All posts by Graham

Mobile phones are an important part of our lives, however driving and using a mobile phone is something which is not only highly dangerous but also forbidden by law since 2007. If you do use a mobile phone whilst driving (even when your vehicle is stationary – so this also when you have stopped at traffic lights or are queuing in traffic) you can risk a fine up to £100, with the addition of 3 penalty points to your licence. Penalty points on your licence can result in higher insurance costs.
Even if you use a hands-free kit in your car you are distracted and not in control of your vehicle, and police could fine you and add points to your licence.

Why not use your mobile phone whilst driving?
You are four times more likely to get in accident if you are using a mobile phone as you are slower in recognizing hazards. A split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
When are you allowed to use a mobile phone?
– If you need to speak to the emergency services (999 or 112)
– If you are safely parked

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

This time of the year people are taking their children out for day trips and holidays.  In order to keep your children safe whilst you are on the road, we are looking at what the law says about child car seats and the requirements you need to meet.

When do you need to use a child car seat or booster seater?
Children must normally us a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.  Only EU-approved child car seats can be used in the UK, they will have a label showing a capital E in a circle.

There is a variety of child car seats available dependent on your child’s height or weight.

Height-based car seats
Also known as ‘i-Size’ seat. When placing those they must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old after that a forward-facing car seat can be used.  Make sure that the seat is suitable for the height of your

Weight-based car
Weight-based car seats must be rear facing until your child weighs more than 9kg.

After that it depends on weight:

9kg to 18kg  – rear or forward-facing baby seat
15kg to 25kg – rear or forward-facing child seat (booster seat)
Over 22kg – booster  cushion

How to fit a child car seat?
Only use a child car seat if your car’s seat belt has a diagonal strap – unless the car seat is specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt. It is also important to deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat.

Looking for spacious cars? Have a look at our latest car leasing offers.

Summer driving tips
Are you going away this summer? Perhaps on a long drive abroad or to a seaside town? Make sure that you are prepared before you set off on your journey.

Overheating
We all know the UK is not famous for its tropical climate, however if it does get hot it is worth checking your cooling system, as overheating can cause some expensive damage and endanger you and your passengers.
We recommend regularly checking your engine:
• Look for white staining or wetness on coolant hoses: if they are leaking then they should be replaced as soon as possible
• If the fan is broken engine temperature will rise dramatically when travelling slowly in traffic
• Check your engine coolant level

Tyre punctures
In hot weather it is particularly important to check your tyres before embarking on long journeys. Damaged tyres are an even higher risk due to additional friction from hot motorway surfaces – ensure your tyres are adequately inflated with the correct amount of tread before you leave. Read more about tyre safety here.

Bring an emergency kit
This is essential for long trips: regardless of whether your vehicle is old or new, it can breakdown at any time. The emergency kit should contain a breakdown triangle, blanket, torch, high-vis jackets, a map and break-down cover details.

Last but not least, schedule a stop every 2 hours or so to take a 15 minutes break, particularly if travelling at night. Tiredness can kill!
Optional break-down cover is offered with all of our car leases.
We wish a good summer holiday and safe travels.