Lewis Russell Ltd / Lewis Russell Ltd Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:25:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 /wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2021/11/favicon-1.png Lewis Russell Ltd / 32 32 How To Prepare Your Car For Spring /2021/03/23/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-spring/ /2021/03/23/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-spring/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:04:31 +0000 /?p=1 How To Prepare Your Car For Spring Spring has officially sprung, and with better weather on the horizon, drivers may find themselves venturing further afield for days out and road trips. Whether you’ve been using your vehicle regularly through the winter, or it’s been tucked away for brighter days, now is as good a time […]

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How To Prepare Your Car For Spring

Spring has officially sprung, and with better weather on the horizon, drivers may find themselves venturing further afield for days out and road trips.

Whether you’ve been using your vehicle regularly through the winter, or it’s been tucked away for brighter days, now is as good a time as any for a little ‘spring clean’ to make sure you’re safe on the roads.

Here are our five top tips on preparing your car for Spring.

1. Tyres & Alignment

If you decided to swap to Winter tyres for the colder months, now is the time to change back; otherwise, you risk them wearing quicker through Spring and Summer. Cold weather can affect your tyre pressure, so you must check this to avoid poor vehicle handling and reduced fuel economy.

Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold to avoid a false reading. If you’re looking to inspect your tyre tread, insert a 20p coin into the lowest depth. You should not be able to see the outer ring of the coin. Your tyre tread should be at least 3mm deep.

Winter weather often leads to potholes on the roads, which can damage your vehicle. If your car starts to veer to one side when driving, check to see if your alignment is okay. If there is a problem, this can cause your tyres to wear unevenly, and you should visit a workshop as soon as possible.

2. Brake Check

Although some drivers may believe they can ‘feel’ the brakes’ quality, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A visual inspection should allow you to see any dirt or rust on your brakes that could lead to them not operating correctly and be sure to listen out for any unusual sounds or delayed response times.

3. Windscreen Wipers & Fluid

Windscreen wipers have a shelf life of approximately six months to a year. Be sure to test your wipers before heading off on a long journey and consider whether they simply need a wipe down or a full replacement.

Don’t forget to top up the windscreen fluid whilst you’re at it! If you’re planning a long road trip, especially on motorways, it may be worth keeping some fluid in your boot.

4. Engine Oil

With the engine off and cold, pop the bonnet of your vehicle and find the dipstick. Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe any excess fluid with a cloth. Then, insert the dipstick back into its tube all the way. This time, when you remove the dipstick, you will be able to see if the engine oil is low and needs topping up.

5. Spring Clean

Giving your car a deep Spring cleaning inside and out will not only make it nicer for the driver and passengers, but it will also help maintain the value of the vehicle. Keeping your car’s paintwork as clean as possible will reduce the risk of paint erosion and rust.

However, there is an art to cleaning your car properly. Start by rinsing the car thoroughly with fresh water, ideally via a pressure-washer or hose to remove any dirt or grit. The pre-wash will stop you from rubbing and loose dirt with a sponge and risk damaging the paint.

Don’t forget to give the inside of your car a once over, especially the internal glass. Wiping condensed windscreens through winter can lead to a build-up in smudges on the glass and reduce visibility. First, wash the glass with lukewarm water to remove the dirt and finish off with a coating of glass cleaner.

Finally, when was the last time you did a full walkaround of your car, checking all your lights were shining bright? You may need a hand with this one when checking your rear and brake lights.

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Getting An MOT /2021/03/09/getting-an-mot/ Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:19:28 +0000 /?p=1833 Getting An MOT Because an MOT is only something drivers have to think about once a year, or less, if they’re driving a brand-new vehicle, it can be hard to keep track of the detail. We often receive questions from our customers, so here’s everything you need to know! What Is An MOT? ‘MOT’ stands […]

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Getting An MOT

Because an MOT is only something drivers have to think about once a year, or less, if they’re driving a brand-new vehicle, it can be hard to keep track of the detail.

We often receive questions from our customers, so here’s everything you need to know!

What Is An MOT?

‘MOT’ stands for Ministry of Transport, which is the Government department responsible for roads, first introduced in 1960. An MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards to protect you and others on the road.

It’s important to note that drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT.

When Should I Get An MOT?

Drivers must get their vehicle tested by the first registration if it’s over three years old. Some specialist vehicles need to be tested by one-year-old, including Ambulances, Taxis and Private Passenger Vehicles with more than 8 seats.

An MOT lasts for one year and you can book a test up to one month (minus a day) before it runs out and still keep the same renewal date.

Where Can I Drive If My MOT Has Run Out?

You cannot drive on the road if your MOT has run out unless you are driving it to or from somewhere to be repaired or to a pre-arranged test. As above, you can be prosecuted for driving without a valid MOT.

 

What Happens If My Vehicle Fails The MOT?

If your vehicle passes, you will get a certificate from the test centre, and this information will be recorded on the government database.

However, if your vehicle fails the MOT, you will receive a list of things that need to be fixed in order to pass. Any defects will also be recorded in the database. In some cases, you can appeal the result if you disagree with the decision.

You must not drive the vehicle on the road if it’s failed its MOT – even if the previous one hasn’t ‘run out’ – unless you are on your way to fix the failed defects or to a pre-arranged appointment.

Is My Vehicle Exempt?

There are a few occasions your vehicle may be exempt from needing an MOT. These include if your vehicle is under the required age (3 years) or if your car or motorcycle was made before 1960.

Are you due an MOT? You’re in good hands – book online here.

If you’re not sure then check your MOT due date on the government website.

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