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Experts are warning that the hike in fuel duty taking place this week by 2.3 pence per litre could be the start of significant increases on the way as crude oil increases in cost and the reduced rate VAT is set to end. The RAC predict that pump prices could return to the levels of summer 2008 at around £1.20 litre. So if you are thinking of changing your car you should make sure that you take a close look at fuel consumption, there is no longer the clear distinction between petrol and diesel. By Graham Hill

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 »

Fuel prices seem to have settled for a while but concerns have been raised about the differential between petrol and diesel. In November 2007 the difference was 2.6 pence per litre. When the cost of a barrel of oil increased to $147 in July 2008 the price differential increased to 14 pence per litre. Whilst oil prices have dropped back to less than $50 per barrel the differential between the two fuels is still at 3 times the Read more »

As motorists attempt to save costs in the current recession many are reducing the number of miles they are travelling and keeping speed down. Whilst this is great in terms of costs, safety and the environment it may not be so great if you are a diesel driver. First of all you may find that covering very low mileage makes the new generation petrol engines far more fuel efficient than the equivalent Read more »

Mini takes the prize for the car that holds it’s value best according to EurotaxGlass. After 3 years travelling average mileage the Mini diesel retains 63.3% of it’s original value although this is down from its high of 71% in 2007. The worst performer was the Alfa 166 which at the end of 3 years with 37,000 miles on the clock is worth just 12% of its original cost. Amazing! By Graham Hill

A warning has gone out from representatives of the car manufacturers about the use of Morrisons’ Bio Fuel called B30. It would seem that using this fuel could invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. The warning was issued by service maintenance and repair expert Motorconsult about the new 30% biofuel. For those who don’t understand the expression biofuel this is Read more »

Is diesel still best? Research by GE Capital Solutions has shown a return to petrol power as petrol cars become more efficient and some diesel drivers find out, too late, that you have to take action to stop the particulate filter from clogging which, if not done, can lead to the filter requiring replacing at a not inconsiderable cost. In the meantime a clogged filter can lead to Read more »

It is that time of year when safety organisations remind drivers to carry out safety checks to ensure that you don’t find yourself with a broken car or skidding out of control on icy roads. Make sure that you check your tyres and pressures and your brakes. You can have your battery condition checked for free at most battery fitters, better to replace before you get into the car on a frosty morning and find the battery dead. Check the Read more »

A recent conference sponsored by leasing company Lex suggested that drivers and all businesses should consider ways of saving money. They concluded, as I have already suggested, that finance is one important area of consideration along with vehicle choice, emissions limits, fuel policies and for fleets even drink and drugs policies. Nothing very new there then but the interesting debate was over fuel choice. The proposal was that diesel Read more »

Diesel car sales are exactly the same as they have been since the beginning of the year. That’s my experience however if you believe press reports diesel and petrol car sales swing backwards and forwards like a pendulum. A couple of weeks ago when fuel reached its all time high the press reported the bottom falling out of the diesel market and everyone immediately turning to petrol. According to my sales and enquiries diesel demand was just as strong. A couple of weeks later and an unexpected drop in fuel prices sees Read more »