Russell Hayes

Russell Hayes’ early career was 14 years of motoring journalism in print, television and online. He worked for What Car? and Complete Car magazines, the BBC's original Top Gear programme and Channel 4's Driven. Since 2007 he has written motoring history books on subjects including Lotus, TVR, the Earls Court Motor Show, the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Beetle and Bus and the original Aston Martin V8. Now a full-time author, two more books are in the pipeline for 2023 and 2024.
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Car leasing advice

Car clubs in the UK: what are your options now?

Car clubs can still work for occasional drivers, but availability is patchier after Zipcar’s UK closure. Here’s how the main options compare.
Car safety

Euro NCAP sets new safety standards for 2026

Euro NCAP has introduced its biggest safety testing overhaul in more than a decade, with the first cars now rated under the new 2026 system.
Car buying advice

Should I worry about buying a car from a new Chinese brand?

A new Chinese-brand car can be a smart buy, but don’t judge it on price and equipment alone. Check dealers, warranty, parts, insurance and resale factors first.
Car technology

The data all cars collect while you drive

Your car records more than just fuel use and mileage. We explain what information is being collected and what it can be used for.
Car technology

How much personal data is in my car and what can I do about it?

Your car's infotainment system collects several different types of data on you, like a laptop on wheels. Here's what you can do about it.
Car buying advice

What’s important in a car’s service history?

Looking for a used car, you often see ‘service history’ or ‘full service history (FSH)’ advertised. What does it mean and what’s important?
Car selling advice

How to complete a private sale

You’ve prepped your car, written a great ad and got the price right. Here are our tips on how to follow through to a successful sale.
Car buying advice

How much range do you really need?

A big issue that is raised about EVs is a lack of driving range compared to a petrol car, but are we thinking about this in the wrong way?
Car buying advice

How important is mileage on a used car?

Mileage affects price, resale value and future repair costs. Here’s how to judge whether a high-mileage used car is a smart buy or an expensive mistake.
Driving

Why do so many drivers fear motorways?

Motorways are statistically the safest roads in the UK, yet many drivers feel anxious using them. With preparation, structured practice and gradual exposure, most drivers can build confidence and handle motorway driving calmly.
Car ownership advice

Electric cars and cold weather

The battery range of an electric car goes down when the weather is cold. Here’s why and what you can do about it.
Car buying advice

What are agency car sales? Explaining the pros and cons

How would you like to buy your next car – from a car dealer, from a shopping centre, or maybe from your sofa? We explain agency car sales.
Car insurance

How does modifying your car affect your insurance?

‘Has the vehicle been modified in any way?’ Here we unpick what that vague question actually means when you’re looking for an insurance quote.
Car buying advice

Are you eligible for a Motability car?

Here we take a more in-depth look at how Motability works and who is eligible for a car under the scheme.
Car buying advice

Why the UK is the perfect size for running an electric car

The UK is essentially perfect for EV adoption due to its compact and dense layout compared to the USA or Australia, or even France.
Car technology

EV charging in the UK – what’s the current picture?

It seems that stories about the slow installation of charging points are now off the mark. Here’s our take on the boom in new charge points.