car maintenance Archives

10 Cold Weather Car Problems – And How to Solve Them

Winter is on the way and to help you prepare, we’ve put together a roundup of the most common cold weather car problems. No matter how new your car is, many of these issues will often pop up. The good news is, we’ve also got solutions! Read on to find out more about the 10 most common cold weather car problems and how to fix them.

1. Frozen windscreen wipers

Icy conditions can leave many motorists struggling with frozen windscreen wipers. This is especially problematic in the mornings when the wipers can stick to the windshield and refuse to budge. Forcing them can tear the rubber wipers and damage the electric motor that operates them – not to mention scratch your glass windscreen.

Problem solved

Keep a can of de-icer on hand and give your windscreen a good spray before jumping into the driver’s seat. Another good solution for this cold weather car problem is to invest in winter wiper blades.

2. Spark plug failure

When temperatures dip, your spark plugs can take a hit. This means they can’t generate the combustion needed to start the engine, which will leave you high and dry. It’s one of the most common cold weather car problems, but luckily, it’s easy enough to fix.

Problem solved

Check your spark plugs before winter arrives and replace them if necessary. Don’t wait until you turn the key and your engine doesn’t start. Chances are, this will happen on the coldest and most inconvenient day of the year.

3. Chilly interiors

There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable as getting into a freezing car, only to find that your heating has packed in. This is one of those cold weather car problems that many people are all too familiar with.

Problem solved

A faulty thermostat is one of the most common culprits for this issue. Other possibilities include a clogged heater core or a drained antifreeze canister. Depending on how confident you are with cars, you can check these yourself or book your vehicle into the mechanic for a checkup.

4. Dead batteries

Batteries can be especially problematic in the winter, with most losing around 35% of power when temperatures drop to 0°C. In extremely cold conditions of -17°C or lower, batteries can lose up to 60% of their power. Pair this with the fact that kickstarting engines in cold conditions can drain up to 50% more energy, and dead batteries are one of the most common cold weather car problems.

Problem solved

Unless your battery is less than one year old, it’s best to get it tested before winter weather rolls in.

5. Frozen parts

Batteries and spark plugs aren’t the only things that can cause your engine to lie dormant. Issues like frozen petrol in the fuel line and viscous engine oil can prevent your car from turning over.

Problem solved

If you don’t have access to a warmer location to park your car overnight, such as a garage, an engine block heater can be a good solution for this cold weather car problem.

6. Deflating tyres

Cold weather can cause your tyre pressure to be all over the place. To be more specific, a drop of around 12°C can drain around 1 PSI. If your pressure falls too low, it can compromise things like handling and traction.

Problem solved

Checking your tyre pressure regularly is the best way to stay on top of PSI in the winter. Another option is fitting your car with winter tyres.

7. Wheelspin

Speaking of wheels… Slippery road surfaces can make driving far more challenging in the winter.

Problem solved

Check your tyre tread before December. Avoid driving in icy conditions if possible, and if you must get behind the wheel, stick to a low speed and a high gear to improve grip. Maintaining a 10-second gap between cars in front of you is also essential.

8. Corrosion and rust

Corrosion can leave many motorists feeling salty about winter weather… literally. While salting the roads helps to melt snow and ice, it can also take a serious toll on your car. As well as corroding external parts, salt can also infiltrate the engine and damage components. This is one of those cold weather car problems that affects motorists across the country.

Problem solved

Wash your car regularly throughout the winter. Even a quick hose down can wash away salt and help keep your car in tip top condition. Don’t forget to give the undercarriage and wheel wells a good spritz!

9. Frozen lock mechanisms

Heavy rain followed by a sudden drop in temperature can wreak havoc on car locks. Water can freeze in the mechanisms, which can prevent motorists from unlocking their doors. Talk about annoying!

Problem solved

Grab your can of de-icer and give the lock a quick spray. Another option is hand sanitiser. Never try to force a key, as this can lead to even more damage.

10. Dodgy handling

Unfortunately, many older cars just don’t offer the same responsive handling as newer models.

Problem solved

Sometimes the best solution is simply to upgrade to a newer vehicle – and there are plenty of fantastic options for winter driving. When it comes to snow, the Suzuki S-Cross is a sturdy family SUV with loads of room for all your winter jackets, ski gear and more. It’s also packed with advanced safety features, which make driving in challenging winter conditions a whole lot easier.

For all-electric models, we’re seeing lots of interest in the Volvo XC40 Recharge. This compact SUV offers an electric range of almost 260 miles, plus all the top-tier safety features you expect from the Swedish brand.

If you’re on the hunt for a hybrid, the Honda HR-V is more than capable of taking on wild winter weather. Little luxuries like heated seats will keep you cosy all winter long. It also features intelligent technology, like automatic wipers that detect the first drops of rain. Perfect for the drizzly British winters!

Upgrade your wheels this winter

Are you thinking about upgrading to a new set of wheels for the winter? We can get you into the driver’s seat of your dream car with competitive finance options, tailored to you.

Whatever you’re thinking of buying, we can match your application with lenders from our extensive panel. We work with a large variety of lenders, which gives you the best possible chance of success. What are you waiting for? Give us a call to find out more about car finance and get the ball rolling. Or check out our car finance calculator to determine exactly how much you can borrow.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

Winter Car Prep: 10 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle

The colder seasons bring greater challenges for vehicles, with sharp increases in breakdowns. Performing key winter car prep is one way to safeguard against such a breakdown – and these are our ten tips for winterising your car.

Winter car prep: 10 things to check

Battery

Checking your vehicle’s battery is the most important part of winter car prep. The RAC reports dealing with over 400,000 battery-related faults every winter, so doing your due diligence in advance will help to prevent your vehicle making this list.

Cold temperatures and higher usage of elements like your car lights, heater and blower all strain a car’s battery, making it harder for the engine to turn over.

Car batteries have a standard life of five years. If yours is struggling to power your car even in warmer temperatures, it probably needs changing.

Tyres

Having tyres in good condition is vital year-round, but it’s also the next most critical step in winter car prep after checking your battery.

The legal minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm, but it’s worth upgrading to winter tyres during colder months, which have a greater depth of 3mm and offer more traction and grip.

Check your tyre pressure too, as this is what keeps the tyres connected to the road, which is critical during icier periods.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze keeps the water in your vehicle from freezing over, which is vital in colder months. Without it, you can end up with either a frozen engine or an overheated vehicle.

Although a car’s coolant is a sealed system, it’s nonetheless worth checking as part of winter car prep. Use an antifreeze tester, which are widely available at garages, in order to check how effective your antifreeze is, and top it up if your levels are looking low.

Windscreen wipers

You need your car’s windscreen wipers to be up to scratch in the cold.

Run your finger along your windscreen wipers to check that there aren’t any tears, as these will reduce the efficacy of your screen wash. If your wipers get frozen to your windscreen, use either de-icer or warm water – never boiling water! – in order to detach them. Don’t try to operate your car if the wipers are frozen to the windscreen, as you may end up blowing a fuse.

Screen wash

During the winter, there’s more wet weather, which results in more dirt and road salt hitting your wind screen.

Ensure that you have enough screen wash available – and that it is effective in lower temperatures and won’t freeze over. This will keep your wind screen clear, otherwise you risk accidents if you drive with grubby glass.

Lights

Your headlights are how you see and can be seen, especially on dark winter nights. They often get dirtier during the colder months, so take care to clean and check your lights regularly in order to prevent this build up.

It’s wise to carry spare bulbs if you can, and to be comfortable with changing them, too.

Carry an emergency kit

It’s wise to carry an emergency winter kit in your car during colder seasons. Having a bag containing items like a high-vis vest, a shovel, tow rope, torch, de-icer, hazard warning triangle, and first aid kit is sensible.

Breakdown cover

Sometimes, no matter your winter car prep, things go wrong. Ensure that your breakdown cover is up to date and that you have the relevant details plugged into your phone before headed off on winter car journeys.

Oil and fuel

Confirm that there’s enough fuel in your vehicle before departing on any journey – it’s a basic winter car prep step, but an important one. It’s also wise to check your oil levels too, so you can avoid a winter breakdown or engine damage.

Take your vehicle in for a winter car service

If you don’t feel confident winterising your vehicle, you should take it in to be checked by a professional. In fact, you may even be able to take advantage of discounted winter car checks in the lead up to the season.

Don’t forget that keeping your car maintained throughout the year is also a great way of ensuring it’s in the best possible condition once the temperature drops.

Finance your perfect winter car

If you’re looking for a new vehicle that’s safer for the winter months, establish your car finance eligibility by contacting the team at My Car Credit today. We’ve also got a whole host of other articles, including more motoring advice, for you to read.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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Check for car finance without affecting your credit score

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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How Often Should You Replace a Car Battery?

Car batteries are the silent powerhouse of your vehicle. It’s easy to forget how important they are to the proper functioning of a car, and, as such, batteries are often left unattended for years, resulting in their diminished lifespan.

It’s worth establishing whether or not your battery is in a good state prior to hitting the road, particularly if you have a longer journey planned. Flat batteries are a common reason for roadside assistance being called out, because it’s often not obvious that they’re beginning to fail until it’s too late. No one wants to find themselves stranded on the hard shoulder of a motorway, so always check your battery before you leave!

So, how often should you replace a car battery? This article aims to address the question of how often to replace car batteries in cars powered by petrol or diesel – that is, non-electric and non-hybrid vehicles. The rules for either electric or hybrid batteries will vary.

How often should you replace a car battery?

Provided that you take proper care of your battery and send your car in for a regular service, it should last for anywhere up to five years, with four as an average. After four years, it’s wise to keep an eye out for signs that your battery may need replacing.

Batteries can start to fail in as little as three years. It really depends on how you’re caring for them and for the car more broadly, as well as how much use the car is being subjected to overall.

Factors like temperature changes, the length and frequency of car journeys, vibrations caused by rough travel over complex terrain, and use of accessories like smartphones and sophisticated on-board computers can all impact the life of a car battery. You should also avoid mistakes like leaving the car’s lights or air conditioner on while the vehicle is switched off.

How to tell if your car battery needs replacing

You can typically tell that your car battery may need replacing by the following signs:

Dimmed or dimming headlights
Dashboard warning signals
Frequent loss of power to electrics (windows, heaters, etc.)
Difficulty starting the car, with more revving required

The best time to gauge whether or not your battery is fit to work is just after turning the vehicle on. Otherwise, your engine will provide enough charge for your battery to function – even if it’s defective and worn out.

You can purchase electronic battery testers at auto parts stores like Halfords. These will provide you with a reading of your car’s battery life, and you should aim to perform this prior to taking any long journey, so that you can be sure your battery is in working order before setting off. Alternatively, request that your garage check your battery’s state when you send your car in for a service.

Discover affordable car financing with My Car Credit

An old car battery is easily replaceable, but if your car is generally past its prime and you plan on trading it for a new one, you may want to find yourself a car loan quote. My Car Credit can help – just contact us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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HP, Conditional, PCP: The Lowdown on Car Finance Options

How Many Years in a Car Loan Term?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Keeping Your Car Roadworthy in Lockdown

roadworthy car outside house during coronavirus lockdown

Since the introduction of lockdown measures at the end of March, car owners across the UK have had significantly less opportunity to get behind the wheel. Aware of the difficulties in vehicle maintenance that the situation has created, the government has afforded Britons generous leeway with regards to MOT expiration dates. Any vehicle which was due for its MOT on or after March 30th, 2020 has now been granted an additional six-month extension.

However, the extension does come with one key caveat – all vehicles must still be kept in a roadworthy condition. That means that basic car maintenance during lockdown is not only just good practice for ensuring everything stays in top working condition, but actually becomes a legal requirement. With that in mind, here are the key issues which require your attention during these unprecedented and challenging times.

1. Charging the batteries

Even while not in use, there are certain components of a vehicle (such as its alarm system and onboard computer interfaces) which continue to drain the battery very slowly. Over a prolonged period of time, they can eventually run it completely dry, so it’s a good idea to turn on any engine which is powered by petrol or diesel for around 20 minutes once a week or so. Alternatively, you may wish to invest in a trickle charger, which connects to the household mains or can be powered by solar panels.

Owners of hybrid vehicles should take similar precautions to ensure their batteries do not become depleted. In this instance, the same result can be achieved by putting the car into “Ready” mode for about an hour once every fortnight. On the other hand, electric vehicles (EVs) should be left unplugged, but with a significant amount of charge (approximately 75% or more) remaining in the battery at all times. If possible, park the car near to your charging point to allow for easy topping up.

2. Keeping your tyres in check

Tyre pressure has a direct bearing on the handling of the car and if neglected, can cause severe damage to the vehicle. Fortunately, most modern cars come equipped with a built-in tyre pressure gauge, so you can check they meet the appropriate specifications while performing your weekly or bi-weekly maintenance on the battery. Alternatively, you could purchase a portable tyre pressure monitor, or incorporate a trip to your local garage the next time you need to leave the house for essential reasons.

As well as keeping an eye on the pressure of your car’s tyres, it’s also a good idea to make sure that the tread depth is sufficient to meet legal standards. By law, all cars are required to have a minimum tread depth of at least 1.6mm, but it’s advisable that you should have at least 3mm tread depth to ensure the longevity of your car. To check, simply insert a 20p piece into the tread. If the outer ring of the coin is obscured by the tyre, the depth is sufficient. If not, it might be an idea to get it checked out by a professional mechanic.

3. Testing the brakes

Brakes are, quite understandably, one of the most essential aspects of a car’s working parts, so keeping them in good shape is of paramount importance. If the car is left stationary for an extended period of time, there is a small chance that the brakes may seize up, rendering them ineffective when it comes to using the car once more. To avoid this happening, simply roll the car backwards and forwards a few metres every so often. This method also prevents the development of flat spots on the brake pads themselves.

Meanwhile, leaving the handbrake in position for a long time can also occasionally cause corrosion to the brake discs, which might impair the handbrake’s operation and result in stickiness when using it. This can be best avoided by parking the car on a level piece of ground in a private area and leaving it in gear and the handbrake off altogether. However, this should be only attempted if you are certain that the ground is level and if you can park off public roads, where other cars or pedestrians may come into contact with your vehicle.

4. Lights and liquids

Another key aspect of your car’s roadworthiness are its lights. If any single bulb is functioning at less than 50% capacity, it will fail its MOT – so you must make sure that all are in good working condition at all times. You can check the lights’ performance by enlisting the help of a friend or family member to inspect them all while using the brakes, indicators and other signals. Alternatively, park the car next to a reflective surface and use your mirrors to ascertain how well they are working.

Finally, keeping your car hydrated in all the right areas is another crucial part of its performance. Use the dipsticks and gauges underneath its hood to test oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and screen wash levels and ensure that they are all above the minimum threshold at all times. This will eliminate any problems when the quarantine measures are relaxed and you can take to the roads once more.

Considering an upgrade?

While lockdown has certainly caused considerable inconvenience to our daily lives, it has also provided us with an insight into how a low-carbon economy might impact the environment. EVs and hybrid vehicles are a great way to support sustainability while still maintaining your independence. However, they can often present a price point that’s too high for many drivers to consider paying outright.

That’s where My Car Credit comes in. We’re experts in securing the most preferable market rates for car financing across the whole of the UK. What’s more, we consider applications from all comers, including self-employed individuals and those with an unfavourable credit history.

To learn more about our services, give us a call on 01246 458 810 or drop us an email at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk. One of our knowledgeable and approachable team will get back to at our earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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Why Does Car Financing Take So Long?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Car and Tyre Maintenance 101

It’s almost too obvious to state the importance of your tyres – they are the only connection between your vehicle and the road, and have a huge influence over your driving experience and general safety. However, they are not often given the attention they deserve. According to a Michelin study, 36% of UK drivers are driving around on tyres that are dangerously under-inflated. Tyre pressure is just one aspect of looking after your tyres – there’s plenty more to know about tyre maintenance.

How long do tyres last?

There is no way of knowing how long your tyre will last – the tyre brand, the amount you drive, the conditions of the road and the care you take of your tyres will all have a major impact.

However, there are some general rules to follow:

After five years of use, you should make regular inspections of your tyres, and at least one annual inspection with a professional.
After ten years, you should replace your tyres – even if they look to be in good condition

What damages tyres?

Your tyres will receive general wear and tear with age and the amount you drive the vehicle. However, there are additional factors which can increase the damage caused to your tyres.

Various road condition issues can have a major effect – speed bumps, kerbs and potholes, to name a few.
Driving habits are the biggest influence that people don’t consider. If you speed and make quick starts or emergency brakes, you will greatly increase your chances of damaging your tyres.
Improper tyres can have a major affect on their longevity. If you have the wrong type of tyres (i.e. they are not the right size or compatibility for your vehicle) they won’t last for anywhere near as long. Also, this can prove very dangerous!

How do I make sure my tyres are in good condition?

It’s important to regularly make sure that your tyres are in good condition – once a month is a good marker. Here’s a good checklist to follow:

Check your tyre pressure – you can usually find this in the owner’s manual.
Check the tread wear – you can use a tread depth gauge (which you can get online) or by looking for signs of tread wear (e.g. any patterns in between the intended grooves of the tyres).
Check for any signs of damage – you can check your tyres visually for any bumps or punctures and run your hand around the edges for any physical signs of damage.
Be aware – you should always be sensitive to any changes in your car’s handling and steering, as well as any noises that are out of the ordinary.

When do I need to change my tyres?

You should change your tyres (regardless how they might appear) every ten years. After the five-year mark, you should have your tyres regularly inspected with a professional. However, these are only general guidelines and there are other ways of knowing if your tyres need to be changed:

The tread (i.e. the depth of the groove in the tyres) is below 1.6mm
There is a hole in the tread which is more than 6mm in diameter
There is any damage to the edge of the tyre that sits on the wheel
There are any changes to steering or handling

Your tyres are one of the most under-appreciated part of your car. Whilst people can often spot a scratch or dent in the bodywork from a mile off, they rarely notice any issues with their tyres. However, it’s absolutely vital that you take good care of your tyres – so make sure you check them!

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Dashboard Lights Explained: A Complete Guide

bmw steering wheel with dashboard lights explained

We've all been there: a light is flashing away on your dashboard with increasing alarm and you have no idea what it means. There are so many dashboard lights that it's easy to be confused with what they all mean. So, to save you from flicking through your car manual, we’ve got an easy overview for you to get familiar with.

Red dashboard lights

These are the warning lights on your dashboard that you need to be most concerned about. They carry more severe warnings and should be acted upon as soon as possible: either by pulling into your nearest garage or stopping the car and calling a professional.

Oil warning

This warns you that something isn’t right with your oil: its temperature could be too high or its level and pressure could be too low. Oil protects the parts of your engine against friction by lubricating its parts via a pressure pump. If there is something wrong with your oil, you could be in for some expensive engine damage. Not good.

Coolant warning

Your coolant helps to keep your engine’s temperature regulated: without it, your engine would overheat to the point where its components would start to warp. If this light starts flashing, either your engine is overheating or your coolant level is too low. This could be an easy-fix issue or a sign of a bigger problem.

Battery charge warning

This light comes on every time you turn on your engine and will usually turn off a few seconds after. However, if you see this light remains on while you’re driving, there’s normally a problem with your electrical system. This could be a bad connection, a dodgy battery, damaged cabling or a faulty alternator. All of these could cause the car to effectively shut off and break down involuntarily – get it checked.

Brake system warning

Your brakes are one of the most important features of your vehicle. If this light comes on and your handbrake is down, there could be something wrong with your braking system. This could be that the brake fluid level is low or a more serious issue.

Airbag warning

Your airbag is one of the most modern and effective safety features in your vehicle. If this light comes on, there could be a fault with it. Without proper function, your airbag won’t go off in a crash and could cause serious harm to you and your passengers.

Power steering warning

Power steering is the technology behind your steering wheel that allows you to move it with ease. You might not have experienced what it feels like without it, but it’s a lot heavier to turn. This can be very dangerous for some drivers.

Amber dashboard lights

These lights indicate an issue with the engine which will affect the car’s performance and if left unchecked, could cause danger. It’s best to get these looked at sooner rather than later.

Check engine warning

This is a general warning light which indicates that there is something wrong with the engine that can reduce its performance. This could be anything from the ignition to the pistons.

ABS warning

The ABS light refers to the Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents you from skidding during heavy braking. Whilst the normal brake system will be unaffected, you should heed any consistent warning from this light as something could be wrong with your brakes.

Tyre pressure warning

This light indicates that the pressure in your tyres is wrong. If there is no noise from the vehicle and you get out and there is no sign of a flat tyre, you should be okay to drive on (cautiously) until you can check them properly.

The next time you see a symbol flashing away on your dashboard, hopefully, you’ll know what it’s trying to tell you. In any case, a warning light indicates that something isn’t right and you should get it sorted as soon as you can.

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Is LPG Conversion Worth It?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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DIY MOT: Three Essential Car Maintenance Tips

dashboard of an audi car showing indicators to help with car maintenance

Servicing your car is an essential part of maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. However, there are plenty of things you can do in between your visits to the garage. Performing some general maintenance on your car can help to prevent the need for extensive services and reduce your MOT bill.

1. Keep an eye on your tyres

Naturally, your tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle so looking after them should be a priority. The easiest way to do this is to make sure they are at the right pressure: this can help to increase their lifespan and improves your driving performance. Another thing to keep an eye on is the thread depth. This is the depth of the grooves in the tyre which help it to grip the road and deal with rougher surfaces. You can test if these are at a safe depth by putting a 20 pence piece in: if the outer band of the coin is obscured by the thread then you are within the legal limit.

2. Learn the meaning of dashboard indicators

If you’ve seen a light flashing on your dashboard and had no idea what it means, you’re not alone. However, learning the meaning of these indicators is one of the best ways of understanding your car and keeping yourself safe. The main lights on the dashboard include the check engine light, electrical fault light, brake warning light, anti-lock braking systems light, coolant warning light, oil warning light and service engine light. If you know what your car needs, you’re in a much better position to act on what it needs.

3. Liquid levels

This is the easiest way to keep your car in good condition. Your engine contains many parts which endure friction when the car is running. To counteract the heat and stress caused by this friction you need engine oil and coolant. Checking the level of these two liquids helps to keep your engine running smoothly by reducing the stress the engine experiences. These are easy to replace as most modern cars have filling levels indicated on their oil stick and coolant tank respectively.

Having your car serviced is an essential part of keeping your vehicle running properly. However, it’s also important to have a good understanding of your car. This can minimise the number of issues that need to be resolved by a garage, which saves you money and keeps your car in better condition.

How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield Safely

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1. Frozen windscreen wipers

2. Spark plug failure

3. Chilly interiors

4. Dead batteries

5. Frozen parts

6. Deflating tyres

7. Wheelspin

8. Corrosion and rust

9. Frozen lock mechanisms

10. Dodgy handling

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The colder seasons bring greater challenges for vehicles, with sharp increases in breakdowns. Performing key winter car prep is one way to safeguard against such a breakdown – and these are our ten tips for winterising your car.

Winter car prep: 10 things to check

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1. Charging the batteries

2. Keeping your tyres in check

3. Testing the brakes

4. Lights and liquids

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