mobile beauticians are our own personal superheroes. Visiting us in the comfort of our own homes and making us over with glamorous looks ready for a big night out! They come in many forms, from nail technicians to masseurs and all have a variety of needs when it comes to their vehicle.
Top cars for beauticians Read More »
There are a lot of driving laws, and we mean a lot. And we doubt that you could name all of them. Of course, you know the basics, the laws that you adhere to every day when you get in your car, but do you know some of the more obscure ones? In this article, we look at some of the more obscure driving laws we have here in the UK.
Obscure UK driving laws Read More »
Estate agents spend a great deal of time on the road. Dashing between properties is part of their day-to-day life. So choosing the right car is important. We look at a day in the life of an estate agent and what cars are best for estate agents to get around. Whether looking after rural properties or inner city London apartments.
Top cars for estate agents | Which cars are best for estate agents? Read More »
Top cars for driving instructors
Driving instructors are vital to the ongoing safety of our roads. Training new drivers to be responsible and to abide by rules of the road helps us all to remain safe. Looking at a day in the life of a driving instructor and what the key requirements are for their vehicle.
Top cars for driving instructors Read More »
Costs new drivers need to think about
Whether you are taking driving lessons, booked your driving test or you’ve passed with flying colours, you’ll likely be getting excited about the prospect of owning your own car and the freedom that comes with it. This article details the costs new drivers need to think about before buying or leasing a car.
Costs new drivers need to think about Read More »
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?
Did you know that the wholesale price of diesel and unleaded are almost the same? This may be a shock to many people and it’s easy to see why. In this article we discover the nitty gritty as to why diesel costs more at the pumps than petrol.
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol? Read More »
The automotive industry, as a whole, is very old. After all, the first motorcar was patented back in 1886 by Karl Benz. While the history of the car is a story for another day, the fact is that the automotive industry is an old and complex one. And, with old industries, you get a few overlaps on the way. One of the main overlaps you tend to get with the automotive industry is manufacturers acquiring other car manufacturers.
Do BMW own other car manufacturers? Read More »
Tips for driving in fog. Driving in foggy conditions can be really eery. Especially if you’re caught on an unfamiliar Country road or seemingly deserted high street. These Tips for driving in fog will help you stay safe.
Tips for driving in fog Read More »
There are a lot of things to think about when getting a new car. Petrol or diesel? Audi or BMW? Hybrid or plug-in hybrid? Business or personal leasing? Two wheel drive or four wheel drive? We have answered many of the questions above, but we haven’t really talked about two wheel drive and four wheel drive yet. In this article, we are going to talk about the difference between two wheel drive and four wheel drive, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Two wheel drive vs. Four wheel drive Read More »
The symptoms of driver fatigue.
Driver fatigue is incredibly dangerous and the primary cause of thousands of road traffic accidents every year. In fact, it is thought that 20% of accidents on the road are partly caused by driver fatigue. Looking at how to prevent driver fatigue and what you should do to cure driver fatigue. Don’t sleep and drive.
The symptoms of driver fatigue | What you should do to overcome driver fatigue Read More »
Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular as of late. Not only have they lowered in price and become more stylish, but the government’s crackdown on diesel engines means that hybrids are becoming an attractive option for many. However, while they are becoming more popular, we still don’t know much about them. In particular, we don’t really know the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars. So in this article, we are going to look at the different types of hybrid cars and their advantages and disadvantages.
Hybrid Cars; Advantages and Disadvantages Read More »
When you get your driving licence, you can legally drive any car you like, on any public road. While this may be common knowledge, it is less common knowledge that your licence actually allows you to go further than that. You know those numbers and letters on the back of your licence? Those state what you can and cannot drive. Many ignore them or don’t even think about them because they only drive a car, but you might be curious as to what those categories mean.
Driving Licence categories explained Read More »
The new Jeep Cherokee SUV Diesel is a good-looking off-roader that’s fun, comfy and full of life. It’s not quite the all-rounder, but it’s got bags of heritage and makes perfect sense for outdoorsy families.
Indeed, if you’re looking for a car that your family can rough it in hassle-free, the Cherokee has a lot going for it. Its off-road abilities are impressive, but it’s also not too shabby on the tarmac. It comes with the option of four-wheel-drive and can return up to a 53.3mpg economy.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Jeep Cherokee SUV Diesel review.
Jeep Cherokee SUV Diesel vs Honda CRV vs Volvo XC60: Review & Comparisons Read More »
Jeep has been making 4×4’s since world war two, so they know what they’re doing. Their new Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is alive with character. It’s a big and bold 4×4 by a trusted brand that comes with five seats, and a gigantic V8 engine. Easily one of the best to drive Jeeps ever, it’s also well equipped, and houses a roomy interior.
It comes with advanced tech that ensures it’s King of the off-roaders, too. And because it shares part of its structure with a Mercedes, you just know it’s not going to let you down.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV review.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV vs Volkswagen Touareg vs BMW X5: Review & Comparisons Read More »
There might be a time when you want to transfer your car lease. Which means you will want to know whether you can transfer your car lease to someone else. There might be a time when you want to transfer your car lease. Which means you will want to know whether you can transfer your car lease to someone else.
You can, but there are some things that you should know first. We don’t go through this process often but it has happened in the past. So, in this article, we are going to talk about whether you can transfer your car lease, and what you can do if you cannot transfer your car lease.
Can a car lease be transferable? Read More »
One of the most common questions we hear from first-time leasers is. What am I liable for when leasing a car? Leasing has a greater advantage over buying in this instance. This is because your liability for a lease car is limited. So what am I liable for when leasing a car? Well, let’s take you through your liabilities as the leasee.
What am I liable for when leasing a car? Read More »
The marauding new Infiniti QX70 SUV is a muscly, sporty SUV that’s powerful, stylish and attractively priced. Formerly known as the FX, it’s got bigger in every department. Bigger engines, bigger build – but also bigger bills.
True, running costs are steep, even for this class. That’s partly due to Infiniti leaving out slow engines and focusing on pure might, speed and performance with a couple of V6 and V8’s.
Sound intriguing? OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Infiniti QX70 SUV review.
Infiniti QX70 SUV vs Porsche Macan vs Volvo XC60 Review & Comparisons Read More »
One of the most interesting things about the automotive industry is that pretty much every brand is connected in one way or another. It’s like six degrees of separation but for corporations instead. A lot of car manufacturers are very old, and therefore have had their fair share of ups and downs and many have been owned and sold by a variety of different other car manufacturers and groups so two seemingly unrelated car manufacturers could actually be very much related. One of the biggest players in the automotive industry is the Volkswagen Group. In 2017, it was the world’s second-largest automaker (Toyota was 1st) and has the largest market share in Europe. So, who do Volkswagen own? In this article, we’re going to look at the history of Volkswagen, who they own and how they acquired them.
Who do Volkswagen own? Read More »
Why is car finance so cheap? In recent years we’ve seen a real influx in the volume of people wanting to purchase new cars. This is for a number of reasons. In this article, we’ll take you through the secrets behind the cheap finance deals. Sometimes it’s cheaper than second-hand!
Why is car finance so cheap? What costs are covered in a finance agreement? Read More »
When you get a car, you have to get it insured. Sometimes when people are looking at their budget, they overlook the cost of insurance which can often take you up and over your budget. This is particularly true as it has been reported that the cost of car insurance has risen by £110 over the past year (2017). Every car model is put into an insurance group, which will determine how much it will cost you. What determines which group they are in depends on a variety of things. But, how do the insurance group’s work? In this article, we are going to look at the different groups, what cars you might find in those groups, and what determines which insurance group a car is in.
Car insurance groups explained Read More »
The new Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Diesel Estate is a more spacious and affordable alternative to the Ford C-MAX. However, the price is lower for a reason, and while the C-MAX looks slick, the Tourneo Connect looks like a van.
Those van-based looks won’t be a deal breaker to everyone, though. Moreover, it’s not derived from a van, and has more in common with MPVs. Visibility is excellent, you can get seven seats if you want, and sliding rear doors make access easy.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Diesel Estate review.
Regardless, you are going to get a new car. However, before you get carried away with which car you are going to get next, you have to get rid of the car you have now. So how are you going to dispose of your old car? Are you going to trade it in, or sell it yourself? In this article, we look at the pros and cons of each and help you decide whether it is better to trade your car in or to sell it yourself.
Should I trade my car in at a dealership or sell it myself? Read More »
Choosing which leasing company to go through is a big part of the leasing process. You will want to find a vehicle broker who you can trust, will listen to you and will find you the best deal for your situation. And, you may be considering OSV. Which is great! We would love to have you as a customer. One of the things that we take very seriously is being completely transparent with our customers. That’s why we write these articles, to make sure you’re as informed as you possibly can be about the leasing process. And that transparency doesn’t stop when you make your first call to OSV. In this article, we’re going to look at what happens in your first call with OSV and our leasing process.
What will happen during my call with OSV? Read More »
With pretty much everything nowadays, the advancements in technology mean that our valuables have become much more valuable. Our phones, laptops and tablets are all things we carry on our person on a daily basis yet are worth more than they ever have been. And, our cars are no different. With increased technology, cars are a more appealing target for thieves.
That said, the advancement in technology also means that cars are fitted with impressive anti-theft technology which means that actually, car thefts are falling.
However, they are still happening. And, thieves are getting smarter. It was recently reported that thieves are finding ways of unlocking cars by using a transmitting device that extends the signal from a keyless fob.
So, how do you prevent your car from being stolen? In this article, we look at some of the top ways to prevent your car from being stolen.
How to prevent the theft of your car Read More »
The new Ford Transit Courier Kombi Diesel Estate is Ford’s premium van-derived car. It’s cheaper than the Mercedes Citan Compact, the new Ford Transit Courier Kombi Diesel, but arguably offers just as much value. It’s the most people-friendly of all Ford’s popular Transits, and comes with van-based practicality.
There was a time when a Ford Transit was just a van. It was about the same time when phones were just for telephoning people and having a chat. In 2017, though, phones can be used to transfer cash, and Ford Transits can carry seven people. What’s the world coming to?!
OSV investigates with our Ford Transit Courier Kombi Diesel Estate review.
It’s almost time for the summer holidays which means packing a suitcase and getting on the first plane out of an ever-rainy UK. But, how are you going to get around when you get there? It is very common for people to hire a car when they are abroad. This is probably one of the easiest ways to get from A to B when you are abroad, particularly if you are in a Villa or staying out of town where the public transport is scarce and taxis are expensive. However, driving a car abroad comes with its challenges and it’s important that you are prepared before you leave.
So in this article, we are going to give you our top 10 tips to driving abroad.
Top 10 tips to driving abroad Read More »
If you’ve made the decision to purchase a new car you’ll likely already be aware of the downsides. In case you’re not sure. Take a look at this article on the pluses and minuses of buying a new car. One of the downsides is the large decrease in the value of your car from the moment it’s driven off of the forecourt. There are a few ways you can save some money though. In this article, we’ll tell you how to get the best deal on a new car.
How to get the best deal on a new car Read More »
The new Hyundai i800 Diesel Estate satisfies needs. The only reason you buy van-derived cars like this is because you need it, not necessarily because you want it. It’s certainly not the vehicle you dreamt of owning when you were a kid!
“When I grow up, I wanna drive a Hyundai i800!”
With eight seats and the space to transport large items across town, it serves a purpose. It’s ideal for large families and anyone who needs better business transport. If you’re in either demographic, it represents really good value for money. With more seats and more capacity than your average people carrier, it’s certainly a compelling proposition.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Hyundai i800 Diesel Estate review.
Driving doesn’t have to be just for getting from A to B and in the UK we are really lucky to have some great roads. In fact, when the Top 10 Roads in the World were announced, three of them were in the UK.
But, what are the other great roads in the UK?
In this article, we have a look at the top rated roads in the UK.
Top rated roads to drive on in the UK Read More »
The time has come to get a new car. While it’s exciting and you’ll probably spend a lot of time researching the best makes and models for your needs. You’re also faced with a myriad of options of how best to obtain your car. It can be difficult to decide which option will suit you best. In this article, we’ll take you through the pluses and minuses of buying a car, as well as take a look at your other options.
Pluses and minuses of buying a car Read More »
There are a lot of family car’s on offer, and the Hyundai i30 Hatchback has a lot to do if it’s to convince you it should be your next purchase. So how does a 7-year warranty, lots of safety equipment and a genuinely excellent motorway cruiser sound?
Yep, the i30 has lots of strengths for young families. There is an engine for everyone, it’s handsome, and it fits nicely into the average UK family’s budget.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Hyundai i30 Hatchback review.
Hyundai i30 Hatchback vs SEAT Leon vs Vauxhall Astra Review & Comparisons Read More »
Maintaining your car is one of the most important things when it comes to actually owning a car. After all, you don’t want to spend all that money on actually buying a car only to have to pay more for it to be fixed when it becomes damaged.
Of course, you also have to get it serviced and MOT’d, but what about maintenance you can do at home? You don’t have to be handy or a car enthusiast to carry out basic maintenance on your car, and it could save you money in the long run.
In this article, we are going to look at how you can maintain your car at home, and some top tips for looking after your car.
How to maintain your car Read More »
We’ve all been close to making this mistake. It takes one small distraction and all of a sudden the realisation sets in. Whether that’s mid-way through fueling, or when you try to drive away. But what difference does it make to the car? Why are cars petrol or diesel? What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car? and what should you do next?
What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car? Read More »
When you are looking at cars it’s always recommended that you look at the safety rating above anything else. After all, you want your car to keep you as safe as possible.
In the UK and Europe, we use an NCAP rating. The Euro NCAP has saved over 78,000 lives since the their tests were introduced. Around 1,800 cars have been tested and over 630 safety ratings were published. 9 out of 10 cars sold on the European market hold an NCAP rating meaning that the NCAP ratings are the most highly regarded in the UK and Europe.
But, what actually happens during these NCAP tests? And, what do their ratings reveal? Crash tests are one of those things that everyone knows happens, but do we really know much about them?
In this article, we look at what a crash test entails, how the ratings work, and some of the safest cars on our roads today.
What do car crash tests reveal? Read More »
What does less than £200 a month get you these days? How about a five-door supermini that’s easy to drive, at home on the motorway, and spacious?
The new Hyundai IX20 Hatchback might be a small supermini, but it aims to be as useful as pocket-sized MPV. It’s practical, versatile and offers lots of interior space.
Its 440-litre boot is one of the biggest in this class, too, and defines the car’s size. If you want the cuteness, affordability and hassle-free driving experience of a supermini but want to get more use out of it, this one is well worth a test drive.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Hyundai IX20 Hatchback review.
Hyundai IX20 Hatchback vs Citroen C3 vs SEAT Ibiza Review & Comparisons Read More »
There are usually a couple of reasons why someone would want to scrap their car. Either, it has reached the end of its life and repairing it will cost more than the car is worth. Or secondly, the car can’t be repaired. Or thirdly, has been involved in an accident and it is an insurance write-off. Two scenarios are judged by the value of the car versus the cost to fix it. As an example, a 2003 Vauxhall Corsa that needs a new engine would likely be put to scrap. This is because the cost to repair it would be in excess of £1500. And in the current market, the car is only going to be worth about £800. In this case, the cost to repair the car outweighs its value. So it wouldn’t be deemed a worthwhile investment.
Things to know before scrapping your car Read More »
The new Ford Tourneo Connect MPV is smaller than the Grand version but bigger than the C-MAX. It’s cheaper than the C-MAX, and represents huge value for money. Visibility is great, head and legroom are fantastic, and running costs are low. It’s also one of the safest MPV’s around.
It’s also not that bad looking, even if you can see its van-based origins. That’s partly to be expected, however, as the Ford Transit is a distant relation. Other van-like aspects include uncomfortable seats and rather noisy engines.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Ford Tourneo Connect MPV review.
Now the weather is warmer you are probably seeing more sports cars on the roads. And, maybe you like the idea of cruising through the English countryside with the roof down in a sports car as well.
So maybe you are considering investing in a sports car. However, there are quite a few sports cars on the market now, ranging from affordable to less affordable. Which ones are best?
In this article, we look at some of the best sporty cars on the market, from the affordable to the high end luxury sports cars.
The new Honda HR-V Hatchback must be the envy of its rivals. And if you own one before any of your neighbours, you could be the envy of your street. It’s a big, spacious Hatchback that boasts more equipment and room than its competitors. But despite its size, it’s also incredibly stylish.
In other words, it’s neither one nor the other – it’s both at the same time. It’s rugged and a total babe. It’s also confident on the road, goes well with a full load, and has an upmarket interior.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Honda HR-V Hatchback review.
Honda HR-V Hatchback vs Citroen C4 Cactus vs Nissan Qashqai Review & Comparisons Read More »
That sinking feeling when you approach your car and see that the front wheel has been clamped. Not fun. You’ll notice a note on your windscreen which explains why the car has been clamped. There are a number of reasons your car may get clamped and in this article, we’ll take you through the why’s and the how’s of getting the clamp removed.
What happens if I get clamped, how do I get it removed? Read More »
The new Honda Civic Tourer is at the pricier end of things, but you get what you pay for. Here, that means reliability, a huge boot and efficient diesel engines.
Even better, it’s based on the slick and massively popular Honda Hatchback.
In some ways, Honda can’t go wrong with this car. They were resistant to developing it in the first place, with consumer demand convincing them to give it a go. As such, it’s already got people waiting in line to try it out. If you were one of the Civic fans who wanted a super-sized version, join OSV as we take a look at what this one’s all about with our Honda Civic Tourer review.
Honda Civic Tourer vs Ford Focus Estate vs Volkswagen Golf Estate Review & Comparisons Read More »
With around 45 million people in the UK holding a valid UK driving licence it’s essential that the rules of the road are followed. In the interest of the safety, drivers are required to abide by series of rules. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in fines, penalty points or even having your licence revoked. In this article, we’ll take you through the laws and what penalties are in place. Finally, we’ll let you know how long penalty points stay on your licence for.
Penalties and how long points stay on your licence Read More »
The new Ford S-MAX MPV is a seven-seater that’s stylish, easy to drive, and comfortable. It’s easily one of the best options on the market if you need family-friendly practicality, but don’t want to sacrifice driving dynamics.
However, if you’re operating on a bit of a budget, you might need to stretch it a little. Compared to rivals, the S-MAX’s starting prices are a tad higher. Still, you get exactly what you pay for, which here includes reliability, safety and lots of standard kits.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Ford S-MAX MPV review.
Ford S-MAX MPV vs Renault Grand Scenic MPV vs Vauxhall Zafira MPV Review & Comparisons Read More »
You may have noticed an influx in cyclists, especially if you live in the London area. Cycling is one of the most convenient and cheapest forms of transport. So it’s not surprising that more and more people are choosing to take up the hobby. Now that there are more and more people using the road on bikes, we thought it would be helpful to give you a guide to safely sharing the road with cyclists. There’s been a long-lived rivalry among road users. The common and stereotypical idea is that pedestrians hate cyclists, cyclists hate car drivers and car drivers hate everyone! But we all want to live in harmonious unison really. So these steps will help you to remain a safe driver and make the road a safer place for cyclists.
Safely sharing the road with cyclists Read More »
Want an affordable alternative to exec German saloons? Perhaps you want luxury but can’t afford a Mercedes. The new Ford Mondeo Saloon is a classy alternative.
In 2017, it’s back and it’s got serious road presence. It’s also quiet, relaxed, and offers modern, efficient engines. However, it’s not as fun to drive as it used to be.
The Mondeo used to be a common sight on British roads, until the arrival of SUVs and crossovers killed it off. It was so popular that the term “Mondeo Man” was created! In 2017, its desirability factor has been turned up a notch, thanks to the fact that Mondeo’s are rarely seen anymore. It’s now also much bigger, and represents a seriously astute rival to more robust SUVs.
Ford Mondeo Saloon vs Volvo S60 vs Vauxhall Insignia Review & Comparisons Read More »
Arrrrg! The engine won’t start and every single warning light on your dashboard is lit up like the aurora borealis. This obviously doesn’t indicate good news. As you sit there waiting for recovery you may find yourself wondering ‘what on earth do all of these lights mean?’. Knowing what each light represents and what it means can help you avoid a car breakdown or even full engine failure. In this article, we’ll take you through all of the common warning lights on a dashboard and what they mean.
Dashboard warning lights and what they mean Read More »
For many, the Ford Ka Hatchback’s heyday ended a long time ago. The likes of the trendy Fiat 500 and Renault Twingo were supposed to have seen off this one a while back. But here it is, ready for one last hurrah. Is there still life in this one that sold like hotcakes when the Spice Girls were still selling records? Or has it fallen way behind more modern rivals?
Ford Ka Hatchback vs Renault Twingo vs Fiat 500 Hatchback Review & Comparisons Read More »
Any self-respecting driver needs a few gadgets and accessories to enhance their driving experience. For many people who travel long distances, their cars become a second home. Some people spend more hours a day in their car than their front room. So the driver’s seat needs to offer some home away from home luxuries. In this article, we’ll round up the top car accessories you need. From budget to luxury, there’s something for everyone in this round-up.
Top car accessories you need Read More »
Planning a summer road trip is great fun. Getting the nearest and dearest together for a staycation in the UK. Or inviting the whole family on a European camping trip in the warm summer months is what life is all about. Don’t spoil the perfect moments by trying to cram all of your road trip ‘essentials’ into a micro vehicle. Take a look at our list of the best cars for road trips…
Best cars for road trips and top tips for keeping car safe Read More »
How long your tyres last has a lot to do with your driving style. A tyre that’s in good condition has signs of even wear across the tread and wall of the tyre. Uneven wear can signal bigger problems with the car itself so it is worth keeping an eye on the wear of your tyres. It is normal for front tyres to wear faster than rear tyres but as a rule, tyres should be replaced every 5-6 years at least! most people will change their tyres after 10,000 – 50,000 miles depending on how you drive.
How long should your tyres last and how to change them Read More »
