Latest news with #TomJervis
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
The Sun's ultimate motoring festival guide – from race day where kids go FREE to best track days for every supercar fan
Take a look at some of the best festivals featuring high-performance cars, live music and family fun coming to the UK this summer NEED FOR SPEED The Sun's ultimate motoring festival guide – from race day where kids go FREE to best track days for every supercar fan THE UK hosts some of the world's greatest car events - ranging from family-friendly festivals to petrol-fuelled gatherings. With the sun shining, it's the perfect time to start planning your car-themed outing - and Sun Motors has pulled together the ultimate guide for petrol-heads this summer. Advertisement 10 Whether you're a serious car enthusiast or simply looking for an event for the entire family, there's something for everyone happening across the country between now and the end of August. Tom Jervis, Consumer Editor at Auto Express, revealed his top picks for the best car shows, meets and motorsport weekends that are coming up. Best for Families British Grand Prix, Silverstone – 4–6 July 10 Lewis Hamilton celebrated his first victory since December 2021 at last year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone Credit: Getty Details: Advertisement The iconic Silverstone circuit, located in Northamptonshire, is the home of British motorsport. Its pinnacle event, the British Grand Prix, is the ultimate summer spectacle. But it's not just for the F1 superfans, as the weekend's action is varied and tailored for everyone - from hardcore racegoers to casual attendees - with something for the whole family. Tom says: 'Yes, it's loud and packed, but the British Grand Prix is one of the ultimate shared experiences for motorsport-loving families. 'With child-friendly zones, merchandise galore, live music from acts like Sam Fender, RAYE, Becky Hill, and Fat Boy Slim, and a weekend of thrilling track action, this is a must-see event. Advertisement 'Watching British talent like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris compete on home soil is unforgettable. 'While it's not the cheapest family weekend, the atmosphere and excitement make it worth it.' Hot lap around Silverstone in an Aston Martin with James Bond's stunt driver Tickets for the British Grand Prix went on sale last September, with prices ranging from £99 for a single day (Friday) to £349 for the full weekend. For those on a budget, general admission offers generally excellent views around Silverstone as well as roving access to most grandstands on Friday. The most affordable grandstands include Vale and Village A. Advertisement For those on a mid-range budget, grandstands that are recommended include the Hamilton Straight - located on the start/finish line and pits - as well as the iconic Woodcote A-B, and Becketts. Fans can buy tickets through the Formula 1 Ticket Portal via the official F1 website, the Silverstone site, or secondary markets like StubHub. London E-Prix, ExCeL London – 19–20 July 10 High-speed action meets sustainability at the London E-Prix, where electric racing cars light up the streets of the capital Credit: Getty Details: Racing action in the capital? You bet. Advertisement Formula E is rapidly becoming a hugely popular form of motor racing, with the unique, all-electric series bringing the action to major cities across the world - including London for the season finale. 'The all-electric Formula E championship brings a high-speed spectacle to London on a unique indoor/outdoor circuit at the ExCeL centre,' adds Tom. 'It's perfect for families interested in greener motoring, with less noise than traditional motorsport." This quieter nature of Formula E is one of its big advantages over Formula 1 and allows races to be held in urban areas with less disturbance to residents. Indeed, parents often find Formula E events more suitable for families, as the reduced sound levels create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all ages. Advertisement Tom added: 'The Fan Village offers racing simulators, live music, driver meet-and-greets, and a Kids' Corner with games and activities. 'It's ideal for tech-savvy children and eco-conscious parents.' Tickets for the London E-Prix start from £21.00 for single-day admission (Saturday or Sunday), with weekend tickets priced from £110.25 - a cheaper day out for those on a budget. Category tickets range from £52.50 to £187.95, depending on seating and age group, while children under 3 years old can attend for free if seated on a parent's lap. For those seeking premium experiences, hospitality packages are available - including the aptly named Platinum Suite which is priced at £920.00 for single-day access (Sunday) or £1,325.00 for the weekend. Advertisement British Motor Show, Farnborough – 14–17 August 10 Celebrate all things automotive at the British Motor Show, featuring exciting car displays, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun Credit: Getty Details: The British Motor Show, held in Farnborough, aims to cater to both car enthusiasts and families alike, blending entertainment, interactivity and a range of family-focused exhibits. 'Quickly becoming a staple of the family motoring calendar, the British Motor Show offers new car launches, driving experiences, and live stunt shows,' said Tom. 'Kids will love attractions like face painting, a magician, Lego zones, and giveaways, while adults can enjoy celebrity guest appearances and exciting displays like the Supercar Showdown and the Red Devils Parachute Display Team.' Advertisement Known for offering great value for money, tickets for the British Motor Show start at just £24.95 for an adult single-day pass, while a family single-day ticket - for 2 adults and 2 children - costs £59.90. For those planning to attend across all three days, an adult three-day pass is £49.90, with a family three-day pass priced at £119.90. CarFest, Hampshire – 22–24 August 10 Fans can enjoy a spectacular weekend of cars, live music and family entertainment at CarFest Credit: Getty Details: Described as 'a celebration of fast cars, comedy, music, and more', CarFest - created by DJ Chris Evans to raise funds for children's charities - is held at Laverstoke Park Farm over three jam-packed days. Advertisement Tom added: "It features rare high-performance cars, live music from artists like Travis and Madness, and family attractions like KidsFest, complete with appearances from Hey Duggee and Pudsey Bear. 'SpaFest and FoodFest add wellness and culinary experiences to the mix, making it a well-rounded family weekend.' Weekend camping tickets for CarFest cost £234 for adults aged 17+, while it's £67 for children aged 6 to 16. A family weekend camping pass, consisting of two adults and two children, starts at £566. Non-camping weekend tickets are £200 for adults and £55 for children. Advertisement Single-day tickets range from £89 to £102 for adults and £21 to £26 for children, depending on the day, with children under 6 able to attend for free. Caravans and campervans are welcomed too, with permits available for £275. Silverstone Festival, Silverstone – 22–24 August 10 Motorsport heritage, classic cars, live racing and family entertainment come together at the Silverstone Festival Credit: Getty Details: Silverstone isn't just about Formula One, with the Silverstone Festival - taking place over a month after the British Grand Prix - hosts one of the country's most popular motoring events. Advertisement Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival offers a celebration of motorsport and music. This year's event is set to be extra special as the F1 championship celebrates its 75th anniversary. Tom said: 'The Silverstone Festival offers 30 hours of track action, junior racing, and Classic GTs, alongside three nights of live music featuring Natasha Bedingfield and Craig David. 'The Foodie Fest adds culinary flair, with chef demos and tasting experiences to suit every palate. 'It's a brilliant day out for the whole family.' Advertisement The Silverstone Festival's general admission for adults starts at £50 for Friday, £75 for Saturday or Sunday, and £145 for a three-day weekend pass. Children under 16 can attend for free. Car club members intending to display their vehicles can take advantage of a 2-for-1 ticket deal, with prices varying by booking period. For instance, during the Super Early Bird phase, a three-day pass was £145, rising to £155 during the Standard period. All tickets are digital and accessible via the "Silverstone Tickets" app. Advertisement Best for Enthusiasts London Concours, The Honourable Artillery Company, London – 3–5 June 10 An elegant celebration of motoring excellence can be found at the London Concours, showcasing the finest classic and modern cars Credit: Getty Details: This week's London Concours is described as 'an automotive garden party in the heart of the city' - filled with your favourite motors and a few other fancy things, too. Featuring exquisite displays like 'A British Icon', which celebrates Aston Martin, and 'The Greatest Marque', showcasing 50 Mercedes-Benz models. It's not just about cars, either, with flowing drinks, gourmet food and live music alongside over 100 of the UK's rarest cars. Advertisement What's more, for those looking to fix up a classic, the Restoration Showcase hosts some of the UK's finest craftsmen - offering insight into the specialist world. Tom added: 'With luxury retail chalets, artisan goods, and gourmet food, it's a standout event for corporate gatherings and car enthusiasts alike.' Tickets for the London Concours are priced at £60 for an adult day admission and includes a complimentary catalogue. Children get in at £30, while student's are charged £40. Afternoon-only tickets are available for £40, which grants entry from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, or 7:00 pm on Thursday. Advertisement For those looking for something extra plush, "Cocktail @ The Concours" tickets cost £35, including entry from 4:00 pm and a complimentary Jim and Tonic cocktail. Additionally, tickets for the "Smith and Sniff Live" event are £40 and include automatic entry to the London Concours. Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex – 10–13 July 10 Goodwood's Festival of Speed brings together legendary cars, thrilling hill climbs and much, much more Credit: Getty Details: The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate celebration of motorsport - and something every petrolhead should experience at least once. Advertisement A mecca for racing enthusiasts set against the backdrop of idyllic British countryside, this year's FOS pays tribute to 75 years of the F1 Championship and 125 years of motorsport history. But our personal highlight? The little-known forest rally stage, tucked away in the shade of the wooded area at the far side of the site, is great for those who prefer their motorsport with a taste of rough surfaces and the occasional jump. Tom said: 'Despite rising costs and traffic challenges, the Goodwood Festival of Speed remains a highlight of the motoring calendar. 'It's where you can see the latest road cars, air displays, and sporting exhibits like BMX trick competitions. 'While it's geared towards petrolheads, children under 12 get free entry, making it a potential family day out too.' Advertisement First and foremost, petrolheads should know that only tickets for Thursday, July 10, remain on sale. All tickets to the 2025 FOS include roving access around the Goodwood House grounds - and that means you can get up close and personal with some of motor sport's greatest machines. Access also includes the Future Lab, Electric Avenue and the Supercar Paddock, as well as standing areas alongside the hillclimb and the forest rally stage. General admission tickets vary in price depending on the day, ranging from £67 for Thursday, £81 for Friday, £108 for the action-packed Saturday and £89 for Sunday per person. Roving grandstand passes are also available for £45 each, while general admission and grandstand packages range from £130 to £183 per person. Advertisement Festival of the Unexceptional, Grimsthorpe Castle – 26 July 10 The Festival of the Unexceptional celebrates the overlooked and ordinary cars in a charming tribute to everyday classics Credit: Supplied Details: The Festival of the Unexceptional, dubbed by Hagerty as a classic car show like no other, does exactly as advertised: it celebrates all the motors considered delightfully unremarkable. Tom said: 'This event celebrates the everyday cars we grew up with. 'Think pristine Austin Allegros and lovingly restored Ford Orions. With its relaxed vibe, picnic-friendly setting, and low ticket prices, it's a nostalgic treat for enthusiasts and families alike.' Advertisement Tickets for the Festival of the Unexceptional start at a bargain £25 for general admission, with children under 15 entering for free. Early bird tickets, which were available earlier in the year, were priced at £20. For those keen on access to the Hagerty Drivers Club Members Area, it costs £10 per person, with free entry for children accompanied by a paying adult. For those selling their unexceptional cars, the "FOTU For Sale" package is available at £30, which includes car entry and driver admission. EVO Track Days – Various Locations and Dates 10 Push your driving skills to the limit at an EVO Track Day, offering the chance to put pedal to the metal at some of the UK's most iconic circuits Credit: Getty Advertisement Details: Organised by EVO Magazine, EVO Track Days offer car enthusiasts the opportunity to drive their own cars on famous race tracks across the UK - with focus on a friendly, non-snobby environment that caters to a range of drivers, from beginners to experienced racers. Tom said: 'For those who love noise, grip, and G-forces, EVO's Track Days are second to none. 'Held across top circuits like Goodwood and Donington Park, these events offer expert instruction and camaraderie. "They're also a brilliant gift idea for Father's Day.' Advertisement As you can probably expect, prices for Evo Track Days in the UK vary depending on the track and the type of session. Typically, evening sessions at tracks such as Donington Park, Bedford Autodrome, and Brands Hatch cost £219, while full-day experiences at Goodwood Circuit are priced at £449. For 2025, confirmed events include an evening session at Donington Park on June 24 and an evening session at the Bedford Autodrome on August 8 - both priced at £219. Later in the year, drivers can head to Brands Hatch for an evening session on September 3 - also priced at £219 - while a full day at Goodwood Circuit, at a cost of £449, takes place on September 25. Petrolheads can generally bring most standard cars, provided they are in good mechanical and structural condition and meet the track's requirements. Advertisement This includes working seat belts, brake lights and indicators, as well as being free of fluid leaks. Noise limits apply and are strict, so your motor must pass a noise test to be allowed on the circuit. There are restrictions on certain types, including single-seaters, open-wheel cars and sports prototypes like Radicals, depending on the event. Slick tyres may be permitted at some track days, but only if the car has roll bars or a roll cage. It's best to ensure your car complies with the specific event's regulations before booking - including relating to noise limits and safety standards.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Millions of Brits risk ‘gradually wrecking' their motor with poor washing routine – three issues could cost £1,000s
NOT SO BRIGHT Millions of Brits risk 'gradually wrecking' their motor with poor washing routine – three issues could cost £1,000s OVER 11 million motorists are damaging their cars by washing them incorrectly – a costly mistake that could leave you £1,000s out of pocket. Recent statistics highlight Britain's car washing habits, with a significant number of drivers unknowingly risking serious harm to their vehicle's paintwork. 4 Over 11 million drivers in Britain risk costly damage to their car's paintwork by relying on automatic car washes Credit: Getty 4 The safest way to clean your car is by hand, using proper techniques like pre-washing, the dual-bucket method, and microfibre cloths Credit: Auto Express 4 Acidic chemicals, dirt-laden brushes, and poor washing practices at roadside hand car washes can leave micro-scratches and dull paint, costing you more in the long run Credit: Auto Express 4 Washing your car carefully and efficiently doesn't have to be hard work Credit: Getty After surveying more than 1,000 car owners about their washing routines, Auto Express found that a large portion of Brits are relying solely on automatic car washes, while nearly one in 10 (9%) don't clean their cars at all. What's more, while most drivers – 61%, according to the findings – wash their cars themselves, 15% only ever use an automatic car wash, while a further 16% use one sometimes. But while the estimated 11.2 million drivers who put their cars through an automatic wash may think they are doing better than the 2 million that admit they don't wash their cars at all, the wrong method can do far more harm than good. Speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Tom Jervis, Consumer Editor at Auto Express, said: 'Most drivers think a quick run through an automatic car wash is doing their car a favour, but in reality, this is gradually wrecking the paintwork. 'The worst offenders are drive-through washes with old-style hard nylon brushes. 'They are not great because they pick up all the dirt and grit from all the previous cars, and it then gets rotated repeatedly over the paint. 'They can also rip off trim or a wiper and then drag it along the car. 'They don't do a great job either, as they miss bits like the inside of wheels or the corners by the number plate. 'And it is not just the automatic washes that are causing problems – poor car washing practices which use acidic chemicals, rough cloths, dirt-laden brushes – are leaving behind thousands of pounds' worth of damage in the form of micro-scratches, dulled paint, and damaged alloys.' CLEAN SWEEP Thankfully, washing your car carefully and efficiently doesn't have to be hard work – or even costly. I drove the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster -it's a car which cries out to be driven hard & will get you a nod of appreciation wherever you go Firstly, and unsurprisingly, Tom urges drivers to avoid automatic car washes. He said: 'Though newer automatic washes use softer microfibre brushes, they still often recycle dirt from previous cars. 'They also miss the details – like wheel arches and number plate corners – and can trigger boot sensors mid-wash, causing a real mess. 'If you must use one, pick a service that includes a human pre-wash and uses non-contact methods where possible.' Furthermore, he also advises car owners to steer clear of roadside hand car washes. 'Always check online reviews and get there early in the day when the cloths, mitts, and water are clean,' Tom said. 'Look out for a proper pre-wash using snow foam – not acidic traffic film removers, which some car washers mix up to be far too strong thinking it will work better. 'But it doesn't and can end up marking alloy trims and stripping the lustre off window rubbers. 'They also tend to slop on painted tyre shine, which may look good while the car is stationary, but as soon as you drive off, it gets flung onto the side of your car.' Tom even suggests being careful with jet washes, like the ones you find at a petrol station. 'I can see the attraction of these if you can't access a hose at home; using a communal jet wash at a petrol station gives you more control,' Tom said. 'But don't trust the communal brush – they are usually caked in grit from the last user. You're better off bringing your own bucket, washing mitt, and just using the lance.' DOS AND DON'TS When hand-washing your car - which Tom suggests is the 'safest and most effective method' - pre-washing to remove loose dirt before touching the paint is essential, and using snow foam or a pre-cleaner and rinsing thoroughly can help prevent scratches. Auto Express' 2025 Product of the Year winner, the Hydro V2, priced at £24.99, makes dispensing spray foams and coatings simple while ensuring precise ratios. A straightforward yet effective technique is the dual-bucket method, which consists of one bucket for clean water and another for rinsing, both equipped with grit guards to keep dirt from contaminating your mitt. For those without access to water, a waterless wash offers an excellent alternative – such as the CarPro ECH20, priced at £9.95 for 500ml, which earned Auto Express' 2025 Waterless Wash Product of the Year. When paired with microfibre cloths, it cuts through dirt effortlessly and leaves a brilliant shine. When washing, fine swirls and cobweb-like marks can dull your car's finish over time. These can be avoided by using proper washing techniques and protecting the paintwork with car wax, sealant, or ceramic coating to guard against future damage. Bilt-Hamber's Double Speed-Wax, priced at £16.95 for 250ml, and Shelby Ceramic Coating, £34.99 for 50ml, are Auto Express' top recommendations. For cars already showing fine scratches or swirl marks, a mild abrasive polish – also known as a colour restorer or T-cut – can be used to gently level the clear coat, either by hand or with a dual-action machine polisher. The Diamondbrite Diamond Cut, priced at £9.99 for 500ml, was recently named Auto Express' Colour Restorer of the Year. Deeper imperfections can be addressed with a paint depth gauge to ensure repairs stay within safe limits and avoid permanent damage. Even after washing, bonded contaminants may remain on the surface. Using a clay bar, such as Autoglym Ceramic Wash & Protect (£25 for 1000ml), can remove these residues and leave the paintwork ultra-smooth. TIME TO WASH While car washing in the summer can be a tad more pleasant than the same process in the chilly winter, doing it in strong sun can cause water and products to dry too fast – reducing effectiveness and even risking chemical staining or streaks. What's more, driving to dry your car can also leave streaks – which is why experts recommend a blow dryer or folded microfibre cloths to soak up water efficiently. And this begs the question, how often should you wash your car? According to Auto Express' survey, while nearly one in five car owners clean their motor every week or every month, some clean theirs every two weeks. But 18% admit they wash their car less than monthly, while nearly one in three said the rising cost of living meant they are more likely to wash their cars themselves instead of paying for a car wash service. He said: 'As a rule of thumb, washing your car every couple of weeks is usually enough to keep it in good condition. 'If your car is garaged or well protected with a ceramic coating, you can probably stretch it to once a month without doing any harm, but if you live near the coast, drive on muddy country roads or park under trees, you might need to clean it weekly to prevent damage from salt, grit, bird droppings or sap. 'What's really important is that if your car gets particularly dirty – even just in one spot – you clean it off as soon as possible. 'Things like bird mess and road salt can quickly cause permanent damage to your paintwork if they're left.' But can you wash your car too often? 'You can only wash your car too often if you're doing it wrong,' said Tom. 'The act of washing won't harm your car, but bad technique – using dirty cloths, old sponges, or harsh chemicals – will. 'Just keep to our Dos and Don'ts from above and you can wash your car as often as you like without doing any damage.'
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Millions of Brits risk ‘gradually wrecking' their motor with poor washing routine – three issues could cost £1,000s
OVER 11 million motorists are damaging their cars by washing them incorrectly – a costly mistake that could leave you £1,000s out of pocket. Recent statistics highlight Britain's car washing habits, with a significant number of drivers unknowingly risking serious harm to their vehicle's paintwork. 4 4 4 4 After surveying more than 1,000 car owners about their washing routines, Auto Express found that a large portion of Brits are relying solely on automatic car washes, while nearly one in 10 (9%) don't clean their cars at all. What's more, while most drivers – 61%, according to the findings – wash their cars themselves, 15% only ever use an automatic car wash, while a further 16% use one sometimes. But while the estimated 11.2 million drivers who put their cars through an automatic wash may think they are doing better than the 2 million that admit they don't wash their cars at all, the wrong method can do far more harm than good. Speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Tom Jervis, Consumer Editor at Auto Express, said: 'Most drivers think a quick run through an automatic car wash is doing their car a favour, but in reality, this is gradually wrecking the paintwork. 'The worst offenders are drive-through washes with old-style hard nylon brushes. 'They are not great because they pick up all the dirt and grit from all the previous cars, and it then gets rotated repeatedly over the paint. 'They can also rip off trim or a wiper and then drag it along the car. 'They don't do a great job either, as they miss bits like the inside of wheels or the corners by the number plate. 'And it is not just the automatic washes that are causing problems – poor car washing practices which use acidic chemicals, rough cloths, dirt-laden brushes – are leaving behind thousands of pounds' worth of damage in the form of micro-scratches, dulled paint, and damaged alloys.' CLEAN SWEEP Thankfully, washing your car carefully and efficiently doesn't have to be hard work – or even costly. I drove the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster -it's a car which cries out to be driven hard & will get you a nod of appreciation wherever you go Firstly, and unsurprisingly, Tom urges drivers to avoid automatic car washes. He said: 'Though newer automatic washes use softer microfibre brushes, they still often recycle dirt from previous cars. 'They also miss the details – like wheel arches and number plate corners – and can trigger boot sensors mid-wash, causing a real mess. 'If you must use one, pick a service that includes a human pre-wash and uses non-contact methods where possible.' Furthermore, he also advises car owners to steer clear of roadside hand car washes. 'Always check online reviews and get there early in the day when the cloths, mitts, and water are clean,' Tom said. 'Look out for a proper pre-wash using snow foam – not acidic traffic film removers, which some car washers mix up to be far too strong thinking it will work better. 'But it doesn't and can end up marking alloy trims and stripping the lustre off window rubbers. 'They also tend to slop on painted tyre shine, which may look good while the car is stationary, but as soon as you drive off, it gets flung onto the side of your car.' Tom even suggests being careful with jet washes, like the ones you find at a petrol station. 'I can see the attraction of these if you can't access a hose at home; using a communal jet wash at a petrol station gives you more control,' Tom said. 'But don't trust the communal brush – they are usually caked in grit from the last user. You're better off bringing your own bucket, washing mitt, and just using the lance.' DOS AND DON'TS When hand-washing your car - which Tom suggests is the 'safest and most effective method' - pre-washing to remove loose dirt before touching the paint is essential, and using snow foam or a pre-cleaner and rinsing thoroughly can help prevent scratches. Auto Express' 2025 Product of the Year winner, the Hydro V2, priced at £24.99, makes dispensing spray foams and coatings simple while ensuring precise ratios. A straightforward yet effective technique is the dual-bucket method, which consists of one bucket for clean water and another for rinsing, both equipped with grit guards to keep dirt from contaminating your mitt. For those without access to water, a waterless wash offers an excellent alternative – such as the CarPro ECH20, priced at £9.95 for 500ml, which earned Auto Express' 2025 Waterless Wash Product of the Year. When paired with microfibre cloths, it cuts through dirt effortlessly and leaves a brilliant shine. When washing, fine swirls and cobweb-like marks can dull your car's finish over time. These can be avoided by using proper washing techniques and protecting the paintwork with car wax, sealant, or ceramic coating to guard against future damage. Bilt-Hamber's Double Speed-Wax, priced at £16.95 for 250ml, and Shelby Ceramic Coating, £34.99 for 50ml, are Auto Express' top recommendations. For cars already showing fine scratches or swirl marks, a mild abrasive polish – also known as a colour restorer or T-cut – can be used to gently level the clear coat, either by hand or with a dual-action machine polisher. The Diamondbrite Diamond Cut, priced at £9.99 for 500ml, was recently named Auto Express' Colour Restorer of the Year. Deeper imperfections can be addressed with a paint depth gauge to ensure repairs stay within safe limits and avoid permanent damage. Even after washing, bonded contaminants may remain on the surface. Using a clay bar, such as Autoglym Ceramic Wash & Protect (£25 for 1000ml), can remove these residues and leave the paintwork ultra-smooth. TIME TO WASH While car washing in the summer can be a tad more pleasant than the same process in the chilly winter, doing it in strong sun can cause water and products to dry too fast – reducing effectiveness and even risking chemical staining or streaks. What's more, driving to dry your car can also leave streaks – which is why experts recommend a blow dryer or folded microfibre cloths to soak up water efficiently. And this begs the question, how often should you wash your car? According to Auto Express' survey, while nearly one in five car owners clean their motor every week or every month, some clean theirs every two weeks. But 18% admit they wash their car less than monthly, while nearly one in three said the rising cost of living meant they are more likely to wash their cars themselves instead of paying for a car wash service. He said: 'As a rule of thumb, washing your car every couple of weeks is usually enough to keep it in good condition. 'If your car is garaged or well protected with a ceramic coating, you can probably stretch it to once a month without doing any harm, but if you live near the coast, drive on muddy country roads or park under trees, you might need to clean it weekly to prevent damage from salt, grit, bird droppings or sap. 'What's really important is that if your car gets particularly dirty – even just in one spot – you clean it off as soon as possible. 'Things like bird mess and road salt can quickly cause permanent damage to your paintwork if they're left.' But can you wash your car too often? 'You can only wash your car too often if you're doing it wrong,' said Tom. 'The act of washing won't harm your car, but bad technique – using dirty cloths, old sponges, or harsh chemicals – will. 'Just keep to our Dos and Don'ts from above and you can wash your car as often as you like without doing any damage.'
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Trump tariffs: Which UK sectors will be hit hardest?
Donald Trump unveiled a range of tariffs in a speech at the White House on Wednesday evening, with a 10% 'baseline' import tax slapped on every country that sends goods to the US. This means the UK will be hit with the 10% tariff on all exports – compared with a 20% rate facing the European Union, and significantly higher levies for countries such as China and Indonesia. Meanwhile, car, steel and aluminium exports will all come under a 25% tariff. Below, the PA news agency looks at which sectors will be most affected by the plans and what it means for businesses and households. – Carmakers and manufacturing Cars are the top product exported from the UK to the US. In the year to end of September 2024, car exports were worth £8.3 billion and made up nearly 14% of all goods going across the pond, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. For UK carmakers, the US is the second largest export market behind the European Union. Industry groups have warned the taxes will hammer the industry and force firms to rethink where they trade. More than 25,000 car manufacturing jobs in the UK could be at risk because of US tariffs, according to a report by think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research. Jaguar Land Rover, one of the country's biggest carmakers, exported about 38,000 cars to the US in the third quarter of 2024 – almost equal to the amount sold to the UK and the EU combined. A spokesman for JLR said the group was addressing the new US trading terms, but assured the business was 'resilient' and 'accustomed to changing market conditions'. Tom Jervis, consumer reporter at motoring publication Auto Express, said it is the 'blue-collar worker and consumer that will be affected the most'. He said the tariffs 'could, in a very worst case scenario, see UK factories close in favour of new facilities being opened up in the US, or perhaps more likely, instigate hundreds or even thousands of job losses as firms scramble to cut manufacturing costs further'. – Retail Experts said Mr Trump's worldwide reciprocal tariffs could have a significant knock-on impact for retailers that export goods to the US from international markets, particularly Asia. Kate Calvert, an analyst for Investec Economics, highlighted the new 46% tariff on Vietnam, 49% on Cambodia, and 42% on Indonesia. These charges could result in higher costs for clothing and footwear retailers that source materials or manufacture from these countries and sell goods in the US. Some companies could be 'hit hard', with the likes of Adidas and Nike and most athleisure brands particularly affected, she said. UK retailers JD Sports, Dr Martens, Watches Of Switzerland, Asos, and WH Smith were all flagged for having a significant proportion of their sales generated in the US – while some also import heavily from international markets. Shares in US-based Adidas was tumbling by a 10th on Thursday, while British retailer JD Sports saw its share price drop nearly 5%. Watches Of Switzerland shares plunged by about 15% in the afternoon. Ms Calvert said the impact of new tariffs were unlikely to immediately raise prices, but that exposed companies would have to 'make decisions pretty quickly'. – Steel and aluminium The value of UK exports to the US is significantly smaller than the auto sector, but the US is also the second largest market for steel and aluminium exports, behind the EU. Steel exports totalled about £390 million in 2023, according to UK Steel. The industry group warned the new tariffs were a 'devastating blow' to manufacturers, and also said they would be 'self-defeating' for the US 'as the UK is a leading supplier of specialist steel products required by their defence and aerospace sectors'. 'UK Steel has warned that the steel crisis has been deepening for some time and bold, decisive and significant interventions are needed now,' director general Gareth Stace said. The move is seen as the latest blow to an industry which has seen thousands of job losses in recent years due to issues including global competition, high energy costs and the shift to cleaner technologies. – Spirits Spirits and other alcoholic drinks are among the UK's most significant export sectors, particularly in Scotland due to global demand for scotch whisky. Industry bosses have previously warned that the tariff plans will hit a key market for whisky and gin. However, shares in the world's largest spirits manufacturer, UK-based Diageo, were higher on Thursday despite the confirmation of 10% tariffs. Analysts from Jefferies suggested the company, which makes Gordon's gin and Johnnie Walker whisky, will see a 100 million dollar (£75.9 million) gross hit to its profits – roughly 2% of profits – before any mitigating actions. However, this is proportionately less than that felt by a raft of EU-based rivals, including Jameson's maker Pernod Ricard and Aperol maker Campari. Meanwhile, UK winemaker Chapel Down announced a new US export agreement despite the tariff announcement. Chief executive James Pennefather said it still has 'exciting ambitions' to grow in the US but stressed it was 'too early' to fully consider how changing tariff rules could affect its plans. – Pharmaceuticals The pharmaceutical sector is among those still facing some uncertainty regarding the US tariff regime. On Wednesday night, a fact sheet produced by the White House appeared to suggest that pharmaceutical goods imported into the US will be exempt from the 10% tariff, at least for now. Shares in GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), AstraZeneca and Haleon all climbed in value on Thursday as a result. GSK shares were 3.4% higher, AstraZeneca was up 2.6% and Sensodyne maker Haleon was up 1.9%. However, analysts at Shore Capital said it is still 'somewhat unclear whether the broader reaching 10% baseline tariffs could still be levied against imported drugs and vaccines'. Meanwhile, Paul Diggle, chief economist at Aberdeen, said he believes 'additional sector specific tariffs are coming' in the sector.
