In keeping with our commitment to providing the highest quality in our product range, coupled with our superior customer service, we are delighted to announce the arrival of our new Professional Indemnity offering. Rich in policy features and benefits, the product caters for most professions, including the following:
Auctioneers & Estate Agents
Architects
Insurance Brokers / Retail Intermediaries
Chartered Surveyors
Engineers
Miscellaneous Professions
Heading up the PI Team at KennCo Underwriting is Margaret Brennan, who commented, “we are extremely pleased with the finished product we have developed here. It certainly will have appeal to many Brokers who want to develop a high standard in their portfolio of Professional Indemnity clients”.
Staying local this summer is giving people in Ireland a chance to experience what is right on our doorstep. Many people choose staycations in Ireland each year, whether for a long weekend break away or a week or two weeks on the other side of the island. Ireland has a very good domestic tourism market due to the many luxury hotels, spa facilities and self-catering accommodation. There really is something for everyone on all budgets. Here’s our 7 staycations in Ireland ideas to keep you busy.
Cork – A night in a Treehouse
When was the last time you sleapt in a treehouse? If ever. This is a truly unique way to spend a night away in Cork. A night in this Urban Tranquilatree is described as a real tree house that is fully insulated and 6 metres off the ground. The 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom tree house is only a 5 min walk from Cork city so you can access all the city has to offer on foot.
Price: €150 per night for 2 people
Dublin – Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for a boutique hotel stay in the capital city, The Dean is the option for you. Music lovers will appreciate the Marshall speakers and record players in these specially designed rooms. Everything you see in this boutique hotel is for sale. The rooftop bar and restaurant will take you from breakfast with a view to evening drinks on the outdoor rooftop. In the middle of the city, it is a very accessible hotel to the whole city and it’s nightlife.
Price: Hi-Fi room €249 for 2 people on a Saturday night.
Stay at Home
Maybe you have been working all throughout the covid-19 lockdown in Ireland and you want nothing more than to stay at home for your annual leave. Or maybe you have enjoyed your time at home so much you want to take your annual leave and stay in your own home. A lot of us have gotten used to staying at home and have come up with some interesting ways of keeping busy. Here’s some ideas bringing a new meaning to staycations in Ireland:
Paint
If you didn’t get around to painting your house during lockdown, we have all the painting tips you need to be a pro. If getting some odd jobs done is your thing all you need to do is go to your local hardware and get your supplies.
Drive in cinemas
Drive in cinemas are popping up all over the country so you can get the whole family out for a night at the movies. They are showing all types of films and even have some good nostalgic throwbacks on the schedule. Grab your homemade snacks, popcorn and blanket and book your tickets.
Home Cinema
If drive in movies aren’t your thing why not bring the cinema experience to your sitting room.
Picnics
Picnic in your garden, visit a friend’s house while maintaining social distance or head to the local park for a homemade picnic. This is a great way to get kids involved in making some food and getting out of the house. Add a theme to your meals to add something different. Maybe you are in Paris eating croissants today and Mexico tomorrow for some Burrritos and Tacos.
Game night
Get the monopoly out and prepare for a family or friends game night. Everyone can bring a game of their choice, add some food and drinks and you have a party.
Cork – Ballyhass Adventure
Ireland’s first RLSS Gold Certified aquapark is open for adventure from May to September. With two locations in Co. Cork, the giant inflatable water parks at Ballyhass Adventure promise heart-pounding thrills for groups and families. There is a cafe, picnic area and family benches on site on site where you can relax, grab a coffee and enjoy the great outdoors.
Price: €25 per person, €23 when booked online
Glamping – Loughcrew, Co. Meath
Camping isn’t for everyone so why not treat yourself and try glamping. Glamping is available throughout Ireland and is even getting popular at music festivals throughout the country. It is something different to try and will save your back from the aches and pains of sleeping directly on the ground.
Loughcrew is a Megalithic centre in county Meath offering a range of tours to add to your experience. Tours include Maggies cottage tour, Loughcrew guided tour and Celtic Boyne Valley Tour. These experiences will take you back 5,000 years and you will see the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Loughcrew and Uisneach and The Cairns at Slieve na Calliagh. Loughcrew are always adding to their range of Yurts as demand continues to grow, a must try for your staycation in Ireland. They also offer the option for itinerary’s for your stay where they will plan out your adventure for you – even better.
Price: 2 nights in Yurt for 2 people = €270
Spa Break
Farnham Estate is the perfect spot for an adult only spa weekend. Everything is on site so you don’t need to leave once you arrive. The 44,000 sq ft Health spa is complete with Indoor and outdoor Hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms. There are three options for dining during your stay for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the outdoors with 1,300 acres of countryside, forest and Lakelands at any time during your stay. See their website for all spa weekend deals and offers.
Price: 2 nights B&B and 1 Dinner for 2 people is €458
Center Parcs
Although the Longford location is set to reopen in July, you can book your staycation here now. This is a very family orientated option. Whether you are going with extended family or groups of friends, it is a perfect place for groups. With 4 different types of accommodation available each family unit will have their own private space. They have over 100 indoor and outdoor activities and 10 restaurants. Some activities and facilities may be impacted by social distancing guidelines but no doubt Center Parcs will do their best to facilitate everyone.
Price: Weekend 3 nights 2 Adults, 2 Children from €1099.
There are so many exciting options for staycations in Ireland and something to suits everyone and any budget. Whether you like adventure holidays, relaxing holidays or cultural trips, Ireland has it all. If you are itching to get back on a plane this summer, we have the dates for countries opening up to tourists this summer for you.
Remember, even if you are opting for staycations in Ireland this summer, be sure to book your travel insurance. KennCo travel insurance offers cover when one night accommodation is pre-booked in Ireland. Get a quote on our website or see all the features of our travel insurance.
Q. Child Safety on Driveways
A.
The majority of child fatalities in Ireland occur in built-up areas. In particular, many injuries or fatalities occur on residential driveways. Most driveway accidents occur when the driver reverses and cannot see a child behind the car. Reversing a car on a driveway can be difficult because it is on a sloped or narrow surface.
Tips for Driveway Safety
Walk around the back of the car before you get into your car. Don’t forget that it’s not just your own children that you need to be aware of. Neighbours’ children may come into your garden to retrieve a ball etc.
Consider adding a fence or hedging along the length of your driveway to prevent children or animals from crossing behind your car.
Reverse your car into the parking place instead of driving straight in. This will result in you having much greater visibility when leaving the house again.
Educate your children about road safety and warn them about the dangers of walking or playing behind a car.
Add lighting to your driveway if possible. During the winter months, you may leave and return home in the dark.
There is a range of factors you must consider when moving homes. Anyone who has moved home will tell you that packing up and redecorating can be stressful.
We have created a list of moving house tips to help you if it’s your first time moving. We provide homes across Ireland with Home Insurance, and we have heard first-hand from customers what helped them move with ease. A lot can go wrong, so read on to move with no issues.
1. Clear Everything
Moving homes is the best time to do a proper clear out of all your possessions. Do you have piles of clothes you don’t wear anymore? Why box them up if you won’t use them? You could give them to a local charity shop or sell them on Depop.
The same goes for any other belongings. Are there any large ornaments you couldn’t stand? Then now is the time to get rid of it once and for all. Reducing the number of belongings you have will save you hours in packing and the moving process.
2. Sort by Category
People tend to sort their clearing out and boxes by room. Our customers found it much easier to sort by category. Instead of putting all the belongings in your room into boxes, gather all the clothes in each room into boxes, for example. You may want to then sort them into who owns them. Instead of spending time clearing out one room, you can have all the clothes in the house cleared. Everything will be much neater, and it will be easier to unpack in your new home.
3. Find the Best Day to Move House
You should decide on your moving day as soon as you can. It’s much easier to plan when you have a date rather than organising and not knowing how long you have.
You will most likely need a moving company to help you with the process. You will want to book them as soon as possible as they could be booked out on your desired date.
You may also want to enquire about the price. Some weeks may be quieter, so the price may be lower. Moving companies tend to be busiest on the weekends as people tend to be off work. The price may be higher, and it may be harder to arrange a move on that day. If you can take a day off work midweek, it may work out better, and you may even get a cheaper quote.
4. Create a To-Do List
Moving homes is a large task, and you will have endless things to do. As small as some tasks are, you should try to remember them all. The best way to keep on top of everything is to write a list. You can do this on your laptop or phone if it’s easier. Write down every task you can think of, and don’t hold back on the detail. Future you will thank you.
After completing the list, you should start planning when you will be doing each task to help you stay on track and ensure all tasks are done before the moving day.
5. Get Your Moving Boxes
Moving boxes are a big part of the moving process. Gathering these boxes can be quite a task itself. You could purchase boxes, but there are many places where you can get them for free.
Try your place of work. Most places will receive packages daily or weekly, depending on the industry. They may have several unused boxes they would love you to take off their hands.
Electrical stores are a great place to try. Pop in and see if they have any boxes that you could take that could be reused.
You will also need to spend a bit of money on some sturdier boxes. You may need specialised boxes or maybe just a few more additions.
6. Cancel Your Utilities
When moving homes, you also have to move or cancel all services to that home. Some of these utilities can include:
Phone
Internet
Electricity
Gas
They should all be notified before your moving day so they can shut everything off from that date. You may also have to take meter readings on the day of your big move to your new home.
7. Update Your Address
Don’t forget to change your dress ahead of your moving day so that any post or bills can arrive on time without the hassle of delays due to them being delivered to your old house.
8. Don’t Pack Last Minute
Just because your moving day is a few weeks away doesn’t mean you can’t start packing. Anything you won’t use in the next few weeks, such as books and clothes, should be packed away.
Give more time to pack away fragile or expensive items as they will require more care in the moving process.
9. Label Everything
It’s great to have all your belongings organised into boxes, but how will you unpack them if they’re not labelled? Group all items by room so that you can drop all those boxes in the new rooms when you move in. It will speed up the unloading process and help anyone helping you out know where to bring them.
Need Home Insurance for your new home? Look no further than KennCo Insurance. Check out the range of benefits when you join KennCo Insurance, such as loss of keys up to €500 and fire brigade charges up to €2,000.
Q. What are the Most Popular Cars in Ireland
A.
Ireland is a small but diverse country regarding cars, with many models and brands being popular among drivers. However, a few models stand out as the most popular cars in Ireland. You will see these cars daily if you drive on Irish roads. These are all fantastic cars, so it’s no wonder why they are the most popular cars in Ireland.
Ford Focus
One of the most popular cars in Ireland is the Ford Focus. This compact car has been a popular choice for Irish drivers for many years due to its practicality, affordability, and good fuel economy. The Ford Focus is available in various engine sizes and trims, making it a versatile choice for many drivers. It’s often the first car for new drivers.
Volkswagen Golf
Another popular car in Ireland is the Volkswagen Golf. This compact car is known for its high-quality build, good fuel economy, and high comfort levels. The Golf is available in a range of trims, including the GTI and R models, which offer more power and sportier handling. The Golf is popular amongst young males in the country who like its sleek and modern look.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is another popular car in Ireland. This compact car is known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and low running costs. It’s also a great car for city driving and navigating tight streets, making it a great option for those living in towns.
Opel Astra
The Opel Astra is another popular car in Ireland. This compact car is known for its good fuel economy, comfortable ride, and well-built interior. The Astra is available in a range of trims, including the sporty OPC model, which offers more power and sportier handling. The Astra has been a popular car for first-time drivers over the last two decades.
Ford Mondeo
The Ford Mondeo is a popular car in Ireland. The Mondeo is a mid-size car with good fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and a spacious interior. It’s an excellent car for families or those needing a little more space than a compact car can offer.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is another popular car in Ireland. This compact car is known for its good fuel economy, comfortable ride, and well-built interior. It’s also available in various trims, including the RS model, which offers more power and sportier handling. It has become more popular in the last few years and offers plenty of space inside.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is a popular luxury car in Ireland. This compact car is known for its high-quality build, good fuel economy, and high comfort levels. It’s also available in a range of trims, including the sporty S3 model, which offers more power and sportier handling.
Conclusion
Overall, these are some of the most popular cars in Ireland. Each of these models offers unique features and benefits, making them popular choices for a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city driving, a mid-size car for families, or a luxury car for a little more luxury, there is a car out there that will fit your needs.
It’s worth noting that these are not the top-selling cars in Ireland. When choosing a car, it’s important to consider its features, benefits, and insurance cost. Car insurance can vary widely depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the driver’s circumstances. It’s always worth shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers to ensure you get the best deal possible.
In conclusion, while the cars mentioned above are the most popular in Ireland, it ultimately depends on one’s personal preference, budget, and needs. It’s essential to research and consider insurance costs before making a final decision. And always remember that no matter what car you choose, drive safely and responsibly.
Q. Top Holiday Destinations with Left Hand Driving
A.
If you’re travelling abroad for your summer holidays, you may decide to rent a car. But do the thoughts of driving on the opposite side of the road fill you with dread? It can be hard enough getting used to the different road signs, languages and speed limits without the added complexity of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. But did you know that 55 countries have left-hand driving? We’ve listed a few below of the top holiday destinations below.
United Kingdom
You’re probably already aware that drivers in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road. But unlike other left-hand driving countries, the rules of the roads are also very similar to Ireland, which makes the transition from driving to Ireland very easy.
Due to the number of ferries travelling between Ireland and the UK every day, it’s up there as one of the top destinations to travel to based on convenience. You can take a relatively short ferry trip with your own car instead of paying to rent a car abroad. This is especially handing for holiday-makers with children.
Average Temperatures in July: 18.6°C
Malta
Malta has been a popular travel destination for the travelling Irish for years. Its located about 80 km from the coast of Italy and has a population of just 450,000. The official language of Malta is English which makes getting about a little easier for Irish travel-makers. Car ownership in Malta is very high, and this, coupled with a densely populated island, may lead you into a few more traffic jams than you’ll encounter elsewhere.
Average Temperatures in July: 26°C
Australia
Despite being over 15,000 kilometres from Ireland, Australia is a popular destination for the Irish. Due to the economic downturn and the increased popularity of young people leaving abroad in their twenties, Australia has seen an increase in the number of Irish people landing on their shores.
Whether you’re planning to move there, visit family or plan a long trip, driving a car over, there shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Speed limits are in kilometres which is similar to Ireland.
However, most cars in Australia have an automatic transmission which may take a little bit of getting used to if you’re driving with a manual shift stick.
Once you get going, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views while you’re driving through wide-open areas with breathtaking scenery.
Average Temperatures in July: 13°C – low temperature due to winter in July.
Thailand
Thailand and its neighbouring counties have been popular destinations for backpackers and honeymooners in recent years. If you want to experience Southeast Asia with its food, sunshine, unique culture and extraordinary scenery, you can do so with a relatively small budget.
Prices for accommodation and food are low, so you’ll be able to see a lot on a low budget. The price of flights to Thailand has also reduced in recent years due to the increased number of airlines flying there.
If you’re considering driving in Thailand, you’ll have the slight advantage of being familiar with left-hand driving. However, there are still a lot of other factors to contend with.
Driving in Thailand can be quite dangerous, with drink driving, speeding and careless driving remaining common practices in Thailand. Driving at nighttime is also dangerous, as many drivers do not turn on their headlights.
Average Temperatures in July: 13°C
The destinations above are 4 out of over 50 countries with left-hand driving. Remember, if you’re travelling abroad this year, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance before you book your tickets to avail of all of the benefits available to you fully.
Getting your car serviced is often on a list of things we all forget about. We usually only go to a mechanic if there’s an issue. When we think of getting our car serviced, we think of its costs. On the other hand, we must remember that getting your car serviced is essential as it will save you money in the long run. It can find any minor issues before they become large and costly ones.
Not only that, but having full service on your car can increase the second-hand value of the car as the new owner will know it’s in perfect condition to purchase. Depreciation is one of the high driving costs, so this could help put some value back on your car.
If you are a new driver, you may not have gotten a car serviced before, so this is a new process for you. We have a few tips for getting your car serviced for new and experienced drivers.
How Often Should a Car be Serviced?
Most road users are unsure when to get their car serviced, so they leave off doing it for another few months. Most cars will tell you if a car service is needed. How is this? Well, if a flashing light appears on your dashboard, it’s time to get it checked over. Your car manual is also great to read up on when your car needs a service.
Usually, you should service your car after 12,000 miles. If you are driving over 20,000 miles a year, you should get a service every six months to avoid any issues and fix wear and tear.
When is the Best Time to Get a Car Serviced?
If it has been over a year since your last service, then it’s time to get it booked for a service. Even if your car has low mileage, it’s worth checking. You should get your car serviced more regularly if you cover high mileage. The more you use the car, the more issues you may face. An annual service is the best way to go.
If your car is under warranty and runs out in the next few months, you should get it serviced before it runs out. It will save you money if there are any issues.
What is Performed in a Car Service?
Various checks can be performed on your car, depending on how much mileage the car has done. There are three types of service that are carried out:
Minor
Full
Major
Minor Service
A minor service typically checks basic elements such as coolant, brake fluid, oil and anti-freeze levels. The mechanic will check your brake pads to see if they work effectively. Other checks that may be made are:
Tyre Thread Depth
Windscreen Wipers
Lights
Indicators
If there are issues with anything in the minor service, the garage will notify you, and they may have to repair or replace a part of the car.
Full Service
The full service includes all elements of a minor service, which we have covered and some extras. The mechanic will check new areas in a full service, such as the engine to see if it is running correctly, the battery, suspension and steering checks. Usually, a full service will be done if you have an NCT coming up.
The full service includes all elements of a minor service, which we have covered and some extras. The mechanic will check new areas in a full service, such as the engine to see if it is running correctly, the battery, suspension and steering checks. Usually, a full service will be done if you have an NCT coming up.
Major Service
A major service includes everything above. Some parts may need to be replaced, such as:
Brake Discs
Timing belt
Cultch
It will cost you more but will increase your car’s price in the long run and avoid any future issues.
Price of a Car Service
A car service depends on a range of things, such as your car’s size, model and the dealership carrying out the service. A general service can cost anywhere from €80 to €130. It’s always good to shop around and compare garages’ prices to get the best deal on your car service.
Are There Any Tasks I Can Do To Look After My Car?
There are a few basic servicing tasks that you can carry out regularly to keep your car’s condition in top shape. If you are a mechanic, you can go a few steps further than this, but here are a few tips for all of us who don’t know much about how a car works.
Make Sure Your Oil is Topped Up
You should always keep your oil topped up. It’s good practice. It can help avoid any engine problems and overheating issues. It also saves you money because a garage may charge you for premium oil during a service.
Regularly Monitor Tyre Pressure
Monitoring your tyre pressure regularly is important. It will keep you safe on the road. It will also help you spot an over-inflated or under-inflated tyre which can wear out the tyre faster. We don’t want to pay for a new set of tyres.
Check your tyre pressure every few weeks. You will find the recommended tyre pressure for your car in your car’s manual. It is normal for your front and rear wheels to need a different pressure, so be aware of it.
Replace Fluids
Just like you are monitoring your oil levels, you should keep on top of other fluid levels such as engine coolant, windscreen washer fluid and brake fluid. They should all be checked and topped up at regular intervals. If you don’t know where to find parts to check the fluid level, there will be a diagram in your car’s manual.
How Long Does a Car Service Take?
The time taken for a service depends on which service you booked. A minor service typically takes an hour and a half. A full service takes 3 to 4 hours, and a major service takes between 3 and 4 hours.
Following the tips and advice above should help to improve your car’s performance and lifespan, however, in case the unfortunate does happen, it’s important to have insurance you can trust. For a quick, secure car insurance quote, reach out to one of our trusted KennCo Insurance advisors on 01 409 2600, or click here for a secure online quote.
Looking to Save On Your Car Insurance?
At KennCo, our car insurance cover offers competitive rates and valuable benefits, including a replacement car as standard. Get peace of mind knowing you’re fully covered.
Are you in the market for a new car but want to sell your old one? Selling a car yourself may seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. You may need to figure out where to start if you haven’t done it before.
We have several tips for selling a car privately to ensure a smooth transaction. There are a lot of cars for sale, so you’ll want to price yours attractively, have all your documents and have it in perfect condition.
There are many online marketplaces to help advertise your car online and communicate with prospective buyers. When selling privately, you will have to create an excellent advert for your car. Below are multiple tips for selling a car privately:
Ensure it’s Ready to be Sold
Your car should be in excellent condition to be sold. This means it should be clean, in working order, and without damage.
Clean the Car
We have all heard horror stories from friends or family where they have gone to view a car privately, and the car was filthy. If the car isn’t clean or in decent condition, it may raise questions about you as a seller. A prospective buyer may think you might have neglected to maintain and service the car too. Most potential buyers will walk away if they see a dirty car, which could be interior or exterior. You will want to buy a car that is clean and looks in perfect condition.
Your first step so should be to give your car a thorough clean. Sounds like an obvious step, but some sellers neglect to do it. You should get the car valeted by a professional if it is filthy. Going forward, it will make a huge difference when you want to sell the car privately. It will look much more attractive in the advert photos.
Cosmetic Damage
After cleaning the car, you may want to get any minor cosmetic damages fixed, such as scratches or kerbed wheels. It’s up to you to get this done. It may not be worth it if you sell the car for a low price. On the other hand, fixing all the cosmetic damage can increase the car’s worth.
Get a Service
The car should be in perfect working order when selling it. Nobody wants to purchase a car which is damaged. You should book your car into a local garage for a service. It may also increase the price of the car.
Gather All Documents
The potential buyer will want to trust you, so have all your documents ready. We always recommend keeping a folder of receipts and print-outs showing your car’s history.
Calculate a Price
As we know, depreciation is the number one factor for valuing your car to sell it. You should be focusing on what someone will pay for the car rather than what you paid in the first place. If you need help with how to value your car, check out the price of similar make and models online.
Once you have a price in mind, you will have to consider where you want to advertise the vehicle online. There are lots of online car marketplaces in Ireland. They may charge a fee for putting up the ad, so make a comparison and see which one you prefer.
Advertise Your Car
After you’ve decided on a platform to advertise your car, you will have to do a few things to create the perfect ad for your car. The better the quality of the ad, the higher your chances are of selling it.
Taking Photos
Take several photos of varying angles of the car. You should only take photos in daylight and, if possible, in good weather.
You will need to take photos of all parts of the car, including:
Interior
Exterior
Under the bonnet
Inside the boot
Steering wheel
Dashboard
Infotainment system
You should also take photos of the whole car from close up and all in the frame. It will help give potential buyers an idea of your car’s condition. However, you don’t need to take photos of every tiny scratch.
Writing Your Advert
Most online platforms will autofill details such as your car’s make and model once you enter your registration number. However, you should check that all the information is correct. You may also have the option to add a more detailed description, and you should always add it in if possible. Just explain the car’s general health and history.
You’ll need to be honest about the car. There’s no point wasting your or a potential buyer’s time if you leave out key details. If there is an issue the buyer will need to fix, then let them know.
Viewings of the Car
Next, you will need to arrange viewings with potential buyers who want to view the car. You may want them to view the car at your home for convenience.
The potential buyer may bring someone who knows more about cars, so don’t be alarmed. They want to ensure the car is as you say it is.
Give the potential buyer time to look around the car on their own. They don’t want you hovering over them watching. Just don’t leave the keys with them.
Test Drives
Test drives are an essential part of buying and selling a car. If someone is interested in your car, they will likely want to give it a test drive to see how it feels on the road.
Your car must be taxed if you are going on a test drive. The potential buyer must also have insurance that covers them to drive the car. You can offer to drive them around in the passenger seat if they don’t. It’s not the same as driving, but it gives them an idea of how it performs.
Agreeing on a Price
The potential buyer will likely want to negotiate a lower price. You should consider this before you meet them.
Always have a maximum amount you’re willing to take the car for. Leave the buyer to handle the negotiation side of it. Be confident in your negotiation and only take a price you’re comfortable with.
Taking Payment
Always ensure you get the payment before handing over the keys or documents. It could mean waiting until you have the cash in hand or seeing the transaction in your online banking.
Cash is the best way to go when selling a car privately. Double-check the amount you are given. Be wary of any fake notes.
Completing the Sale
Finally, you have sold your car, and all the hard work is complete. It’s now time to complete all the paperwork. You will want to print off a receipt for both you and the buyer.
Your receipt should include the following:
Registration number
Make and model
Mileage done
Price agreed
Sold note on the receipt
Print a copy each and get both signatures on the receipts. It acts as proof of purchase. There are several templates online to create a receipt.
Q. Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in Ireland 2023
A.
A lot of people are making the switch to Electric Vehicles, but they can be quite expensive. People may not switch to EVs in the next few years for many reasons. The best option, then, is to buy a fuel-efficient car. That then leaves you with a question, what are the most fuel-efficient cars in Ireland?
Rising fuel prices have brought focus on fuel-efficient cars. It may depend on the driving you do. Of course, electric vehicles are the most fuel-efficient cars, but we will look at both traditional and hybrid vehicles for this article.
The search for the most fuel-efficient cars will have you check out the miles per gallon (mpg) the vehicle drives to see how fuel efficient the car is. Mpg measures how far the car can travel on a single gallon of petrol or diesel.
5 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in Ireland
Take a look at some of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market in Ireland:
Peugeot 208 – 73.6mpg
The 2nd Generation Peugeot 208 has retained its crown as the most economical car on sale in the UK. The 1.5 Litre BlueHDi diesel engine has a claimed fuel economy figure of 73.6mpg. Its petrol counterpart uses 58.9mpg. They are both excellent compact cars which are ideal for regular short drives.
Citroen C3 – 70.6mpg
The engine found in the Citroen C3 is almost identical to the newer Peugeot 208, so they are very close in performance. On the other hand, the Citroen C3 uses more fuel which may be down to its larger bodywork. The C3 measures 70.6mpg. However, you shouldn’t notice any differences in your daily driving. Comfort is key in the C3.
Skoda Octavia – 68.2mpg
The Skoda Octavia is a popular car in Ireland and offers excellent build quality and space. The Octavia is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The Octavia claims a fuel economy figure of 68.2 mpg. It is one of the most fuel-efficient family cars. It has decent power, which will perform well on motorways.
Seat Leon – 65.7mpg
The Seat Leon uses the same engine as the Skoda Octavia, but it is less fuel efficient than the Octavia. The WLTP figures claim it can run up to 65.7mpg. It is a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine which has good in-gear acceleration.
Suzuki Swift – 59.7mpg
The Suzuki Swift has a 59.7mpg fuel consumption figure for the 82bhp Swift. This Suzuki Swift is a mild hybrid with a 1.2-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor-generator unit. It doesn’t have a large enough battery to run on electric only, but it does help improve the car’s fuel consumption. It is an excellent option for someone with a budget.
Conclusion
These are some of the most fuel-efficient cars in Ireland. Consider your driving needs, and remember to drive efficiently when you have the car to save more on fuel. To be fuel efficient, it doesn’t have to be a brand-new 2023 car. There are fantastic second-hand car choices too, which are fuel efficient.
Fuel Efficient FAQs
How is fuel efficiency measured?
Fuel efficiency is measured in miles per gallon (MPG) for fuel-powered cars and kilowatt-hours per 100 miles (kWh/100 miles) for electric cars. The higher the number, the more fuel-efficient the car is.
How can I make my car more fuel-efficient?
There are several ways to make your car more fuel-efficient, including:
driving at a steady speed
using the correct oil and tire pressure
keeping the car well-maintained
using eco-driving techniques
Are there any government incentives for purchasing a fuel-efficient car in Ireland?
Yes, several government incentives and tax breaks are available for purchasing a fuel-efficient car in Ireland. These include the SEAI grant, the electric vehicle grant, and the VRT relief. They are mostly for drivers purchasing EVs.
What is a fuel-efficient car?
A fuel-efficient car is a vehicle that is designed to use less fuel and emit fewer emissions than traditional vehicles. This can include hybrid and electric cars and vehicles with efficient internal combustion engines.
Q. How to Jump Start a Car
A.
Having a flat battery can be a nightmare when you have a busy day planned. Jump starting a car is a quick and handy way to start a car with a flat battery. Be careful when using jump leads as they can cause damage to both cars and people if not used correctly.
We recommend giving breakdown assistance a call and leaving it to professional mechanics. If you don’t have time to wait for them to come out, here are some tips on how to jump start a car using jump leads.
What do you need
Pair of jump leads
A vehicle with the flat battery
A vehicle with a fully charged battery (Do not use a hybrid or electric car as it can cause damage)
Gloves and goggles (Extra safety)
How to Use Jump Leads Safely
It may be your first time using jump leads, so there are a few safety precautions you should take.
Jump start in a safe environment
Remove any clothing that is dangling, such as a scarf. It has the potential to get caught in the moving engine parts, which is a considerable hazard.
Do not allow any naked flames, such as a cigarette, near the battery.
Remove any metal, such as rings and other jewellery. Do not let any metal touch the car battery. Doing so has the potential to cause a spark and possibly explode the battery.
Give the battery and jump leads a check
Never jump start a battery that looks damaged or is leaking
Don’t use damaged jump leads
Immediately stop using jump leads if they get hot
Safely removing the jump leads
Never remove the jump leads when the car is still running. If you do, it could cause serious damage to the car.
Guide to jump starting a car
1. Line up the cars
Line up the car with the fully-charged battery so it faces the car with the flat battery. Leave space so that you can open both bonnets.
Turn off all electrical systems/devices.
2. Connect red jump lead
Put your gloves and goggles on now for extra safety.
Attach the red (positive) jump lead to the battery’s positive (+) terminal on the working car.
Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive (+) terminal on the flat battery.
3. Connect black jump lead
Attach the black (negative) jump lead to the negative (-) terminal on the working battery.
Connect the other end of the black jump lead to an earthing point. An earthing point is an unpainted metal on the engine block/chassis. It must be away from both the flat battery and fuel system. Check the car manual to see if your car has a specific earthing point.
4. Start car with the working battery
Keep the engines of both cars off for around 5 minutes.
Start the car with the working battery. Let it run for over 1 minute.
5. Start car with the flat battery
Turn on the engine. If it doesn’t start within a 5-minute time frame, wait and try again.
6. Allow both cars to run
Finally, when the car is running again, allow both car engines to run for 10 minutes.
Remove cables in reverse order. Check the order below to safely remove the cables. Ensure you don’t let the clamps touch metal as you remove them.
Order of removal
Black lead connected to the car with a flat battery off.
Black lead connected to the car with charged battery off.
Red lead connected to both cars off.
Disconnect all leads from the car.
7. Restart the car
After all leads are disconnected, turn on the engine and see if it will start up again.
Leave it running for 20 minutes, then take it on a drive for around half an hour. Only then should you park it. You have now finished the process, and your car battery should now be fully charged.
That was seven simple steps on how to jump start your car. If unfortunately, your car battery does die, you now know how to get it fully charged in no time.
Jump Start Car FAQs
What should I do after I jump started the car?
If you have successfully jump started the car, you will need to recharge the battery again fully.
To charge the battery, you will have to drive for a duration of 30 minutes. If you have a portable car battery charger, you could use that to top up the charge on your battery.
How often should I replace a car battery?
Batteries usually last 5-7 years. You should only replace a car battery if it shows any deterioration signs.
If the battery is struggling and is over 5 years old, you should get it checked by a mechanic.
Why don’t you connect the black jump lead to the negative terminal?
Never connect the black jump lead to the flat battery’s negative (-) terminal. Failure to follow this instruction could result in an explosion.
How long does it take to jump start a dead battery?
Typically it takes a dead battery five minutes. In harsher weather conditions, this could take up to 30 minutes.
Can jump starting your car damage it?
It could damage your car if you do not jump start it correctly. For example, putting the clamps on the wrong terminals could damage parts or even cause a fire.
Moving homes is a large task, and you will have endless things to do. As small as some tasks are, you should try to remember them all. The best way to keep on top of everything is to write a list. You can do this on your laptop or phone if it’s easier. Write down every task you can think of, and don’t hold back on the detail. Future you will thank you. 
Moving boxes are a big part of the moving process. Gathering these boxes can be quite a task itself. You could purchase boxes, but there are many places where you can get them for free. 
After cleaning the car, you may want to get any minor cosmetic damages fixed, such as scratches or kerbed wheels. It’s up to you to get this done. It may not be worth it if you sell the car for a low price. On the other hand, fixing all the cosmetic damage can increase the car’s worth. 
It may be your first time using jump leads, so there are a few safety precautions you should take. 
That was seven simple steps on how to jump start your car. If unfortunately, your car battery does die, you now know how to get it fully charged in no time.