5 tips to safer online buying

Five tips to safer online buying

1] Check the name of the website
Always carefully check the spelling of the website address or URL – if anything is misspelt, it’s likely to be an unofficial site.

2] Check the address
It’s not just the web address you should worry about. It’s well worth checking out the postal address too.

3] Look for the padlock
When you go to pay for your purchases, check the website has a secure way of paying. Make sure you look for the padlock symbol ‘https://’ as opposed to ‘http’ – the ‘s’ signifies it’s secure.

4] Pay carefully
If your order is over £100, one of the best ways to pay is by credit card.
That’s because you’ll be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (1974), which will give you valuable consumer protection if there’s a problem with your purchases.

If your order is under £100, look to use a Visa debit card so you can make a claim under the Visa Chargeback scheme.

5] Keep your receipt
Once you’ve made your payment, always keep hold of the order confirmation in case of any dispute.  That way you’ve got proof of your order and payment.

Winter Checks for your car, a DIY guide

In this quick guide I will demonstrate how you check your car is ready for winter.

Under the Bonnet

Under the bonnet you will notice things are colour coded.

Checking the Engine Oil

  • Remove dip stick
  • At the end of dipstick you have a marker to check the oil level
  • Unscrew oil cap and put the oil in, one pint at a time, let it settle for a few minutes.
  • Check with the dipstick again until oil is visible.

Break fluid check.

  • Look for the minimum and maximum level
  • This is a visual check only.
  • If you notice the level low, do not drive. Call your mechanic or your breakdown service.

Engine coolant check

  • This is a visible minimum and maximum check.

Windscreen washer fluid

  • A visual check
  • It has a minimum and maximum level
  • Use a third of the solution with water.

Tyres

After checking under the bonnet the next thing to do is a visual check on the tyres.

You want to check the right side edge for tears and bulges.

Look at tread. The reason you have tread is to remove water from the tyre and it helps the tyre grip to the road and to break safely.

 If tread runs flush with markers then it is time to change your tyres.

 If you have a spare tyre in the boot, be sure to check that too.


Lights

Checking your lights is a visible check.

  • Check that they are clean, and not damaged.
  • Put the side lights on and inspect them.
  • Check your dipped lights.
  • Check your fog lights.
  • Check the left and right indicator.

 Do the same at the rear of the vehicle

Do a visual inspection to check they are clean and free from damage.

Get a friend to press the break pedal.

Next you want to check the Windscreen wipers and washer is working.

As you can see I have already topped-up with Windscreen washer fluid.

Make sure your wipers are actually clearing your screen, if not you may need new wipers.

Common Sense

There are a few common sense things you can do before you embark on your journey.

If the weather is particularly bad like heavy snow or dense fog, ask yourself do I really need to drive?

If you are going to drive, then you will need to remember the following:

  1. Check the weather forecast, take a little food and water with you.
  1. Have plenty of fuel at least a quarter level depending on your journey.
  1. Always have an alternative route planned.
  1. Be sure to charge your mobile phone in case you need to make an emergency call and finally subscribe to a breakdown service as be sure to have  your membership card or details with you before you set off.