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...]
Take care of your turbocharger, to help it survive
Turbocharger specialist Melett advises technicians (and drivers) to think 'turbo' this winter. They tell us: (All words and images from Melett). The trusted aftermarket brand for precision engineered turbochargers and parts, Melett (www.melett.com), is urging technicians to stay on top of turbo maintenance this winter and has offered best practice tips to help customers prolong the … [Read more...]
BMC ‘A’ Series engine roller rocker valve gear modifications – and potential problems!
Hylton Reid describes how the 'roller rocker' valvegear system he fitted to his Austin A30 (powered by a 1098cc 'A' Series engine) resulted in unforeseen difficulties that stopped the engine dead, when on a journey... An alternative title, in Hylton's own words, "The disaster of fitting roller rockers to an ‘A’ Series engine"! Here he comprehensively explains his trials, tribulations and … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman advises automotive ‘safety first’ when visiting music festivals
The Motor Ombudsman urges drivers to put vehicle safety centre stage when visiting music festivals this summer... They tell us: A Motor Ombudsman-commissioned YouGov poll of nearly 1,000 driving licence holders who would be likely to travel in their own vehicle to a music festival this summer, revealed that only around half (53%) would know how to check the tread depth of their … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman expands coverage of its Service and Repair Code
Mobile Mechanics, tyre fitters and smart repairers now come within the scope of The Motor Ombudsman's Service and Repair Code. They tell us: The Motor Ombudsman has marked the 15th anniversary of the launch of its Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair with the expansion of the Code’s coverage to mobile mechanics, tyre fitters, and smart repairers The … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman invites motorists to praise exceptional service
Consumers invited by The Motor Ombudsman to shine the spotlight on excellence... They tell us: The Motor Ombudsman has launched its Star Awards competition for 2023, recognising individuals and businesses within the automotive sector that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the eyes of their customers Consumers can submit a short online account via The Motor … [Read more...]
When did you last check your vehicle’s tyres? Take a close look, for safety’s sake…
Tyres can suffer from a variety of problems, including degradation through ageing; frequent checks are vital to ensure safety... advises Start Rescue. They tell us: (All words and images from Start Rescue). Spring ‘driving season’ right time to check tyre ages Healthy, safe tyres not all about tread-levels and pressures Start Rescue continues to see rise in tyre-related … [Read more...]
RAC analyses MoT test failures…
The RAC says that brake and tyre defects cause the most dangerous MoT falures... They tell us: Lamps, reflectors and indicators top the league of MOT failures Switched on drivers pass their MOT tests by looking after their lights Lamps, reflectors and indicators continue to be the most frequent reasons for vehicles* fail their MOTs, but it’s problems with brakes and tyres that … [Read more...]
Garage survey by The Motor Ombudsman shows that rising costs will be a major challenge to vehicle repairers in 2023
Increasing operational costs will be a major challenge to independent garages through 2023, according to a survey by The Motor Ombudsman... A survey by The Motor Ombudsman has shown that 90% of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops expect rising operational costs, taxes and energy bills to be the biggest operational challenge in 2023 Nearly two-thirds (63%) of … [Read more...]
Avoid a Brakedown! Keep your brakes in top condition…
The importance of having effective, high-quality brakes on your vehicle. (Note: This feature incorporates sponsored content). All cars have brakes, of course, among the most critical of safety components, and it's crucial to comprehend what they do. Many people are unaware of how a car's braking system operates. With a disc brake set-up, as used in most modern vehicles, when you press the … [Read more...]
6 Essential Tips for Novice Car Owners
Take care of your car – and it will take care of you! How exciting… to have the key to your newly acquired car, ready to enjoy it on the road. Amidst the initial excitement it’s worth noting that with a little care and attention you can help your vehicle to survive for the long term, to keep it safe and running as it should, while also saving you money… (Note: This feature incorporates … [Read more...]
Maintenance – Ensure your vehicle can cope with the winter
3 Tips to keep your vehicle in perfect condition for the winter... Note: This article incorporates sponsored content. Keeping your car in perfect condition during winter can enhance your safety when driving in cold weather. While the repairs may seem simple, they can make the difference between getting stranded by the roadside and arriving at your destination on time. Here are some tips to … [Read more...]
What happens to used lithium-ion battery packs from electric cars?
Electric cars necessarily rely on batteries, but how can these be recycled and what happens to them in the process? Note: This feature incorporates sponsored content. (Images from unsplash.com and pexels.com) Lithium-ion battery packs are an important component of many electronic devices. What happens to used lithium-ion battery packs from electric cars? Recycling them into new battery … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – and a Competition Prize; you can win a copy – ‘Hand Wash Only – A Beginner’s Guide to Detailing and Car Care’
YOU could win one of two copies of this top class book; please see below for details of our Wheels-Alive competition… So what is the book all about? We review the book, but first the publishers of ‘Hand Wash Only’ tell us… Car enthusiasts all over the world know that washing their vehicle by hand is the best way to keep it looking its best. In recent times 'detailing' has become the … [Read more...]
Don’t ignore or put off your vehicle’s servicing, urges The Motor Ombudsman
The Motor Ombudsman advises motorists to keep vehicle servicing in mind in the face of cost of living increases... They tell us: A survey by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed that 56% of UK car owners who do not have a service plan in place are considering either missing (33%) or delaying (23%) their vehicle’s annual service in 2022 to save money due to the sharp rise in the … [Read more...]
Fitting a front anti-roll bar to an Austin A30 or A35
Hylton Reid explains how he installed a front anti-roll bar to his Austin A30 (the same techniques can be applied to the structurally similar A35). (All text and photographs copyright Hylton Reid). When the Austin A30 was first introduced it was fitted with an anti-roll bar to the rear suspension. The considered opinion was to remove this to improve handling and to fit a front anti … [Read more...]
Audi TT quattro sport – modern classic ownership continues to be fun
Progress! In the fourth instalment of this series, Jeremy Walton tells us that he has been enjoying his Audi TT quattro sport, while continuing to improve it... (Kim adds: If you are interested in reading the three previous instalments of Jeremy’s story of his ownership so far of this car, please enter ‘Audi TT quattro sport’ into the search box on our Wheels-Alive website, to find and … [Read more...]