Estimated 18 breakdowns every minute expected on January 2

Gareth Herincx

59 mins ago
Auto News

Car maintenance

Breakdown provider Green Flag is predicting there will be more than 26,000 breakdowns on January 2 as many people head back to work after the festive break.

That’s 18 cars every minute and an 88% increase in the average number of callouts compared to the annual daily average.

Callouts to deal with flat batteries, punctured tyres and cars not starting, are just a few of the issues that mechanics across the Green Flag network expect to support customers with following the festive break.

Some vehicles will have been parked without being started for two weeks, while people enjoyed the festivities, which is why January 2 is traditionally a day that sees a huge spike in callouts.

“That first working day back post the festive break can be hectic as many people start their vehicles for the first time in a couple of weeks,” said Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag.

“Not only is it expected to be a busy time on the roads, it is also expected that many people will experience issues with their cars, so it is worth starting vehicles regularly over the festive break to ensure they are ticking over.”

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Drivers continue to be overcharged at the pumps

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

Filling up with petrol

This Christmas is set to be the most expensive ever on the roads with petrol and diesel both at record highs for the festive period.

Petrol is currently being sold for an average of 152.96p a litre which is 7p more than it was on 22 December 2021 (145.66p), according to the RAC.

Diesel, however, is a shocking 27p more expensive on the nation’s forecourts than it was a year ago (148.95p) at 175.75p, which was previously the most expensive Christmas ever for drivers.

A tank of petrol for a family driving to see family and friends now costs nearly £4 more at £84 than it did last Christmas (£80). For those travelling in diesel cars it’s even worse with a fill-up now costing nearly £97 – almost £15 more than last year (£82).

But disturbingly, this Christmas should not be hurting drivers’ pockets as much as it is as the wholesale price of petrol has now fallen to just 106p a litre – the same price it was this time last year.

And even more worryingly, this year’s price includes the Government’s 5p fuel duty discount which was introduced in March to ease the pain of rising fuel prices caused by Russia invading Ukraine.

The wholesale price of diesel has dropped to 126p a litre which is only 14p more expensive than just before last Christmas (112p).

The RAC calculates that the average price of petrol should be around 138p – 15p cheaper than it actually is, and that diesel should be around 160p a litre – 13p cheaper than it is now.

“The big four supermarkets, which dominate UK fuel retailing, have robustly refused to significantly lower their forecourt prices to reflect what’s happened with the substantial reduction in the price of wholesale fuel that they are enjoying,” said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams.

“We now have a bizarre situation where many smaller independent retailers are charging far less for their fuel than the supermarkets.”

“We urge the supermarkets to properly cut their petrol and diesel prices to give drivers the Christmas present they deserve.”

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Don’t drink-drive this Christmas

Gareth Herincx

1 week ago
Auto News

Don't drink and drive - GEM Motoring Assist

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to make safety their priority this Christmas and not to take any risks by drinking alcohol.

The advice comes as figures show the number of breath tests conducted by police officers continues to decline. In 2021, the total number of tests was 224,162, seven per cent lower than in 2020, and just 31.5 per cent of the tests conducted in 2009.

However, 40,861 tests were positive or refused – the highest proportion since 2003.

An average of 220 people are killed in the UK through drink-driving each year, a figure that has remained largely unchanged since 2010.

“We urge everyone to respect the law and to understand the significant risk of choosing to flout it,” said GEM chief executive Neil Worth.

“Drink-drive deaths have not reduced for a decade now, and we believe there is a need for lower limits and a stronger safety message.

“Anyone who believes it’s acceptable to drive after drinking alcohol is creating an unnecessary risk – for themselves, their families and for anyone who happens to be sharing the road with them.”

The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms (µg) of alcohol per 100ml of breath. In Scotland, the limit changed in December 2014 and is now 22µg. This is equivalent to a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.8 in England and Wales and 0.5 in Scotland.

The penalty for a first drink-driving offence is a minimum 12-month ban, a fine of up to £2,500, and even a prison sentence of up to six months. Refusal to provide a specimen carries the same penalty.

Neil Worth added: “If you’re going out for a few drinks, then make arrangements to get home. A £20 taxi fare is definitely worth every penny for your peace of mind. And if you prefer to drive, then stay on soft drinks. Don’t ever take a risk with drink-driving.”

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Driving a car

Biggest Christmas travel bugbears revealed

One in six people have bickered with their partner about who will be the designated …

Biggest Christmas travel bugbears revealed

Gareth Herincx

16 hours ago
Auto News

Driving a car

One in six people have bickered with their partner about who will be the designated driver over the festive period, according to a new survey.

A poll of 2,000 drivers has found that other Christmas gripes include backseat drivers, leaving for events on time, and frustration at attempting to successfully follow directions.

Trying to concentrate when driving in poor weather and who gets lumbered with filling up the vehicle with fuel or charging can also prove divisive.

In response, heycar, which commissioned the study, has launched the ‘Pre-Sup’ – a downloadable agreement committing couples to do their fair share of driving during the holidays.

Visiting loved ones emerged as the top reason to hop in the car this Yuletide, followed by Christmas shopping, and festive activities such as ice skating.

Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.

A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.

But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.

And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.

Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.

A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.

But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.

And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.

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Driving home for Christmas? Survey reveals your travel plans

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

2022 Honda Civic e.HEV

More than three quarters of Brits will be relying on their car over the festive period, according to new research from Honda UK.

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that the most common number of trips we’re planning on making is between four and six (35%), covering a distance of less than 50 miles (29%).

People in Northern Ireland will be most reliant on a car over the Christmas and New Year (94%), followed by folk in the East Midlands, the South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber (each 85%). Those in London are set to be the least reliant on a car, with just 28% hitting the road over the festive period.

The research suggests that people prefer to travel with company as more than two thirds (70%) are joined in the car by a partner, friend and or child/children, while just 11% of those surveyed will be travelling alone over the festive period.

Christmas and the New Year are a time for families to come together and celebrate, with presents, food and beverages. But first, you have to get it all in the car. The below table reveals the most popular things to travel with.

Travelling With: Percentage Of Surveyed Brits
Presents 64%
Food 47%
Shopping 47%
Alcohol 37%
Pets 24%

In keeping with the festive season, more than a quarter of people will be listening to a Christmas playlist (26%) while on the road. Gen Z is most likely to enjoy a festive soundtrack for their car journeys, with more than half of 18-24s (52%) listening to a Christmas playlist.

A surprising number of survey respondents (14%) admitted to arguing with family whilst travelling at Christmas time.

The top five passenger activities are as follows:

Passenger Activities Percentage Of Surveyed Brits
Listening to the radio 60%
Listening to a Christmas playlist 26%
Listening to a streaming service 24%
Arguing with the family 14%
Playing car games 9%

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