Miscellaneous
Why your car needs a spring break – Part 5
While recent GEM technical blogs have looked at why the 12-volt battery, engine oil, exhaust and emission controls can be affected by cold weather, infrequent use, and/or multiple short journeys, they are not alone. Therefore, the final part of our post-lockdown checks include components that are worth either inspecting from home, or having a garage […]
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Cheap car cleaning that costs you dear
We all love a bargain but does your nearest supermarket car park, mobile car wash attendant, or your local cleaning outfit that has sprung-up outside a redundant petrol station forecourt, really know how to clean your car properly and safely? Of course, most of us do not ask questions past the price and most of […]
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Not all automatic gearboxes are equal
More and more GEM members are seeking advice on the latest generation of automatic transmissions, whether it is purchasing guidance, or help, after an expensive mechanical breakdown. Confusion, it seems, is rife. Recently, carmakers have made successful progress in developing a new range of automatic gearboxes that sap neither fuel nor power. In truth, these […]
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Car Paint Scratch Repair
The appearance of scratches on an otherwise well-maintained car can be infuriating but Rob Marshall explains how to both prevent and cure those irritating blemishes. SCRATCH PREVENTION You can prevent your paintwork becoming damaged – and being presented with a scratch repair bill – during everyday use by taking a few simple steps. Wash your […]
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Service a car efficiently and safely
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your vehicle remains in safe condition and Rob Marshall explains the fundamentals of car servicing and what should feature on your service checklist. YOUR SERVICE CHECKLIST A service checklist will allow you to assess what your car needs. A service checklist is often provided within the vehicle’s servicing […]
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Winter Car Checklist
While extra care needs to be taken on wintry roads, when driving, Rob Marshall recommends that a winter check, performed regularly on your car, will also pay dividends. While cold and damp conditions put your car under extra stress, several straightforward winter checks, most of which can be performed on a domestic driveway, will not […]
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Off-road Car and Caravan Storage
A vehicle can deteriorate rapidly, should it not be stored correctly. Rob Marshall guides you on what actions to contemplate to reduce some of the issues. Regardless of how long and where you plan to store your car or caravan, treat its body to a thorough wash. Hose beneath the wheel-arches and underside, to prevent […]
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Pre-MoT Test Home Checks
Receiving an MoT failure certificate can be an irritating and expensive inconvenience but Rob Marshall advises that a few easy home checks will reduce the risk. Follow these straightforward DIY home checks to reduce the chance of an MoT Test failure. Intended to eradicate the increasing number of dilapidated jalopies from UK roads, the Ministry […]
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AUTOGLYM SUPER RESIN POLISH
There can be few auto accessory brands that are as respected as Autoglym is. The company’s range of car-care products are renowned but, for me, there is one product that has been overtaken by its competitors and has not lived up to its repute in recent years. I refer to the company’s mainstay product, Super […]
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Air conditioning wake up call
This is one of the busiest times for air conditioning repairers, as motorists find themselves sweltering in their cars, during the first warm spell of the year. Unfortunately, repairing air conditioning faults are rarely straightforward. The main cause of the system failing is a lack of use. Many people believe that air conditioning is suitable […]
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