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...]
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...]