Motoring Advice Archives

Is it safe to drive with the fuel warning light on?

When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

The 101 on fuel warning lights

When your fuel warning light comes on, it means your vehicle is running low on fuel – typically, it will have around 10% to 15% of fuel left at this point. When your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that your tank is even emptier, and you need to get to a petrol station pronto.

There’s no one answer for how much fuel is left in a tank when the warning light illuminates. Factors like road conditions, your choice of gear, and tyre pressure can all play a part in the distance you’ll be able to travel when the fuel warning light appears. Different car makes and models will also travel varying distances when the fuel warning light appears.

Can you drive with the fuel warning light on?

Although you can drive with the fuel warning light on, it’s not the best idea to do so. As your fuel level gets low, you’re more likely to cause damage to the fuel filter and pump, as debris from the fuel tank can begin to interfere with their function.

It can also be dangerous to run out of fuel if you’re not in a safe place to do so – and this may even cause accidents if you’re on busy roads like motorways. It’s more sensible to avoid driving long distances on busy roads when your fuel light illuminates, so you can reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.

Consider your fuel warning light as a warning sign that you should refuel your vehicle as soon as possible, rather than driving around whilst it’s illuminated. If your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that you need to refuel immediately or you may grind to a complete halt.

You may feel like the car begins to move in a jerking motion when your fuel levels are low, and the vehicle may struggle to accelerate with its usual speed.

Be aware that more modern car models have a digital fuel readout, which is designed to give drivers an accurate sense of how far they can travel with the current fuel level. However, even these are only indicatory, so it’s still sensible to refuel as soon as possible once the tank begins to empty.

Upgrade your car with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to upgrade your current drive to a safer make and model, My Car Credit can help. Use our car loan calculator to get a no-obligation quote in minutes.

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!

or call 01246 458 810

How to fix a dent in your car – doors, bumpers and bodywork

Knowing how to fix a dent in the bodywork of your car can end up saving you serious cash. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and it’s therefore wise to know how to DIY any minor repairs.

How much do repairs cost?

Your car doors and bumpers are the most likely locations for a dent to occur. There are a number of factors that will impact the overall cost of a repair.

These factors tend to be:

The car make and model
The degree of damage
The location of the damage
Whether there’s damage to paintwork

Overall, a dent repair is likely to be cheaper than having to replace a whole bumper. It may therefore be cheaper to know how to fix a dent in your car yourself. That said, you should only DIY these repairs if you’re completely confident that you know how, in order to avoid causing further damage.

How to fix a dent in your car

It’s much easier to fix dents that are on flat surfaces and aren’t awkwardly shaped.

You should ensure that the dent is no more than three inches wide and shallow.

You’ll need to be able to access both sides of the dent for these techniques (for example, by opening the bonnet or accessing the vehicle’s underside). If you can’t get access because it’s obstructed by the car’s structural elements (such as crash bars), then it’s sensible to take your vehicle into a body shop instead.

These techniques can be repeated if the dent needs continued re-working, but leave a day in between attempts. Patience is key to the process.

If you’re confident that you can fix the dent in your car’s doors, bodywork or bumpers, then you can follow these step-by-step instructions.

With a hairdryer

Plug in the hairdryer. It should be held between five and seven inches away from the dent, on a medium heat. After a few minutes, the dent surface should feel malleable. Don’t overheat the surface for too long – only two or three minutes will do.
Wearing insulated gloves, gently probe the dent. It should feel malleable – if it doesn’t, repeat step one.
Take a compressed air can, turn it upside down, and spray it on the dent from the other side. For example, if your dent presses down and into the surface of your bonnet, you’ll want to focus the compressed air onto the underside of the bonnet. This will help to ease the dent back out of shape.
Once the dent has popped into shape, use the cloth to wipe away any liquid residue caused by the compressed air.

With a plunger

Only use this technique on plastic parts of your car – never on metal.

Pour boiling water over the dented area to soften it.
Wearing insulated gloves, place the plunger over the dent. When it’s properly suctioned on, pull the plunger towards you.
If this hasn’t popped the dent out of place, you can gently push the dent from behind.
Wipe clean with a cloth.

With dry ice

You’ll need heavy-duty gloves to complete this technique, which makes use of extreme temperature changes.

Follow steps one and two from the hair dryer method.
Once the dent feels malleable, cover the dent with aluminium foil, fixing this in place with masking tape.
Wearing your heavy-duty gloves, rub the dry ice over the foil. The dent should pop into place.

With a repair kit

It’s possible to purchase repair kits specifically designed to help fix a dent in your car. There are three main kinds.

Pulling

These repair kits work by gluing tabs to the dent and pulling it outwards, operating like a suction cup.

Pushing

These work in the opposite way to the previous repair kits. You apply the kits to the other side of the dent and push it back into place.

Tapping

Certain repair kits use metal pens to ‘tap’ the dent out of your bodywork.

Drive safer today

Looking to upgrade your current vehicle to a safer model? If you find yourself wondering ‘can I afford to buy a car’, don’t forget about car finance! This spreads the cost of the car over several monthly instalments, making the purchase more affordable overall.

Contact My Car Credit on 01246 458 810 or email us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to find out more.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

What is CS Car Finance?

What Happens if I Can’t Pay My Balloon Payment?

Car Finance for First Time Buyers: A Beginner’s Guide

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

Bodywork Damage dent repair

Electric car parking fines – what are they and how can you avoid them?

Staying abreast of changes to road rules and regulations is the most sensible way of ensuring that you avoid any unwelcome penalties or fines.

Electric vehicles are a comparatively new vehicle, and charging infrastructure continues to be rolled out UK-wide in order to meet the rising number of EVs used, as well as the government’s own Net Zero Strategy.

However, these promises are not yet being met, leading to a strain on nationwide EV charging infrastructure. In an attempt to manage this, some chargepoint operators have introduced electric car parking fines.

What kind of electric car parking fines might drivers face?

If a driver keeps their EV connected to a chargepoint long after the vehicle reaches full charge, they may now face a fine.

The introduction of a fine for drivers staying too long at an EV charging point is not entirely unprecedented. Tesla has an ‘idle fee’ for its worldwide Supercharger network, which results in users being charged for every additional minute the vehicle remains connected to the Supercharger after reaching full charge.

A similar approach is now being taken at certain other chargepoints across the UK. In Aberdeen, for example, a £30 fine will be charged to EV drivers who overstay for an hour or more at any chargepoint.

Companies like ESB Energy and Geniepoint have also introduced electric car parking fines across their chargepoints. There are concerns that these moves will put consumers off purchasing new EVs.

Drive green with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to upgrade to an EV but aren’t sure how to finance it, you can get a no-obligation car loan quote with My Car Credit today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

What Happens if I Can’t Pay My Balloon Payment?

I want to buy a car on finance, how much can I borrow?

PCP Finance Explained – Personal Contract Purchase Guide

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

electric EV fines parking

What Should You Do If Someone Keyed Your Car?

Unfortunately, having your car keyed is a common occurrence. ‘Keying’ occurs when someone damages your vehicle’s paintwork using a sharp object, like a key. It’s technically an act of vandalism, and if your car has been keyed, there are a number of steps you can take.

What to do if someone has keyed your car

Notify the police

As keying is an act of deliberate vandalism, you should report it to the police – but don’t call 999. Report it to your local police by dialling 101 – the non-emergency number.

This ensures that a record of the offence is made, meaning you’ll be given a crime reference number. You’ll need this in the instance of an insurance claim.

Check your insurance cover

Next, you’ll need to check whether your car insurance policy covers vandalism. Some providers cover it as standard, but others don’t. If your policy does include vandalism, then you should consider whether or not to make a claim.

Note that some insurance providers will uphold a no-claims discount, recognising it’s not your fault that your car was keyed. However, not all providers take this stance, so you’ll need to check this and then factor it into your final decision.

Remember that you’ll still have to pay any excess, regardless of whether your no-claims is protected or not. If your excess is greater than the cost of your claim, then it may not be worth making the claim in the first instance.

Gauge the damage

Whether you want to repair the scratch yourself or leave it up to a professional is entirely up to you – but more intense damage will inevitably be repaired more skilfully by an expert. If the scratch is minor, you may be able to handle it yourself. There are products to help with a DIY repair job.

Bear in mind, though, that deep scratches may lead to rust and corrosion down the line. Similarly, there’s always a risk with DIY repair that you may exacerbate the damage.

The cost of a professional repair will vary depending on several factors. This includes the location and scale of the damage, as well as the car itself. If you shop around for a quote, you’ll be able to find the best deal.

How to prevent a car being keyed

There are clear steps that can help prevent vandalism like keying. Parking somewhere that is populated and well-lit helps, particularly if there’s CCTV around. Leave more space between your car and others, as this gives vandals less cover.

At home, park your car in a garage, or install an at-home security system for greater peace of mind. Always ensure that your vehicle’s alarm system is working properly too.

Finance a more secure vehicle

If you think it’s time to level up your car’s safety and security features, you can use our car finance calculator to get a no-obligation quote for a new model in minutes.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

PCP Finance Explained – Personal Contract Purchase Guide

How to Finance a Car in 4 Easy Steps

PCP vs HP – What’s the Difference Between Them?

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

Damage insurance Key Vandalism

What is a Hill Start – and How Do You Do It?

If you’re a learner driver, you need to be able to handle a hill start. In fact, even if you’re experienced behind the wheel, it’s wise to refresh your knowledge about how to do a hill start. So, what is a hill start – and how do you do it?

What is a hill start?

You’ll face all kinds of hazards as a driver. Whether you’re facing the traffic of urban centres, narrow country roads, or a steep hill, you need to stay calm and collected.

If you have to start your vehicle’s engine and move off on a road with any kind of gradient, then you’re performing a hill start. The lower the gradient, the easier the hill start – but all require clutch control, as well as management of your brakes.

If you’re a learner driver, you’ll be asked to perform a hill start, so it’s sensible to know how to do a hill start before your lessons begin.

How do you do a hill start?

Many modern vehicles are fitted with Hill Start Assist technology.

However, if you’re a learner, you may have an older model of car which lacks this assistance. Even if your car has Hill Start Assist, it’s still wise to know how to do a hill start.

For manual vehicles

Hill starts are all about clutch control. Always start with your handbrake on. This will reduce the chance of your car rolling backwards down the hill. Remember that your car will struggle to move up any hill when it’s in a higher gear.

When the handbrake is on, use your clutch to get into first gear. You want to bring the clutch up to what’s called the biting point – you’ll know when you hit this because the sound of the engine will change, and you’ll feel the car shift, indicating that it’s ready to move. Gently press down on the accelerator.

Always use your mirrors to check that it’s safe to move away. You can then release the handbrake, and give the clutch a little more bite. Slowly take your foot off the clutch as you ease your other foot onto the accelerator. The car will then move up the hill.

For automatic vehicles

Hill starts are easier in automatic vehicles as there’s no clutch control to worry about.

Once on the hill, ensure that your gearbox is in D (drive) and your handbrake is on. Gently press down on the accelerator until you feel the car beginning to strain against the handbrake.

Once you have checked that it’s safe to move off, you can release the handbrake, allowing the car to move off and up the hill.

Finance your new set of wheels

If you’re looking to upgrade your car to a model with more safety features, you can always check your car finance eligibility. Alternatively, contact My Car Credit today to learn more about how we can help.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Does Auto Finance Work?

Balloon Payments Explained: What, Why & How

5 Different Ways to Pay for a Car

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

driver hill start learner

Why Does the Government Plan to Relax MOT Test Rules?

The UK government has recently proposed changes to the process of MOT testing. As of 18 January 2023, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have launched a consultation to gauge public opinion on changing the frequency and regularity of MOTs, alongside other proposed amendments on MOT test rules.

These changes have been made in light of ever-improving safety technology in new vehicles, as well as the rising popularity of EVs and hybrid vehicles. The need to balance cost-of-living stress was another important factor.

What is the current MOT legislation?

When a car undergoes an MOT test, the vehicle is checked comprehensively to ensure it meets the legal standards. MOTs have been in place since the 1960s, and underwent a significant overhaul in 2018, with the addition of tougher emissions checks for diesel vehicles and a new rating system.

Different elements are checked in cars and motorcycles during an MOT, but the test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. Expect elements like the headlights, handbrake efficacy, and structural wear and tear to be checked during an MOT. The average MOT costs £40.

Under current legislation, new vehicles have to go through an MOT after three years on the road. Once a car qualifies for MOT, it must then undergo the test once every year.

What are the proposed MOT test rules?

Extension to roadworthiness testing

Under the proposed changes, new vehicles would be eligible for their first MOT after four years, instead of the current legislative requirement of three. The DfT and DVSA have suggested that the move could save UK motorists ‘around £100 million a year’ in MOT fees.

The DfT and DVSA insist that this change ‘should not impact road safety’, given that ‘most new vehicles pass the first MOT test at 3 years.’ The proposed changes for roadworthiness testing would bring the UK in line with regulations in European countries including Spain, France, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium and Italy.

These changes had been proposed in 2017-18, when they received little public support, with concerns over vehicular safety cited as the main reason for opposition.

Changes to frequency of MOT testing

Once a vehicle is eligible for MOT testing, under current legislation, it must be tested annually. The proposed changes would amend this to make MOT testing a biannual (once every two years) requirement instead. This amendment was first suggested in 2022, but was shelved at the time due to safety concerns.

Testing of EV batteries

The consultation also aims to consider whether MOT test rules should be amended to include testing of EV batteries to ensure these remain safe and reliable, and therefore, roadworthy.

Particulates monitoring

In 2018, MOT test rules were overhauled and tightened, with greater emissions checks implemented for diesel vehicles.

The new proposal would implement greater testing of pollutants and particulates for diesel, petrol and hybrid cars (vehicles with any kind of internal combustion engine). This proposed amendment to MOT test rules is designed to ensure that these vehicles continue to meet emissions requirements.

Loud engines and MOT fraud

The consultation also seeks to establish whether tougher measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, as well as striving to crack down on MOT and mileage fraud.

Is there opposition to the proposed changes to MOT test rules?

Edmund King, President of the AA, has been critical of the DfT and DVSA’s MOT pass data, stating that one in ten cars fail their first MOT.

Critiques have also been levelled at the extension to MOT test rules for new vehicles, with the RAC suggesting that high mileage vehicles should be required to test sooner in order to ensure their continued roadworthiness.

The government’s proposed cost-cutting measures have also come under fire, with safety professionals suggesting that any money saved on annual MOT tests would be minimal, due to the need for cars to remain road safe, and the concurrent cost of high repair bills. Alternatively, it has also been put forward that less judicious drivers might risk lives by driving unroadworthy vehicles.

There are also concerns that proposed changes to MOT test rules might put jobs in the garage industry at risk.

Finance a road safe vehicle with My Car Credit

If you’re finding the upkeep of an older vehicle costly, it may be time to upgrade to a safer, MOT-worthy model. Get a car finance quote with My Car Credit and find out how to make the most from your money today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Can I Finance an Automatic Car?

Balloon Payments Explained: What, Why & How

What Happens if I Can’t Pay My Balloon Payment?

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

Government MOT rules

What is the ‘Cestui Que Vie Trust’ Car Insurance Scam?

In early February 2023, the UK government published a warning against the ‘cestui que vie trust’ car insurance scam. If you have been approached by anyone claiming to sell car insurance under the banner of a ‘cestui que vie trust’, or others offering false information on how to claim from these fictitious funds, be aware that this is a fraudulent scheme.

What is the ‘cestui que vie trust’ scam?

‘Cestui que vie’ is a French phrase meaning ‘he who lives’ and is a legitimate legal term with a long history. The term refers to an individual who is a beneficiary with rights to property in an estate. It’s most frequently used in life and health insurance policies. Similarly, a ‘cestui que trust’ is an archaic but legitimate phrase referring to the beneficiary of a trust.

A ‘cestui que vie trust’ appears to be an amalgamation of the two terms, but it is entirely fraudulent – it does not exist. There are fraudsters currently claiming to sell car insurance backed by government funds. They advise individuals to claim money from the government using this imaginary ‘cestui que vie trust.’ No such funds are available from the government.

Should you purchase this fraudulent insurance, you will be classed as driving without insurance. This is illegal and risks fines, court appearances and vehicular seizure by the police.

If you or anyone you know has been the victim of the ‘cestui que vie trust’ car insurance scam, report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

Find a car finance provider you can trust

Looking for car finance for your next vehicle? Check your car finance eligibility and discover how My Car Credit can help you take to the road in a new or nearly-new set of wheels.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Can I Finance an Automatic Car?

What to Do If You Can’t Pay Car Finance Because of COVID-19

What’s the Cheapest Way to Finance a Car?

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

fraud insurance Scam

UK Drivers Risk £1000 DVLA Fine Over Missed Updates

If you’ve changed address recently and are a UK driver, you need to update the address on your driving licence to avoid a hefty DVLA fine. Failing to do so may cost you £1,000.

Why do I need to renew my licence if I’ve changed address?

If you’re a UK driver in possession of either a provisional or full driving licence and you’ve recently changed address even temporarily, you need to update the DVLA and change the address on your licence. Failure to do so may incur a fine of £1,000. Unlike renewing your licence, changing the address listed is free of charge.

The DVLA requires licences to list accurate, up-to-date residential information in case of accidents.

You must also update the address in your vehicle logbook (V5C) and update the vehicle tax Direct Debit.

If you’re a student, provided that your driving licence lists a permanent home address at which you remain reachable, you do not need to update the address on it.

How often should I renew my licence?

Legally, drivers have to renew their licences every decade, so that the image displayed matches their likeness. Failure to do so can result in a £1,000 fine from the DVLA.

However, drivers should also renew their licence every time they change address in order to avoid the same fine.

Licences can be renewed via gov.uk, where the five-day application process will cost a total of £14. Changing the address on a licence is free of charge.

Find car finance with My Car Credit

Take stress out of the search for a car loan quote with My Car Credit. Filling in our online application form will give you a no-obligation quote in minutes, helping you stay in the driver’s seat.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Electric Car: Lease vs Buy – Which is Best?

Leasing vs Finance: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?

What Does ‘Finance’ Mean When Buying a Car?

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

address DVLA licence update V5C

How to Pass Your Theory Test First Time

Passing your theory test is the first step to securing your license. So, what can you do to boost your chances of success? Read on as we cover everything you need to know about how to pass your theory test with flying colours on the first try.

Theory vs practical test

Many new drivers worry about how they’ll perform in the practical driving test. With challenges like lane changing, parallel parking and motorway driving on the cards, passing your practical driving test is definitely a challenge. But what many learner drivers don’t realise is the importance of the theory test. It’s designed to get you up to speed on all the basic road rules before you get behind the wheel. This includes demonstrating a good understanding of the Highway Code.

Figuring out how to pass your theory test is important, as you can’t book your practical driving test until you’ve passed. Your theory test is the second step you’ll take when working towards gaining your full UK driving licence. You must be at least 17 years old before taking the theory test, unless you qualify for the Personal Independence Payment. In this case, you can sit the test after you turn 16.

The first step is applying for your provisional licence, which allows you to drive on UK roads while supervised. You’ll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old before you can apply for your provisional licence. Your supervisor must be aged 21 years or older and have held a full driving licence for at least three years.

What to expect from the theory test

Wondering how to pass your theory test the first time? Knowing what to expect is key. Questions in the UK driving theory test are based on guides published by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This includes the Highway Code, as well as publications like Know Your Traffic Signs and The Official DVSA Guide to Driving.

The test is split into two sections – a multiple choice questionnaire and a practical hazard perception test. You’ll need to sit both on the same day, though you can take a short break between the two tests if you like. Understanding the format of the driving theory test is one of the best ways to pass the first time. Instead of being surprised by the questions or structure, you’ll be armed with an in-depth understanding of the test and its different elements.

Let’s take a closer look at each section:

Multiple choice questionnaire

This section features around 50 multiple choice questions, all relating to driving rules and safety. The focus is on real-life situations you might encounter while driving on British roads. If you’re wondering how to pass your theory test the first time, familiarising yourself with the Highway Code is one of the best ways to prepare.

Questions are selected randomly from a pool of around 1000 questions. This means you can expect to see all kinds of topics and scenarios covered in your multiple-choice questionnaire.

You’ll have just under one hour to complete all 50 questions. Don’t worry, you can get a few wrong. But you’ll need to get at least 43 right to score a pass. We recommend allocating around one minute to each question. This gives you time to go back at the end and review your answers or allocate extra time to difficult questions. Don’t stress if you get stuck on a question. You can always come back to it at the end.

Hazard perception

This section features a series of video clips from the perspective of a motorist. As you watch the clips, you’ll be asked to identify potential hazards, such as pedestrians preparing to cross the road and cars pulling out from intersections. Passengers opening doors onto the road are another common danger featured in the hazard perception section.

The hazard perception test lasts for around 20 minutes, and you’ll need to score 44 out of 75 to pass. It seems like a long time to be looking out for potential hazards. But in reality, it simply mimics the level of alertness you’ll need to replicate when driving in real life. Paying close attention throughout the hazard perception assessment is one of our top tips when it comes to how to pass your theory test.

Practice makes perfect

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. If you’re wondering how to pass your theory test the first time, practice is essential. Just like studying for an exam, it’s important to put in the effort before sitting your theory test.

Mock theory tests are the best way to practise for your exam. You can easily source mock theory tests online for free, so no excuses!

The next step: practical test

Once you’ve passed your theory test, the next step is sitting your practical driving exam. Once again, practice is key. Get in as much practice as possible with your driving instructor or a qualified friend or family member before sitting the practical test. This is the best way to boost your confidence in the driver’s seat.

After passing your theory test, you have two years to pass your practical driving test. If you don’t pass within the two-year timeframe, you’ll need to sit your theory test again.

Funding your first car

Now you know how to pass your theory test, the next step is securing the keys to your own set of wheels. This is where we come in. At My Car Credit, we specialise in getting Brits behind the wheel of their dream cars.

Can you get car finance at 18? Absolutely. We help motorists of all ages secure the best deals on car finance, even if you’re still in your teens. Give us a call today to chat to a friendly team member and find out more.

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3 Reasons Why Airbags are Important

From seatbelts and airbags through to technological safety features like lane assist and cruise control, today’s level of vehicular safety has been achieved through several key advancements.

One of the best known and most widespread safety features in cars are airbags. First developed in the USA in the 1950s, airbags became mainstays in Europe in the 1980s. They are now standard safety features in vehicles globally.

What are airbags and how do they work?

Airbags are inflatable bags that cushion the body of the driver and passenger(s) in the event of a crash.

Despite their name, airbags are actually filled with a chemical compound that reacts to high temperatures. This causes the bag to fill with air, preventing the driver and passenger from hitting the car’s hard surfaces (such as the dashboard and steering wheel), as well as each other.

Vehicles are fitted with collision sensors at various points. When a severe collision is sensed, these sensors release an ignition compound. This sparks a chemical reaction, causing the compound in the airbags (a mix of sodium and nitrogen) to react. The airbag then inflates. This process takes place in a matter of milliseconds.

Once the bags have been inflated, they then deflate immediately. This allows people to leave the car if possible, or for emergency services to access it. As high temperatures are generated during this process, some people may experience minor burns as a result of airbag inflation.

Why are airbags important?

Airbags provide a cushioning effect for the driver and passenger(s). They also reduce the speed at which the body may collide with the vehicle’s dashboard, steering wheel, and other passengers.

The US-based NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that:

From 1987 to 2017, 50,457 lives were saved by frontal airbags.
Airbags in combination with seat belts reduced the risk of death in frontal crashes by 61%. This is compared to a 50% reduction for seatbelts alone, and 34% for airbags alone.
As of 2012, 2,252 lives were saved by side airbags.

Where are airbags located?

The first airbags were located towards the front of the vehicle. They were fitted within the steering wheel and dashboard to protect both the driver and passenger from frontal collisions.

It’s worth knowing that American airbags tend to be larger and inflate faster. This is because they had traditionally been seen as a replacement safety feature for seatbelts, rather than as a feature working in tandem with seatbelts.

However, some vehicles may now have up to nine airbags, depending on the model and make. Alternative airbag locations include:

Knee airbags – Designed to protect the driver and front passenger’s knees from hitting the dashboard.
Foot airbags – Designed to reduce injuries to the lower legs and feet.
Side airbags – Designed to reduce impact for side (lateral) collisions. There are also side torso airbags.
Seatbelt airbags – Released from the seatbelt, across the shoulder and torso.
Curtain airbags – Released from the roof sill downwards, to protect the head and neck.
Centre airbags – Designed to prevent head contact between passengers and drivers, released between the front two seats during a lateral collision.

Do airbags have limitations?

Airbags reduce the damage caused by accidents – but they cannot prevent them. As mentioned above, other injuries (such as minor burns and scrapes) may be sustained as a result of airbag inflation. This is particularly the case for drivers wearing glasses, who may experience facial injuries as a result of airbag deployment.

Airbags should be used with other safety features, such as seatbelts, in order to ensure that all persons within the vehicle are as safe as possible. Airbags are designed to work for drivers and passengers in the correct sitting position. They may not work as effectively if, for example, a passenger is sat with their feet on the dashboard, or if there are objects on the dashboard that impede the airbag’s inflation.

Similarly, airbags are designed for adults. Children are at risk of injury if they are either unbelted or in rear-facing child safety seats in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. They should therefore always be in a car’s backseat if under thirteen years of age or 153cm height.

Upgrade your car and benefit from maximum safety

As technology and research improves, vehicle manufacturers are making cars safer than ever before. Contact us to gauge your car finance eligibility and learn how we can help you find a new vehicle that’ll have you feeling secure behind the wheel.

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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.

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When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

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