Buying a Used Car? Tyre and Mechanical Checks to Do First
Before you buy a used car, a few simple checks can save you from an expensive mistake. Here is what to look at.
Before you buy a used car, a few simple checks can save you from an expensive mistake. Here is what to look at.
Performance tyres grip harder but wear faster. Here is the trade-off and whether they suit your car.
Steering gone heavy or whining? Here is what causes power steering problems and what to do.
A rhythmic click when turning at low speed is the classic CV joint warning. Here is what it means.
A drone or hum that rises with speed is often a wheel bearing. Here is how to spot it and why to act.
Worn shock absorbers creep up slowly but hurt grip and braking. Here are the signs yours need attention.
A knock or clunk over bumps is your suspension telling you something is worn. Here are the common causes.
Turbos are common now and expensive to replace. A few simple habits help yours last the life of the car.
A snapped cambelt can destroy an engine. Here is what it does and why changing it on time is vital.
Short trips can block a diesel's DPF and cost a fortune. Here is how it works and how to keep it healthy.
Many modern diesels use AdBlue to cut emissions. Here is what it is and why you must not let it run out.
A blocked fuel filter can cause hesitation and stalling. Here is what it does and why diesels especially need it.
A clogged air filter quietly chokes your engine. Here is what it does and when it needs changing.
Worn spark plugs waste fuel and cause rough running. Here are the signs yours are due for a change.
Electric car range falls in winter for normal reasons. Here is why, and how to get the most from your EV in the cold.
A handbrake that will not hold is a real hazard and an MOT failure. Here are the common faults to know.
Brakes that go soft on a long hill are suffering fade. Here is what causes it and how to avoid it.
A misted windscreen on a cold morning is a real hazard. Here is how to clear it fast and keep it clear.
Cold mornings can bring odd electrical gremlins. Here is why, and what is usually behind them.
Named storms bring rain, wind and debris together. Here is how to drive through them safely, or decide not to.
A click but no start could be the battery or the starter motor. Here is how to tell them apart.
A heater blowing cold in winter is miserable and can hint at a bigger problem. Here are the common causes.
Coolant is not just for winter, and it is not just water. Here is what it does and why the mix matters.
Not all car batteries are the same. Here is the difference between lead-acid, EFB and AGM, and why it matters.
Both can revive a flat battery, but they suit different situations. Here is how jump leads and jump packs compare.
A flat battery on a cold morning is common. Here is how to jump-start your car safely and in the right order.
Brake fluid is easy to forget, but old fluid can quietly reduce your braking. Here is why it needs changing.
The ABS light means your anti-lock brakes need attention. Here is what ABS does and what to do.
Early November brings the darkest evening commutes and crowds out walking. Here is how to be seen and stay safe.
A dead battery is sometimes really a failing alternator. Here are the warning signs of a charging fault.
That musty smell when you switch on the fan has a common cause. Here is what it is and how to fix it.
A clogged cabin filter weakens your airflow and lets in smells. Here is when to change this cheap, easy part.
Flooded roads are more dangerous than they look. Here is when to turn back and how to cross safely if you must.
Norfolk's open, exposed roads catch the wind. Here is how to stay in control when it is blowing a gale.
Thinking of upgrading your bulbs to LED? Here are the real differences and the legal catch for headlights.
Cloudy headlights cut how far you can see at night. Here is why they yellow and what can be done.
A small chip can often be repaired, but leave it and it spreads. Here is when to repair and when to replace.
Smearing, juddering wipers are a real safety hazard. Here is when to replace them and how to keep them working.
The school run means short, busy trips in worsening light. Here is how to keep your car and family safe.
Tyres have a shelf life. Here is how to read your tyre's age and why old rubber can be unsafe even with good tread.
Many new cars have no spare wheel. Here is what you actually have for a puncture, and its limits.
Eco tyres promise better fuel economy. Here is how much they really save and whether they are worth it.
Most cosmetic kerb scuffs can be refurbished, but some damage is more serious. Here is how to tell.
Rotating your tyres can even out wear and save money, but it is not right for every car. Here is the lowdown.
Low-profile tyres look great and sharpen handling, but they have downsides. Here is what to know before you buy.
Wheel nuts that are too loose or too tight are both dangerous. Here is why correct torque matters.
Bank holidays mean packed roads and breakdown queues. Ten minutes of checks keeps you out of them.
An overheating engine can cause serious damage fast. Here is what causes it and exactly what to do.
Nitrogen-filled tyres are offered as an upgrade, but is it worth paying for? Here is the honest answer.
A heatwave is hard on cars and drivers. Here is how to keep yours running cool and avoid a roadside boil-over.
That tyre symbol on your dash is the TPMS warning. Here is what it means and what to do when it appears.
A nail in the tread does not always mean a new tyre. Here is when a puncture can be repaired and when it cannot.
With so many tyres to choose from, how do you pick the right ones? This guide makes it simple.
Electric and hybrid cars treat their tyres differently. Here is whether you need special EV tyres.
Just passed your test? These tyre basics will keep you safe, legal and save you money from day one.
Driving abroad means extra preparation and some legal kit you might not expect. Here is how to get ready.
Air con needs occasional attention even when it seems fine. Here is how often to re-gas and look after it.
Air con that blows warm is usually low on refrigerant. Here is why it happens and when a re-gas is the answer.
Driving on soft tyres costs you more than you think, in fuel, tyres and safety. Here is the real price.
Tyres are expensive, but a few simple habits can add thousands of miles to their life. Here is how.
A blowing exhaust is more than just noisy. Here is what causes it, why it matters, and what to do.
That light on your dashboard is trying to tell you something. Here is how to read the most important ones.
Using the wrong engine oil can harm your car. Here is how to find the exact oil yours needs.
Old, dirty oil is one of the most damaging things you can leave in your engine. Here is how often to change it.
Winter leaves its mark on your car. A spring check undoes the damage and gets you ready for warmer driving.
Wondering what you actually get for a full service? Here is a clear breakdown of what is checked and why.
Not sure whether you need an interim or full service? Here is what each covers and which is right for you.
Service intervals confuse a lot of drivers. Here is how often your car really needs servicing and why it matters.
Misalignment quietly wears your tyres and wastes fuel. Here are the signs to watch for.
A car that pulls to one side is annoying and wears your tyres. Here are the usual causes and fixes.
If a pothole has damaged your car, you may be able to claim. Here is how the process works in Norfolk.
Norfolk's winter potholes can do real damage. Here is how to tell if your car has been hurt and what to do.
De-icing the wrong way can crack glass and drain your battery. Here is how to do it safely and quickly.
Make 2027 the year your car runs better and costs less. These simple habits are easy to keep.
A flat tyre on a cold roadside can be stressful. Here is how to handle it safely, whatever the weather.
Cold air makes your tyre pressures fall, which is why the warning light often appears in winter. Here is what to do.
Christmas means busy roads, bad weather and long drives. This checklist helps you arrive safely and relaxed.
A simple winter kit in the boot can turn a roadside emergency into a minor inconvenience. Here is what to pack.
Ice and snow demand a gentler, slower driving style. Here is how to stay in control when Norfolk turns white.
There is a lot of misinformation about winter tyres. Let us clear up the most common myths.
Cold mornings are when cars refuse to start. Here is why it happens and how to stop it happening to you.
Norfolk's open country roads get foggy fast. Here is how to drive safely when visibility drops.
The clocks going back means darker commutes. Make sure your lights and visibility are up to it.
Most batteries give up on the first cold morning. Here is how to check yours before winter catches you out.
All-season tyres promise year-round grip with no swapping. Here is whether they are worth it for Norfolk driving.
Winter tyres or all-season? For most Norfolk drivers the answer depends on how much cold-weather driving you do.
Brake pad and disc life varies hugely with how and where you drive. Here is what affects it and when to replace them.
Your brakes usually warn you before they fail. Here are the signs that mean you should book a check straight away.
Aquaplaning is losing grip on water. Your tyres are the only thing preventing it, so here is how it works.
Autumn brings rain, fallen leaves and darker drives. Run through this checklist to get your car ready for the season.
Some tyre faults are easy to miss until they fail. Here is how to spot an illegal or dangerous tyre before it becomes a problem.
Premium tyres cost more, but do they justify the price? Here is how to weigh up premium, mid-range and budget tyres.
Run-flat tyres let you keep driving after a puncture, but they come with trade-offs. Here is what you need to know.
That string of numbers on your tyre tells you everything you need to buy the right replacement. Here is how to read it.
Part-worn tyres look cheaper up front, but are they better value than a budget new tyre? Here is an honest comparison.
A vibrating steering wheel is trying to tell you something. Here are the usual causes and what each one means.
Balancing and alignment sound similar but fix completely different problems. Here is how to tell which your car needs.
Wheel alignment keeps your tyres meeting the road at the right angles. Here is what it is and the signs yours needs adjusting.
Caravan and trailer tyres often fail from age, not mileage. Here is how to check them before you hitch up this summer.
Before you load up for the summer getaway, run through this simple car check to avoid a breakdown ruining the trip.
Heat puts extra strain on your tyres. A few simple checks keep you safe on hot Norfolk roads through the summer.
Correct tyre pressure improves safety, saves fuel and makes your tyres last longer. Here is how to check and set it properly.
Worn, damaged or wrongly fitted tyres can cost you £2,500 per tyre and points on your licence. Here is what UK tyre law actually requires.
A 20p coin is all you need to check whether your tyres are safe and legal. Here is exactly how the test works and what your result means.
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Call us on 07933 900901 or visit us at 100-106 Ber Street, Norwich NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting available Mon-Sat 8:00am-6:00pm and Sun 10:00am-4pm.
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