Latest news with #carmaintenance
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 'strange' thing all UK drivers should do during heatwave
Drivers have been urged to take several precautions before hitting the road during the UK's third heatwave of the year. While the warmer weather is a treat for some, it can cause a number of issues for motorists. Now, as the mercury looks set to rise over 30C again, the team at Budget Insurance have shared some essential maintenance checks - including one 'strange' action. READ MORE: Heatwave hosepipe ban breaches 'not a police matter' as public warned to only report 'real emergencies' Inspect the vehicle's battery High temperatures can cause internal harm to the battery, and shorten its lifespan, YorkshireLive reports. Signs a new battery is required include the vehicle taking longer than usual to start and the interior lights are dimming as you crank the engine. Keep tyres at correct pressure During hot weather, tyres tend to expand, which can cause the rubber to crack and heighten the risk of a blowout. Motorists should ensure their tyres are up to UK and EU standards by having a tread depth of at least 1.6mm, and are also inflated to the correct pressure. Top up fluids Coolant is key to preventing your engine from overheating during the hotter months. The Budget Insurance team said: "Strange as it may sound, you should top it up with both water and antifreeze, because a lack of the latter could damage your engine when temperatures begin to drop." Plan your route It's always smart to research which service stations and charging points you'll pass along your journey. Chargemap, Chargepoint and Octopus Electroverse are all apps EV drivers can use to plan routes. Chris Lawson, Budget Insurance's head of car insurance, said: "With tens of millions of leisure journeys made by car over the summer months, motorists should ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before they set off, whether on holiday or for a day trip. "Cars can struggle at this time of year, contending with hot temperatures and traffic jams, so it's important that drivers do all they can to minimise the risk of breaking down."
Times
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Can I change my car's wheel if I've lost the locking wheel nut key?
Q. Can I change my car's wheel if I've lost my locking wheel nut key? If not, what should I do if I get stranded at the roadside?S L-B, Bridport A. Locking wheel nuts aren't usually part of the manufacturer's original equipment. As a rule in the UK, they are fitted during the vehicle's pre-delivery preparation as a measure to combat alloy wheel and tyre theft, a problem that used to be widespread in Britain. A car left on bricks with its wheels missing was once a relatively common sight, but this practice has been all but stamped out since the introduction of wheel security devices. In fact, they are so effective that when the supplied removal device, or 'key', is misplaced, it can become a real challenge to get the wheels off. • Car Clinic: Help! The battery in my electric car is flat and I'm locked out All AA patrols are equipped with and trained to use specialist locking-wheel-nut removal tools. These kits contain a number of different fittings to get around the security devices, but it's a skilled job that takes time to master and execute at the roadside. It also usually results in irreparable damage to the locking nuts or devices. This is why we urge all drivers to check before a journey they have their locking wheel nut keys stored safely in their cars. • Car Clinic: Does a car's colour affect its resale value? There's another issue. While one of our patrols will endeavour to remove the locking device, carrying out that operation on the hard shoulder of a motorway or a busy A-road isn't usually possible, so the first course of action would be a recovery to a safe location, adding delay to the whole process. Car Clinic: How can I tell how old my tyres are? My advice, if you know you've lost your wheel nut key, is to visit a reputable garage or tyre retailer to have the locking devices professionally removed and replaced with new ones, complete with the removal tool or key. New security kits usually come with two keys, so you can keep one in the car and the spare at Carter, technical expert, the AA Post your motoring questions below or send to carclinic@
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Arizona driver says just days after getting an oil change, his engine seized up while driving on the freeway
Regular oil changes should help your car run longer and perform better, but when Travis Brun's engine seized up just days after stopping at a local Take 5 Oil Change, he was shocked to find his oil pan was bone dry. Brun made the discovery after the engine in his 2014 Acura sedan seized up while he was driving on the freeway. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it 'It just sounded like somebody put a cinder block in a blender and just let it go," Brun shared with AZFamily. Shortly after hearing that alarming sound, all of the dashboard warning lights started flashing in Brun's car. Then, the car stopped, forcing Brun to call a tow truck. Now, Brun finds himself with an engine that's been destroyed and an oil change shop that believes Brun's story is all made up. Brun isn't the type of person to put off his car's maintenance. 'I'm a big proponent of when the sticker says to get it in for an oil change, get it in for an oil change,' said Brun. Shortly after his car broke down, Brun had it towed to a repair center in Chandler, Arizona, where mechanics discovered the engine had completely seized. According to the mechanics, there's only one way this can happen to an engine: running it without any oil. But when Travis and his wife, Ashley, contacted Take 5 about the situation, the Bruns were quickly stonewalled. Take 5 reportedly demanded video evidence showing a mechanic reproducing the oil leak in Brun's Acura. However, that request was impossible to fulfil since the seized engine couldn't even turn on, let alone pressurize to demonstrate an oil leak. Frustrated with the situation, the couple contacted AZFamily's "On Your Side" investigative team. When reporter Gary Harper reached out to Take 5, the company stated it had reviewed its service footage and could confirm that everything was done correctly with Brun's oil change. 'After speaking with both the customer and their preferred auto body shop and thoroughly reviewing our service footage, we can confirm that the oil was properly filled and the chamber securely tightened during the customer's visit,' Taylor Blanchard, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Take 5, said in a statement shared with AZFamily. 'There is no indication that Take 5 Oil Change is at fault.' But with conflicting claims, the Bruns are now stuck with a vehicle that won't start. Making matters worse, the Bruns were forced to put the car in storage and are now paying storage fees. 'Where did the oil go if there wasn't a leak that you created, when everything was fine prior to the oil change?' asked Ashley. Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players While the Bruns' situation is an extreme example, in most cases the federal government offers protections when dealing with negligent auto repairs: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protection and establishes standards for warranties, holding service providers accountable for their obligations. The Federal Trade Commission oversees unfair and deceptive business practices and can take action against businesses that violate standard business practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help if financing (like a credit card) was involved in the vehicle repair transaction. Arizona residents also have several state-specific options that can provide more direct assistance: The Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles complaints against auto repair shops. The office can investigate cases, mediate disputes and, if necessary, take legal action against businesses that violate consumer protection laws. The Arizona Small Claims Court provides a straightforward path to compensation of up to $3,500, eliminating the need for an attorney. Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Arizona creates a public record of the issue and sometimes helps resolve disputes through their mediation process. Furthermore, you should always check with your local authorities to better understand the consumer protections available in your state. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Arizona driver says just days after getting an oil change, his engine seized up while driving on the freeway
Regular oil changes should help your car run longer and perform better, but when Travis Brun's engine seized up just days after stopping at a local Take 5 Oil Change, he was shocked to find his oil pan was bone dry. Brun made the discovery after the engine in his 2014 Acura sedan seized up while he was driving on the freeway. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it 'It just sounded like somebody put a cinder block in a blender and just let it go," Brun shared with AZFamily. Shortly after hearing that alarming sound, all of the dashboard warning lights started flashing in Brun's car. Then, the car stopped, forcing Brun to call a tow truck. Now, Brun finds himself with an engine that's been destroyed and an oil change shop that believes Brun's story is all made up. Brun isn't the type of person to put off his car's maintenance. 'I'm a big proponent of when the sticker says to get it in for an oil change, get it in for an oil change,' said Brun. Shortly after his car broke down, Brun had it towed to a repair center in Chandler, Arizona, where mechanics discovered the engine had completely seized. According to the mechanics, there's only one way this can happen to an engine: running it without any oil. But when Travis and his wife, Ashley, contacted Take 5 about the situation, the Bruns were quickly stonewalled. Take 5 reportedly demanded video evidence showing a mechanic reproducing the oil leak in Brun's Acura. However, that request was impossible to fulfil since the seized engine couldn't even turn on, let alone pressurize to demonstrate an oil leak. Frustrated with the situation, the couple contacted AZFamily's "On Your Side" investigative team. When reporter Gary Harper reached out to Take 5, the company stated it had reviewed its service footage and could confirm that everything was done correctly with Brun's oil change. 'After speaking with both the customer and their preferred auto body shop and thoroughly reviewing our service footage, we can confirm that the oil was properly filled and the chamber securely tightened during the customer's visit,' Taylor Blanchard, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Take 5, said in a statement shared with AZFamily. 'There is no indication that Take 5 Oil Change is at fault.' But with conflicting claims, the Bruns are now stuck with a vehicle that won't start. Making matters worse, the Bruns were forced to put the car in storage and are now paying storage fees. 'Where did the oil go if there wasn't a leak that you created, when everything was fine prior to the oil change?' asked Ashley. Read more: No millions? No problem. With as little as $10, here's of diversified assets usually only available to major players While the Bruns' situation is an extreme example, in most cases the federal government offers protections when dealing with negligent auto repairs: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protection and establishes standards for warranties, holding service providers accountable for their obligations. The Federal Trade Commission oversees unfair and deceptive business practices and can take action against businesses that violate standard business practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help if financing (like a credit card) was involved in the vehicle repair transaction. Arizona residents also have several state-specific options that can provide more direct assistance: The Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles complaints against auto repair shops. The office can investigate cases, mediate disputes and, if necessary, take legal action against businesses that violate consumer protection laws. The Arizona Small Claims Court provides a straightforward path to compensation of up to $3,500, eliminating the need for an attorney. Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Arizona creates a public record of the issue and sometimes helps resolve disputes through their mediation process. Furthermore, you should always check with your local authorities to better understand the consumer protections available in your state. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
10 Cars Likely To Break Down After 100K Miles — Buyer Beware!
When purchasing a reliable vehicle, the well-known saying 'forewarned is forearmed' takes on a new significance. Especially today, when car costs have continued to escalate amidst substantial inflation and tariff turbulence. Given these economic challenges, exercising caution before investing in a new vehicle is more important than others. Check Out: Up Next: Here to provide valuable insights is Jacob Carter, proprietor of Engine Rev Up, a blog dedicated to the ins and outs of car maintenance and repairs. According to Carter's extensive experience, certain vehicle models demand more repairs and break down more often, particularly after they surpass the milestone of 100,000 miles. Leveraging his expertise, GOBankingRates compiled 10 car models that warrant a second thought if you prioritize durability. Starting MSRP: $24,300 The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan known for its reliable performance, comfortable interior and advanced safety features. However, the continuously variable transmission found in numerous Altimas tends to experience premature failure, frequently occurring shortly after reaching the 100,000-mile mark. This issue can lead to expensive repairs, said Carter. Consider This: Starting MSRP: $41,250 The BMW 3 Series is a luxury compact car celebrated for its sporty driving dynamics, upscale interior and innovative technology features. Unfortunately, according to Carter, these cars demand high maintenance costs, with a significant number of them necessitating engine or electrical repairs around or shortly after reaching 100,000 miles. Starting MSRP: $55,250 While the Land Rover Discovery is a handsome-looking car, it has garnered a reputation for encountering problems related to air suspension, electrical anomalies and premature transmission failure, shared Carter. Starting MSRP: $16,495 The Fiat 500 is a compact and stylish city car known for its European charm and maneuverability. Adorable yet diminutive, this car frequently experiences engine problems, notably oil leaks. Also, the limited space within the engine compartment contributes to the steep cost of repairs. Starting MSRP: $29,995 The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road SUV recognized for its rugged design and exceptional capabilities in tackling various terrains. Carter said that while it offers an enjoyable off-roading experience, it's susceptible to rust, steering and suspension problems that necessitate repair work. Starting MSRP: $15,490 The Ford Fiesta is a compact car admired for its agile handling and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for urban driving. Although it's an economical subcompact option, Carter said it holds a track record of encountering transmission problems and electrical issues, so it might be one to avoid. Starting MSRP: $22,220 The Chrysler 200 is a midsize sedan known for its sleek design and comfortable interior, offering a blend of style and practicality. Carter noted that the Chrysler 200 has a notable frequency of engine, transmission and electrical repairs required at relatively low mileage levels. Be Aware: Starting MSRP: $26,440 The Volkswagen Tiguan is recognized for its stylish design and comfortable interior, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a blend of aesthetics and comfort in their vehicle. However, Carter noted it has gained a reputation for facing costly transmission issues, often emerging shortly after crossing the 100,000-mile threshold. Starting MSRP: $22,900 Celebrated for its compact and distinctive design, the Mini Cooper is popular with people who like to stand out with a unique car choice. However, according to Carter, it's plagued by persistent concerns involving oil leaks, turbo failures, suspension and electrical problems. Starting MSRP: $81,190 According to Carter, the Tesla Model S, renowned for its impressive acceleration and cutting-edge technology, also demands a substantial investment for battery pack replacement, often occurring around or shortly after the 100,000-mile mark. More From GOBankingRates The 10 Most Reliable SUVs of 2025 This article originally appeared on 10 Cars Likely To Break Down After 100K Miles — Buyer Beware!
