If you know your way around a car’s engine, then you’ll know what a serpentine belt (or drive belt) is. Automatic belt tensioners are now standard in most cars, so replacing a serpentine belt is one of those jobs that it is possible to do yourself. Here’s our DIY guide to how to change your serpentine belt. What is a serpentine belt? A serpentine or drive belt is important in a car because it transfers power from the engine’s crankshaft to numerous key components of the vehicle, such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and water pump. But the belt will wear wit ..read more

A fuel filter is one of those components in your car that do a quiet but important job, ensuring that your engine runs effectively and smoothly. Here’s our guide to fuel filter replacement if you fancy doing it yourself at home. What is the fuel filter and why is it important? You can locate the fuel filter either in the fuel tank itself or in the fuel lines between the tank and the fuel pump. If you are unsure check your vehicle manual to locate it. The fuel filter prevents debris, dirt, dust and other particulates from entering the fuel system, contaminating the engine and affecting perform ..read more

Learning how to change engine oil is an incredibly valuable skill to learn. As well as extending the life of your car by thousands of miles, it’s also something that can save you a sizeable chunk of money over time. It’s one of those things around your engine to keep an eye out for. Here’s our DIY guide to how to change your engine oil. Make sure you buy the right filter and oil First things first; it’s extremely important that you follow your car-maker’s recommendations in terms of oil viscosity. All engine oil is no longer created equal, and getting the wrong type can result in poor perform ..read more

There have been some significant changes to the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) regulations in recent years, with more to come in the near future. Here’s our guide to the vehicle tax rules, and answers to some common questions you may have about how to tax your car. How is car tax (VED) calculated? Ultimately, the car tax you pay will differ depending on how environmentally friendly the car is. That’s because the amount of tax you pay on your vehicle is based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) it emits into the atmosphere. For cars first registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, the rat ..read more

Every year in Britain, around one million cars are scrapped. It might be that you’ve decided that scrapping your own car is the best financial option. If that’s the case, then keep reading: this is our guide on everything you need to know about what to do to scrap a car. What you need to know about regulations Scrapping a car is relatively simple. However, as with all things vehicle-related, there is some paperwork involved. There are thorough legal regulations in place that you must meet, all of them designed to help the scrapping industry operate whilst minimising the environmental damage c ..read more

You may not think about it, but your car’s rear taillights are a vital safety feature. This is especially true when it’s dark, during bad weather, or when visibility is impaired, and it becomes harder for other drivers to see you. Despite this, it’s easy to forget to check whether your rear lights are actually working as they should. Too often drivers are seen on the roads with one taillight out-of-order or only one working brake light. Driving with a non-functioning rear lamp is illegal and can result in a large fine. Don’t get caught out. Making regular checks on the state of your taillight ..read more

An essential part of your engine’s operation, spark plugs are something which you can replace yourself with relative ease. When the engine fires, the spark causes the ignition cycle to begin. As this happens every time you start your car, the metal in the plugs will inevitably burn out over time. As this happens, eventually the gap between the electrodes becomes too vast for the spark to travel, leading to misfires, weak acceleration and poor mileage. Replacing your spark plugs regularly can help your vehicle run at peak performance and save you from costly repairs in the future. How do I kno ..read more

Tyre problems for any road user are no laughing matter. Damage to your tyres not only reduces the performance and efficiency of your car, but it can pose a serious risk to your safety and that of other road users. Tyres are some of the most common car parts that encounter wear and tear. This is because they are in constant contact with the road surface. Subsequently, tyres will often need periodic attention to prevent permanent tyre damage and having to fork out on unnecessary replacements. Top Tyre Problems Keen to know the common signs and symptoms of tyre damage? Below is a list of illegal ..read more

Forget Christmas wrapping, what about Christmas scrapping? Is the festive season a good time to scrap your car? If you need some extra cash for the most expensive time of the year, selling your old banger for scrap could be the sleigh to go … Is Christmas a good time to scrap your vehicle? We think so. The second-hand car market cools down in December, as buyers wait for the discounted new deals coming their way in the New Year. So, trying to sell a car that is way past its best to private dealers could be tricky. People generally have more seasonal things to spend their money on than old mot ..read more

Yes, you can sell a car without a log book, or V5C document. But it will be harder to do so without proof of ownership, and you might have to lower the price. It is easy to apply for a replacement log book, and reassure anyone buying the car that you are the registered owner. If you are planning on selling your car, but you’ve realised you don’t have your log book, you might be concerned that it’s not possible to transfer ownership of your vehicle without it. It’s important to be mindful of the fact that the UK government warns buyers against buying vehicles without log books. That’s because ..read more