New data reveals the UK’s most popular time to buy their Christmas tree. The research, which collected search data from the previous five years, showed when searches for ‘real Christmas tree’ and ‘Christmas trees near me’ spiked. Based on this, the first weekend in December was the most popular time to collect the tree.

Motorists are being warned about winter driving mishaps that could land them with penalty points, fines or even higher insurance premiums. Car insurance comparison firm Quotezone.co.uk have revealed seven ways motorists can avoid these costly mistakes and stay safe in the winter conditions. Many drivers underestimate the challenges posed by winter weather and make avoidable mistakes.

As of March 2022, it is illegal for motorists to use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any purpose, unless it’s an emergency. To make calls and use sat-navs, drivers must have a fully set up hands-free device installed in their vehicle, so they don’t have to handle the phone while driving.

A new study reveals the most common reasons cars fail their MOT in the run up to the festive period – with lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment named the biggest problem area.

If you see blurry or wavy beams on lights, you could be one of the 27% of people in the UK living with a common eye condition known as astigmatism. This Road Safety Awareness Week (19-25th November), Specsavers reveal the signs and symptoms that may indicate astigmatism and share top tips on how to drive safely with this condition.

With colder weather now upon us, it is undoubtedly time to give your car the once over. Many of my tips require no expertise, just a little time and if you are not sure, then most garages will help.

With the days getting shorter and nights becoming longer as winter rolls in, driving in the dark carries a lot more risk than driving during the day. However, there are simple steps you can take that make driving at night much safer.

The Sportage, Kia’s best-selling car in the UK, Europe and globally, is celebrating its 30th birthday having first been gone on-sale worldwide in 1993. The Sportage was introduced in the UK two years later, with sales commencing in 1995.

32% of drivers admit to being unaware or choosing to ignore the two-second distance rule; Government statistics show that 21% of cars are being driven too close to the one in front; AA Accident Assist data shows the problem is exacerbated in the Winter, where rear-end smashes increase by 25% compared to the rest of the year; “Playing fast and loose with a safe distance from the vehicle in front is much more likely to end in disaster” says AA Accident Assist MD

A new brainteaser by airport transfer and ground transportation company hoppa challenges people to find the duplicate number plate. Only those with eagle eyes can find it in less than a minute, and 1 in 5 even give up altogether Attentiveness to detail can make all the difference while travelling, especially when it comes to finding your transport and getting into the right vehicle.

There's a legal surprise in the United Kingdom that could make drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel if they feel a sneeze coming on. Believe it or not, sneezing while driving could have you facing a hefty fine in this part of the world. The Legality of Sneezes In the UK, drivers are expected to be in full control of their vehicles at all times.

SKODA SUPERB One of my favourite family cars has just been updated. Acres of space, a sleek yet familiar new look, should tempt some to abandon their SUVs in favour of something that will deliver more rewards behind the wheel.

Drivers planning to celebrate Bonfire Night have been warned against carrying fireworks in their cars or face a £300 fine. Motoring company LeaseCar.uk have cautioned drivers over carrying too many fireworks in their vehicle as it could invalidate insurance and lead to a hefty fine.

Rewind to 2016 and a pickup from Korean manufacturer SsangYong could have been on your driveway for as little as £15,995 + VAT. A lot has happened since then, and the Musso pickup has gone distinctly upmarket, ably demonstrated by the vehicle which leaves me today, priced at almost £40,000 including tax. The burning question, therefore… Is it good enough?

A keen cyclist in my youth, the appeal of cars soon saw me exchange two wheels for four. With advancing years, and the need to take more exercise, I have starting cycling once more. I must confess to having an electric bike, the hills in my locale being too much for me. Now I can cycle twenty miles plus with ease and should get out more than I do.

The original Volkswagen Amarok has been out of production for some time and many wondered if it would ever return. The pickup truck market has changed in the last few years, with many models disappearing. Fiat Fullback, finished; Mitsubishi L200, long gone; Nissan Navara, no more and the Amarok, absent!

The Jeep name is known the world over and many use it as a generic name for an off-roader or 4x4. I’ve spent many an hour on some tough trails, putting their vehicles through their paces. One memorable event in the Lake District saw a convoy of Wranglers scale a rocky hillside that even the most experienced rambler would have struggled with.

One of the advantages of being very wealthy is that it allows you to make your dreams come true. For Sir Jim Radcliffe, the British billionaire chemical engineer and industrialist, this has allowed him to turn his idea for an all-new off-road vehicle into reality.

As the cost of living crisis continues, many Brits are looking for ways to reduce their monthly expenditure. In a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics, three in ten respondents reported dipping into their savings to tackle rising costs.

After four lovely years, I have now passed on the baton and am no longer chairman of the oldest motoring writers’ group in the UK. We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary and did so in style with an event at Aldwark Manor, near York. The memories linger.

Motorists have been warned that the risk to life because of potholes is now severe, as new figures reveal UK roads are in the worst condition in years. Road safety company Road Angel are urging councils to fork out and repair potholes or they say road users will lose their lives.

The cost of keeping our cars on the road has increased by 27% in the last year alone, that’s £256 more spent by the average motorist, with the annual cost now sitting at £1,200.

Having a car gives you a great deal of flexibility and freedom, allowing you to get from A to B with little hassle. However, when buying a car, it is really important to understand the types of costs involved in car ownership - beyond the initial payment - to ensure your ideal car is affordable day-to-day.

As the UK continues to grapple with this week's heatwave, Select Car Leasing have the ultimate driving hack to keep you cool on the hot days that everyone should know about. The ultimate hack for driving in hot weather is the recirculation button on the AC unit in most vehicles.