Category Archives: Maintenance

11 Ways to Help Keep Your Car Clean This Winter

man cleaning car interiorWinter is well and truly here. There is no getting around it, all we can do is deal with the multiple implications of the cold. You might think that the warm cabin of your car is something of a sanctuary in the face of the freeze, but if you don’t take the proper precautions, you could drag a slice of ice into the compartment with you.

Never fear because we have some practical tips that could help you stay on top of the battle against the elements during the colder snaps. Use our advice to make sure that you do not fall foul of water, salt, snow and all the other wintertime wonders that haunt us at this time of year. Continue reading

De-Icing Your Windscreen

windscreen-wiper-winterWinter mornings are here and stretching out their icy fingers over the pavements, streets and the windows of your car. Even though your mum and dad might have sworn by a hot douse from the spout of a kettle, this might not be the best for the long-term health of the windscreen. More ad-hoc methods are equally fraught with danger. Credit cards can scratch the surface of the glass or the hairdryer in the street method might require a load of extension cords that could prove a trip hazard or even see you get electrocuted.

Even though it might seem like a simple process to some, there are always ways in which you can maximise cleaning power whilst minimising the overall fuss of clearing ice from your car windows. In this article we defrost some of the best tricks in the books, allowing you to warm up your de-icing skills. Continue reading

Checking & Topping Up Your Coolant

topping up coolantAs you might have guessed by the name, coolant or anti-freeze plays a vital role in your car’s engine, especially in cold weather. Not only do you need enough of this fluid to stop your vehicle from seizing up when it’s freezing outside, you also must make sure that this fluid remains in a good condition. Continue reading

Name that Tune? How to Diagnose Faults from Car Noises

Car making noise

It’s time for us to take a look at the sonic symptoms of various car issues, particularly when braking, cornering or even putting your foot down and accelerating. It’s always worrying when you hear an unfamiliar sound coming from somewhere in your car and you’d be forgiven for thinking that if you don’t do something about it the problem might grow. As a result noises cause anxiety and can even distract you from keeping your eyes on the road.

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Vauxhall Zafira common problems

Vauxhall ZafiraThe Vauxhall Zafira is a popular large multi-purpose vehicle that’s more about size and support than good-looking motoring. It first featured on the UK’s roads back in 1999 and has been a common sight on city streets and motorways ever since.

There have been three main generations of the Zafira featuring a range of engines including 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.2L petrol version and 2.0L and 2.2L diesels giving you a good choice of fuel economy and on the road power.

Unfortunately when it comes to looking out for a second hand Zafira that’s worth both your time and money, there are many well-documented potential pitfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for all the common problems in this article and you should however be able to avoid purchasing a dud motor that ends up costing you more in the long run. Continue reading

How to Prepare Your Car for its MOT

MOT Logo

In 2015 nearly 40% of all cars failed their MOT, according to the DVSA. Many cars fail for simple reasons, which could have been checked and fixed by the owner before they dropped of their vehicle at the test centre.

Avoid wasting time and save yourself money with our simple guide that helps you prepare your car for its MOT. All you have to do is follow each section and we will give you some guidelines and tell you what to do if your vehicle isn’t up to the required standard.

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How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Key Car Parts

Car parts

Naturally you understand the importance of regular oil changes. You probably even know about keeping the coolant and water topped up in your reservoirs. All of these simple tasks help keep your car working properly. And of course, if you look after your car then you’ll not only reduce service and maintenance costs, but you’ll also extend the lifespan of the vehicle.

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Preparing your car for the summer

Car driving in the summer

We have talked previously about how to prepare your car for the winter months, but what about sorting it out for the hotter months, and getting it ready for the summer?

Heat, dust and the stop and start driving associated with heavily congested summer holiday roads can all take a toll on your vehicle and impact its ability to perform. Apart from the regular checks, what season specific things can you do to ensure your car is ready and prepped for the sunshine streets?

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Common Problems with the BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 SeriesThere’s always been something cool about a BMW. These cars, famous for their quality engineering and top class ride stats, are epitomised by the 5 series. Instantly recognisable as the mid-range luxury model that nicely bridges the gap between sexy motoring and family car, it’s no wonder this machine has been gracing the roads of Europe since 1972.

A second hand BMW 5 series is widely recognised as a good investment. These cars are known to last for many years, keeping their looks and style long into their lifespan. However, you need to be aware of a number of common problems with the BMW 5 series, so be vigilant and guard against these faults when considering any used vehicle from this range. Continue reading

Common Issues with the Honda Civic

Honda CivicThe Honda Civic is a great small car that does well for years. However, like all second-hand cars it is prone to some faults across different makes and models. If you are considering buying one of these little run arounds, what are the warning signs you need to be wary of when taking it for a test drive? Continue reading