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....

  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...

Let’s face it, while there’s never a good time for our cars to break down or need repairs, it always seems worse when it happens in winter. Cold, wet weather makes being stuck by the roadside or having to rely on public transport that much worse. To minimize the chances of it happening, there are a few simple tasks you can do. As well as preventing some problems before they happen, they’ll help you spot other potential issues so you can get them resolved quickly. Keep an eye on your windscreen Inspect your windscreen, other windows and lights regularly to make sure there are no cracks. If you spot any, get the glass fixed or replaced as soon as possible....

Adverts for new cars have been around for as long as we can remember. Television commercials, roadside billboards, glossy magazines – all feature the latest models, urging us to check them out and upgrade. In recent times, though, the focus has changed. Automotive manufacturers are now as keen to promote the benefits of choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle as they are to showcase safety, comfort, and the latest optional extras. With the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads increasing – global sales topped 1.1 million during the first half of 2019 in the US alone, according to the Edison Electric Institute – it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing. The introduction of more affordable models, such...

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....

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...

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...