Latest news with #PlatesExpress
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Simply magical' holiday destination named as 'UK's best summer escape'
The Lake District has been named the UK's best destination for a summer escape, but it matters when you visit. That said, one travel expert has shared her insight into when exactly to visit and how to prepare. It's no secret the Lake District boasts stunning landscapes, warm weather, and a wide range of outdoor activities. But Plates Express spoke to travel expert Katie Willis, founder of UK-based travel agency, to get an expert's intel. 'Summer is definitely peak season, so [the Lake District] is busier – especially during the school holidays, " says Katie. 'But the trade-off is well worth it. You get the full Lake District experience, from swimming in the lakes to ice cream in Ambleside.' Important to note considering a new heatwave forecast with maps reveals the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK. July and August are the Lake District's warmest months, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C. The summer months also have the longest daylight hours, which is important if you're planning long days of hiking and boat excursions. 'The Lake District is simply magical in the summer. The scenery is alive with colour, the lakes are calm and clear, and the longer days give visitors more time to explore,' according to Katie. 'It's the perfect mix of nature, charm and adventure, all just a drive away for most people in the UK.' 'This mad holiday activity combines near-death experiences with cheese and wine' UK's most remote and underrated train station that rivals Hogwarts Express line Popular summer activities include hiking scenic trails like Friars Crag or the Old Man of Coniston or boating on Derwentwater or Ullswater. The villages of Grasmere, Hawkshead, and Keswick are also worth exploring. If you are keen to avoid the densest tourist crowds, Katie suggests planning your trip for the end of May or early September instead. The weather during these periods is still very pleasant and some hotels and B&Bs also offer lower rates during these off-peak weeks. No matter when you set off for the Lake District, you should prepare your vehicle for the long drive. Even navigating the country roads themselves can be tricky for those without experience driving on the narrow roads with sharp bends. 'Always check your car thoroughly the day before your trip, not on the morning you leave,' says a spokesperson from Plates Express. 'This gives you time to sort any issues. They continue: 'Check your lights, fluid levels, tyres, and number plates – and plan your route in advance. Mobile signal can be weak in parts of the Lake District, so download your maps if needed.' Prior to hitting the road you should double-check the tread and inflation of your tires–as they can wear down quicker during warm weather and on country roads like those of the Lake District. Be sure to top up your coolant, check your oil and - though it's tempting for long drives - do not overload your boot. That said, you should have plenty of water on hand for long summer drives.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a vet – everyday habit you do without thinking could be silently destroying your dog's mental health
FOR many families, the car is a part of daily life - from school runs and the food shop to weekend getaways. But while most drivers don't think twice about using their horn, vets are now warning that this common driving habit could be quietly harming the mental health of their beloved pets. 2 2 Motoring experts at Plates Express have teamed up with veterinary professionals to raise awareness about the unexpected link between frequent car horn use and rising anxiety in dogs. It's not something many pet owners consider, but according to new findings, the sharp, sudden sound of a horn especially when used often or near the home can trigger deep stress in dogs that builds up over time. Dr Ellie Grant, a veterinary behaviour specialist, explains: 'Dogs hear things far louder and more clearly than we do. "A car horn might just be a quick sound for us, but for dogs, especially nervous ones, it can feel like an alarm or a threat. "Over time, repeated exposure to sudden, loud noises like honking can lead to chronic anxiety and fear-based behaviour.' Even small, daily honks outside the house can cause pets to associate the car or the driveway with stress. For pets left at home during the day, these sounds can feel unpredictable and threatening, leading to pacing, barking, shaking, or even destructive behaviour. Many dog owners don't realise their pet is reacting to car horns, because the signs aren't always immediate. But the warning signs often show up at home. Some of the most common symptoms of horn-related anxiety include barking or howling when they hear a horn, even on TV, and hiding or retreating when cars approach the home. Everyone can see the happy dog but you need 20-20 vision to spot the mistake in under 7 seconds Your pooch could also show sudden aggressive or fearful behaviour during walks near traffic, or start to pant and shake when exposed to loud, unexpected sounds. What's especially worrying, according to the experts, is that repeated stress can impact a dog's long-term mental health making them more fearful, less trusting, and more prone to panic in everyday situations. While honking isn't always avoidable, experts say most drivers can reduce their use of the horn and help ease the pressure on nearby pets. Here are three simple changes recommended by Plates Express and Dr. Grant: A spokesperson from Plates Express adds: 'Most drivers never think about how their habits affect animals. "But the simple act of using your horn too often, especially around pets can build up anxiety that lasts all day. "We urge homeowners to treat the horn like a last resort and be more mindful, especially when pulling into their own driveway.'
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Your car's steering wheel may be dirtier than you ever thought, say experts
According to motoring specialists Plates Express, cited by the Daily Mail, your car's steering wheel is crawling with bacteria—more so than almost any other surface in your vehicle, including the gear stick or seatbelt buckle. Why? It's the one place you touch every single time you drive, often right after handling food, phones, door handles, or even your own face. Luxury car cleaner James Taylor told the Daily Mail, 'You wouldn't go weeks without washing your hands, but drivers go months without wiping down the one surface they touch every single day.' Even top-of-the-line Bentleys weren't spared—when he swabbed the wheels, bacteria levels were 'through the roof.' How often should you clean your steering wheel, and what's the best method? Thankfully, fixing this hygiene nightmare is quick and easy. Taylor recommends wiping down your steering wheel once a week using antibacterial wipes or a dedicated car interior cleaner. It takes less than a minute but can drastically reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria. Make sure to reach into the grooves and stitching, especially if your wheel is leather-wrapped, as these tiny crevices are germ magnets. Are most drivers skipping this essential hygiene step? Surprisingly, yes. A survey found that 32 per cent of drivers clean their car only once a year, and a shocking 12 per cent never clean it at all. That's not just gross—it's potentially risky, especially if you're prone to touching your face while driving. This lack of cleanliness stands in stark contrast to our everyday hygiene routines. We wash our hands after using the bathroom but forget the very surfaces we interact with every day—like the wheel we grip with those same hands. Do habits like eating or drowsy driving increase the germ load? Today's drivers are multitasking more than ever. A Lemonade Insurance survey found that over half of Gen Z drivers eat while driving, and about one-third hit the road when they're tired. Both behaviours add to the grime on your steering wheel. Food crumbs, sneezes, coughs, and sleepy stares all contribute to bacterial buildup. Combined with phone taps and face touches, your wheel becomes a petri dish of everyday germs. What other parts of your car should you disinfect regularly? While the steering wheel is the worst offender, it's not alone. Other frequently touched parts of your car deserve attention, too: Gear stick Seatbelt buckle Door handles (inside and outside) Touchscreens and infotainment controls A quick once-a-week wipe-down of these high-contact areas can make your drive safer—not just cleaner.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages
Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade MAKES SCENTS I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER royal cleaner has shared a simple 5p trick she used to keep Buckingham Palace smelling fresh. If you've ever visited the famed London palace, and marvelled at its cleanliness, you may be forgiven for thinking that cleaners polish and scrub using pricey products. 2 Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade Credit: Plates Express 2 Anne uses a tea bag to get rid of bad smells Credit: Getty However, Anne Simmons, 57, who worked as a cleaner at Buckingham Palace for over a decade, has revealed that budget hacks are fit for the King. Anne, from Berkshire, shared that in order to keep royal cars fresh, she swapped pricey air fresheners for an every day essential that will cost you less than a Freddo. During her time working in the palace, Anne often had to face last minute inspections, which caused her to think on her feet and come up with inventive solutions. 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing" Anne told Plates Express. "Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. "I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. "By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone—and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' Tea bags are incredibly cheap, with each individual bag costing as little as 5p. Anne now swears by the hack. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) "It's something I've used ever since. It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think," she said. "Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' Tea bags work as they are natural odour absorbers, and pull moisture and bad smells from the air as they dry. 'Tea bags work quietly in the background,' Anne explained. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. "I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. Anne previously revealed how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. She revealed that slime is also perfect for dusting. 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I was a royal cleaner at Buckingham Palace -my 5p hack gets rid of nasty smells immediately – it's discreet & lasts ages
A FORMER royal cleaner has shared a simple 5p trick she used to keep Buckingham Palace smelling fresh. If you've ever visited the famed London palace, and marvelled at its cleanliness, you may be forgiven for thinking that cleaners polish and scrub using pricey products. Advertisement 2 Anne worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade Credit: Plates Express 2 Anne uses a tea bag to get rid of bad smells Credit: Getty However, Anne, from Berkshire, shared that in order to keep royal cars fresh, she swapped pricey air fresheners for an every day essential that will cost you less than a Freddo. During her time working in the palace, Anne often had to face last minute inspections, which caused her to think on her feet and come up with inventive solutions. 'One day, I was asked to get a car ready for a senior royal's outing" Anne told Advertisement Read more cleaning stories "Everything looked spotless, but the inside just smelled… stale. 'We didn't have fancy sprays or scented gels to hand, so I reached into my bag and pulled out a dry tea bag. "I tucked it under the seat and let it sit. "By the time they stepped in, the smell was gone—and in its place was a gentle, comforting scent.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Tea bags are incredibly cheap, with each individual bag costing as little as 5p. Anne now swears by the hack. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) "It's something I've used ever since. It's discreet, cheap, and lasts much longer than people think," she said. "Black tea is my go-to, but you can use herbal ones like lavender or mint if you want a fresher smell.' Advertisement Tea bags work as they are natural odour absorbers, and pull moisture and bad smells from the air as they dry. 'Tea bags work quietly in the background,' Anne explained. 'They don't overpower, and they don't make people sneeze. "I just pop one in the glove box, under a seat, or inside the cup holder.' Advertisement Cleaning and household chores in numbers Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in! Most Hated Household Chores Cleaning the oven - 34% Ironing - 15% Cleaning the toilet - 10% Washing the dishes - 5% Decluttering - 4% Most Liked Household Chores Cooking meals - 21% Decluttering - 12% Hoovering - 11% Doing the laundry - 9% Tending to pets 8% Men VS Women: Who Puts the Work In? Men spend 7 hours 54 minutes a week cleaning. Women spend 12 hours 15 minutes a week cleaning. And this isn't the only handy hack the royal cleaner has up her sleeve. how she used an old tube of toothpaste to get palace mirrors gleaming. And the royal cleaner even swears by a kids toy to keep homes dust free. She Advertisement 'It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't leave any marks,' she said.
