Latest news with #Halfords
The Guardian
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
Get in gear for driving from the UK to mainland Europe
If you are driving your own car to mainland Europe this year, there are plenty of things to think about in addition to how you are going to fit all your stuff in the vehicle. Most European police will want to see your driving licence if they pull you over – check yours is still valid and renew it online if it has expired, or is about to. They will also ask for proof of insurance and your vehicle logbook (V5C), if you have one. You don't need an international driving permit in the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland if you have a photocard licence issued in the UK. However, if you have a paper licence, you will need to update it to a photocard or get an IDP. Go to for details. Some countries require drivers to carry certain things. For example, in much of Europe, including popular destinations such as France, Italy and Germany, you need a warning triangle. In some countries, including Germany and France, you will need a hi-vis vest, too. Don't forget to use headlamp beam converter stickers to stop your headlights dazzling other road users. These are compulsory in places such as France. They can be bought easily for a few pounds. If you don't have these things, an easy option is to pick up a European driving kit from retailers such as Halfords (£32.50 at time of writing) or the RAC (from £25.99). You will need a sticker for your vehicle if your number plate doesn't include the UK identifier with the union flag. If it has a GB identifier with the union flag, a euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or numbers and letters only, you must display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle. If you are in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate. However, you don't need a UK sticker or identifier to drive in Ireland. All UK car insurance policies automatically provide you with third-party cover while in EU countries, plus a few others including Switzerland. This covers your legal liability to others – for example, if you injure someone in an accident or damage their property – but won't cover damage to your own vehicle. Most people will want to take their comprehensive cover with them, so check with your provider to see what is, and isn't, included in your policy. The good news is that plenty of insurers automatically include driving elsewhere in Europe with their comprehensive cover. For example, with LV= you are covered for up to 180 days over the policy year, while all of Admiral's comprehensive insurance, except for its Essential policies, includes 90-day European cover. Bear in mind that with some companies you may only be covered for 30 days over the year. With others, such as Aviva, you only get third-party cover as standard, and if you want comprehensive for driving in Europe, you have to buy a policy add-on. Alternatively, you can buy short-term European car insurance from another provider to cover your trip. You can get this through a price comparison website. 'You might find this to be an easier solution than adding cover to your existing policy,' MoneySuperMarket says. Again, check if you are already covered. New cars often come with European roadside assistance, or breakdown cover, while the vehicle is in warranty. It may also be included in a monthly service plan or if you have the car serviced at a main dealer. A number of bank accounts – particularly paid-for ones – include European breakdown cover. Among them are Nationwide's FlexPlus (which costs £18 a month), Monzo's Max (from £17 a month) and the Co-operative Bank's Everyday Extra (£18 a month). Barclays offers customers a 'travel pack' add-on, costing £14.50 a month, that includes European breakdown cover and worldwide travel insurance (there is a six-month minimum term). If you don't have any European breakdown cover, a few weeks' worth should not break the bank. A Compare the Market comparison of single-trip policies for a 2019 Volvo V40, based on two weeks in France in August, found the cheapest policy was £31.79 from Cover My Breakdown. However, for a big road trip, unless you have a super-reliable car that has not given you any problems, it may be wise to go for something offering a bit more than a budget policy. For the scenario mentioned, the RAC would charge either £82.30 or £133.74 depending on the level of cover, while the AA wants £100.03, or £85.74 if you are a member. If you are driving to France, you need to be aware of the country's low emission zones, and the clean air sticker – called a Crit'Air vignette – that you are required to display if you plan to enter one of a number of urban areas. These stickers are used to identify the vehicle's emission levels and, in some cases, restrict access in order to improve air quality. 'Although France's National Assembly voted [in May this year] to scrap low emission zones (ZFEs), the rules around Crit'Air stickers haven't changed yet. UK drivers still need the right sticker to enter many French cities,' the RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis says. Fail to comply and you could face a fine of up to €180 (£155). There are six categories in the Crit'Air vignette system, from green for the cleanest vehicles (for example, 100% electric) to dark grey for the dirtiest. Drivers need to apply via the official French government website and ensure their sticker is displayed before they enter France – so do not leave this until the last minute. For British vehicles, the sticker costs €4.91 (£4.23) including postage. Le Havre and its port are within a low emissions zone, says Brittany Ferries, while other cities operating zones include Caen, Rouen, Rennes and Nantes. Paris and Lyon have particularly strict rules. The RAC has a useful webpage with lots of information on the scheme and which towns and cities need a sticker, and the French government website for the scheme has information and a map. When planning your trip, don't forget to factor in the cost of any motorway tolls and consider how you will pay them. It now costs about €125 (£107) in tolls to drive from Calais to Nice on the south coast of France (so roughly double that for a return trip). You can avoid them, but this will almost certainly add time to your journey. ViaMichelin has a useful tool at that will calculate the estimated total cost of tolls and fuel for your journey. There are payment services you can sign up to that let you use the automated lanes so you can drive straight through and beat any queues, but unless you are planning a lot of journeys, it's probably easier to pay as you go by credit card at the booths or machines. (That is, if you have a front seat passenger to lean out of their window to pay) Emovis Tag, for example, sells tags for France, Spain and Portugal, but there are several upfront and ongoing charges, which may mean it is not cost-effective to use them for a one-off trip. If they do look good value for your break, LeShuttle's car service is running an offer on the tags. The RAC has useful online guides to tolls in France and Spain.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50
Parents can stock up on everything from soft play kits to travel essentials, without breaking the bank. Whether shopping for a newborn or a growing toddler, the range includes a wide selection of must-haves fit for both young families and seasoned parents alike. The supermarket is offering savings of up to £50 compared to leading retailers, including unbeatable prices on top brands Nuby and Graco. These baby gamechangers are set to fly off shelves – but shoppers are being warned to be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. (Image: Aldi)For parents and tots on the go, the 360 Graco Car Seat (£99.99) is suitable for children aged from 0 to 4 years. It features hassle-free installation and a 360-degree seat rotation, making getting in and out of the car quick and convenient. Shoppers can save £50 compared to leading retailer Halfords. Bring Soft Play home with the Aldi Ball Pit (£39.99) for hours of endless fun for kids aged 10 months and above. The ball pit includes 200 plastic balls and a machine-washable cover for easy clean-up. Bath times just got more fun with Aldi's Silicone Bath Toys (£7.99). Available in playful teatime shapes or as a creative cooking essentials set, tots and parents alike are sure to enjoy bath time even more. The Graco Myavo Stroller (£99.99) has four-wheel suspension for any terrain, and cosy reclining options for smooth sailings, plus a built-in sunshade, rain cover, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support. It covers all bases for ages 0 to 4 years old, all for a saving of over 20% compared to Halfords. (Image: Aldi) The Baby Safety Gate (£14.99) boasts triple-step safety technology to outsmart even the craftiest toddlers. The handy 180-degree two-way open feature is a must-have for hassle-free access. New to the middle aisle this year is the Nuby My Real Urinal (£14.99), priced at half the cost compared to leading retailer Argos. The clever kit lands in stores alongside the returning My Real Potty (£14.99), which offers savvy shoppers opting for Aldi over Argos savings of more than half price. Recommended reading: Designed to help make the leap from potty to toilet a breeze, these toddler-friendly training tools bring big-kid confidence to little learners. With real flushing sounds and handy wipe storage, the My Real Urinal helps little boys get familiar with the real thing. Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event returns to stores from July 17, while stocks last.
South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50
Parents can stock up on everything from soft play kits to travel essentials, without breaking the bank. Whether shopping for a newborn or a growing toddler, the range includes a wide selection of must-haves fit for both young families and seasoned parents alike. The supermarket is offering savings of up to £50 compared to leading retailers, including unbeatable prices on top brands Nuby and Graco. These baby gamechangers are set to fly off shelves – but shoppers are being warned to be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. (Image: Aldi)For parents and tots on the go, the 360 Graco Car Seat (£99.99) is suitable for children aged from 0 to 4 years. It features hassle-free installation and a 360-degree seat rotation, making getting in and out of the car quick and convenient. Shoppers can save £50 compared to leading retailer Halfords. Bring Soft Play home with the Aldi Ball Pit (£39.99) for hours of endless fun for kids aged 10 months and above. The ball pit includes 200 plastic balls and a machine-washable cover for easy clean-up. Bath times just got more fun with Aldi's Silicone Bath Toys (£7.99). Available in playful teatime shapes or as a creative cooking essentials set, tots and parents alike are sure to enjoy bath time even more. The Graco Myavo Stroller (£99.99) has four-wheel suspension for any terrain, and cosy reclining options for smooth sailings, plus a built-in sunshade, rain cover, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support. It covers all bases for ages 0 to 4 years old, all for a saving of over 20% compared to Halfords. (Image: Aldi) The Baby Safety Gate (£14.99) boasts triple-step safety technology to outsmart even the craftiest toddlers. The handy 180-degree two-way open feature is a must-have for hassle-free access. New to the middle aisle this year is the Nuby My Real Urinal (£14.99), priced at half the cost compared to leading retailer Argos. The clever kit lands in stores alongside the returning My Real Potty (£14.99), which offers savvy shoppers opting for Aldi over Argos savings of more than half price. Recommended reading: Designed to help make the leap from potty to toilet a breeze, these toddler-friendly training tools bring big-kid confidence to little learners. With real flushing sounds and handy wipe storage, the My Real Urinal helps little boys get familiar with the real thing. Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event returns to stores from July 17, while stocks last.
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Aldi Baby Event is back in July with savings of up to £50
Parents can stock up on everything from soft play kits to travel essentials, without breaking the bank. Whether shopping for a newborn or a growing toddler, the range includes a wide selection of must-haves fit for both young families and seasoned parents alike. The supermarket is offering savings of up to £50 compared to leading retailers, including unbeatable prices on top brands Nuby and Graco. These baby gamechangers are set to fly off shelves – but shoppers are being warned to be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone. (Image: Aldi)For parents and tots on the go, the 360 Graco Car Seat (£99.99) is suitable for children aged from 0 to 4 years. It features hassle-free installation and a 360-degree seat rotation, making getting in and out of the car quick and convenient. Shoppers can save £50 compared to leading retailer Halfords. Bring Soft Play home with the Aldi Ball Pit (£39.99) for hours of endless fun for kids aged 10 months and above. The ball pit includes 200 plastic balls and a machine-washable cover for easy clean-up. Bath times just got more fun with Aldi's Silicone Bath Toys (£7.99). Available in playful teatime shapes or as a creative cooking essentials set, tots and parents alike are sure to enjoy bath time even more. The Graco Myavo Stroller (£99.99) has four-wheel suspension for any terrain, and cosy reclining options for smooth sailings, plus a built-in sunshade, rain cover, removable bumper bar and adjustable calf support. It covers all bases for ages 0 to 4 years old, all for a saving of over 20% compared to Halfords. (Image: Aldi) The Baby Safety Gate (£14.99) boasts triple-step safety technology to outsmart even the craftiest toddlers. The handy 180-degree two-way open feature is a must-have for hassle-free access. New to the middle aisle this year is the Nuby My Real Urinal (£14.99), priced at half the cost compared to leading retailer Argos. The clever kit lands in stores alongside the returning My Real Potty (£14.99), which offers savvy shoppers opting for Aldi over Argos savings of more than half price. Recommended reading: Designed to help make the leap from potty to toilet a breeze, these toddler-friendly training tools bring big-kid confidence to little learners. With real flushing sounds and handy wipe storage, the My Real Urinal helps little boys get familiar with the real thing. Aldi's Baby and Toddler Event returns to stores from July 17, while stocks last.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Make your car's air con blow twice as cold with Amazon essential motorists are calling a ‘game changer for summer'
The product that will help keep you cool this summer CHILL RIDE! Make your car's air con blow twice as cold with Amazon essential motorists are calling a 'game changer for summer' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Amazon essential that can make your car's air con blow twice as cold - saving you from the stifling summer heat. Game-changing Amazon summer essential Motorists have dubbed this hack a "game changer for summer", as from as little as £30 you could transform your vehicle's air conditioning system. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Amazon product named a game changer by motorists Credit: Amazon 4 This product will make your AC twice as cold Credit: Getty Amazon's Clima Set comes with two air condition recharge gas cylinders and is compatible with 100 per cent of cars that use R-134a refrigerant. The product details describes the set as "nature conscious and vehicle safe." It is also suitable for vehicles manufactured between 1995 and 2016. The description added: "It is safe, easy to use, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for car owners." One happy customer wrote: "Worked a treat, simple to use, van now has AC again." While reviewer wrote: "Did the job. Easy to use. "A cost effective way to recharge and you can obviously use the regulator again and will only have to buy the can next time, which saves more money." Topping up air con refrigerant Enthusiastic motorist, Scott Kilmar said: "This car hack will save you thousands in AC repairs." In his step by step guide on how to use the product, he explained that "it is not that hard to do." Halfords has also shared a guide on how to top up air con refrigerant just in time for the hotter months. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill Halfords explained: "A blast of cool, refreshing air will certainly keep everyone happy when the sun is shining. "But, as with many car components and consumables, the gas used to cool the air before it enters the cabin will eventually deplete. "That's when your air conditioning needs topping up." Its guide is broken down into three simple steps which involve turning on your car's engine, performing a diagnostic check, and topping up the refrigerant if the gauge says "pressure is low." Halfords also advise you wear safety gloves and protective glasses when topping up your car. Stay cool this summer With the sun finally out, a home expert shared his top tips for staying cool this summer. James Longley, managing director at Utility Builder, told The Sun his pro tips for staying comfortable in the heat. Contrary to popular opinion, he recommends keeping all windows and blinds closed to stop hot air from circulating around your home. Other advice includes staying hydrated, filling a hot water bottle up with cold water, and using wet towels. How to stay safe in hot weather The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Source: UKHSA 4 Halfords have shared a step-by-step guide to topping up your air con refrigerant Credit: Getty
