Department for Transport MoT exemption criteria for Historic vehicles - by Dave Moss. On 10th March 2026 the Department for Transport issued a new version of its guidance leaflet detailing when historic vehicles are exempt from MoT. Although there has recently been a consultation which included questions about MoT test exemptions, and the new guidance is described as "an update", the new document … [Read more...]
Austin A30/A35 book, ‘Enjoying Your Austin’
Kim Henson writes… If you own, or are considering buying, an Austin A30 or A35, this book may be of interest, and helpful, to you... My A30/A35 book (Enjoying Your Austin A30/A35) is available direct from me. I wrote and published the book in 2004, and it can still be purchased direct from me if you wish, and until the end of December 2025 is on special offer… This is an unused 'new old stock' … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive visits Burlen Fuel Systems at Salisbury
Kim Henson takes a trip to Salisbury, the home of Burlen Fuel Systems, to see how the firm can help classic enthusiasts keep their cars’ fuel delivery equipment in top form. (All words and photographs © Kim Henson, apart from some photographs from Burlen Fuel Systems, as individually credited.) It was back in 1971 when Burlen Services was started in the city of Salisbury by John Burnett and Mike … [Read more...]
‘Never Stop Charging’ – ‘Charge Your Car Day’ 5th October 2025
Whether your car is petrol or diesel-powered, its battery needs to be in top condition all the time, and especially with winter on the way... CTEK tells us: (Photograph and all words from CTEK). It’s Charge Your Car Day this Sunday and CTEK, the world leader in smart battery charging, says don’t make charging your vehicle’s battery just a once a year event. CTEK, says drivers should … [Read more...]
INEOS Grenadier ups its game with portal axle collaboration
New portal axle model curated by renowned German off-road specialists, LETECH – the INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster X LETECH. Orders open in July, initially in Germany and for European customers. INEOS tells us... (Photograph and all words from INEOS). Portal axle modification increases ground clearance by 186mm to 450mm and wading depth from 800mm to 1,050mm Lynn Calder, CEO, … [Read more...]
Kim’s Tips; Springtime Checks – Make sure your vehicle is sound, safe and ready for the coming spring and summer!!
With welcome sunshine after a prolonged dull, wet winter, now is a good time to check your vehicle, writes Kim Henson. (Photograph and all words © Kim Henson and Wheels-Alive). Cold, wet weather (such as we in the UK have experienced for many months!) is unhelpful in terms of encouraging drivers to inspect their vehicles, but with sunshine making an appearance again and temperatures rising a … [Read more...]
Complaints made to The Motor Ombudsman about used car buys hold steady in 2024
A new Insight Report from The Motor Ombudsman shows that just under half (40%) of disputes submitted by customers were about a secondhand vehicle bought from a retailer. The Motor Ombudsman tells us... (Photograph and all words from The Motor Ombudsman). A new Insight Report from The Motor Ombudsman has shown that just under half (40%) of disputes submitted by consumers in 2024, were about … [Read more...]
Does cold weather adversely affect fuel economy?
Here's what the experts at additive specialists Redex say... (Image and all words from Redex). Do colder temperatures affect fuel economy? “With colder temperatures during winter, you’re already likely spending more on heating your home, but have you ever considered how the cold weather might affect how much you spend on fuel? Here (below) are some of the ways that cold temperatures can … [Read more...]
Students restore a Hillman Super Minx to its former glory and are presented with award certificates
Young mechanics presented with award certificates at the National Motor Museum, for classic Super Minx restoration... The Museum tells us... (All words from The National Motor Museum; photographs ©National Motor Museum/ Adrian Pennells ). Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has presented award certificates at the National Motor Museum to students who successfully participated in the Mechanix course … [Read more...]
The ‘engine killer’ fault in some of today’s most popular vehicles. Is your car affected?
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...]
Data galore – but what is it they are telling you and where does it go?
What do you – and they – really, really, know about your car? – Dave Moss asks the question… and suggests some answers! (All words © Dave Moss; photographs from car warranty specialists Warrantywise). If you own a car built in the last ten to fifteen years, you'll know all about the colourful array of dashboard warning lights that appear when you first switch on... or do you? True, in many … [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...]
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...]
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...]
National Motor Museum engineers commence engine rebuild to bring Sunbeam 1000hp back to life
The Sunbeam 1000hp's unique engine is being rebuilt by National Motor Museum engineers... The National Motor Museum tells us: (All words and images from The National Motor Museum). Everything on Sunbeam 1,000hp was bespoke, apart from its two colossal 22.5 litre Matabele V12 aero engines which were spare parts from Sunbeam’s works – and neither has run for more than 80 … [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...]
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