How to take your child car seat on a flight

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August 4, 2025

If they are travelling by car, children up to the age of 12 (or less than 135cm tall) must use a child car seat. So it’s important to take one on holiday with you.

IAM RoadSmart advises parents to travel with a child car seat when going on holiday abroad, as not all car hire companies will provide them.

‘Most airlines will allow you to bring your car seats for free,’ said the road safety organisation. ‘However, please call and check with your airline first. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and be charged a fee.

‘Consider getting the car seat wrapped with padding at the airport as it will be going in the hold and may get damaged during the flight. If you choose to hire a car seat from a hire car company, get them to send photos to ensure it is is up to standard.’

Check before you fly

It’s worth checking with the airline in advance. For example, British Airways allows travellers to take up to two of the following items free of charge as checked baggage: a fully collapsible pushchair, car or booster seat, travel cot or baby back carrier.

EasyJet says parents can carry two child items for free, including a travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and/or baby back carrier.

Ryanair allows parents to carry one pushchair, plus one of the following items free of charge: car seat, booster seat or travel cot. The items must be tagged for travel at a bag-drop desk. Any other items of baby equipment must be checked in and paid for.

Wrapping the car seat is essential if you want to avoid damage during the flight. A traveller was unable to get their child home safely after their seat was damaged during an EasyJet flight from Venice to Liverpool.

It’s also worth remembering that child car seats – especially the bigger ones – are an awkward piece of luggage to carry around, so it might be worth contacting your hire car company to see if safety-approved seats are available at your destination.

Using a child car seat during the flight

There are a separate set of guidelines and advice for parents intending to use the child car seat during the flight. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that children under the age of two must be secured whenever the seatbelt sign is on.

This can be achieved through the use of a seatbelt loop provided by the airline to secure the infant on an adult’s lap, or by using a child restraint device, i.e. a car-type child seat, or an alternative provided by the airline.

British Airways permits travellers to bring their own car seat for use by infants in their own seat, subject to a number of conditions. For example, the car seat must fit between the armrests and must be secured in accordance with the seat manufacturer’s instructions.

The website eSky.co.uk has an excellent guide to the rules and regulations of different airlines.

More advice for travelling abroad with children

IAM RoadSmart has the following advice for driving abroad with children:

Plan your journey: travelling can be stressful, so check where the hire car company is located
Make sure you’re familiar with your hire car and that the child seat is safely secured
Make the journey fun: ask the children to look out for landmarks or play a game of I-Spy
Make sure your child is as comfortable as possible
Pack your children’s favourite toys, games and books to keep them entertained
Pack some snacks and consider taking a cool bag for chilled drinks

Richard Gladman of IAM RoadSmart said: “If travelling a long distance try to arrange your travel to coincide with nap time or bed time – this may make for a more relaxing drive for you and the children. For short journeys, encourage simple games. It not only distracts but can be educational, too.”

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Jaecoo off to a flying start, with more than 10,000 UK orders so far

By

John Redfern

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August 4, 2025

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The Jaecoo 7 family SUV has already surpassed 10,000 orders in the UK, just seven months after going on sale.

Priced from £30,215 in turbocharged petrol form, or £35,165 as a plug-in hybrid, the Chinese-made Jaecoo 7 is one of the more affordable options in the highly competitive family SUV sector.

Jaecoo and its sister brand Omoda accounted for 2.1 percent of the UK’s new car market in June 2025.

As one of the many new Chinese brands entering the British market, the level of interest generated by Jaecoo since the start of the year is considerable.

Jaecoo’s PR push included taking on the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb, using an all-female driving team.

Brand building on a global scale

The 7 is Jaecoo’s first vehicle for the British market. However, the company sold more than 2.6 million vehicles around the world in 2024.

In our recent review of the Jaecoo 7 in SHS hybrid form, Motoring Research’s Tim Pitt said the new SUV offered various positives, including a ‘five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and sheer value for money’.

As with many modern SUVs, though, we found the lack of physical buttons inside the car could be frustrating – even more so with ‘an ever-vigilant camera atop the steering column’ demanding you keep your attention on the road.

Nonetheless, despite Tim’s decidedly lukewarm verdict, the Jaecoo 7’s bargain pricing and attractive seven-year/100,000-mile warranty are clearly proving a hit with UK drivers.

“This is just the beginning”

Gary Lan, CEO of Jaecoo UK, said: “To pass 10,000 orders for the Jaecoo 7 in just seven months is a clear signal of what’s possible when a new brand combines real product quality with cultural relevance and strategic visibility.

“We’ve worked hard to make Jaecoo a brand people can see, feel and experience – whether at events, on the road or through our growing retailer network. This is just the beginning.”

The Chinese marque recently announced the launch of its second UK offering, and will hope for a similar level of success.

Set to arrive in the UK this October, the smaller Jaecoo 5 crossover SUV will cost from just £24,505. It comes with the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine as used in the Jaecoo 7, but a fully electric version is also on the way.

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Classic car emissions down, despite greater numbers on UK roads

By

John Redfern

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August 4, 2025

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Analysis reveals that exhaust emissions from classic cars are falling year-on-year, despite the overall number of these vehicles increasing.

New research by automotive communications agency Loop found the number of classic cars being driven on British roads has doubled in the last decade.

Despite this, emissions from the entire classic vehicle sector have only increased by 34 percent.

The trend for ‘modern classic’ cars, with newer fuel-saving technology, has contributed to a 16 percent reduction in average emissions per vehicle.

Modern classics bring modern tech

Loop’s study found the UK had 466,830 classic cars in 2013 (officially defined as vehicles aged more than 30 years old).

By the end of 2024, this number had more than doubled to 1,056,919, with some 63,000 cars gaining classic status in 2024 alone.

With vehicles from the mid-1990s now entering the classic sector, technology such as fuel injection and electronic ignition is becoming commonplace.

Engineering innovations, along with better manufacturing processes and quality control, are also credited by Loop for a 21 percent improvement in average fuel economy between 1978 and 1995.

Millennials make a difference

Average annual CO2e emissions per car fell from 899kg in 2013 to 757kg last year. And despite the increased numbers of classic cars on the road, they still contribute just 0.3 percent of the UK’s overall transport CO2 emissions.

Classic car use is increasing again, with vehicles driven for an average of 1,535 miles a year – the same as in 2013.

“Ten years ago, there were roughly 18,000 cars on our roads that were exactly 30 years old,” explained Alex Kefford, head of editorial at Loop. “Today there are nearly 70,000. In fact, there are now more 30- to 33-year-old cars than the total number of classics of any age a decade ago.”

“This influx of young-timers is having a positive impact on the classic sector’s overall emissions, as they bring greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions controls with them, helping to offset what would otherwise have been a doubling in the environmental footprint of our motoring heritage.”

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New 1,250hp Corvette ZR1X makes history at the Nurburgring

By

John Redfern

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August 1, 2025

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Chevrolet Corvette Nurburgring Lap Records

The latest, eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has completed an ambitious assault on the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Chevrolet took three examples of the mid-engined Corvette to Germany: a Z06, the 1,064hp ZR1 and the astonishing new 1,250hp ZR1X.

Notably, those piloting the Corvettes were not professional racing drivers, but three Chevrolet engineers responsible for developing the sports car.

Demonstrating its incredible performance, the ZR1X became the fastest American-made car to lap the Nurburgring, posting a time of 6min 49.28sec around the 12.9-mile Nordschleife loop.

Taking top American honours

It means Chevrolet vehicle dynamics engineer Drew Cattell now holds the record for the fastest lap time by any non-professional racing driver at the circuit.

Just behind the ZR1X, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 posted a lap of 6min 50.76sec. Both of these times elevated the Corvette into the top 10 fastest production cars around the Nurburgring.

They also put the ZR1 and ZR1X ahead of the Ford Mustang GTD, giving Chevrolet the upper hand against its perennial American rival.

Even the Corvette Z06, with ‘only’ 670hp, completed the Nordschleife in 7mins 11.83sec – faster than a Porsche Carrera GT or BMW M4 CSL.

Making Corvette history

All three examples of the Corvette used were US-specification production models, albeit with modifications for improved safety. This included fitment of a roll cage, full containment race seat, six-point safety harness and fire extinguisher.

“No auto manufacturer has done a Nurburgring lap attempt like this before,” said GM president Mark Reuss.

“From development through production, and now at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the Green Hell, we have clearly shown there is no limit to what our GM engineers and vehicles can accomplish. These are the best Corvettes in history, period.”

The Corvette still has some way to go to beat the outright Nurburgring lap record: a time of 6min 29.09sec set by the Mercedes-AMG One.

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Is it illegal to drive while wearing headphones?

By

John Redfern

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August 1, 2025

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Driving a car while wearing headphones is considered dangerous by road safety experts. They cite the potential of headphones to cause a distraction and isolate you from the outside world.

Department for Transport figures reveal distracted driving accounts for 15 percent of all road traffic collisions. More worryingly, distractions led to 26 percent of deaths on British roads.

Despite the rise in the use of smartphones for music and navigation functions, however, no specific law bans the use of headphones while driving in the UK.

Being driven to distraction

Despite the lack of an outright ban, though, motorists could still be found guilty of breaking road traffic laws by driving with headphones on.

Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that motorists should ‘avoid distractions when driving or riding’. Included in the list of examples for distractions is ‘loud music’.

Research undertaken by Nelson and Nilsson in 1990 found that drivers took longer to react to hazards when wearing headphones. Judging speed was also found to be affected, causing them to drive faster.

Under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of careless driving can occur where a driver is ‘avoidably distracted’.

Risk of a fine and licence points

Careless driving can be punished by a police officer with an on-the-spot fine of £100. This is accompanied by a driving licence endorsement of three points, which will likely increase the cost of your car insurance the following year.

More serious offences could be referred to court. They can result in a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points or even a total driving ban.

So while no specific law prevents the wearing of headphones while driving, doing so could still result in offences being committed.

Listening to music through the car’s built-in speakers, if loud enough to be distracting, could also run the risk of committing the same offences.

Driving with headphones in other countries

Other countries around the world have acted to tackle the hazard of headphones. In 2015, France made it illegal for any driver, rider or cyclist to wear sound-emitting devices – punishable by a fine or a three-point endorsement on their driving licence.

Numerous US states have also introduced laws to ban the wearing of headphones while driving. Will Britain eventually follow suit?

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Wild 788hp supercharged Ford Mustang Dark Horse hits UK roads

By

John Redfern

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July 31, 2025

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American performance specialist Clive Sutton has revealed an enhanced version of the latest Ford Mustang. Based on the Dark Horse model, the Mustang CS800 DH receives a comprehensive overhaul both inside and out.

The undisputed highlight of the CS800 DH conversion is a 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger, which is bolted to the Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine.

This increases horsepower by 76 percent, taking the Mustang from 447hp to a colossal 788hp. Torque is also up by 61 percent, with a thumping 642lb ft of twist available.

More ponies in the corral

Clive Sutton’s transformation of the Mustang Dark Horse includes the addition of a Borla ATAK quad-tip exhaust system, complete with a custom H-pipe.

The suspension is lowered and stiffened compared to a regular Mustang. This gives the CS800 DH a squat stance on Vossen alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

A carbon fibre bodykit includes a substantial rear wing atop the Mustang’s boot. A deep front splitter, sculpted side skirts and a bespoke bonnet complete the makeover.

Inside, a pair of adjustable Recaro sports seats have heating and cooling functions. Clive Sutton has also trimmed the entire cabin of the demo car in blue Alcantara, demonstrating the level of customisation on offer.

‘Nothing like a Mustang’

Prices for the CS800 DH start from £135,000, although adding bespoke options can push the price towards £165,000.

All enhancements made are in line with Ford Performance guidelines, meaning the CS800 DH retains its original three-year or 36,000-mile Ford warranty. Clive Sutton will provide equivalent cover for the modified components.

Clive Sutton said: “Our customers love the Mustang and consistently turn to us to unleash its full performance capability, alongside accessing our suite of distinctive exterior and interior enhancements. With 788hp, the full Ford Performance warranty, a glorious supercharger whine and our bespoke exhaust, there’s nothing like the CS800 DH Mustang.”

The new Mustang will make its public debut at the prestigious Salon Prive car show, taking place at Blenheim Palace between 27 and 31 August 2025.

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How and when to use your car’s hazard warning lights

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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July 31, 2025

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UK law says hazard warning lights must be fitted to any car built after 1 April 1986. They are checked as part of the annual MOT test and the car will fail if they don’t work.

As the MOT inspection manual states: ‘Hazard warning lamps must operate using only one switch, and with the engine or ignition switch in both the on and off positions’.

Classic cars first registered before April 1986 do not need to have hazard warning lights. They are also not required on vehicles that:

Do not have front and rear position lamps (lights)
Have front and rear position lamps that are permanently disconnected, painted over or masked
Were first used before 1 January 1936

Tricycles and quadricycles classed as mopeds also don’t need hazard warning lights. Only ‘bodied’ mopeds must have direction indicators.

What are hazard warning lights for?

The Highway Code states that hazard warning lights ‘may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking‘.

To quote again from the guide: ‘You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.’

Examples include stationary traffic on a motorway. If you find yourself at the back of a queue, with fast-moving vehicles approaching from behind, your hazard warning lights could provide an early warning for other drivers.

Similarly, they can be useful on a bend or brow of a hill where visibility is reduced. Be sure to switch them off when your presence has been observed.

Is it illegal to drive with hazard lights on?

There’s no set penalty or fine for driving with your hazard lights on, but you could be charged with careless driving if it leads to an accident. This could mean a fine of £100 and three points on your driving licence.

Careless driving (driving without due care and attention) carries a maximum penalty of disqualification or nine points, plus a fine of up to £2,500. However, it’s highly unlikely that a hazard warning light offence would result in severe punishment.

The problem is that fellow motorists will be unable to see your turn signals if the hazard warning lights are in use.

How do I turn hazard lights on?

The hazard light warning switch is likely to be a white triangle on a red background or a red triangle on a black background. Common places for it to be located include the top of the dashboard near the air vents, on the centre console between the front seats, or behind the steering wheel.

The switch and green indicator warning lights will flash when they are in use, and you’ll also hear the ticking sound of the turn signals.

Hazard lights: an expert view

Neil Greig of road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart told the Sun: “According to Rule 116 in the Highway Code, hazard warning lights may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic.

“It is a grey area because you can use them when moving to alert other traffic to a hazard ahead and they don’t define ‘only use them long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed’, so our advice would be to use them sensibly and for the police to be as flexible as possible in enforcing the regulations.

“Hazard warning lights should not be used when they could cause confusion. If you are driving very slowly due to a car problem and are about to stop, ensure you switch them off if you are carrying out a manoeuvre, such as turning left or right.

“It would be ironic if your use of hazard warning lights became the cause of a collision. If you were fined, it would most likely be £100, plus three points fixed penalty, for careless driving.”

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The ‘Eleanor’ Mustang from Gone in 60 Seconds is officially back

By

John Redfern

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July 30, 2025

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One of the most famous cars in movie history is making its official return, following 20 years of legal battles.

The 1967 Shelby GT500, better known as Eleanor, was the star of the Gone in 60 Seconds film, released in 2000.

A remake of the 1974 H. B. Halicki movie of the same name, Jerry Bruckheimer’s version of the epic car heist starred A-List actors such as Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie, and Robert Duvall.

However, Eleanor undoubtedly made the biggest impact with moviegoers, spawning endless imitators and tribute cars.

A four-wheeled movie icon

Such interest prompted numerous lawsuits, including a copyright battle between Denise Halicki (widow of the writer, director, producer and star of the original 1974 movie) and Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc.

A recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that ‘Eleanor’ should not be classed as a movie character, but as a prop. As a result, the legendary Mustang could not be copyrighted.

The news has brought the team responsible for building the 11 Mustangs used in the 2000 version of Gone in 60 Seconds back together, led by Ray Claridge.

The founder and owner of Cinema Vehicle Services until 2016, Claridge is the authority when it comes to recreating Eleanor for the Mustang’s 25th anniversary.

Go, Baby, Go!

Musting buyers have an array of choices for which engine goes under the hood, with a 480 hp Ford Coyote the default V-8 on offer.

For an extra $18,000, a 550 hp Roush 427-cubic inch V-8 can be specified, while $19,500 nets a supercharged Aluminator V-8 producing a mighty 875 hp.

A five-speed Tremec manual transmission is standard, but six-speed stick shift or 10-speed Ford automatic can be found on the options list.

Wilwood brakes are fitted, with upgraded six-piston items available, plus a host of suspension and alloy wheel combinations.

Time to find your unicorn

Putting a price on silver screen nostalgia starts from $500,000. Ticking all of the option boxes on the online configurator adds a further $51,000 to the car’s cost.

However, unlike Eleanor from the Gone in 60 Seconds film, there is no mention of a working nitrous oxide system attached to the gear shifter-mounted button.

Each 25th Anniversary car will come complete with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the project team responsible. Reservations are being taken now for those who want to own a movie legend.

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Zoopla and Vauxhall team up to find homes with EV charging

By

John Redfern

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July 30, 2025

0

A new partnership between property website Zoopla and Vauxhall will help drivers find new homes with electric vehicle charging.

Online tools added to the Zoopla website allow users to filter properties to those with EV chargers fitted, or locate the nearest on-street public charger.

The collaboration is part of Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain campaign, which aims to improve access to public charging for electric cars.

It follows research that indicated information about EV charging options would be useful to a majority of buyers when house hunting.

EV charging matters to UK drivers

With UK homeowners typically staying in their property for 17 years, many houses being purchased today will take buyers far beyond the ban of new diesel and petrol cars, which takes effect from 2030.

The survey highlighted that, for 40 percent of UK drivers, proximity to an electric vehicle charging point would be influential when searching for their next home.

A third said they’d be deterred from buying a particular property if EV charging was not available. And for those living in London, this increased to exactly half of potential home buyers.

Some 79 percent of UK drivers would prefer a house with a driveway when they move. However, 40 percent would be open to a home without a drive, but with the knowledge that on-street charging was available nearby.

Making big decisions a little easier

Since it started in 2023, Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain campaign has worked to increase access to on-street chargers. It has encouraged EV drivers to register their own streets as being in need of public charging access. So far, some 12,000 locations across the country have been highlighted.

Steve Catlin, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “Moving house is one of the biggest decisions most of us make in our lifetime, and anyone who’s done it knows how much effort can go into finding the perfect home. As EVs become an even more common sight on our roads, more and more people will be prioritising charging access when thinking about where to live.

“Vauxhall is absolutely committed to electrifying Britain, so, as a leader in the property industry, Zoopla was the perfect partner to help drivers find a new home that will allow them to charge EVs with ease. Whether charging at home or on-street, we hope the features we have worked with Zoopla to introduce go some way to make decisions around buying and renting a new home that little bit easier for millions across the country.”

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BMW invest £1m in EV chargers at UK National Parks

BMW invests £1 million in EV chargers at UK National Parks

By

John Redfern

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July 29, 2025

0

A partnership between BMW and UK National Parks has seen electric vehicle chargers installed at some of the country’s most picturesque locations.

Started in 2022, the ‘Recharge in Nature’ programme has received substantial investment from BMW in EV charging points, along with a variety of community and biodiversity projects.

A total of £1 million has been spent over the past three years, leading to 135 new electric vehicle charging points in National Parks.

Eight National Parks have new EV chargers already live. BMW aims to have devices installed in the remaining seven by the end of November 2025.

Charging in the great outdoors

The National Parks now benefitting from electric car chargers include the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor and Bannau Brycheiniog.

BMW consulted with UK National Parks on choosing specific locations for the charging points. Areas that would benefit both local residents, and tourists were selected for maximum effectiveness.

Alongside the installation of charging points, BMW has also provided funding for projects such as natural flood management at Eryri National Park in Llyn Tegid.

Dartmoor National Park has appointed a new Young Engagement Ranger, helping more than 1,300 young people to enjoy outdoor experiences.

‘Creating a lasting legacy’

The third year of the project will see electric vehicle charging brought to the Northumberland and South Downs National Parks. For the Broads National Park in Norfolk, electric boat charging will be included – along with chargers for cars.

Biodiversity activity includes work such as the creation and restoration of 35 dew ponds in the Cairngorms, plus an inclusive transport project in Bannau Brycheinog.

Emily Barrow, brand communication manager at BMW UK, said: “Recharge in Nature is a shining example of how partnerships with business can drive meaningful progress.

“Through investment in electric infrastructure and nature restoration, we’ve created a lasting legacy that supports not just the environment, but also the communities that care for and enjoy these incredible spaces.”

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