Why Quality Matters When it Comes to Car Parts

Car parts can often be bought second hand, perhaps from a garage that sells scrap cars or from a website where the quality is dubious because you haven’t seen the parts in real life. And that’s fine, right? It’s not really fine at all, because you need to ensure the quality of every part that you use on your car. Even something like a wheel nut or a small washer could make all the difference in your car functioning the way it should, or in something going wrong when you are driving it.

If you have a car that has a known issue, you might want to attempt fixing it yourself. You can visit a well-known website to buy the parts or talk to a car mechanic to ask for their advice. If you don’t know what is wrong with the vehicle, you are usually best off talking to a qualified mechanic who can talk you through their findings and order parts in.

Car Wheel Bearings – Buying your Own?

Buying your own car wheel bearings can be more cost effective, as you can get them for a very reasonable price from specialist bearing and car part websites. You can have them delivered this way as well, so it’s very good value for money. There is now a wide selection of bearings available online and you can get anything from open ball bearings, to shielded ball bearings, to wheel bearing snap rings. You will be able to find what you need easily.

The downside comes if you don’t know exactly what you need. It can be difficult for you to track down what you need, and to work out what you are going to require. If you are booking your car in for an MOT or a service, the mechanic should be able to source bearings for you. They can then inform you what you need and order them in, so you know that what you are getting is exactly right.

How Realistic is Hybrid Car Ownership?

Hybrid cars are a good option for those wanting to use less non-renewable fuel, and people who might be considering buying a new car in the near future. Why the near future? Because by 2040, the government aims to have eradicated hybrid cars, in favour of electric cars. However, whilst the technology for electric cars isn’t quite up to scratch just yet, a hybrid could be a good alternative. Often, they won’t need to be charged like an electric car, so it takes away the need for a charging station that is near to you.

Some people feel that hybrid cars aren’t as energy efficient, perhaps because they don’t use fuel as efficiently due to the weight of components. There is definitely a long way to go with the technology, but it’s possible investment will be made in purely electric vehicles as opposed to hybrid models. For now, it is a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Choosing a British-Made Car Model

Many people will choose cars based on looks and performance. Whilst this can be satisfying, it isn’t necessarily sensible. When you have to think about the finances associated with that car, for example, when something has gone wrong, then you may regret the decision to go for a car because it has a big spoiler and is a nice colour.

It is often advisable to go for a British-made car brand. This will often make it cheaper for you to insure. If something goes wrong with the car, then it will be cheaper for you to obtain the parts to fix it. Whilst this might not matter especially if the repair is post accident and covered by insurance, you might be stung with a hefty bill if your car needs a repair simply after an MOT or service. It may also be cheaper to service the car in the first place, too.

Do your Need Refresher Driving Lessons?

Learning to drive gives you a great life skill that you can use forever. Everyone learns at a different pace though, and some people will be more comfortable with driving than others. If you do struggle with nerves, it took you a long time to learn or you haven’t driven for a while, it might be time for you to get some refresher driving lessons.

If you opt for refresher lessons, you won’t need to take any kind of driving test again. Once you have a driving licence, it is your to keep and you will only need to take a test again if something changes in your circumstances. Refresher lessons are purely for your own benefit.

Find a teacher who specialises in refresher lessons; talk to them about what you would like to get out of the experience. You might want more confidence, to get better at motorway driving, or some tips and pointers. They will be able to help and advise.

What are the Most Common Car Exhaust Problems?

Cars are complex pieces of machinery and it’s inevitable they won’t run smoothly all of the time. If you are experiencing problems with your car’s exhaust, there are many things that could be causing this issue. Here are some of the most common problems and their fixes:

  • Cracks or rust on the exhaust. Have a look to see how thick the rust is – use a screwdriver. You might not need to worry if it isn’t too much. Cracks and holes will usually mean you need a new exhaust. You might hear a hissing noise if air is escaping.
  • Issues with the silencer. The silencer may become damaged by acidic moisture over time. You will be alerted to a problem if the exhaust starts making a roaring noise. See a mechanic to get this investigated.
  • A misaligned exhaust. Listen out for rattling, as this could mean you exhaust has come loose. You may be able to fix it back into place yourself, or you may need to see a mechanic.