Davanti Tyres tells us... (All words and photographs from Davanti Tyres). Caring for your tyres in the heat The rise in temperature is a welcome change for many, signalling summer is here. But when a sudden heatwave follows a spell of cool weather, it can be a stark reminder that tyres are vulnerable to the conditions. To help you maintain healthy tyres in the current heatwave and throughout … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘WORN-WARN’ campaign looks the part with Online and Social Media trophy win at the 2026 TyreSafe Awards
The Motor Ombudsman tells us: (Photograph and all words from The Motor Ombudsman). The Motor Ombudsman has been named the winner of the 2026 TyreSafe Online and Social Media Award for its 'WORN-WARN' national awareness drive highlighting the risks of motorists buying and using part-worn tyres The Michelin Tyre PLC-sponsored trophy was presented at a commemorative black-tie gala dinner … [Read more...]
Drivers warned about hidden heatwave dangers
(Photograph © Kim Henson). Motoring expert reveals the lesser-known ways hot weather can damage vehicles, affect drivers and put passengers at risk. GM Direct Hire (https://gmdirecthire.co.uk/) tells us... As temperatures climb across the UK, drivers are being warned that heatwaves can pose far more risks than simply making journeys uncomfortable. While most motorists know not to leave … [Read more...]
Check your car before its MOT to give it a better chance of passing
Arnold Clark Autoparts encourages drivers to conduct simple pre-MOT checks to avoid unnecessary failures. They tell us... Arnold Clark Autoparts is encouraging motorists to carry out essential vehicle checks before their MOT, following the release of new figures highlighting the rise in test failures. Every year, thousands of vehicles fail due to minor issues that drivers can identify and … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman highlights risks in buying part-worn tyres
The Motor Ombudsman tells us: (All words and photographs from them). • The Motor Ombudsman has launched its 'WORN-WARN' tyre safety campaign at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event at the NEC, Birmingham • Backed by TyreSafe, the online and social media awareness drive is designed to showcase some of the main risks of motorists buying and fitting part-worn tyres to their vehicle • The new … [Read more...]
Your car’s filters are vitally important – and in many cases you CAN change them yourself
D-i-y car maintenance these days? Yes, there are aspects that you can tackle yourself, including, in many cases, renewing the crucially important filters. Arnold Clark Autoparts tells us... Keeping your car running smoothly doesn't always mean a trip to the garage. Some components, like your car’s filters, can be easily and cost-effectively done at home by yourself. So, whether you’re looking … [Read more...]
Frequently check your vehicle’s tyres to avoid trouble
When did you last assess your vehicle's tyres? A few quick checks can help prevent MoT failure, avoid contravention of legal requirements and could even stop an accident from occurring. Here are some tips from Envoy Tyres to help you... Don’t let your MOT cost you: Tyre fails trip up over 2 million drivers - here’s how to avoid them It is an unfortunate reality that many UK drivers are … [Read more...]
Kim’s Tips – Avoiding brakedowns with classic brake systems…
Kim offers a brief general (and personal) perspective on keeping problems at bay, in the hope that this information may help others. All words and photographs © Kim Henson. VITAL NOTES: Observe all safety precautions, including supporting the vehicle on sturdy axle stands, not just jacks, when working on it. If in any doubt about any aspect of working on the brake system, seek help from … [Read more...]
Advice from The Motor Ombudsman – easy checks to avoid MoT test failure
The Motor Ombudsman tells us... (All words and photographs from The Motor Ombudsman). March is typically one of the busiest months for MOTs, as cars bought at the time of the first new vehicle registration of the year, come due for the annual test Before putting their vehicle on the ramp, drivers are being urged to keep an eye out for five defects that are often simple to spot, and quick … [Read more...]
MoT exemption for classic vehicles – clarification on current rules
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...]
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