Have you heard of 'wet' timing belts? While many drivers are unfamiliar with this type of engine part, they're a common component in many cars produced between 2012 and 2021, including some of the most popular makes from top manufacturers like Ford, Peugeot, and many more. While they were initially introduced to help cut emissions and ensure a smoother ride, they've led to serious headaches for … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman highlights the difficult hidden costs of running a car in 2024 and 2025
Tough times for those running a car... The Motor Ombudsman tells us: (All words and photographs from The Motor Ombudsman). London, 08 January 2025 As the cost-of-living crisis deepens in 2025 with a second consecutive energy price cap rise and further utility bill increases on the horizon, hard-working households are also confronting difficult choices when it comes to car … [Read more...]
Drive safely and legally this winter
Winter pushes our vehicles to the limit, and to help you stay safe and legal when driving at this time of year, here are some handy tips from Marc Russell, CCO at car maintenance marketplace FixMyCar (https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/)... He tells us: (All words from FixMyCar:). “Winter has a reputation for pushing vehicles to their limit and transforming roads into chaos. Many drivers are … [Read more...]
Keep your battery in top condition this winter
'Be ready, be charged, be winter smart', advises CTEK... (All words and photographs from CTEK). They tell us: With the winter weather almost upon us, CTEK, the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions, has some useful advice on keeping your battery in the best of health, for worry free motoring this winter. As winter sets in, your vehicle’s battery faces its toughest challenge. … [Read more...]
Icy screens (and other winter woes) are now on the agenda
With the clocks now having gone back and autumn turning inexorably into winter, the weather gets colder and drivers can expect frosty windscreens and icy windows, writes Robin Roberts and WheelsWithinWales. (Photograph by, and copyright, Kim Henson). Car specialist Gold Label Car Care https://www.goldlabelcarcare.co.uk has provided expert advice with 5 ways to de-ice a windscreen for … [Read more...]
Spare moment…
Out of sight and often out of mind, a spare wheel and tyre can get you home so it’s worth spending a little time and effort on checking condition and tyre inflation level! (Photograph and all words by, and copyright, Kim Henson). When did you last see your car’s spare wheel? (That’s assuming that your car has one; many modern vehicles lack a spare, but instead may have an ‘emergency tyre … [Read more...]
Kim’s Tips – Ford Focus watery misfire
Does your Ford Focus misfire and stutter after wet weather? If so the problem could be easier to isolate and fix than imagined. Kim Henson tells more… This true story should really be under the ‘Steve’s Tips’ heading, rather than ‘Kim’s Tips’, and results from a conversation with my friend 'Steve on the Isle of Wight'. He told me that his family’s petrol-powered Ford Focus was running … [Read more...]
Keep it Clean!
Kim Henson advises ensuring that the wheel arches and underbody structure of your car are kept clean, to prolong its life and make it more pleasant to work on. Recent wet weather in Britain has resulted in many roads being strewn with mud, accumulations of leaves, etc. Inevitably these deposits are transferred to the undersides of passing vehicles, via their tyres. In turn the resulting debris … [Read more...]
Batteries for electric cars – how well have they been looked after?
Nine out of ten used EV car buyers wish to know how well the battery has been looked after... Robin Roberts (WheelsWithinWales) reports: 87% back assessment on how well previous electric car owners have looked after the battery 83% want to know how long it takes to fully charge and 82% how much capacity has been lost since new, shows new Startline Used Car Tracker Almost nine out of 10 … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to check their vehicles as children return to school
As children return to school this September, The Motor Ombudsman encourages drivers to be top of the class in terms of vehicle checks... They tell us: (Photograph and all words from The Motor Ombudsman). The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to be top of the class for vehicle checks as the nation goes back to school. With the end of the summer holidays, and the arrival of the new … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to book MoT tests in good time
'Book your car's MoT test in advance' is the message from The Motor Ombudsman this summer... They tell us: (Photograph and all words from The Motor Ombudsman). The Motor Ombudsman is urging motorists not to leave booking their vehicle’s MOT until the last minute before hitting the road for their summer vacation Motorists are able to arrange the legally-required annual … [Read more...]
Did you know that summertime car be harder on your car’s battery than winter?
Perhaps surprisingly, summer can take more out of your car's battery than winter. Vehicle charging specialist CTEK tells us why, and advises how to avoid problems... (All words and photographs from CTEK). Many motorists know the importance of regular maintenance on their vehicle in preparation for the winter months, but many more are placing their car at risk of breakdown during the summer … [Read more...]
‘Jump starting’ – but safer, and not as we know it
CTEK's 'CS FREE' Adaptive Booster and Battery Charger can get your car going without risk of damage, and keep the battery on top form... CTEK tells us: (Image and all words from CTEK). Facing a dead battery can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're in a hurry or far from help. Jumpstarting a car is a common solution, but traditional methods involving jump cables and jump … [Read more...]
Cataclean and ‘Clean Air Day’
Cataclean champions 'Clean Air Day' They tell us: (Image and all words from Cataclean). As the world prioritises cleaner air, the automotive aftermarket industry must step up to support emissions reduction efforts, says Cataclean, a leading brand in automotive additives, as it celebrates national Clean Air Day 2024. Held on 20th June, Clean Air Day aims to raise awareness about … [Read more...]
Tyres Under Pressure? The Motor Ombudsman reports that failing to maintain tyres is an expensive omission…
'Make Time For Tyres': Check your tyre pressures and treads... advises The Motor Ombudsman. They tell us: (All words and images from The Motor Ombudsman). A study by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed that the nation’s drivers may be unnecessarily forfeiting the use of at least £112 million worth of tyres every year due to under- inflation An estimated 57% of cars on UK roads are … [Read more...]
Do-it-yourself Paint Protective Film – in a kit from DIY PPF
Steve Sutcliffe Champions Revolutionary DIY PPF: A Breakthrough in Car Care (All words plus image from DIY PPF). They tell us: SHEFFIELD, UK. December 19th, 2023 - In a groundbreaking move that's stirring the UK automotive scene, DIY PPF emerges as the new champion of car care, with the endorsement of renowned automotive expert Steve Sutcliffe. This innovative … [Read more...]
‘Enjoying Your Austin’ – A30/A35 book, still available for Christmas
Kim Henson writes... My A30/A35 book 'Accessible Classics' (Enjoying Your Austin) is still available direct from me and if you would like a copy in time for Christmas, please let me know as soon as possible! Again this year several people have asked me whether my book on Austin A30s/A35s is still available… Yes it is (I wrote and published the book), and it can be purchased direct from me if you … [Read more...]
Many motorists see modern cars as too complex to fix
Are today's cars too complicated for owners to diagnose/fix? Vehicle diagnostic experts, OBDeleven, has commissioned a survey of over 1,500 motorists, which shows the results below. OBDeleven tells us: (All words and image from OBDeleven). Two-thirds of drivers believe their car is now too complex to fix or spot issues for themselves. Modern cars now have more than … [Read more...]
Battery care and straightforward car maintenance checks can help avoid winter breakdowns…
Understanding your battery's date code – and other useful information to help prevent winter breakdown woes... The following tips shared by Howden Insurance could save you time, money and hassle. They tell us: (Image and all words from Howden Insurance) As we head into winter and the mornings become colder, giving your car a bit more love and attention can help to reduce the risk of … [Read more...]
‘Santa’s little helpers’ promote tyre safety for Tyresafe’s ‘Good Elf’ Christmas campaign…
Keep Your Tyres in Good 'Elf' is Tyresafe's message for their Christmas campaign, promoted by 'Santa's Little Helpers'! They tell us: (All words and the image from Tyresafe). This December, TyreSafe, the UK's tyre safety organisation, is launching a whimsical and educational tyre safety campaign like no other: 'Keep Your Tyres in Good 'Elf.' The campaign features Santa's mischievous … [Read more...]