Peter Lyon
December 24, 2024
Do you make it a habit of suggesting—and keeping—New Year’s resolutions?
As a new year approaches, automotive data experts at Britain’s HPI recommend that drivers make a set of resolutions that will keep them and their families safe on the road throughout 2025 and beyond.
HPI is urging motorists to double-check that they are not putting themselves, passengers or other road users at risk by driving a vehicle which has a hidden history. Over 250 cars are flagged daily for security concerns, and 1 in every 28 cars on HPI’s register has been written off. Furthermore, over 50,000 vehicles were flagged as stolen in 2024 and over 662,297 cars have already been caught this year with altered mileage readings, meaning your vehicle could be hiding the truth.
Here are some suggested resolutions for vehicle safety that HPI recommends:
Prioritise vehicle maintenance
Regular maintenance checks will ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition. It helps prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise safety. Also, remember to keep all records and paperwork up to date, such as service books and maintenance history. It can help to preserve or even boost the value of your vehicle when you come to sell it.
Stay on top of vehicle software updates
Keep vehicle software up to date with manufacturer recalls to help prevent the rising trend of key code hacking—especially if you drive an EV. As keyless entry has become increasingly more common in cars it has driven a rise in car theft. With technology available online, a thief can intercept the code sent out by the key and create an unlocking code for your car, allowing them to gain access to it and drive off. It’s essential to check if your car is subject to any recalls that will cover security and safety upgrades.
Get your vehicle’s mileage checked
In the UK, over 1,800 cars are flagged every day with inaccurate mileage, so it’s important not to get tricked by a clocked odometer. In addition, nearly one in 10 cars checked is found to have a mileage discrepancy.
Check your car’s identity and make sure it hasn’t been cloned
The practice of cloning involves changing a car’s identity. It usually happens because the car has been stolen, and thieves want to sell it quickly to an unsuspecting buyer. Falsifying a car’s identity can involve changing the number plates, forging documents such as the V5 (the registration certificate) and tampering with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Don’t get scammed if you buy a used car
If you’re in the market for picking up a used car in 2025, there are many things you have to consider before parting with your money. Working out what to buy, where to buy it and how to buy something that isn’t a liability can be a minefield, but if you do your homework, you can minimise the risks. One surest way to protect yourself is by investing in a vehicle history check, which will flag whether the car is an insurance write-off, has been stolen, has outstanding finance on it, or has been clocked.
Know your vehicle’s history.
Whether you’re buying a used car or already own one, it’s essential to understand its history. The HPI Check Report will flag any worrying information held against the vehicle by finance and insurance companies, the DVLA, the Police, and other industry bodies. A comprehensive car check is the most important check before buying a used car and is the first line of defence against vehicle fraud.
Drive economically for safer, cheaper motoring.
Given the ongoing cost-of-living challenges and fluctuating fuel prices, driving economically can offer surprising savings. Combining trips, maintaining steady speeds, and reducing unnecessary stops can all contribute to overall vehicle safety. Smooth driving with gentle acceleration, avoiding sudden braking, and maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front are all effective techniques for economical driving. Embrace these habits to improve safety, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable approach to driving.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
To all our readers, we humbly ask that you please stay vigilant with regard to car safety, as well as observe clever purchasing and maintenance procedures—to keep you and your family safe on the roads during the festive season. Merry Christmas to all from CARLIST.
