Latest news with #MyCarRegCheck
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Warning to motorists as Storm Floris set to batter Scotland with 85 mph winds
The Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings for high winds throughout Scotland today Storm Floris is set to sweep across the UK today, Monday, August 4, with an amber weather warning in place for parts of Scotland amid forecasts some areas of the country will see winds of up to 85mph. It's the first named storm since Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc and claimed several lives in January. Driving experts have issued a warning ahead of the forecast storm which will hit at around 10am today. The Met Office amber alert is in place until 10pm, covering most of the country, stretching from the Central Belt up to the very north of the mainland, also including most of the islands off the west coast. A yellow warning, also for wind, completely covering Scotland, as well as Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales, came into force at 6am today and runs until midnight. Motorists have been urged to take extra precautions when travelling and when accelerating. My Car Reg Check said there are some key risks for drivers venturing out in their vehicles. And road safety specialist, Sarah Jenkins has offered some practical advice to help drivers to stay safe. The Met Office confirmed the amber warning on Sunday morning, August 3. That means there is a 'danger to life' and the national forecaster is urging people to stay indoors where possible. Traffic Scotland say that, if possible, you should avoid driving no matter the weather warning level - yellow, amber or red. They state: "Driving in a yellow warning may not pose a likely risk, but there is likely to be increased congestion and disruption on the road. Driving in amber and red warnings pose a greater risk, therefore travel should be avoided unless absolutely essential." If you have to drive today, My Car Reg Check, said to be aware of four key risks. The risks of driving during weather warnings for wind 1. Unexpected gusts When passing high-sided vehicles or driving along exposed routes may destabilise cars – hold the wheel firmly and avoid overtaking large vehicles in gusty conditions 2. Towing trailers or roof-boxes Hugely increases risk; ensure loads are well secured and reduce speed in cross wind zones. 3. Debris and fallen branches Pose hazards on minor roads and rural lanes – especially dangerous near wooded areas still in leaf. 4. Flooded stretches and surface water Coupled with gusting wind, can impair visibility and road grip, particularly north of the Border where rainfall totals of 20–60 mm are expected in hilly areas. Sarah Jenkins, road safety specialist also said there are four things you need to do if taking to the road today. This includes three essential checks to make before setting off. Check your vehicle – tyre pressure, fluid levels and ensure your windscreen wipers are in full working order Plan ahead – allow extra time for journeys; ensure routes avoid exposed coastal or highland passes where possible Reduce speed – harsh gusts can arrive suddenly; maintain steady control, especially when overtaking. Secure test cars or demonstration vehicles if you run fleets or dealerships – avoid open garages, close doors behind you to prevent slamming by wind
Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
TikTok number plate hack could land drivers with £1,000 fine and points on licence
With so much trending on TikTok its hard to keep up. But one trend drivers need to be cautious of is 'aesthetic plate hacks.' with experts urging motorists to be cautious TikTok is full o f car hacks an d customisation tips but some of the latest number plate trends could end up costing drivers big time. From glitter finishes to tinted covers, thousands are jumping on the trend to personalise their plates. But what many don't realise is that certain tweaks, especially ANPR blockers designed to hide your plate from cameras could land you a £1,000 fine and points on your licence. While a bit of sparkle might seem harmless at first glance, tampering with your plate in any way could be classed as illegal, depending on how it affects visibility and readability. READ MORE: Drivers buying cars with low mileage hit with fresh warning over little-known issue My Car Reg Check is urging motorists, especially younger drivers about the surge in non-complaint plates being promoted online. "We're seeing a wave of younger drivers replicating trends they see on TikTok and Instagram, without realising these modifications are illegal," said Sarah Jenkins at My Car Reg Check. The DVLA has strict standards for a reason - illegible or altered plates can interfere with cameras used for law enforcement, tolls, and stolen vehicle recovery. "If your number plate doesn't meet UK legal requirements, it doesn't matter how many likes it gets online, you could lose your licence." These 'aesthetic' hacks could result in: £1,000 fines MOT failures Points on your licence In some cases, vehicle seizure by police Illegal trends you need to avoid Ghost plates and ANPR blockers These include ultra-reflective covers or sprays designed to obscure plates from cameras. Promoted as ways to avoid ULEZ or congestion charges, they're considered criminal offences under UK law. Bubble and glitter text plates Raised lettering, domed fonts, or decorative finishes may look good online but unless they follow DVLA standards, they are illegal for road use. Deep 4D plates While some 3D designs are legal, most 4D plates - particularly those with exaggerated depth or shadow effects fail to meet visibility and typeface rules. Flip or retractable plates Any plate that flips, folds away, or blurs under certain conditions is illegal. These modifications are sometimes sold online as 'show plates' but are not permitted on public roads. How to know your plate complies with DVLA regulations Use the correct Charles Wright font Include the supplier's name and BS AU 145e code Be black characters on a white (front) or yellow (rear) background Be fully reflective, with no background patterns or tints Have standard spacing and sizing Not include any raised or stylised effects beyond approved designs But beyond the visible, there are hidden dangers when ordering plates online Sarah explains - 'Drivers should be cautious when ordering online. If your plate is cloned, you could receive fines or enforcement notices for offences you didn't commit.'
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers buying cars with low mileage hit with fresh warning over little-known issue
Motorists are being warned that buying a car with low mileage could actually be a sign that it's not in great condition as the vehicle could have developed issues Low mileage is often a key factor for individuals when purchasing a new car - it can potentially signal a good deal if the odometer isn't too high. However, drivers are cautioned to delve deeper than just the mileage displayed on the dashboard. A good car for a decent price is a dream for many, but in some cases, it's too good to be true. While low mileage may suggest that a car has been well-maintained, experts warn that vehicles can also develop problems as a direct result of infrequent use. Expert Sarah Jenkins, from My Car Reg Check, said: "People assume that a car with 30,000 miles on the clock is automatically a safer bet than one with 80,000 – but that's not always true. Cars are designed to be driven. If they sit idle for months or years, they often develop hidden mechanical issues that don't show up until it's too late." Problems with low-mileage cars can include brakes, tyres and battery and electrical faults, reports Birmingham Live. Sarah continued: "We're now seeing a real-world pattern in the data. "Some of the biggest problems we flag in low-mileage used cars include perished rubber, seized brakes, sluggish engines, and interior damp. That bargain might not feel so cheap once you're hit with a £600 garage bill." She added: "Ask questions. Has the car been regularly serviced? Was it stored in a garage or left outside? Is there a clear MOT trail showing steady mileage? A good history matters more than a low odometer reading. Low mileage can be a selling point – but only if the car's been looked after. It's not a guarantee of quality. Sometimes, it's the opposite." When buying a car, you don't need to be a complete expert to know whether a car is worth spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds for. Therefore, it's important to check a few things before you give the final answer to the dealer. Experts at Bristol Street Motors have compiled a simple list of things to look out for when buying a second-hand car. It's straightforward and only takes a couple of extra minutes to ensure that you're getting the best deal possible. A car is a long-term commitment, and you don't want to get stuck with one that doesn't work like it's supposed to!
