Oils and Fluids
Why CVT gearboxes need oil changes
At GEM’s technical division, we are sceptical of car manufacturer claims that certain parts of a vehicle never require oil changes. The statement ‘sealed for life’ tends to be used but closer analysis reveals the interpretation of ‘life’ to differ. One car manufacturer I spoke with claimed it to be seven years – a figure, […]
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The importance of dipping your stick
It is not often appreciated that engines consume engine oil, even if they are unworn and not leaking. As a result, the sump level drops, shortening the life of the remaining oil and risking severe engine wear, or even complete failure. The findings from Castrol’s autumnal Oil Check Challenge makes for interesting reading, especially considering […]
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E10 – unless you drive diesel, or fully electric, you will be affected
As you may have heard from the mainstream media, E10 petrol is due to hit UK forecourts in September. This will see up 10% ethanol added to regular 95 RON, instead of the present <5% content (E5). In this introductory blog, GEM shall tackle some of the most common questions that our members have […]
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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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Make sure you and your car are ready for the road post-lockdown
GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to ensure they return to the roads safely as current COVID-19 restrictions are eased. GEM has simple advice for drivers to ensure they stay safe, and tips for keeping their cars in a safe, roadworthy condition. GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: “Many people will have reduced or […]
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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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Watch out for the expensive refuelling mistake…
Especially at this time of year, most of our minds are focussed on other things. Therefore, it is easy to drift into ‘auto-pilot’, when conducting some of most simple tasks. Refuelling is a case in point. OSV, the vehicle supply professionals, surveyed 500 people and found that, while men were more likely to fill a […]
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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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Your Guide to Automotive Cooling Systems
The cooling system tends to be overlooked until a fault develops and so Rob Marshall explains how to avoid car overheating. As an internal combustion engine wastes so much energy, the cooling system is charged with dissipating large amounts of excess heat. Coolant (a solution of water and antifreeze) is pumped around the engine to […]
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