What Makes Roads More Slippery After Dry Weather? After weeks of hot, dry weather, the skies have finally opened — and with that first heavy downpour comes a surprising and dangerous change in road conditions. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re not just here to get you into your next lease vehicle; we’re here to help you stay safe while driving it. It might seem strange, but the first rain after a long dry spell can make roads even more hazardous than a typical wet day in winter. Here’s why: during extended dry weather, road surfaces collect a mix of engine oil, tyre rubber, brake dust, and fuel residue. These materials build up layer by layer on the tarmac — especially on well-used urban roads and motorways. When the rain finally falls, this residue mixes with the water to create an oily film, which significantly reduces tyre grip. The road might look normal — but it’s as slick as a skating rink underneath. How to Drive Safely After a Sudden Summer Downpour If you're heading out after the kind of warm, dry weather we’ve just experienced, and you see rain on the horizon, here are our top safety tips: 1. Reduce Your Speed Slowing down gives you more time to react and makes it easier to stay in control if your tyres lose grip. Even just 5–10mph slower can make a big difference. 2. Leave Extra Space Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping times. The rule of thumb: at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front during wet conditions. 3. Avoid Sudden Movements Brake gently, steer smoothly, and accelerate gradually. Harsh inputs can cause you to skid or aquaplane — particularly on those oily patches near roundabouts and junctions. 4. Be Ready for Reduced Visibility Rain can come down fast after hot weather. Keep your wipers in good condition and your dipped headlights on so you're visible to others. 5. Beware of Aquaplaning If water builds up on the surface and your tyres lose contact with the road, gently lift off the accelerator and keep your steering steady. Don’t brake hard or make any sudden movements. Look After Your Vehicle — and It Will Look After You Whether you’re driving a brand-new lease car, a business van, or an electric vehicle from Advanced Vehicle Contracts, keeping your tyres in good shape is essential. Check tread depth and pressure regularly, especially before a weather change — they’re your first line of defence against slippery roads. Final Word from AVC We’ve enjoyed some glorious sunshine recently — but the UK being the UK, the weather can change in minutes. If you've noticed the roads feeling slick after a sudden summer storm, you're not alone. The key is being prepared, driving with care, and understanding the risks. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we want every journey in your lease vehicle to be a safe and confident one — whatever the forecast says. If you need vehicle advice or want to explore our latest lease deals, get in touch with our friendly team on 01926 422333.

Summer’s here, the sun is out—and while it’s the perfect time for road trips and adventures, it’s also a season that can quietly take a toll on your vehicle. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we help people lease the right car or van for their needs. But once you're on the road, it’s just as important to know how to look after your vehicle—especially during the warmer months. Rising temperatures can lead to higher running costs, increased wear and tear, and even unexpected breakdowns if you’re not prepared. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your car or van in top shape all summer long. 1. Tyre Pressure: Don’t Let Heat Cause a Blowout When the weather heats up, so does the air in your tyres—causing it to expand. That can lead to over-inflation, which reduces grip and causes tyres to wear down faster. On the other hand, under-inflated tyres can overheat and make your vehicle less fuel-efficient. Tip: Check tyre pressure every couple of weeks, especially before long journeys. Always check when tyres are cold for the most accurate reading, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 2. Air Conditioning: Use It Smarter, Not Harder Air con is a summer essential, but it comes at a cost—sometimes increasing fuel usage by up to 20%, particularly in stop-start traffic. That might not sound like much, but over time it adds up. Tip: Open your windows for a minute or two when you first get in to let hot air escape. Use the air con at a steady, comfortable temperature and turn it off once the cabin is cool. 3. Beat the Traffic Before It Beats Your Budget Summer often means more cars on the road—thanks to school holidays, public events, and roadworks. All that extra traffic can mean longer journeys, more time idling, and more fuel used. Tip: Plan your route ahead of time using apps with real-time traffic updates. If you’re stuck for more than a minute, switch off your engine—it saves fuel and reduces wear. 4. Give Your Vehicle a Summer Health Check Hot weather puts extra strain on your engine, battery, and fluids. Oil can degrade faster, coolant can run low, and older batteries might struggle in the heat. Tip: Use the change in season as a reminder to check the essentials—oil level and quality, coolant, tyre tread, and battery condition. If you’re leasing a car or van through us, keeping on top of maintenance also helps avoid potential end-of-lease charges. 5. Avoid Wasting Fuel on Unplanned Detours Detours to expensive petrol stations or getting caught in traffic can waste time and money. Planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary stops and keeps your journeys smoother. Tip: Map out your refuelling stops if you're heading somewhere unfamiliar—and try to avoid last-minute fill-ups at premium-price forecourts. Keep Cool, Drive Smart Summer driving doesn’t have to mean extra stress. With a few simple habits and regular checks, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your car or van running at its best. Whether you’re leasing for business or personal use, Advanced Vehicle Contracts is here to help you get the most from your vehicle—every season of the year. Looking to lease your next car or van? Get in touch with our team for the latest offers and expert advice - 01926 422333

The UK’s roads are witnessing a quiet but powerful shift. While electric vehicles (EVs) have been grabbing headlines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are stealing the spotlight in the leasing market. With recent changes to the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate allowing carmakers more flexibility to sell hybrids, PHEV registrations surged by 18% last year, reaching 167,000 units. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re seeing this hybrid boom firsthand, and we’re here to help drivers and businesses embrace the perfect blend of electric efficiency and petrol-powered practicality. Let’s explore why PHEVs are becoming the go-to choice for UK lessees and how we can get you behind the wheel of one. The Hybrid Surge: A Response to Real-World Needs Recent industry data highlights a growing appetite for PHEVs, with projections suggesting up to 500,000 additional plug-in hybrids could hit UK roads by 2030 due to relaxed ZEV regulations. Why the sudden love for hybrids? It’s all about balance. PHEVs combine a battery-powered electric motor with a traditional petrol engine, offering the best of both worlds: zero-emission driving for short commutes and the range of a petrol engine for longer journeys. This flexibility is a game-changer for drivers who want to cut emissions without the range anxiety sometimes associated with fully electric vehicles. The government’s recent policy shift, announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, has given carmakers more leeway to sell PHEVs without facing steep fines, making these vehicles more accessible and affordable. This aligns perfectly with consumer trends—fleet buyers, in particular, drove 60% of new car registrations in April 2025, with hybrids playing a starring role. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re tapping into this demand by offering a wide range of PHEV lease deals that cater to both personal and business needs. Why Lease a PHEV? The Benefits Are Clear Leasing a plug-in hybrid is more than just a trend—it’s a smart, practical choice for today’s drivers. Here’s why PHEVs are winning hearts and contracts: - Versatility for Every Journey: With an average electric-only range of 50 miles, PHEVs are perfect for daily commutes or school runs, letting you drive emission-free. For longer trips, the petrol engine kicks in, eliminating the need to hunt for charging stations. Models like the Volvo XC60 Recharge or BMW 330e offer this seamless switch, blending efficiency with performance. - Cost Savings: PHEVs often have lower running costs than traditional petrol or diesel cars, especially for drivers who charge regularly. Leasing through Advanced Vehicle Contracts spreads the cost into affordable monthly payments, with deals starting as low as £250 a month for popular models. Plus, business customers benefit from attractive Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates, making PHEVs a cost-effective fleet option. - Eco-Friendly Without Commitment: While not fully zero-emission, PHEVs significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles. They’re a great stepping stone for drivers transitioning to greener driving without fully committing to an EV. Our customers love the peace of mind that comes with reducing emissions while keeping their options open. - Stay Ahead of the Curve: With the UK’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, PHEVs offer a future-proof solution. Leasing lets you enjoy the latest hybrid tech and upgrade to newer models as technology evolves, all without the financial burden of ownership. How Advanced Vehicle Contracts Makes Hybrid Leasing Easy At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re all about making leasing straightforward and tailored to you. Our team works with top UK finance providers to secure competitive PHEV lease deals, whether you’re an individual looking for a personal contract hire (PCH) or a business seeking a fleet of hybrids. We offer flexible terms, optional maintenance packages, and free UK delivery to ensure a hassle-free experience. What makes us different? We prioritize transparency and customer choice. Our experts guide you through the leasing process, helping you pick the perfect PHEV—from compact options like the Kia Niro PHEV to luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Plug-In Hybrid. A Real-World Example: The PHEV Advantage Picture this: you’re considering a Range Rover Evoque PHEV. Buying one could cost upwards of £45,000, and with hybrid tech advancing rapidly, you might worry about its long-term value. Now imagine leasing it through Advanced Vehicle Contracts for a fixed monthly payment, with no depreciation concerns and the freedom to upgrade to a newer model in three years. You get to enjoy the Evoque’s 40-mile electric range for your daily commute, plus the confidence of a petrol engine for weekend getaways, all while keeping your budget in check. That’s the PHEV leasing advantage. 

Picture this: you’re cruising down the M1, the hum of your engine replaced by a near-silent whirr, your fuel gauge a distant memory, and your wallet thanking you for skipping the petrol pump. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s not a fantasy, it’s the reality of leasing an electric vehicle (EV) in 2025, and it’s no surprise why more UK drivers are making the switch. From jaw-dropping savings to eco-friendly vibes, EV leasing is the trend that’s got everyone buzzing. Let’s dive into why it’s taking off and how it could be your next smart move. The EV Boom Is Real Electric vehicles aren’t just for tech geeks or tree-huggers anymore. Last year, EVs made up over 20% of new car registrations in the UK, and that number’s only climbing. Why? For starters, the government’s pushing hard for net zero, with plans to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035. Add in congestion charges, Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) popping up in cities like London and Birmingham, and skyrocketing fuel prices—going electric isn’t just trendy, it’s practical. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’ve seen enquiries for EV leases double in the last 12 months alone. People aren’t just curious; they’re ready to commit. Savings That Hit Different Let’s talk money—because who doesn’t love a good deal? Leasing an EV often costs less per month than you’d think. Sure, the upfront price of buying an electric car can sting, but with leasing, you sidestep that altogether. Take the Nissan Leaf or MG4 EV—both are wallet-friendly options we offer at AVC, with monthly payments that rival traditional petrol cars. Then there’s the running costs: charging an EV at home can cost as little as £5 for a full battery, compared to £50+ for a tank of unleaded. Businesses get an extra perk too—tax breaks and VAT reclaim options make fleet leasing a no-brainer. Switching to electric could slash fuel bills big time, and we’ve got the numbers to prove it. Driving Into the Future EVs aren’t just about savings—they’re a blast to drive. Ever felt the instant torque of a Tesla Model 3 or the smooth handling of a Polestar 2? It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. Plus, the tech is next-level: think touchscreen dashboards, over-the-air updates, and range anxiety becoming a thing of the past with batteries now pushing 300+ miles on a single charge. At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’ve got a lineup of EVs that’ll suit everyone—from zippy city runabouts to family-friendly SUVs. Fancy a test drive? We can sort that out. The Green Factor Let’s not dodge the big one: climate change. The UK’s all-in on cutting emissions, and driving electric is one of the easiest ways to do your bit. No tailpipe, no guilt—simple as that. Pair that with more charging stations popping up (over 50,000 nationwide last count), and it’s never been easier to go green. It’s not just about the planet either—it’s about driving something that feels forward-thinking. Why Lease, Not Buy? Here’s the kicker: leasing an EV makes more sense than buying one outright. Tech moves fast—today’s cutting-edge battery could be old news in five years. Leasing keeps you flexible, letting you upgrade to the latest model without the hassle of selling. Plus, with AVC, you don’t have to sweat the details—maintenance packages and mileage options are all sorted to fit your life. Whether you’re a business owner needing a fleet or a solo driver after something slick, we’ve got your back. Ready to Plug In? Electric vehicle leasing isn’t just a trend—it’s the future rolling into the present. With lower costs, greener creds, and a driving experience that’s hard to beat, it’s no wonder the UK’s jumping on board. Curious about what an EV could do for you? Swing by Advanced Vehicle Contracts at avcgb.co.uk —we’ll hook you up with a deal that’s as electric as the cars themselves. Let’s get you behind the wheel of tomorrow, today.

At Advanced Vehicle Contracts, we’re thrilled to unveil some big changes! Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for putting customers at the heart of everything we do, and now we’re taking things to the next level with a fresh new look and a completely revamped website. Our rebrand isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about reaffirming our commitment to providing a leasing experience that’s personal, reliable, and tailored to you. While we’ve embraced a modern, sleek design, one thing remains unchanged: our people-first approach to car leasing. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionising transportation, offering a greener and more sustainable way to drive. For first-time EV drivers, the switch can seem daunting, but Advanced Vehicle Contracts makes the transition simple with tailored EV leasing solutions.