How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield Safely

Woman clearing ice from car
If you’re in a hurry on a cold morning, it can be frustrating having to wait for your car windshield to defrost. Quick fixes may seem appealing, but they may end up causing more damage to your vehicle in the long term.

Here’s how to safely remove ice from your windshield.

How to remove ice from your windshield safely – 3 steps

1. Direct warm air at your windshield

Turn your car’s engine on and direct the warm air blower towards your windshield from the inside. Do the same for the rear window.

  • You can use the aircon feature – it will help to remove moisture from the air.
  • Stay with your car when your engine is on so to prevent risk of theft.
  • Never use your hands to wipe your windshield glass – you’ll only leave smears.
  • You can use a soft chamois sponge to clean your windshield without leaving marks.

2. Remove the snow or ice from your windshield

Use an ice scraper, rubber squeegee or soft bristle brush to gently remove the snow or ice from your windshield.

  • You can do this whilst your car’s engine is running.
  • If you don’t have any of these things, you can slosh warm water over your windshield.
  • Never use boiling water, as this will crack the glass. Do not use salt or salt water to melt the ice on your windshield, either.
  • If you have rubbing alcohol at home, you can combine this with water in a spray bottle to make a DIY de-icer mix.
  • Don’t use items like a credit card to de-scrape ice, either. You may damage the glass.

3. Drive off when the glass is clear

Only start driving once you have full visibility. Anything less than this will compromise your safety as well as putting other road users at risk.

Upgrade to a winter-ready vehicle with My Car Credit

While a newer vehicle can’t prevent ice on your windshield, the upgraded heating system can make it quicker to remove as well as keeping you more comfortable when the temperatures drop.

Check your car finance eligibility and upgrade to a safe, secure new car for winter today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

How to Keep Your Car Warm in Winter

Car driving in snow

Cold weather will negatively impact your car’s battery. As such, it’s sensible to keep your car warm in winter, so that you can avoid the chaos that comes when your car’s ignition just won’t start. Here’s how…

How to keep your car warm in winter

Cover it up

Use a windshield cover, waterproof or outdoor car cover, or blanket to cover your car up whenever you’re not driving it. The cover will help to reduce the amount of heat lost from the car, keeping the battery a little warmer.

Park in a garage

If you have access to a garage, it’s sensible to park your car there during the winter – especially if you’re leaving the vehicle for long stretches of time. Even if the garage isn’t heated, it’ll nonetheless keep the car warmer than it would be outside.

If you don’t have garage access, try parking your vehicle so that it’s out of the worst of the wind. Alternatively, choose a sunny spot, as the extra rays can help to boost the vehicle’s temperature.

Use a block heater

Warming the engine up before driving it can help to reduce risk of damage from starting it cold. A block heater will do this for you. It can also help to prevent the engine coolant from gelling, which then delivers heat more effectively to the radiator.

You could also invest in a battery pad heater or battery thermal wrap, both of which are designed to guard against the worst impact of the cold.

Finance a car to keep you going through winter

If it’s time to upgrade your drive, determine your car finance eligibility with My Car Credit. We can help you get behind the wheel of a vehicle with modern technologies, keeping you safe through the cold months.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Is LPG Conversion Worth It?

Mechanic working on a car

Rising petrol costs have had many British motorists thinking about alternative options like LPG. So, is LPG conversion worth it? Read on as we unpack everything you need to know about LPG and answer your questions about whether it’s worth making the switch.

What is LPG?

Before we learn more about whether LPG conversion is worth it, let’s take a closer look at what LPG is. The acronym stands for liquefied petroleum gas, also known as propane gas or butane. It’s a byproduct of crude oil refining and is also made when processing of natural gas liquids. The name describes the dual characteristics of LPG. It’s stored as a clear gas but transforms into a liquid when cooled or placed under pressure.

Is LPG cheaper than petrol?

The short answer is yes. LPG typically costs around 50% less than petrol. This makes it a desirable option for motorists who tend to get sticker shock at the forecourt.

That said, you’ll need to consider the initial investment costs. Installing an LPG tank can cost between £1,500 to £2,000. Most motorists won’t start to see savings until at least a year or two after installing the tank. Though of course this depends on how much you drive and the current MPG of your vehicle.

Can I convert my car to LPG?

In general, most petrol-powered cars can be retrofitted with an LPG system. This transforms them into hybrid vehicles that can run on two types of fuel – petrol and LPG. 

LPG fuel tanks are usually installed in the boot of the car. This keeps them out of the way and makes them easy to refill. As well as an LPG tank you’ll need to install new cables and fuel tubes in the car, as well as a converter.

Pros of converting to LPG

  • LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel. In the long term this can reduce your running costs.
  • Can be a good way to reduce CO2 emissions and minimise your carbon footprint. For this reason, “is LPG conversion worth it” is a popular question asked by eco-conscious motorists.
  • LPG tanks can be installed as part of a dual-fuel system. This means you can run your car on the original fuel the engine was designed for, as well as LPG.
  • LPG is a quieter fuel than diesel.

Cons of converting to LPG

  • LPG fuel tank takes up boot space.
  • The addition of the LPG fuel tank slightly increases the total weight of the vehicle and can have a small impact on MPG.
  • LPG can be difficult to find at petrol stations.
  • Road tax savings are minimal, often as low as £10 per year.
  • Is LPG cheaper than petrol? Yes. However, the costs of installing an LPG tank can be high which can put off some motorists.
  • LPG isn’t a popular fuel which means the government could increase levies and send prices soaring with little notice.

Upgrade to a fuel-efficient vehicle with My Car Credit

If you’re conscious of fuel efficiency, why not consider upgrading to a more modern vehicle? Newer models like the diesel-powered Peugeot 208 and petrol-powered Mazda 2 offer best-in-class MPG. Get in touch with a member of the My Car Credit team today to learn more about how to calculate car finance and discuss how options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) can help you get behind the wheel of a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Why Does My MPG Keep Going Up and Down?

Dashboard with empty fuel

Calculating your miles per gallon (MPG) is one of the best ways to measure your fuel economy and keep tabs on performance. Like the name suggests, it’s used to measure how many miles a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. What many motorists don’t expect are big fluctuations in MPG. So why does your MPG keep going up and down? In this article, we unpack everything you need to know about MPG and offer some common reasons why yours might be fluctuating.

Your fuel injectors are blocked

Blocked or damaged fuel injectors can compromise fuel economy and drag down your MPG. The injectors distribute fuel to each cylinder, ideally at a rate that matches the air and heat levels within the engine. Blocked or damaged injectors can limit the amount of fuel being sent to the cylinders and cause your MPG to drop. A quick clean can fix the problem or in a worst-case scenario you may need to replace the injectors.

Your fuel filter is blocked

Fuel filters play a critical role in catching impurities before they reach the engine and can damage sensitive components. “Why does my MPG keep going up and down?” – a clogged fuel filter could be the answer. In general, fuel filters should be switched out every 30,000 miles. 

Your oxygen sensor is faulty

Instead of carburettors, newer vehicles use oxygen sensors to ensure the right amount of air and fuel is sent to the engine. Faulty sensors can throw off the balance and cause your MPG to rise and fall. As a rule of thumb, oxygen sensors should be replaced every 100,000 miles or so. As well as improving fuel economy, a fully functional oxygen sensor helps to minimise emissions.

Your ignition system is faulty

The ignition system is made up of multiple components, including spark plugs, wires and coils. When one or more malfunctions it can cause the engine to misfire and leave unburned petrol in your cylinders. This can affect your MPG and compromise engine performance.

Your engine filter is clogged

A clogged engine filter prevents your car from “breathing” and can cause your vehicle to burn through more fuel. If you’re wondering why your MPG keeps going up and down, this could be the reason. The issue is particularly prevalent in older vehicles that use carburettors to blend fuel and air.

Your piston rings are worn out

Piston rings create a seal on the cylinders of your engine to generate pressure. As they wear out, pressure can drop, which compromises fuel economy and affects MPG. Routine oil changes will help keep your piston rings well lubricated. They’ll eventually need to be replaced, usually after every 30,000 miles.

Enjoy gold-standard MPG with My Car Credit

If you’re sick of asking “why does my MPG keep going up and down”, why not consider upgrading your set of wheels? Newer cars are generally far more fuel efficient than their older counterparts. If you’re thinking of investing in a new ride, don’t hesitate to get in touch with My Car Credit to discuss auto finance options. We’ll help you calculate exactly how much car finance costs and connect you with the best lenders in the UK.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

How Many Motorway Lessons Do You Need?

White ford on motorway

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone. It can also be a little intimidating, especially when navigating the motorway. How many motorway lessons do you need to pass your test? Technically none as you won’t hit the motorway during your UK driving test. That said, it’s always worth investing in a few lessons to build confidence behind the wheel and become a safer and more confident driver.

Building confidence on motorways

There’s no hard and fast answer to how many motorway lessons you need. It really depends on your confidence as a driver and familiarity with the motorway. Some new drivers can easily learn the ropes from the same parent or friend who taught them to drive. Other new drivers find the motorway a little daunting and prefer to take a lesson or two with a professional instructor.

There are also drivers who will need 10 or more lessons on the motorway before feeling confident. All scenarios are completely normal. Remember, driving is extremely personal and it’s important not to compare yourself to others.

The bottom line on “how many motorway lessons do you need?” Take as many lessons as you need to feel comfortable on the motorway. Purchasing lessons in packages can be a great way to save, especially for budget-conscious young drivers.

Get behind the wheel with My Car Credit

Whether you’re preparing for your driving test or have already passed, it’s never too early to start thinking about a set of wheels. Wondering can you get car finance at 18? Check out our all-bases-covered guide, then get in touch with a representative from My Car Credit to discuss your finance options. Whether you’ve got your heart set on a zippy Ford Fiesta or a road trip-ready Dacia Duster, we specialise in car finance for young drivers.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Does Car Finance Include Insurance?

Car damaged by falling tree

Insurance is your first line of defence against everything from fender benders to serious accidents. Not to mention incidents like fire and theft. Car finance is one of the most popular ways to purchase vehicles in the UK, but do agreements come with insurance? Read on as we answer “does car finance include insurance” and what you need to do to stay safe and responsible on the road.

Is insurance included with car finance?

Does car finance include insurance is often one of the first questions asked by borrowers. In most cases the answer is no. Car finance is a very different industry to auto insurance and most companies specialise in only one niche.

When you source a car finance quote, it’s best to assume insurance is not included. That said, some lenders do offer packages so it’s always worth inquiring. Bundling your car finance and insurance can sometimes unlock savings, though it’s not common. Instead, it’s best to source a separate car insurance quote.

As a bare minimum, you’ll need third-party insurance. It’s compulsory on British roads and covers damage to other vehicles and injuries to other drivers and passengers. Does car finance include insurance for third parties? No, like other insurance policies you’ll need to source third-party insurance from an independent provider.

Crunch your numbers with My Car Credit

Can I afford to buy a car, as well as pay for extras like insurance? It’s important to take a close look at your numbers before committing to a car loan.

If you want to keep costs as low as possible it’s worth considering options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), which allows you to spread out the cost of car ownership over several years. Your monthly payments are low and at the end of the agreement you have the option to renew the contract and exchange the car for a newer model, make a final ‘balloon payment’ to own the car outright or simply end the contract.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

How to Protect Your Car from the Sun

new white car at sunset

UV rays don’t just damage the skin. They can also take a toll on your car. With the UK experiencing year after year of summer heat waves, it’s never been more important to protect cars from sun. Here are our top tips on how to beat the heat this summer and keep your car looking and performing at its best:

A coat of UV resistant wax

Coating your vehicle with UV resistant wax is an easy and inexpensive way to protect car from sun. Over time, UV exposure can deteriorate the protective clear coat on your car and cause the colour to fade, flake or develop a white crust. Even an annual coat of UV resistant wax can make a huge difference when it comes to the lifespan of your paintwork.

Wash regularly

Foreign materials like pollen, dust, bird droppings, dead bugs can start to corrode your paintwork if they’re left on for too long. The last two are particularly nasty as they’re acid-rich which can accelerate corrosion. The process is fast tracked in the summer when the sun beats down on your car. A regular wash will get rid of debris and help prevent damage to your paint.

Use a windscreen shield

Investing in a windscreen shield is an easy and affordable way to protect your car from sun. You’re probably already familiar with these accordion-style shields that cover your windscreen and are held in place by your driver and passenger visors. They take a matter of minutes to put up but can drastically reduce the temperature of your car when parked. Not only do windscreen shields make it more comfortable to return to your car but they minimise wear and tear on the interior.

In particular, a windscreen shield can significantly increase the lifespan of your dashboard. Usually made from vinyl or leather, dashboards are often blasted by the sun. A windscreen shield provides a first line of defence and helps prevent issues like cracking and flaking. Installing temporary sun shields on your passenger windows can also be a good way to protect cars from sun. They’re usually made from a mesh-like material and shouldn’t affect visibility.

Condition and protect your interior

Heat exposure can dry out your interior upholstery and interior components over time. Specially made car conditioners are a great way to rehydrate your interior materials and restore shine. They also smell amazing and help give your car that fresh new scent. Finish with a protectant designed to repel UV rays, as well as impurities like dirt and dust.

Park in the shade

Good parking habits are one of the best ways to protect a car from sun. In summer the closest spot isn’t always the best spot. If you have to walk a little further to get to your destination but can park in the shade the payoff is worth it.

Take care of your engine

The sun doesn’t just affect exterior components like your paintwork and upholstery. It can also cause trouble under the hood. Pay close attention to your fluids throughout the summer, especially your coolant. This is one of the best ways to protect your car from sun and prevent it from overheating. It’s best to stash a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies. The same goes for fluids like oil, which can also run dry in the hot summer months.

Leave your windows open

Depending on where you’re parked, it can be a good idea to leave your windows open a crack as long as it’s safe to do so. This can increase airflow on scorching hot days and help lower the internal temperature of your car by a few degrees. In the height of summer, this can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your upholstery and returning to a car that doesn’t feel like a sauna!

With regular maintenance and a good understanding of the risks, it’s easy to protect cars from sun.

Enjoy a sun-drenched summer with My Car Credit

Thinking of upgrading your set of wheels this summer? Whether you’re on the search for a road-trip ready SUV or a compact city commuter, My Car Credit has you covered with the best rates on auto finance. Use our cost of car finance calculator to crunch your numbers, then get in touch with a team member to discuss options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP).

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

What’s the Best Speed for Fuel Economy?

Cars driving at night

There are a number of ways to drive more economically. From driving in the highest possible gear (whilst remaining in the speed limit) through to ensuring that your car is maintained, there are strategies for keeping motoring costs as low as possible.

A great way to drive economically is to ensure that you’re driving at the most fuel-efficient speed. But what is the best speed for fuel economy? We break it down below.

Is your car fuel efficient?

If you’re looking for a car loan quote online to secure a more fuel-efficient set of wheels, you’re going to want to check that car’s miles per gallon (MPG).

Miles per gallon refers to the number of miles that a car can travel on a gallon of fuel. An efficient car should do more than 60mpg, with a good average between 50 and 60mpg. That said, this depends on a number of factors.

What impacts a car’s fuel efficiency?

There are a number of variables impacting the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.

The make and model of the car will impact its fuel efficiency. So will everything from poor vehicle maintenance through to towing, oil type, speeding, regularly driving short distances and frequently accelerating or braking too hard.

All of these factors will impact the most fuel-efficient speed of your car.

What is the best speed for fuel economy?

Provided that you practice good driving habits, keep your vehicle up to date with services, and reduce the other behaviours that can affect your fuel economy, your vehicle should be able to travel at its most fuel-efficient speed.

There are different estimations for the best speed for fuel economy. However, as an average, most cars are at maximum fuel efficiency between 45 and 50mph (miles per hour). You can potentially push your car to 55mph to stay fuel efficient, but this will vary between models and according to the factors listed above.

In fact, your fuel economy drops by 14% when driving between 60 and 70mph. This goes to 15.4% when you’re driving from 70 to 80mph.

You’re less fuel-efficient at higher speeds for a number of reasons. Firstly, your car faces higher air and tyre resistance, so the engine has to work harder. Secondly, you’ll be generating higher engine revs.

Remember, the higher your engine revs, the more fuel you use. This is why it’s more fuel-efficient to travel in the highest gear possible within the speed limit.

Find a more economical drive with My Car Credit

If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient set of wheels, contact My Car Credit to see how we can help. We’ll help you secure affordable car finance that eases the cost of motoring for you – email us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

How Much is Fuel Taxed?

Fuel tanker

The taxation of fuel depends on a number of factors, including VAT and fuel duty, as well as the price of fuel itself.

How does fuel duty impact total fuel taxation?

Fuel duty refers to the tax that’s included in the price paid for either petrol or diesel fuel. Standard 20% VAT is then added on top – and is charged on both the product (fuel) price and the fuel duty.

In the March 2023 Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed a twelve-month extension to the current fuel duty cut of 5pence per litre. This was extended in order to ease the rising cost of fuel on British drivers, who can take to British roads knowing that fuel duty won’t rise until April 2024.

Hunt also extended the fuel duty freeze for a thirteenth consecutive year. In practice, this means drivers of both petrol and diesel vehicles currently pay a flat duty tax of 52.95pence per litre for the next year, down from what could have been 57.95pence per litre.

How much is fuel taxed?

The exact figure on fuel taxation is variable, contingent on both the fuel price and fuel duty tax, with VAT on top.

Since June 2023, the total taxation amount of fuel has been rising, reaching 53.61% for petrol and 53.32% for diesel for the penultimate week of July 2023.

As an average, total taxation on fuel comes to an average of around 49% of the final pump price for petrol, and 46% for diesel.

Ease the cost of driving with car finance

If you’re looking to upgrade your car to a more economical model to help with driving costs, My Car Credit can help. Get a car loan quote online or email our team today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Why is Diesel More Expensive Than Petrol?

Using credit card to pay

Between increased fuel prices and a rising cost of living, the British public are looking for ways to cut costs across the board. Driving more economically can help to save precious pennies. But if you have a diesel vehicle, you may find yourself frequently frustrated by paying more at the pump compared to petrol models. What factors influence this price disparity?

Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?

Diesel vehicles have greater fuel efficiency and better miles per gallon than petrol equivalents – particularly over longer distances. However, despite this fuel efficiency, diesel is still more expensive than petrol. Why is this?

Import prices

Aside from the market cost of crude oil itself, another factor that impacts that fuel’s overall cost is its import and delivery prices.

Without diving deep into chemistry, diesel has larger molecules than petrol. As such, it’s heavier, which means it’s more expensive to import and deliver to fuel stations nationwide. This reflects in the cost of diesel itself.

What’s more, domestic refineries of diesel have often struggled to meet the demand of diesel drivers. As a result, the UK has to import more diesel from other countries. This drives up the fuel’s prices (as well as its import and transportation costs), which retailers pass onto customers to cover.

A complex refinement process

Diesel requires a number of complex additives for its refinement process. These are expensive, which pushes the price of the fuel up.

Scarcity and reduced production

In April 2023, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced cuts to their oil production. This was positioned as a move to support market stability. This reduction in global oil supply had the knock-on effect of raising the price of existing fuel resources, including diesel and petrol.

Variation in seasonal fuel demand

At the end of the summer ‘driving season’, retailers often find themselves with a surplus of petrol, which frequently can’t be exported. Retailers will therefore drop the price of the petrol, further widening the disparity in cost between diesel and petrol.

Why are diesel cars more expensive than petrol?

Besides the diesel itself costing more than petrol, diesel cars are also more expensive to run than their petrol equivalents.

In 2018, the UK government introduced a ‘diesel tax’ designed to target air pollution. Diesel cars are more polluting than petrol models – they release four times more nitrogen dioxide, and 22 times more particulate matter. This tax was introduced to disincentivise drivers from choosing diesel vehicles.

Upgrade your diesel vehicle with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of a petrol car, My Car Credit can help. Use our car finance checker for a no-obligation quote in mere minutes, or email us today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!