Archive for the ‘Car Repairs’ Category
From the Body Beautiful to Car Beautiful
Car Scratch Repair, Bumper Scuff Fixing, Alloy Wheel Refurbishment. A tale of one man’s love for motor cars and the career path changes it took him on.
Shiatsu practitioner, Mike Jeffers based in Swindon was using his healing skills to align peoples bodies. Now find him aligning car bodies, smoothing out paint scratches and refurbishing alloy wheels with his SMART repair skills. Why did he change direction? Is he making a success of his career change?
Changing Direction
Cars were always a first love with Mike. He gained an Automotive Engineering degree from Loughborough University in 1984 and planned to become a designer in the car industry. Bad timing though, the car industry went into doldrums and there were no jobs to be had. Not to be put down, he gained a Design Engineer job with Rolls Royce – not the car but the helicopter division. Still it was Engineering design.
Time moves on and everything is becoming computerised and the natural move into computer programming beckons. This also takes him into Swindon to work for Galileo until redundancy beckoned, when Galileo moved its operation to the States.
Alternative Therapist
Over the years Mike had gradually become interested in alternative therapies. He had graduated as a Shiatsu practitioner. He also took part in Rekki and Tai-Chi. He was very good at this bringing comfort to many people, however his interest in cars still tugged at him.
SMART repairs for cars
Four years ago, Mike decided to set up SMART car repair business, and has seen it grow into a successful business with a large proportion of repeat work. People are always amazed by the care and attention that he puts into his work. He lives up to his slogan “Our best work always goes unnoticed” that can be seen on his website www.trimlineswindon.co.uk. When he finishes, customers often have a problem to see where the repair was made.
SMART Repairs, what are they I hear you ask?
SMART repair techniques have been developed to help maintain a vehicle in pristine condition without traditional expensive time consuming body shop repairs. It lends itself well to repairing scuffs, chips and scratches that affect the look and value of a vehicle. SMART repair techniques use state of the art techniques and products technicians ensure the highest standards of work, preserving the integrity of the original paintwork.
See www.look4carcare.co.uk/news/smart-repairs-pamper-your-car-0293.html for more info
How to find a local technician
Look4CarCare is a national online directory featuring SMART repair technicians. Using the website www.look4carcare.co.uk, you can search for your nearest supplier using your postcode.
About Look4carcare
Look4CarCare is a national online directory of SMART Repair suppliers in the UK. The Look4CarCare website allows car owners to find suppliers offering the exact SMART repair that their car requires anywhere in the UK. Services currently covered by the valuable online resource include: paint scuff and scratch repairs; windscreen repairs; paintless dent removal; leather repairs; fabric repairs, bumper repairs; dashboard repairs; alloy wheel repairs, stone chip repairs. It also aims to become the informational focal point for SMART Repairs and associated industry news.
For further details Contact
Mike Jeffers
Look4CarCare
E-mail: info@look4carcare.co.uk
Website: www.look4carcare.co.uk
Damaged Windscreen? The Screen Saver Can Save You £££’s
First of all, the old windscreen needs to be completely removed before new installation.
The Screen Savers are leading experts in windscreen repair and windscreen replacement, after developing its Mobile Windscreen Repair & Replacement Service for all makes and models of cars.
The screen Savers managing director, Mark Usher says: “Most car owners don’t think about the importance of their windscreens. They think of the windscreen as a large window on their car that lets them see outside. The windscreen is a highly important aspect of your car which is why it deserves the same attention as changing your oil and rotating your tires. If you get a chip or crack in your windscreen it should be immediately repaired just like you would immediately replace a flat tire.”
“A windscreen has to be properly installed. If there is even the slightest fault in installation the integrity of the windscreen is altered. During production of the car computers are used to properly align and place the windscreen. After the installation a car windscreen will be cured so that the molding will properly dry and the windscreen will have been installed with the highest of quality. The Screen Saver only use glass manufactured to OEM standards, whether sourced from original equipment manufacturers or other suppliers, ensuring that the glass we fit is as good as the original piece of glass we are replacing.”
If your car windscreen does get cracked, which does happen from rocks or debris flying into the windscreen, it is important to get the chip repaired immediately. If it is not repaired the stress will continue to build up along the crack. The longer you wait to fix the problem the more the crack will build up and the more likely you will need to replace the whole window.
For more information please visit www.thescreensaver.co.uk.
The Screen Savers are leading experts in windscreen repair and windscreen replacement, after developing its Mobile Windscreen Repair & Replacement Service for all makes and models of cars.
The screen Savers managing director, Mark Usher says: “Most car owners don’t think about the importance of their windscreens. They think of the windscreen as a large window on their car that lets them see outside. The windscreen is a highly important aspect of your car which is why it deserves the same attention as changing your oil and rotating your tires. If you get a chip or crack in your windscreen it should be immediately repaired just like you would immediately replace a flat tire.”
“A windscreen has to be properly installed. If there is even the slightest fault in installation the integrity of the windscreen is altered. During production of the car computers are used to properly align and place the windscreen. After the installation a car windscreen will be cured so that the molding will properly dry and the windscreen will have been installed with the highest of quality. The Screen Saver only use glass manufactured to OEM standards, whether sourced from original equipment manufacturers or other suppliers, ensuring that the glass we fit is as good as the original piece of glass we are replacing.”
If your car windscreen does get cracked, which does happen from rocks or debris flying into the windscreen, it is important to get the chip repaired immediately. If it is not repaired the stress will continue to build up along the crack. The longer you wait to fix the problem the more the crack will build up and the more likely you will need to replace the whole window.
For more information please visit www.thescreensaver.co.uk.
Christmas Car Park Mayhem – 1 in 10 UK Motorists Admit ‘hit and Run’ in the Car Park
As the Christmas shopping mania gathers pace, shoppers find themselves under pressure as they navigate crowded roads and car parks, seeking that last available space. They enter the fray, to find that last ‘must have toy’ at Argos, and that Chocolate Christmas Pud at M&S. With only a 2 point rise in blood pressure they survive the queues and crowds. Only to find a dented bumper with a three inch paint scuff, and no note left on their car windscreen from the guilty party.
Is anyone surprised that stress levels rise at Christmas?
Car Parking Hot Spot Survey
A parking study, commissioned by RAC Direct Insurance, shows car park prangs are costing UK motorists £2.4 billion each year. This study found that more than half of all motorists have either bumped another car, or had their own car pranged in a car park. Supermarkets being the most common places for the accidents to occur.
While car park accidents may be ‘minor’, they are not cheap. The average payment to fix the scrapes and dents is £293.57.
Bump and Run
A tenth of UK motorists admit to ‘forgetting’ to leave a note after a car park prang, with various excuses being given.
Tit for Tat – A quarter of male motorists, and one in ten female drivers, do a runner because their car has been a victim of a previous hit and run so they don’t feel like they need to leave their own contact details
Is it worse at Christmas?
The long delay experienced by drivers before they even get to the shops, with the overcrowded roads, leading into the town centres leaves their stress levels sky high. Couple this with the problem of finding a space in the tight car park where the space size seems to shrink each year. Is it any wonder that tempers fray quickly and short cuts are taken? This lack of care leads to an increase in the car park mayhem.
Avoiding the Bumps
• Park away from other cars, often the extremities of the car park can be empty. This means a longer walk, but a better chance of preserving your car’s integrity.
• Avoid the trolley run in supermarket car park as damage is often caused by struggling pedestrians manhandling an overfull trolley past your vehicle.
• Take care when parking, don’t try to squeeze into an awkward tight spot.
• Take special care when reversing, is another car also reversing?
• If you drive a Mercedes R- Class, bad luck, the average parking bay is 2.4m by 4.8 m and the car is nearly 2.2m wide and 5.2m long. I suggest taking the bus instead.
Getting it fixed
Ok the worst has happened, what next, how do I get it repaired.
Look for a local SMART repair technician on www.look4carcare.co.uk, they are skilled in repairing small scrapes and dents, without the need for a full panel re-spray, thus keeping the cost down.
For example the costs for bumper damage can start at £60. See www.trimlineswindon.co.uk/prices.htm for some example costs. Please be aware that costs can vary according to the amount of damage and the company undertaking the work. Always request a written quote first.
About Look4carcare
Look4CarCare is a national online directory of SMART Repair suppliers in the UK. The Look4CarCare website allows car owners to find suppliers offering the exact SMART repair that their car requires anywhere in the UK. Services currently covered by the valuable online resource include: paint scuff and scratch repairs; windscreen repairs; paintless dent removal; leather repairs; fabric repairs, bumper repairs; dashboard repairs; alloy wheel repairs, stone chip repairs. It also aims to become the informational focal point for SMART Repairs and associated industry news.
For further details contact
Barbara Jeffers
Tel: 0779 279 3511
E-mail: info@look4carcare.co.uk
Website: www.look4carcare.co.uk
Is anyone surprised that stress levels rise at Christmas?
Car Parking Hot Spot Survey
A parking study, commissioned by RAC Direct Insurance, shows car park prangs are costing UK motorists £2.4 billion each year. This study found that more than half of all motorists have either bumped another car, or had their own car pranged in a car park. Supermarkets being the most common places for the accidents to occur.
While car park accidents may be ‘minor’, they are not cheap. The average payment to fix the scrapes and dents is £293.57.
Bump and Run
A tenth of UK motorists admit to ‘forgetting’ to leave a note after a car park prang, with various excuses being given.
Tit for Tat – A quarter of male motorists, and one in ten female drivers, do a runner because their car has been a victim of a previous hit and run so they don’t feel like they need to leave their own contact details
Is it worse at Christmas?
The long delay experienced by drivers before they even get to the shops, with the overcrowded roads, leading into the town centres leaves their stress levels sky high. Couple this with the problem of finding a space in the tight car park where the space size seems to shrink each year. Is it any wonder that tempers fray quickly and short cuts are taken? This lack of care leads to an increase in the car park mayhem.
Avoiding the Bumps
• Park away from other cars, often the extremities of the car park can be empty. This means a longer walk, but a better chance of preserving your car’s integrity.
• Avoid the trolley run in supermarket car park as damage is often caused by struggling pedestrians manhandling an overfull trolley past your vehicle.
• Take care when parking, don’t try to squeeze into an awkward tight spot.
• Take special care when reversing, is another car also reversing?
• If you drive a Mercedes R- Class, bad luck, the average parking bay is 2.4m by 4.8 m and the car is nearly 2.2m wide and 5.2m long. I suggest taking the bus instead.
Getting it fixed
Ok the worst has happened, what next, how do I get it repaired.
Look for a local SMART repair technician on www.look4carcare.co.uk, they are skilled in repairing small scrapes and dents, without the need for a full panel re-spray, thus keeping the cost down.
For example the costs for bumper damage can start at £60. See www.trimlineswindon.co.uk/prices.htm for some example costs. Please be aware that costs can vary according to the amount of damage and the company undertaking the work. Always request a written quote first.
About Look4carcare
Look4CarCare is a national online directory of SMART Repair suppliers in the UK. The Look4CarCare website allows car owners to find suppliers offering the exact SMART repair that their car requires anywhere in the UK. Services currently covered by the valuable online resource include: paint scuff and scratch repairs; windscreen repairs; paintless dent removal; leather repairs; fabric repairs, bumper repairs; dashboard repairs; alloy wheel repairs, stone chip repairs. It also aims to become the informational focal point for SMART Repairs and associated industry news.
For further details contact
Barbara Jeffers
Tel: 0779 279 3511
E-mail: info@look4carcare.co.uk
Website: www.look4carcare.co.uk
Top 5 Most Common Car Problems
You have to do more than just fill up your car with petrol and occasionally clean the windows. The American Automobile Association conducted nationwide clinics at 25 different AAA clubs that included inspecting 6,082 vehicles to find out the five most common car problems–all of which are easy to fix with just a little time and not too much money.
1. Tyre pressure
Drivers should check tyre pressure at least once a month to ensure tyres are not under- or over-inflated. Low pressure in the tyres can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tyres properly aligned will also help assure longer tyre life and improve fuel economy. One should always take care of his car and get the regular car repairs done.
2. A clogged air filter
Maintain and replace air filters as often as is recommended in your owner’s manual to ensure better air flow through the engine. This, in turn, will improve engine efficiency and result in more power and better fuel usage.
3. Insufficient tire tread depth
For sufficient traction, tires should have a minimum of 5mm tread depth. Use a depth gauge to check. Most tires also have built-in tread wear indicators that let you know when tire replacement is necessary.
4. Engine oil that is low or needs to be changed
Dirty oil will increase engine wear, while low oil levels can lead to overheating. If the oil level drops too low, lubrication will be lost and severe engine damage can result. Regular oil changes will add longevity to the engine.
5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades
Rigid, cracked or torn wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in rain and snow, which could increase your chance of having a crash. Examine and replace your windshield wiper blades once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
Your vehicle should be well taken care of. Whenever there is a need of the auto repairs one should contact the best auto repair mechanic in the town.
1. Tyre pressure
Drivers should check tyre pressure at least once a month to ensure tyres are not under- or over-inflated. Low pressure in the tyres can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tyres properly aligned will also help assure longer tyre life and improve fuel economy. One should always take care of his car and get the regular car repairs done.
2. A clogged air filter
Maintain and replace air filters as often as is recommended in your owner’s manual to ensure better air flow through the engine. This, in turn, will improve engine efficiency and result in more power and better fuel usage.
3. Insufficient tire tread depth
For sufficient traction, tires should have a minimum of 5mm tread depth. Use a depth gauge to check. Most tires also have built-in tread wear indicators that let you know when tire replacement is necessary.
4. Engine oil that is low or needs to be changed
Dirty oil will increase engine wear, while low oil levels can lead to overheating. If the oil level drops too low, lubrication will be lost and severe engine damage can result. Regular oil changes will add longevity to the engine.
5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades
Rigid, cracked or torn wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in rain and snow, which could increase your chance of having a crash. Examine and replace your windshield wiper blades once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
Your vehicle should be well taken care of. Whenever there is a need of the auto repairs one should contact the best auto repair mechanic in the town.
Freezing Weather Conditions Put Windscreens at Risk
Due to all of the cold weather that the UK has been experiencing recently, many motorists are finding themselves with steep bills after attempting to de-frost their windscreens in a whole host of inappropriate ways, including with; boiling water, credit cards, CD cases and even with shoes. A leading car servicing specialist carried out a study that showed up some surprising figures. The results showed that over 36 per cent of drivers dangerously use hot water to de-ice their windscreens and a further 27 per cent admitted that they have used credit cards to try and de-frost the car’s windscreen. Further to this, the study found that 12 per cent of people tried to get rid of the frost by using CD cases and 3 per cent even resorted to using a shoe. The managing director of the car servicing specialist told of how it is a complete urban myth that you can successfully de-ice your car by using hot water. The truth is that when the hot water meets the cold ice, the drastic change in temperature could cause your windscreen to crack or maybe even shatter, resulting in having a windscreen replacement. However, it is not only unconventional methods that are causing problems for drivers, it seems that even the methods that are perceived as safer are also causing havoc for drivers. Over Christmas the car servicing specialist reported that some people had paid out for windscreen repair due to using their electric car heaters. The car specialist company explained that this problem was caused by people desperately attempting to clear their windscreens quickly by putting their heaters on full blast. This unfortunately has the same effect as pouring hot water over your car windscreen and could result in it cracking. The advice that the company gave was to always turn your heaters on to a low level at first as this will allow the heat to build up gradually and melt the ice. If you really don’t have time for this in the morning then resort to the traditional ice scraper method or try using a de-icer spray for the outside of the screen and a small rag or shammy sponge to help clear any mist from the inside. It is never advisable to attempt to drive off without having complete visibility out of all windscreens, windows and mirrors. If you’re looking for more information about how to care for your car during the cold weather or for what different car insurance policies cover you for, then it’s worth getting online in order to find out more.
You may find you need to get a windscreen replacement after attempting to clear your car with hot water for example. A leading car servicing specialist found that drivers had to pay out for windscreen repair due to damage caused by their electric car heaters. If you want more information regarding caring for your car throughout this cold weather snap or you want to know what your car insurance policy covers you for, then get online and find out more.
You may find you need to get a windscreen replacement after attempting to clear your car with hot water for example. A leading car servicing specialist found that drivers had to pay out for windscreen repair due to damage caused by their electric car heaters. If you want more information regarding caring for your car throughout this cold weather snap or you want to know what your car insurance policy covers you for, then get online and find out more.
Some Simple Tips for your Car – (part Two)
FUEL SAVING TIPS
Here are some tips that will save you money. It we all followed them then we would reduce the demand for petrol and other fuels. This would conserve oil and may reduce its price as well save billions of tons of greenhouse gasses. Most of these are at no cost, but require your commitment to at least try them out for a few weeks so you can see the results for yourself.
Easy things you can do. Pump up your tyres and keep at the correct pressure. At least 32 psi or higher if the manufacturer recommends. Under inflated tyres can use up to an extra 7% fuel. Check pressure every 2 weeks when tyres are cold. Faulty wheel alignment will also increase the rolling resistance of your car, which will increase your fuel consumption and wear your tyres out quickly.
Remove anything from your car boot that you do not require- an extra 30 kgs adds 2% to fuel consumption. Remove roof racks if not in use as they cause air drag. Fill up your car when you see the price reduced at a service station. There can be a price difference of 10c per litre within a week.
Buying premium-unleaded fuel will only benefit fuel economy in some cars, and it costs more to buy. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car does actually benefit by using premium fuel. It is time for us to pull together and help our environment. Log on to begreen.com.au where you can find many tips on environmental issues in Victoria. OzFreeOnline.com has ‘random’ and ‘popular’ listings pages where you can find all the newest up to date information on environmental issues not only in Australia, but also around the world.
AIR CONDITIONER
We take our air conditioning for granted, and wonder how we ever got along without it, but we rarely check the system until it begins to blow out hot air. This is probably something you may have encountered as I have. Not only have I discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner costs a small fortune, depending upon the make and model of vehicle.
In order to keep you air conditioning system in good operating condition you must run it for a few minutes at least once a week. This will keep your seals in top condition and help to stop your refrigerant escaping. Running your air conditioning on the ‘demist’ setting will quickly demist your windscreen.
If your system is not operational, it may mean you may need re-gassing. Maybe your drive belt has broken, your compressor is faulty, or you have an electrical fault. The other problem may be that there are leaks in your air conditioning system. No matter what the problem you will need to see to it in quick time. One of the sites I have searched is adtecauto.com.au who specialise in automotive air conditioning. OzFreeOnline.com ‘Cars’ is the biggest and best site online for ‘free’ car listings and has so many vehicles in their used car and cars for sale pages, that you will find just the car you want, when you log into the ‘Advanced Search’ criteria page.
If your vehicle is older and needs major repairs to the air conditioning, system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They are not inter-changeable. The system must be flushed out first. Ideally, take your vehicle to the makers service centre and have their experts do the necessary work for you. You may pay a little more, but you know that it will be a job done well.
Furthermore, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane, and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you are damaging the ozone layer.
If you take your car to a specialist, you will most likely have the following items checked and assessed:
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNDERBODY
BODY WORK
GLASS
WHEELS
TYRES
BRAKES
CLUTCH
INTERIOR
ROAD TEST
There are many good sites to recommend when it comes to the servicing and checking of your car. Further more you might want information about a used motor vehicle or even find the used car you are thinking of purchasing online. The first site that comes to mind is repcoservice.com that has so many hints and tips on car servicing that you should find all the information you need. I found OzFreeOnline.com to be the best site for Australian car for sale, and the site offered not only a comprehensive ‘search’ guide, but also a forum where one could chat with auto enthusiasts. With all the above items checked, you shall have absolutely no worries about being the driver of a safe, reliable motor vehicle.
Here are some tips that will save you money. It we all followed them then we would reduce the demand for petrol and other fuels. This would conserve oil and may reduce its price as well save billions of tons of greenhouse gasses. Most of these are at no cost, but require your commitment to at least try them out for a few weeks so you can see the results for yourself.
Easy things you can do. Pump up your tyres and keep at the correct pressure. At least 32 psi or higher if the manufacturer recommends. Under inflated tyres can use up to an extra 7% fuel. Check pressure every 2 weeks when tyres are cold. Faulty wheel alignment will also increase the rolling resistance of your car, which will increase your fuel consumption and wear your tyres out quickly.
Remove anything from your car boot that you do not require- an extra 30 kgs adds 2% to fuel consumption. Remove roof racks if not in use as they cause air drag. Fill up your car when you see the price reduced at a service station. There can be a price difference of 10c per litre within a week.
Buying premium-unleaded fuel will only benefit fuel economy in some cars, and it costs more to buy. Check your owner’s manual to see if your car does actually benefit by using premium fuel. It is time for us to pull together and help our environment. Log on to begreen.com.au where you can find many tips on environmental issues in Victoria. OzFreeOnline.com has ‘random’ and ‘popular’ listings pages where you can find all the newest up to date information on environmental issues not only in Australia, but also around the world.
AIR CONDITIONER
We take our air conditioning for granted, and wonder how we ever got along without it, but we rarely check the system until it begins to blow out hot air. This is probably something you may have encountered as I have. Not only have I discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner costs a small fortune, depending upon the make and model of vehicle.
In order to keep you air conditioning system in good operating condition you must run it for a few minutes at least once a week. This will keep your seals in top condition and help to stop your refrigerant escaping. Running your air conditioning on the ‘demist’ setting will quickly demist your windscreen.
If your system is not operational, it may mean you may need re-gassing. Maybe your drive belt has broken, your compressor is faulty, or you have an electrical fault. The other problem may be that there are leaks in your air conditioning system. No matter what the problem you will need to see to it in quick time. One of the sites I have searched is adtecauto.com.au who specialise in automotive air conditioning. OzFreeOnline.com ‘Cars’ is the biggest and best site online for ‘free’ car listings and has so many vehicles in their used car and cars for sale pages, that you will find just the car you want, when you log into the ‘Advanced Search’ criteria page.
If your vehicle is older and needs major repairs to the air conditioning, system you can expect to replace refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants. They are not inter-changeable. The system must be flushed out first. Ideally, take your vehicle to the makers service centre and have their experts do the necessary work for you. You may pay a little more, but you know that it will be a job done well.
Furthermore, some substitutes are volatile mixtures of propane, butane, and flammable hydrocarbons. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you are damaging the ozone layer.
If you take your car to a specialist, you will most likely have the following items checked and assessed:
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNDERBODY
BODY WORK
GLASS
WHEELS
TYRES
BRAKES
CLUTCH
INTERIOR
ROAD TEST
There are many good sites to recommend when it comes to the servicing and checking of your car. Further more you might want information about a used motor vehicle or even find the used car you are thinking of purchasing online. The first site that comes to mind is repcoservice.com that has so many hints and tips on car servicing that you should find all the information you need. I found OzFreeOnline.com to be the best site for Australian car for sale, and the site offered not only a comprehensive ‘search’ guide, but also a forum where one could chat with auto enthusiasts. With all the above items checked, you shall have absolutely no worries about being the driver of a safe, reliable motor vehicle.
Keep your windscreen clean to avoid accidents
When driving along you may occasionally get dirt flicked up off other passing vehicles or a bug splattered on your windscreen, this can be annoying but it is also fairly dangerous. You need a clear view to see what is happening on the road including any potential hazards. This is the reason why cars are fitted with washer jets and windscreen wipers, allowing drivers to clear away the rain and sleet as well as any other unwanted obstructions.
It’s important to always make sure your washer fluid is topped up, running out whilst driving can be hazardous. You can buy solution that is either ready to pour in on its own or in concentrate, which you can add different levels of water to, depending on the season. You shouldn’t use just water on its own as this can freeze easily in the winter which can damage the motor and pipes. Also water doesn’t help much when trying to clean the windscreen of any stubborn dirt.
The washer jets over time can get dirty or become blocked; this can lead to the water not coming out or becoming misdirected. You can clear the jets using a pin to pick away any build up, if the jets are not pointing the right direction and are either too high or point to the side, then you can use the pin to redirect the washers and give them a test spray to check you’ve repositioned them correctly.
Windscreen wipers can over time lose their effectiveness, becoming worn and leaving streaks or warping and loosing contact with the window, missing patches altogether. Check in a motoring store what size of wiper blades you need – you can usually buy front wipers in pairs and the rear ones separately. Be careful when removing the old blades as they tend to have a clip mechanism that could break if too much force is applied. Make sure that when you clean your car you give the wiper blades a wipe clean too, to clear any dirt which could scratch the glass.
Sometimes a stone or other object may strike the windscreen of your car and create a small chip or crack; you should get chips and cracks fixed as quickly as possible. Small chips and cracks not only distort your vision but can easily develop into serious cracks or shattered windscreens. There are plenty of windshield repair firms that can fill in a chip, making it practically invisible. Check with your insurer too as sometimes this kind of process may be covered and cost you nothing.
If you’re finding it hard to get approved for car finance for a quality used car, then try searching for a bad credit car finance company which may be able to help you in your situation.
It’s important to always make sure your washer fluid is topped up, running out whilst driving can be hazardous. You can buy solution that is either ready to pour in on its own or in concentrate, which you can add different levels of water to, depending on the season. You shouldn’t use just water on its own as this can freeze easily in the winter which can damage the motor and pipes. Also water doesn’t help much when trying to clean the windscreen of any stubborn dirt.
The washer jets over time can get dirty or become blocked; this can lead to the water not coming out or becoming misdirected. You can clear the jets using a pin to pick away any build up, if the jets are not pointing the right direction and are either too high or point to the side, then you can use the pin to redirect the washers and give them a test spray to check you’ve repositioned them correctly.
Windscreen wipers can over time lose their effectiveness, becoming worn and leaving streaks or warping and loosing contact with the window, missing patches altogether. Check in a motoring store what size of wiper blades you need – you can usually buy front wipers in pairs and the rear ones separately. Be careful when removing the old blades as they tend to have a clip mechanism that could break if too much force is applied. Make sure that when you clean your car you give the wiper blades a wipe clean too, to clear any dirt which could scratch the glass.
Sometimes a stone or other object may strike the windscreen of your car and create a small chip or crack; you should get chips and cracks fixed as quickly as possible. Small chips and cracks not only distort your vision but can easily develop into serious cracks or shattered windscreens. There are plenty of windshield repair firms that can fill in a chip, making it practically invisible. Check with your insurer too as sometimes this kind of process may be covered and cost you nothing.
If you’re finding it hard to get approved for car finance for a quality used car, then try searching for a bad credit car finance company which may be able to help you in your situation.
Five Things You Must Keep In Your Car
When you reach the age where you begin driving lessons, you learn how to drive the car, the highway code and rules of the road, and you may even learn how to change a tyre or replace the bulbs. Some people learn a lot more and these are well prepared for any eventuality that may occur while they are out on the road.
Driving is a learning experience. It doesn’t matter how long you have been driving or how many times you have broken down, crashed or been pulled over by the police – you will always be more prepared the next time. Every time something goes wrong with your car, you will be prepared if the same thing ever happens again. Experience teaches you to be prepared.
There are many items that are recommended for you to keep in the boot or glove-box of your car. Your driving instructor may chat to you during your lessons, giving little hints and tips that they have picked up in their years of experience. Also, if your father is an experienced driver, he will often give you advice about the common problems that motorists face and so will help you avoid falling victim to these preventable obstacles.
An inexperienced driver may not know what to do if their car broke down, especially in a quiet road or where few cars will pass. Nearly everybody now will have a mobile phone so this will not make the Top Five List. However, ensure you have an in-car charger and that your phone is able to make calls in case of such a problem.
With a mobile phone, you are able to contact the right people to ensure that if you are stuck somewhere, they will come and get you or will send a recovery service to ensure you aren’t stranded. However, recovery services can take a long time to find you, so always take a blanket with you in the boot of your car. This can be used for sitting on, if the ground is wet, or to keep you warm while you wait to be recovered.
Another key item that will prove invaluable in this situation is a battery-powered torch. Stranded in the dark is not a pleasant experience, so packing a torch will make it more bearable and will help you with any minor repairs. Changing a tyre can be a tricky business in the dark, so always keep a charged torch in the car.
If you drive to work, family occasions or any event where you are expected to maintain a set dress-code or appearance, ensure that your glove box has either tissues or an even better choice – wet wipes. Wet wipes or baby wipes are a fantastic addition to your holiday luggage, so why not keep them handy for road trips and car journeys away from home.
So many car problems that you may face will involve lifting the bonnet, handling parts or touching the exterior of your car. As all car-owners know, the outside of your car will become extremely dirty in a short space of time. Handling tyres, dipsticks, wiper blades and even your petrol cap can result in your hands being covered in dirt, oil and general grime.
The use of plastic gloves when refilling your tank is a great start, but carrying a pack of wipes will enable you to feel fresh instantly and prevent the transfer of filth onto your clothes. When you are well-presented for an important meeting, it would be infuriating to find an oil smear on your ice-white shirt. Wipes can also be used by families with children that have sticky fingers after food, clean hands will mean clean seats and upholstery.
Anyone who has been in a car when it overheats will understand the importance of the next item on the list. A two-litre bottle of water. This is not the emergency drinking water that you may take if you were driving across a desert or the Australian outback, but water for more practical purposes.
Recently, while driving along the motorway, I came to a long section of roadworks with a plethora of heavy machinery and small army of workers. As i continued through the roadwork populous, my windscreen became opaque with dirt and dust. I anxiously clutched at the magic wand of windscreen wash, alas, it was empty. I vainly attempted to move the dirt with my dry wiper blades, only to make matters worse. More by luck than judgment, I made it to the next junction where I filled up with the free water at the service station. And i survived.
This is a serious issue and can grossly affect your visibility and therefore your ability to drive. The benefit of a bottle of water vastly outweighs the slight annoyance of it sometimes rolling about while you drive, causing a strange noise that makes you think there is a small animal burrowing into your back seat. The other benefit for the water, aside from filling the windscreen wash, can be gained if you use it to fill your radiator to avoid your car overheating, as mentioned earlier.
The fifth and final item that you must always keep in your car, is another one that you should attempt to have on your person at all times. As with a mobile phone, this item maybe shouldn’t make the list as most people carry this wherever they go. However, I am going to suggest that you must always have money, currency or cold-hard cash in your car.
To carry cash in your car is not going to encourage someone to break into it, unless you display it blatantly or if it is a big wad of hundreds of pounds in notes. By cash, I am suggesting that you ensure you always have a few pounds of coins and change in your car at any one time. These coins will be extremely useful at various times, mainly when you need to pay for a parking space or if your route requires you to pay a toll.
Coins can fit into various small compartments in your car, so ensure that you stock up and always have a minimum amount that you will never go below. Car parks can be expensive and rarely accept credit card payments, so these coins could save you a lot of money in fines and parking tickets.
Tolls are rare in the UK, but will be found more regularly, when you travel for greater distances. Be prepared for this and fill your car’s ashtray with some pound coins and fifty pence pieces, and you will avoid that awkward, uncomfortable realisation when you reach into your pocket only to feel your sweaty thigh.
So, to summarise, ensure your car is equipped for most emergencies that you may face. This advice is just a starting point, and the more experienced that you become as a driver, the more items will be added to your list. As you finish reading, go get your blanket, torch (with batteries of course), bottle of water, wet wipes and coins and put them in your car. You never know when you might need them, but if you haven’t got them in there you will regret it at some point.
Driving is a learning experience. It doesn’t matter how long you have been driving or how many times you have broken down, crashed or been pulled over by the police – you will always be more prepared the next time. Every time something goes wrong with your car, you will be prepared if the same thing ever happens again. Experience teaches you to be prepared.
There are many items that are recommended for you to keep in the boot or glove-box of your car. Your driving instructor may chat to you during your lessons, giving little hints and tips that they have picked up in their years of experience. Also, if your father is an experienced driver, he will often give you advice about the common problems that motorists face and so will help you avoid falling victim to these preventable obstacles.
An inexperienced driver may not know what to do if their car broke down, especially in a quiet road or where few cars will pass. Nearly everybody now will have a mobile phone so this will not make the Top Five List. However, ensure you have an in-car charger and that your phone is able to make calls in case of such a problem.
With a mobile phone, you are able to contact the right people to ensure that if you are stuck somewhere, they will come and get you or will send a recovery service to ensure you aren’t stranded. However, recovery services can take a long time to find you, so always take a blanket with you in the boot of your car. This can be used for sitting on, if the ground is wet, or to keep you warm while you wait to be recovered.
Another key item that will prove invaluable in this situation is a battery-powered torch. Stranded in the dark is not a pleasant experience, so packing a torch will make it more bearable and will help you with any minor repairs. Changing a tyre can be a tricky business in the dark, so always keep a charged torch in the car.
If you drive to work, family occasions or any event where you are expected to maintain a set dress-code or appearance, ensure that your glove box has either tissues or an even better choice – wet wipes. Wet wipes or baby wipes are a fantastic addition to your holiday luggage, so why not keep them handy for road trips and car journeys away from home.
So many car problems that you may face will involve lifting the bonnet, handling parts or touching the exterior of your car. As all car-owners know, the outside of your car will become extremely dirty in a short space of time. Handling tyres, dipsticks, wiper blades and even your petrol cap can result in your hands being covered in dirt, oil and general grime.
The use of plastic gloves when refilling your tank is a great start, but carrying a pack of wipes will enable you to feel fresh instantly and prevent the transfer of filth onto your clothes. When you are well-presented for an important meeting, it would be infuriating to find an oil smear on your ice-white shirt. Wipes can also be used by families with children that have sticky fingers after food, clean hands will mean clean seats and upholstery.
Anyone who has been in a car when it overheats will understand the importance of the next item on the list. A two-litre bottle of water. This is not the emergency drinking water that you may take if you were driving across a desert or the Australian outback, but water for more practical purposes.
Recently, while driving along the motorway, I came to a long section of roadworks with a plethora of heavy machinery and small army of workers. As i continued through the roadwork populous, my windscreen became opaque with dirt and dust. I anxiously clutched at the magic wand of windscreen wash, alas, it was empty. I vainly attempted to move the dirt with my dry wiper blades, only to make matters worse. More by luck than judgment, I made it to the next junction where I filled up with the free water at the service station. And i survived.
This is a serious issue and can grossly affect your visibility and therefore your ability to drive. The benefit of a bottle of water vastly outweighs the slight annoyance of it sometimes rolling about while you drive, causing a strange noise that makes you think there is a small animal burrowing into your back seat. The other benefit for the water, aside from filling the windscreen wash, can be gained if you use it to fill your radiator to avoid your car overheating, as mentioned earlier.
The fifth and final item that you must always keep in your car, is another one that you should attempt to have on your person at all times. As with a mobile phone, this item maybe shouldn’t make the list as most people carry this wherever they go. However, I am going to suggest that you must always have money, currency or cold-hard cash in your car.
To carry cash in your car is not going to encourage someone to break into it, unless you display it blatantly or if it is a big wad of hundreds of pounds in notes. By cash, I am suggesting that you ensure you always have a few pounds of coins and change in your car at any one time. These coins will be extremely useful at various times, mainly when you need to pay for a parking space or if your route requires you to pay a toll.
Coins can fit into various small compartments in your car, so ensure that you stock up and always have a minimum amount that you will never go below. Car parks can be expensive and rarely accept credit card payments, so these coins could save you a lot of money in fines and parking tickets.
Tolls are rare in the UK, but will be found more regularly, when you travel for greater distances. Be prepared for this and fill your car’s ashtray with some pound coins and fifty pence pieces, and you will avoid that awkward, uncomfortable realisation when you reach into your pocket only to feel your sweaty thigh.
So, to summarise, ensure your car is equipped for most emergencies that you may face. This advice is just a starting point, and the more experienced that you become as a driver, the more items will be added to your list. As you finish reading, go get your blanket, torch (with batteries of course), bottle of water, wet wipes and coins and put them in your car. You never know when you might need them, but if you haven’t got them in there you will regret it at some point.