Blog
News and Updates from CVSL

Top tips for driving in the snow and ice

Motoring Advice

Despite meteorological spring starting in a few days, the UK braces itself for cold and snow to come in the next few days, as temperatures plunge. Whilst driving in snow can be difficult and should be avoided if possible, if you do venture out, read our tips below to be car safe!

Clear your vehicle of snow
Before setting off, make sure that you clear off all snow from your vehicle, including your roof as this could come off whilst driving and obstruct your view.

Plan your trip
Prior to your journey, make sure to check your route and avoid smaller less travelled roads where possible. Motorways and other major roads are more likely to be gritted.

Tyres treads
During the winter months you should have at least 3mm of tread on your tyres. If you live in a rural area, it is worth considering winter tyres or snow chains to keep you safe and avoid a winter related accident.

Anti-Freeze
Ensure you top-up your anti-freeze fluids during the winter months, use a 50/50 mix with water.

Winter packing and survival kit supplies
Make sure that you are prepared in case you get stuck somewhere. Make sure you pack a blanket, warning triangle, torch, first aid kit, jumper cables, mobile phone charger and food (small packages are always handy to keep in your car) and fluids to drink.

Fuel
During the winter months you are more likely to get delayed, so it is important to make sure you have enough fuel for your journey (at least a quarter of a tank extra).

Once you are on the road:

  • To avoid your wheels from spinning, accelerate slowly and try to get to the higher gears as soon as you can
  • If you have poor visibility (less than 100m) use your fog lights until your vision improves
  • Give yourself and other road users plenty of space as your stopping distance could be ten times more than normal
  • Turning a corner? Make sure to brake in plenty of time before you turn the wheel, reducing your speed
  • If you do skid, steer gently into it, keeping both hands on the steering wheel
  • Drive more carefully and allow more time for your journey

Safe travels during this(hopefully) final winter month #CarSafety

Snow Road

 

Road tax changes, everything you need know about Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rules 2018

Tax and Legislation News

Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced the updated VED rules in his Autumn Budget 2017, but what does this mean for motorists? Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about the updated VED rules coming into place on the 1st of April 2018.

Diesel vehicles need to conform to the latest EURO 6 Standard, the aim of this is to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. If you buy a new diesel vehicle (the rule only applies to cars, not vans) that doesn’t meet the EURO 6 standard you will go up by one TAX band for example a Range Rover Evoque SD4 with emissions of 153g/km Co2 will rise by £315 to £830.

Ownership rules that were introduced in April 2017 still apply, which means that cars are taxed based on one of the 13 Co2 bands they fall into.

The table below will show the new diesel tax bands from April 2018:

Co2 emission (g/km) Current first year VED rates First year VED Rates for diesel cars bought from 1st of April 2018 not meeting Euro 6 Standards
0 £0 N/A
1-50 £10 £25
51-75 £25 £100
76-90 £100 £120
91-100 £120 £140
101-110 £140 £160
111-130 £160 £200
131-150 £200 £500
151-170 £500 £800
171-190 £800 £1,200
191-225 £1,200 £1,700
226-255 £1,700 £2,000
Over 255 £2,000 TBA

Cars that are worth more than £40k pay a £310 supplement for five years.

If you want to avoid the extra VED charges that come in place on 1st of April 2018, order your new vehicle today. Alternatively why not go for a Plugin or Hybrid vehicle?

Get in touch today for more information.