A flat car battery is a disaster in any situation, particularly if you are in a rush. If your key is struggling to start your motor, a jump start may help do the job. But what exactly is a jump start? What is a jump start? A jump start, or boost, is the process of starting a vehicle that has a discharged battery. There are different ways to jump start your car, with leads or with a battery boo...
If you’re driving an older petrol or diesel car, it’s good to be aware of what an alternator is, and what role it plays in keeping your car moving. If your alternator begins to show signs of wear you might not notice it straight away, and if it does fail you could end up not even being able to start your car! This guide will explain what an alternator does and how it works, so if your alternator d...
Putting the wrong fuel in the fuel tank happens more often than you think. If you’re filling up on autopilot and have recently switched between the two, it’s an easy mistake to make. So, if you’ve filled up with the wrong fuel – don’t panic! What matters most is what you do next. This guide explains what to do if you put petrol in a diesel car or if you put diesel in a petrol car. What should you...
Why is changing your oil important? Engine oil lubricates the parts that move in the engine. It also cools, cleans and protects these parts and prevents the engine from seizing up. Regularly checking your vehicle’s oil levels and changing when needed can help to keep your vehicle running smoothly. As time goes on, engine oil can become dirty and can change the effectiveness of the chemical. That...
What is a full service? A full service is a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle that is recommended to be carried out once a year to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. A full service is not an annual legal requirement like an MOT however, it is advisable to have your car regularly serviced. Usually, a full car service should take place every 12 months or 12,000 mil...
Buying new tyres can be expensive, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. This guide will explain how long your tyres should last, and the factors that can make your tyres wear faster. How much tread on a new tyre? The amount of tread on a new tyre varies depending on the make and model of the tyre. The tread is the part of the tyre with grooves that grip the road. Generally,...
Many motorists often leave their vehicles parked on their driveway or invest in security cameras or steering wheel locks to prevent their cars from the possibility of theft. Though, this may not always be enough. Car theft still remains a concern within the UK despite the amount of anti-theft solutions available on the market. However, with some extra precautions, it is possible to reduce the l...
Worn suspension is a safety hazard while driving. Our guide helps identify warning signs to avoid accidents and breakdowns. Looking for suspension repairs? Find your nearest Merityre specialist centre today. What are the dangers of worn suspension? Poor handling One of the dangers of a worn suspension is poor handling. Poor handling makes your vehicle more difficult to control. Essentially,...
What is tyre rotation? Tyre rotation is when you change the position of the tyres on your vehicle, with the aim to extend the life of your tyres and to gain the best performance out of them. Switching your tyres periodically means they will be less likely to require changing one at a time as they will wear evenly. Why should you rotate your tyres? Tyre rotation is important and is recommend...
What are dashboard warning lights? In modern cars, there are multiple electronic sensors that can monitor how well your vehicle is performing and when something is going wrong. These are known as dashboard warning lights that light up to alert or inform you when there is a problem with a particular component in your vehicle. Whilst there are a large variety of warning lights, it is important to b...