If I can’t take it for an MOT, how do I keep a car safe and roadworthy?
From 30 March 2020, MOT testing has been suspended for six months due to COVID-19. It is now up to the individual driver to keep a car safe and roadworthy…
Category: Maintenance
Keeping your car in shape
Maintenance: Is coronavirus in cars a risk?
The COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted via droplets in the air from people coughing. So if someone with the virus coughs into their hand then touches a door handle and you…
Is there anything I can do after driving through flood water?
Flood water and cars aren’t the best of friends. In fact, it’s possible to write a car off by driving it through flood water that’s too deep. But even if…
How do I know if my car’s timing belt needs changing?
The timing belt, sometimes called cambelt, is a vital part of a modern car and crucial to how the engine operates. That’s why it’s important to know when it should…
Is rotating tyres necessary on a modern car?
Tyres wear at different rates, whatever the car. Rotating tyres is when you switch them round on a relatively regular basis to get the most wear out of all of…
I want to change when my car is serviced. Can I turn off the service light?
As cars become increasingly intelligent, the more information they give us about themselves. And that includes a service light to tell you when they need their regular maintenance. When does…
Do additives in fuel work or will they harm my engine?
We’ve all seen claims for magic potions that you put in your fuel tank for a cleaner combustion process, better fuel economy and improved performance. Whether these additives in fuel…
I’ve bought a used motor and it doesn’t have a car tools kit. What do I need to carry?
In years gone by, a car tools kit would include everything from a hammer for panel beating to screwdriver and pliers. These days things are a bit different. For a…
As the weather’s getting colder, how do you know if car batteries are giving up the ghost?
Car batteries lead a hard life. And you’re right to be worried. Winter is when batteries are at their most vulnerable. Battery trouble is the number one reason breakdown companies…
I’ve just bought a car that smells of cigarette smoke. How do I get rid of the smell?
You may not think of your car as being like a living room on wheels but it contains an awful lot of fabric. And that means a lot of material…