ParentWheels - Family Car Reviews and Child Car Seat Reviews from Real Families

Win with Woodley Autos

2012-05-24T15:04:00.000+01:00

Here at ParentWheels we are planning our own European road trip this summer. If, like us, you are planning on driving in Europe then you need to read up on the rules of the road in the countries you will be travelling to. Many european countries have strict rules on what you must (or must not) carry in your car.

This summer, for instance, the French will introduce a new law that states you are required to carry a personal breathalyser kit in your car. The fabulous people at WoodleyAutoCentre.com have offered one lucky ParentWheels reader the chance to win their own french driving survival kit which includes a breathalyser, high visibility vest and emergency triangle to keep you within the law when driving in France.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is to head over to the Woodley Autos facebook page or ParentWheels facebook page, look for the competition and find the question you need to answer. Once you know your answer, come back here to fill in the form with all of your details. The competition closes on the 6th June. Good luck everyone.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

The competition is open to UK residents only.

Only one entry per person. Multiple, automated or bulk entries will result in immediate disqualification

The winner will be contacted by email.

Entries will only be deemed valid if a valid email address and postal address is provided when entering

The winner will be selected at random from all valid submissions received by 11.59pm on 6th June.

The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into

The winner's name will be published on this site

What should you look for when buying a family car?

2012-05-15T16:43:00.000+01:00

Most people find buying a car incredibly complex at the best of times, but it can be even more so when you're thinking of purchasing a family vehicle! Here are some tips that should help you navigate this tricky process.

Size
It's pretty obvious, really, but a good family car should be big enough to fit everyone in. Don't just look at the number of seats available; make sure you also consider things like leg room, space for toys and bags by the seats and storage space in the boot and on the top-mounted rack, if needed.

Think about all the things you're likely to take in your car with you - especially large items such as child car seats and pushchairs. It's a good idea to measure these before you start perusing cars so you know what kind of dimensions you're looking for.

Safety
Safety is a crucial consideration when it comes to selecting a car suitable for ferrying young children about. This is especially important when buying a used vehicle, but it's also worth bearing in mind when choosing a brand new one.

Manufacturers need to follow specific safety rules by law, so it's easy to assume all new cars should be safe as standard. However, levels of safety can vary from vehicle to vehicle, so check out the ratings on the Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) website if you want to look up a particular model.

For used cars, keep an eye out for any signs of damage to the body, particularly corrosion or rust. Make sure you always view cars during the day in good light, so you don't miss any scratches or dents, and ask about their registration, MOT and service history.

Ease of use
It's all very well having an extremely safe and well-sized family car, but it's pretty useless if getting in and out of it is troublesome! That's why it's wise to consider how wide the doors open - you'll need them to provide plenty of room when installing and taking out child car seats or simply dealing with the stress of getting multiple children in and out of the vehicle several times a day.

Also look at how easy it is to get to all storage space, whether it's under or behind the seats, and how straightforward it is to adjust or remove headrests for child seat installation. Other features to keep an eye out for include sliding and reclining seats, air conditioning and in-car power points to help keep the kids happy with their portable games consoles or DVD players on long journeys.

Recommended models
Many manufacturers have wised up to the needs of families with young children and have produced some excellent cars as a result. BMW is well-known for its reliability - look out for models like the 520d Touring and the X3 at BMW car auctions.

Alternatively, the Volkswagen Passat and Golf come highly recommended by What Car? magazine, as does the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Octavia. Whichever vehicle you opt for, make sure you read up about it before you hand over your money - there are some excellent car review websites that do a good job of explaining all the pros and cons of the models they test drive.

This is a sponsored post but that doesn't stop it being fun to read and topical... its one of the most asked questions from parentwheels readers.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

2012-05-09T13:36:00.000+01:00

I have yet to try a hybrid car; in fact, I've never even travelled in one, let alone driven one. Next month I'm hoping to try out my very first hybrid for a review on the blog but I'd love to hear from readers who have tried one. The new Volvo V60 is a hybrid that also charges using a plug - could plug-in cars really take off in the UK? Note:- The video below contains sponsored content.

Two Great Value Car Seats On Offer At ASDA

2012-04-24T20:06:00.003+01:00

ASDA launched their latest baby & toddler event in store and online this Monday and it runs for two whole weeks. There are some really impressive discounts on lots of different items for babies and small children but these two car seats caught my eye immediately as they are functional car seats at incredible value. I would point out that I've never personally tried either of these seats but I have seen both in the flesh and they both seem like acceptable quality for the price.

The Graco Junior Maxi Car Seat is a Group 2/3 seat for children aged 4 years to around 12 years (15-36kg). It has an integrated seat belt guide within the headrest, adjustable backrest and armrests plus cup holders on each side for your baby’s beaker. The Graco Junior Maxi Car Seat can be converted into a booster seat by removing the backrest. Currently it is on offer for just £25.

The top-selling Nania Trio Plus Car Seat is a budget group 0/1/2 seat for children from birth upto 25kg. From birth to about 10kg you can use the seat in a rear-facing position before then moving it to a forward facing seat for toddlers. It converts into what is effectively a booster seat for older children and can be used with the main car seat belt. The Nania Trio Plus Car seat currently costs £25. It isn't the most impressive quality car seat on the market but for those on a limited budget, or as a spare seat it is functional.

There are a number of other car seats and travel accessories on offer as part of the ASDA baby & toddler event too.

Britax Launches new Trifix ISOFIX Car Seat

2012-04-18T16:15:00.000+01:00

The Trifix is the latest Group 1 car seat (suitable for children from 9-18kg) by Britax. The notable thing about the Trifix is that it is the first UK car seat that I have seen to use the top-tether anchor point for ISOFIX. Britax have always been the UK pioneers for ISOFIX in the UK and this is the next step on their journey.

Many readers will already know the benefits of the traditional ISOFIX mounting points at the base of a car seat. Using ISOFIX in itself doesn't make the seat much safer than any other, but it greatly reduces the likelihood of you fitting it incorrectly. An ISOFIX seat is easier to install because it clicks into place, rather than requiring you to thread a seat belt correctly and tension it appropriately. The two standard ISOFIX mounting points are now found on most new cars and help to reduce the sideways movement of a car seat in the event of impact.

In addition to this, the new Trifix features a v-shaped top-tether at the back of the seat which allows you to attach it to the rear ISOFIX anchor point in your car, if your car provides this. Your rear anchor point will ordinarily be a hook above the rear seats or on the back of the rear seats - get your car manufacturer or a qualified Britax installer to identify these points for you.

The V-tether is a sturdy strap which passes over the headrest of your car and attaches to the rear anchor point. You tighten it into place and this reduces the level of forward movement of the car seat in the event of a front or rear collision. Coupled with a 5-point harness, this greatly reduces the risk of injury to your child.

The Britax Trifix features all of the standard features you would expect of any Britax car seat. High quality, washable fabric covers, a good level of side-impact protection around the head and shoulders, audible and visible indicators to show when the seat is correctly snapped into place and the straps tightened. The base of the Trifix is quite bulky to allow for the ISOFIX fittings but it isn't as heavy as some Group 1 car seats I've seen on the market. The height of the head-restraint is easily adjustable using a single pull-ring at the top of the seat.

Mantis Perfect Wheels Alloy Cleaner Review

2012-04-15T17:00:00.000+01:00

We are big fans of Mantis car cleaning products so were really pleased when they asked us to try out their new formula "Perfect Wheels" rim cleaner.

In the run up to my new baby's arrival I have officially gone into a cleaning frenzy and that isn't just limited to the inside of the house. I have hoovered the car seats, cleaned the inside of the car and now, thanks to Mantis, I also have shiny alloys.

The beauty of most Mantis products is that they don't require any water. The foaming rim cleaner just sprays directly on to the wheel rim and comes up in a big froth which loosens the dirt such that you can wipe it off with one of the special Mantis cleaning cloths and then polish them up to a shine. The new formula gives a noticeably more impressive foam and required me to barely have to scrub at all which is handy, because I'm not in the mood for scrubbing right now.

Before

The Mantis Perfect Wheels also has a brightening effect on the alloys, leaving them looking as shiny as if I had taken the car for a valet clean. Maybe I just drive to grubby places but I find the shininess doesn't last for more than a few days but that I don't need to clean again for a number of weeks because it leaves a residue on the alloys that protects them from dirt and dust for several weeks.

Mantis Perfect Wheels can be bought online for £9.99 from www.mantis-performance.com

After

What to pack for a 3 year old and a 3 month old on the road

2012-04-12T11:00:00.000+01:00

Now that we have started to put in place firm plans for #FamilyRoadTrip2012 , I'm beginning to panic about how much stuff we are going to need to take with us as a family for 10 days away from home with a three year old and a three month old. We have a large estate car with a mammoth boot space but really, can we fit everything we need for 10 days in the car with us?

Being 37 weeks pregnant, I've allowed myself to start listing things. Lists make pregnancy, and the accompanying baby brain, all the more bearable! I've started a Babyhuddle list to track ideas of lightweight, convenient and compact travel accessories that we may need to take with us.

"Things for a road trip" on Babyhuddle

I'd really appreciate it if you could comment (or use babyhuddle to propose additions) to leave me some more ideas for great lightweight travel accessories for babies and toddlers.

So far I have a wide range of things on my list from Car Seats to Steriliser bags. From travel cots to nappies. Is there anything that you think I've missed? Have you got any gems you would like to share? Perhaps you can think of a REALLY compact buggy we could take with us, or some good ideas for in-car entertainment.

Good Value Used Family Cars

2012-04-10T15:46:00.009+01:00

If you are looking for a decent family car, it may be worth checking out used car prices before laying down a hefty deposit on a brand new car. Here are some of the best family cars available to buy from most car dealers, which make it worth going for second hand.

Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is currently being bought second hand from between £5,000 and £8,000 and the five-year, unlimited mileage warranty can be transferred to new owners making the Hyundai i10 a great choice when considering used cars. The car is perfect for a family of four tops and was created for city living so would act sufficiently for the school run but may not be the right choice for a country life style or off road adventures.

Ford Mondeo

The classic Ford model: Mondeo has always been a reliable buy, especially in the used car field and the latest model has been seen at the top spot for second hand vehicle purchase. Many quality vehicles can be found within reputable online and print used car dealer networks. The newest version of the Mondeo is only three years old and if you can catch one within its first two years you can enjoy part of the manufacturer’s unlimited mileage warranty. Used car prices are showing you can generally pick up a Ford Mondeo for as low as £7,000.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus may be the most economical of all family used cars. Models from 2004 and 2005 have been seen to be sold at only £4,000. Focus prices have been tumbling progressively recently, perhaps due to a new model forecasted in the next couple of years.

Keep a look out for a model with the 89bhp 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine, if you are successful in this or a similar purchase you will be looking at and economical fuel use of just 62.7mpg and emissions of 118g/km of CO2, making road tax a thrifty £30 per year.

This is a featured post by but that doesn't stop it being fun to read. All the images in this post came from newspress.

Citroen DS5 Family Car Review

2012-04-09T11:00:00.000+01:00

Today I'm sharing a bit of bloggy love for a fellow blogger I've met a couple of times and who is a self-proclaimed car nut, Sabina from Deep in Mummy Matters.

Sabina recently won a competition where the prize was a luxury trip to france to spend 3 days testing out the new Citroen DS5. You can view the highlights of Sabina's review in the video below (PS. before anyone mentions it, NO, I will not receive any credit if you watch the video below, the credit expired well before I uploaded the video).

On day one Sabina flew down to St. Tropez with a number of other winners.

On day two she got to experience the the interior and drive a left-hand drive for the first time ever. In the afternoon they used the DS5 to explore what I consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Very jealous.

On day three the put the car to a number of tests (and took some fab photos).

It looks like an AMAZING experience - we can't wait to find out more about the Citroen DS5.

Parkers Best Family Hatchback and other award-winners

2012-04-07T11:00:00.005+01:00

Earlier this week, Parkers, the car price guide people, announced the winners of their Cost of Motoring New Car Awards. The Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE 5dr was named as the overall winner for 2012.

For families looking to purchase a cost-efficient new car, the Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI came out top for family hatchbacks, the Toyota Avensis Tourer 2.0D was awarded 'best family estate' and the 'best people carrier' went to the Volkswagen Touran 1.6TDi BlueMotion.

The Honda Civic came out on top based from figures collated by Parkers’ Cost of Motoring tool, which calculates the hidden costs associated with owning and running a new car, including fuel consumption, depreciation, servicing and road tax.

In total there were 11 category winners in this year’s Awards and in each category there are separate price brackets. This year Parkers also added another price bracket in the Eco cars category to reflect the increase in the number of ‘green’ models now on offer in the new car market.

The full list of winners by category is:

City Car Winner = Kia Picanto 1.0 1 5dr,/li>
Small Hatchback = Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI Match 3dr

Medium Hatchback = Honda Civic Hatchback 1.4 i-VTEC SE 5dr

Family Hatchback = Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Family Estate = Toyota Avensis Tourer 2.0D-4D TR 5dr

People Carrier = Volkswagen Touran 1.6TDi BlueMotion Tech 5dr

Crossover = Nissan Juke Visia 1.5 dCi

Eco Car = Honda Jazz 1.3IMA HE Hybrid 5dr

Sports Coupe = MINI Coupe 1.6 Cooper 3dr

Premium Executive = Audi A6 2.0 TDi S line 4dr

4x4 = Range Rover Evoque 2.2 TD4 Pure

Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012 Overall Winner =
Honda Civic Hatchback 1.4 i-VTEC SE 5dr

Search for all of these award-winning used cars on motors.co.uk.

What does that road sign actually mean? live WebTV show with Quentin Willson

2012-04-05T11:00:00.004+01:00

Live WebTV show with Quentin Willson at 3pm Today (or watch back afterwards)

Family Road Trip 2012 - The Itinerary

2012-04-03T11:00:00.004+01:00

We are slowly putting into place our plans for our mammoth Family Road Trip across Europe this summer with Mummy, Daddy, a 3 year old and a 3 month old. I thought I would take this chance to share our current plans with you and get some feedback on where to visit on the way.

Day 1: Wokingham - Ashford in Kent (straight after work in the evening!)
Day 2: Ashford - Dover - Dunkirk - Eindhoven(NL)
Day 3: Eindhoven - Celle (GER)
Day 4: Celle
Day 5: Celle - Walbryzch(POL)
Day 6: Walbryzch
Day 7: Walbryzch
Day 8: Walbryzch - Hof (GER)
Day 9: Hof - Bonn, Seigburg
Day 10: Bonn - Dunkirk - Dover - Wokingham

There are some long days of driving in there - most days between 3.5 and 6 hours on the road (not including the time taken to feed and change a baby, or cater to the toilet-training needs of a preschooler)! It is going to be a challenge but hopefully a fun one and an experience I can't wait to share with my daughter.

If you want to stay uptodate with the planning for the trip you can follow us on twitter @parentwheels or use the hashtag #FamilyRoadTrip2012

Wish us luck!

Live WebTV show this Thursday with Quentin Willson

2012-03-31T21:19:00.005+01:00

This Thursday the 5th of April I'll be hosting a widget to display a live WebTV show with Quentin Willson entitled "But what does that road sign actually mean?" Come back here at 3pm on Thursday to view the show live, or watch it back afterwards.

We all had to learn them to pass our driving tests; we see them every time we drive and they are vital to road safety, but how many of us actually remember what all the different road signs mean?

Who can really remember The Highway Code, recall stopping distances and recognise all the different road signs?

For most of the nation, driving tests and exams are not much more than a distant memory, and many of us are truly stuck in our ways when it comes to how we drive. But, as we continue to make the same silly mistakes, forget rules and ignore road signs, we are potentially putting ourselves and our fellow drives in danger every time we start the engine and start off.

So with this in mind, the time has come for the nation to be to be tested again, thanks to Goodyear, who champion road safety and are tyre experts. So let’s really see how much we all remember from our driving tests - do you think you’re up to it?

If so, then log into the live and interactive webTV show with Quentin Willson where he will test you to give you an idea of how well you really know your driving laws.

Everyone who enters their answers into the question box below the show, make sure you include your email address as you will automatically be entered into a competition to win a set of Goodyear tyres!

You can submit your questions below before the show.

Keeping the kids entertained on long car journeys - Family Road Trip 2012

2012-03-29T12:14:00.002+01:00

This guest post was written free of charge by Jamie Gibbs of Confused.com, the breakdown cover comparison site.

You know the saying that when you’re going somewhere on holiday that “getting there is half the fun”? Well, whoever said that never went on a road trip with very bored kids in the back seat. It could be that you do frequent car trips to visit distant relatives on the other side of the UK, or you could follow in Emma’s footsteps and undertake an epic pan-European road trip. A bored child is an agitated child, and it could cause problems if they distract the driver. Here are a few tips to make sure everyone stays happy on the journey.

Activity bag
If your children are old enough, give them a small rucksack or bag and let them pack a bunch of their favourite toys, games and books before you leave. Giving them the choice of packing whatever they want means that they’re less likely to get bored than with things you pack for them. You can also get a few surprise treats for the journey such as an activity book, magazine or CD of their favourite songs. When their attention starts to waiver you can spring one of the surprise presents on them and keep them happy for a bit longer.

Go digital
Almost everyone owns a smart phone or a smart tablet these days, and there are dozens of free apps that you can download to keep the little ones entertained. A simple keyboard or painting app can keep them occupied for ages (I’m in my mid-twenties and it still keeps me entertained). Add to that the range of free eBooks, audiobooks and games that are available, and you have a host of entertainment activities at your fingertips. If you do decide to go down this route, don’t rely too much on tech to stop them getting bored. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game of I-Spy or 20 Questions where the whole family can participate and interact.

Take longer breaks
You might be on a tight time schedule, but it works out much better if when you stop you take a bit longer than normal. Rather than stop at the services just to use the toilets, take half an hour or an hour to let everyone stretch out and get rid of any built up energy. Some services will have areas for kids to play, which they’ll much prefer to being cramped in the car. Taking a longer break will mean they’re less likely to get bored so quickly once you get back on the road. It also means you’ve given everyone plenty of time to use the toilets so you won’t need to make frequent bathroom stops later on.

Depending on how old your children are, different activities and games work better than others. If you have a baby in a rear-facing car seat, think about putting something colourful on the rear seat or nearby that they can look at and touch. Even if you’re a baby, nothing sounds more boring than looking at the upholstery for hours on end.

Is your car seat putting your child in danger?

2012-03-25T16:41:00.004+01:00

Today's guest post is from Choice Mobile Mechanics who are local to me in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. They offer free child seat clinic days, and on-site child seat checks at the subsidised cost of £29. You can follow Choice Mobile Mechanics on facebook and twitter

Each year 6,000 children under 12 are injured or killed in motor accidents. In 2010 alone, Hampshire statistics showed that 84% of car seats were fitted incorrectly. Many of these child injuries and deaths could have been avoided, had the child seat been correctly fitted.

When choosing a car seat, most families visit a large retailer who will advise them on which seat to purchase, and how to fit it. Unfortunately, the quality of this advice can vary massively. A recent “Which” undercover investigation, consisting of 35 visits to major child seat retailers, showed that almost half of the stores failed to install the child seat correctly.

Choice Mobile Mechanics started out in business on June 2011 and are dedicated to car and road safety. When their Director Chris Poulter discovered the extent of the child seat problem, he felt they simply had to take action.

Chris explains

“Parents spend time and money on choosing and buying a car seat for their child, but choosing the wrong one or incorrectly fitting it could mean their child is in danger. With retailers having an agenda to hit sales targets, and not necessarily offering accurate advice on fitting, we felt it was hugely important that parents had somewhere to turn to for independent, impartial advice.”

Chris continues

“We have invested heavily in training our mechanics and telephone operators to become experts in child car seat safety. Not only do we offer convenient on-site child seat checks that people can fit around their busy lives, but we also encourage people to give us a call with any questions they might have. By raising awareness in the community and providing free advice, hopefully we can help to reduce the number of children injured and killed on our roads each year.”

Choice Mobile Mechanics are based in Petersfield and provide their mobile car services to a large area of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. For more information and for various child safety resources please visit their website www.choicemobilemechanics.com

Win a Jaguar XK8!

2012-03-17T09:30:00.001Z

I received an invite to publish this sponsored video for the new series of Wheeler Dealers which starts next week on the Discovery channel. I wouldn't normally have posted it other than the fact it includes a chance to win a Jag! I know there are lots of regular ParentWheels readers who are also compers so i hope you enjoy!

Why My 2 Year Old Loves Her Kiddy Car Seat

2012-03-13T20:00:00.000Z

As much as I love my Kiddy Guardian Pro 2 and Cruiserfix Pro car seats, I've always maintained that a car seat is as much about your child's opinion as it is your own.

As a parent, I really rate the safety features of the Kiddy car seats I've tried and loved - the impact shield to protect delicate bodies from the forces of a car accident, the crumple zones where the seatbelt rests against the seat and the protective headrest made from light material to absorb side impacts.

However, we first tried the Kiddy Energy Pro when my daughter, Lara was approximately 1 year old, we chose not to continue using it. The main reason for this was that she didn't enjoy being in it. I wouldn't force her to love the Kiddy as much as I did so we stuck with our existing car seat which also had its own advantages.

Now that Lara is older, she really really enjoys being in her Kiddy Guardian Pro group 1,2,3 car seat. I think Lara is the best advert for the seat - we've found a seat we both agree on for safety, ease of use and comfort!

So, without further ado, I'm passing control over to Lara, my 32 month old, to explain what she likes about the Kiddy Guardian Pro.

note: If you're wondering what the thing sitting on the base of the seat is, it is a Summer Infant PiddlePad Waterproof Car Seat Liner that we use in case of accidents now that our daughter is officially toilet trained.

Kiddy now have a dedicated UK facebook page.

Five quick and easy ways to reduce the cost of owning a car

2012-03-12T18:30:00.000Z

Image: Dundee Photographics / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Parents throughout the UK are walking a financial tightrope at the moment when it comes to owning a car.

Fuel prices are at a record high, insurance premiums are costly, especially for young parents who have recently taken out young drivers insurance policies, and trips to the garage for running repairs, services and MOTs are all factors that are putting a strain on budgets in households from Land's End to John O'Groats.

These are tough times, but reducing the cost of being a car owner is easier than you may think. Here are five ways to save money and make sure you stay on the road:

Car share whenever and wherever
Make using your car more cost effective by lift sharing as much as possible, which is especially handy when it comes to the commute to and from work. Find out who lives near to you and find a way of making it work. Take it in turns to drive with somebody else and you’ll slash your fuel bill, not to mention reduce wear and tear. Also fill up when it’s cheap to do so as petrol prices at certain places (for example, service stations) can be considerably more than elsewhere.

Turn the air conditioning off
Spring is upon us and the temperature is slowly but surely starting to rise. That means car journeys may start to get a little uncomfortable as it gets warmer, particularly for your little ones. While it’s tempting to just stick the air con up to the max, be sparing in how you use it as it impacts on fuel consumption.

Do a bit of DIY maintenance
Get into the habit of going to the nearest petrol station every month to check your tyres are inflated to the correct level. If they are over or under the recommended pressure, which should be documented in your car’s handbook, it will impact on petrol consumption. It’s also important to check fluid levels under the bonnet regularly. Prevention is always better than the cure, as the old saying goes.

Become a better driver
Harsh accelerating and braking has a knock-on impact on fuel consumption and increases the wear and tear on your vehicle, so become a better driver, it’ll also reduce the chances of being involved in an accident, which in turn will help to keep down the cost of car insurance.

Shop around for insurance
It has never been easier to get a good deal for car insurance. There are plenty of online resources that allow you to compare the array of quotes available from different insurers quickly and easily. Never, ever automatically renew with the same insurer because switching could pocket you savings of a couple of hundred pounds. Another tip for getting cheaper insurance is increasing your excess, although check first that you can actually afford to pay it in the event of being involved in an accident. Paying annually in one lump sum also works out cheaper than paying monthly.

This is a sponsored guest post but that doesn't stop it being fun to read.

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings

2012-03-06T16:48:00.000Z

This is a sponsored post but that doesn't stop it being fun, informative and relevant to read

If you are a parent looking to buy a new car then no doubt you will have come across the concept of the Euro NCAP safety rating.

Euro NCAP is an independent European organization that performs crash tests in order to assess vehicle safety. Each vehicle’s final score is assigned a rating of up to five stars, indicating the maximum level of security that is obtainable with today’s technology. This score is calculated with the results obtained from 3 different impact tests that measure: adult, child, and pedestrian protection. Finally, the safety assist of the vehicle is evaluated and taken into consideration in order to determine the final score. The score for each test is expressed in percentages. For example, if a vehicle obtains a 90% score on child protection, this means that it offers a degree of safety that is very close to the maximum degree available with current technology.

Since 2009, the Euro NCAP safety ratings have changed quite significantly in order to reflect changes in technology and to push the boundaries of vehicle safety. Euro NCAP describe this process of improvement as criteria evolution. Basically it means that the shift in focus is from passenger safety (where most car manufacturers have significantly improved in recent years) further towards pedestrian safety.

Over the years, Euro NCAP has been a key driver for car manufacturers to improve specific areas of their safety. Child and passenger protection has been key - particularly when it comes to side impact protection and installation of child restraint mechanisms.

With the latest evolution to the Euro NCAP ratings, pedestrian safety and passive safety systems will be taken into consideration more than before (an example of a passive safety system is the alarm that reminds passengers to fasten their safety belts).

So does this mean that my car is no longer safe? No. It just means that the bar has been raised and that if your car was tested this year then it is very possible it wouldn't rate as highly as it did in the year it was tested. Likewise, what is good enough for 5 stars in 2012, may not be good enough in the future.

Land Rovers: The Safest Family Cars Around?

2012-02-29T19:09:00.007Z

Today's Guest Post is by Chris Taylor.

As any parent will know, keeping your child safe is at the top of a parent’s list of priorities. Whether this is in the home, when out in town or in any other walk of life; there is nothing as important as making sure that your child is safe. This is particularly evident when it comes to the type of car that parents choose, as manufacturers have now started to incorporate all kinds of different safety features into every car that they build. Land Rovers perhaps lead the way though, meaning that parents who own Land Rovers undoubtedly have one of the safest cars on the road. But why are Land Rovers just so safe? Read on to find out…

Depositphotos.com/ndenisov

Let’s first look at the protection provided inside the car, as this plays a crucial role in the protection of any passengers, but particularly children. Most cars only have airbags that protect the front passengers, but this is not much use to parents. Children usually sit in the back – which is always the safest choice – so they don’t get the added protection of airbags in a crash. With Land Rovers though, the airbags extend all around the car, popping out at the sides of the back seats to protect those travelling in the back. It is also easy to disable the passenger airbag if you have a young child in the front seat – something that you should always do – simply by flicking a switch. Just remember to turn it back on again though once the child has left the car.

Brakes are also obviously an incredibly important factor when it comes to keeping passengers safe from other road users, and Land Rovers are renowned for having some of the best in the business. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking) assists hugely when braking at high speeds and stops the car from skidding uncontrollably and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) also helps the Land Rover to come to a stop in the safest, yet quickest, manner possible. The brakes on Land Rovers are also disc brakes, which are without doubt the safest and most reliable type. All Land Rovers feature these highly important safety aspects, regardless of whether you purchase a Freelander or a Discovery, or even a Defender!

When looking at the various safety aspects of Land Rovers, there is one feature that many people overlook, but it is incredibly important: Land Rovers are huge! As you might imagine, the larger the car, the more protection it will provide against impact, especially head on impacts and impact from the rear. The body is also further strengthened to make the inside extremely tough to damage, while there are also crumple zones at the rear and front of the vehicle to absorb much of the impact of a collision – which will restrict the amount of damage caused to the passenger area. There is no doubting that the size and the quality of the build is something that contributes heavily to Land Rover safety and makes parents who own Land Rovers feel safe in the knowledge that their car is built with the express purpose of protecting its occupants.

That’s enough with the facts and figures though – you probably want to know what the real experts say. When it comes to car safety, there is no organisation more knowledgeable than NCAP, who provide comprehensive reports on car safety. When reviewing the safety of the Land Rover Freelander, they commented that

“the car was awarded maximum points for its protection of both child dummies”

When reviewing the Discovery, they were equally as impressed with the protection offered to both children and adults. NCAP are the industry experts in safety and you can find information on all kinds of safety aspects by visiting their website.

So, it is obvious that Land Rovers provide a great choice for parents looking for cars that will protect their children as much as possible in the event of an accident on the road. Both new and second hand Land Rovers are widely available in the UK and come at a price that surprises many, so perhaps it’s time you thought about switching over to this giant of British engineering and design?

Exciting plans for the summer - ParentWheels Family Road Trip 2012

2012-02-23T14:14:00.004Z

The astute among you may have noticed me tweeting mysterious tweets about a trip to Europe. It is very much in the planning process but right now, we are planning a mammoth trip across France, the Netherlands and Germany, into Poland then back through central Germany and Belgium with a three month old baby and a three year old child.

I'm planning on getting all of my Parentwheels and Mellow Mummy readers involved throughout the entire journey but right now I need your help deciding on a route. We know our final destination in Poland and we know we want to visit Celle in northern Germany (my birthplace) but other than that, we're open to ideas.

So, given the very approximate route below, where would you recommend we stay or visit with small children en-route?

Cars I've Owned

2012-02-19T11:00:00.001Z

I'm a blogger, I'm a mum, therefore it goes without saying that I like lists so here, as a way of de-mystifying the real me, is a list of all the cars I've ever owned. Want to share your list? pop it in the comments or write a post with your list and I can link it up from here!

Age 17. Peugeot 309 (OK, not strictly mine, it was my parents car when learning to drive). I hated it.

Age 18. Renault Clio (again, my mum's car) - nippy and great fun, if a little cramped.

Age 21. Peugeot 106 Independence. The first car I ever bought. Brand new and a perfect first car.

Age 23. Alfa Romeo 146. (The boyfriend's car!). I miss the Alfa so much. It was responsive, powerful and fluid and would have made a good small family car but finding spare parts for an old Alfa Romeo is hard and expensive.

Age 27. Ford Focus Titanium. Simple and easy to drive and maintain. A good family car for small families and young children. No-nonsense. Very reliable.

Age 32 (eek). Audi A6 Avant. Massive estate car that is the most simple car I've ever driven. More rewarding that the Focus but not as much fun as the Alfa. For a big car it is INCREDIBLY easy to park and suits us well for a growing family.

Car Seat Review - Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Convertible Multi Group 0+

2012-02-17T11:00:00.000Z

This car seat review was written by David Rice who works for Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, specialising in entertainment and safety accessories for cars.

As parents, we all strive to provide as safe and secure an environment for our children, but purchasing the wrong type of child car seat, or incorrectly using the right type, can be an extremely dangerous option. In a random test in February 2012, Meridian TV found 70% of parents in Portsmouth were unwittingly endangering their children through their choice of car seat.

When the right type of seat is purchased and installed, it can provide the ultimate in protection for little ones, but it’s hugely important for mothers and fathers to do some research before committing to a purchase. In my opinion, one of the best seats on the market is undoubtedly the Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Convertible Multi Group 0+, which is available from a number of outlets.

Any parent will be pleased to note this chair is especially sturdy, a reassuring quality that gives it a clear advantage over many of its rivals. The seat is suitable for the 0-4 age bracket, thanks to the use of body support cushions for the younger ones. As always, safety is the most important factor, of course, but comfort for the user is also a high priority.

Quick release should the worst happen
The five-point harness gives the Safe Voyage a high level of restraint, and ensures the child is secure at all times. The harness sleeves add to the comfort, and as you would expect there is a quick release buckle which enables parents to remove the child from the car quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.

Another area in which the Safe Voyage scores well is the extra protection offered by the strong sides. A significant percentage of accidents occur through side impact, so this is of particular concern for parents. And thanks to the multi-recline seating positions, you can always find the ideal configuration to suit your child. Although it can be used in both the front and rear seats, it’s recommended for rear seat usage only.

One more safety issue that is worth bearing in mind if you plan to purchase a Safe Voyage is that it doesn’t convert to a booster seat. If your child becomes too big for the seat, the only option is to purchase another one that is suitable for older children.

All in all, the Safe Voyage represents a sensible purchase for parents of babies, because it’s sturdy and adaptable. It’s available from various retailers that sell car accessories both in the high street and on the web, and costs somewhere between £50-£70.

Child car seats - a practical guide for parents

2012-02-14T20:04:00.002Z

If you’re planning on travelling with children in the car, you’ll need the appropriate child car seats. Here is a short guide to help you make the right choice.

Since 2006 it has been law that children under the age of three must always use an appropriate restraint, unless travelling in a taxi where none is available.

Older children are similarly protected: where cars have seat belts fitted, the appropriate child seat must be used, until the child is 12 years old or greater than 135cm in height.

The type of car seat that you need, and its orientation, depends on the weight of your child.

Group 0 and 0+

Babies up to 13kg need to use a baby seat. This should be rear facing, have integral straps and be secured in place using your car’s existing seat belts or ISOFix system. If the baby seat is to be installed in the front of the car, the airbag in that part of the vehicle MUST be deactivated first. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag could propel the baby seat rearwards.

Group I

These seats are for babies and toddlers weighing between 9kg and 18kg. They can be forward or rearward facing, with integral straps or an impact shield. They are secured using your car’s seat belts or the ISOFix system.

Group II

This type of seat is for children weighing 15kg or more. They are forward facing and may have a back and/or wings to help hold the child in position. The seat’s essential purpose is to raise the child up to a level whereby the car’s existing seat belt system can be used to secure both the seat and the child.

Group III

Many designs can accommodate your child until they are big enough to wear adult seat belts without a child seat. Otherwise, for children between 22kg and 36kg in weight, or for those heavier than 36kg but less than 135cm in height, a child booster seat or cushion is required.

Once your child reaches the age of 12, or is taller than 135cm, they can begin using adult seat belts without a child seat. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for making sure that all children under the age of 14 belt up.

Safety mark

All baby and child car seats and booster cushions suitable for use in the UK are printed with the European safety mark. If possible, you should try the seat in your car before you buy it and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If in any doubt, the retailer should be able to give you a demonstration.

Are you covered?

If you have an accident with child car seats in the vehicle, they should always be replaced as their safety could be compromised. Check to see if your car insurance cover includes replacement child car seats.

Today's guest post is brought to you by the Sainsbury's Finance blog - it isn't sponsored, just part of a campaign they have going on and it seemed particularly relevant to ParentWheels.

Perfect Posture for Fitting Kids Car Seats

2012-02-11T11:00:00.005Z

The British Chiropractic Association have a wide range of tips for new parents and mums-to-be about how to protect your back from the damage that everyday parenting tasks can cause. One of the things I noticed most when I became a new mum was how heavy an infant carrier car seat is, and how much of a struggle it is for me, as a tall woman, to bend in and out of the car to fit my child.

When my daughter first moved into a Group 1 car seat, I was very thankful for the twisting functionality of the Maxi Cosi Axiss which reduced the need for me to reach all the way into the car (unfortunately she grew out of the seat quickly).

Here are a small number of tips from top chiropracters for maintaining a good posture when fitting your child in their car seat:-

When putting your baby into the car, hold the baby close to you as you move towards the vehicle.

Keep your back straight and only bend your knees when you have got as close to the car seat as possible. Only at this stage should you reach out to put the baby in the seat.

If you’re carrying the baby in a chair, rest the chair on the edge of the car seat, then manoeuvre it into position within the car, keeping your knees bent and back straight.

Don’t try to reach out too early and avoid bending from the waist.

Image credit: Dorel PO