Aberdeen Van Man

12/05/2026

12 Essential car maintenance checks you should definitely be doing before a road trip

5 minute read- Content guide

1. Fuel
2. Oil
3. Rubber
4. Coolant
5. Electrics
6. Screen wash
7. Engine air filter
8. Spark plug (petrol engines only)
9. Brakes
10. Air conditioning
11. Interiors
12. Exteriors
Should I take my car to a garage?

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/regular-car-12

There are a number of car checks you can perform both around the car and under the bonnet to help keep it in good running order and prevent a breakdown.

06/05/2026

This one mistake could cost UK drivers up to £1,000

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cost hundreds of pounds to fix and, potentially, cause thousands of pounds' worth of damage. Here are the crucial steps you need to take if this happens to you.

Key takeaways

Misfuelling can cause serious engine damage, with costly repairs if drivers don’t act immediately and correctly.

Drivers are urged not to start the car if they have put the wrong fuel in it, as this can cause the fuel to circulate and damage internal components.

Insurance isn't guaranteed to cover you if you put the wrong fuel in your car, so check your policy and consider getting extra protection.

Surging fuel costs are top of mind for many drivers at the moment, but with searches for “wrong fuel in car” increasing by 163% between January and March this year compared to the previous quarter, drivers could also be experiencing a costly mistake at the pumps.

Misfuelling is an expensive error that can cause serious engine damage if not caught immediately. Specialist fuel rescue services charge between £120 and £1,000 to drain and flush the fuel tank of the wrong fuel.

However, driving your car after putting in the wrong fuel can cause even more damage by circulating the wrong fuel throughout the car, which can damage fuel injectors or pumps and, in worst-case scenarios, can even cause engine failure.

These kinds of repairs can increase repair costs by hundreds or even thousands of pounds, and without the right insurance, these costs fall directly on the driver.

What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle
what drivers should do the moment they realise they’ve put the wrong fuel in their car.

Don’t start your car: After misfuelling, keep the engine off. If you’ve already started it, switch off the ignition immediately.

Move your vehicle to a safe place: Put the car in neutral and roll it away from other pumps so your breakdown provider can reach you safely

Call your breakdown provider: They have specialist equipment to drain and flush the tank. Don’t attempt to do this yourself!

10/02/2026

If you get an unfair ticket in a private car park, DON'T automatically pay it.

These supposed private parking 'fines' are merely invoices, often unenforceable, and in this guide we set out the steps to fight 'em.

You can also challenge an unfair ticket by using this new AI-powered Private Parking Ticket Checker tool – help by testing it.

You shouldn't pay unfair 'fines' and many parking tickets issued in private car parks are invalid – see our step-by-step guide on how to check and what to do.

09/02/2026

Ever notice how Waze and Google Maps give you completely different routes to the same place?

You open Waze and it tells you to cut through side streets. Then you check Google Maps and it wants you to stay on the Primary Roads.

Wait, doesn't Google own both apps? Why would the same company send you two totally different ways?

Ever notice how Waze and Google Maps give you completely different routes to the same place? You open Waze and it tells you to cut through side streets. Then...

17/12/2025

Worst days to drive over Christmas

Avoid Christmas travel chaos by checking the latest travel advice.

The RAC is predicting the busiest Saturday getaway of any year since it first started recording drivers’ festive plans

03/12/2025

STILL GETTING IT WRONG

he highway code was updated in 2022, making it a little more geared up towards pedestrian safety, and the more vulnerable road users.

Many people still do not even know the rules have changed, which says a lot. Many motorists still demonstrate little knowledge or willingness to carry out the changes, especially when it comes to rule H2.

We should be allowing pedestrians to cross when they are waiting to cross roads into which, or from which we are turning.

The highway code was updated in 2022, making it a little more geared up towards pedestrian safety, and the more vulnerable road users. Many people still do n...

31/10/2025

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) – all you need to know

The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced, which means there are important changes for people travelling from the UK to Europe.

If you are planning to travel from the UK to a country within the European Union (EU) Schengen area, it's important to be aware of the new rules.

Non-EU travellers - including most UK citizens – need to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo when entering the EU.

You may also be asked questions about your visit to the EU, as well as be required to provide another biometric check on your departure.

The EU has long been planning to introduce a new and updated system for border checks, in order to increase border security. EES will see non-EU nationals provide fingerprints and photographs to enter the member states.

EU officials also announced that there would be two separate, but interconnected travel schemes for Brits (and other non-EU citizens) – one being EES, and the other the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

This driving advice guide looks at what the EES will mean for UK travellers, and how the system will work.

Entry/Exit System (EES) October 2025 update

The European Union launched the Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025.

British nationals and other non-EU travellers are required to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a facial photograph, when entering or leaving countries in the Schengen area.

Why is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) being introduced in 2025?
The EES aims to strengthen border security across the EU and its neighbouring regions.

By automating border checks, it helps Schengen member states monitor entries and exits more efficiently and reduce instances of illegal migration.

One of its key goals is to prevent non-EU visitors from overstaying their permitted time.

What does EU Entry/Exit System (EES) mean for British travellers and drivers?
Following the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit (EES) system, most British citizens travelling to the Schengen zone will need to:

Submit biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at border checkpoints
Possibly answer questions about their visit upon arrival
Undergo an additional biometric check when departing
As the system rolls out, travellers may experience some variation in procedures. Importantly, no prior registration is needed before travel, and there is no fee for EES processing.

Travellers using the 'juxtaposed ports' (such as the channel tunnel or cross channel ferries) will have to complete their EES registration before boarding and should check with their travel operator to understand when to arrive at the port and any potential impacts to their journey.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out from 12th October, meaning drivers will need to provide fingerprints and have their photos taken when they enter or exit Schengen border crossing points.

"With a phased roll-out taking place until April 2026, we’re advising motorists to check the official requirements at the UK departure point they’re using before they set off, as these will differ from place to place.

"Drivers should be prepared for checks to take slightly longer and for entry points to be busier during the roll-out phase, especially during peak seasons like half term or Christmas. The digital EES record is valid for three years, so if your pass is still valid only a fingerprint or photo will be required at border checks."

Drivers heading to any of these countries using EES should follow arrival signs at ports and border crossings as usual, but expect delays.

What comes next for the EU entry/Exit system (EES) in 2026?
By late 2026, once EES is fully operational, the EU plans to introduce ETIAS - a travel authorisation system similar to the UK’s ETA.

will add another layer of pre-travel screening for non-EU visitors.

What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EU Entry/Exit System – also known as EES – is a border management system for non-EU citizens travelling to member states within the Schengen zone. The zone comprises most EU countries plus Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland but excludes the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.

The European Union has, for a long time, pushed for an updated and technologically advanced border security and immigration process for travellers to the region.

With the new EES system, the EU will collect, process, store, and share data on entry, exit, and refusal of entry of non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen area since 12 October 2025.

Replacing the current process which sees passports stamped, the system will use a new form of data collection – biometric information.

Everyone travelling will need to provide a fingerprint and/or have their face photographed, alongside providing the normal personal information present on a passport (name, nationality etc).

EES will also help EU nations track a visitor’s stay in the region, so that non-EU citizens can be tracked for staying too long or even for unauthorised visits. Visitors from the UK are restricted to 90 days’ stay in any 180 days within the Schengen area.

According to the EU, by centralising the data process and tracking systems, it will allow police and immigration offices to highlight security risks and act accordingly in a more efficient manner.

Following the original announcement of the EES, the European Commission issued a statement: “Over the past years we have been working to strengthen and protect our external borders to safeguard and increase the security of the Schengen area.

“It is an important step towards achieving more effective border management and better oversight of who is crossing the EU's external borders – and the Commission warmly welcomes this decision.

“The Entry/Exit System is a priority initiative which will modernise the management of the EU external border and contribute to the fight against terrorism and serious crime.

“It will replace the stamping of passports and will allow for an increased automation of border controls, improved detection of document and identity fraud as well as better monitoring of unauthorised short stays of non-EU nationals.”

Driving in Europe checklist – are you ready for your next holiday?
European road trips you cannot miss
Your complete guide to ETIAS
How does the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) work?
In time, the EU Entry/Exit System will replace many of the current customs processes currently in place, by using a combination of data collection, processing, and sharing mechanisms across the Schengen area.

The EES system works when non-EU citizens enter the Schengen area. Initially, they will need to provide biometric information - a fingerprint and have their photo taken - along with their passport. The date they are entering will also be recorded.

During subsequent border crossings, they may be required to provide a further fingerprint and/or have their face scanned, along with their passport as usual.

Border officials will use the system to perform automated checks to verify the authenticity of travel documents and biometric data.

EES then tracks the visitor throughout the duration of their stay. This is so they can detect cases of overstaying or unauthorised visits to other countries.

It is important to remember that travellers do not need to provide information in advance of travel – this will all be done at the border point.

Each subsequent entry/exit the individual makes to/from the Schengen area within three years of their digital record being created will only require one biometric record (e.g. fingerprints).

If the traveller has not entered/exited the Schengen area for three years or is travelling on a new passport they must complete the record process in full, having a new photo taken and fingerprints scanned again

Crossing the Channel – should you take the ferry or LeShuttle?
Driving abroad? Be prepared, take out European Breakdown Cover
A guide to toll roads in France

What countries are included in EES?
The countries in the Schengen area are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

EES is not applicable for Brits who are travelling to the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus.

British travellers who are not residents in the Schengen area are only permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

The launch of EES does not change this rule, but EES means it will be easier to enforce due to the new digital border system.

The 180 days are calculated as a rolling period which you can count backwards from your entry or exit date to the Schengen area.

Regular travellers should carefully track the duration of their stay, but may be able to ask border guards at external borders to check the duration of how many days they have stayed.

25/10/2025

👮 10 UK Driving Laws You’re Breaking Without Realising.

Think you know the UK driving laws inside out? Think again! Thousands of British drivers are hit with unexpected fines, penalty points, and even court summonses every year for breaking traffic laws they didn’t even know existed.

From speed limits while towing to illegal parking directions, this video exposes the most commonly ignored UK road laws that could easily catch you out. If you’ve ever thought “I didn’t realise that was illegal,” this video is for you.

In this video, we dive deep into the hidden driving laws in the UK that shock even experienced motorists.

Whether it’s using your car horn at night, hogging the middle lane, or splashing pedestrians, these offences might seem trivial but can lead to hefty fines, endorsements, and penalty points on your licence. The worst part? Most drivers don’t even know they’re breaking the law until it’s too late.

Speed Limits While Towing

Did you know that if you’re towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limit drops significantly? Many drivers still travel at 70mph on motorways, completely unaware they should be at 60mph or less, depending on the road type. This is one of the most common speeding offences among casual caravan users and one that could result in fines, points, or even a court appearance.

Parking the Wrong Way

Another surprising rule that’s often overlooked is parking in the wrong direction on the road at night. It’s not just about courtesy — it’s a legal requirement. Cars must face the flow of traffic so that rear reflectors are visible to oncoming vehicles. Local councils occasionally enforce this, issuing parking fines to drivers who ignore it.

Pedestrian Priority – The 2022 Highway Code Change

One of the biggest changes to the UK Highway Code came in 2022. Pedestrians now have priority when waiting to cross, not just when already crossing. If you fail to stop and give way, even when they’re standing at the kerb, you could be fined. This has caused massive debate among drivers, as a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly could still make the driver liable.

Using Your Horn at Night

Between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM in built-up areas, it’s illegal to use your car horn, except in an emergency. That casual “beep” to say hello to a friend or nudge someone awake at the lights? Technically an offence under UK road traffic laws. Few know about this rule, yet it’s part of the official Highway Code.

Middle Lane Hogging

The infamous middle lane hogger – a driver’s nightmare and a clear breach of lane discipline under the Highway Code. Staying in the middle lane unnecessarily can earn you three points on your licence and an on-the-spot £100 fine. Police forces have used dashcam and motorway camera footage to catch offenders.

Splashing Pedestrians

Think splashing someone at the bus stop is harmless fun? Think again. Deliberately driving through puddles to soak pedestrians can lead to a careless or inconsiderate driving charge, with fines up to £5,000. It’s classed as driving without due care and attention, and several UK drivers have learned this the hard way.

Inappropriate Use of Fog Lights

Using your fog lights when it’s not foggy is another easily forgotten offence. It dazzles other drivers and could land you with a fixed penalty notice. Fog lights are only for seriously reduced visibility – not drizzle, not mist, and certainly not to look cool on the motorway.

Overtaking on Pedestrian Crossings

Overtaking another vehicle on a zebra, pelican, or puffin crossing is completely illegal. The zigzag lines marking these crossings are there for a reason – to keep pedestrians safe. Even pulling out slightly to overtake a cyclist in that zone could count as an offence.

Every day, thousands of drivers break UK road laws without realising, risking their licence, insurance, and safety. This video breaks down the most common driving mistakes that lead to fines, and shows how a few small changes to your driving habits can save you from losing points — and your patience.

SOURCE:

Think you know the UK driving laws inside out? Think again! Thousands of British drivers are hit with unexpected fines, penalty points, and even court summon...

07/10/2025

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Check your Battery

Of course you should be maintaining your car properly throughout the year (psst read our tips on maintaining car health) however when it comes to the winter months, there are a few extra areas you should pay close attention to. The last thing you want to hear on a dreary winter morning is mechanical groaning of a dying car battery so it’s very important to ensure your car battery is in good health before the winter strikes – cold and damp weather will cause havoc with a battery which isn’t up to scratch. If you have the correct equipment, you can check your own car battery however if you’re not familiar with cars, it’s best to leave this to the experts.

Antifreeze and Screenwash

If you’re not familiar, antifreeze does what it says on the tin – prevents the water in your car ‘s cooling system from freezing over on those cold winter days and to make sure your antifreeze is doing the job, it is worthwhile snapping up an antifreeze tester. These cost as little as £2 from your local Halfords.

When it comes to the winter months, we can be pretty certain to expect wet weather meaning we will use our window wipers a whole lot more often. Combine this with snow, salt on the road and using de-icer on our windscreens and we will need to clean our windscreens a whole lot more than in the summer months. So, in advance of winter, open the windscreen wash bottle and fill it up to the level indicated with screenwash. There are a number of options such as using your original screenwash without diluting it however your best option is to go for screenwash specifically formulated for winter.

For example, Bluecol screenwash (which you can pick up from your local Halfords or Amazon), freezes at a lower temperature than water and has the added benefit that it can thaw any ice on your windscreen on the colder mornings. So, with screenwash formulated for winter, you can rest safe in the knowledge your washer jets won’t freeze over.

Winter tyres

Although it isn’t law in the UK, it is actually a legal requirement for drivers to own two sets of tyres (summer and winter), in some countries in mainland Europe. However if you are a frequent driver, travelling any great distance, you should consider buying a set of winter tyres as they offer exceptional grip when temperatures drop. Bare in mind, winter tyres can be quite expensive depending on the model of your car however the legal tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm – having tyres with a greater tread depth can improve steering and braking. We also recommend checking your tyre pressure more regularly in winter months, especially if you drive a considerable amount of miles every day.

PRODUCTS TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE WINTER

Ice Scraper

If you have two sets of car keys, you might be lucky enough to start your car and leave the windscreen to clear while you pop back into the house. However, if you don’t have that luxury of having two sets, you will need to keep an ice scraper in your car – a saviour on those cold winter days. Our pals over at Honest John have recommended the Iceplane ice scraper which scrapes in two directions at once – we know what is first on our winter list.

Magnetic screen cover

If you definitely don’t have time for scraping your windscreen in the morning then a magnetic screen cover should be your first windscreen purchase. Strong magnets keep the screen cover in place the full way around the windscreen preventing any frost getting in. Additionally, they are relatively small in size when folded so can be stored in the boot of your car. Additionally, it won’t freeze over so can be removed easily and you will be ready to drive of.

Emergency Kit

If you have ever been unfortunate enough to be stranded in the winter months, you will have said to yourself, if only I had an emergency kit! So here is our round up of essential emergency kit products for you to stock up on in advance:

USB phone charger:

if you are stranded, the first thing you will need is a charged mobile to call for help. We have all been caught short with little to no battery so don’t let it happen to you.

Food and Water:

Storing a large bottle of water in the boot of your car can be a saviour in many ways however if you are left out in the cold for any great length of time, you will be very grateful for water and non-perishable food / snacks.

Hand warmers:

If you are stopped on the hard shoulder of a motorway, the worst thing to do is to stay in the car. So, hand warmers will go down a treat. Activated by air, many of them can provide up to 10 hours of heat and they are very cost effective – 6 pairs for as little as £2 from Amazon.

Blankets:

You may have heating in your car however you won’t want to leave this running for a great deal of time in the event of your battery dying – blankets are essential if you are stranded for any length of time.

Torch:

It’s better to have an emergency torch and not need it, than it is to not have one and need it. You will be best to have a battery operated torch (with fully charged batteries) instead of a USB operated torch in case your car battery dies or if you need the torch to walk.

01/07/2025

FORD TO FIX ECOBOOST ENGINE FAILURES

Ford have U-turned on helping people effected by premature engine failure.



00:00 - Intro
00:33 - Start - Ecoboost background
04:37 - Ford Document Release
06:33 - Recall clarification
11:13 - Ford Transit 2.0 Ecboost Wetbelt News
13:51 - Ford 1.0 Ecoboost New Good Will Scheme

Hi all Breaking news from Ford UK on the 1.0 Ecoboost engine, a leaked document I have got hold of explains how Ford have U-turned on helping people effected...