With the average cost of fuel hitting £1.46p in recent months, driving across the UK are looking at ways to save money at the pumps.
By following a few simple rules, you can conserve fuel and drive more efficiently, getting more miles for your money.
Here are ten tips on how to increase your fuel efficiency:
Use cruise control The majority of new cars on the road today have cruise control as standard. If your vehicle does, it can provide a more steady driving experience, making your engine more efficient and therefore save fuel. You don’t have to wait until you are on the motorway to benefit, either.
Use the right gears To maximise your fuel efficiency, it’s essential that you choose the right gear for the speed you are driving at. Both over-reving the engine and driving in too low a gear can affect your fuel efficiency.
Avoid idling where possible When your car is at a standstill with your engine running and idling your miles per galloon is exactly zero. That’s because whilst you aren’t moving, fuel is still being used. Remember to turn your engine off if you aren’t in motion.
Be careful using air con Using the air conditioning in your car will drop the fuel efficiency by 5-10%. Whilst we wouldn’t advise sweltering in the summer heat, it’s best to switch it off when it’s not required.
Reduce drag Anything fitted externally to a car, from a bike rack to a flag supporting your favourite team, will increase drag and therefore reduce your fuel efficiency.
Plan your route Knowing exactly where you are going will stop you driving unnecessary miles. Planning your journey to avoid traffic hotspots and peak times will also help.
Keep your speed steady Accelerating hard will burn through fuel fast. To save on fuel, accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed.
Maintain your car Basic maintenance on your car will improve its efficiency. Check your tyre pressure and oil levels regularly.
Lighten the load Don’t leave items in the boot of your car. Carrying items you don’t need means the engine has to work harder, decreasing your fuel efficiency.
Shop around for the best prices Fuel prices vary from forecourt to forecourt. Shopping around can save you money at the pump.
The Highway Code is due to change at the end of this month, after parliamentary approval of several new rules designed to help with road safety.
The Highway code is set to be updated this year following Government approval of several new rules and rule changes.
The changes include:
New Hierarchy of Road Users
Puts extra responsibility on drivers of larger motor vehicles
Pedestrians will be given higher priority
The new Highway code will come into effect on the 29th of January. A total of 8 new rules will be added along with updates to 49 rules already in place.
The biggest change for road users will be the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’. This will prioritise vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
What new rules are being introduced to the Highway Code?
Rule H1
The Hierarchy of Road Users rule will put more responsibility on the drivers of larger motor vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users.
The rule change states that:
‘Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others’.
Rule H1 also states that cyclists and horse riders have a responsibility to look after pedestrians. It also stresses that all road users have an obligation to ensure their own safety, as well as that of other road users.
Rule H2
Rule H2 applies to drivers, motorbike riders, horse riders and cyclists. The rule states: ‘At a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.’
What this means is that if you are turning into a road and there’s a pedestrian waiting to cross, you should give way to them.
Rule H3
Rule H3 covers drivers and motorcyclists. The rule states that ‘You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.’
What other rules have been introduced?
Several new rules have been included to help clarify when pedestrians have priority on the road. Cyclists are advised to take care when overtaking pedestrians and horses by slowing down and using a bell to alert them.
Cyclists are also now encouraged to ride in the centre of their lane to make themselves more visible on quieter roads and in slow-moving traffic or going up to junctions when it would be unsafe for vehicles to overtake.
How is the highway code enforced?
The Highway Code is being updated to improve road safety for road users. However, there will be no changes to the law. The rules of the highway code are only advisory, meaning a person will not be prosecuted for not complying with them.
However, the rules of the Highway Code can be used in court to establish liability in the event of an accident under the Road Traffic Act.
Altrincham, UK £22,000 – £26,000 OTE £45,000 – £60,000 (uncapped)
Company description
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and customer-centric focused car finance credit broker, servicing near/non-prime customers, delivering a 5 star service.
We have a strong ethos, of making sure work is enjoyable, and wish to continue to promote a strong work-life balance.
We are based a minute’s walk from the nearest tram stop in Altrincham, and we are accessible from all major road/motorway networks.
Job description
We are looking for ambitious people who MUST be able to demonstrate previous experience within B2C Sales, preferably within finance/car finance.
This is a B2C role whereby you will receive pre-approved web applications to call, qualify, and help find the customer a competitive finance package, and assist them with their car purchase.
You will have access to a panel of direct finance partners, covering all credit types, with full control and access to finance partner portals, so you can quote your customer in real-time with no guesswork involved.
Being in a Sales role, you will work to monthly targets, and KPI’s set out by management. There will be plenty of scope for development and career progression in a thriving business/industry.
£22,000 – £26,000 depending on experience.
OTE £45,000 – £60,000 Though Uncapped!
Additional pay:
Bonus scheme = Ad Hoc weekly competitions
Commission pay
Benefits:
Casual dress
Company events
Company pension
Referral programme
A good work-life balance
Experience:
Sales: Credit Broker or Car Sales – 1 year minimum
Mohamed Salah has an impressive car collection, including the Bentley Bentayga.
Roberto Firmino – Range Rover Sport
Forward Roberto Firmino has been spotted driving to and from training in a Range Rover Sport.
Virgil Van Dijk – Mercedes G-Wagon
Van Dijk’s car of choice whilst driving on the roads of Liverpool is a Mercedes G-Wagon.
James Milner – BMW X5
Ever dependable James Milner can often be seen driving his BMW X5.
Jordan Henderson – Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe
Captain Jordan Henderson is regularly spotted in his Mercedes AMG GT 64 3 Couple en route to training.
Jurgen Klopp – Vauxhall Insignia
It may surprise you that Manager Jurgen Klopp’s car of choice is a rather modest Vauxhall Insignia. However, Klopp is an ambassador for the Vauxhall/Opel brand.
Looking for Car Finance deals in Liverpool? Check out the Motorly Car Finance Liverpool Page for more details and to apply
Looking for sleek style and top performance from a compact SUV at an affordable price point? The Range Rover Evoque could be the right car for you…
The UK has seen the compact SUV market explode over the last few years. Customers can’t get enough of high-riding, family-focused compact SUVs that offer both style and performance.
Launched in 2021, the MK1 Range Rover Evoque has built up a big following, especially after the 2014 facelift. It offers buyers the desirable brand image at a more affordable price point, without sacrificing the sleek looks that make Range Rover so popular. The car has gone on to sell close to half a million units worldwide since its launch.
Despite being on the market for nearly a decade, the Evoque has aged well. Used values remain strong, meaning that bargains can be hard to come by. However, you can expect the car to hold its value better than others.
Which model should I go for?
There’s a lot of different models available on the market today, which can make choosing the right one harder than you’d expect. If you can, we’d advise that you go for the five-door diesel. The three-door Evoque can be tight for space in the back, and the petrol model can only muster up a mere 32 miles per gallon.
What issues should I be aware of when buying a Range Rover Evoque?
If you’re looking to buy a Range Rover Evoque, it’s worth looking for these common issues so that you can make sure to avoid them.
Wheels and Tyres: Replacement tyres are not cheap for the car. It’s worth checking the tread depth to make sure the tyres are up to the job.
Electrical Issues: The biggest issue with the Evoque is the electrical issues. Remember to check every switch and button before purchasing.
Check below the sills for damage: The Evoque is not a true off-road vehicle, unlike some bigger models available. Not all drivers get the memo, though. Look for signs of damage on the skills, floorpan, wheel arches and exhaust.
What alternatives are available on the market?
The popularity of the compact SUV market means you have plenty of alternatives. We’d recommend that you check the Audi Q3, and Nissan Qashqui.
Looking to get finance on a Range Rover Evoque? Check out our Motorly Car Finance Page for more details.
What is open banking?
Simply put, open banking means that all UK-regulated banks have to let you share your financial data such as your spending habits, monthly payments and businesses you use (this includes your bank statements, credit card bills or savings statements) with authorised providers offering budgeting apps, or other banks, as long as you have granted them permission.
Open banking allows you to use the power of the information you already own to leverage greater access to financial products and services. Your bank accounts hold a wealth of important information that show how you manage money.
What’s the difference between open banking and my credit score?
Lenders usually take into account three main when deciding to offer you car finance. They are stability, ability, and willingness. Your credit score can really only indicate willingness. And even then, it’s not precise. By using open banking, it gives potential finance partners a better idea of your financial history and behaviours.
This means finance partners can take into account your income and outgoings, how often you go into your overdraft, whether you save often, keep up with any direct debit payments or spend in high-risk areas like gambling.
How can open banking help me buy a new car?
Open banking frees you from being constrained by your credit score and can help finance partners find finance options for consumers who would otherwise be denied credit.
Is open banking safe?
Security is a key component of open banking. It uses rigorously tested software and security protocols to ensure your personal information is safe. You will never be asked to give access to your bank login credentials or password to anyone other than your own bank or building society.
Looking to quote for Car Finance? Check out the Motorly Finance Calculator below to see how much you could borrow.
Car Finance
If you are one of the over 5 million people in the UK that are self-employed, you may be aware that it can be more difficult to obtain car finance. At Motorly, we aim to take the challenge out of the process by assisting Britain’s hard-working Self-Employed to get behind the wheel of a new car. Here’s what you need to know.
What are the difficulties with getting Car Finance If I am Self-Employed?
Self Employed workers are often concerned about how finance partners will view them and cautious about offering them credit, as their income can be unpredictable. Not having predictable wage slips can be another worry.
Is it possible to get Car Finance if you are self-employed?
The good news is that you do have options open to you. Being self-employed in itself shouldn’t be a hindrance to getting finance.
Thanks to the explosion in self-employment, finance partners have become much savvier in offering self-employed people options to get the finance they need.
Can Motorly Help Self Employed Workers get Car Finance?
While it can be more difficult to secure a great deal for car finance from finance partners when you are self-employed, you still have plenty of options available to you.
We work with a large panel of trusted finance partners who are experienced in dealing with the requirements of Self-Employed workers.
Top Tips to increase your chances of being accepted
Get on the Electoral Roll: If you haven’t already, you should register for the electoral roll. As it’s an official register of who can vote, it can be used to establish your identity and proof of address.
Be truthful when applying: Lenders are looking to see that you have a clear understanding of your current financial situation. Don’t overstate your income and ensure you know what your outgoings are.
Get your accounts in order: If you can present finance partners with your latest trading accounts, you will be able to give a more accurate picture of your financial situation. The more years of information you can provide the more confident finance partners will be to offer you credit.
Consider what uses the car will have: Most finance partners will not offer credit when the vehicle is likely to be used primarily for business use. This is because wear and tear on the vehicle are likely to be likely and higher than normal mileage.
A larger deposit could help: If you can afford to do so, a larger deposit could help you get accepted. It reduces the risk to the finance partner, making them more likely to accept your application.
Nothing beats the feeling of passing your driving test. The freedom that driving brings await – all you need now is a car.
However, getting finance isn’t always simple for newly-qualified young drivers.
Car finance can be great for young drivers who require a car but can’t afford to pay outright. By spreading the cost into manageable monthly payments, Motorly can help you get behind the wheel of your new car.
Here, we take a look at the options available to you to make it happen.
Understand your car finance options
When it comes to car finance, there are two main alternatives.
Hire-purchase (HP) involves putting down a deposit (usually about 10% of the total purchase price) then repaying the rest of the balance, plus interest, over an agreed period of time.
Hire-purchase is often the best option for those with have a good deposit to put down and want to own the car outright once they have finished the monthly payments.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), meanwhile, requires you to make monthly repayments, but you’re only permitted to use the car until the end of the contract.
At the end of the contract, you have a choice to make. You can return the ca, pay the ‘balloon payment’ to own the car outright, or start another PCP agreement.
Understanding your credit history
Regardless of how you choose to finance your car, there are steps you can make to improve your situation.
It’s a good idea to start establishing a credit history, as this will direct how successful you’ll be in applying for finance when you are ready.
Opening and using a UK current account will help. Paying your bills regularly via Direct Debit will also help.
Just make sure you don’t forget to pay any of your bills, as a missed or late payment will count against you.
If your car is attracting unwanted attention, there are a few tips you can follow to make sure your car isn’t stolen. Here’s our guide on how to keep your vehicle safe.
Do not leave your valuables on display
Hide any valuables in a lockable place – such as a glove box or your boot. If you are unsure, it may be better to take valuables with you.
Keep your car locked
This one might seem really obvious, but it’s vital that your car is locked when it’s not in use. According to the Office for National Statistics, 44% of vehicle thefts happen when the car doors were unlocked.
Don’t leave your vehicle unattended when it’s running
During the winter months, it may be tempting to leave the car running unattended whilst the engine warms up. Opportunist thieves are known to take advantage of this. To make sure that it doesn’t happen to you, do not leave your car unattended with the engine running.
Park your car in a well-lit area
Areas with good lighting and CCTV coverage will deter thieves from targetting your motor.
Use a good quality Steering Wheel Lock
A steering wheel can be a great deterrent against thieves driving away with your vehicle.
Protect yourself against keyless theft
According to security company Tracker, over 90% of the cars stolen that were recovered in 2019 were keyless entry models. To help reduce your risk of theft, you should keep your fob turned off and stored in a safe space when not in use.
