How often your tyres need to be replaced depends on several factors, including:

• How you drive your car (speed, aggressive cornering, braking)
• Position of the tyres (if you have rear-wheel-drive, the rear tyres wear faster, if you’ve got front-wheel-drive the front tyres wear faster)
• Load (excess load causes uneven tyre wear)
• Pressure (both under and over-inflated tyres can cause increased wear)
• Where you drive (quality of the roads, climate etc.)
• How well you maintain your tyres

Because this wide range of factors influence the lifespan of your tyres, it’s impossible to say how many miles or years you’ll get from a set of tyres.

Instead, you should look out for certain signs when checking your tyres.

When to replace tyres

It’s advised that you check your tyres once a month to make sure they’re in good condition.

When checking your tyres, here’s what you should look out for:

Tread depth

It’s really easy to check your tyre’s tread depth, but if you’re not sure how, just watch our how-to video.

Your tread depth should be over 1.6mm. If your tread is below this figure, your tyres are illegal and must be replaced immediately.

However, you shouldn’t wait until your tyres reach this level. We would advise you change your tyres when the tread depth is 3 mm, before they worsen, as this is the point at which braking distances begin to be impacted.

Uneven tread wear

While checking your tyres, you should also look out for signs of uneven wear across the tread pattern. This can be indicative of other problems with your tyres or your vehicle. For example, uneven wear on your tyres can be a sign of misaligned wheels.

The most common causes of avoidable tread wear are:

• Under-inflation – Wear will be found along the edges of the tyre tread.
• Over-inflation – Wear will be found along the centre of the tread.
• Faulty brakes or shock absorbers – Can cause flat spots around the tyre tread.
• Misaligned wheels – Can cause rapid wear along the inside or outside edges of the front tyres. Wheels can become misaligned from things like striking a kerb or pothole, or wear and tear in the steering components of your car. To keep on top of this, we would advise having your wheels realigned every 6000 miles.

Tyre damage

Cuts, breaks and abrasions can cause problems with the inner fabric of your tyre, which can be incredibly dangerous, even capable of causing high-speed blowouts. However, small punctures can often be safely repaired.

Blowout

Under-inflated tyres can cause blowouts. As there is insufficient air to hold up the vehicle's weight, the sidewalls become compressed by the vehicle's weight, which means they flex over their regular limits. This can lead to a build up of heat in the tyre and significantly raises the likelihood of a blowout.

If your tyre has gone completely flat following a blowout, then the tyre has failed and you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Sidewall bulges

A bulge in the sidewall of a tyre indicates that the internal frame of the tyre has been damaged. (This could be due to driving through a large pothole or driving with low air pressure.) Driving with bulges in the sidewall dramatically increases the risk of blowout at high speeds, which can be dangerous for you and other drivers. We recommend that you replace tyres with sidewall bulges immediately.

Extending the life of your tyres

In order to make the most of your tyres, you need to look after them. This means keeping on top of some basic tyre maintenance (which is actually really easy to do).

Tyre pressure

Every month you should:

• Check your tyre pressure, and
• Check your tyre tread (as explained above).

You should also carry out these checks before going on a long journey, or before towing.

Maintaining the correct pressure is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your tyres. This is because the tyre will wear more evenly if it is correctly inflated.

Not only will maintaining the correct pressure increase the lifespan of your tyres, it will also improve fuel efficiency.

If your tyres are wearing out fast on the outer edges, this can be an early sign of under-inflation. Take action now, as this may soon result in your tyres becoming illegal.

You can find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle either in your owner’s handbook, in the driver’s door pillar or inside the fuel cap.

Simply use a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure, and either inflate or deflate to suit the correct level for your vehicle.

Rotating your tyres

You should rotate your tyres every 5,000–8,000 miles.

As tyres wear at different rates depending on their positioning, you can extend your tyres’ lifespan by repositioning them.

This way, all four of your tyres should wear evenly, so you can replace them all at the same time.

Drive sensibly

Spinning the wheels when you accelerate, locking them when you brake and driving at consistently high speeds will damage your tyres. Avoid this and you will get more miles out of them.

Regular wheel alignment checks

Regularly checking that your wheels are aligned is a good way to prevent uneven tyre wear.

Arnold Clark has continued its commitment to investing in youth sport by supporting Newcastle East End FC with new strips and a minibus.

The team has a rich history dating back to the 1890s, with Newcastle East End being one of two rivals that dominated the Northern League. 100 years later in 1995, father and son duo Charlie and Kelly Scott decided to re-launch the then-defunct Newcastle East End FC, with the aim of getting it back to its legendary status.

Now, the club is one of the most respected clubs in the region and boasts a mix of Mini Soccer junior boy and girls teams, under 19s, both male and female adult teams and a disability team.

Mick Haley, Arnold Clark Shiremoor Ford Sales Manager, was on hand to deliver the bus to the excited team. He said:

‘I’m delighted to present East End FC with this 17-seat minibus. We are proud to support the team alongside the local community, knowing the benefits this will bring to all of the teams.’

Managing Director at Arnold Clark Eddie Hawthorne said,

‘We’re thrilled to support Newcastle East End FC through new kits and the minibus, which will help the teams travel to games easily. Investing in and giving back to our local communities has always been incredibly important to the Arnold Clark Group.’

Chairman of Newcastle East End FC Kelly Scott said,

‘We would like to thank Arnold Clark for donating the minibus from everyone at Newcastle East End FC. Words can't describe the generosity shown from everyone at the company – it’s an amazing gesture and it's like winning the lottery to a voluntary organisation like ours.’

With Drive the Night Away, you could get an overnight hotel stay for two at one of over 100 UK hotels simply for test-driving a used car!

What do I need to do?

You need to test-drive a used car.

That’s it!

Where can I go?

With over 100 UK hotels to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you choose to spend your night away on a tranquil retreat to the country or get your glad rags on for a stylish city break is entirely up to you. You can view the full list of hotels here.

*Calls from BT landlines are charged at national rate. The price of calls from other telephone companies will vary. Contact your service provider for details.

Offer available from 4th–7th November 2016. Excludes brand-new 16 plate vehicles. Only one voucher per customer, offer available to retail customers only. Excludes Harry Fairbairn and Mercedes-Benz branches. Booking lines open on the 9th November 2016. Test drives must be taken between 4th–7th November 2016. Book a test drive to avoid disappointment. To make your hotel reservation, please call 01565 831816. For full terms and conditions, visit www.drivethenightaway.co.uk/arnoldclark

Now in its 24th year, the French Film Festival weaves together an eclectic mix of genres and eras, spanning animation, comedy, documentary, drama, thrillers and lesser-seen gems. Showing in no fewer than 36 locations, it’s become one of the foremost UK events for francophiles. As sponsors of the 2016 festival, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling a taster menu to help you decide what to tuck into at this year’s filmic feast. Bon appetit!

Film: Kill the Referee! / A mort l’arbitre!

Perfect for: A little dark relief

This pitch-black, pitch-side comedy follows the dire consequences of a referee’s poor call as he’s pursued by the losing side’s supporters – one of whom just happens to be an axe-wielding maniac. Now recognised as a cult classic among French film and football fans alike, Jean-Pierre Mocky’s 1984 satire will be screening in 35 mm splendour.

Film: Dark Inclusion / Diamant noir

Perfect for: Thrill-seekers

This moody revenge thriller/heist amalgam stars Niels Schneider as a diamond dealer indulging in some criminal introspection after his father’s death. Having already received substantial praise for its atmospheric visuals, we expect it to bring more than a little sinister sparkle to the festival line-up. Stay behind after the GFT screening to participate in a special Q&A with director Arthur Harari – he’ll be giving the audience some insight into his feature-length début.

Film: Thanks Boss! / Merci patron!

Perfect for: Dedicated followers of fashion

Activist-turned-filmmaker Francois Ruffin peers behind the velvet curtain of high fashion, confronting billionaire LVMH magnate Bernard Arnault on his questionable business practices. Although Thanks Boss! tackles such weighty topics as factory closure, job losses and labour law reforms, there’s plenty of humour stitched into the seams of this crowd-subsidised documentary to enjoy.

Film: A Journey Through French Cinema / Voyage à travers le cinéma français

Perfect for: Bluffers

If you can’t distinguish Tati from Truffaut, it’s time you learned. And what better guide than director and writer Bertrand Tavernier? A Journey Through French Cinema promises to knit together the gaps in your knowledge with anecdotes, auteur profiles and a treasury of archive footage. Whether you’re a budding cineaste or an enduring admirer of the form, indulge in this excuse to fall for film all over again.

Film: The Red Turtle / La tortue rouge

Perfect for: Everyone

The Red Turtle heralds a first-ever international co-production for Japan’s Studio Ghibli, with Oscar-winning Dutch animator Michäel Dudok de Wit. Its trailer suggests a departure from the dense and complex worlds for which Ghibli is best known, instead embracing a more sparse and tranquil aesthetic that’s entirely free of dialogue. The story follows a shipwreck survivor washed up on a desert island and the bond he forms with a red turtle that gets in the way when he tries to leave. Expect to be gently mesmerised.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 40% of vehicles fail their MOT at the first attempt. However, the good news is that nearly half of the most common faults can be fixed with some simple regular maintenance.

From bulbs and bumper stickers to tyres and top-ups, we find out the main causes of failure and suggest easy ways to help you ace your MOT.

Tyre condition and pressure

Checking your tyres is a vital part of staying safe on the road, yet over 10% of cars failed their MOT last year because of insufficient tread or pressure. If your tyre tread is less than 1.6mm, then you must replace them immediately.

A quick way to check your tyre tread depth is to do the 20p test. Just insert a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tyre–if you can’t see the outer band of the coin, your tread depth is fine, if you can, it’s time to replace.

Similarly, you need to check your tyre pressure regularly. Not only does a quick trip to the petrol station to inflate your tyres save you money on running costs, it could be the difference between an MOT pass or a fail.

Watch our video to find out more about checking your tyres.

Brakes

One in ten cars fail their MOT due to brake problems. If you think there’s something wrong with your brakes – for example, if your car starts pulling to one side, always ask a mechanic to take a look.

However, you can maintain your brakes by checking them every day as you set off. Also, stay aware of your brake fluid levels by looking out for the high/low markings on the reservoir – usually it’ll need to be topped up every two years. Finally, before you take your car for its MOT, ask a friend to ensure your brake lights are coming on, and change the bulbs if there’s a problem. (See number 1)

Top tip: Top up your oil, too!

Fuel and engine oil needs to be topped up before you put your car in for its MOT, otherwise you’ll be turned away. This is because your mechanic will need to test your car’s emissions. So, follow these tips and hopefully your car will pass with flying colours.

After a lot of serious research and in-depth analysis we’ve found these five games to be the most entertaining for your kids while you’re busy at the wheel. So sit back, relax and enjoy the drive!

Hill Climb Racing

This is one of the most popular racing games available on mobile and it’s absolutely free! The aim of the game is to collect coins and gas canisters by controlling an uphill racer. However, be careful – the hill is bumpy so if you drive too fast the car will flip and it will be game over.

Monster Truck Nitro

It’s a race against the clock! Try and get to the finish line before time runs out. Drive the monster truck over various obstacles and see how many tricks you can perform.

Traffic Rush

Can you cross the intersection without crashing? This game is harder than it seems, as cars come from all directions and some are slower than others. Are you up to the task?

Moto X Mayhem

The aim of this game is to get from the start to finish as fast as you can. But be careful – the racer is controlled by only an acceleration and brake button. The rest is down to you by tilting your phone. Good luck!

Crazy Taxi

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a taxi driver? The object of this game is to get the passenger to their destination as quickly as you can. During the journey you can earn money by performing tricks. A large green arrow is above the taxi in order to direct the user. The user will lose points if they do not get the customer to their chosen destination on time. Can you do it?

The Alfa Romeo Giulia was a bestseller during the ‘60s and ‘70s. As one of the first manufacturers to add a powerful engine to a small car, Alfa Romeo made the Giulia a total motoring game changer. And it was well loved, right up until production of the Giulia Type 105 ended in 1977.

The Italian manufacturer’s fans have been waiting with bated breath for the return of this powerful model – and they’ve been kept on tenterhooks. The Giulia’s production has been halted several times, with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly sending the car right back to the drawing board repeatedly, until he was satisfied.

If it was perfection he was after, he’s not far off. In fact, Jeremy Clarkson called it ‘an absolute joy to drive’, motoring journalist Andrew Frankel dubbed it the ‘most important car in Alfa Romeo’s history’, and Car and Driver labeled the Giulia ‘an emotional, hot-blooded Italian car’ – and, well, that’s enough to convince us.

Arnold Clark is now retailing both the Giulia and Giula Quadrafoglio. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these models so special.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafoglio

The Quadrafoglio is truly a thing of beauty. With more muscular proportions, 19-inch alloys and other sporty touches like the rear spoiler and large air intakes, the Quadrafoglio certainly looks the part.

Powered by a 509 bhp twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine, it isn’t messing about, either. Reaching 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, it’s the fastest road sedan ever made.

In fact, ex-458 creator Philippe Krief was involved in the car’s design, meaning it’s the closest you can get to a factory-built, four-door Ferrari.

The 50:50 weight distribution found in the standard Giulia is featured here too, creating an optimal balance between the front-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive system.

The model also gets the distinctive cloverleaf badge that has been a symbol of good luck for Alfa Romeo through decades of track victories, from Ugo Sivocci’s win at the Targa Florio in 1923 to the Formula 1 World Championships in the ‘50s, and this, arguably its biggest victory yet.

Available now at your local Arnold Clark Alfa Romeo

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new Renault, there’s never been a better time.

From now until 30th November, Renault is celebrating Black Friday by offering up to £2,600 off selected models.*

What models are available?

You can take advantage of this offer on the new Clio (pre-facelift models only), Captur, Mégane and Kadjar.

So what are you waiting for? Book your test-drive today.

* £2,600 off Clio, £2000off Captur, £1,950 off Kadjar models from existing stock only. Vehicle numbers strictly limited and subject to availability. Subject to availability. Renault Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK residents only (excluding the Channel Islands). 18s and over. Finance available on selected new vehicles when ordered and registered between 10th and 30th November 2016. Retail customers only. Participating dealers only. Excludes Clio Expression, Renault Sport and New Clio range. Terms and conditions apply.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia was a bestseller during the ‘60s and ‘70s. As one of the first manufacturers to add a powerful engine to a small car, Alfa Romeo made the Giulia a total motoring game changer. And it was well loved, right up until production of the Giulia Type 105 ended in 1977.

The Italian manufacturer’s fans have been waiting with bated breath for the return of this powerful model – and they’ve been kept on tenterhooks. The Giulia’s production has been halted several times, with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly sending the car right back to the drawing board repeatedly, until he was satisfied.

If it was perfection he was after, he’s not far off. In fact, Jeremy Clarkson called it ‘an absolute joy to drive’, motoring journalist Andrew Frankel dubbed it the ‘most important car in Alfa Romeo’s history’, and Car and Driver labeled the Giulia ‘an emotional, hot-blooded Italian car’ – and, well, that’s enough to convince us.

Arnold Clark is now retailing both the Giulia and Giula Quadrifoglio. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these models so special.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrafoglio

The Quadrifoglio is truly a thing of beauty. With more muscular proportions, 19-inch alloys and other sporty touches like the rear spoiler and large air intakes, the Quadrifoglio certainly looks the part.

Powered by a 509 bhp twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine, it isn’t messing about, either. Reaching 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, it’s the fastest road sedan ever made.

In fact, ex-458 creator Philippe Krief was involved in the car’s design, meaning it’s the closest you can get to a factory-built, four-door Ferrari.

The 50:50 weight distribution found in the standard Giulia is featured here too, creating an optimal balance between the front-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive system.

The model also gets the distinctive cloverleaf badge that has been a symbol of good luck for Alfa Romeo through decades of track victories, from Ugo Sivocci’s win at the Targa Florio in 1923 to the Formula 1 World Championships in the ‘50s, and this, arguably its biggest victory yet.

Available now at your local Arnold Clark Alfa Romeo

What is the Scrappage Allowance Scheme?

The Vauxhall Scrappage Allowance Scheme allows customers to trade in a car of any age or manufacturer that they have owned for at least 90 days. It’s as simple as that.

When was it introduced?

The scheme was introduced in 2009 and proved to be a big hit. More than 390,000 drivers took advantage of the deal that year, which was a huge relief for Vauxhall in the wake of the recession.

Take advantage of great deals

Arnold Clark Vauxhall Franchise Manager, David Boyd, said: ‘The Vauxhall Scrappage Scheme is a perfect way to upgrade an older car. With our existing offers including low cost PCP and list price discounts, our Vauxhall deals are simply irresistible.’ Customers could even choose new cars with Vauxhall’s OnStar comprehensive package. This exciting new in-car technology package includes emergency response notifications, vehicle recovery and a high-speed 4G Wi-Fi connection.

Need to know

• As part of the scheme, the customer’s old vehicles must be traded in and scrapped to be eligible for the allowance.
• The previous car must have been registered in the customer’s name as the owner for at least 90 days, and the registration document must be in the customer’s name and address.
• The scheme will run until 18th December.
• All surrendered vehicles will be handled by Vauxhall’s official contracted end-of-life vehicle partner, Autogreen, through their online platform.
• The offer is available across Vauxhall’s passenger car range excluding VIVA, Corsa Sting, Corsa Sting R, Corsa Diamond and ADAM JAM.

When you’re looking for a new car, it’s difficult to know which one to choose. But with zero emissions and rapid progress being made with new technologies, electric cars really are the future. Why not take a quick look?

Cons

Range anxiety

Many of those tempted to buy an electric vehicle are put off by how long the electricity will last. This is known as ‘range anxiety’. However, there are many ways to reduce range anxiety. For example, you can plan routes and make sure charge is at maximum capacity when you set off, or park in places with electricity charging points.

Silence is not always golden

Traditional cars are loud enough for people around them to hear the sound of the engine. As electric cars are quiet, this can be dangerous to pedestrians and other cars, as they do not hear the car coming towards them, which could cause potential accidents.

Time to re-charge

In this busy world, we don’t have a lot of time to spare, and with some electric cars it can take up to 5/6 hours to recharge to full capacity. This could be inconvenient for many and could cause ‘range anxiety’ if you have a long journey ahead of you and the vehicle is not fully charged. Electric vehicles are better suited to drivers who often cover short distances rather than those who frequently have long distances to travel.

Purchase price

The purchase price of electric cars is often higher than a petrol or diesel car. This can be off-putting - however, over time, they save you a lot of money, as running costs are either low or non-existent.

As winter begins, we all wrap up, enjoy the snow, and brave the elements. But driving in bad weather can be a real source of concern. However, worry no more - these cars are built for winter weather.

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster came onto the market in 2013 and since then it’s become a UK favourite. This car is an affordable compact SUV, available in front or four-wheel drive versions. The four-wheel drive can tackle snow and ice, and it’s got a reliable engine, too. Exactly what we need to put our minds at ease.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 2016 is a very good-looking and stylish car, and it’s also built for anything the weather can throw at it. With low emissions and good fuel economy, and a five star crash rating from Euro NCAP, it’s cheap to run and will keep you safe in the winter months. And it’s also got …wait for it … heated seats! Perfect for those cold mornings.

Road Safety Week 2016 runs from 21st - 27th November to help raise awareness of the dangers to both drivers and pedestrians on UK roads. The event is organised by road safety charity Brake and has been running every year since 1997.

Figures from Brake show that five people are killed on UK roads every day, with 22,855 seriously injured in 2015 alone. As drivers, there are a several simple steps that can you can take in order to improve safety when driving and eliminate any of those bad habits.

Awareness of your poor habits is the first step to better driving. The FuelCard Company recently surveyed 1,000 British drivers about their worst driving habits. This revealed many common mistakes that people make when driving which could potentially lead to accidents.

Unsurprisingly, the most problematic driving habit is going too fast, with 64% of respondents admitting to the offence. Other deliberate driving misdemeanours include driving too close to other vehicles (52%) and hogging the middle lane (47%).

Speed wasn’t the only issue, with large numbers admitting to getting distracted - with our reliance on mobile phones being the main culprit. 60% of drivers admitted to texting while driving, and 57% are happy to chat on the phone while driving.

Read the full list of problem driving habits below:

• Going too fast (64%)
• Texting while driving (60%)
• Using the phone or hands-free (57%)
• Eating at the wheel (54%)
• Driving too close to other vehicles (52%)
• Throwing rubbish out of the window (51%)
• Going too slow (50%)
• Smoking behind the wheel (48%)
• Hogging the middle lane (47%)
• Checking phone notifications (46%)

These poor driving habits can have consequences that go beyond just the journey. A survey of driving instructors by insurance provider Marmalade showed that they believe parents pass on their worst habits when teaching their children to drive, leading to a culture of poor driving.

Brake is asking drivers to consider their own driving habits and make the Brake Pledge. This is a six-point promise to be: slow, sober, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable.

By following these simple actions, they hope that driving behaviour will change and UK roads can become safer.

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore has donated a brand-new vehicle to Ashgate Hospicecare. The local charity offers care, advice and support to patients with life-threatening conditions and their families. As the charity provides this specialist care without charge, it is almost entirely dependent on donations.

Russell Borrie, Group Franchise Director, commented on the recent donation:

‘We are delighted at the opportunity to support Ashgate Hospicecare, a landmark charity in Chesterfield. After correspondence with the charity, we decided that the best thing we could do for them was provide them with a vehicle in order to accommodate their day-to-day needs. The charity operates a free-of-charge service for its patients, which is why it’s crucial that they receive support from businesses. All of us at Arnold Clark are very proud to show support to the local community through the donation of a brand-new Vauxhall Astra.’

The chosen donation by Arnold Clark Automobiles was a brand-new 15 plate Vauxhall Astra, which was picked out by charity representatives in branch. Chesterfield Motorstore’s General Manager David Thompson also offered his professional advice to the charity, considering their needs and helping them choose the best car to meet their requirements.

‘The car will be an integral part of fundraising and will be used for visiting supporters as well as for travelling to and from other fundraising events, such as the Bakewell Show, Barlow Carnival and the Chesterfield Marathon. As the demand for hospice care rises, it is crucial that nurses can travel easily, which is why the car will be useful for them too’, commented Event Fundraiser Charlotte Gratton, from Ashgate Hospicecare, adding:

‘We are so grateful to Arnold Clark for this wonderful car, it will help when our volunteers and staff are out in the community, fundraising for patients and their families across North Derbyshire. The Arnold Clark designers have even added special livery that incorporates our company logo to spread the word of Ashgate Hospicecare and our Sponsor a Nurse campaign, so please look out for it!’

Before you apply for car finance, it’s a wise idea to check whether or not you would both be eligible for and qualify for a loan. We answer the most common questions our customers ask to determine their car finance eligibility.

Who can apply for car finance?

Those who are over the age of 18 – there’s no upper age limit to applying for car finance.

Do I have to have a full driving licence to apply for finance?

No, you do not. You will need a full licence if you intend to drive the car on your own, however you do not need one to apply for car finance. You’ll also need to provide some form of identification so you will need a provisional licence or passport.

I think I may have been blacklisted in the past, am I eligible for finance?

There is no such thing as being blacklisted for car finance. Your credit rating simply contains information about your credit history and a relevant score. If one finance company declines your application, this does not mean that you won’t be able to get finance elsewhere. The better your credit rating is, the more likely you are to be accepted, but there is no official blacklist that you would be put onto for having a poor credit history.

I am not British, can I apply for car finance?

Individuals of any nationality can apply for car finance or a car loan in the UK if they have lived in the country for three years or more. This time period allows you to build a credit history in the UK. However, you may want to do that before applying.

What car finance can I qualify for?

There are four main types of car finance: PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), PCH (Personal Contract Hire), HP (Hire Purchase) and Personal Loan. The type of finance you choose will depend on your circumstances and preferences, and you can find out more about each type in our car finance explanation article. The lender your finance application will be given to will depend on your circumstances as well as the car you choose. When you speak with one of our experienced salespeople in branch, the best finance company for you will be chosen from the range of over 20 finance companies we have access to.

Do I need to be working to be eligible for car finance?

You are eligible to apply for car finance if you’re unemployed, but as you may be required to show proof of annual income, you’re less likely be accepted than someone in full-time employment. There are some finance companies that would accept your application but you may find that you end up paying a higher interest rate with a subprime lender. A subprime lender specialises in lending to borrowers with a less than perfect credit history. A subprime loan is characterised by less favourable terms and higher interest rates (than prime loans). These rates and terms are defined by how much of a risk the lender evaluates you to be.

You are also eligible if you are retired or self-employed. In these cases, proof of income may be required.

What is a guarantor loan and why would I need it?

A guarantor loan is a type of unsecured loan that requires a third person who is not financially linked to you, known as a guarantor, to sign the contract agreement. By signing the agreement, the guarantor is agreeing to pay back the loan should you default on repayments. You might need a guarantor if you’re young and have a limited credit history, or a lender might be chosen for you that asks for one. The loan would work in the same way as any other car loan, but at the point of signing the documents, you would need a guarantor to co-sign them.

If I get car finance, how much can I afford?

This is your own decision and nobody should influence that. You need to assess your finances to make sure you can afford the monthly repayments, insurance, tax and maintenance of a car. The finance company will also decide how much they believe you can afford to repay when deciding on how much to lend.

Our rates for used car finance are as little as 7.9% APR representative with a low deposit.

How can I improve my chances of being accepted for car finance?

There are several factors a finance company will look at in order to define your eligibility for finance. They will check an applicant’s address, whether or not they are on the electoral roll and any previous names they may have had. When applying for any finance it is advisable to ensure all of your personal details are correct and that you are registered on the electoral roll.

Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and acts as a credit broker, sourcing credit to assist with your purchase from a carefully selected panel of lenders.

This winter, buying a BMW will become even more satisfying, with the £500 Reward offer.

Offered on selected delivery-mileage models from the 2nd December, this exclusive reward will only be available to customers who order their BMW by 31st December.

Buy before the deadline, and you’ll receive a pre-paid credit card, loaded up with £500. Spend it on whatever you like – whether that’s fuel for a family road-trip, a new-year flight to sunnier climes or a month’s worth of unforgettable date nights. Go on – treat yourself to something wonderful.

It’s simple. Just make your purchase and we’ll arrange for your pre-paid credit card to be sent out to you on delivery of your new vehicle. Take advantage of this unmissable opportunity to uncover the pure driving pleasure of BMW today.

Terms and conditions: £500 reward offer on delivery mileage cars is only available for a limited time and applies to limited pre-registered stock. Cars must be purchased/registered by 31st December. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Harry Fairbairn or Arnold Clark offer. £500 reward is in the form of a pre-paid credit card, which you will receive up to 28 days after purchase (or later, if delayed by the festive period).

If you’re thinking about buying your first electric car, we know it can be daunting.

Aside from getting the best deal, there are some other factors to consider, such as getting your insurance sorted, arranging government grants and thinking about car tax.

Read on to find out the need-to-know information before you plug in and go!

Insurance

Getting insurance for plug-in vehicles is much easier than it used to be, now that insurance providers have caught up with how electric vehicles (EVs) work.

You may find that the industry generally places EVs in a higher insurance group rating than petrol or diesel cars of similar size. This is largely due to the lack of historical data from which insurance companies base their premiums.

There are plenty of specialist insurance providers, however, who will be able to offer a more tailored policy for green vehicles.

However, the most important variable in a car insurance quote of any kind is the driver – insurance companies will consider your risk profile before giving you a quote. The good news is, as an EV driver, you tend to be considered a safer and lower-risk driver, as a result of your eco-conscious decision to drive green.

Electric car tax

EV drivers are exempt from the following taxes in the UK:

Fuel duty

This includes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Vehicle excise duty (VED)

Vehicles emitting up to 100g CO2/km currently pay no VED. This is due to change from 1st April 2017, when this will only apply to zero-emission vehicles.

Value added tax (VAT)

Charging a plug-in vehicle at home attracts only a 5% level of VAT, in comparison to 20% for road fuels.

Are you a business user? You’ll be pleased to know you can enjoy a wider range of tax benefits.

Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme

The UK government also recognises the need to provide help with funding the install of charging points at home. As such, there is also a grant available for this.

It’s a pretty good one, too. The grant gives you a 75% contribution towards your home charge point up to the value of £500 (including VAT). You can apply for this grant once per household/eligible vehicle.

Am I eligible?

The list of eligible vehicles is the same for this grant as it is for the Plug-in Car and Van Grant. However, this grant also applies to second-hand EVs.

In order to take advantage of this grant, your home must have off-street parking facilities where a charge point can be installed.

Exemptions

You might not be eligible if:

• Your car isn’t eligible for the Plug-in Car or Van Grant
• You are not the primary user of the car
• You are leasing or hiring the car for less than 6 months
• You’re borrowing the car from friends or family
• You only have access to the car through a car club
• Your property is outside the UK
• You’ve claimed previously for EVHS or DRS
• You’re looking for a second charge point but only have one eligible vehicle

How to claim

This grant requires a little more effort than your purchase grant, but it’s not too difficult. All you need to do is to send evidence of ownership, lease or primary use information to the government.

If you are accepted for the grant, you’ll then need to sign an OLEV installation form confirming the install details.

A certified installer will then install the charging point at your home.

Arnold Clark Linwood Toyota technician David McBride was the proud recipient of Business Apprentice of the Year at the Glasgow Guarantee Awards last Wednesday. These accolades are given by Glasgow City Council through the Glasgow Guarantee program, which encourages and supports young people in the workforce.

David, 18, and his mentor Paul Reynolds spoke to us about his journey so far, what it felt like to win the award, and what’s next in his career.

Sincere congratulations on your recent win! Can you tell us a bit about the award and the ceremony?

David: My mentor Paul encouraged me to apply for this award back in September. I agreed but I never really thought I’d get it. I believe in my skills but I had no idea where I stand compared to others. The ceremony was very nice and I invited Paul and our workshop foreman Alan Orr to accompany me. When they showed the nominees and then said I’ve won, I felt amazing! I was filled with pride.

Paul: The moment they said his name we were on our feet! David was presented with the award by Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council. I was so happy for David because I know how far he’s come to win this award – he truly deserves it.

David: Right after I came off the stage I called my mum. She was so happy too!

That’s amazing! Let’s go back to the start – why did you decide to apply for an apprenticeship?

David: Since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated by cars. It’s just my passion, so I thought, why not turn passion into a career? I was looking for an avenue to develop my skills. I completed my Level 1 in Light Vehicle Mechanics and joined Arnold Clark in July 2015.

What did you learn in the process?

David: I learned that I should believe in myself more! I am doing better than I ever thought I could. Apart from the technical side of things, I learned a lot about working in a team – we are one big family here at Linwood Toyota and every mechanic knows that you can’t do everything on your own. That’s why you need to work with your colleagues smoothly to get the job done.

Who has been your biggest influence so far?

David: My mentor. He’s been very patient with me – in the beginning I was asking him so many questions, I got worried I was bothering him. Paul is really fantastic – both at work and outside of it. We are good friends, not just colleagues. Also, the supportive work environment makes a big difference – it motivates me.

Paul: I want to say that David deserves this award because he is miles ahead of everyone of his age, and older. He demonstrates much more than is asked from him and takes up jobs that are too advanced for someone in his first year – but he has the ability to do them and he’s really good at following instructions, too.

What’s next for you, career-wise?

David: As with any other career, I would like to progress and go higher and higher, but all in good time. For the time being, I will work as hard as I have so far, learn new things and ask questions, and hopefully my dreams will come true.

As of April 2017, the way in which the government taxes vehicles will change. If you’re planning on buying a new vehicle, it’s useful to find out how these changes will impact how much you pay. We’ve compiled this guide to help you determine how these changes to Vehicle Excise Duty will affect you when buying a new or used car.

How does the current VED system work?

At present, cars are divided up into 13 bands based on how environmentally friendly they are. Every year, owners must pay a set rate based on this band. These rates can vary from a peak of more than £1000 for vehicles in the highest band down to no charge at all for vehicles with a CO2 emissions figure of less than 100g/km. For example, a 66-plate, 1.0 litre Volkswagen Polo S currently pays no road tax in the first year and just £20 thereafter. In contrast, a BMW X3 with a 2.0 litre diesel engine pays £145 per year.

Who will be affected by these changes?

The new system will be applied to any cars registered from 1st April 2017 onwards. The charges will not work retrospectively.

What are the changes to VED?

The new system has three bands – zero emission, standard and premium. The only vehicles that will not pay any tax are those with zero emissions. Anything other than electric vehicle will be subject to a standard rate of £140 per year after the first year.

Things are slightly different when buying a new car, as they will be subject to the first year rate. As with the current system, this rate will vary depending on the vehicle’s CO2 emission levels. Cars with zero emissions will continue to pay nothing, while payments for other vehicles range from as little as £10 to as much as £2000. You can find a full breakdown of the First Year Rates here.

Are there any additional costs?

Vehicles with a list price of £40,000 or above fall into the premium band and will be subject to a £310 supplement for the first five years. This applies to both conventional fuel and electric cars. While expensive electric vehicles were VED-free prior to these changes, owners of vehicles like the Tesla Model S will have to pay this supplement at a total cost of £1,550 over the duration.

Why have these changes been made?

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced these changes during his July 2015 budget. With the improvements in engine technologies, three quarters of new cars produced in the UK in 2017 will produce less than 100g/km of CO2, placing them in Band A – meaning they would be tax exempt. It was argued that it was unfair that those who could afford to buy a new car were not paying tax while those who could only afford a used vehicle with higher CO2 emissions would be burdened with more tax.

All funds raised will now go into a dedicated pot, solely to pay for highway maintenance and the creation of new roads.

Who loses out under the new system?

A number of new car buyers will be feeling the additional costs with the purchase of a new car. The old system incentivised the purchase of lower emission vehicles with a number of smaller cars remaining tax-free. With the standard tariff of £140 now applied to all cars, this incentive has greatly decreased. Those who buy luxury electric vehicles will also feel the pain of the new five-year supplement payments.

Who benefits?

Those who favour larger, high-powered vehicles will end up paying less as standard in the long run, but could feel stung by the first year rate as well as the five-year supplement, should their vehicle fall in the price range. After the five years, this should make more powerful cars more attractive on the used market. Electric vehicle owners continue to be the main beneficiaries with a tax-free drive.

In summary

Any car registered after April 2017 will face a new three-tier system of tax. The first tier covers zero emissions vehicles, which will pay no tax. The second tier includes all other cars which will be taxed at £140 per year, plus you’ll pay an additional first year rate which is priced on a sliding scale, based on emissions. The third tier covers cars with a list price of more than £40,000 that will have to pay an extra £310 for the first five years of the car’s life. The money raised will go into a dedicated fund to repair and build roads.

The Volkswagen Golf was the winner of the best used car of 2016 at the annual Car Dealer magazine Used Car Awards.It was a good night for the ever-popular German model, which also was awarded the top place in the best mid-sized used car category.

The event saw the most prominent figures in the motoring sales industry gathered in London to see the ceremony, which also hands out awards for the best dealerships, best use of social media and best servicing and repairs team.

The used car market looks set for a record year, with more than 4.1 million used cars traded within the first half of 2016, according statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Small family cars account for an incredible 27.2% of this total.

James Baggott, Managing Director of Blackball Media, publishers of Car Dealer magazine, said: ‘Mid-sized cars are the bread and butter of so many used car dealerships up and down the UK. Perfect for couples and young families, there is a wealth of choice for buyers in this busy part of the market. This model is a massive success and the fact that it has been around since 1974 in one guise or another tells its own story.’

Ronald Martin, Volkswagen franchise manager for Arnold Clark said: ‘As well as being practical, the Golf name remains a reassuring symbol of excellence backed up by Volkswagen’s renowned build quality. This result also shows that buying a new Golf will be great investment as they will always be in high demand on the used market and this will help them retain their value.’

Other winners on the night included the Fiat 500, which won in the small car category and the Audi A6, winner of used executive car of the year.

At 2015’s ceremony, as recognition of more than 60 years in the motor trade.