Knowing how to check and top up engine oil is an essential car maintenance task for every motorist. It’s also simple to do – you can take care of it yourself at home in a matter of minutes. If you’ve recently bought a second-hand car privately, you might not know when the oil was last changed. In that case, we’d suggest you err on the side of caution and ask your regular garage to do an oil and filter change. This is also something that should be carried out as part of your vehicle’s annual service. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to check your oil every few weeks – set a reminder on your phone or write it on your...

  If you found your car had a flat tire – either before you set off or due to a puncture during the journey – would you know what to do? Changing a tire is one of those basic mechanical tasks every motorist should know but many of us neglect to learn. After all, it never looks that complicated – surely we’d be able to work it out? In reality, especially if you’re stuck at the roadside in the dark or bad weather, that’s unlikely to be the case. Getting familiar with the process before you need it is a good idea, so we’ve broken it down into 7 simple steps. First things first Make sure you know where your...

We hope it will never happen, and if you keep on top of routine maintenance and have your car regularly serviced, the chances are it won’t. Sometimes, though, the unexpected happens – flat tires, a broken fan belt, an accident in bad weather – and you could end up stranded by the roadside. It’s a stressful situation but follow these steps to keep yourself safe while you wait for assistance to get you back on your journey. Stay calm It’s natural to panic, especially if you’re up against a deadline such as traveling to catch a flight. Try not to let it take over, though – keep your cool and you’ll cope far better with managing what’s happened. Look after...