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...]
Increase in percentage of ethanol in standard grade UK petrol further threatens older vehicle fuel systems
Ethanol percentage hike means more bad news for owners of older cars... Kim Henson advises... As has been widely forecast during the last few years – including on Wheels-Alive – the imminent introduction (now confirmed by the U.K.'s Department of Transport) of 'standard grade' 95 octane fuel containing up to 10 per cent ethanol is very bad news indeed for the owners of older vehicles, and not … [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...]
Classic Austin-Healey/MG upgrade – installing a Mazda MX 5 gearbox in a Sprite or Midget
Fitting a five speed Mazda MX 5 Gearbox into a Sprite or Midget... Hylton Reid explains how he did it. © H. G. Reid 2020 Kim adds: "For many owners of classic cars, including Sprites and Midgets, and especially those examples used often for long distances (in normal times!) the installation of a five speed gearbox (incorporating an 'overdrive' ratio top gear) provides major benefits in terms … [Read more...]
Esso launches Synergy Supreme+ 99 premium petrol (and currently it’s ethanol-free)
Esso ups the game in the field of higher grade unleaded petrol... Kim Henson reports... Kim writes, "I have long been a believer in using the 'premium' or superior grades of fuel produced by the main players in the forecourt industry, both petrol and diesel, in my own vehicles. I use these fuels where available because, quite simply, I find that typically performance is noticeably and … [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...]
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...]
Book Review – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel
For Your Bookshelf – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions …Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions Author: Paul Ireland Published by: Veloce Publishing www.veloce.co.uk 152 pages; softback Price: £15.99 ISBN: 978-1-787115-90-3 The author investigates a subject which vexes many classic car owners, … [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...]
News – More (‘chapter and verse’) on the MoT test moratorium
Coronavirus emergency brings MoT extensions for many vehicles… …by Dave Moss. With the Coronavirus crisis continuing to unfold, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced extensions to the duration of MoT certificates for some cars, vans and motorcycles. The extensions will apply to vehicles registered across England Scotland and Wales, and will continue until confirmed … [Read more...]
Educational fun ‘STEAM’ fortnight at British Motor Museum in March
British Motor Museum announces STEAM fortnight for Schools in March 2020. The British Motor Museum is pleased to announce a fortnight of STEAM based educational activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths) for Key Stages 2 & 3 from March 2 – 13 2020. Designed to coincide with National Science Week, the Museum will be offering a new range of interactive activities to enhance … [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...]
Halfords Autocentres 2019 Roadworthiness Report – an in-depth analysis of motoring in Britain
Halfords Autocentres 2019 Roadworthiness Report... ...Kim Henson has studied with interest this enlightening document. A very comprehensive new report from Halfords Autocentres (https://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/blog/roadworthiness-report) highlights and explains a multitude of facts and figures relating to many aspects of motoring in the UK today. Notably they include accidents, … [Read more...]
Need more luggage space for holiday trips? A roof box might help…
Choosing a roof box for my car (and fitting it)... Gerald Morgan tells all. Disclaimer This article should NOT be read as giving full advice on using a roof box. It is up to the individual to check the weight limit that can be safely used on their vehicle, and to ensure that the roof bars are correctly and safely attached to the roof of the car, and that the box is attached and packed in … [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...]
Bridgestone aims high – for The Moon!
Bridgestone to Join International Space Exploration Mission with JAXA and Toyota. Company supporting research on tyres for manned, pressurized rovers required for lunar surface mobility... Bridgestone Corporation today announced that it will take part in an international space exploration mission together with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota Motor Corporation … [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...]
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...]
