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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Vauxhall is one of the oldest established vehicle manufacturers and distribution companies in Great Britain. Vauxhall, the trading name of General Motors UK, has become an icon of British industry and Vauxhall cars are British icons. But, how did Vauxhall achieve its legendary status? We take a look at the interesting history of Vauxhall. Vauxhall was founded in 1857 by Alexander Wilson. It started as a pump and marine engine manufacturer. It was bought in 1863 and began producing travelling cranes. It was then that the company was christened Vauxhall Iron Works.
A brief history of Vauxhall Read More »
The year 1866 is widely considered to be the birth of the modern motor vehicle. A date which transformed how we transport ourselves and goods. And the start of a long-lived love affair between human and car. In just 131 years vehicle engineers have transformed the car into a technical wonderland. Cars with on-board computers, parking sensors and in-car infotainment systems are a thing of the norm.
Motoring Industry throughout the years Read More »
Estate Agents spend a lot of time out and about. It’s a huge part of their job. Which means that they need decent cars, right?
If you are an Estate Agent then you need a car that’s efficient, easy to drive and comfortable. Not to mention easy to park and practical. There are a lot of cars on the market that could be perfect for Estate Agents, but which ones are the best?
In this article, we look at the top cars for Estate Agents and what you should look for when looking for a new car.
Popular cars for estate agents Read More »
Sat Navs are a brilliant tool used every day to help people get from A to B. Without the need for an expert map reader in their front passenger seat. There is one problem, they are not entirely safe to operate, especially if you are behind the wheel of a car. In this article, we will take you through the steps of how to use sat navs safely.
How to use a sat nav safely Read More »
Your car comes with a whole host of incredible safety features, some of which you probably don’t even know are there. The safety of modern cars surpasses all of its predecessors. Safety is a constant area of focus for manufacturers eager to make vehicles safer on the road. This article will detail some of the main safety features you can find in your car, what it’s designed to do and how it works.
Safety features in cars and what they’re for Read More »
Sometimes, getting angry when you’re driving is inevitable. We’ve all been there. And we, as Brits, are the worst for road rage. Road rage is dangerous, and it can come with fatal consequences. So how do you stop it? How do you become calmer on the road? In this article, we are going to look at some of the ways you can stay calmer on the road and reduce your road rage.
How to stay calm on the road Read More »
How to stay safe on Country roads Winding rural roads make for a scenic drive in fine weather. However, they
How to stay safe on country roads (rural) Read More »
Everyone thinks they’re a good driver, or at least no one will admit they’re a bad driver. We all like to think we follow the rules (more or less) and never make any mistakes. However, we all also know that that isn’t quite true. We do make mistakes and sometimes, we aren’t the best drivers.
But is there any way to know if you are actually a good driver? In this article, we look at the signs you are a good driver and the signs that mean you are actually a bad driver.
Are you a good driver? Read More »
Yes, you heard right. Driverless cars may seem like a futuristic sci-fi film highlight but they’re very much becoming a reality. Another name for the technology is autonomous driving. The first nod towards driverless cars was the introduction of intelligent cruise control. Intelligent cruise control uses a series of sensors and cameras to analyse the road and ensure a safe distance is kept from the vehicle ahead. With these principles as a starting point, technology is developing quickly towards driverless cars. In fact, it is predicted that driverless cars and indeed the whole motors market will be transformed in the next decade.
Driverless cars | An in-depth look into driverless cars Read More »
If you’re thinking of buying a used car then this step by step guide has all the info you need on what to look for in a used car. Used cars offer great value if you pick the right one. Not only that they save you a lot of cash on buying a car brand new. There’s a lot of choice on offer in the second-hand vehicle market.
What to look for in a used car | A step by step guide to viewing used cars Read More »
After what feels like the longest winter, it’s finally getting warmer. And, with so many more people taking ‘staycations’ in the past few years, it means that more of us will be using our cars as a means of getting to our holiday destination this summer.
However, if you are travelling a long distance, then there are some things you should do to prepare your car, and your family, for a longer journey.
So in this article, we’re going to cover some of the things you should do to prepare for taking your car on holiday.
How to prepare for taking your car on holiday Read More »
Summer is on its way and ensuring your car is ready for summer holidays and road trips are essential for a safe journey. You may be planning a camping holiday or a getaway by the sea. Before embarking on a long journey it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the route and the sunny weather. While poor weather can affect driving conditions in obvious ways. The heat and the sun can also have a bearing on your vehicle and driving ability. Here’s a list of all of the things you should do to get your car ready for summer.
Ensuring your car is ready for summer | Top tips Read More »
Infotainment systems are gaining in popularity and the technology is becoming increasingly more advanced. These clever additions for the modern car driver are turning your vehicle into a moving computer or a mobile, mobile phone!….. See what we did there? Simply, it’s an integrated system that offers a host of information and entertainment at your fingertips from the dashboard of your car. We’ve all adopted the smartphone into our lives and now we wonder how we ever lived without Google at our fingertips! Infotainment systems are the same. Once you’ve experienced everything one of these systems brings to your driving experience then you will wonder how you ever managed without it.
Infotainment systems in cars Read More »
The largest part of the lease payment is covering depreciation of the vehicle during the course of your lease. This can be calculated by dividing the total cost of the vehicle by the expected value of the vehicle at the end of your lease term.
Then comes the interest payment. This is where the lease company makes their profit. You will be charged interest on the cost of the vehicle plus the expected value of the vehicle at the end of your lease.
Do lease car payments include interest? Read More »
When choosing your next family car, there are so many things that you need to consider. From making sure it can fit car seats to having a large boot for those weekends away, there are so many different family cars on the market that it can be difficult to even know where to start.
If only there was an article that would provide you with all the information you need…
And that’s where we come in. In this article, we are going to go through the best family cars for every situation, from big families to families with pets.
Ensuring that leasing is right for you is the fundamental question you must ask yourself before you start your leasing journey. Think of leasing a car as a long journey. First, you must know that your destination is definitely the right place for you to go. Leasing opposed to buying comes with several advantages but there are some drawbacks. Here we’ll highlight these for you.
How to buy your first lease car | Step by step Read More »
There are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration when you get a new car. Your budget, the type of car, whether you want to lease or buy, and you have to chose a car that suits your current situation.
For example, if you have a dog, you’ll need a dog friendly car. There’s no point getting a two seater sports car only to discover you can’t fit your labrador in it. And, with 8.5million dogs as pets in the UK, there are quite a few dog friendly cars on the market.
So, in this article, we’re going to look at the top cars for dog owners and what to look for in a car when it comes to making a decision.
Top cars for dog owners Read More »
Can you reassign a lease? There are a number of reasons why you might want to reassign your lease to
Can you reassign a lease? | Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
Car seats are one of the things that we take for granted. They haven’t always been there but since they have been, our lives and the safety of our children has improved dramatically.
But, when did the car seat first come about?
In this article, we take a look at the history of the car seat and car seat laws. From the first ever car seat, to everything you need to know about the laws that have come into place this year.
The history of the child car seat Read More »
If you could design the perfect car, what would it look like? That’s the question that the UK’s leading independent car specialists, OSV, asked 1,000 members of the British public and the results aren’t necessarily what you might expect. The lights of an Audi A5, the wheels of a Range Rover Sport, and the grill of a Lamborghini HURACÁN; so far, so predictable. If you asked a man to design his perfect car, this is most likely what he would come up with. Colour it black, add in the practical but shapely roof of the Ford Edge, a handy hatchback and the wing mirrors of the Range Rover EVOQUE and you have a sensible, stylish and undeniably classy car, once the proportions have been reconfigured.
Driving the dream – OSV design the perfect British motor Read More »
The simple answer to can lease cars be repossessed is yes. If you fall behind on your payments or default on your contract then the reality is that your car could be repossessed. This is usually a final resort. Finance companies will typically want to work with you to avoid repossession. They will attempt to contact you if you fall behind on your payments. During this contact, they will discuss your options with you and try to come to an arrangement. Should these discussions fail. You may continue to fall behind on your lease payments. At this point, there are two types of repossession that can occur for a lease contract. In this article, we’ll take you through both types of repossession. We’ll inform you of what happens in each instance. And tackle the most frequently asked questions around the subject.
Can lease cars be repossessed? | What happens if I default on my lease payment? Read More »
There are many things in life that are subjective. Some people think love makes the world go round, others money. Some people are attracted to BMW drivers, some are not. But there is one thing that isn’t subjective; and that’s a vehicle’s reliability.
So, what does make a car reliable?
In this article, we look at what we think makes a car reliable, and some of the most reliable cars out on the roads today.
What makes a car reliable? Read More »
Vehicle tracking is legal in the UK under certain circumstances. As a rule, any company using vehicle tracking will be collecting data about the driver as well as the vehicle. Meaning that vehicle tracking is governed by the data protection act and falls under the laws of processing personal data.
Any company collecting data about a driver must adhere to strict rules regarding the use of the data collected. Primarily they must be respectful of the individual’s privacy. This means they are unable to use the tracker to ‘spy’ on you or sell data about your whereabouts to a third party. Secondly, they must obtain your signed permission to fit your car with a vehicle tracker. They are required by law to give clear information about how the data held about your car and how it will be used.
Do lease cars have tracking devices? Read More »
The DVLA is the government body that is the national centre for issuing licences and registering cars. So, it essentially keeps all the information about all the cars registered in the United Kingdom.
Which means your car should be on there. Right? There may be an occasion when the DVLA cannot find your details.
The main thing to do in this situation is to not panic. There are a few reasons why the DVLA might not have your details and in this article we are going to go through these reasons, and what you can do to fix them.
What does it mean when the DVLA can’t find your details? Read More »
Your car lease is inclusive of things like road tax and manufacturers warranty, but does the lease include insurance? We’ll look at the different types of car insurance and what level of cover you should choose if you have a lease car. As well as answer the question ‘does my lease include car insurance?’
There are three types of insurance for your car. These are Fully Comprehensive, Third Party and Third Party, Fire and Theft. You are legally obliged to have car insurance. The minimum requirement is to have third party insurance. But what are the differences between them?
Lease car insurance | Exploring whether your lease contract includes car insurance. Read More »
When you need to transport your car over a long distance there really are only two options to consider. Most lease vehicles will be driver delivered because this offers the most flexibility. However, if you find yourself in a position where you need to choose between transporter delivery or driven delivery then there are some important considerations to keep in mind. I wanted to provide you with an easy reference point to help make choosing transporter vs driven delivery easy.
Transporter vs driven delivery | Pros and Cons | Which should I choose? Read More »
When you take out a lease vehicle you are required to commit to a mileage allowance for the term of your contract. This is based on your approximate annual mileage requirements. It’s a good idea to ensure you are as accurate as possible when estimating your annual mileage. This is because if you go over this limit you will incur a penalty. If you are under your mileage you aren’t able to claim back any of the premiums you have paid for this either. What is the maximum mileage allowed on a lease car? Read our article to find out.
Does delivery mileage count towards contract mileage | FAQ’s Read More »
Congratulations, you’ve passed your driving test! Now you’re allowed out on the roads on your own!
However, before you drive off into the sunset, there are some things you should know. A very common question when it comes to new drivers is; are they allowed on the motorway?
While you would have learnt about motorway driving, you wouldn’t have actually been on a motorway. You aren’t allowed on a motorway until you have passed your test. In this article, we cover whether new drivers are allowed on the motorway and top safety tips for driving on the motorway.
Are new drivers allowed on the motorway? Read More »
It’s quite common knowledge that, in France, you have to carry certain items in your car. This is required by law.
However, are there any laws like this in the UK? There are a lot of driving laws that you should know, but some often get overlooked.
So, in this article, we look at what you need to legally carry in your car, and what we recommend you keep just in case.
What should I legally carry in my car? Read More »
