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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
Ok, I get it. Sales people have a bad reputation for being pushy and oddly over friendly which can be somewhat disconcerting. But, not all salespeople are cut from the same cloth. Rid your mind of the picture of a suited estate agent type and instead cue an OSV vehicle specialist. A breath of fresh air, these guys are experts in car leasing and car finance. We’d say they were more customer service agents than sales people. Yes, they are there to sell leases but they are highly trained to ensure every customer who gets in touch are provided with all of the information they need to make the decision themselves. We don’t do pushy.
But I don’t want to speak to a sales person | How an OSV rep can help you Read More »
There are plenty of reasons why one might want a car with a small engine. Maybe you are on a strict budget. Or, if you are a young person, you want to keep your insurance as low as possible. Or, maybe you simply want a car with a small engine.
But the problem is, do they look as good as cars with bigger engines?
Yes, they do. Admittedly, not all of them. But there are many cars with small engines out there that look just as good.
So, in this article, we’re going to look at our favourite cars with small engines that also manage to look cool at the same time.
Cars with small engines that look cool Read More »
You’ve probably come across several acronyms when looking at cars. From FCA to IAM to DVLA, the list of acronyms is endless.
We’ve covered who the FCA are, and what IAM stands for, but what about DVLA?
In this article, we’re going to look at who the DVLA are, what they do, and why you might need to contact them.
So the time has come for you to learn to drive. We imagine that you’ve already thought about what sort of car you want to cruise around in. But there is a minor thing you have to do before you get your first dream car and that’s pass your test.
In this article, we look at everything to do with learning to drive. Including how to apply for a provisional, your lessons and how to book your driving test.
Driving test and lessons Read More »
If you’ve been keeping up to date with the news recently you’ll see that in amongst Donald Trump and North Korea, the Snap Election and Brexit, there has been quite a bit of news surrounding diesel cars.
While there is no official announcement just yet, it is thought that next week the government will announce confirming that owners of older diesel cars and vans will receive money from the government to reduce the number of old diesel cars on the roads in the UK. It should be noted here that this is a developing story, and is changing day by day. Therefore, all information is correct as of 24th April 2017.
UK diesel car scrappage scheme: everything you need to know Read More »
You’ve passed your test! All that hard work has finally paid off and now you’re looking at a brand new set of wheels. But, which car do you choose? There are so many different cars around these days, and there are loads that could make a great first car, but which ones are the best? In this article, we take a look at the best cars for a new driver and our top tips for choosing the best…
What is the best car for a new driver? Read More »
When you get a new car there are so many words and phrases that are thrown about that it can get very confusing and at times, overwhelming.
However, it doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming, which is why we write these articles. We want everything to be as smooth and as uncomplicated as possible for you.
And one of the questions that we get a lot at OSV is ‘what is a log book?’ so in this article we are going to cover what a log book is, what its purpose is and why it’s important. It should be noted here that the log book also can be referred to as the V5. As such, we do tend to say log book more than V5 in this article but just to make you aware that the two are interchangeable.
What is a log book? Read More »
You’ve passed your driving test – congratulations! Now, all you need is a car.
You’ve probably already thought about what car you’re going to get and, correct me if I’m wrong, but you may have already resigned yourself to the fact that you will be getting a used car. Am I right?
But that might not be your only option, and it certainly might not be the best option either.
In this article, we’re going to look at which is better; a new first car or a used first car. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each, and what options are available to you.
New first car vs. used first car Read More »
One of topics we get asked about quite a lot at OSV is car registration. How does it work? Who is responsible for it? How do I know if my car is registered?
And all of these questions are completely valid. Out of all the things related to cars, leasing and buying, car registration is a topic that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Until now, of course.
In this article, we’re going to talk you through everything to do with car registration. From how it’s done, what happens if you can’t find it registered, to how to put a private plate on a car.
How does car registration work? Read More »
When it comes to automotive industry, there seem to be so many different acronyms it can be hard to keep up. BVLRA, FCA, SAF…the list is endless.
And one that you might have come across before is IAM or the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
In this article, we’re going to cover who the IAM are, what they do, and why they are important.
Driving for the first time is an exciting prospect. What is your first car going to be? How will you afford it? How much will the insurance be?
And while all these questions are very important, there is one thing that is considerably more important.
Actually learning to drive in the first place. So, in this article, we are going to look at everything you need to know about learning to drive, from applying for a licence to how much your tests will cost.
How to apply for a driving licence Read More »
When you get a company car, you have to pay company car tax. And naturally, you’d want to keep your company car tax as low as possible.
But, is petrol or diesel better for low company car tax?
In this article we compare the two fuel types and look at which one is best if you want low company car tax.
Which is best for company car tax: petrol or diesel? Read More »
For a long time, a company car was the way forward. The general consensus regarding company cars was that it was more tax efficient and cost effective, for both yourself and your employer, than if you were to get a car privately.
But is this still the case?
There are some big changes coming to the way cars are taxed, both privately and through a business, in 2017 which means now is the best time to be having this conversation. We want you to be as informed as possible so you know you have made, or are making, the right decision when the new changes come into play.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how company car tax works, how it will change, and if a company car is still tax efficient.
Is a company car tax efficient? Read More »
Hybrid cars have become very popular. There are hybrid versions of so many cars that there are almost too many to choose from.
Everything from city cars to luxury cars, there’s a hybrid car for everyone.
But, which city hybrids are the best?
In this article, we take a look at the best hybrid city cars on the market today. It should be noted that this is for standard hybrids only.
Best hybrid city cars Read More »
Having a pickup as a company car might be quite an odd concept for some (it certainly isn’t traditional) but we predict that it will become increasingly popular in the coming years.
But, which pickups make the best company cars?
In this article, we take a look at the pickups that are on the more luxurious side and therefore would make great company cars.
The best Pick-ups for company cars Read More »
If you’re looking for a new car, have you considered an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle? Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles, or ULEVs, are becoming an increasingly common sight on British roads, and they are only becoming more popular.
So why should your next car be a ULEV? We take a look at five reasons why you should look at an ultra-low emission vehicle for your next car.
5 reasons why your next car should be an ultra-low emission vehicle Read More »
If you’re looking at getting a new company car, then you might want to consider getting a plugin hybrid.
Plugin hybrids are becoming increasingly popular, and we predict that they will only become more popular in the coming years.
But, why do they make good company cars?
In this article, we look at 5 reasons why we think your next company car should be a plugin hybrid.
5 reasons your next company car should be a plug-in hybrid Read More »
Plugin hybrids have become increasingly popular as of late. So much so that there is pretty much a plugin hybrid for everyone these days, whether you’re looking for a city car or something more luxurious.
And speaking of luxurious, what luxury plugin hybrids are the best?
Luxury and environmentally friendly haven’t always gone hand in hand, however, times are changing and there are now a lot of cars that don’t compromise on luxury or their carbon footprint.
So, we take a look at the best plugin hybrids that offer you that little bit more luxury.
What are the best luxury plugin hybrids? Read More »
Plugin hybrids are pretty new on the scene. Well, new compared to standard hybrids that is. And, we suspect that they are only going to get even more popular in the months and years to come.
However, one of the questions that we get asked quite a lot is ‘should I get a plugin hybrid?’
And it’s a good question, and it’s important that you weigh up your options so you can make an informed decision.
In this article, we compare a plugin hybrid to a standard hybrid and an electric car, to see which one is right for you.
Should I get a plug-in hybrid? Read More »
If you have read up on the changes to company cars, then you are probably thinking of investing in a plugin hybrid as your next company car. If you are unsure of the new changes, don’t panic, we explain them below.
Plugin hybrids are one of your best options if you are looking for low company car tax, and to avoid the salary sacrifice changes we are going to discuss below.
But, which plugin hybrids are best? It should be noted here that this article is about plugin hybrids only…
Best plug-in hybrids for Company Car Tax Read More »
Plugin hybrids are a great alternative to fully electric cars and are perfect for those who don’t want to take that leap into a full battery powered vehicle.
And they are becoming increasingly popular, there’s no doubt they will become a common sight on British roads in the years to come.
However, one of the questions asked a lot is ‘are plugin hybrids worth it?’
In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a plugin hybrid, and whether they’re really worth the hype.
Is a plug-in hybrid worth it? Read More »
If you’re looking for something a bit more eco-friendly and more efficient for your next company car, then you will probably want to consider a hybrid.
We understand that electric cars aren’t for everybody, so a hybrid is the next best thing for a car that is good for the environment, and your wallet.
Hybrids are also a popular choice for company cars because their CO2 emissions are pretty low. And pretty low CO2 emissions means pretty low company car tax.
But hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular sight on our roads, and with everyone jumping on the hybrid bandwagon, it’s hard to know which cars are the best. This article will focus on hybrid vehicles, and not plug-in hybrids. The main difference between the two is that a hybrid car will only use its electric motor at low speeds. When the vehicle starts travelling faster, the car will shift to fuel power. The main power source for hybrids is still either petrol or diesel. However, it will use less fuel because the electric motor uses regenerative braking. This captures energy and stores it in the on board batteries.
A plug-in hybrid, however, will use electricity until it hits a predetermined state of charge. Only then will it use fuel, while recharging itself. Essentially, it uses fuel to extend its range.
So, we’re going to look at the best hybrids for company car tax.
The best hybrid cars for Company Car Tax? Read More »
If you’re looking at company cars, you have probably heard the words ‘ultra-low emission vehicle’ thrown about. And there is a reason for this.
Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV’s) are about to become extremely attractive to those who are looking for a company car, and there are a few reasons why this is.
In this article we’re going to look at company car tax for ultra-low emission vehicles, and take a look at some of the ULEV’s on the market today. Firstly, what is a ULEV?
An ultra-low emission vehicle is just that, its low emission. More specifically, an ultra-low emission vehicle emits 75g/km of CO2 or less. These include electric cars and plug-in hybrids (plus one standard hybrid but we’ll come onto that later). There aren’t that many ULEV’s on the roads as of yet, but it won’t be long before we start seeing them more and more…
Company Car Tax for ultra-low emission vehicles Read More »
The chances are you’ve heard of an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV), and you will probably be hearing about them a lot more in the coming months. ULEVs are becoming increasingly popular, and will become even more so when the tax changes are introduced in April 2017.
But what are ultra-low emission vehicles? And is one right for you?
We take a look at what ULEV’s are, their pros and cons, and whether they are good for you. An ultra-low emission vehicle (from this point, we’ll refer to them as ULEV’s) is a vehicle that produces less than 75g/km of CO2.
It’s a collective term for a group of cars and can include different types of energy efficient vehicles including…
What is an ultra-low emission vehicle? Read More »
Buying a new car should be one of the most exciting things you do in life. The moment is often the culmination of saving hard and months of research to ensure you pick the right motor.
But that feeling of excitement can often turn into feelings of regret.
UK drivers reveal the driving regrets Read More »
Mileage, regardless of whether you are leasing or buying, is quite a big factor when looking at a new car. For example, you don’t want to be looking at cars that are only available as petrol. This is because a diesel engine is much more suited to doing a high mileage and long distance journeys than a petrol engine is. If you ended up going for a petrol, then it could cost you more money at the petrol pump than if you were to go for a diesel. So what cars are good for doing high mileage? A majority of manufacturers offer a 3-year warranty or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, there are some brands that go that extra mile because they believe in their products so much, that they have longer warranties. Take a look at my top manufacturers for high mileage and…
What are the best cars for high mileage? Read More »
You want a new car. And you thought that maybe you would treat yourself to a new convertible.
But, which one do you get?
Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t actually that many convertibles on the market. But out of the ones that are, which ones are the best? In this article we look at our best convertibles, and which one would be right for you. Before we start, should you actually get a convertible? As you are aware, convertibles are different to your standard car. So there are some things that you should consider before you make the decision to get one. For example…
Is a convertible right for me? Read More »
