Feb 15, 2017
At PetrolPrices.com, we don’t forget that we have plenty of members who live some or all of their motoring lives on two wheels instead of four. In recognition of that fact, for this feature we’ve compiled a list of five great products for motorcycles and their riders.
Bikers of all kinds, from fans of superbikes to vintage Vespa enthusiasts, all have products and brands they favour and are passionate about. The products on this list have been selected because they are well regarded and consistently reviewed in a positive light. If you’d like to report on your experiences with any of these items, or point out some others you think we should include in a future feature, please feel free to do so in the comments.
Without further ado, here are five great products for motorbikes:
1. A long lasting jacket
Alpinestars is an Italian company, established in 1963. Their GP Pro jackets have been on the market for many years. Many bikers have fallen in love with them, including this reporter from Motorcycle News who’s travelled 20,000 miles in his without so much as a “frayed seam.”
The jackets have evolved over the years with design and specification tweaks, but they remain dependable and affordable.
This particular “Air” version has been chosen with the upcoming spring in mind. It’s a lightweight version that’s hard-wearing but effectively ventilated so that wearing it won’t make anybody too hot and bothered.
The GO Pro Air offers a sensible level of protection in a lightweight package. There are a few different colour variations too.
NOTE: Multiple sizes are available – if you purchase be sure to choose the correct one.
Positives:
- Lightweight.
- Well padded.
- Well-regarded brand.
Negatives:
- Best for spring, summer and autumn – not really cold days.
2. A quality helmet for all budgets
The sky truly is the limit when it comes to the cost of motorcycle helmets. Models crossing the £1000 mark are not at all unusual.
This helmet is at the opposite end of the scale, but was still listed among Motorcycle News’ best helmets for 2017.
It’s highly adjustable, with ventilation for head, chin and forehead. Cheek and head padding is removable for easy washing. It’s also possible to purchase an anti-fog insert for the visor.
Finally, it’s worth noting that there are various design variations to choose from. These include the appealing red, white and black version pictured, and more whimsical options in quirky colours. Various size options are available – so ensure you select the corrct one.
Positives:
- Well reviewed.
- A perfect starter helmet.
- Economical.
Negatives:
- Lacking some of the more advanced features of more high-end helmets.
3. Record rides and protect insurance premiums
Dashcams are extremely popular at the moment and for good reason. The ability to record journeys is both enjoyable and practical. Furthermore, in the event of an accident you can prove your innocence (assuming you are innocent) and protect yourself from both legal action and insurance premium increases.
This Nextbase model is specifically for motorbikes and can be both handlebar mounted or attached via industry-standard RAM mountings to front forks.
The feature list is a long one, and includes GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity, and HD video recording. Like many dashcams, this uses all the space on the inserted memory card then deletes the oldest recordings in rotation, but motion sensors ensure that in the event of an accident, all related footage is retained.
It’s well worth checking out the videos on the Nextbase website to see examples of the footage this dashcam can create. As well as being useful in accident scenarios, it’s also a great device to capture memorable and scenic rides.
Positives:
- Packed with features.
- Two fitting options.
- Wi-Fi connectivity.
Negatives:
- Some users complain of fuzzy number plate recognition.
4. A product to keep motorcycles clean
Specifically designed for motorbikes, this Muc-Off cleaning kit contains everything required to keep motorcycles and mopeds looking their best.
The kit comes with a carry bag and includes a cleaner and a protectant, as well as a “microcell” sponge and a sturdy nylon brush for wheels and components.
The kit is well priced and perfect for all motorcyclists to purchase and keep in the backbox at all times to keep a motorcycle’s bodywork looking fresh.
This also makes a great gift for motorbike riders – reviews suggest that several have been approving of the quality of the product.
Positives:
- Contains all the key essentials.
- Convenient bag to keep everything together.
Negatives:
5. Something to catch the thieves
According to NCIS figures, reported on by Asgard, a staggering £3 Million worth of motorcycles are stolen in the UK every month. Even worse, fewer than one in five are ever recovered.
With this in mind, it makes sense for bikers to protect their investment, and a GPS tracker goes a long way to doing this. Essentially acting like a “Find my iPhone” for a motorbike, they use cellular GPS to find out exactly where a bike’s been taken.
There are rather a lot of poor products of this nature on the market. This one is recommended and well-reviewed. It also attaches magnetically to a suitably concealed spot, so there’s no need for complicated installation.
Positives:
- Easy to fit.
- Great supporting software and security infrastructure.
Negatives:
- Subscription fee required.
Feb 8, 2017
If you have children or grandchildren, you’re no doubt aware of the need to choose the right products and accessories to keep them content (and, most importantly, safe) during car journeys.
I have extensive personal experience of this as I have a life that requires me to travel long distances frequently, and a toddler nearing three years old who isn’t the biggest fan of car journeys. As such, my wife and I have purchased all manner of related products. Some have been successful – others … well, let’s just say there are a fair few rejects on our ever-growing eBay pile.
With this in mind, I’ve produced this list of six essential car seats and accessories. Every product recommended here has been extensively trialled – personally, and by a fussy toddler called Freddie.
1. A car seat that’s suitable from birth
Extensive tests prove that infants are far safer in rear-facing seats – up to five times safer according to this report. As such, when my wife and I began our extensive research for our son’s first seat, rear facing was the only choice.
This was the seat we chose, and it was a great success. The seat is extremely sturdy and stable, connecting to the car’s ISOFIX mounts. Most cars have these, but it’s worth checking compatibility before ordering.
The seat has a “newborn insert” for the early months and the rear rest is also adjustable for comfort as the baby grows.
Having a child who’s not a great traveller has allowed us to truly put this seat through its paces – including removing and cleaning the covers after sickness and spillages. The fact it still looks brand new after a couple of years is testament to its quality. It’s not the cheapest child car seat out there, but it was worth every penny to us.
Positives:
- Very solid and secure.
- Padded and comfortable.
- Durable quality.
Negatives:
- Installation takes a little time.
2. An ESSENTIAL accessory for rear-facing seats
An undeniable downside of rear-facing car seats is that it makes it hard for the driver (and even a companion in the front) to check on the baby in the back. This can cause people to compromise on safety – cancelling out the benefits of a rear facing seat by not paying full attention to the road.
A mirror solution is simple and obvious but often really poorly implemented. We were therefore glad we researched and went with the product that now has nearly 500 positive reviews on Amazon.
It’s inexpensive (more so online than on the high street), doesn’t fall down, yet is also easy to remove and reattach when we have other passengers in the back.
Positives:
- Easy to use and glance at.
- Great quality.
- Comes with a no-quibble guarantee.
Negatives:
- Nothing – this is a must with any rear-facing seat.
3. A car chair for a growing toddler
When Freddie outgrew his first car chair (above), the time had come to switch to front-facing. We chose to stick with Britax after good experiences and were pleased with the decision. This model is good for children up to 36kg so should, in theory, be the last seat we need for many years to come.
The trademark Britax sturdy quality is present and correct, and it was instantly apparent how much more comfortable this was for a growing boy when some of the “are we there yet?” moaning began to subside!
As with the previous recommendation, this is an ISOFIX seat, so it’s important to check for compatibility. It’s also only right to point out that installation is quite fiddly and involved, and therefore worth setting aside some time for.
Overall we’re extremely happy with this chair, and although (thankfully) we’ve not had to take advantage of it yet, the covers are all washable.
Positives:
- Sturdy and secure.
- Plenty of scope for adjustment.
- Washable covers.
Negatives:
- Not the cheapest option on the market.
- A little involved to install.
4. A practical accessory
However comfortable a child is in the car, they’ll still get bored on long journeys, and the addition of this tray table accessory has done much to improve our own situation in this regard.
I cannot pretend it’s the most sturdy or well-made product out there, but the important thing is that it’s worked. By scattering a few well-chosen toys and books on the tabletop and in the pockets, Freddie can reach for things to keep himself amused throughout the journey.
It’s important to think through how to use this product. Inevitably things will end up on the floor of the car, but a system of having the front-seat passenger drip feeding interesting objects from a pre-prepared bag in the front of the car seems to work well!
Positives:
- A cheap way to give your child access to toys during a journey.
- Easy to fit.
- Washable.
Negatives:
5. A full “travel system”
A “travel system” is often one of the first things parents look to buy when they’re expecting a new arrival, and it was certainly at the top of our list.
These systems typically include a pushchair (stroller), pram, rocker and car chair, all in one flexible bundle. The sky’s the limit in terms of cost, but we were perfectly happy with this model, which didn’t break the bank and held up well to plenty of travel.
In terms of the car seat specifically, this is a small rear facing model that’s good from newborn to small toddler size. It connects using a seatbelt, so while it’s not as inherently safe as ISOFIX, it’s great for being out and about and for ad-hoc use in hire cars, friends’ vehicles and taxis.
Best of all, the car chair is also the rocker, and the basis of the stroller, so you can move the baby from the car to home, via the shops, all without the need for waking them!
Positives:
- Great value.
- Plenty of flexibility.
- Car seat fits in any car.
Negatives:
- Lots of parts and accessories – reading the manual is essential!
- No ISOFIX.
6. Entertainment for older children
While we fully appreciate that putting a child in front of a screen for the sake of peace and quiet isn’t great parenting, car journeys seem a reasonable exception to the rule!
There are plenty of in-car screens and DVD systems out there (we have a guide to them here), but if you already have an iPad in the house, using a headrest holder like this is a far cheaper option.
We were led by positive online reviews when we purchased this and were not disappointed. In fact, the cover remains permanently on the iPad when it’s not in the car.
One thing to be aware of (which we found out the hard way) is that staring at what is effectively a TV screen, in a moving car for prolonged periods, can prove a trigger for motion sickness – especially if your child is in a rear-facing seat. As such it’s best to gradually ramp up how long your child can use this for to and be sure they don’t suffer from this. The alternative is risking a roadside clean-up job (again, we found out the hard way).
Please note: this article links to the iPad Mini version we purchased – ensure you order a suitable holder for your own iPad model.
Positives:
- A simpler alternative to in-car screens if you already have an iPad.
- Good quality.
- Easy to fit.
Negatives:
- May trigger motion sickness with prolonged use.
A Final Word
As I explained above, these listed products are all items that myself and my family have personally used, complete with a completely honest account of our experiences. All of the products were purchased privately and none were supplied free for the purposes of a write-up. If you have any questions about any of the products, let me know in the comments.
Feb 1, 2017
It can prove surprisingly easy for drivers to land themselves with a penalty sanction without realising their mistake, whilst driving (or indeed parking) on British roads. Last year The Daily Mail revealed that nearly 10 million driving fines were issued in the decade to 2012.
While many of these fines will have been for perfectly legitimate reasons, plenty of them will have caused drivers to feel unfairly treated, especially if they received a fine for an “offence” that road conditions made impossible to prevent.
Here are five examples of incidents that can land individuals with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). Some of them are far from being common knowledge:
1. Idling whilst stationary: Not everyone knows that leaving a car idling can land the driver with a fixed penalty notice for up to £40. Local authorities tend to take individual approaches to enforcement of this rule, and are encouraged not to be overzealous – but taken to extremes this can even mean a fine for leaving a car stationary to warm up on a cold day. This rule does NOT apply when sitting still in traffic.
2. Driving around obstructions: Sometimes obstructions in the road may cause a driver to have to mount a kerb or go into a bus or cycle lane – triggering a fixed penalty that couldn’t have feasibly been avoided but still requires an appeal.
3. Failing to give pedestrians right of way: Pedestrians having right of way on all British roads is a hotly-debated theory – something clear from the hundreds of lively (and heated) forum threads on the subject.
In actual fact, The Highway Code makes a point to all road users that “the rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance,” and instead refers to who has priority in certain circumstances.
However, rule 170 of The Highway code does state the following:
“Watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority.”
While, strictly speaking, the Highway Code is an advisory rather than a legal document, this explains why drivers can sometimes find themselves with a Fixed Penalty Notice if they fail to stop and let a pedestrian finish crossing a road.
4. Not obeying traffic signals and signs: Obviously drivers should always try to follow the rules of the road, but as with the case of driving around obstructions, circumstances can sometimes make this impossible. Often drivers are left with impossible dilemmas – such as moving away beyond a now-red light or continuing to obstruct a crossing.
5. Single yellow lines: Sometimes the rules around parking on single yellow lines almost seem designed to catch people out and generate revenue. The thing that trips many drivers up is assuming that parking on these lines is OK at the weekend or on bank holidays. In fact, these Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are subject to local rules that will determine the exact restrictions, and it’s down to drivers to carefully check the information signs to make sure they don’t end up with a fixed penalty.
Appealing FPNs
Anyone who disagrees with a Fixed Penalty Notice has the right to appeal. Such notices are issued and dealt with by local councils, who also handle appeals individually. As such, people wishing to appeal will need to follow the guidelines set by the council where the alleged offence took place.
Penalty Points
Penalty points (or endorsements) are the government’s way of penalising people who drive carelessly or fail to follow the rules of the road. Points also cost drivers money, as insurance companies always load the price of premiums for drivers with points, as they’re perceived to be more of a risk.
Points can also lead to disqualification, with the ban threshold being 12 points for experienced drivers, and just six for new drivers within two years of passing their test. In the latter case, novice drivers also have to retake their driving tests if they are banned for accumulating these points.
So, it clearly makes sense for all drivers to avoid accumulating points. However, it turns out that it’s actually surprisingly easy to do so for some rather low-level offences that seem like little more than misdemeanors.
A full government breakdown of endorsement codes and point values is available here – but it’s in the unwritten detail that it really gets interesting.
Offences that can earn three points
With the exception of “play street offences,” which earn two points, the minimum number of points handed out for driving offences is three. (A play street offence is when a vehicle is driven on a road designated and signposted for play, outside of the published times).
With new drivers facing a ban after just six points, these three point offences can soon add up. So, on that basis, what offences can earn a driver three points? Here are a few examples:
- Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle (PC30): This sounds awfully serious but can actually just mean being a tiny way over a white line at a traffic light.
- Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle (CU20): This could come down to something as minor as improperly maintained windscreen wipers or a broken mirror, but it’s still three points. Generally speaking, police officers can issue a “Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice” in these cases, but it’s at their discretion.
- Furious driving (DD90): This earns a minimum of three points and potentially up to nine. Anyone who shows their displeasure with other drivers by making a point (think breaking or tailgating), runs the risk of points for this offence.
The full list of offences that attract points makes interesting reading. Another point that many people are unaware of is that it’s not only drivers who can earn penalty points. Passengers can be punished with endorsements on their own licences for offences that are construed to be inticing or aiding and abetting others.
How to reduce the risk of points
Obviously the key way people can avoid points is to drive safely and legally at all times. Keeping vehicles well maintained is important too.
However, people who do inadvertently trip themselves up and land up eligible for points can help themselves by being as co-operative as possible. If a police officer has the choice of issuing points, or a handing out a “ticking off” in the form of a “Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice,” they’re unlikely to choose the latter if they’re faced with petulance or rudeness.
Similarly, those caught speeding often have the choice of endorsements or a paid speed awareness course. The cost of the course may well prove lower than the insurance increase for the points. Furthermore, many people reluctantly admit that they do really learn something from such courses.
Have you had any experience with penalty points or Fixed Penalty Notices? Any incidents you feel were unfair? Share them in the comments below.
Jan 25, 2017
It can’t have escaped your attention that it’s really rather cold in the UK at the moment. For those of you who have to venture out in the car in the mornings, it’s not a simple question of jumping in and heading off; not when your windscreen resembles a block of ice and the interior is as cold as your refrigerator.
With many weeks of British winter still to come, it’ll be a while before spring appears and you can ditch the jumper and scarf. So for that reason, we’ve trawled the internet for some products and accessories that will make your cold-weather motoring safer and easier. There are some daily basics here, but hopefully also a couple of the items you may not have thought to invest in before.
You’ll fine some useful tips at the end of the feature. You may also like to check out our guide to winter driving challenges.
1. A time saver
There IS an alternative to endless spraying and scraping of your windscreen just so you can see where you’re going on cold British mornings.
This windshield cover boasts some great reviews, with owners saying it keeps their cars “frost free” at very low temperatures. Using such an item can also reduce the wear and tear on a windscreen from all that scraping.
We particularly like the fact that this cover comes with wrap-around tabs that fasten within your front doors, protecting the cover from blowing away – or from opportunist thieves.
Positives:
- Inexpensive.
- Saves time.
- Easy to fit and secure.
Negatives:
- Available in two different sizes – make sure you buy the correct one for your car!
2. A little extra comfort
If you want the initial part of your journey to be spent in comfort – rather than gritting your teeth against the cold – one of these seat warming pads will do the trick. Warm seats are no longer the exclusive preserve of high end prestige cars.
The warming pads plug into your 12V socket and the level of heat is adjustable.
When we researched these accessories, we noticed many such products had rather negative reviews, but this one had only five star reports. One driver even commented that the padding made the seats more comfortable as well as warmer.
Positives:
- Universal fit
- Low-cost luxury
Negatives:
- Not the most attractive accessory to add to your car.
3. An essential for everyone
De-icer spray is a winter essential, but quality varies. The Prestone product is extremely well-reviewed and far more effective than many of the cheap varieties you may find in garages or on the high street.
While it’s a little more expensive than “budget” de-icer, reviewers report that far less of the methanol-based product is required to cut through ice – so it actually works out economically. A three pack should definitely see you through this cold winter.
It’s also reassuring to see people comment that they don’t experience “re-freeze” with this product, which can prove a problem with cheaper brands on particularly cold days.
Positives:
- The best de-icer we could find.
- Works in extreme low temperatures.
Negatives:
- Can leave some residue if used excessively.
4. Ultimate convenience!
If you’re a real car enthusiast and don’t even want to step into the cold to get your morning driving routine underway, you may wish to consider a remote starter.
You can use this product to start your car in the morning so you can begin to warm things up before exposing yourself to the elements, or even use it to do the same when you’re parked up and returning to your vehicle.
It’s worth noting that the installation of such a kit is not really for beginners, so unless you are skilled in such things you may prefer to get an expert to assist. This particular model is for automatic vehicles only.
Positives:
- Can start your car from a long range.
- Far cheaper than many similar systems.
Negatives:
- Installation is quite involved.
- NOT for manual cars – only automatics.
5. One for the scraping and wiping
With the best will in the world (and even with all of these accessories), you’re unlikely to escape at least some scraping and wiping of your car during the winter. As such, it’s best to choose the right tools for the job.
This kit contains two ice scrapers and two chamois demister pads – an essential for wiping the inside of your windscreen. Best of all, the scrapers come with an innovative insulated “glove” so you don’t have to freeze your hands while you use them!
These are inexpensive accessories and you get two of each – a must for every glove compartment.
Positives:
- Great value.
- Keep your hands warm!
- Two of each item included.
Negatives:
Handy Tips for Winter Mornings
- Properly clearing your windows and windscreen before driving isn’t just a matter of safety – failing to do so can also land you in trouble with the police if you drive with obstructed vision.
- Lukewarm water can give you a great head-start on clearing iced up windows – just don’t use very hot or boiling water or you’ll risk breaking your glass.
- Getting your car started while you de-ice and scrape can get you ahead – but don’t leave your car while you do so and risk theft.
- If you have air conditioning or climate control, read your car manual to ascertain the best settings to use for fast window clearing – these are not always immediately obvious.
- Don’t forget lights, windows and mirrors – these are just as important for visibility as your windscreen.
- Always allow enough time to set off in the morning – this will stop you taking safety risks to get to work on time.
- If you have a remote starter – either build into your car or as an add-on, don’t use it for more than five minutes before setting off – this is not great for the environment.
Do you have any winter car care tips to share? If so, please use the comments below.
Jan 24, 2017
Many people think the distraction of using a mobile phone whilst driving creates as much risk as a motorist being over the drink drive limit. In addition, Prime Minister Theresa May has stated she wishes to make mobile phone use by drivers as “culturally unacceptable” as drinking and driving.
Despite this, a third of drivers have admitted to speaking on a mobile whilst driving, with 20% sending messages or even using Facebook and Twitter.
It doesn’t help that, up until now, many people have felt that thanks to budget cuts and fewer road patrols they’re not particularly likely to get caught using their phone or be penalised for doing so. Thankfully, a new clampdown seems set to push us further towards the cultural change the PM wishes for.
New Laws
For starters, there are plans to significantly increase the penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving. These penalties are likely to launch later this year, and include a fine of £200 and six penalty points for anyone caught. There is even talk of new speed cameras being put to use that will be able to spot drivers using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. Quite aside from the safety aspects, these would surely prove quite the revenue-generator.
Severe penalties are already being imposed for people causing accidents due to inattention while using the phone. AAs reported by The BBC, a lorry driver was sentenced to ten years for causing the tragic death of a mother and three children last year. New proposals could increase the maximum penalty for such an offence to life imprisonment.
The Clampdown
Before these laws are even confirmed, the authorities have started taking a much more proactive approach to catching people breaking this law. Reports have revealed that almost 8000 people were caught and punished for using their phones during a recent seven-day clampdown, with another such initiative underway this week.
There have been similar clampdowns before, but not on such a scale and involving so many police forces. Anyone taking a lax attitude to using their mobile phone is now far more likely to get caught, and the penalties will soon be more severe too. The practice is unsafe, and simply not worth the risk.
What is your view on drivers using mobile phones, and what do you think of the recent clampdowns? Let us know in the comments below.
IMAGE CREDIT: Pexels
