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  • COOLANT: How long does it last and which type should I use?  (FAQs)
    It's therefore recommended to refill or top-up with a coolant which is either approved by manufacturers or meets their requirements. If motorists don’t, there is the risk of mixing two different types of coolant and, at best, significantly reducing or, at worst, cancelling out the protective properties of both coolants.
  • OIL CHANGES: How often should I change the oil in my car? (FAQs)
    Change the manual gearbox oil once after the first 12 to 18 months, or 10,000 to 15,000 miles, if this is possible. Change the coolant every 3 years if it is an MEG coolant, or every 4 years if it is an MPG coolant. Change the brake fluid every 2 years unless it is Dot 5 silicon brake fluid (unlikely on a mass-produced car).
  • COOLING SYSTEM AIRLOCKS: How do I get rid of an engine cooling system airlock?  (FAQs)
    When you get home, leave the engine running and VERY SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY AND USING A BIG RAG OR TOWEL, release the expansion tank pressurecap just enough to let any air out, but close it cagain before coolant comes out. With a bit of luck, that should get rid of the airlock.  
  • STORING A CAR: How should I prepare my car for long term storage? (FAQs)
    If it records light, you need to remove the bulb, Have the oil and filter changed. Make sure the coolant corrosion inhibitors have not degraded (they usually have after 3 - 4 years, so have the coolant changed). If the car has ABS, make sure the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years or the ABS pump could suffer internal corrosion from moisture absorbed by the fluid.
  • Top 10: Products to prepare your van for winter (Article)
    However there is a waterless engine coolant from Evans that freezes at below -40 Celsius and boils at 180. That prevents the coolant from freezing and overheating, plus it is good for the lifetime of the engine – you don’t need to change it as a service item.
  • Halfords service costs and plans (Article)
    The interim service has 49 service points across the car and includes top-ups where required for coolant, clutch fluid, power steering, brake fluid and windscreen washer as well as an oil and filter replacement. The full and major services include the same points and more to bring the total to 76 service points with more detailed checks on the engine and ancillaries, fuel system, gearbox and electrics.
  • Top 15: Must-have kit for the classic car owner (Article)
    Go to www.drapertools.com and quote item number MWD110AGL. Oil / Coolant Catch Pan Carrying out your own oil changes or planning to drain your classic’s cooling system? Then invest a few pounds in a catch pan like this, complete with large handles and pouring lip for easy carrying and disposal.
  • Used Van Buying Guide: Volkswagen Caddy 2010-2015 16 Jun 2025 (News)
    Ask if the water pump has been replaced recently, they’re prone to failing. If it’s using a lot of coolant on longer runs it’s on its way out. DSG automatic transmissions don’t have the best reputation for reliability, check it’s been serviced properly, as a replacement can cost as much as £6000.
  • How to buy a classic car (Article)
    There are several key areas to check with the cooling system, starting with the radiator, which can be suffering from damaged fins (reducing the cooling capacity), corrosion (leading to leaks), or it could be silted up. Check the level of the coolant in the reservoir; if it's dropped it's probably leaking, as the system is sealed so it should never run low. The coolant should have a decent concentration of anti-freeze, especially if the engine block or heads are aluminium.
  • GARAGE SERVICING: How can I find a reputable garage  to service or repair my car? (FAQs)
    It will look like new, the punter won't know any difference and the garage will save 15 minutes obtaining the new filter from stores and fitting it, plus, of course, the cost of the filter. The Fluids Overfill Charge the customer for an quantity of oil, coolant, ATF, gearbox oil, brake fluid, etc over and above what the car will actually take. Very few punters ever spot this and if they do, tell them it's a clerical error, revise the invoice and refund them the extra money. 99 times out of 100 you'll never have to.
  • DPFs: What are they and why do they go wrong? (FAQs)
    Engine running since start for longer than 2 minutes. b.) Calculated saturation higher than 80%. c.) Coolant temperature over 70°C for at least 2 minutes. d.) No DPF-relevant faults stored in system. e.) A defined vehicle speed threshold must have been exceeded (e.g. for >80% loading, 100 km/h) Question: Under what conditions is regeneration interrupted/ended once it has started?
  • Chevrolet 'enhances' Volt safety 6 Jan 2012 (News)
    The modifications include strengthening an existing part of the Volt's structure to further protect the battery pack in a severe side collision along with adding a sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system. Chevrolet has also fitted a tamper resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to prevent possible coolant overfill. Chevrolet has conducted four successful crash tests of the Volt with the structural enhancements, with no intrusion into the battery pack and no coolant leakage.
  • XPart’s AutoService centres offer K-Series engine repairs 25 Aug 2010 (News)
    "We use XPart's MLS head gasket repair kit for virtually every repair. Additionally, we address many of the causes of coolant leaks and install a coolant level sensor kit to detect any subsequent drop in coolant levels." Please  visit www.xpart.com  to locate your nearest XPart MG Rover specialist.
  • Keep Your Cool for £35 10 May 2001 (News)
    The inspection includes a pressure test; a check of all hoses, clips gaskets, water pump housing, belts and coolant levels; inspection of the radiator or header tank cap; check of thermostat; followed by a second pressure test. Any work and new parts required will then be quoted for separately. But once the system is pronounced sound it will be covered by a six month or 12,000 mile warranty.
  • Easy Way To Find The Right Oil For Your Car 26 Feb 2010 (News)
    online advice tool designed to make it easier for motorists to find the recommended and correct grade of engine oil, gearbox oil and coolant for both cars and vans.   In a market where there can often be an overwhelming choice of products to choose from, the 'Which Oil?' advisor is fast, simple and easy-to-use.
  • Drivers 'should resolve to make cars fitter' 8 Jan 2008 (News)
    According to Motorpoint, vehicle maintenance should be top of people's list of new year's resolutions. It added that checks on oil and coolant levels are often ignored by motorists, despite the fact that they can save money on repair bills by having a working knowledge of their vehicles. Motorpoint managing director David Shelton comments that car fitness should be high on people's list of priorities in 2008.
  • A Grand Monday: Ford Granada Scorpio 2 Jul 2018 (News)
    Three owners, 41k on the clock, MoT, decent interior... although it's not without its issues. A recent coolant change and a new thermostat hints at some cooling issues that might be worth checking out (possibly and air lock). But the vendor is extremely upfront in his description - they're not major concerns at all, mainly a need for some new tyres, balanced wheels and tracking alignhment.
  • Free fluids check for all SEATs in UK 22 Jun 2009 (News)
    The free check, which takes just a few minutes to complete and does not need to be booked in advance, covers oil and coolant levels as well as brake fluid and washer bottle. SEAT's expert technicians will advise owners of any levels that need attention and offer a chargeable top-up service where required. The reminder comes on the back of a recent survey which suggested some SEAT owners may not check their car's fluid levels as often as recommended.
  • Haynes launches step-by-step online workshop videos 25 Sep 2017 (News)
    Drivers can also learn how to replace things like the rear shock absorbers, auxiliary belt, fuel pump coolant, alternator, brake pads, pollen filter, headlight bulbs, plus engine oil and filter. Andrew Golby, global digital director for Haynes Publishing, said, ‘We are now working hard to break down misconceptions about motoring DIY and encouraging drivers to reconnect with their cars.
  • British Motor Heritage's 2014 catalogue is out now 12 Mar 2014 (News)
    Other featured items in the catalogue include: EBC brake discs and pads Tex mirrors, mirror glasses and wiper components Samco silicone coolant hoses Zircotec heat management coatings Renovo hood treatments MGB race parts Startmonkey and Powermonkey recharging products For further details on British Motor Heritage log on to www.bmh-ltd.com .
 

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