacturer in the UK that offers a car scrappage scheme for 2023 is Renault.

Under the Renault scheme, you can save up to £2000 when you swap an old vehicle for a new eligible Renault model. The company offers a similar van scrappage scheme, with discounts ranging from £2250 to £9500

Drive greener with My Car Credit

If you’re eligible for any of 2023’s car scrappage schemes, you may also want to secure affordable monthly car finance payments on your new vehicle.

Check your car finance eligibility with My Car Credit and kickstart your journey to finding a cleaner, greener vehicle today.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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What are the best driving apps for starter drivers?

The UK’s very best driving apps can make everything from passing your test to avoiding traffic that bit easier.

We’ve reviewed the best driving apps in the UK, and have compiled a list of the top six for starter drivers.

What are the best driving apps for 2023?

We’ve chosen the six best driving apps for starter drivers. Pass your theory test, ace your driving test, and make your road trips that bit easier with these apps.

Remember, never use your phone whilst driving in the UK – it’s been illegal since 25 March 2022. ‘Using’ your phone includes everything from taking photos or videos and messaging right through to scrolling music playlists. You should therefore take care to have these apps set up before you start driving.

Official DVSA Theory Test Kit

If you’re a starter driver who hasn’t yet passed their theory test, be sure to download the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit. It’s one of the best driving apps for UK learners, and is designed to help you pass your theory test the first time round. From interactive hazard perception videos through to useful tips, this will help reduce the stress of the test.

It does cost £4.99, but remember, whilst there are other theory test apps available, this is the only official app from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Learner Driver Starter Kit UK

Another of the best driving apps out there for starter drivers, Leaner Driver Starter Kit guides you on a step-by-step basis through the entire process of learning to drive.

Do everything from learning how to apply for your provisional licence through to searching for instructors and even an in-app schedule of your driving lessons. You can also find details of the latest resources for learners, as well as expert guidance, and benefit from exclusive offers and discounts.

Waze

Freely available on both iOS and Android phones, Waze has taken the world of geo-navigation to the next level. There’s nothing more annoying than getting snarled up in a traffic jam on a long journey, and Waze can help you avoid that.

The app uses both GPS and real-time traffic updates provided by fellow road users, allowing you to bypass heavily congested areas. The app also does everything you’d expect of a navigation app, allowing you to route plan, giving you turn-by-turn navigational instructions, and keeping you updated about the locations of speed cameras, as well as hazards like potholes. What’s more, you can even customise it, specifying the type of fuel your vehicle uses for more relevant notifications.

Parkopedia and/or JustPark

If you’re in need of a handy parking space, either Parkopedia or JustPark has your back.

Parkopedia offers over 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities around the UK. Choose from car parks, street parking and private garages. It’s compatible for both iOS and Android, and users can choose to pre-book a space either online or in-app. It also offers real-time parking availability.

JustPark works similarly. This free app is compatible for both iOS and Android, and allows you to find and reserve parking spaces in locations as varied as public car parks and private driveways. Plus, if you’ve got a parking space you could rent out, you can even list it yourself.

Smart Dash Cam

There are many benefits to having a dash cam installed. From deterring fraudulent insurance claims through to reducing insurance premiums, an increasing number of drivers consider dash cams a must-have item.

However, the gadgets themselves can be expensive. Smart Dash Cam is a free app (iOS and Android compatible) that will record your journey, essentially transforming your phone into a dashboard camera. The footage is even admissible in court if an accident does occur, meaning that you can drive with a greater sense of safety and security.

PetrolPrices

Compare fuel prices across the UK with the free app PetrolPrices. Save time and money by cross-comparing the cost of fuel at different UK petrol stations, using the filter tool to specify by brand, distance, price and fuel type. You can also benefit from offers and discounts, and review fuel stations.

Find affordable car finance today

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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What are e-fuels – and are they the same as fossil fuels?

In March 2023, European Union countries approved a landmark law to end sales of CO2-emitting cars by 2035. This approval came after last-minute opposition from Germany, which argued that sales of new cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs) should be allowed, provided that these cars run on e-fuels.

E-fuels are being touted as a viable alternative to electric vehicles. But just what are e-fuels, and are they as promising as their advocates contend?

What are e-fuels?

E-fuels are synthetic alternatives to fossil fuels. They are comprised of CO2 emissions that have been captured from the environment, and hydrogen that has been produced by renewable or CO2-free electricity.

E-fuels are therefore carbon neutral. They still release CO2, but the amount released is exactly equal to the atmospheric CO2 that was captured for the e-fuels’ synthesis.

However, whilst e-fuels have been touted by some, there are problems with this model.

Firstly, an e-fuel can only be considered an e-fuel if the hydrogen used in its synthesis is produced with renewable or CO2-free energy. Secondly, every stage in the creation of e-fuels wastes energy, requiring around five times more renewable electricity than that needed to run an electric vehicle. Thirdly, e-fuels are currently not produced at scale, which contributes to their extreme expense. Fourth, whilst e-fuels are carbon neutral, they still release the toxic by-products involved in fossil fuel usage, which include toxic nitrogen dioxide and carcinogens.

It remains an open question whether e-fuels will develop as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for the automobile industry.

Drive greener with My Car Credit

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What is a Balloon Payment on a Car Loan?

Balloon Payments Explained: What, Why & How

Car Finance for First Time Drivers: A Beginner’s Guide

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Roadside eye tests – what do they mean for motorists?

The police have been given the power to conduct roadside eye tests. Penalties include fines of £1000 and three points on the motorist’s driving licence. Those who fail could also potentially face driving disqualification.

According to the ‘Don’t swerve a sight test’ campaign by the Association of Optometrists, statistics on the vision of UK drivers are sobering.

62% of people are delaying a sight test. Meanwhile, almost a fifth of all people who need glasses to drive have not had their eyes checked for at least three years, such that 36% are wearing an out-of-date prescription. Most shockingly, the data also showed that one in ten drivers said they would continue driving even if their vision was unsafe to do so.

Compromised vision can increase the risk of an accident, and two-fifths of UK adults feel that the current laws on sight requirements should be more rigorous. As such, the police have been given new powers to carry out roadside tests.

What will these new roadside eye tests consist of?

The UK police has now been given the power to carry out roadside eye tests. If a driver is pulled over, they will need to be able to read a number plate 20 metres away in order to pass.

This is a standard part of the driving test for all qualifying drivers. The AOP has called it ‘deeply concerning’ that drivers are only expected to demonstrate standard driving vision at this stage, with no repeat test over the years. The new roadside eye tests have been introduced to counter this issue.

The lack of regular vision testing mandated by the UK compares poorly to other European countries. According to the AOP, in countries like Italy, Spain and Hungary, drivers have to undergo a vision test every ten years. Countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece all require drivers of 65 or younger to have regular vision tests.

If drivers are unable to complete the test, this could result in a fine of £1,000 and three points on their driving licence. In more serious cases, drivers can even face disqualification.

Different kinds of drivers need different standards of vision. Similarly, if drivers have particular medical conditions that impact the sight of both eyes, they must inform the DVLA.

Since the introduction of this new police power, the elderly and vision impaired are being advised to have their eyesight checked as soon as possible.

According to the Department for Transport, some 42% of incidents involving drivers aged 70 years and above were due to sight issues.

If you are overdue on an eye test and wear glasses or contact lenses, ensure that you book in with your optometrist as soon as possible to avoid the risk of fines or harsh penalties for failing roadside eye tests.

Drive safely with My Car Credit

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Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

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Car Finance or Personal Loan – Which is Best for You?

Is There a Maximum Age Limit for Car Finance?

5 Different Ways to Pay for a Car

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Is it safe to drive with the fuel warning light on?

When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

The 101 on fuel warning lights

When your fuel warning light comes on, it means your vehicle is running low on fuel – typically, it will have around 10% to 15% of fuel left at this point. When your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that your tank is even emptier, and you need to get to a petrol station pronto.

There’s no one answer for how much fuel is left in a tank when the warning light illuminates. Factors like road conditions, your choice of gear, and tyre pressure can all play a part in the distance you’ll be able to travel when the fuel warning light appears. Different car makes and models will also travel varying distances when the fuel warning light appears.

Can you drive with the fuel warning light on?

Although you can drive with the fuel warning light on, it’s not the best idea to do so. As your fuel level gets low, you’re more likely to cause damage to the fuel filter and pump, as debris from the fuel tank can begin to interfere with their function.

It can also be dangerous to run out of fuel if you’re not in a safe place to do so – and this may even cause accidents if you’re on busy roads like motorways. It’s more sensible to avoid driving long distances on busy roads when your fuel light illuminates, so you can reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.

Consider your fuel warning light as a warning sign that you should refuel your vehicle as soon as possible, rather than driving around whilst it’s illuminated. If your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that you need to refuel immediately or you may grind to a complete halt.

You may feel like the car begins to move in a jerking motion when your fuel levels are low, and the vehicle may struggle to accelerate with its usual speed.

Be aware that more modern car models have a digital fuel readout, which is designed to give drivers an accurate sense of how far they can travel with the current fuel level. However, even these are only indicatory, so it’s still sensible to refuel as soon as possible once the tank begins to empty.

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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How to fix a dent in your car – doors, bumpers and bodywork

Knowing how to fix a dent in the bodywork of your car can end up saving you serious cash. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and it’s therefore wise to know how to DIY any minor repairs.

How much do repairs cost?

Your car doors and bumpers are the most likely locations for a dent to occur. There are a number of factors that will impact the overall cost of a repair.

These factors tend to be:

The car make and model
The degree of damage
The location of the damage
Whether there’s damage to paintwork

Overall, a dent repair is likely to be cheaper than having to replace a whole bumper. It may therefore be cheaper to know how to fix a dent in your car yourself. That said, you should only DIY these repairs if you’re completely confident that you know how, in order to avoid causing further damage.

How to fix a dent in your car

It’s much easier to fix dents that are on flat surfaces and aren’t awkwardly shaped.

You should ensure that the dent is no more than three inches wide and shallow.

You’ll need to be able to access both sides of the dent for these techniques (for example, by opening the bonnet or accessing the vehicle’s underside). If you can’t get access because it’s obstructed by the car’s structural elements (such as crash bars), then it’s sensible to take your vehicle into a body shop instead.

These techniques can be repeated if the dent needs continued re-working, but leave a day in between attempts. Patience is key to the process.

If you’re confident that you can fix the dent in your car’s doors, bodywork or bumpers, then you can follow these step-by-step instructions.

With a hairdryer

Plug in the hairdryer. It should be held between five and seven inches away from the dent, on a medium heat. After a few minutes, the dent surface should feel malleable. Don’t overheat the surface for too long – only two or three minutes will do.
Wearing insulated gloves, gently probe the dent. It should feel malleable – if it doesn’t, repeat step one.
Take a compressed air can, turn it upside down, and spray it on the dent from the other side. For example, if your dent presses down and into the surface of your bonnet, you’ll want to focus the compressed air onto the underside of the bonnet. This will help to ease the dent back out of shape.
Once the dent has popped into shape, use the cloth to wipe away any liquid residue caused by the compressed air.

With a plunger

Only use this technique on plastic parts of your car – never on metal.

Pour boiling water over the dented area to soften it.
Wearing insulated gloves, place the plunger over the dent. When it’s properly suctioned on, pull the plunger towards you.
If this hasn’t popped the dent out of place, you can gently push the dent from behind.
Wipe clean with a cloth.

With dry ice

You’ll need heavy-duty gloves to complete this technique, which makes use of extreme temperature changes.

Follow steps one and two from the hair dryer method.
Once the dent feels malleable, cover the dent with aluminium foil, fixing this in place with masking tape.
Wearing your heavy-duty gloves, rub the dry ice over the foil. The dent should pop into place.

With a repair kit

It’s possible to purchase repair kits specifically designed to help fix a dent in your car. There are three main kinds.

Pulling

These repair kits work by gluing tabs to the dent and pulling it outwards, operating like a suction cup.

Pushing

These work in the opposite way to the previous repair kits. You apply the kits to the other side of the dent and push it back into place.

Tapping

Certain repair kits use metal pens to ‘tap’ the dent out of your bodywork.

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

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Electric car parking fines – what are they and how can you avoid them?

Staying abreast of changes to road rules and regulations is the most sensible way of ensuring that you avoid any unwelcome penalties or fines.

Electric vehicles are a comparatively new vehicle, and charging infrastructure continues to be rolled out UK-wide in order to meet the rising number of EVs used, as well as the government’s own Net Zero Strategy.

However, these promises are not yet being met, leading to a strain on nationwide EV charging infrastructure. In an attempt to manage this, some chargepoint operators have introduced electric car parking fines.

What kind of electric car parking fines might drivers face?

If a driver keeps their EV connected to a chargepoint long after the vehicle reaches full charge, they may now face a fine.

The introduction of a fine for drivers staying too long at an EV charging point is not entirely unprecedented. Tesla has an ‘idle fee’ for its worldwide Supercharger network, which results in users being charged for every additional minute the vehicle remains connected to the Supercharger after reaching full charge.

A similar approach is now being taken at certain other chargepoints across the UK. In Aberdeen, for example, a £30 fine will be charged to EV drivers who overstay for an hour or more at any chargepoint.

Companies like ESB Energy and Geniepoint have also introduced electric car parking fines across their chargepoints. There are concerns that these moves will put consumers off purchasing new EVs.

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X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

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*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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What Should You Do If Someone Keyed Your Car?

Unfortunately, having your car keyed is a common occurrence. ‘Keying’ occurs when someone damages your vehicle’s paintwork using a sharp object, like a key. It’s technically an act of vandalism, and if your car has been keyed, there are a number of steps you can take.

What to do if someone has keyed your car

Notify the police

As keying is an act of deliberate vandalism, you should report it to the police – but don’t call 999. Report it to your local police by dialling 101 – the non-emergency number.

This ensures that a record of the offence is made, meaning you’ll be given a crime reference number. You’ll need this in the instance of an insurance claim.

Check your insurance cover

Next, you’ll need to check whether your car insurance policy covers vandalism. Some providers cover it as standard, but others don’t. If your policy does include vandalism, then you should consider whether or not to make a claim.

Note that some insurance providers will uphold a no-claims discount, recognising it’s not your fault that your car was keyed. However, not all providers take this stance, so you’ll need to check this and then factor it into your final decision.

Remember that you’ll still have to pay any excess, regardless of whether your no-claims is protected or not. If your excess is greater than the cost of your claim, then it may not be worth making the claim in the first instance.

Gauge the damage

Whether you want to repair the scratch yourself or leave it up to a professional is entirely up to you – but more intense damage will inevitably be repaired more skilfully by an expert. If the scratch is minor, you may be able to handle it yourself. There are products to help with a DIY repair job.

Bear in mind, though, that deep scratches may lead to rust and corrosion down the line. Similarly, there’s always a risk with DIY repair that you may exacerbate the damage.

The cost of a professional repair will vary depending on several factors. This includes the location and scale of the damage, as well as the car itself. If you shop around for a quote, you’ll be able to find the best deal.

How to prevent a car being keyed

There are clear steps that can help prevent vandalism like keying. Parking somewhere that is populated and well-lit helps, particularly if there’s CCTV around. Leave more space between your car and others, as this gives vandals less cover.

At home, park your car in a garage, or install an at-home security system for greater peace of mind. Always ensure that your vehicle’s alarm system is working properly too.

Finance a more secure vehicle

If you think it’s time to level up your car’s safety and security features, you can use our car finance calculator to get a no-obligation quote for a new model in minutes.

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Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

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X% APR*

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*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

Damage insurance Key Vandalism

Things are heating up in the UK, and road trip season has well and truly arrived. From coastal escapes to weekends in the countryside, summer is a terrific time to hit the road.

Check your tyre pressure

Practice defensive driving

Keep tags on the dashboard

Keep your car cool

Keep your distance

Carry a spare key

Stay off your phone

Plan ahead

Wear sunscreen and consider installing shades

Invest in polarised sunglasses

Stay alert and energised

Carry hay fever medication

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Mastering the overtake is critical. From winding country lanes through to busy urban centres, you need to know how to safely overtake a vehicle no matter where you’re driving.

What is overtaking?

How to safely overtake a vehicle – six rules to follow

No speeding

Consider safety and necessity

Only overtake on the right

Use your mirrors, signal, and check your blind spot

Leave space once you’ve overtaken

Don’t follow an overtaking vehicle

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Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are being increasingly phased out nationwide, with sales of new petrol and diesel to end by 2030. Fossil-fuelled vehicles are environmentally unsound, but also contribute to urban air pollution, which poses a significant risk to public health.

What is a car scrappage scheme?

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The UK’s very best driving apps can make everything from passing your test to avoiding traffic that bit easier.

We’ve reviewed the best driving apps in the UK, and have compiled a list of the top six for starter drivers.

What are the best driving apps for 2023?

Official DVSA Theory Test Kit

Learner Driver Starter Kit UK

Waze

Parkopedia and/or JustPark

Smart Dash Cam

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