Car Servicing and Repairs

A fully functional clutch is essential for the safe and effective operation of your car. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may need a new one.

An ‘air-con bomb’ is a sophisticated air freshener can that shoots a deodorising spray into the cabin - which is then circulated by and through the AC system.

Learn how to check your brake pads for wear, and how to spot other signs your brakes may need attention - with startrescue.co.uk’s guide.

Getting your car serviced at a dealership may keep your warranty valid, while ensuring manufacturer-recommended checks are carried out.

ABS helps you maintain control of your vehicle by preventing wheel lock when you apply the brakes: here’s all you need to know.

Learn how to prevent and fix rust on your vehicle - and potentially save hundreds on repairs. Read our complete guide.

All new UK cars must have a working catalytic converter. Learn what a ‘cat’ does, why it is so important, and how much a replacement costs.

Front brake pad replacements cost between £200 and £500, depending on pad material, make, and model of your car. Learn the signs your brake pads are worn.

Look out for signs your car is leaking coolant, learn why a coolant leak might occur - and what you should do to fix it. Read our guide.

Your car's ECU controls how your engine performs by managing the fuel injection and ignition systems, among others. Learn more.

If your car’s air conditioning is no longer keeping you cool, it may need a ‘regas’. Here’s all you need to know about regassing your car.

Find out the most common causes of an illuminated engine management light. In most cases you should visit a mechanic promptly.

UK law permits motorists a small amount of alcohol in their system, but the safest choice is to abstain before driving. Find out current UK limits.

Optimally functioning shock absorbers ensure your tyres remain connected with the road. Learn the signs of faulty shocks, and how often you should replace them.

Fuel leak causes include a damaged fuel tank or fuel lines; faulty fuel injector, filter, pressure gauge or filler cap. Read our guide.

Broken coil spring symptoms on you car include clunking and knocking noises. Do not drive on it; get it replaced as soon as possible. Find out likely causes.

Ensure your car’s warranty is not voided: Read the T&Cs; undertake regular maintenance; and avoid unapproved mods. Learn more.

Learn how to spot oil leaks, why they occur, and how to fix them. It’s important to resolve issues quickly to keep you safe, and to save money.

Car overheating? Pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can. Learn the signs your car could be overheating, the causes - and what to do next.

Antifreeze helps prevents your engine coolant from freezing - and in high temperatures, from boiling. Find out where to put it…

Notice any of the following signs of low oil? If you catch the issue quickly enough, there shouldn’t be any long-lasting damage to your vehicle.

Is your car’s air-conditioning system not working as well as it once did? Try these tips and tricks for maximising air-con efficiency as the weather gets warmer.

Is your car juddering? There are many possible causes, including faults with spark plugs, oxygen sensors, the CV axle and ignition coils. Read our guide…

Learn how to reset your Engine Management Light (EML) with ease. Our guide provides clear instructions and advice for a hassle-free solution.

Engine oil is cheap - replacing your engine is expensive. Learn how and when to check your oil, and how to change it.

Learn how to fix damage to your cabriolet/convertible soft top roof - whether caused by branches, vandalism, UV light, or mildew.

Learn about the law in relation to tinting your car’s windshield and front side windows - and how to apply your own tint.

Tyre bulges should be addressed immediately: Learn about bulges, the dangers they pose, how to avoid them and how to fix them.

Tyre bulges should be addressed immediately: Learn about bulges, the dangers they pose, how to avoid them and how to fix them.

Are you experiencing fluid leaks? This is one sign of gearbox failure. Here is how to tell if it is damaged and how long a noisy gearbox will last.

Want to fit a towbar to your vehicle? Learn how to choose the right tow bar for your vehicle and your needs - with startrescue.co.uk.

Changing your car’s light bulbs is a straightforward task that you can do yourself. Read our quick guide on how to change headlights, indicators and brake lights.

Does your current car need an expensive repair? Should you fix it or start looking for a newer vehicle? Start Rescue offers useful tips to help you decide.

What to do if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your tank (petrol in diesel; diesel in petrol) and how to minimise any damage. Covers misfuelling E10 in older cars.

Learn how to use puncture repair kits, as supplied in many new cars. Also covered: How to use a tubeless tyre repair kit.

Want to fit a tow bar to your car by yourself? Read our guide and decide if you want to take the DIY route - or ask a garage to do the job for you…

Learn how to find out/understand your tyre size with our handy guide, covering width, profile, type, rim diameter, load index and speed rating.

Has your car battery gone flat after being parked up during the pandemic? See how to test and if necessary replace your battery with our useful guide.

Does your car need a new part? You can take your vehicle to your local independent garage, authorised dealer, or even buy parts online to fit yourself.

Thinking about converting your beloved classic car into an EV? It's entirely possible, but you may find the costs prohibitive.

Flummoxed by terms like 'coupe' and 'SUV'? Well, be flummoxed no more. Here's a crash course in the most common car body shapes.

Find out how to measure the pressure of your tyres, and inflate or deflate them - either with a home gauge/pump, or one found at your local fuel station or garage.

A dirty DPF can result in costly repairs. Keep it clean to prevent harmful particles from entering the atmosphere and save on repair costs.

There are many reasons why your car’s cruise control system is not working, including brake light switch faults; worn out control switch; and ABS sensor faults.

MOT tests are mandatory so you need to know the rules, fees and what to do if you are dissatisfied with the result.

Car wont start? Here are common causes and solutions I startrescue.co.uk

Here is how to achieve a professional standard when cleaning your car this spring.

How do you diagnose a blown head gasket? Do gasket sealers work? How much for head gasket repairs in the UK? Learn more from startrescue.co.uk.

Find out why brake fluid is important, how brake fluid works, and how you can change it yourself - with our handy guide.

Recognise the signs and dangers of a faulty exhaust. Enhance safety, protect your car, and prevent environmental harm. Stay informed, stay safe.

Find out how to tell if your turbocharger is faulty; the causes; and how to solve any problem - with our useful guide.

What should you do if you spot water leaking from your car? Puddle under car when parked? It’s usually nothing to worry about - unless it’s leaking coolant.

Staying on top of your car's maintenance could mean avoiding unexpected and large repair bills come MOT test day. Here are 10 ways to help avoid these costs.

What should you do if your car keeps stalling? The answer will depend on whether you have a manual or an automatic - and many other possible factors. Read our handy guide...

Timing belts and timing chains/variable-valve timing systems are essential for the smooth running of your engine. Learn more about how they work and when to change them.

More than a quarter of MOT fails are due to easy-to-fix issues. Solving these - and more major problems - will save the time and hassle of repeating your MOT.

Common MOT test questions answered: Cost; what is checked; what to do if your vehicle fails; rest charges; late MOT tests and more.

Your breakdown insurance provider should be able to temporarily repair any puncture or change the tyre by the roadside, or tow the vehicle to a nearby garage.

Cat C and Cat D are now-defunct terms (replaced by Cat S and Cat N) for cars that have been damaged, but may be allowed on the road again after sufficient repairs.

Your suspension is important for keeping you safe on the road, so you need to know the signs that it could be going wrong.

Why does my car smell of petrol? Petrol smell should be contained in the fuel tank. Petrol smell in car can indicate there is a problem with the EVAP system

Most cars should be serviced every 12 months, but some may need to be serviced more regularly if driven for longer distances and/or more frequently.

It's often safer to leave certain jobs to the professionals - both in the interests of safety, and of avoiding large repair bills because your own DIY fix didn't quite work.

A leaky sunroof is usually due to blocked drainage holes or a damaged seal. Try these methods to fix the problem and avoid the cost of a professional repair.

Are you worried your petrol engine has flooded? Find out if it has in this article - and discover how to fix the problem quickly and easily.

Is your car stalling? There are a number of possible causes. Find solutions with our complete guide.

Is your car's air conditioning system faulty? Find out how to diagnose and potentially fix the problem yourself, with our handy guide.

Flat tyres: with a little preparation, you can be ready with the tools to get you back on the road fast. Read our complete guide to DIY tyre repairs.

There are distinct pros and cons to having leather or fabric seats in your car. Here's a quick run-down to help you decide.

Want to transfer a number plate from an old car to a new car, or to someone else's car? Find out how, with our quick guide.

A guide to looking after a car's clutch.

How to work out if you have a radiator leak, how to locate the crack and how to fix it, using sealant, epoxy - or your local garage.

Find out why your wheel bearings are so important; how they work; and how to work out whether yours need to be replaced - with our useful blog...

Don't ignore that unfamiliar dashboard warning light. Use our guide to identify it, then get any faults fixed as soon as possible.

Does your car judder when you apply the brakes? Here are some of the most common causes - and what your garage can do to remedy them...

Suffering a flat tyre usually means a call to your car breakdown service is needed. But with a run-flat tyre, you may be able to continue driving for a limited distance.

Wondering which size engine to choose for your next car? It all depends on what you plan to do with it...

Don't forget about your battery and take the appropriate steps to look after it.

What you need to know about which antifreeze to use and how it works.

Your wheels are set on three main angles: camber, toe and caster. When these angles are misaligned, your car's steering and performance may be impacted.

There are several signs worth looking out for that may suggest you need to change your car battery.

A basic guide to looking after your car's engine.

You can make your car run for many miles more if you follow a few simple vehicle maintenance steps.

Potholes damage thousands of cars every year, here's how to avoid yours becoming one of them.

Make sure you know the ins and outs of choosing the right oil before you buy some new.

Here are some reasons why it is worth paying to have your car serviced.

There are a few reasons why batteries are more likely to fail during the colder months.

Are your headlights yellowed and dull looking? Try these methods to get them back to their factory-new, sparkly best.

Learn how to find out when your timing belt needs to be replaced, and why it might be sensible to replace certain other components at the same time. Read our useful guide.

Having a toolbox in your car is ideal if you're keen to maintain your motor yourself or if you're about to embark on a long journey.

Found a scratch on your car's bodywork? Here we look at a process for improving the look of - or eliminating - a scratch.

Wondering what specification of oil your car needs? Find out why adding the right oil is important, and how to check which oil you need…

How does paint protection film (PPF) work? How much does it cost? How does it differ from vinyl? Is it worth investing in PPF for my car?

Swapping out old car seats with new ones is a relatively straightforward task - and certainly simpler than a lot of DIY car jobs.

How does paint protection film (PPF) work? How much does it cost? How does it differ from vinyl? Is it worth investing in PPF for my car?

The current maximum fee for a UK Class 4 MOT test (up to eight passengers) is £54.85. Class 7 vehicle MOT tests (for larger vehicles) cost the same.

It is important to choose the right engine oil for your vehicle. Read our quick guide. A number of online resources exist to make this process quick and easy.

How do you know your fuel filter needs to be replaced? How long should your filter last? Where is it located? Find out in our latest blog.

Cigarette smoke is one of the toughest odours to remove from a car’s interior. Here are some of the most common ways people tackle the problem.

Since 2018 most cars, vans and motorbikes aged 40 years or more are MOT-exempt, unless they have had significant modifications in the last 30 years.

Giving one’s car a spring clean can seem like a real chore, but here are a number of useful hacks to get your vehicle looking spick and span in no time.

A well-maintained windscreen keeps you safe from the elements, helps you see the road ahead, and is a legal requirement. Read our guide.

How much oil should I put in my car? What kind of oil should I use? How do I check my oil levels? Read our quick guide for answers to all of these questions and more.