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A long journey can put cars under a degree of pressure which is not experienced during weekly trips to work and school ect. This is a short guide of 10 easy tips which can go along way in preventing any mishaps which can occur during a long journey.

Consulting the Car Manual

The car manual can give the driver basic information about the car. For instance, the level of tire pressure required, how to change a tire and various other information about the car set up. Reading the manual can also relieve nervous drivers of stress, as they will be confident of being able to solve or prevent problems when they arise.

Check Tire Pressure

Driving with flat tires is dangerous as the car becomes harder to control. To check the cars air pressure specification, either check the car manual or check the manufacturers label, which can be found in the driver’s door opening, glove box or boot. Then using a gauge which can be found at many petrol stations, check the current level and then fill to desired level if necessary.

GPS

A frequently published statistic is that a lot of accidents occur less than 5 miles from your house, perhaps as many as a third. Although this is true, it is probably a reflection on that people do a lot of their driving near to their house, and the more telling statistic is that two thirds of accidents happen away from their house. The chance of an accident can be decreased when the driver is familiar with their surroundings. The GPS will make the driver aware of their surroundings, it guides them on how to get from A to B, it can also inform the driver of the placement of speed cameras and inform them of any traffic updates. Be sure to check for map updates before departing.

Map

The map has not been superseded completely by the GPS. GPS can lose signal in certain circumstances, for example indoors, near tall buildings and in extreme weather conditions. A trusty map can serve as a reliable safety net.

Documents

Proof of insurance and roadside assistance. Check that you are insured before you depart on your journey and that you keep the documents somewhere safe such as the glove compartment. It is illegal not to have insurance, also have it clear in your mind the type of cover you have. Some policies include roadside assistance, if yours doesn’t then consider becoming a member of a motor club such as the RAC or the AA.

Drinking Water and Food

Food and drink ensures the driver remains properly hydrated and sufficiently energized during the wears and tears of a long journey. It can also be essential in cases of emergency, waiting for several hours for road assistance can be horrendous and potentially dangerous without them.

Full Fuel Tank

A surprising amount of people run out of petrol every year on British motorways. The Highway Agency put the number at 15000. The easiest way to fill up is at the start of your journey at a fuel station that you know, rather than waiting till you have very little fuel and hoping to stumble upon a fuel station in an unfamiliar area.

Check Oil and Filter

A lack of oil changes can result in a variety of engine problems. To check the engine oil: start the engine in order for it to warm up, and then turn it off. Wait for a while in order for the oil to pour down the oil pan. Open the bonnet and pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean and then return it. Pull it out again check the level, it should be close to the full mark. If the oil is very low fill it up with the same oil which is already there, if the oil is very black then it most likely needs to be changed.

Coolant Level(engine anti freeze)

A lack of coolant on the road can cause the engine to overheat which results in serious damage to it. To check it locate the coolant tank, the level of coolant should be in between the min and max marks. If it is running low fill it up with the coolant which is suitable for the car and mix it with water.

Consider service

Even if your car has passed its MOT, problems with the car may have developed since, or may not have been bad enough to cause a failure but still worth spending money on to sort out. Many garages offer different forms of services for your car, a full service should reassure you that the car is capable of doing a long journey successfully.

Written by Quadriga Cars, a luxury London car club.

When thinking about classic cars lots of images spring to mind of wedding days and old films. However, when does a car become a classic car?

It is defined differently by different people. In the UK there is no official definition however we can use the tax they are eligible to pay as a guide. All cars built before 1 January, 1973 do not have to pay annual road tax and are classed as a ‘historic vehicle’. The definition of a classic car by the HM revenue and customs for company taxation purposes is ‘a car over 20 years old and having a value in excess of £15, 000’.

The Antique Car Club of America defines an antique car as 45 years or older and a classic car as 20-45 years old.

The Car Club of America uses a slightly different definition. If the car was produced between 1946 and 1985, was highly priced when new and was made in limited quantities then it is regarded as a classic. This strict definition isn’t followed by everyone though and most regard this as a ‘full classic car’.

Now we’ve got the definition sorted there are many ways to find out more about classic cars and enjoy them. There are many car clubs in the UK and around the world specialising in classic cars. One of the most famous is the Classic Car Club of America. If you have a classic car you can register but even if you don’t you can attend events.

There are also many UK luxury car clubs where you can either meet up with like minded people or have certain amounts of days where you can drive classic cars!

Anyone who regularly sits in traffic and has even the smallest concern for the environment must wonder what harm their commuting is doing to the environment. If we happen to be stuck in traffic on a hot day then this is even worse, we all probably turn up our air conditioning and leave the engine running. When you think about all these cars packed so closely together, all pumping out harmful gases into the atmosphere then you do have to wonder how much damage they’re actually doing to the environment.

Alarmingly, cars are responsible for around 30% of the carbon dioxide that is produced across the world. Fortunately, car manufacturers have realised the harm that these cars are doing and have started to introduce new cars that have a hybrid engine as an alternative.

Hybrid cars are now readily available from most car dealers. They differentiate from a normal car in the fact that they an electric motor as well as an internal combustion engine. A hybrid reduces emissions by only using the electric motor when at low speeds, it completely turns off the engine which stops it from using fuel. This is ideal for motorists in cities. Moving round a city is generally slow and a normal car will still use a lot of fuel to do this. Instead of purchasing a petrol only new car or used car, consider a Hybrid; it will save fuel as it will utilise the electric motor when travelling slowly, saving the owner both money in fuel bills and helping to protect the environment.

This scheme enables you to buy or lease cars which can be driven by your carer to accommodate your transport needs.

Eligibility depends upon you receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.

The scheme allows you to transfer all or part of your allowance to motability in order to lease or hire purchase new cars.

Two ways of obtaining a car are by contract hire or hire purchase.
Contract hire is the hassle free choice enabling you to choose a new car every three years. Motability will take care of insurance, RAC breakdown cover, annual tax disc, free replacement of tyres, windows and windscreen; assistance with alternative travel where possible whilst your car is under repair or service. Motability will ensure a painless transfer to a new car at the end of the three year term.

Hire purchase enables you to buy new or used cars. It might suit you better if you prefer to own your car and use your allowance to pay for it; plan to rack up high mileage or want to make extensive and expensive adaptations to the car. You organise your own insurance, MOT if your car is over three years old, tax disc, recovery assistance, repairs and servicing.

No credit checks; just stress free motoring enabling you to own a new or used car.
Choose a car online or visit one of the many car dealers in your area.

When it comes to buying new cars, it’s often important to look at the best selling cars over a certain period. This really helps to give consumers an indication of the best cars that are out there, the ones that other people recommend, the ones that have been tried and tested by ordinary motorists. The best selling cars are almost certainly going to be the most reliable and best performing out there.

In terms of the best cars for 2010, it’s pretty much the same story as most other years. It’s no surprise that out of the top five best selling cars, four of them come from Ford and Vauxhall. This is testament to Ford and Vauxhall’s reputation for great performing and reliable cars. These manufacturers have are in a strong position due to their many years of producing cars that appeal to everyday motorists. Again, it’s no real surprise that the car at the top of the best selling chart is the Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta has been around in many different forms for a number of years, it’s a small car with great performance.

The rest of the top five in order is the Ford Focus, the Vauxhall Astra, the Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Golf. All of these cars share positive qualities, they are suitable for nearly everyone, they’re not hugely expensive and they come from manufacturers with great reputations. They are great all round vehicles, and provide a great balance of price and performance.

Top 5 in numbers:
1. Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta was again the best selling model for the fourth month of 2010, Ford’s baby boomer achieved 6,808 sales for April.
2. Vauxhall Astra: The all-new model was launched in December and the Astra is up to second spot for April, with 6,440 cars sold.
3. Ford Focus: The Focus was down to third spot for April, with 6,279 finding homes.
4. Vauxhall Corsa: The Corsa remains in fourth place for April, with 5,945 sales of the supermini.
5. Volkswagen Golf: The Golf is a non-mover in fifth position, with 5,828 sales for April.

Sometimes choosing to lease a car rather than buying is a better option. If you are considering your options read this to help weigh up the pros and cons.

If you lease a car you will get the opportunity to change your car usually every three years. If you get bored easily then leasing is a good option as you know you can change your car regularly without going through the hassle of buying and selling. Why not go for a luxury car lease as by paying monthly you are often able to afford more than you would if you were buying. You can therefore own a really nice car without paying out a great deal upfront of taking out a loan. Another benefit is leased cars always have the latest safety features giving you extra piece of mind.

Leased cars are usually under warranty giving you security. It is likely that by leasing you won’t need to deal with major repairs. Therefore leasing can be more stress fee as you know you won’t be hit with a massive repair bill.

Cost is always an issue when choosing a car. When buying you usually have large up front costs and continual repairs and servicing costs. A lot of car buys also involve loans to cover costs and a benefit of leasing is being debt free! In some cases leasing long term will actually be more expensive than buying but you need to consider that the ease of leasing might still outweigh the reduced cost of buying.

If you are particularly environmentally friendly then you might consider an electric car lease. Buying electric cars can be expensive but leasing them in the short term can be more cost effective. You also have peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment.

Drawbacks of a lease are that you might be subject to mileage restrictions. Another potential problem is that you can’t customise your car. Also if you are liable for small repairs then any you make must be up to your leasing companies standards. This means you might not be able to choose the cheapest repair company or repair the car yourself.

There are lots of different reasons why you should lease a car rather than buy and hopefully this has given you something to think about.

Driving in London is not only costly it can be extremely stressful, follow these tips to save money & remain calm…

Vauxhall is currently looking for the greenest drivers in Europe. Demonstrate your skills online and on the road and you could win a revolutionary Vauxhall Ampera and be one of the first to drive this unique electric range-extended car.

Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team attempted 800 miles on one tank. Surely there is somebody in the UK who can do better??

All you have to do is sign up here and follow the three steps:
- Online quiz: Answer 10 questions about environmental driving in the shortest time possible and score enough points to qualify for the second round. If you are not happy with your result, try again. Enter before 11th June.

- Online Simulator: Qualifiers from the quiz will be tested in our online driving simulator starting 17th May. Complete the online driving game in the shortest time. The best scorer from each participating country qualifies for the live driving event in Copenhagen.

- Driving Event: Takes place in Copenhagen and Malmö on 22-24 July 2010. For the lucky finalists this unique event is your chance to demonstrate your eco-driving skills at the wheel of real ecoFLEX cars, at the location of the last UN Climate Change Conference, and in competition with Europe’s greenest drivers!

We have already proven that the UK produces great fast drivers with the likes of Hamilton and Jenson Button…who went on to win six of the first seven races of the 2009 season, equalling a record achieved by only two other drivers: Michael Schumacher and Jim Clark. But can we master the skill of petrol preservation??
Ready for the challenge?

Sunny days are coming! Time to get the family out for a nice weekend away, especially with the commencing (although illusive) summer around the corner.
However, when you try and think about it it’s always the same old story: the train isn’t really the cheapest option and travelling with three kids can get quite complicated and stressful.
Best option would definitely be the car: you can pack up everything without wondering how you are going to carry it around, watch the kids closely and enjoy the benefits of having a vehicle during your stay.
Here is a selection of great MPV family cars for you to choose from!
Citroën Xsara Picasso, Renault Espace and the Vauxhall Meriva all offer good looking interior and exterior design, fun entertainments, practical features including big spaces and most importantly the best security you need for your children.
Special security features include automatic door and boot locking (when car in motion), outer rear seats Isofix child seat anchorage points and high tensile steel side protection bars.
The brand new Meriva offers a wider range of features that you will currently not find in any other family cars.
The vehicle is equipped with innovative clever doors which open the other way. This new system makes it easier for everyone to get in and out and insures an improved roadside safety.

The new Meriva welcomes everyone with space for up to five and luggage or bulky items. How many seats do you need today? Five? Four? Three? Just two? In Meriva the choice is yours. The outer rearseats can be individually moved backwards or forwards, or folded flat for more luggage space. The system provides unbeatable levels of versatility – without ever having to remove a seat.
So pack up the car and the kids and wherever you decide to go, enjoy the ride!