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If you drive a diesel car you probably know that it is fitted with a particulate filter. It is there to remove the dangerous particulates from the emission gasses. Some believe that particulates cause more damage to the environment than CO2, hence the importance of having particulate filters fitted. But they are prone to clog up with the particulates, however, they are made to effectively self clean. It is important that you Read more »

First Hybrid cars that mix n match petrol power with battery power and now all electric cars, heavily supported by prime minister Mandleson, that will save the planet and will be the future, must have, green accessory! Oh no it won’t! Well not if the already frugal Citroen C1, modified by the Electric Car Corporation, continues to cover just 70 miles on a full battery and at a cost of £16,850, twice the cost of the standard petrol version. No way Jose? Having said that Read more »

If you are a formula 1 fan like me you will often hear comments being made about tyre temperature and its effect on grip. Well it’s not surprising to learn that weather conditions can not only affect the handling of the car but also the fuel consumption. In wet weather grip decreases but did you know that fuel consumption increases by up to 10% in a downpour, so best you stay at home when it’s raining hard. Also grip increases in hot weather but fuel consumption drops by 1-2% for every 5 degree Centigrade increase in temperature.  By Graham Hill

A warning to business users has been issued regarding proposed changes to the way that leases are accounted for. Currently if you lease a car the cost simply appears as an expense in the profit and loss account and notes regarding commitments in the accounts notes. However, new accounting proposals will see all leased assets appear on the balance sheet as Read more »

With more cars being fitted with air conditioning it is worth remembering that it comes at a cost. When trundling along the motorway it can cost up to 10% more in fuel usage and sitting in a traffic jam this can rise to 20% so it makes sense not to drive around with the air conditioning on for the sake of it and certainly don’t, as a friend did a few days ago, Read more »

I mentioned in recent items the move in the industry from 3 rentals in advance to 6 rentals when contract hiring vehicles, suggesting that this could be as a result of  lenders requiring more security by taking larger upfront payments. It has now come to light that this is more likely to be the case and 6 advanced rentals likely to become Read more »

If you are one of those that decided to take a family holiday in the UK as the long range forecast predicted a ‘BBQ summer’ you are probably now wishing that you had actually spent less and flown off to one of the Costas. No, I’m not laughing! However, don’t make matters worse by leaving the roof rack attached to the car as this can cause drag and will cost you around 5% more in fuel consumption. And if you are Read more »

Having revealed that end of lease charges have hit an all time high, according to auction house and de-fleeting company, Manheim, with charges up by 9% in the last 18 months, they have also explained that part of the reason for this unfriendly approach is lack of interest in the customers shown by the leasing companies. They feel that this may be because the customer retention rate is only running at 33%. But then if the leasing companies stopped charging such ridiculous amounts at the end of each lease maybe their customer retention rates would increase. Don’t you just despair sometimes? By Graham Hill

I think I need to get myself a business plan and get on the list for Dragon’s Den following their clear interest in the motor industry. In a recent edition Deborah Meaden offered, and had accepted an investment of £100,000 in Service, Maintenance and Repair portal Servicing Stop. This followed on from a rejected offer of £50,000 made to Loony Ling for a 20% stake of her madhat car leasing brokerage. Did she want the money? No. Did she want an amazing amount of publicity? Of course she did and it worked a treat so well done Ling, the mad Chinese woman! Maybe I could do the same, even if it just resulted in a shed load of publicity! Hmmmm! Watch this space! By Graham Hill

I have just quoted a customer on a BMW X5, similar to the last car that he contract hired 2 years ago. On his old car the difference between the 2 year and 3 year rates was about £15 per month (2 years more expensive). However, the difference now is £134.53 + VAT per month! Why should this be? 2 years ago it could be argued that there was more discount/bonus in the car virtually wiping out the first year’s depreciation. 2 year old cars may have had a greater resale desirability than 3 year old cars on pro-rata mileage. But £135 + VAT per month? I don’t think so! Or maybe I’m to blame. You see I have explained Read more »