Once the family car is no longer under warranty, there is the need to determine where to take the vehicle for car servicing. Owners sometimes opt to continue using the car dealers where the vehicles were purchased or may go with other professionals in the community. For those choosing the latter option, there are a few points to ponder before settling on the right service.

Always make sure the garage or mechanic chosen is well versed in the maintenance of the make and model you own. A lack of knowledge could mean serious consequences in the event of some major breakdown. Also take the time to find out what type of replacement parts are used. Some will utilise off brands while others make use of manufacturer recommended parts, and still others make use of part exchange car networks to secure refurbished components. Go with a service that has the right balance of expertise and will use parts that you are comfortable with.

Make it a point to check references before allowing any work to be done on your car. Ask around the community and see what people think of the garage in question. Keep in mind that while no garage is a good fit for everyone, it is important to make note of any recurring trends in what people have to say. Taking that information into consideration can help greatly in choosing the right service centre and ensuring your car gets the care it deserves.

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If you are ready to sell your car, or simply want to keep your existing car in tip top condition to prolong its shelf life and keep its value, then make sure you are up to date with maintaining your car and keeping it clean. Regular car servicing is ideal, but there are many simple ways of doing service checks yourself without the need to go to a garage if you learn some of the basics.  

Start by learning how to do oil and water checks. It may seem obvious, but always make sure that the engine is switched off and has time to cool down before you open the bonnet, as a basic rule of safety. Once you have familiarised yourself with all the components, you should be competent to give your car a simple service, including things like topping up the washer and brake fluids, although if you are in any doubt get an engineer to perform this for you. 

Giving your car a thorough clean before selling it on will also pay dividends. You could splash out on a professional cleaning, waxing and valet service, or simply buy the correct cleaning products and do it yourself. Hose down the entire car with soapy water (not washing up liquid) and invest in a few decent products including a good quality leather cloth to polish the windows and bodywork of the car. Also give the interior a total clean, from removing all rubbish to vacuuming the ashtrays and seats, and wiping down the dashboard. For extra appeal, polish the body of the car with a specialist polish, to keep it in pristine condition and ensure that you maximise your resale value. This will also help if you want to part exchange second hand cars for new ones, as it could increase your car’s value by several hundred pounds.

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When it comes to motor oil, there are several different options to choose from. The more popular brand names include Valvoline and Castrol. Motorists should be careful about what they fill their car with, as they may optimise or reduce the performance of their car with their motor oil.

One major factor in choosing engine oil is what type of engine the driver is dealing with. For example, a diesel engine requires a different type of motor oil to a petrol engine. The driver should look to the manufacturer’s specifications to find out what type of oil is required. Often, the manufacturer will give detailed instructions.

Another consideration when choosing the proper motor oil is the oil additives that treat a specific aspect of the vehicle, such as cleaning the fuel injector, cutting down the noise made by an engine, and reducing the smoke output of the engine.   

Of course, no matter what, it never hurts to ask a professional mechanic what type of motor oil is needed, as they are the ones who know more than anybody what a vehicle requires.

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Being able to sell a car depends on setting the right price.  In the days before the internet, people would have to depend on things such as word of mouth, a general impression of local second hand car prices, or the word of their local car dealer to pick the right value for their car.  Needless to say, this takes a lot of power out of the seller’s hands, as they can’t pick the optimum price that will draw plenty of sellers yet not leave them underselling their valuable car.  Here are some tips to follow the next time you find yourself thinking “how much is my car worth?”.

The internet is a very popular method for selling all kinds of used goods, including cars, because it helps both sellers and buyers find the fairest prices, regardless of exact location.  As a further bonus, internet researching for car and second hand goods valuations is generally free.  One example of a way to find out about fair prices is to go onto auction websites such as EBay, and take note of the prices that similar models sell at.  Alternatively, head over to online car dealers and see how prices stand for cars similar to the one you wish to sell. 

Another method that is growing in popularity is to use a dedicated car valuation website – this takes a lot of effort out of the research.  These websites simply require a few important details about the car, such as age, mileage and model/make, and they will give a close approximation to the actual real world value of the car.

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All car owners should get their vehicles serviced on a regular basis in order to prolong the life of their motors and make sure that this wonderful machine is running efficiently and safely. Car people recommend that a car be serviced every 10,000 miles. A well-maintained engine will give the vehicle a better chance of passing its MOT and will extend the life of the car.

A quick Google search will reveal a number of websites that can suggest service centres and also provide the driver with an exhaustive list of checks that should be carried out during the car service. When buying a car it’s a good idea to ask for the service history as this may indicate areas of mechanical weakness. Obviously, brakes, fuel lines and the gearbox should always be maintained, as should the suspension and oil consumption.

Most garages with their own mechanics can carry out a service but some specialise in certain models and makes of motor vehicle. It’s a good idea to carry out an Internet search and ask friends and family whom they recommend. In terms of costs always specify with the garage that you are contacted before any major work over and above the initial quoted estimate is to be carried out; mechanical parts and labour can prove to be very expensive.

Some people prefer to take their car to a recognised dealer for a specific make of car but any good mechanic should be able to mend any type of car and carry out an efficient service.

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When selling a Ford, you’ll need to perform research to figure out how much the vehicle is worth and how much you could sell it for. There are a variety of different ways to figure out the best possible price, including checking magazines, checking the internet and reading classified ads in newspapers. By using these sources you will be able to compare the model, year and general specifications to other Ford’. This will give you an idea of how much to charge.

How Can I Sell my Ford?

There are a few different routes that you could go down when selling a Ford. The most cost efficient method is to sell privately. However, part exchange can be far more convenient, especially if you will need a new car straight away.

When selling a Ford, it’s important that you have all of the correct legal documents. This will include the registration certificate. This will show the buyer that the car is being sold legally and that the car hasn’t been stolen. If you cannot find this document, you can apply for a replacement from the DVLA. This is an essential first step.

How Can I Value my Ford?

By performing just a few simple tasks, you will be able to increase the overall value of your Ford. First impressions can mean the difference between a sale and rejection. To give a good first impression, give the car a very thorough clean, inside and out. If the car isn’t in particularly good shape, it could be worth taking the vehicle for a professional valet. It’s also very important to emphasise the car’s best features in the ad. For example, if the Ford has low mileage then make sure that this is stated within the ad.

When pricing the car, make sure that you always have a cap on what price you would accept. This cap must be stuck to. It’s usually worth adding a little more to the price than you expect to gain; this way you will have a bit of leeway to barter with.

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Freezing cold weather combined with salt, slush, snow and ice is no friend to a car so during the harsh winter months there are some self-servicing tips to keep any vehicle in great condition. A little preventative maintenance now could save a hefty garage bill a few months down the line.

•    Check antifreeze and if necessary top up.
•    Check battery, ensuring all connections are clean and free of rust.
•    Check windscreen wipers. Replace if necessary, if not then clean with plain water and a cloth.
•    Check wiper fluid levels and add screenwash.
•    Check oil level. If oil is required, ensure the correct grade and strength is used. Details of the oil to use will be found in the Owner’s Manual.
•    Check tyre pressure and condition of tyres, including the spare. Replace if necessary.
•    Cleaning the air filter helps the engine operate at the correct air to fuel mix.
•    In the boot keep a snow shovel, blankets, torch, first aid kit, jump leads, water and energy bars.

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All vehicles in the UK that have motors must get an MOT (Ministry of Transportation) Certificate that confirms the vehicle is safe and environmentally friendly, according to the standards set out by the law. The MOT shows that the vehicle meets certain standards at the time of the test and should not be seen as a replacement for regular safety and maintenance checks.

On the 16 October 2011, a new style of MOT certificate will be issued that is on plain paper instead of a coloured, pre-printed form. These changes do not affect the use or purpose of the certificate, but are intended to be a part of an initiative to reduce waste and costs.

After completing all tests on your vehicle, an MOT test station will enter the results onto a database. You will then receive the verdict on your motor’s result and be informed of failure or given the MOT pass certificate.

It is important to remember that the MOT certificate relates to the condition of the vehicle at the time of testing and as far as tests can go without dismantling the vehicle. The certificate does not show that the condition is good for the entire year the certificate lasts, does not give any indication on the general mechanical condition of the motors it deals with and should not be seen as evidence of full compliance with laws on the construction and use of motor vehicles.

If there are any minor repairs needed, the certificate will highlight them even though they are not serious enough to warrant a failure. These may include:

•    Items that narrowly passed but will need attention before the next MOT test.
•    Items that do not come under the scope of the checks performed, but were noticed by the examiner.
•    Anything that may become a safety or environmental issue in the near future.

Any motor vehicle that fails the test can retake it at the same test station, who will have told the owner what to repair and check these in the retest. If this partial test is unsatisfactory then the vehicle will need to be serviced and have a new full test to ensure its roadworthiness.

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A number of basic checks should be regularly carried out on your car to ensure it will run reliably and safely.  These checks are particularly important before making a long journey.

First, check the oil level.  Most cars will have an oil warning light on the dashboard that will become visible if the level gets too low.  Do not wait for this light to appear because damage may have already been done to the engine by that point.

Secondly check water levels.  The water helps to keep the engine cool.  If it runs low, the engine could overheat resulting in a breakdown.  Check the windscreen washer fluid too – driving with dirty windscreens can be incredibly dangerous.

Be aware of the age of the car’s battery.  An old battery could let you down without warning; better to think ahead and replace it before it runs out at an inconvenient time.

Ensure that the tires are inflated correctly according to manufacturer’s specifications.  If the tyre pressure is wrong, it could have an effect on fuel consumption or may affect the handling of the car.  Ensure that the tyres are not too worn and are legally roadworthy.

Specifications and instructions for carrying out all of these checks can be found in your car’s handbook.

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Vauxhall is a British car manufacturer that is owned by General Motors. Over the past twenty years Vauxhall has become the second most successful car brand in the UK. As a very popular make of car, Vauxhall cars can be easy to sell, even if the vehicle is just sold for parts.
How Can I Sell my Vauxhall?

There are a number of different ways to sell a Vauxhall. One of the most popular options is to use the internet. There are lots of different websites that offer classified ad services, both paid and free. The other option is to advertise in either a car magazine or newspaper.

How Can I Value my Vauxhall?

Setting a price is a very important step in the process. You should always expect the buyer to haggle down the asking price. For this reason, you should always set a higher price than you would like before you start to advertise the car.  It’s also a good idea to hire a valet to clean your car; this will make it look, feel and smell like new. First impressions are very important and could be the difference between selling and not selling. Having a clean and tidy car that looks great will also mean that the buyer won’t be able to find small reasons to try and knock off some money.

What’s my Vauxhall Worth?

Depending on the condition of the Vauxhall, you may want to consider a service. Minor repairs don’t always cost very much and could be the difference between a buyer being willing to pay extra cash or not. Even something as simple as touching up some of the paintwork, or fixing a dent could save you tens, or even hundreds, of pounds.

You should never sell any vehicle without having the cash prior to the purchase. If you receive a cheque then you should always wait until the money has cleared in your bank account before you hand over the keys. Cash for cars is generally considered to be the best option when selling cars, especially if the car is being sold to a private buyer.

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