Is your MOT due soon? In the UK, every vehicle is categorised into an MOT class. These classes make it easier for garages and autocentres to carry out MOTs, which ensures the correct checks are made for your vehicle. Merityre’s helpful guide will assist you with determining what MOT class your vehicle falls under and how that affects the price of your MOT test. MOT classes explained Are you uns...
New or used tyres? Buying replacement tyres is an essential part of running your vehicle. Tyres can cost you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds to replace. Making an informed decision when buying tyres is crucial for your car’s safety and performance. Here, our article answers whether you should buy used or new tyres for your vehicle. What are used tyres? Used tyres (also known as part-worn or...
Most new vehicles come fitted with airbags. First introduced in the 1950s, airbags have been a mandatory safety feature in all new UK cars being sold since 1998. These inflatable bags can be found in many areas of your car’s cabin, from the steering wheel and dashboard to the rear passenger seats. Here, our guide covers the ins and outs of car airbags and whether you can drive a car with a deploy...
An ‘ECU’ refers to the electronic control unit or an engine-specific ECU, like the engine control unit. The difference is that the electronic control units monitor many functions inside your vehicle. Most modern vehicles may have tens or hundreds of ECUs embedded in the car’s software. These mini computers can be linked to the brakes, power steering, air conditioning units, airbags and more. Howe...
Every year, our vehicles undergo an annual MOT test. Equipped with a paper certificate, we drive our cars out of the testing centre for another 12 months. What should we do with the paper MOT certificate? Do we need to keep it and can you drive without one? Merityre’s guide covers all you need to know about MOT certificates. What is an MOT certificate? An MOT certificate is a document which is p...
The suspension system is a crucial foundation of any vehicle, which affects how it brakes, steers and performs on the road. The suspension is interconnected with many parts of your vehicle, such as the tyres, brakes, springs and differentials. An issue with one or more parts of your suspension can impact your vehicle’s ride comfort and driving experience. Merityre’s guide covers essential tips fo...
Worn brakes are not only annoying but also dangerous. They put you and other road users at risk of an accident as it will take longer to stop after braking. While it is possible to drive with worn brakes, it can also damage crucial components, such as the callipers, discs and pads. Wet or icy weather will also make it harder for your car to stop, thus increasing its stopping distance and potentia...
An essential part of being a safe driver is understanding and calculating the correct stopping distances. At some point, you may have experienced getting too close to another vehicle while driving, known as tailgating, which is illegal in the UK. Merityre’s helpful guide covers what you need to know about the correct stopping distances in the UK. What is stopping distance? Stopping distance is...
Wheel alignment and balancing may seem like the same things, but these terms have two different meanings. Both services are designed to ensure that your tyres are performing at their best. Merityre’s informative guide highlights the difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment. What is wheel balancing? Wheel balancing refers to the weight distribution across the vehicle’s tyres, ensuri...
As the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles inches closer in the UK, alternative fuels have increased in popularity. With many sustainable fuel options available, you might wonder which alternative you should choose. Some questions you may ask when selecting an alternative fuel type include: • How easy it is to find a fuel station?• How much does it cost to fill your vehicle with su...