Around 10,000 Audi, VW, Cupra Seat and Skoda plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are being recalled over concerns about a fire risk. It’s part of a global recall which totals more 100,000 PHEVs produced by the carmaker. An insufficiently
Source: Fire risk prompts UK recall of 10,000 Volkswagen Group hybrid cars
Online used car dealer, Cazoo has come under fire from the BBC’s Watchdog programme this week over its 300-point checks. Three customers told the programme they were not happy with the quality of the cars they
Source: Cazoo 300-point check brought into question following BBC Watchdog investigation
Worn Out Vehicles failing MOT
So, this is something that we at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax have been noticing. However it is not rocket science! Modern day cars are meant to run all the time and have regular servicing. During the on going pandemic then cars have been stood outside houses without been run at all. This can effect many of the vehicles engine parts ! So causing a failure on emissions when taking the MOT test.
We know for a fact that many cars have missed out on a years serving. So, this can lead to dirty oil and indeed blocked air and oil filters. Even further down the line, then engine valves could be sticking, of course due to the lack of servicing. Older cars will find that their plugs were not changed on the due servicing date. Once again causing the vehicle to have lower emission standards and possibly failing the MOT test.
So, its not just emission problems that have occurred but other things have become relevant. We have noticed an increase in broken springs and other suspension and steering parts. As I have explained modern cars need to be used and stood about has not done them any good. Such things as coil springs are put under pressure when stood in one place all the time. The springs are under tension and will become more rigid and more likely to break once the car is finally driven. This metal fatigue also causes other tensioned parts to fail when put under pressure of say hitting a pot hole.
Almost 1.3 million vehicles failed their MOT last year because of faults relating to exhaust emissions, new data suggests. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVSA found more cars have failed on emissions
Source: Vehicles failing MOT in record numbers over emissions
Despite the warmer, drier weather being associated with the summer months, the importance of having fresh wiper blades with good adhesion to the windscreen glass is just as important as any other time of year,
Source: Change wipers during drier months for optimum visibility, First Line says
Bad Weather Car Tips
So this attached article is more about how to handle your car during bad weather. Of course it stands out that you should! Also make sure the car is well serviced and ready for any bad winter weather.
Brakes and tyres are very important indeed. Consequently, a good winter service will ensure that your vehicles tyres and brakes are up to scratch. Ready to tackle any snow and torrential rain. Importantly, it is a great idea to fit winter tyres or at least all-weather tyres before the weather turns for the worst. As temperatures start to drop, area mechanics say drivers may want to make some adjustments to their cars to avoid cold weather issues.
Mechanics at Valvoline in New Bern say there are three main pieces of advice that everyone should know before handling their car in colder weather. Donta Berry says drivers may have already noticed, but with the change in weather comes a change in tyre pressure.
Finally it is always a good idea to have a pre winter service on your vehicle to ensure safe driving in a safe car.
Source: Mechanics: Follow these tips to avoid car trouble in chilly weather | WCTI
The DVSA has announced plans to crackdown on MOT fraud and increase the number of prosecution cases. The plans, published this week in the DVSA’s latest business plan report, suggests the agency will increase its use
The DVSA has issued a warning to fraudulent MOT testing stations after the number of serious cases relating to dishonesty and negligence more than doubled in 2021 to 2022. More than 1,300 counts of MOT fraud