Nov 8, 2016
Not all the controversy produced by the British High Court last week was related to Brexit! There was also a ruling that could result in some trouble ahead for UK diesel drivers.
Following a case brought against the UK government by ClientEarth, an environmental legal group, the High Court ruled that the UK is doing nowhere near enough to meet air pollution targets. Nitrogen emissions from diesel vehicles were singled out as a particular problem, with ministers accused of relying on “optimistic” tests. A big takeaway from the ruling was that the government “must be tougher on diesel.”
It’s undeniable that many people who have chosen to drive diesels have a right to feel affronted by the government’s “about face” on such vehicles in recent years. Not that long ago, people were actively encouraged to move in a diesel direction – before scientific research resulted in the government changing tack.
New taxes for UK diesel drivers?
One idea being mentioned is the prospect of drivers of more polluting vehicles having to pay daily charges to drive into the centre of a number of UK cities. No doubt many diesel drivers would see this as very unfair, especially if they purchased their car while the use of diesels was being encouraged rather than discouraged.
In reaction to this, something else being proposed is the idea of a scrappage scheme for polluting vehicles, to give people an incentive to trade in for something “greener.”
However, it’s hard not to see the whole situation as a rather depressing comedy of errors. Early next year, new road tax changes will see the incentive to choose a low emission vehicle somewhat compromised, with only zero emission cars exempt from excise duty. On top of this, it was separately announced last week that company car taxes will soon increase, with some pundits theorising that the move will further reduce the benefit of selecting a vehicle that’s kinder to the environment.
The emissions muddle the country finds itself in is largely down to an approach to diesels that was wrong in the past. It’s therefore increasingly important that the current government gets all of these policies, incentives, and “discouragements,” aligned and coordinated this time around – something it’s fair to say we’re falling short of right now.
Nov 2, 2016
Now the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in, it really feels like winter is approaching in the UK – and it’s therefore time to think about winter car accessories!
While we appreciate that long-term weather forecasts are often highly inaccurate, it’s best to be prepared. This year, multiple reports have suggested that cold weather could bite long before Christmas – complete with frost and snow.
The UK’s busy roads are not a fun place to find yourself stuck due to a breakdown, especially in the cold and dark, so it’s important to keep your vehicle well maintained to minimise the chance of this happening to you. However well you take care of these things, it’s wise to remember that the RAC alone attended nearly 2.5 Million breakdowns last year, so it can happen to anyone.
As such, we’ve chosen a set of car accessories that make winter motoring a little easier, and help get you out of trouble should it come and find you on the roads.
1. An all-in-one winter car kit
This all-in-one kit contains all the basics for winter driving, and would also make a good gift for someone who often has to take to the roads during the UK’s cold season.
It includes de-icer spray, a de-misting pad, screenwash and a scraper, to get you going on those frosty mornings, and a foil blanket, gloves, torch and first aid kit in case you ever end up broken down in the cold.
While you’ll undoubtedly find better individual products than some of those included in this kit elsewhere (including further down this list), the kit covers all the main basics. As such, if you’re only going to choose one of these winter car accessories to carry around with you, this is the best of the bunch.
Positives:
- Contains all the basis.
- Makes a great gift for motorists.
Negatives:
- De-icer won’t last the whole season for high-mileage drivers.
2. A way to keep your car looked after through the winter
There are plenty of good reasons to invest in a car cover. If you don’t have a garage you may wish to protect your car from the elements while it’s parked outside. Or, perhaps you have a second vehicle (a convertible, maybe?) that you wish to store away over the winter. In the latter case, you may wish to consider using a cover for extra protection, even if the car is in a garage.
The Maypole cover is well reviewed and water-resistant, and easy to fit thanks to an elasticated hem.
It is well worth checking which size to order. We’ve linked to a medium, but you’ll find other options for smaller and larger cars over on Amazon. It’s obviously best to go for the snuggest fit for your vehicle.
Positives:
- A cheap way to protect your car from the winter elements.
- Available in a range of sizes.
Negatives:
- Stops frost BUT important to note it is water resistant, and not water proof!
3. The best de-icer on the market?
Waiting with chattering teeth until the car’s ready to safely drive away in the morning is a hallmark of the British winter, but the ritual gets old fast!
It’s for this reason that we’ve recommended this specific de-icer brand within our roundup of the best winter car accessories. It turns out de-icers are far from equal, and this one receives rave reviews on Amazon.
It’s fast to work, goes a long way, and doesn’t leave residue that requires you to get back out of the car once again for a final “clear and scrape.”
This three-pack is great value and should last through a cold winter for most drivers. A far better choice than grabbing a cheap can in a supermarket.
Positives:
- Works down to -25 Celsius!
- Best reviews of any de-icer we found.
Negatives:
4. One to demist your windows
This is the most logical follow-on to de-icer. Why? Well, let’s consider the normal winter morning routine:
Engine on; heater and fan on; spray the de-icer; scrape as required. Then, what usually happens during this time is that one or more people jump in the car to keep warm, and by the time the windows are de-iced externally, they’re fogged up internally.
Therefore, everyone needs a demist pad in the door pocket to help ensure a swift departure. These pads are well reviewed, made of faux-chamois leather and economical. Best of all, they don’t require you to use your coatsleeves as an alternative!
Positives:
- Cheap.
- Effective.
- Leave few smears.
Negatives:
5. An investment to get you out of trouble
According to The AA, battery problems are by “far and away” the most common reason for breakdown call-outs over the winter months. By buying one of these, you could save both a call-out and a wait on the roadside.
This gadget’s core function is to jump start your engine, and it works on engines of up to 6.5ltr or 5.2ltr (petrol and diesel, respectively). There are also loads of supplementary safety functions.
These include an integrated compass, a torch with various functions, and a secondary charging function for smartphones and laptops. If you think you may need to fend for yourself over winter, especially in a remote location, placing one of these “do it all” gadgets in the glovebox will buy you plenty of peace of mind.
Positives:
- Many features.
- Well reviewed.
- Very compact – fits in glove compartment.
Negatives:
- Extra adaptor required for cigarette lighter power.
Further Reading!
Before you set out onto the winter roads, we’ve also produced a winter driving tips guide, which you’ll find here.
Oct 26, 2016
If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you’ve no doubt had your fair share of “car tyre incidents.” We, the team here at PetrolPrices.com certainly have! As such, we’ve put together this list of handy car tyre gadgets that can help get you out of trouble if you experience a puncture, and keep your tyres well looked after at other times.
Keeping car tyres in good condition (specifically inflated correctly) isn’t just about safety, although this is obviously a crucial consideration. Conventional wisdom suggests that fuel economy can vary by as much as 20% based on how your tyres are inflated, so ensuring the correct pressure saves you money as well as keeping you and your family safe.
Furthermore, failure to look after car tyres properly can result in uneven wear – meaning your tyres will need replacing more often. So that’s yet another reason to keep up with the maintenance.
In order to compile this list we’ve identified a range of products to take care of your car tyres, whether or not the worst happens and you end up having to make an unexpected repair.
1. One to get you out of trouble
Slime products are something of a household name in car tyre repair (and equally popular with cyclists). This all-in-one kit contains all you need to recover from a puncture at the roadside.
Well worth carrying as a precautionary measure, the kit contains sealant to block up a hole, a valve core remover, and a 12V-powered compressor (to blow the tyre back up after fixing).
Reviews of this product are very positive, with many people online sharing real-life experiences of using Slime to get them to their destination, or somewhere where the tyre could be properly fixed.
Positives:
- Helps you fix a tyre without the need to call a recovery service.
- All you need in one kit.
Negatives:
- Valve remover plastic and flimsy.
- Only for one-off use – whole bottle of sealant is required for one repair.
2. One to keep your car tyres healthy
The AA advise checking and correcting tyre pressures every two weeks. While it’s possible to go to a garage forecourt every time, it’s not hugely convenient. Furthermore, many people (quite rightly) object to “paying for air,” especially now some garages have (controversially) started charging more for it.
The solution is to do it at home using a tyre inflator or compressor. This is an Amazon best seller with very positive reviews, and is powered (as usual) using the 12V cigarette lighter socket.
It only takes three and a half minutes to inflate a tyre from flat, and the unit includes some well-thought out features such as night time illumination.
It’s also a handy car tyre gadget to have around for other purposes – such as blowing up inflatable toys and paddling pools in the summer!
Positives:
- Very positive reviews – including accolades from car magazines.
- Easy to read digital display.
- Saves the hassle of visiting a garage forecourt.
Negatives:
- Requires car battery power.
3. One for the traditionalists
If you prefer to rely on electrical power to blow your car tyres up, you can go for the traditional manual foot pump option.
This heavy-duty German-made pump is perfect for car tyres and well worth keeping in the boot or garage as a backup, even if you do decide on an electrical compressor as your “first resort.”
The pump requires less effort to use than one might expect, and is sturdy enough to pump up motorhome tyres according to customer reviews.
Positives:
- No reliance on electrical power.
- Very durable.
Negatives:
- Would benefit from more detailed instructions.
4. One for day-to-day checks
If you wish to quickly check your tyre pressures without connecting a compressor or garage air pump, your best bet is a tyre pressure gauge like this one from RACE X.
Despite there being numerous digital gauges on the market, we’ve highlighted this mechanical model because reviews of the former always seem inconsistent, with some people happy with reliable and consistent results, and others less so. The vast majority of people highlight the durability of this car tyre gadget and praise its accuracy.
While this particular gadget may not appeal to those who prefer electronic options, it still performed top in a recent Auto Express test.
Positives:
- Durable and solid.
- Highly accurate.
- Perfect for effortless day-to-day checks.
Negatives:
5. One that does everything!
On the face of it, this is just another compressor / tyre inflator, but it comes with all manner of “bells and whistles.”
First off, with the use of an adapter, you can power it using a jump starter – so it can get you out of trouble even without cigarette lighter power available. It also includes an accurate pressure monitor, a selection of flashlight modes, and a very long cable. It can also charge a tyre, from flat, in just three minutes.
Yes, this is more expensive than most of the many tyre inflators on the market, but if only the best will do, this is the option we recommend taking a look at.
Positives:
- Packed with features.
- Jump starter power option.
- Also works for balls, cycles and inflatables.
Negatives:
A Word of Warning!
Everyone who drives a car should learn how to properly maintain their tyres, and how to change or repair them at the roadside. However, some studies have suggested that up to 50% of drivers wouldn’t know where to start!
While learning what to do is a recommended priority, we would caution against trying to work on your tyres if you don’t fully understand what you’re doing. Mistakes can prove costly, if not dangerous, so if you’re ever in any doubt, be sure to ask someone who knows what they’re doing.
Oct 19, 2016
Car pressure washers are a great investment if you like to keep your car looking shiny and new. They allow you to do a “car wash quality” cleaning job wherever you are. In addition, it may just be the opinion of me, the writer of this roundup, but they’re rather fun to use too!
In this list of the five best car pressure washers available in the UK right now, I’ve identified a range of models at various prices levels. It’s been pleasing to see that manufacturers have also found ways around the need to be close to both a power and a water source in order to use a car pressure washer. Among my top five, you’ll find options without these requirements – so if you’re lacking a tap and / or a mains plug, you’ll still find one that works for you.
So, without further ado, here’s our roundup of five fantastic car pressure washers.
1. A Good “All-Rounder”
It’s a bit of a stretch to say there are any “household names” when it comes to car pressure washers, but Kärcher is as close as you’ll find.
This “compact” washer is described as “extremely powerful” by reviewers despite its diminutive size. The basic washer is available with a selection of different accessory sets. This example is specifically aimed at car and bike washing, and includes brushes for wheels and bodywork, as well as car shampoo.
Thanks to the power available, you’ll find it up to plenty of other cleaning tasks beyond cleaning your car, with all sorts of other accessories available for other uses.
Positives:
- Powerful yet compact.
- Well designed with accessory storage.
Negatives:
- DOES require access to both a tap and a power source.
2. A Truly Portable Car Pressure Washer
As mentioned above, in years gone by a mains plug and an external tap were once a must for car pressure washers, but this innovative option requires neither.
Obviously it does require a power source of some kind, but instead of plugging into the mains, you can take power from a 12V cigarette lighter socket. You can also fill the washer with water from anywhere you want – making for a pressure washer you can actually take anywhere with you.
It comes with lots of fixings and attachments, and boasts a 4.8 (out of five) rating on Amazon at the time of writing.
It’s also worth remembering that car washing isn’t the only use for this gadget. It’s also good for cleaning windows, or even as a camping shower!
Positives:
- Completely portable.
- 12V power.
- Very positive reviews.
Negatives:
- Carrying the weight of the water is unnecessary if you DO have an easy water source.
- Not as powerful as some mains powered alternatives.
3. Simple and Sturdy
If sturdy quality and a reputable brand name grab your intention more than a long list of bells and whistles, this well-priced Bosch model could be the washer for you.
It’s not marketed specifically as a car pressure washer, but will do the job admirably for small cars, as well as act as a perfect pressure cleaner for outside areas and items.
It is missing some of the features of other models listed here, but does come with a detergent nozzle as an included accessory.
Finally, the guarantee lasts for two years, rather than the one year offered by most other manufacturers. Be sure to register yours with Bosch to benefit from this.
Positives:
- Simple, no-frills washer.
- Powerful and effective.
- Long warranty.
Negatives:
- Best for smaller cars – choose a more high-end model for large vehicles.
4. A Budget Pressure Washer
This car pressure washer isn’t from a well-known brand, but it’s well-reviewed and packs in plenty of features for a low cost.
It does require connections to water and mains, but the five-metre cable gives you a fair bit of scope for reaching a mains outlet. The hose is five metres long also.
Like the Bosch model above, the warranty is for two years, and the washer comes with an adjustable nozzle and a free soap dispensing bottle – note that this isn’t that same as an integrated detergent nozzle, which IS included on some more expensive options.
Positives:
- Low cost.
- Long cable and hose.
Negatives:
- Requires nearby power and water source.
5. The Professional Option!
If you take your car pressure washers seriously, you’ll want to take a look at the options from UK manufacturer Nilfisk. If you own a motoring-related business, or are lucky enough to possess a fleet or collection of vehicles, you’ll want something truly up to the job – and you need look no further.
The model shown here is at the lower end of Nilfisk’s options, and described as being suitable for “semi-pro” users.
At the higher end of the range, you’ll find jet washes suitable for agricultural use that will beat the kind of washers available on garage forecourts.
While these pressure washers will be overkill for most, this is the company to take a look at if only the best will do!
Positives:
- The “Rolls Royce” option.
- Complex controls for a range of uses.
Negatives:
- Pricey.
- Unnecessarily sophisticated for day-to-day use.
Finishing Touches!
Once you’ve used one of these car pressure washers to clean your vehicle, you’ll want to wax it to bring it up to true showroom condition! Take a look at our roundup of the best car waxes for details or some top choices. You’ll also find an active comments section where members have compared notes on these products.
IMAGE CREDIT: Wikipedia
Oct 11, 2016
If you’re in the market for car bike carriers, you have a bewildering array of options to choose from.
However, if you’re a keen cyclist (or, indeed, a family of keen cyclists), investing in one of the car bike carriers suggested below could save you a fortune in the long run, and provide you with the opportunity to enjoy journeys on two wheels wherever you like, and not just in your local area.
While there are places to hire bikes all over the country (and beyond), prices are often steep – in some cases more expensive than decent car cycle carriers. Furthermore, there’s really no substitute for using the bike you’re familiar with. If you’re a true cyclist, a cheap hire bike just won’t cut it.
Below, you’ll find a range of cycle carriers for various situations and budgets. Read on to the end of the article for some general tips on using these carriers.
1. One for the Entire Family
If you’re going on a family bike ride, or even for a break at a holiday park, you’ll want to take all the family bikes with you. With space for four cycles, this Thule model should fit the bill.
Thule is a well-known and reliable name in this industry, and all of the company’s products come with a five-year warranty.
It’s important to note that like many car bike carriers, this model requires your vehicle to have a tow-bar. There are alternatives (see below), but if you’re going to transport your bikes regularly, it’s advisable to use this kind of carrier. This is somewhat akin to comparing a proper ISOFIX child seat with one that straps in with a seatbelt.
As well as carrying four bikes, this carrier tilts without removing the bikes to provide easy access to your boot.
Positives:
- Reliable brand.
- Accommodates up to four bikes.
- Good compatibility with car models.
Negatives:
- The cost of accessories can add up.
- Requires a tow-bar.
2. A Feature-Packed Car Cycle Carrier
If you’re really serious about cycling and prepared to “splash the cash” on something really special to help you transport your trusty steed(s), it’s worth taking a look at the Atera STRADA DL (and indeed the rest of the Atera range).
While these European-made car bike carriers are not at all cheap, they justify their price with build quality and functionality.
The STRADA DL operates using a drawer-style mechanism, making it really easy to open the boot without removing the bikes. The fact the drawer moves the bikes completely out of the way also vastly reduces the chance of scratching your car’s paintwork. It even includes rear foglights for when the carrier is in place.
Positives:
- Strong yet portable – easy to put in the boot when not in use.
- Easy boot access.
- Sliding mechanism.
Negatives:
- Toe-ball needed.
- Quite pricey.
3. An Option that Doesn’t Require a Tow-Bar
If your need to transport cycles around is less frequent, you may not feel able to justify the expense of a pricey tow-ball mounted option.
This Perruzo rack is considerably cheaper, but still allows you to transport three bikes. It’s easy to fit and users report that it’s “kind to paintwork.”
It does work best with adult mountain bikes, so you’ll definitely wish to look into compatibility if you want to transport childs’ bikes or “step-through” ladies’ cycles.
Positives:
- Excellent value.
- Still allows you to carry three bikes.
- Fits the majority of cars.
Negatives:
- Not great for kids’ or ladies’ bikes – but there is an alternative model available.
4. Roof-Mounted Car Bike Carrier
If you don’t want to mount your bike(s) to the rear of your car (perhaps you have a car with a rear mounted spare wheeel, or worry about visibility), then the only option is to mount on the roof instead.
Roof-mounted bike carriers are easy to find, but examples without really poor reviews are not! If you’re going to have one or more bikes mounted on your car roof you really don’t want to be taking any risks, which brings us to these Thule ProRide carriers.
While they may be more expensive than many of the roof-mounted models on offer, reviews are widely positive. These carriers fit to almost all roof-bars, and bikes are kept secure thanks to connections to both the wheels and the frame.
Positives:
- Lockable.
- Well-regarded by users.
- Sturdy.
Negatives:
- There are cheaper options out there.
- It’s necessary to constantly remember you have bikes on your roof!
5. Car Bike Carriers at a Lower Cost
Thule doesn’t only make high-end car bike carriers – this “XPress” model is very competitively priced, and doesn’t skimp on quality.
It only provides room for two cycles, so is a good option for singles or couples but not for the whole family. Moreover, it’s compatible with a wide range of cars – so long as you have a tow-bar. The only thing that will stop it easily attaching is if you have an SUV with a rear-mounted spare wheel.
The total weight limit is quite low at 30kg, so this is worth noting if you have a particularly heavy bike or an eBike. That said, most modern mountain or hybrid bikes should be plenty light enough.
Like all Thule products, the 970 XPress model comes with a five-year warranty.
Positives:
- A renowned brand at a low price.
- Easy to stow.
- Wide compatibility.
Negatives:
- Lowish weight limit.
- Accessories can add to the cost.
Tips for Using Car Bike Carriers
If you’ve not transported cycles attached to your car before, here are some handy tips to keep you and your property safe, and avoid any unnecessary damage.
- THINK SECURITY: Expensive cycles attached to the back of a car will provide a tempting target for thieves – so don’t make their job easy. Make sure your cycles are always secure, ideally with recommended lock accessories. Also activate any other security devices you may have, such as disc locks.
- REMEMBER YOUR ACCESSORIES: Some cycle carriers will be good to go from purchase, in other cases you may need some add-ons before you’re ready to go. You may wish / need to buy things like bungee cords and lock kits.
- CAREFUL WITH INSTALLATION: If you’re not 100% confident installing your car bike carriers, leave the job to a professional. Nobody wants bikes falling off your car while in motion.
- WATCH THE PAINTWORK: Be very careful while mounting and dismounting cycles on their carrier. A small slip can make a big scratch.
- OWN AN eBIKE? If so, please follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding using cycle carriers. You may, for example, be required to remove the batteries before transporting them.
- CHECK YOUR WEIGHT: Car bike carriers always come with a maximum load limit. Make sure you don’t exceed this. If you have an electric bike or “vintage” style cycle, these often weigh considerably more than modern mountain bikes.
- TRAVELLING ABROAD? If so, make sure you find out if you need to pay extra on the ferry to account for your cycle carrier.
