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...

However well-prepared you are for driving in winter, there’s always a chance you’ll find yourself stranded. Even if your car is regularly serviced and well maintained, you could still suffer a breakdown, have an accident, or be forced to stop by sudden bad weather. It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency breakdown kit just in case the worst should happen. It’s easy to put together and, once assembled, can be left in your vehicle – where it will hopefully stay unneeded! What you put in your emergency winter breakdown kit may vary according to where you live and the kind of weather you’re likely to experience. As a minimum, though, we’d recommend you include the following items. A...

Most of us are already preparing for harsher weather as we move into the colder months of the year. Winter brings its own challenges for motorists, both on and off the road. Lower temperatures and wet conditions can take their toll, with electrical faults and mechanical issues rearing their heads. You can’t prevent every problem, of course, but you can take steps to reduce some of the risks. It’s a good idea to look after your vehicle anyway, but the last thing you want is a lengthy wait by the roadside until your breakdown service arrives – or the repair bill that comes afterwards. You could take your car to a garage for a pre-winter check and service, but if...

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....

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...

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,...

Whether you’re a motoring fanatic or your vehicle is simply a way to get from A to B, if you own a car then chances are you spend quite a bit of time in it. There’s the daily commute, the school run, the supermarket shop, taking the kids to dance lessons – and that’s without using it for your own leisure. While there’s nothing quite like the feeling of collecting a shiny new car from the showroom, for most of us that’s not an option more than once in a while. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We get comfortable with our cars the longer we have them. We learn – and love – their quirks. We cherish them. Now...