How do I know the best engine oil for my car?
There are so many different makes, types and grades of oil that buying a new one can be a daunting process for car owners. Here we demystify choosing an oil…
Author: James Foxall
I’ve been writing about cars and motoring for more than 25 years. My career started on a long-departed classic car weekly magazine called AutoClassic. I’ve since pitched up at Autosport, Auto Express, the News of the World, Sunday Times and most recently the Daily Telegraph. When I’m not writing about cars and motoring, I’m probably doing some kind of sport or working in my garden.
How much AdBlue does my car need? How do I add AdBlue and will I know when the tank’s full?
AdBlue is designed to reduce harmful exhaust emissions from diesel engines. If your car runs out of it, the engine won’t start. Here we answer how you fill your car…
What is limp home mode and how do I get my car out of it?
Limp home mode or limp mode is when a car engine appears to lose power for no apparent reason. Your car will put itself into limp home mode because it…
How long can you drive with a DPF light on?
Every modern diesel car sold in the EU since 2009 has a DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter. This is located in the car’s exhaust system and designed to remove the…
What are smart motorways and will they be banned?
Smart motorways increase carriageway capacity without going to the expense and disruption of building new carriageways. There are various applications of the smart motorway concept. Loosely speaking, the hard shoulder…
I’m looking for a car for my daughter. How good is a used Vauxhall Corsa?
Many years ago, the Vauxhall Corsa was Britain’s best seller. Rivals have overtaken it more recently but the Corsa is still well up there and definitely worth a look. How…
Should I buy a pressure washer to clean my car with?
A pressure washer or jet washer is the ultimate addition to any car owner’s cleaning kit. Not only will it make swift work of dirt, it could also add value…
My garage keeps talking about the OBD port. What is OBD?
The letters OBD stand for On Board Diagnostics. The port is where the OBD is accessed. Read on to find out more about OBD. What do On Board Diagnostics do?…
Why is the Ford Fiesta Britain’s best-selling car?
For years the Ford Fiesta has been Britain’s best-seller. In July 2020 that’s still the case. Here we look at what Ford’s supermini does well and what it’s not so…
Is getting a dropped kerb easy? I want to turn my front garden into off-street parking
For many of us ‑ particularly city dwellers ‑ off-street parking is the Holy Grail. But to turn the area in front of your property into a car park you…