Motoring Advice Archives

Why is Diesel More Expensive Than Petrol?

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

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Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

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How & Where to Find the Cheapest Petrol Near You

The price of fuel remains high. Many British motorists are on the hunt for money-saving tips and tricks to help keep driving costs down. From shopping around for better insurance premiums to implementing different driving strategies, there are any number of ways to make driving more economical. But when it comes to cutting driving costs, finding cheaper fuel is the way to go.

If you’re looking for how and where to find the cheapest petrol near you, this article will help. We’ve put together a list of the savviest tools and techniques for locating the cheapest fuel near you – read on for more.

How to find the cheapest petrol near you

The myRAC App

The myRAC app promises to help you save up to 6p a litre every time you fill your car up with the Fuel Finder feature. Free to download, this app allows you search within two, five, or 10 miles to secure the cheapest petrol near you.

The myRAC app gets this data from Experian Catalist, which details fuel prices UK-wide. Check the app at 8:00am every day for the most up-to-date prices, and plan your next fuel stop accordingly.

Fuelio

Fuelio is another petrol cost tracker available for Android and Apple. As well as providing crowdsourced information on local fuel stations and prices, you can also track your fill-ups, fuel consumption, mileage, and more in the app.

PetrolPrices website

PetrolPrices is a reliable (and free) website and app that allows you to find cheap petrol and diesel near you. Users input details like their postcode and town, and the website will provide information on nearby fuel stations, as well as comparing the price of fuel at each.

Online fuel price comparison tools

If you’re looking to find the cheapest petrol near you, you can also use an online fuel price comparison tool.

Where can you find the cheapest petrol?

Any of the above tools will help you to find the fuel stations with the cheapest petrol or diesel near you.

However, as a general rule, it’s safe to assume that you’ll find cheaper fuel at supermarket fuel stations compared to motorway fuel stations. As the RAC’s fuel watch initiative shows, you’ll be charged a lower premium on petrol from a supermarket fuel station compared to a motorway station.

The average cost of supermarket fuel tends to be below the UK average, whilst motorway fuel stations charge a significant premium. If you have a long journey planned, try to plan ahead and avoid filling up on a motorway, hitting a supermarket forecourt instead.

UK fuel prices – how to stay informed

If you’re keen to keep an eye on the price of fuel in the UK, there are a number of tools you can use.

The RAC’s fuel watch initiative surveys the daily average price of petrol and diesel across the UK, as well as evaluating average fuel costs at supermarkets and motorway forecourts. It provides a useful overview of nationwide fuel prices.

For a weekly overview of fuel prices around the UK, you can check Gov.uk. The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has also announced recent plans to establish a fuel finder scheme. The fuel monitor scheme promises to monitor fuel prices and margins to allow drivers to find cheap fuel near them.

Alternatively, the AA provides monthly fuel price reports. These detail the average regional price for a litre of petrol, diesel, or LPG, and you can find reports reaching back to 2017, too.

Other tips for filling up cheaply

Remember to take advantage of loyalty schemes. Many fuel stations – including those at supermarkets – offer loyalty schemes. These are worth signing up to, as it can help to save you valuable cash.

Don’t be fooled by the promise of ‘premium’ or ‘high performance’ fuels, either. Unless you have a high-performance car, these fuels are unlikely to make any difference to your car’s performance. You’ll be paying more money for minimal impact.

Find finance for an economical car

If you’re looking to upgrade to a more economical set of wheels, find out how My Car Credit can help. Use our car loan calculator to get a no-obligation quote in minutes, or find out more by emailing enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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How Much Does It Cost to Drive – 4 Key Factors

As of November 2022, around 80% of British drivers were looking to save money on driving. That adds up to over 30 million British drivers trying to find ways to take to the road in a more efficient and economical fashion.

There are lots of factors that impact how much it costs to drive. Everything from a car’s insurance through to its maintenance adds up. That said, this article will specifically look at the impact that fuel has on how much it costs to drive, helping you to make savvier choices when you next hit the pump.

How does fuel impact how much it costs to drive?

There are four main factors that will impact the fuel cost per mile of your vehicle.

Fuel price

The cost of fuel is probably the biggest driving expense. Fuel prices fluctuate regularly. The price of fuel will vary because of combination of factors:

The price of crude oil. The wholesale price of crude oil is the biggest factor in determining overall fuel price.
Fuel duty and VAT. These are taxes that drivers have to pay on top of the cost of crude oil.
Fuel prices are also dictated by the costs involved in their delivery.
Retailer profit. Companies want to make a profit from any fuel they sell. As such, they’ll add a markup on the wholesale price of oil – typically anywhere from 5 and 10%.
This refers to the ethanol content in the fuel, which can impact overall fuel price.
The strength of the pound (sterling).

Another factor that determines fuel prices is regional variation. In rural locations with fewer fuel stations, prices may be higher, as businesses need to cover their overheads and have a monopoly market. Alternatively, in urban areas with a high number of fuel stations, prices may be lower in order to be more competitive.

Whilst you can’t control the price or ethanol content of crude oil, you can carefully plan your next trip to the pump, avoiding those retailers who heavily mark-up fuel.

Fuel type

The type of fuel your car runs on will determine its overall running cost. Diesel vehicles are more economic for long distances, but are more expensive overall. For shorter, stop-start journeys, petrol or electric vehicles will be more economical.

Vehicular efficiency

MPG refers to a car’s ‘miles per gallon’, and it indicates your car’s fuel efficiency. The higher the MPG, the less fuel consumed by your car when you drive. Higher MPG cars are therefore more fuel efficient and economical.

Driving style

Individual driving style and choices can help to reduce the cost of driving.

Avoiding intense acceleration, driving smoothly, using gears sensibly, and planning your route ahead so as to avoid traffic are more efficient and therefore economic driving styles. Don’t forget to avoid using the air conditioner unnecessarily and reduce vehicular weight, too.

How much does it cost to drive?

There’s no one straight answer for how much it costs to drive. This depends on a number of factors, ranging from the type of car you have through to the cost of fuel.

If you want a figure on how much you’re likely paying to drive, there are plenty of fuel cost calculators online. These handy tools allow you to input information like your car make and model or registration plate and your annual mileage. From there, they’ll provide an approximate figure of how much it costs you to drive.

Alternatively, you can use the following formula yourself in order to establish your fuel cost per mile:

Cost per mile (pence) = Litres x Fuel price / Number of miles

To work out the annual running cost of your vehicle, you can use this formula:

Annual running cost = Cost per mile x Average mileage

How can I find cheaper fuel?

Take into account the factors listed above to try and shop around for the most economic fuel type for you.

Remember that fuel is typically cheaper at supermarkets, and premiums will be whacked onto motorway fuel stations. Avoid ‘premium’ fuel types, which typically offer little advantage to cars unless they’re performance models.

If you’re looking for a way to monitor the average price of fuel at different retailers, be sure to check out the RAC’s Fuel Watch initiative.

Find a more economical drive with My Car Credit

If you’re looking for a more economical and efficient car, check your car finance eligibility or contact My Car Credit on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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Are Fuel Prices Coming Down?

Between surges in cost-of-living and inflation rates, many British drivers are looking to cut costs on motoring. One of the biggest driving expenses is fuel, which reached eye-watering levels in 2022 as a result of strains to the global supply of fuel.

But are fuel prices coming down? And if so, what kind of fuel costs are UK drivers facing?

How to check cost of fuel

The price of fuel varies based on a number of factors. These include everything from the wholesale price of the fuel itself through to taxation and retailer premiums.

If you’re looking to stay on top of daily fluctuations to fuel prices, add the RAC’s Fuel Watch initiative to your bookmarks. This gives you the average nationwide price of both petrol and diesel, and their Fuel Finder feature can help you locate the cheapest pump near you.

Are fuel prices coming down?

As per the RAC’s data, the current UK average for petrol hovers around 143 pence, and 144 pence for diesel. This is predicted to fall over the coming weeks.

These figures demonstrate a marked reduction in fuel prices compared to July 2022. RAC data reveals that drivers paid 191.43 pence for unleaded petrol and 199.07 pence for unleaded diesel on 1 July 2022.

Average fuel prices for 2023 are reducing compared to 2022, but remain high compared to previous years. In 2021 for example, the average cost of unleaded was 133.36 pence and diesel was 136.05 pence.

As such, although fuel prices are coming down, they remain higher on average than previous years.

Finance a more economical drive

Establish your car finance eligibility and kickstart your journey to driving more economically with My Car Credit. Email us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to find out more.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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How Many Years in a Car Loan Term?

Check for car finance without affecting your credit score

How Does Car Finance Work in the UK?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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7 Ways to Save Money on Fuel

There are a number of ways to keep driving costs down. Before you even take to the road, you want to ensure that your tyre pressure is correct, that you’re carrying as little weight as possible, and that your vehicle is up to date with any servicing.

But if you feel that you’ve done all you can to save money before you’re even behind the wheel, then it’s wise to also know how to save money on fuel once you’re driving. We’ve put together our top tips for keeping motoring costs low.

How to save money on fuel – 7 tips

Shop around

Get to know the fuel stations in your local area. Saving a few pennies per litre may seem pointless at first, but it all adds up to save you cash in the long run.

It’s not worth taking a serious diversion to fill up, but staying on top of any changes to fuel prices for stations nearby can help you to choose wisely.

Traditionally, fuel is cheaper at supermarkets. Try to make use of any fuel retailer loyalty cards, and steer clear of motorway service stations.

Choose fuel wisely

Once you’ve established the best fuel station for your budget and location, choose your fuel type sensibly.

Many retailers offer ‘premium’ fuels promising everything from better performance to engine protection. These premium fuels are more expensive, often costing anything from 10 to 15 pence more than normal fuels.

But unless you’re driving a top-of-the-range performance vehicle, you’re unlikely to notice these benefits.

Avoid excessive speed

If you drive at speed, you’ll use more fuel.

Remember that the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. Stick to the speed limit and drive in the highest possible gear to ensure that you have the lowest revs. Try and keep your revs between 1500 and 2500RPM for a petrol engine, and 1200 and 2000RPM for a diesel engine.

Drive smoothly and watch for hazards

Avoid intense acceleration and throttling the engine if you can. You may have to brake harshly at times in order to avoid hazards, but it’s ideally best avoided.

Try and read the road in front of you and be aware of any upcoming hazards at all times. Remember to use ‘LADA’ (look, assess, decide and act) when assessing the road. When you’re facing junctions and crossings, you can judge how best to approach in order to minimise any sudden braking or acceleration.

Maintaining momentum is key if you want to save money on fuel. Your engine is least efficient when pulling away, so if you can keep the car rolling safely, this is preferable. For example, if you’re approaching traffic lights, try to leave the car in gear so that it coasts to a stop, rather than braking.

Use gears sensibly

As well as using your gears to maintain momentum and reduce the need for sudden acceleration or braking, you can also strategically use them to improve fuel efficiency.

If your car has a manual gearbox, you don’t need to use each gear when accelerating. You can ‘short shift’, meaning that you skip between first to third or second to fourth and so on. This can help to reduce fuel consumption.

Alternatively, many new models have a gear-shift indicator or ‘eco’ driving mode. This helps you to change gear at the most economical time, and is worth paying attention to when you’re on the road.

Park wisely

If you can find a parking spot that you can drive forwards out of, this can help you to save fuel. Reversing manoeuvres are less fuel efficient, so taking the time to find a good parking spot makes a difference.

Drive gently in the cold

In the colder months, you want to be driving as carefully as possible. Engines are significantly less efficient when they’re cold.

That said, leaving your car to warm up will burn up excess fuel, and may increase risk of engine wear over time. Most modern cars are designed to operate from the moment the key is turned, so you shouldn’t need this ‘warm up’ period. Drive slowly when you first start the car up, too.

Finance a fuel-efficient car with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to upgrade to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, email My Car Credit on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk today. We can even find car finance for drivers with poor credit ratings. Start saving money on your vehicle today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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Summer Driving Safety Tips for Hot Weather Road Trips

Things are heating up in the UK, and road trip season has well and truly arrived. From coastal escapes to weekends in the countryside, summer is a terrific time to hit the road.

Of course, hot weather comes with a unique set of car concerns, especially when the mercury climbs past 30 degrees. To help keep you safe and on-the-road this season, we’ve put together a roundup of the top summer driving tips.

Check your tyre pressure

Don’t forget to check your tyre pressure before you set off on a summer road trip. The higher temperatures that arrive in months like June, July and August can cause tyres to blowout if they’re at the wrong pressure. Best case scenario, your road trip is delayed for a few hours while you wait for roadside assistance. Worst case scenario, the blowout causes a serious accident.

This is an easy one to stay on top of, so no excuses when it comes to checking your tyre pressure! Once a season isn’t enough. Giving your tyres a quick once over before every road trip is one of our top summer driving safety tips.

Practice defensive driving

It’s the oldest trick in the book – expect the unexpected! Summer comes with an increase in road traffic, which means it pays to be extra alert when behind the wheel. Whether it’s a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly onto a seafront promenade or a car cutting you off on the motorway, being aware of your surroundings and driving defensively is one of the best summer driving tips.

Keep tags on the dashboard

Skyrocketing temperatures can take their toll on engines, especially if you drive an older car. Keeping tags on dashboard warning lights is one of the best ways to avoid causing serious damage to your car. If you see a warning light flick on, pull over immediately and check it out. The oil light needs to be dealt with immediately. If your engine light comes on, it’s usually okay to continue driving, so long as you investigate the problem ASAP.

Keep your car cool

Car cooling systems are put through their paces in summer. Checking your coolant regularly and topping it up when needed is a top summer car safety tip. Keep a spare bottle of coolant in the boot for emergencies!

As well as staying on top of coolant levels, here are some easy ways to minimise the risk of your car overheating on a summer road trip:

Put up sun shields on the front and back windows when parking the car. This will keep it as cool as possible and make it more pleasant to return to.
Park in the shade when possible.
Turn off the AC if your car is prone to overheating in hot weather. It’s not always comfortable for passengers but it does take stress off your engine.

Keep your distance

It doesn’t matter how loud the beach is calling your name. You should always keep a safe stopping distance from the car in front of you. As a standard rule, this should be at least two seconds. Remember – if it starts raining, you’ll need to widen the distance to four seconds.

Carry a spare key

There are all kinds of ways to lose keys on a summer road trip. Some drivers forget to take them out of their pockets before a dip in the sea, while others might misplace them in a sun-drenched beer garden. Avoid the stress of lost keys by issuing a passenger with a spare set. It’s one of the easiest summer driving tips and can save you big headaches.

Stay off your phone

This goes without saying – stay off your phone when you’re a designated driver on a summer road trip!

Plan ahead

From accidents to construction detours, there are all kinds of ways a summer road trip can be delayed. Planning ahead and researching your route before you hit the road can save you a whole lot of time and hassle. Charting the fastest route from A to B is also a great way to reduce engine stress during hot weather.

Wear sunscreen and consider installing shades

Just because you’re in the car, it doesn’t mean you won’t get burnt. From lobster-red arms to bright pink noses, it’s all too easy to get fried on hot weather road trips. As well as slathering on sunscreen, consider installing sunshades, especially if you have a baby or toddler strapped into a backseat. They can’t necessarily tell you they’re hot as the sun’s beating down on them through the windows – and by the time you notice, it’s too late.

Best to opt for transparent mesh shades to ensure your visibility isn’t compromised. They’re easy to pick up at your local garage, making this a top summer car safety tip.

Invest in polarised sunglasses

Glare can be a major safety issue on hot weather road trips. Unfortunately, Primark sunglasses just don’t cut it when it comes to cutting out glare. Pro summer driving tip: it’s worth investing in polarised sunglasses, which not only cut out glare but protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Stay alert and energised

From sun-drenched days on the beach to long walks in the countryside, hot weather road trips are packed with good times. But they can also leave drivers feeling exhausted. It’s important not to drive tired and to always pull over and take a break if needed. As a rule of thumb, aim for a 20-minute break every three hours, at a minimum.

Carry hay fever medication

Not everyone suffers from summer hay fever, but it is quite common. Especially if you’re road tripping in the countryside, where the air can be heavy with pollen. Mild cases aren’t too bad, but serious episodes can leave you watery eyed and sneezing behind the wheel.

Carrying hay fever medication is one of our top summer driving tips if you’re prone to the condition. Make sure it’s non-drowsy if you’re driving! Don’t hesitate to hand over the keys to someone else if you experience a bad hay fever spell – or pull over if you need to.

Hit the road this summer with My Car Credit

Dreaming of a summer road trip but don’t have a set of wheels? We’re here to help with affordable car finance. Use our car loan APR estimator to crunch the numbers and determine how much you can borrow.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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What are the Rules for Overtaking Safely on the Road?

Mastering the overtake is critical. From winding country lanes through to busy urban centres, you need to know how to safely overtake a vehicle no matter where you’re driving.

But what are the rules around how to overtake safely on a road? This article outlines what you should know before you overtake a vehicle.

What is overtaking?

If you’re overtaking, you are passing another road user that is travelling slower than you but moving in the same direction. This could be a cyclist or horse, but it may also include buses or taxis pulled over in urban centres.

Overtaking is perfectly legal, provided you do so safely. Obviously, if there are signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking, then you should not do so. A solid white line, and a double white line on your side of the road all indicate that no overtaking is allowed on that stretch of road. The exception is if you are over the double white lines when passing a cyclist who is on your side of the road.

It is also illegal to overtake a vehicle if done in an unsafe or reckless manner. So, for example, if you attempt an overtake when another vehicle is overtaking you, or if you do so in weather with poor visibility, this is illegal.

How to safely overtake a vehicle – six rules to follow

No speeding

According to rule 125 of the Highway Code, the speed limit is the maximum that you should drive on any road. It is therefore illegal to speed when you overtake. You may be subject to a fine of up to £2,500 and six points on your licence if you are caught speeding when overtaking a vehicle.

Consider safety and necessity

Is the road ahead of you free of obstacles like pedestrian crossings? Is there a dip in the road, or a sharp curve that obscures your vision of oncoming vehicles?

Road safety charity Brake reports that over half of the UK’s fatal car crashes occur on country roads. This figure is both explained and exacerbated by overtaking and risky driving behaviour.

You need around 100 metres of space ahead of you after overtaking. If you do not have this space, if there are hazards, or if your vision is obscured, then it is not safe to overtake a vehicle.

Remember that your vehicle weight changes according to the number of passengers and type of luggage carried. If you’re going uphill, your car may also be slower to overtake.

Only overtake on the right

In the UK, we drive on the left. As such, to overtake safely on a road, you should only ever pass to the right of the vehicle that you’re overtaking. Never overtake by passing on the left or attempting to use a hard shoulder. Don’t weave in and out of motorway lanes to overtake, either.

The exception to the rule is overtaking a vehicle that is turning right. You can also overtake vehicles in the lane to your right if you are driving through particularly congested and slow-moving traffic.

Use your mirrors, signal, and check your blind spot

You need to follow proper driving protocol to overtake safely on the road. Use your mirrors to make sure that the road is clear both ahead and behind you. It’s particularly important to check your blind spot. If a hazard appears, do not overtake.

Don’t get too close to the vehicle you plan to overtake. Always signal to indicate that you’re overtaking, and accelerate with confidence and control, without breaking the speed limit.

Leave space once you’ve overtaken

You don’t want to cut up the vehicle you’ve just overtaken. Ensure that you can see the vehicle you’ve overtaken in your central rear-view mirror before pulling across into the correct lane. Otherwise, you risk them having to slam on the brakes, which may cause accidents.

Don’t follow an overtaking vehicle

Just because it was safe for the car in front of you to overtake a vehicle, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to immediately follow them. Always perform the requisite safety checks before overtaking.

Secure a safer vehicle with car finance

If you’re looking to upgrade to a safer set of wheels, use the car loan approval calculator from My Car Credit to find a car finance deal, or email us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Repayment term

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X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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.

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Will there be a car scrappage scheme in 2023?

Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are being increasingly phased out nationwide, with sales of new petrol and diesel to end by 2030. Fossil-fuelled vehicles are environmentally unsound, but also contribute to urban air pollution, which poses a significant risk to public health.

As such, a number of UK cities and car manufacturers have introduced or are introducing car scrappage schemes for 2023. This article will give you an overview of what a car scrappage scheme is, and whether you may be eligible.

What is a car scrappage scheme?

Car scrappage schemes are designed to help vehicle owners to scrap old, heavily polluting, fuel-inefficient vehicles in exchange for discounts and other incentives to buy more environmentally friendly models.

Car scrappage schemes were once reserved for cars only, but have since expanded to include offers for motorcycles, HGVS and commercial vehicles as a result of their success.

In 2023, Transport for London (TfL), Birmingham City Council, and certain car manufacturers offer car scrappage schemes.

Discounts offered vary between schemes, but typically range between £1000 to £5000.

What cars are eligible for a scrappage scheme?

Whether or not your vehicle is eligible for the 2023 car scrappage scheme will depend on the scheme itself.

Different scrappage schemes have different terms and conditions. Under ULEZ, for example, diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 standards and petrol cars that do not meet Euro 4 standard are not compliant, and may therefore be eligible for the scrappage scheme.

However, the eligibility of the vehicle also depends on a number of other factors, including place of residence and whether a driver receives certain benefits. If you’re planning to apply for a car scrappage scheme, take care to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have all necessary documents to hand.

Remember, if you’re opting for a manufacturer scrappage scheme, you can only get discounts against a vehicle offered by that specific manufacturer.

Car scrappage schemes 2023

The Scottish Government had been offering a car scrappage scheme known as the Low Emission Zone Support Fund. However, as of 17 March 2023, this has closed to both households and businesses. Current car scrappage schemes for 2023 include…

ULEZ

From 29 August 2023, the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scheme is expanding. Under the ULEZ, vehicles that don’t meet the ULEZ emissions standard must pay a fee of £12.50 to drive inside the ULEZ zone.

The Mayor of London has subsequently launched a £110 million car scrappage scheme for 2023 that will help eligible Londoners to scrap high-polluting vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards.

Eligible Londoners with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standard will qualify for the 2023 car scrappage scheme. The scheme is offered for cars and motorcycles, as well as vans and minibuses. Grants offered range from £500 to £9500. Successful applicants will receive money to either fund the purchase of a new, ULEZ-compliant vehicle, or to retrofit their existing vehicle.

The application process is all done online, where you can also check if your vehicle meets ULEZ emissions standards.

Birmingham City Council

From June 2021 onwards, Birmingham City Council introduced a vehicle scrappage scheme.

Non-compliant vehicles can be scrapped as long as all the eligibility requirements are meet. Eligibility requirements range from the length of time a non-compliant vehicle has been owned through to the earnings of each applicant.

Eligible candidates will be able to claim either £2,000 worth of Travel Credits for public transport, or a £2,000 discount on a compliant vehicle that is purchased through Motorpoint.

You can apply for the scheme online.

Car manufacturers

A range of car companies like Kia, Vauxhall, Audi, MG, BMW and Ford have previously offered car scrappage schemes that have since been discontinued.

Currently, the only car manufacturer in the UK that offers a car scrappage scheme for 2023 is Renault.

Under the Renault scheme, you can save up to £2000 when you swap an old vehicle for a new eligible Renault model. The company offers a similar van scrappage scheme, with discounts ranging from £2250 to £9500

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If you’re eligible for any of 2023’s car scrappage schemes, you may also want to secure affordable monthly car finance payments on your new vehicle.

Check your car finance eligibility with My Car Credit and kickstart your journey to finding a cleaner, greener vehicle today.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

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What are the best driving apps for starter drivers?

The UK’s very best driving apps can make everything from passing your test to avoiding traffic that bit easier.

We’ve reviewed the best driving apps in the UK, and have compiled a list of the top six for starter drivers.

What are the best driving apps for 2023?

We’ve chosen the six best driving apps for starter drivers. Pass your theory test, ace your driving test, and make your road trips that bit easier with these apps.

Remember, never use your phone whilst driving in the UK – it’s been illegal since 25 March 2022. ‘Using’ your phone includes everything from taking photos or videos and messaging right through to scrolling music playlists. You should therefore take care to have these apps set up before you start driving.

Official DVSA Theory Test Kit

If you’re a starter driver who hasn’t yet passed their theory test, be sure to download the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit. It’s one of the best driving apps for UK learners, and is designed to help you pass your theory test the first time round. From interactive hazard perception videos through to useful tips, this will help reduce the stress of the test.

It does cost £4.99, but remember, whilst there are other theory test apps available, this is the only official app from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Learner Driver Starter Kit UK

Another of the best driving apps out there for starter drivers, Leaner Driver Starter Kit guides you on a step-by-step basis through the entire process of learning to drive.

Do everything from learning how to apply for your provisional licence through to searching for instructors and even an in-app schedule of your driving lessons. You can also find details of the latest resources for learners, as well as expert guidance, and benefit from exclusive offers and discounts.

Waze

Freely available on both iOS and Android phones, Waze has taken the world of geo-navigation to the next level. There’s nothing more annoying than getting snarled up in a traffic jam on a long journey, and Waze can help you avoid that.

The app uses both GPS and real-time traffic updates provided by fellow road users, allowing you to bypass heavily congested areas. The app also does everything you’d expect of a navigation app, allowing you to route plan, giving you turn-by-turn navigational instructions, and keeping you updated about the locations of speed cameras, as well as hazards like potholes. What’s more, you can even customise it, specifying the type of fuel your vehicle uses for more relevant notifications.

Parkopedia and/or JustPark

If you’re in need of a handy parking space, either Parkopedia or JustPark has your back.

Parkopedia offers over 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities around the UK. Choose from car parks, street parking and private garages. It’s compatible for both iOS and Android, and users can choose to pre-book a space either online or in-app. It also offers real-time parking availability.

JustPark works similarly. This free app is compatible for both iOS and Android, and allows you to find and reserve parking spaces in locations as varied as public car parks and private driveways. Plus, if you’ve got a parking space you could rent out, you can even list it yourself.

Smart Dash Cam

There are many benefits to having a dash cam installed. From deterring fraudulent insurance claims through to reducing insurance premiums, an increasing number of drivers consider dash cams a must-have item.

However, the gadgets themselves can be expensive. Smart Dash Cam is a free app (iOS and Android compatible) that will record your journey, essentially transforming your phone into a dashboard camera. The footage is even admissible in court if an accident does occur, meaning that you can drive with a greater sense of safety and security.

PetrolPrices

Compare fuel prices across the UK with the free app PetrolPrices. Save time and money by cross-comparing the cost of fuel at different UK petrol stations, using the filter tool to specify by brand, distance, price and fuel type. You can also benefit from offers and discounts, and review fuel stations.

Find affordable car finance today

Whether you’re a learner driver or not, you can use My Car Credit’s car finance checker to get a no-obligation car finance quote in minutes. Kickstart your journey to securing an affordable, accessible deal today by emailing us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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What are e-fuels – and are they the same as fossil fuels?

In March 2023, European Union countries approved a landmark law to end sales of CO2-emitting cars by 2035. This approval came after last-minute opposition from Germany, which argued that sales of new cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs) should be allowed, provided that these cars run on e-fuels.

E-fuels are being touted as a viable alternative to electric vehicles. But just what are e-fuels, and are they as promising as their advocates contend?

What are e-fuels?

E-fuels are synthetic alternatives to fossil fuels. They are comprised of CO2 emissions that have been captured from the environment, and hydrogen that has been produced by renewable or CO2-free electricity.

E-fuels are therefore carbon neutral. They still release CO2, but the amount released is exactly equal to the atmospheric CO2 that was captured for the e-fuels’ synthesis.

However, whilst e-fuels have been touted by some, there are problems with this model.

Firstly, an e-fuel can only be considered an e-fuel if the hydrogen used in its synthesis is produced with renewable or CO2-free energy. Secondly, every stage in the creation of e-fuels wastes energy, requiring around five times more renewable electricity than that needed to run an electric vehicle. Thirdly, e-fuels are currently not produced at scale, which contributes to their extreme expense. Fourth, whilst e-fuels are carbon neutral, they still release the toxic by-products involved in fossil fuel usage, which include toxic nitrogen dioxide and carcinogens.

It remains an open question whether e-fuels will develop as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for the automobile industry.

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8 Benefits of Getting an Electric Car on Finance

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£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!

or call 01246 458 810

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Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?

Import prices

A complex refinement process

Scarcity and reduced production

Variation in seasonal fuel demand

Why are diesel cars more expensive than petrol?

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