Auto Connection is the source of independent information for everyone that drives as part of their working lives. Whether you commute to work using your own car, have a car provided by your employer, or drive a van as part of your job, Auto Connection provides up-to-date, expert guidance on the topics that matter to you. The Auto Connection team has decades of experience working with fleet management companies, vehicle finance and employee car scheme providers, as well as automotive charities and government transport agencies. We take the time to research the key issues faced by everyone driving for work, so you know where to find the latest information along with intelligent, informed opinion.

Driving in Winter: Tips for Drivers

The winter season can be a difficult time to drive in the UK. The roads are often icy and slippery, and bad weather can make driving conditions very dangerous. This blog post will share some tips for drivers who want to stay safe on the road during the winter months. We will cover topics such as preparing your car for winter, driving in bad weather, and dealing with hazardous road conditions. Stay safe this winter!

Be prepared

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the road during winter is to prepare your car for the weather. This includes checking your tyres, brakes, and engine oil levels, as well as making sure that all your lights are working correctly. You should also pack a winter emergency kit for your car, including items like a snow shovel, ice scraper, and warm clothes.

Driving in heavy rain

In wet weather, it's essential to know that stopping distances will be at least double those required for a stop on a dry road. The increased amount of water can make steering difficult and even unresponsive as well, so you should keep back from your vehicle in front; keep in mind that they might have trouble seeing where their next turn is going due to the rain or spray coming off other cars' wheels.

If steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. So, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

Snow and Ice

Icy roads can be hazardous as they increase your stopping distance by ten times, making it much more difficult for you to slow down or stop. So always make sure that you drive slowly and allow extra space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.

Keep warm - If you get stuck in the snow, stay with the vehicle, and call for help (unless it's in a dangerous location). Make sure you have a warm coat or blanket to keep you comfortable while waiting for help.

When manoeuvring on icy roads, be gentle with the accelerator and brake pedal and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. This will help you stay in control of your car and reduce the risk of skidding.

If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly. This will help you regain control of your car.

Driving when it's foggy

The fog can be a hazard in any region of the country. It can move quickly and be patchy. Therefore, you should drive very slowly while using your dipped headlights when driving in these conditions. If visibility is seriously reduced, you can use your fog lights; but remember to switch them off when the visibility improves.

Make sure you know where your fog light switch is, so you can turn them on without distraction when needed. Don't hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front; this gives you a false sense of security and may mean you are driving too close. Don't speed up suddenly, even if it seems to be clearing – you can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.

Tackling flooded roads

It seems like every year, flooding becomes more and more of a problem. To combat the dangers of flooded roads, it's important to know how to drive through them properly. Here are four tips for doing just that:

1) Don't attempt to cross if the water appears too deep - you could easily get stuck or lose control of your vehicle.

2) Drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling.

3) Avoid driving through the deepest water, which is usually near kerbs.

4) Remember to test your brakes when you're through the flood before you drive at speed.

When you do have to travel by road, please bear in mind the following ten good practice driving tips:

When driving in snow, slow down! When it is snowing heavily, and the roads are covered in a sheet of ice or snow, reduce your speed by at least a quarter. Make sure you leave enough room between you and the car ahead.

Always check the weather forecast before setting off on your journey. If there is a risk of snow or ice, make sure you are prepared before you leave.

Pack an emergency kit in your car. This should include a shovel, de-icer, a torch, and warm clothes.

If visibility is poor, use your fog lights.

When approaching a bend or junction, reduce speed and be prepared to stop if necessary.

When driving on snow, take corners at a slower speed. To do this, you will need to reduce your speed before the bend to travel slower when approaching it.

Anticipate hazards and plan ahead for them. For example, when approaching roundabouts or junctions, slow down immediately rather than gradually reducing speed as you get closer to the junction.

When it's been snowing, make sure your windscreen is completely clear of ice or snow before setting off. This includes the roof and wing mirrors!

Avoid travelling if possible during heavy snowfall. If you must travel, make sure someone knows your route and where you are going.

If you get stuck in snow, do not spin your wheels. This will only dig the car deeper into the snow. Instead, straighten the wheels and clear away any snow around them.

And lastly, always remember to drive slowly and safely in winter weather conditions. The roads can be treacherous, so take it easy and allow plenty of time to get where you're going. Follow these tips and be careful.

•If you're feeling very tired, consider taking public transport or booking a hotel.

How to Calculate Company Car Tax

Many employees receive a company car as part of their benefits package. While this can be a great perk, it's crucial to understand how company car tax works to make the most of your benefit and make the right choices.

This article will explain the basics of company car tax and how to calculate it.

Is there a cash alternative?

Before 6 April 2017, it didn’t impact from a tax perspective if you had a cash alternative offered. However, this changed, and now drivers taking delivery of a company car are taxed either on the BiK value of their car or on the value of the cash option, whichever is higher.

This means that if an employee selects a car with a BiK value below that of their cash allowance, regardless of the car's exact value or CO2 emissions, they will pay tax based on the value of the cash option they have foregone.

An exception is for Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV – cars emitting 75g/km CO2 or less), as these are exempt from this rule.

Calculating company car tax liability

To calculate your company car benefit in kind tax amount you need to know the following:

The value of the car, including any extras (known as the P11D value)

The higher the value of the car, the more tax is payable. This includes any factory fitted options, VAT and delivery charges. However, it does not include the car's first registration fee or annual road tax.

The car's official CO2 emissions rating and fuel type

The UK's company vehicle tax system is based on the amount of CO2 produced by a vehicle for each kilometre it travels. It's expressed as grams per kilometre CO2 or g/km CO2. The car will be assigned to a band based on a percentage figure, then applied to the P11D value.

A further 4% is added for diesel-powered cars that do not meet the latest Real Driving Emissions 2 requirements, up to a maximum of 37 per cent.

Click here to see a full set of tables for company car BiK rates.

Your marginal income tax band

The higher the marginal income tax band, the greater the benefit in kind tax is paid for the car chosen.

Income tax bands in the UK are currently:

Personal Allowance

Up to £12570

0%

Basic Rate

£12571 to £50270

20%

Higher Rate

£50271 to £149999

40%

Additional Rate

Over £150000

45%

Whether you intend to make any personal contributions towards the cost of the car

Any one-time contributions reduce the overall BiK tax liability to the cost of a car and any payments made for private use.

Also, if access to the car is removed for 30 consecutive days or more, the company car tax will be reduced based on the amount of time the vehicle is unavailable.

-Lower emissions: Electric cars produce zero emissions, which is great for the environment.

Which Car Finance Option is Right for Me?

It may be challenging to know which option to select with so many new car finance alternatives from a wide range of lenders. So we'll walk you through some of the most important questions you need to answer to figure out what sort of financing is right for you.

Is ownership important?

If you buy a vehicle with cash, such as from your funds or through a loan, it will be yours from the start. However, other types of finance offer different ownership options.

Personal contract hire- there is no contractual option to take ownership at the end of the term. The vehicle will usually be returned to the leasing company, and you will be able to take out another deal on a new car.

Personal contract purchase is more flexible, and you would have the option to take ownership at the end of the agreement by making a 'balloon payment'. The size of this payment will be fixed at the start of the agreement.

Hire purchase - you will legally own the vehicle once the finance provider has received the final payment.

Are you in a position to buy a new car outright?

If you've got the funds to purchase a new car outright, this may be the most cost-effective choice. Take a closer look at the interest rate you're earning and compare it to the interest rate on any finance deal; the interest you lose from your savings will likely be less than what you pay for car financing.

It's worth noting that if you buy a car outright, you always have the option to sell it if you need cash.

How long do you want to keep the car?

If you want to buy a car and keep it for many years, you'll need to choose between buying it outright or taking out a loan agreement that allows you to acquire ownership at the end of the contract. If you wish to replace the vehicle with a new one after a few years, most forms of financing will be suitable.

How's your credit rating?

If you aren't a cash buyer, you'll need to consider your credit rating. The better your credit score, the better the finance deal you'll be able to secure. You will also be able to borrow a higher amount.

You'll also need to show the lender that you can make the payments over the term of the contract.

If you're having trouble making car finance repayments, contacting the lender is usually a good idea. They may be able to restructure the arrangement to make it more affordable at any time during a vehicle finance agreement. If you default on any secured financing on the value of your automobile (including HP, PCP, and PCH), then the vehicle may be repossessed.

How many miles are you likely to drive?

When you take out a finance product where the provider takes the residual value risk (PCH or PCP), you'll be asked to state your annual mileage at the point you create your quote. This is because the total number of miles driven over the contract period will impact how much the car is worth at the end of the contract. With HP or a loan, you are taking the residual value risk, so you can cover as many miles as you want.

While it might be tempting to underestimate the mileage since this will likely reduce the monthly payments, doing this could result in you paying more as you would get an excess mileage charge at the end of the contract. It's worth being as accurate as you can, and if it looks as though you are likely to drive more miles than initially expected, contact the finance provider, and they may be able to adjust the agreement to avoid a charge at the end of the term.

Do you want to take the risk of the car's future value?

If you buy a car with your cash, there is no guarantee of how much it will be worth at the end of the finance term. The same can happen if you take out loans or use HP.

Finance options exist which remove this risk from buyers by providing them with a guaranteed future value.

With both Personal Contract Hire and Personal Contract Purchase the finance provider takes this risk, by guaranteeing the value of the car at the end of the finance agreement.

Flexible payment structure

The finance deals available to suit your needs can be as diverse and flexible as you want them. HP, PCP or PCH can provide flexibility to define the initial deposit and structure monthly repayments to suit your budget.

For example, you might see a deal advertised as a 3+35 month or 6+33 month contract. These figures refer to the size of the deposit and the number of subsequent monthly payments required. So, a 3+35 month contract will require a deposit of three times the monthly payment amount, followed by 35 monthly repayments.

If you have a large deposit, you may be able to access an attractive APR deal; a more significant deposit means you're more likely to be able to access lower interest rates.

When comparing rates, keep in mind that Representative APRs are the lowest rate offered to 51% of individuals accepted for a loan, and you may be charged more depending on your situation. It's also worth noting that PCH arrangements don't have an APR since they're essentially a lease rather than a loan.

Whatever the structure of the finance agreement offered, it's important to know how much you'll be paying in total. To do this, add up the initial deposit amount, all the monthly payments, plus any balloon payment at the end of the contract. Remember, with HP and PCP, the total payable will mean you've taken ownership, whereas, with PCH, you'll need to return the car.

Finance deals can come with various fees; some commonly charged fees are set-up or documentation charges. You need to understand how much these will add up and look at the small print before you sign anything.

What about the running costs?

Some finance schemes can either include or purchase a separate package for routine servicing and maintenance.

It's worth considering how much maintenance a new car will need during its first few years and how much this is likely to cost. Of course, it would mean you'll pay a little more each month, but some people value the reassurance of not having to worry about the cost of servicing and repairs.

Likely to need flexibility?

If you are unsure how long you'll want to keep the car, the best option may be buy it outright with your savings or by taking out a personal loan. This means that you’ll own the car from the start, and so you've got full rights to sell it whenever you choose.

HP, PCP and PCH are all financing agreements that are made for a set period of time, so if you wanted to end them early, it’s likely the finance company will require you to meet certain contractual payments.

It all depends on the terms of your agreement and the leasing business's attitude. Some will require you to make all payments due, even if you return the car, while others may be more flexible.

The amount payable if you wish to exit the agreement early will depend on how far into the contract you are, the mileage, and the condition of the car. The earlier in the arrangement you exit, the larger amount you're likely to have to pay. This is because most cars depreciate quicker at the start when they go from being brand new to a few months old, but it then levels out.

However, the finance payments are fixed across the duration of the agreement.

With PCP and HP, you have a little more flexibility through 'voluntary termination'. In law, you can return the car to the finance company if you have already paid back 50% of the loan amount plus any interest and other fees that might apply.

Which Car Finance Option is Right for Me?

It may be challenging to know which option to select with so many new car finance alternatives from a wide range of lenders. So we'll walk you through some of the most important questions you need to answer to figure out what sort of financing is right for you.

Is ownership important?

If you buy a vehicle with cash, such as from your funds or through a loan, it will be yours from the start. However, other types of finance offer different ownership options.

Personal contract hire- there is no contractual option to take ownership at the end of the term. The vehicle will usually be returned to the leasing company, and you will be able to take out another deal on a new car.

Personal contract purchase is more flexible, and you would have the option to take ownership at the end of the agreement by making a 'balloon payment'. The size of this payment will be fixed at the start of the agreement.

Hire purchase - you will legally own the vehicle once the finance provider has received the final payment.

Are you in a position to buy a new car outright?

If you've got the funds to purchase a new car outright, this may be the most cost-effective choice. Take a closer look at the interest rate you're earning and compare it to the interest rate on any finance deal; the interest you lose from your savings will likely be less than what you pay for car financing.

It's worth noting that if you buy a car outright, you always have the option to sell it if you need cash.

How long do you want to keep the car?

If you want to buy a car and keep it for many years, you'll need to choose between buying it outright or taking out a loan agreement that allows you to acquire ownership at the end of the contract. If you wish to replace the vehicle with a new one after a few years, most forms of financing will be suitable.

How's your credit rating?

If you aren't a cash buyer, you'll need to consider your credit rating. The better your credit score, the better the finance deal you'll be able to secure. You will also be able to borrow a higher amount.

You'll also need to show the lender that you can make the payments over the term of the contract.

If you're having trouble making car finance repayments, contacting the lender is usually a good idea. They may be able to restructure the arrangement to make it more affordable at any time during a vehicle finance agreement. If you default on any secured financing on the value of your automobile (including HP, PCP, and PCH), then the vehicle may be repossessed.

How many miles are you likely to drive?

When you take out a finance product where the provider takes the residual value risk (PCH or PCP), you'll be asked to state your annual mileage at the point you create your quote. This is because the total number of miles driven over the contract period will impact how much the car is worth at the end of the contract. With HP or a loan, you are taking the residual value risk, so you can cover as many miles as you want.

While it might be tempting to underestimate the mileage since this will likely reduce the monthly payments, doing this could result in you paying more as you would get an excess mileage charge at the end of the contract. It's worth being as accurate as you can, and if it looks as though you are likely to drive more miles than initially expected, contact the finance provider, and they may be able to adjust the agreement to avoid a charge at the end of the term.

Do you want to take the risk of the car's future value?

If you buy a car with your cash, there is no guarantee of how much it will be worth at the end of the finance term. The same can happen if you take out loans or use HP.

Finance options exist which remove this risk from buyers by providing them with a guaranteed future value.

With both Personal Contract Hire and Personal Contract Purchase the finance provider takes this risk, by guaranteeing the value of the car at the end of the finance agreement.

Flexible payment structure

The finance deals available to suit your needs can be as diverse and flexible as you want them. HP, PCP or PCH can provide flexibility to define the initial deposit and structure monthly repayments to suit your budget.

For example, you might see a deal advertised as a 3+35 month or 6+33 month contract. These figures refer to the size of the deposit and the number of subsequent monthly payments required. So, a 3+35 month contract will require a deposit of three times the monthly payment amount, followed by 35 monthly repayments.

If you have a large deposit, you may be able to access an attractive APR deal; a more significant deposit means you're more likely to be able to access lower interest rates.

When comparing rates, keep in mind that Representative APRs are the lowest rate offered to 51% of individuals accepted for a loan, and you may be charged more depending on your situation. It's also worth noting that PCH arrangements don't have an APR since they're essentially a lease rather than a loan.

Whatever the structure of the finance agreement offered, it's important to know how much you'll be paying in total. To do this, add up the initial deposit amount, all the monthly payments, plus any balloon payment at the end of the contract. Remember, with HP and PCP, the total payable will mean you've taken ownership, whereas, with PCH, you'll need to return the car.

Finance deals can come with various fees; some commonly charged fees are set-up or documentation charges. You need to understand how much these will add up and look at the small print before you sign anything.

What about the running costs?

Some finance schemes can either include or purchase a separate package for routine servicing and maintenance.

It's worth considering how much maintenance a new car will need during its first few years and how much this is likely to cost. Of course, it would mean you'll pay a little more each month, but some people value the reassurance of not having to worry about the cost of servicing and repairs.

Likely to need flexibility?

If you are unsure how long you'll want to keep the car, the best option may be buy it outright with your savings or by taking out a personal loan. This means that you’ll own the car from the start, and so you've got full rights to sell it whenever you choose.

HP, PCP and PCH are all financing agreements that are made for a set period of time, so if you wanted to end them early, it’s likely the finance company will require you to meet certain contractual payments.

It all depends on the terms of your agreement and the leasing business's attitude. Some will require you to make all payments due, even if you return the car, while others may be more flexible.

The amount payable if you wish to exit the agreement early will depend on how far into the contract you are, the mileage, and the condition of the car. The earlier in the arrangement you exit, the larger amount you're likely to have to pay. This is because most cars depreciate quicker at the start when they go from being brand new to a few months old, but it then levels out.

However, the finance payments are fixed across the duration of the agreement.

With PCP and HP, you have a little more flexibility through 'voluntary termination'. In law, you can return the car to the finance company if you have already paid back 50% of the loan amount plus any interest and other fees that might apply.

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is currently set at just over 1.6mm in a continuous band across the middle three-quarters of the surface of the tyre.

Electric Cars: Practical Considerations

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular. But are they the right choice for you? In this blog post, we will discuss some practical considerations that you need to consider before deciding whether or not to buy an electric car. We will look at things like cost, range, and charging infrastructure. So if you're thinking of buying an electric car, read on!

1. What are electric cars, and how do they work?

Electric cars use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine to power them. These vehicles have many advantages over traditional internal combustion engines, including lower emissions, less noise pollution, and more efficiency with regards to fuel use.

Electric cars work by storing energy in batteries. When you accelerate, the electric motor turns on and draws power from the batteries to propel the vehicle forward. When you brake or decelerate, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries back up.

2. The benefits of electric cars

There are many benefits to owning an electric car. Some of the most notable include:

-Lower emissions: Electric cars produce zero emissions, which is great for the environment.

-Less noise pollution: Internal combustion engines are very loud, but electric motors are much quieter. This makes them ideal for city driving, where noise pollution is a significant issue.

-More efficient fuel use: Electric cars are much more efficient than traditional internal combustion engines, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

3. The costs of electric cars

Electric cars are not cheap to buy. An article from Which compared a selection of electric cars to the nearest equivalent petrol version. They compared the initial purchase price and the subsequent running costs.

Electric cars are more expensive to buy but cheaper to run. But how long does it take to recoup the difference?

Taking the example of the Peugeot e-208 Allure (electric) vs Peugeot 208 Allure 1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 (petrol), Which found that despite the government's Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and plug-in car grant, it still takes several years to break even and match the petrol version on a total cost basis.

For this example, it's a relatively low-cost car, and there isn't a massive difference in the prices. Yet, it will still take more than six years to realise the cost-benefit of buying the electric version.

4. Range anxiety

One of the biggest concerns about owning an electric car is range anxiety. Range anxiety is the fear that you will run out of charge before reaching your destination. This can be a significant issue if you have to drive long distances or live in an area where there aren't many charging points available – for example if you don't have off-street parking and rely on public chargers instead.

However, for most, this concern is unfounded. The average daily journey for UK drivers is relatively short - typically less than 30 miles.

In addition, there are now a growing number of fast chargers available which can charge an electric car in as little as 30 minutes.

In addition, as battery technology continues to improve, the range of electric cars is getting longer. The latest models can now travel for over 400 miles on a single charge.

So, for many drivers, range anxiety is a non-issue. It's only likely relevant for drivers who regularly make long journeys or don't have access to charging points near their home.

5. Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles

Another consideration when owning an electric car is the availability of charging infrastructure. If you don't have a driveway or garage, you may need to find a place to park your car while it's charging. This can be difficult if there aren't many public chargers available in your area.

The good news is that the number of public chargers is growing all the time. There are now over 18,000 public charging points in the UK. You can find a map of charging points near you on the Zap-Map website.

In addition, many supermarkets and other businesses now offer free or discounted charging for electric car owners.

6. Other considerations when purchasing an EV

There are many other practical considerations you need to take into account when purchasing an electric car, including:

-The environment: Electric cars produce zero emissions, which is great for the environment.

-Noise level: Internal combustion engines are very loud, but electric motors are much quieter. This makes them ideal for city driving where noise pollution is a problem.

-Handling characteristics: Electric cars don't have gears and can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in just seconds. They also handle very well on corners because their weight is concentrated near the ground (whereas petrol engines typically sit above).

In summary,  there are many practical considerations you need to consider when purchasing or leasing an electric car. These include the initial purchase price, running costs over time (including maintenance), range anxiety and charging infrastructure. In addition, other factors such as noise level, handling characteristics and environmental impact may also be relevant for some drivers.

Electric cars are becoming more and more popular. But are they the right choice for you? In this blog post, we will discuss some practical considerations that you need to consider before deciding whether or not to buy an electric car. We will look at things like cost, range, and charging infrastructure. So if you're thinking of buying an electric car, read on!

Driving Tired: The Risks You Take

Do you ever drive when you're tired? You might not think it's a big deal, but driving tired can be extremely dangerous. This blog post will discuss the risks of driving tired and offer some tips for staying safe on the road.

The risks of driving tired

Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Being awake for 18 hours straight is comparable to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, and being awake for 24 hours is like having a blood alcohol level of 0.10% (according to stats from the CDC).

When you're tired, your reaction times are slower, you may struggle to stay focused, and you're more likely to make mistakes.

This can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

In the UK, around 300 deaths each year are linked to driving tired. This is a shocking statistic, and it's something that we need to take more seriously. Tired drivers are a danger not only to themselves but also to other road users. So if you're tired, please don't drive.

How to stay safe on the road when you're tired

If you're tired, there are some steps that you can take to stay safe on the road:

•Pull over at a rest stop and have a nap. This can give your brain a chance to recharge. However, it's important not to sleep for too long. If possible, only sleep for 15-20 minutes so that you don't enter deep sleep.

•Drink coffee or another caffeinated drink. Caffeine can help to keep you awake and focused.

•Take a break from driving every two hours or so. Get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes. This will help to refresh your body and mind.

•If you're feeling very tired, consider taking public transport or booking a hotel.

•Make sure that your car is comfortable and well-ventilated so that you can stay alert while driving.

When it comes to driving tired, prevention is always better than cure. So if you can, try to get a good night's sleep before hitting the road. And if you find yourself feeling sleepy behind the wheel, please pull over and take a break.

Tips for avoiding fatigue while driving

- Get plenty of sleep the night before you drive

- Take breaks every two hours or so

- Drink caffeinated drinks to stay awake

- Avoid heavy meals before driving

- Turn on the radio or open a window for some noise and fresh air

- Pull over at a rest stop if you start to feel sleepy.

Why it's important to get a good night's sleep before hitting the road

If you want to avoid fatigue while driving, it's important to get a good night's sleep before hitting the road. A good night's sleep will help refresh your body and mind, making it less likely that you'll feel tired while driving.

It's also important to be well-rested when you're driving long distances. If you're feeling tired, it's best to pull over and take a break. Driving tired is not worth the risk!

When most people think of dangerous things to do while driving, they don't usually think of drowsy driving. However, driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about the risks of driving tired and how to stay safe on the road. Our goal with this article was to help educate drivers about the dangers of fatigue while behind the wheel so that they can avoid it by getting a good night's sleep before hitting the road.