The weather’s getting colder. Should I carry a winter car kit?
Putting together a winter car kit is a very sensible thing to do. It need not cost the earth and could end up being a lifesaver. There are some basic…
I haven’t driven much over Xmas. What car checks should I do before going back to work?
There’s only one thing cars hate more than not being used. And that’s not being used in cold damp weather. Going back to work is bad enough after the Christmas…
Is it worth warming up a car engine before driving?
Drivers of a certain age will doubtless remember their fathers heading out before trips to ‘warm the car up’. Cars have come a long way in the last 20 years,…
Should I buy winter tyres for my car?
Some drivers may view winter tyres as an unnecessary expense. But those that have tried them will testify to the sure-footed feel they give cars on roads that are cold…
Why are some car dealers stuck in the 1970s?
We routinely bash car dealers in surveys for being untrustworthy. A recent experience shows such reports may have a point. A family friend is 18, in the RAF. As a…
If I buy a small model will car tax still be cheap?
The two Ford Fiestas above might look pretty identical but when it comes to car tax, they’re anything but. Until the rules changed in 2017, if you bought a small car…
I’m thinking of buying an electric car. How viable are they for everyday use?
Increasing numbers of buyers are turning to electric cars so it’s hardly surprising you’re thinking about joining them. The government has demanded all new cars sold from 2040 are electric.…
How do I know the best engine oil for my car?
There are so many different makes, types and grades of engine oil that buying a new one can be a daunting process for car owners. Here we demystify choosing an…
Can I jet wash my engine to clean it?
Cars are mechanical marvels. They’re sufficiently strong to withstand daily abuse, yet they’re clever enough to tell us the best way to get to places and in some cases how…
Why abolishing the MOT test is a really bad idea
The UK is the envy of most of the rest of the world for its road safety record. We tinker with that at our peril. A valuable contributor to that…