As we roll into high summer, you might be getting excited about going on vacation. What do you plan to do with your car if you’re not taking it with you? If you have dogs, cats or other pets, you’ll have made provision for them with an animal boarding facility or pet sitter. But most of us don’t think about our car sitting in the garage or on the drive while we’re away. If you’re heading off on a holiday, business trip or other journey, especially if it’s for longer than a couple of weeks, then you should make sure your vehicle is taken care of too. It’s likely your main mode of transport in your everyday routine, so you...

However committed we are to caring for the environment, it’s an undeniable truth that the car is an essential part of life for most of us. Some industry analysts estimate there are more than 1.4 billion vehicles on the world’s roads, a number that is only expected to increase. The effects of so many vehicles on the planet are well-documented, and car manufacturers have begun to focus on electric and hybrid models as a result. Governments too are bringing in laws to make motoring more eco-friendly; in the UK, for example, no new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel will be sold from 2030. While choosing to buy an electric or hybrid car is the obvious way to become...

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...

While we all know we should look after our cars, it’s easy to let things slide. If we’re busy, tired and focused on other priorities, then as long as it starts ok we don’t worry too much. That’s why Car Care Month is important – it’s a good reminder to look after our vehicles. Car Care Month takes place every April. It was introduced by the US Car Care Council as a way of encouraging motorists to take better care of their cars but has since spread further afield. The organisation’s executive director, Rich White, says that keeping on top of routine maintenance not only ensures your car is reliable and safe to drive, it also helps avoid more costly...

As signs of spring begin to appear, it’s time to wash away the last of the rock salt and prepare your car for brighter days. The winter weather can take its toll on your vehicle’s condition and appearance, so it’s time to dispense some TLC. As well as giving it a thorough clean inside and out, waxing your car in spring is a wise move. There are still seasonal factors to consider that can adversely affect your vehicle, and waxing will help combat them. Why wax your car? A coat of wax adds a protective layer, shielding your paintwork against extreme weather conditions. While many of us look forward to warmer temperatures, it still rains a lot in the spring....

A new year means a fresh start – most of us see it as a chance to shake things up in our lives. The promises we make to ourselves each January range from big to small, whether it’s wanting to get fit and lose a few kilos to pursuing a whole new career. Whatever your goals are, we wish you success – but spare a thought for your four-wheeled friend, too. It’s easy to take your car for granted when you use it every day, whether it’s on the school run, getting to work or going to the gym. To make sure it keeps you safely on the road, though, it needs some attention. With that in mind, while you’re...

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...

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....

You may have heard the term ‘rust bucket’. Most frequently it’s used to refer to a car, but it can also apply to a ship, truck or even a building. It conjures up an image of an old, unloved vehicle – but, left unchecked, even modern cars are susceptible to rust. Here’s our guide to preventing it. What is rust, exactly? To get slightly scientific for a moment, rust is what happens when you get a chemical reaction called oxidation. Iron reacts with water and oxygen, and the result is that flaky, orange-brown coating. It’s a form of corrosion. Dirt, moisture and rock salt can all cause rust, usually because they build up in places not reached by your usual...

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...