Look after your car and it will look after you

As the weather turns colder and frost and ice make an unwelcome return many people find that their once reliable vehicle starts to become not so reliable and either stutters and splutters when the ignition is turned or refuses to start altogether. The cold weather has a detrimental affect on the vehicle’s battery and so if the battery is more than a few years old there may be problems.

There is a simple solution to this issue which some people fail to see and that is to keep the car in the garage when not in use. Even though the garage may not be heated the vehicle will be kept a few degrees warmer than if it was outside. It also means that the windscreen will not need the ice removing from it which can be an awful job on a cold morning. Another bonus is that the vehicle’s bodywork will be protected and will stay looking good helping to retain the value of the vehicle.

If the garage is used for storage during the rest of the year, it is a good idea to clear it enough so that the car can be protected from the elements during winter so start looking after your car now and avoid a breakdown headache.

Finding a reliable car garage

Finding a garage you can trust, is very important as often when we need to take our car in to a repair garage, we may not know exactly what is wrong and have to reply on the mechanics to tell us. The best way to find a good car garage is to ask around and get recommendations of friends and family. It may be that you have recently moved to a new area and don’t know anyone to ask. If this is the case, then social media sites can be your best friend. Join a local group and ask for recommendations. This way you can get a true idea as to where is best to go and importantly, where not to go!

Don’t be afraid to ring round for prices for standard work such as brake pad replacement and tyres as you may be surprised in the difference in price from one place to the next. Try and take an interest in what the garage tells you needs doing to your car and don’t be afraid to ask them to show you where the damage is or what exactly they are going to be replacing. An honest garage wont have an issue with doing this for you.

How to cope with soaring car fuels prices

Over the last few months, we have seen fuel prices at the pump soar to in excess of two pounds per litre for diesel at some fuel stations. This increase could not of come at a worse time when the cost of living is already at a record high.

Although you may not notice it immediately, you will start to see that you are having to fill up a lot more often. It may be that you have to use your vehicle for work or to take your children to school, in which case you have no option but to pay the prices, but you should try and avoid using your car where you can to save. Even cutting out those small 5-minute journeys each day can make a big difference.

The next way to save money is to make sure that you are driving as economically as possible. Some more modern cars have eco mode or will show you a dial – often green and red – to show if you are driving economically. Making sure you are in the right gear for the speed you are doing and trying not to brake and accelerate as much as you can, will often make a difference to your miles per gallon.  

What Can – and Can’t – you Fix Yourself on a Car?

Cars are very specialist and unless you are a mechanic, there are some jobs best left to the experts. Some jobs are perfectly possible for you to do yourself though, and will allow you to save money on the fees charged by garages and mechanics. In this case, it would be annoying to know you had paid over the odds, so learning more about what is possible will help you as a car owner.

As a general rule, anything to do with the brakes should be handled by a professional. This is because these are integral to safety and anybody without experience shouldn’t be tampering with brakes. The same goes for engines and engine components – save this for an expert.

Small parts, such as bearings and wheel hubs and caps can often be replaced by car owners. You can usually order the parts that you need online and can find detailed instructions on how to fit them.

Four Things you Should Know About your Car

Every car owner needs to maintain their vehicle to a safe standard and ensure it is legal and roadworthy. If you do not do this you are not only endangering yourself, you are also endangering other road users. Here are four things you should know about your car to make driving safer:

  • The noises it makes when driving. An unusual noise can be a sign of a loose bearing, an old part that is coming loose, or an even more serious problem. Be alert and aware when driving.
  • How to lift the bonnet and change a tyre. You should have a general grasp of basic car maintenance so that if you ever find yourself in an emergency, you will be able to deal with it.
  • When your service and MOT is due. Never forget these important dates.
  • How to carry out general checks. You should know how to check oil levels, add windscreen wiper fluid, and carry out other basic processes.

Buying Car Parts Online

Car parts can mean almost anything, from an engine part, to a wheel bearing, to a tyre. There are many car parts you can buy online and fit yourself, including small parts like ball bearings and engine bearings. The trouble comes when fitting them if you’re inexperienced and don’t know how to approach the task. For starters, you might well not know if you are even purchasing the correct car parts, as there can be thousands of bearings for sale on any one website.

Buying bearings from a reputable supplier is a very good start. They can give you advice and support, ensuring that you buy the correct parts for your vehicle make, and for the issue you are experiencing. If you already know what you need then you can buy it online quickly and conveniently. It’s the cheapest and easiest way to shop for car parts, and will get you the most for your money.