Miscellaneous
Consider a pre-winter wax
While GEM is not endorsing painful cosmetic hair removal techniques, it is often not realised how helpful decent wax is to protect paintwork at this time of year. Dirt (or fine grit) on smooth paintwork is abrasive. Therefore, should a passer-by brush past a dirty car innocently, the finish becomes scratched. The result dulls […]
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Cat-napper warning for hybrid owners
Thieves are profiting handsomely from the high prices of precious metals, employed within catalytic converters to cleanse exhaust gases. As used catalytic converters can have a scrap value of hundreds of pounds, it is easy money for a thief, who can jack up your car, cut up the exhaust system and escape within minutes. […]
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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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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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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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Post-winter car checks
Now that spring is in the air and the weather is improving, it is a good idea to reward your car for getting you through winter safely. Not only will your vehicle look and feel better, treating it to a spring clean will also help to enhance its value. 1. PAINT Paint tends to suffer […]
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Five top car safety checks
Five top car safety checks you can do at home Now that spring is in the air and the weather is improving, many of us will be planning longer journeys and road trips for holidays and weekends away. Now is the perfect time to perform a few simple walk around safety checks before setting off… […]
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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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