Oils and Fluids
Why your car needs a spring break – Part 2
In the second part of investigating how cars suffer from infrequent use, Rob Marshall focuses on engine oil It seems illogical that low-speed short trips are tougher on many parts of a car than longer commutes but this is especially true with engine oil. Oil quality is essential to long engine life. Not […]
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Screen-wash: your protection against Legionnaires’ disease
The pandemic and the resultant lock-down has seen many cars standing idle for long periods, or being used merely for short trips until very recently. Even if you have used your car less so far this year, this does not mean that you can skip maintenance. In many cases, more frequent attention is needed. […]
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Bad roads and corrosion ‘fuel’ sump replacements
Regular readers of GEM blogs will know that poor road surfaces are not only bad for safety but also for your car. While tyres, steering and suspension components are the most obvious casualties, the humble engine lubrication sump is also suffering. The sump’s main purpose is to retain the oil that protects the engine […]
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Save money and check oil before going on holiday
Contrary to popular belief, all engines consume oil, even when in good condition; the rate at which they do so varies, however. The result is that the oil level drops within the sump. Yet, providing that it does not fall below the ‘minimum’ mark on the dipstick, engine damage is unlikely to occur. Not every […]
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Get the basics right before you drive with GEM’s new ‘how to’ videos
There’s now no excuse to avoid these quick, basic tasks that will help keep you safe and save you money! Simple car maintenance tips will help you steer clear of trouble on the road GEM Motoring Assist has published a brand new series of short ‘how to’ videos that set out the basics of […]
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AdBlue tips
Whether you own a modern Euro 6 diesel, or you lease/hire one, you will notice that you have to add another fluid to the car, other than petrol and (possibly) oil. AdBlue is a harmless solution, made mainly of pure water and urea. It is injected into the exhaust system to reduce the harmful NOx […]
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Is your antifreeze eating your engine?
As we start to look forward to spring, you may think that antifreeze does not matter any more. Indeed, the coolant within your engine has many properties. Yes, it cools the engine but it also possesses an anti-corrosion property. These additives diminish gradually over time, until either corrosion, or decomposing coolant, causes a blockage and […]
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Brake fluid testers
Technology is a wonderful thing – in many cases, it has made tools that were once solely the preserve of the professionals more accessible to the enthusiastic car owner. A particular example of which is DIY brake fluid tools. Yet, we advise that you must buy with care. The dangers of old brake fluid […]
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Will the new Green E10 petrol cost you dear?
The government consultation (which lasted for fewer than two months) closed on the 16th September. In it, the Department of Transport (DfT) sought public feedback on whether and how to introduce E10 petrol in the UK, in what way to label the new fuel, plus for how long a continued supply of the ‘traditional’ E5 […]
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Level checks – heed the Max
While ensuring correct fluid levels is vital for year-round reliability, a useful reminder to help prevent a ruined summer holiday is to make sure that your car is in good health, prior to venturing on a long journey. Yet, while levels should not be permitted to fall below any ‘minimum’ marks, it is essential to […]
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