Car Servicing: Top 10 car problems

As discussed in our previous article, regular servicing will ensure your car remains in full working order and safe on the roads, while saving you money on running costs. Our experts at Universal Tyres have compiled a list of the top 10 common car problems, so you know which areas to focus on during maintenance and what symptoms to look out for in your vehicle. Brake system Whether it’s general wear and tear to the brake pads, or low brake fluid levels caused by a leak, some of the most common repairs occur in the brake system. As one of the…

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Engine fluids: Top tips for happy motoring

Regular maintenance is important for any vehicle to ensure it functions properly and is safe to drive on the road. From the pedals and windscreen wipers to the engine and tyres, every component of your car needs to be cared for so you can travel safely. The engine fluids in your vehicle go a long way to ensuring the smooth running and functionality of your car. Regular checks on these fluids will determine whether their levels are correct or if they are causing any damage to your vehicle. This article will serve to explain the different types of engine fluids,…

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Saving money with regular car servicing

  As many of us try to tighten the purse strings this January after an indulgent Christmas, one effective way you can save money during 2016 is with regular car servicing. Owning and running a car can be a rather costly outgoing, with unexpected repairs and breakdowns adding to the expenditure. Here are a few simple maintenance tips which will save you money on your car’s running costs, while helping it stay in full working order for longer.   Tyre pressure Tyres are a key factor in helping vehicles maintain balance and stability while in use, so a close inspection…

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Winter Checks for Motorists

  Although the winter hasn’t been too bad so far this year, there is still plenty of time for it to take a turn for the worse. And when it does, you need to be ready and have your car fully prepared for the driving conditions you could endure. To give you a helping hand, the team at Universal Tyres have put together the most important winter checks you should carry out on your car this year. Anti-freeze Adding antifreeze to your coolant and windscreen wash lowers the freezing point of the liquid, so you don’t have to worry about…

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How to Check a Vehicle’s MOT Status Online

For those of you who own, or are thinking of buying a vehicle, you can now easily access all of your driving information in a new, simple way. Whether you’re buying a new car and want to check out its history, or you simply want to know the status of your own vehicle for your own reference and peace of mind, this is a brand new way of easily accessing all the relevant and important information, such as MOT dates. This is especially useful as a lot of vehicle information is no longer provided as paperwork e.g. tax disc and…

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Advantages of getting your Car Serviced at a Local Garage

When the time comes that you need to service your car, choosing a suitable garage to take it to can make you feel a little uneasy, as essentially, you are putting a rather expensive possession into the hands of a total stranger! Since October 2003, you are no longer obliged to have your car serviced by a franchise dealer i.e the manufacturers garage. So how do you choose where to take your car to? The two obvious choices is to use either a national, main dealer or a local, independent garage. There are many advantages to using a local company…

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What are the Main Causes for Car Breakdowns?

Every year hundreds of thousands of motorists call out for emergency breakdown assistance at the roadside but there are a few common issues that you should be aware of that will prevent you from being one of them. Most of the following issues can be maintained by regular servicing and sorting out those little advisories that come up on your MOT sooner rather than later.   Dead/Drained Battery One of the top reasons for car breakdowns is a drained battery which can be caused by a number of issues, including leaving lights and radios on, or the age of the…

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How the 2015 Budget has Affected Vehicle Excise Duty

When the budget was released back in March 2015, there was new legislation introduced with regards to the car tax we currently pay. Here at Universal Tyres, we’re going to take a closer look at the changes that will be coming into place in the next couple of years, and how the might affect you in future. What’s the change? For any car registered after 1st April 2017, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as car tax, will be divided into three categories; zero, standard and premium, with prices rises accordingly. The standard charge will be £140 and according to…

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What is the Difference between an Interim Service and a Full Service?

Part of being a responsible car owner includes paying to have your vehicle regularly serviced. However, because it is not an annual legal requirement (like an MOT is) there is sometimes confusion over how often you should have your car serviced, and which type of service you should have. So whether you’re a car owner for the first time and are unsure about the rules of servicing, or if you’d just like to clear a few things up, you will find this article rather useful! Why should I have my car serviced? Let’s start from the top and answer: why…

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Winter Checks for Your Car

Winter time is notorious for car breakdowns. In December 2010, AA patrol officers dealt with over 28,000 breakdowns – in one month!  But with a few simple checks and regular servicing and MOTs, you can get ahead of the game and keep your car on the road and safe this winter. Car battery The biggest cause for winter breakdowns, it’s vital to check your battery. If it’s more than 5 years old, there is a good chance it may give up on you when the icy temperatures make an appearance. Windscreen wipers and window washer fluid Overtime, the rubber on…

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