Exhaust Emissions Test

Written by Declan
As part of the MOT test most cars are subject to an emissions test. The only cars that are exempt from this rule are vehicles with less than 4 wheels, two-stroke vehicles, hybrid vehicles and quadricycles. Most vehicles are tested using a special meter but old vehicles (classic cars) may be tested by sight. The vehicles are usually linked up to a tube which is placed over the exhaust. The readings are then taken and checked against the MOT standards to say whether it is a pass or fail. Tests can also be performed on the roadside if needed and if the vehicle fails, you will often get an order to fix the issues within 10 days of face prosecution. You may face a fixed penalty notice on the side...
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The cost of replacing or repairing exhaust systems on your vehicle

Written by Declan
You may not become aware of an issue with your exhaust system until you hear a loud sound when driving or even when you take the car in to a garage for an MOT (and there is a problem with the emissions) or service. The exhaust system is made up of a number of different components and sometimes the problem is obvious, other times it may need investigating. The costs involved with exhaust repair can be just as confusing as a hole in one part of the system can be drastically more expensive than a similarly sized one in a different part of the system. White smoke coming from the tailpipe is usually a cause for concern. It often indicates that your car could be low on engine coolant from...
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Should you do a driving course?

Written by Declan
There are a number of different driving courses that you can attend. You may have to do a driving course such as a speed awareness course to avoid getting points or a fine if you have been caught speeding. These courses are designed to teach drivers car safety and make them aware of the dangers involved in speeding and how your actions can affect others.   Although many people resent having to go on one of these courses, they can prove extremely useful and have proven to lower speeding cases. If you can avoid getting points on your license then you can avoid having an increase in your premium when you come to tell your insurance company. Some insurers will not insure you if you have too many points on...
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How important are the photos, when selling your car

Written by Declan
Photos can have a massive impact on how successful your advert is on a selling website or in a newspaper. This is normally true for all products as without quality images you may struggle to engage an interest in your ad. You should never list a car without images as it makes people think you have something to hide and the majority of the public will not even bother to read your ad without an image. Ideally you want to include images from a few different angles from inside and outside of the car. You may also want to photograph the tyres, instrument panel (with mileage on show) and boot space to give your viewers all the details they need. Before photographing the vehicle you need to get it ready....
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Car maintenance you can do yourself

Written by Declan
With the costs of maintaining a car rising all the time many people are looking in to ways they can cut down on serving and repairs but doing some of it themselves. Services for cars range from a few hundred pounds depending on what garage you use, what service is due and the make and model of the vehicle. During a service many consumable repairs are replaced and the car is often given a once over to check for obvious repairs that may need to be done. Replacing filters is a large part of a service and these filters can be purchased by anyone at a reasonable cost. You can usually buy the filters for less than the garage will charge you for them and often do not need specialist...
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