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:
