What kind of car does Kate drive?

Can I Leave My Pet in the Car?

News stories about pets dying in hot cars begin appearing in the news media about this time every year. Unfortunately, some pet owners ignore these cautionary tales, assuming that something so tragic could never happen to their pets. No matter how quickly you plan to return to your vehicle, it’s never a good idea to leave your pet inside.

The Interior of Your Car Heats Up Quickly

In just 10 minutes, the interior of a parked car can increase by as much as 20 degrees, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. After an hour, the temperature of your car or truck may be 40 degrees higher than the air temperature.

It’s easy to underestimate how long errands will take. You never know when you’ll encounter long lines in the grocery store, discover that replacing your ATM card will take much more time than you anticipated, or other inconveniences keep you from returning to your pet in a timely manner.

By the time you return to your car, your pet may be suffering from severe heat exhaustion. Signs of trouble include glazed eyes, lethargy, drooling, fever, panting, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, blue or red tongue or gums, or convulsion.

If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to an air-conditioned or shady location. Cool (not cold) moist clothes can decrease your pet’s temperature, but you’ll still need to make an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Without prompt treatment, your pet can suffer organ or heart damage or even die.

But What If I Crack the Window or Turn On the Air-Conditioning?

Opening the window an inch or two isn’t very effective in lowering the temperature inside your vehicle, particularly if it’s hot and humid outside. The interior of your car or truck can get just as hot inside whether the windows are closed or open slightly.

Keeping the engine on and running the air conditioner may seem like a good compromise, but it’s not recommended. Although an air conditioner lowers both temperature and humidity, you never know when the system could malfunction. Air conditioning usually doesn’t work so well when the car is idling.

Leaving the engine running also poses other risks. If your pet is loose inside the car, it could accidentally bump the gear shifter and put your car in drive or reverse. It’s much easier to steal a car or a pet when the engine is running and the doors are unlocked.

Opening windows four or five inches may sound like a better solution. Unfortunately, your car can still become uncomfortably hot even if you lower the windows completely or partially. A determined dog or cat may also find a way to wiggle through the opening and escape into the street or parking lot.

Can I Leave My Pet in the Car During Other Seasons?

Outside temperatures may be lower in the spring and fall, but your car’s interior temperature can still rise to dangerous levels. It’s best to leave your pet at home if it’s not allowed to accompany you to stores or businesses.

Winter weather poses special risks for pets. The temperature in your vehicle can quickly drop, increasing your pet’s risk of developing hypothermia. Leaving your car running may not keep your pet warm enough, as heaters don’t produce much heat when the car idles.

Leaving Your Pet in the Car May Be Illegal

Twenty-eight states have laws that prohibit drivers from leaving pets in hot cars, notes The Dogington Post. Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin allow concerned bystanders to break your vehicle windows or use other means to rescue your pet. Although your windows probably aren’t your primary concern when you leave your dog, cat or small animal in your car, replacement costs and fines can be expensive.

Do you have a question about traveling with your pet or have a concern about your companion’s health? We’ll be glad to answer your questions or schedule an appointment to examine your pet.

Kate Middleton’s first choice of car reflects her identity, says expert — ‘Reliable’

KATE MIDDLETON’s first car is a perfect reflection of the duchess’s identity, a car expert has said. According to reports, the duchess drove a Volkswagen Golf when she first met Prince William in 2005.

Royal cars: The motors favourited by the younger royal families from Audi to Land Rover

cars

The young royals are often seen driving themselves to official engagements. And in-between the events and engagements, they’re often seen behind the wheel taking their children to school, the polo and a quick trip to the park. Read on to see which cars the likes of Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Edward have in their fleet to ferry their family around in.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

They have some pretty sleek cars in their names, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge choose practicality as the number one rule for their family cars. A Land Rover Discovery is said to be one of their favourites, and it’s no surprise why — it’s a seven-seater, so big enough for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and family dog Lupo.

Prince William and Prince Louis leaving hospital

They must feel it’s a safe drive too, as it’s the car Prince William drove to collect Kate Middleton from St Mary’s Hospital in — as well as a newborn Prince Louis, of course. He drove his other two children home from the Lindo Wing in a Range Rover SE Vogue.

Another of the Cambridge’s family cars is an Audi estate, perhaps loved for the size of the boot. As Prince William and Prince Harry played polo at last year’s King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, Prince George and Princess Charlotte were pictured using the boot of the car as a picnic table while mum Kate and baby brother Prince Louis watched on. Cheeky Prince George also used the boot of the car to roll around in — see, roomy!

The Cambridge’s enjoying a picnic at the Polo in 2019

As for the school run, Kate is often seen driving Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Thomas’ School in Battersea in a black Range Rover.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan are BIG Range Rover fans — the couple have a few between them, and were last spotted driving one on their last royal engagement in the UK, to the Commonwealth Service in March.

Meghan and baby Archie at the Polo last year

While in Canada, Meghan was seen picking up a friend from the airport in a Land Rover. Although no baby seat was seen in the back, the sleek SUV is clearly a favourite among the young royals with families; Meghan and Harry drove a Land Rover Discovery to last year’s polo match, and while Kate and William’s children larked about in the back of their Audi estate, new-mum Meghan used the bonnet of her car to balance baby Archie’s suncream on.

Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Wessex

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and daughter Lady Louise Windsor arriving at Buckingham Palace

Yet another royal fan of the Land Rover Discovery is Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The 4×4 is a favourite of her and Prince Edward’s son James, Viscount Severn, 10, who was spotted driving it around the private grounds of Windsor Castle (while sitting on an adult’s lap). The SUV is known for its roominess and ability to handle all-terrains.

Mike and Zara Tindall

Mike and Zara Tindall arriving at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s annual Christmas lunch

The Tindall’s love cars — Zara was the first royal ever to appear on Top Gear — and when they’re not driving around race tracks, the couple’s family car is, of course, a Land Rover. The family live in the countryside so it’s the perfect motor for pootling around muddy tracks and country lanes, and plenty of space for daughters Mia and Lena.

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Cars
Prince William
Prince Harry
Meghan Markle
Kate Middleton
British Royals