Author: Declan

How to check your car oil

Written by Declan
All cars need oil to run the engine. The oil used is specifically designed for use in a car engine and it varies depending on what engine you have, so always be sure to check the required oil before adding it to the sump. You can check the oil level in your car by checking the dip stick. This is a stick that shows you the level of oil and to check it you need to remove it when the car engine has not been running (engine is cold) and the car is parked on a flat surface. Wipe the stick and then push it firmly down in to the hole. After a few seconds remove the stick and look to see where the level is. If the level is...
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Keeping up with car services

Written by Declan
A car service can cover a number of things depending on what car it is, the age and mileage. Many older cars are recommended to be serviced once a year or every ten thousand miles (whichever comes first), but some newer models now have long life servicing meaning they only need to be done every 20,000 miles or two years. When a car is still within its manufacturer’s warranty, the servicing is essential to ensuring the warranty is valid as if it is not done on time or missed completely, this can effective void the warranty. Some manufacturers also stipulate that the service must be carried out by a main dealership. Costs of services vary depending on where you have it done and which service is due. Most cars require...
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Buying a new car

Written by Declan
It can be very exciting buying a new car from a dealership. You can usually go and have a look round and test a few of them to get the feel for what you want prior to buying it. The beauty of buying a new car is that you have the peace of mind of a warranty and many manufactures are now extending this well over the three years. When you arrive at the garage, allow yourself some time to have a look around before you get in to a discussion with a sales person. They can be very helpful but you may feel a little under pressure if they are there initially. Once you have had a look round, then speak to one of the sales people and ask...
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Lights that will not go out

Written by Declan
Have you ever had it on your car where a light comes up on the dash such as brakes need replacing or bulb gone and after you have replaced the part or fixed the issue the light on the car dashboard is still on? This can be frustrating and can cause problems when it comes to selling a car as people are dubious about buying a car showing faults. Often the car will need to be taken to a garage that can put it on a diagnostic machine and reset the code before it will be removed. This may cost you about £30 to do so, but do contact a few different garages for quotes as you may find one cheaper and main dealers are often not the most competitively...
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Defrosting your window screen…the right way

Written by Declan
With winter fast approaching, we are all starting to dread the cold mornings when we come out to discover the car window screen is frozen solid. Although this happens every year, still many of us leave it to the last minute to defrost the windows or risk driving the vehicle with only it partially defrosted which can be very dangerous. Some people poor hot or boiling water over the screen and although this does defrost it very quickly and with little fuss, it can be a costly exercise as many screens will crack with the sudden temperature change, especially if there is already a chip. De-icer is a good product to use but does still require a little bit of waiting and possibly scrapping to remove all the ice. It...
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