Latest news with #EuroCarParts
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers urged to carry one essential item in their car next week
With a heatwave just around the corner and temperatures expected to break 30C, these simple but essential steps from experts can help ensure your safety and comfort on the road Brits up and down the nation have been warned not to forget one crucial item next week before getting behind the wheel. As the UK braces for a heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees in mid-June, drivers are being urged to take extra precautions before hitting the road. The sweltering temperatures can quickly turn a car journey into, at the very least, an uncomfortable experience, and at worst, a potentially dangerous one if the right steps aren't taken. Car experts from EuroCarParts have helpfully given some advice for motorists to be prepared during the upcoming spell of hot weather. The pros recommend stocking up your vehicle, planning your route in advance and keeping up to date with traffic news on the day of your journey. "When it comes to driving, you can never be too prepared," EuroCarParts warned. "Make sure you know the route you are going to take and keep up to date with traffic news on the day, so that you can be composed in the chance that you have to detour. Keep the car stocked up with food, drink, and entertainment for any passengers, whether that is music, tablets, in car DVD players or books. The last thing you need on top of the hot weather, is to get hungry or bored on a long car journey." Another crucial step to take before heading off is ensuring that your air conditioning system is functioning properly. It's not just a comfort feature — as air con can be vital for keeping both people and pets cool. Experts advise testing your air con a few days before any long journey. "A quick test a couple of days before any long road trips should be enough to establish whether everything is ticking order," EuroCarParts explained. "If your air con is making unusual noises or emitting bad smells, it might be a sign that it needs attention from a professional." Checking your car's fluids is another essential task to undertake before setting off. "Just like us, your car needs to stay hydrated, whether that's with engine oil, windscreen wash or engine coolant," the experts added. "Make sure that everything is topped up, including the water level in the coolant reservoir, and that your engine is cool before you set off. Doing this will avoid an unexpected breakdown or pullover for fill-ups." Sun glare is a significant hazard during the summer months, and experts recommend always carrying a driving-specific pair of sunglasses in your car. But perhaps the single most important item to carry in your car during a heatwave is a cold bottle of water. Dehydration can set in quickly in high temperatures, leading to drowsiness and sluggishness behind the wheel. EuroCarParts explained: "Feeling drowsy and sluggish is more likely once the warm weather hits, so be sure to take extra precautions to prevent this whilst you are driving. Always take a bottle of cold water into your car so you can remain hydrated. If you take medication, be sure to check the side effects before driving, so that they are not going to further increase your risk of drowsiness. If you do start to feel drowsy or tired whilst driving in the hot weather, pull over and rest before continuing on the roads." With a heatwave just around the corner, these simple steps can help ensure your safety and comfort on the road. Above all, don't forget that bottle of cold water — it could be the most important thing you carry in your car in the coming weeks.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
LED headlight glare 'significantly' reduced with little-known BGE mirror method
LED headlights are negatively affecting most drivers but there's a method proven to reduce their blinding glare. Motoring experts have shared a 'simple fix' to combat the intense glare from LED headlights. A recent poll found that 57 per cent of drivers think the bulbs are too bright and a quarter agree that they make it harder to be able to see while driving at night. And the issue, which is being looked into by the Department of Transport, is a bigger problem for older motorists. A recent poll by Euro Car Parts found over a third (65 per cent) said that the blinding lights from other vehicles affect their vision while driving after dark. And another survey by the AA had similar results. They found that three quarters of their members said that LED lights on vehicles are among the factors causing them to be 'blinded' while driving. The RAC also conducted a poll, which showed more than four out of five of drivers (85%) are affected by headlight glare and said the problem is getting worse. But experts have suggested that an easy tweak to mirrors can substantially reduce the glare making it easier for those affected to drive safely. The little known Blindspot and Glare Elimination (BGE) method for setting mirrors is a 'simple fix' that anyone can do. And it's effective for drivers bothered by LED headlight glare from behind their vehicle. Thomas McKinley, Electrical & Engine Category Manager at Euro Car Parts, explained: "A simple fix many drivers don't know about is the Blindspot and Glare Elimination (BGE) mirror setting. "This involves angling your side mirrors further out than usual, usually by about 15 degrees, so you can only just see the side of your own car. This helps widen your field of vision and reduces glare from headlights behind you." He explained how to set up your mirrors using the BGE method but said that after doing this, drivers should take some time to get used to it. Thomas said: "In order to set this up properly, lean your head against the driver's window to set the left mirror, adjusting it so you can barely see the side of your vehicle, then lean to the centre of the car to adjust the right. "Return to your usual driving position and you shouldn't be able to see the side of your car in the mirrors. Just be careful after making these adjustments, as the new view can take a bit of getting used to, so it's worth practising somewhere quiet first." He also said that the BGE mirror method has another added benefit as well as reducing the glare from LED headlights. He added: "As well as helping to reduce glare, BGE means that passing vehicles move smoothly from your rearview mirror to your side mirrors, then into your peripheral vision, which helps to reduce your blind spots.' Experts at Vertu said this mirror method can 'significantly' reduce glare from LED headlights. They said: "Blind spots are one of the most overlooked hazards in everyday driving. Most people instinctively position their side mirrors to see the flanks of their car, but that angle can catch and reflect direct light from headlights behind you straight into your eyes. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "To combat this, adjust your mirrors outward by 15 degrees or until the edge of your car is barely visible. This changes the angle at which light hits and reflects off the mirror, meaning those intense beams from the car behind are more likely to reflect away from your direct line of sight. "This doesn't eliminate glare entirely, but it significantly reduces the intensity and direct impact, making night driving far more comfortable." Other ways to combat the glare from these type of headlamps include dimming your dashboard which helps your eyes adjust better to the lights and keeping windows and mirrors clean. The glare from LED headlights is currently being looked into by the UK government after pressure from the RAC and the Royal College of Optometrists. The findings will be reported in the summer.
