All posts by Graham

10 tips for van drivers

Car news,

Neil, our commercial specialist is giving you ten tips to keep you safe on the road.

Don’t overload
Overloading your van will not only increase the risk of damaging your van but it also puts yourself and other road users at danger. It is worth checking the vehicle’s manual guide. And also when loading your van make sure to distribute the weight evenly.

Check your van before setting off
It is essential to check under the bonnet and make sure your windscreen washer is full, check brake/power steering fluid level and oil. Whenever you are done checking under the bonnet make sure to have a walk around your van to check tyre pressure and for damage. Make sure to check your lights as well.

Make sure to store tools in secure storage
No one likes tools rattling around the vehicle, so make sure to store small parts and tools in secure storage to prevent you from any easily distracting noise.

Make sure to choose the right van for requirements
Before choosing a van, make sure you consider what you’ll use the vehicle for and what you need to carry.

Allow room for heavy and bulk items in the load space
Allow extra room for heavy and bulky items but make sure to secure them before setting off.

Essentials you will need to have on board
Accidents do happen, even to the most experienced drivers. Make sure to have a spare wheel, high-vis jacket, and a first-aid kit.  Also make sure to have break-down cover.

Lockable cabinets and drawers
Lockable cabinets and drawers can prevent casual theft. When parking, make sure to park your van in a busy and well-lit car park if possible. 

Organise your stock
Here at CVSL we can help you converting your van to include racking and shelving to optimise your space. Organise your stock and components in different compartments so they are easy to find. This also creates a professional image with clients.

Plan your journey
Avoid stress and plan your journey beforehand.  Try avoid rush hours and school runs whenever possible.

Take breaks
Tiredness can kill, allow a break at least every 3 hours, and if you suddenly feel really tired pull over into a safe place to park and get some rest.  Don’t start driving until you feel fully rested.

For more information on commercial vehicles and how can help driving your business get in touch with Neil today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything you need to know before taking your vehicle abroad.

Motoring Advice

As the summer holidays have started millions of British motorists will take their vehicles abroad. In this blog post we will give you all the essentials you need to know before setting off.

Take a valid driving licence.
A full UK licence is valid in all EU or European Economic Area countries and Switzerland.

Passport
When travelling abroad you are required to travel with a valid passport or national identity card.

Bring your motor insurance certificate and insurance contact details
Check with your insurer if you are covered abroad. If this is not the case, you will have to get a minimum of third party cover which is the minimum legal in EU countries.

The vehicle registration document (V5)
It is a legal requirement to have your vehicle registration document V5 as you may be fined if you can’t produce this. Allow plenty of time, to obtain this document if you are driving a company car as you might need to ask your employer to get a certified copy or to contact the leasing company.

Authorisation
If you don’t own the vehicle and it is company car you will need to take a form from your employer stating that you are allowed to take the vehicle abroad. If your vehicle is leased or hired you will need a ‘vehicle on hire’ certificate, also known as form VE103 from the leasing or hire company. This rule has been brought into place to reduce the number of stolen vehicles crossing borders.

Specific laws and requirements abroad
Most countries will have different requirements. We have listed some interesting information to help you when travelling in or through the countries listed below:

Austria – to travel through this Alp country you will need a ‘vignette’ which are available at the border and service stations.

Belgium – it is illegal to leave a dog alone in a parked car.

Czech Republic – zero tolerance of drinking alcohol and driving. To drive in this country you will need a vignette. It also good know that daytime the light rule applies from end October until end of March.

Denmark – it is illegal to park against the flow of traffic.

France – you are required to carry a breathalyser kit in your vehicle. These can be purchased in UK ports and pharmacies in France.

Germany – some stretches of the Autobahn don’t have a speed limit, so beware of fast cars.

Greece – some petrol stations close at the weekend and credit cards are not always accepted.

Hungary – the alcohol limit is zero

Italy – petrol stations often don’t accept credit cards, so make sure to travel with cash. Outside towns daytime lights are required.

Netherlands – yellow diamond signs signal who has priority.

Norway – very strict parking and speeding laws.

Poland –  car crime is problem in this country; make sure to lock-up your vehicle and don’t leave valuables in your car.

Spain – if you wear spectacles, you must carry a spare pair in your car.

Sweden – very strict on speeding laws, if you break the law by over 30km/h your licence may be confiscated.

Switzerland – spare spectacles are required in Switzerland. You must also have an annual vignette for driving on motorways (CHF40).

Display a GB sticker
You are also required to have a GB sticker or modern-style number plates showing the GB euro-symbol.

Break down
In the case of a break down abroad use an authorised dealer and if possible a franchised dealer.
For more information:

www.fco.gov.uk
www.drivingabroad.co.uk
www.theaa.com

If you have any other queries please don’t hesitate us here at CVSL.

my-car-in-the-sun-1455624 (2)

Four football stadium tour in only 14 hours!

Uncategorized

Our Sales Director, Stu Sinclair is taking on the ‘4 stadium’ tour. This 37 mile walk from Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, onto Goodison Park, then over to Old Tafford before finally finishing at Manchester Etihad Stadium. Covering all four stadiums in an unbelievable time span of 14 hours.  We hope the weather is kind to you Stu!

Stu is walking the tour for a charity close to his heart ‘Tiny Steps’, aiming to provide sensory play areas for children with additional needs.  These activities can be hard to find in the local community and Tiny Steps is hoping to raise enough money to have a sensory room and social café for children with additional needs.

If you would like to support Stu and this fantastic cause please visit his Go fund me page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stu-Sinclair

GOOD LUCK STU

StuartSinclair

Come face to face with the Nissan Navara

Special Offers

The Nissan Navara 4×4 pick up is a tough, off-road truck that can handle all that’s thrown its way. A monster on the road, the Navara is also smart and delivers one of the most refined drives in its sector. Not limited to power, the Navara offers luxury comfort, impressive handling and superior interior quality. When it comes to this beast, its bite is just as big as its bark!

The roaring truck boasts a 2.3-litre diesel engine atop 18” alloy wheels and delivers smoothness through rear air suspension with 5 link. An around view monitor camera system allows easy navigation for parking and those tight city streets. While heated front seats and leather upholstery offer comfort and reassurance. Don’t let the chrome front grille fool you, the Navara offers so much more than just a powerful drive.

Find out for yourself and pick up your Nissan Navara pick up truck today from just £121.43 p/m +VAT.

Call CVSL on 0800 085 4256 or visit www.cvsl.co.uk for all the latest deals.

Navara

Why Ashley Sheppard chose a plug-in hybrid car over a conventional.

Car Leasing,

Over the last few months we have seen a massive increase in companies choosing electronic vehicles over conventional cars. We spoke to Ashley Sheppard, Sales and Marketing Director of Call Systems Limited who has two plug in hybrid cars in use: a BMW X5 xDrive40E and a BMW i3 Hatchback.

Are you happy with your BMW X5 xDrive40E?
We are very happy with the BMW X5 xDrive40E! The car offers everything you expect from an X5 but a plug in hybrid.

Are you happy with your car’s performance?  Have you tested its speed and acceleration?
It is a great car, you wouldn’t really notice a difference between driving a conventional car over a plug-in.  Acceleration is a little bit nippy but you will get used to that.

What was your main reason for choosing an electric vehicle over a conventional car?
Low Emissions, it is an environmentally friendly car.  It is also a very economical car which receives tax in-kind benefits. This car is also great for the short commute that I do from home, school and to the office.

How do you charge it?
I had power sockets put in at home, so we charge both cars overnight. The sockets each have a different voltage to be able to charge; to put this is quite expensive but is worth it.

How many miles can you drive from one charge?
In the BMWX5 you can do 20 miles on a full electric charge which is perfect for my commute.  If you would need to travel a longer journey you can switch over to its petrol tank.

Are you happy with your BMW i3?
Yes, I love it.

How many miles can you do on one charge?
With the BMWi3 you can do roughly about 60 miles on a full charge and with the petrol engine it extends to 120 miles.

Are there enough charging facilities around you?
Yes, there are plenty of charging facilities around me.  I also recommend downloading the  BMW remote app, this will help you find  the nearest facilities around you.

Would you recommend plug-in vehicles?
Yes I would, we love both of our cars and whole heartedly believe this is the future of motor vehicle travel.
If you are looking for a plug-in hybrid vehicle get in touch with CVSL today.

Plug in cars