One of the main things that helps your car retain its value, and keeps it in good working order is regular vehicle maintenance. And while it might not be necessary to go to the garage for every part of yyour vehicle's upkeep it’s important to be able to know when to go to a professional - this guide will help you decide. Can you give your vehicle a full service at home? Your vehicle should be...
Why do MOT tests include an exhaust emission test? An exhaust emission test looks at the level of pollutants that are emitted from the exhaust of your car, with the aim to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants to the environment. Diesel and petrol emission tests are different but are both tested as part of an MOT. Petrol – the emission test measures gasses that exit the exhaust. Diesel –...
Should tyres be replaced in pairs? If you have experienced a puncture or a flat tyre, you will know how important it is to replace your tyre as soon as possible. But should your tyres be replaced in pairs? Ideally yes, they should. This is because replacing a tyre without changing the tyre on the opposite side of the axle can cause your vehicle to become unbalanced. Potentially leading to exc...
Road trip guide Planning a road trip this winter? Whether it is to explore the UK, drive or abroad or visit family and friends – ensuring your vehicle is road trip ready is essential. From what to check before you set off, down to the final preparations – our easy-to-follow guide has you covered. Vehicle Checks Before heading off on any road trip, you should make sure your vehicle is prepared...
What is a tyre pressure monitoring system? A tyre pressure monitoring system, also known as TPMS, is installed into your vehicle to monitor the air pressure in your tyres. It will alert you when your tyre pressure that is under the legal requirement. Some manufacturers set the warning light to appear when the sensors detect a smaller decrease than the legal requirements to give drivers additio...
What is an MOT test? MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, which was the government department responsible for checking vehicle roadworthiness when the test was introduced in 1960. An MOT test is an annual inspection that ensures your vehicle meets the minimum environmental and road safety standards required by the law. If your vehicle is more than 3 years old, you will have an MOT test every...
What is an electric vehicle? Electric cars, also known as all-electric vehicles (EVs), run solely on battery power that charges from an electric charging point. Unlike conventional vehicles, electric cars have an electric vehicle engine and use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell. Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or...
Driving in bad weather Severe weather can present many challenges for drivers, particularly during the winter months. High winds, heat, fog, snow and ice – driving in adverse weather conditions often require planning ahead of your journey including checking the weather forecast before you set off. If you are looking to stay ahead of the bad weather when driving, our helpful guide has you covered...
What is an electric vehicle? Also known as all-electric vehicles (EVs), electric cars run solely on battery power that charges from an electric charging point. Electric cars have an electric vehicle engine and use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell, differentiating them from conventional vehicles. What needs maintenance on an electric car? Unlike petrol or...
Bad driving habits that can damage your car There are a number of bad driving habits that can cause a strain on your car over time. This can result in long-term damage that can become quite costly. We have compiled the most common bad driving habits that drivers may not often be aware of, to help prevent costly repairs and avoid any breakdowns. Running on low fuel A lot of drivers have run i...