Motor Ombudsman poll shows that tyre checks are not left behind by UK motorists going on staycations... An online YouGov study commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed that over three quarters of car users (77%) would personally check or have someone in their household look at the condition of their vehicle’s tyres prior to going on a summer staycation The research … [Read more...]
Kim’s Tips – Renew those filters, to keep your car running at its best
Air, oil and fuel filters are often overlooked, but all play essential roles. Kim Henson advises checking when they were last renewed on your vehicle. Car manufacturers fit a variety of important filters on their vehicles, typically including air, engine oil, fuel and pollen filters. Recent diesel engines also have Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). The function of each is to remove … [Read more...]
Exhaust systems and their ailments
The Most Common Exhaust System Problems An exhaust system is a vital feature in any motor vehicle, ranging from the petrol dominated world of automobiles to the wide variety of diesel-powered vehicles. They have a major role in keeping the engine running without any issues and ensuring a smooth drive that we all expect. However, like most components of a vehicle, they are susceptible to wear … [Read more...]
Calls for MoT Test changes to incorporate aspects of electric, hybrid and high-tech. modern vehicles
Robin Roberts writes: The MoT test may need a radical shakeup to reflect the arrival of electric power and very sophisticated technology fitted to the latest vehicles. That’s the view of KwikFit, which tests about a million vehicles annually, and head of their service Eric Smith. He points out that currently hybrid models and battery electric vehicles are not tested for emissions and these and … [Read more...]
How to upgrade your classic car to improve everyday use
These suggested improvements are worth considering to make it better still... While a classic car should spend most of its life in the garage or on show on your driveway, it is completely reasonable to want to show it off to the world once in a while by taking it out on the road. As long as the weather conditions are good, there is no harm in doing so. However, there are some classic car owners … [Read more...]
What do all those markings mean on your vehicle’s tyres?
TALKING TYRES by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Washing a car the other day and my eyes were attracted to the tyres, specifically what all those numbers and letters might mean... It was just as well because two needed changing and I know it's important to get not only the correct size but also their loading weight, as set out in the manufacturer’s handbook. They might all … [Read more...]
Fixter advises – Check your car to keep it safe and ready for action
FIXTER, ONLINE CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE PROVIDER, OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR ROADWORTHY AFTER SITTING IDLE DURING LOCKDOWN Fixter, the UK’s first end-to-end online car maintenance service provider, offers all car users expert tips on which vehicle parts require extra attention at the end of lockdown Fixter garage partners offer advice on precautions that can minimise the risk of … [Read more...]
Need work carried out on your car? Fixter may be able to help you
FIXTER LINKS INDEPENDENT GARAGES WITH OWNERS NEEDING WORK ON THEIR CARS… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). In a period of continually rising prices, one business is delivering potentially big savings and changing the way thousands of owners get their cars serviced. It’s also giving an unexpected boost to hard pressed independent garages. We are all accustomed to doorstep … [Read more...]
Keeping your car healthy (and ready to run) during these difficult times
Kim Henson offers advice to avoid vehicle problems, due to lack of use… The strange and difficult times in which we are living are of course a challenge to everyone, not least as we need to stay at home apart from essential journeys. This necessarily means that many vehicles are covering very low mileages, and indeed many more have not moved at all during the last month or so. Now motor … [Read more...]
Need to Know 5 – Vehicle Batteries (for cars and commercials – classic and modern)
Regardless of age and type, your vehicle relies on electrical power in order to function properly, and the battery is vital in storing/providing it. Dave Moss explains how to look after your battery and keep you on the road. (Photographs by Dave Moss and Kim Henson, as individually attributed). This feature was prompted by the ten year old battery in the author's 19 year old diesel Fiesta van … [Read more...]
Tyresome Lack of Maintenance Awareness Facts
HALF OF UK DRIVERS DON’T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE A TYRE: GREEN FLAG RELEASES BASIC CAR CARE TIPS FOR CAR CARE WEEK In this Car Care week, Green Flag has released basic car care advice to motorists Research* revealed over half (51 per cent) of drivers can’t change a tyre Over a quarter (28 per cent) of motorists don’t know how to check oil and fuel levels Over half (51 per cent)** of … [Read more...]
‘New’ MoT test failure rate…
Green Flag has uncovered the pass and fail rates of motorists under the new MOT tests; Robin Roberts reports... The new tests were brought in a year ago in May 2018 and the research by the breakdown assistance company has established where the most dangerous vehicles are in the UK. Under new MOT regulations, there are new failure and fault categories, as well as stricter limits for … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive Weekend Workshop Job – Bodywork Minor Tidying
Some aspects can be tackled at home... Kim Henson explains. If you are prepared to invest a little time and cash (but not much of that needed!) it is not difficult to smarten up your car by dealing with unsightly minor bodywork damage, and at the same time helping to protect against future deterioration… Earlier this week I was approached by a colleague (we’ll call him Richard, as that’s his … [Read more...]
Duckhams encourages young enthusiasts of classic cars
Helping young people to become enthusiastic about, and look after, classic cars... Robin Roberts reports. Duckhams Classic Oils were on hand to help launch this year’s Classic Car Loan Project, designed to encourage the next generation into the classic car movement. The project gives a new enthusiast the opportunity to have a classic car in their care for a whole year! The present … [Read more...]
Lack of basic vehicle maintenance (and legal) knowledge can be especially costly to young drivers…
Information gap... better understanding of car servicing and repairs, plus legal aspects, can help to save a lot of cash... Recent data has revealed that 53% of people aged 22 to 29 have no savings at all. That’s a significant 12% increase from 41% 10 years ago. While household bills and other living costs take priority, your car can quickly become a ticking timebomb of expenses if the correct … [Read more...]
Bringing a vehicle (or caravan or trailer…) out of hibernation? For safety’s sake check those tyres!
TyreSafe’s warning for all vehicles coming out of storage: Perform essential tyre safety checks before taking to the road. Bringing vehicles out of storage in the spring months should prompt owners to perform essential tyre checks, urges UK charity TyreSafe. Tyres of vehicles parked or stored for any extended period of time may suffer more rapid deterioration when not in use, especially … [Read more...]
Servicing – Ignore at your peril!
Kim Henson advises looking after your car if you want it to look after you… With so many cars these days having ‘extended’ recommended service intervals, it can be easy to assume that a vehicle’s maintenance requirements can safely be ignored, yet expect it to still carry on functioning regardless… Well this is not the case, as highlighted by a cautionary tale sent to me by diagnostic … [Read more...]