It’s one of those frustrating situations we’ve all encountered. Your car has been running with no problems, then one day you get in, turn on the ignition, and nothing happens. Your battery is dead, and you’re not going anywhere. Vehicle recovery organizations say most home call-outs from their customers are due to a flat car battery, so you’re not alone. There are a couple of options you can try to get the engine running before you resort to professional assistance, however. Why is my car battery flat? Car batteries die for various reasons. A common one is because the headlights, interior lights or indicators have been left on without the engine running, although many modern cars now have audible alerts....

For many of us, cleaning the inside of our car is less of a priority than taking care of the outside. It seems a bigger job somehow, especially if your vehicle is full of clutter. But interiors need some TLC too, to keep them in good repair and looking smart, so it’s an essential task every once in a while. Here’s our guide to giving your car interior a thorough clean – while not making it too hard on yourself. Clear it all out Remove all the ‘stuff’ that has accumulated in your car, from old receipts and empty snack packets to kids’ toys and the extra jacket you threw in the back ‘just in case’ and then left there....

It’s time to buy a new car. You’ve done some research – looked at reviews, checked out specs, asked friends and family for their views – and you’ve drawn up a shortlist. Now it’s time for a test drive, which is always enjoyable. It’s fun to try out a few different models – and it’s also necessary. You might have a favorite in mind, but if it doesn’t work for you and your lifestyle you’ll need to reconsider. That’s why try-before-you-buy is so important when it comes to car shopping. Most of us keep our cars for several years, so you need more than a few minutes behind the wheel before you make a final decision. Here are a few...

How often do you clean your car? For many motorists it’s part of the weekend routine, and quite therapeutic after a busy week at work. For others, it’s another chore they struggle to find time for. Yet it’s important to look after your car’s bodywork. Dirt builds up quickly, even if you only travel short distances. In winter, grit and salt sticks to panels, wheels and tires and can cause them to deteriorate. While a regular professional valet service would be wonderful, it’s not always an option. Garage car washes have their place, but there’s nothing quite as effective as doing it yourself. Grab a bucket and a wash mitt, and follow our tips on how to wash your car...

It’s one of those rites of passage. Once our children are old enough, they take driving lessons. All being well, after a while they pass their test. Then they want a car of their own, plus yours is too big/fast/precious to let them take out alone. Once you agree, there’ll be some discussion around what car is best for a new driver. Their ideas are unlikely to match yours, and there’ll be some debate before a compromise is reached. Once the dust settles, it’s time to start looking seriously. Here are a few tips you might want to bear in mind when looking for your child’s first car. Safety first Your top priority when choosing a car for your young...

Whatever car you drive, one of the main expenses it brings is the fuel you need to run it. We might gasp when we get our insurance renewal quote, or bemoan an unexpected repair bill, but putting fuel in our vehicles is an essential, regular and increasingly costly task. Most of us are keen to find the cheapest price at the pumps, and we’d bet we’re not the only ones who will drive across town to save a few cents. There’s another way to reduce your fuel costs too, though – and that’s by improving the mileage you get from your car. Take a look at our list to see what steps you can take to get more miles to...

Summer is a time to get out and about. Day trips, picnics, exploring attractions near and far – they’re all high on our list of to-dos, and generally mean we use our cars more and drive longer distances. With Covid-19 restrictions still limiting overseas travel, more people are finding ways to enjoy their vacation at home – which in turn inevitably leads to increased traffic on the roads. Our advice will help you stay comfortable and safe on the roads this summer. Before you go Plan your route. If you’re driving somewhere new, keep stress levels down by planning a basic route – especially if it’s a long way. Google maps, sat nav and the like make travel much easier,...