The AA have fantastic, really comprehensive guides on driving in winter and driving in floods and heavy rain, but what are some of the key aspects which you should always keep in mind?

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is an essential tool in your arsenal, and you should always keep a can of antifreeze spray in your car, as it allows ice on key areas like your windscreen, rear window and rear-view mirrors, ensuring nothing is obscuring your view. We would advise using antifreeze screenwash, as this specialist product typically has a much lower freezing point than standard wash.

Tyre Treads

Snow and ice can present dangerous driving conditions. Therefore, examine all treads and make certain that they do not appear worn or cracked. You should also measure the tread depth and make sure it’s at least 3mm across the central three quarters of the tyre; while the legal minimum for MOTs is 1.6mm, this won’t provide adequate grip in winter.

Batteries

Batteries can be quite susceptible to colder temperatures, and the cold can cause the charge to drain much more quickly; the result can be a failure to start. Keep an emergency jump-start battery in your car, as well as jumper leads if you get caught out; use your car regularly to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged.

Bodywork

Even a small spot of rust can quickly grow due to ice, salt and water on motorways; if you note that portions of your car or undercarriage may need a bit of bodywork performed, Ken’s Auto will offer these services as well.

Windscreen Visibility

All wipers must be in good condition to ensure good visibility – particularly for ice. Furthermore, any visible cracks need to be addressed before they evolve into a situation which could dictate an entire windscreen replacement.

Lights

Make certain that all headlamps, side signals and brake lights are functioning. As the days are typically shorter, you’ll experience much more driving in the dark, and safety is essential. Fog is not uncommon in winter, too, so making sure your full-beam headlights are working properly is vital – you won’t use them often in spring or summer, so don’t assume they still work and get them checked!

Oil and Filters

Oil needs to be able to circulate throughout the engine in order to beat colder days. Not only does the correct grade need to be used, but filters should be clear and free from all debris.

These are but a handful of issues that we’d recommend always keeping in mind during the winter. Please feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment to make absolutely certain that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the upcoming (and unforgiving) winter months.

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Clean the windscreen area

Before having your car serviced, spend a few minutes making sure that the windscreen is thoroughly clean and that the washers and wipers are in good working order. The average garage will charge you £5 for a screen wash, so do it yourself and start saving right from the start.

Check bulbs and lights

Make sure that all bulbs are working correctly. This includes checking brake lights, headlights, and indicators. Replacing a dead bulb is an easy job that should only take you a few minutes.

Check your seat belts

Driving a car with seat belts that are overly frayed or that don’t lock properly is dangerous and a risk that’s not worth taking. Make sure that the seat belt tension is just right in your driver, passenger, and back seats. You may need a tension adjuster, which you can buy for less than £10.

Check the tyre tread

Being familiar with the correct tyre tread levels is not only a matter of personal safety; it’s a legal one too. Tyres must have at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre to be considered roadworthy. Tyre tread gauges are sold for under £3 and allow you to ensure that the tread levels are within the legal requirements.

Oil change

Many garages will include an oil change in their service and will be happy to do it for you, but you can save some money by doing this yourself ahead of an MOT or service. It’s a simply job that any car owner can do – even if you’re a DIY novice.

At Ken’s Autos we have been servicing vehicles since 1976. Our staff are knowledgeable, honest, and reliable, and when it comes to car servicing, we share your concerns about avoiding unnecessary expenses.
We pride ourselves on always providing fair quotations and a one-year no-quibbles guarantee on all labour and parts. Visit us in Croydon for an honest quotation and friendly advice.

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Find A Solid, Level Surface

Step one is to secure your car in a location where it won’t roll away, your surface should be solid and level to restrict the cars movement and as far removed from traffic as possible. Activate your hazard lights once your car is secured and placed in the park position to alert other drivers to your presence.

Secure Your Car

Place a heavy object such as a brick in front of the front and back tyres for extra stability and security.

Jack Up The Vehicle

When using a scissor jack all you have to do is insert the rod or wrench over the knob and crank.
When using a hydraulic jack place the handle in the appropriate location and pump it up and down, for the most effective strokes with the least amount of labour pump the jack smoothly from the lowest to the highest point.

Remove The Cover

Use a screwdriver to pry away the wheel cover by inserting the end point behind the edge of the cover in much the same way you would pry a lid off a paint can. You will need to apply some leverage to loosen it and in particularly stubborn cases may need to repeat this process in different locations around the cap.

Remove The Tyre

With the end of a wrench loosen the lug nuts enough that they can be removed by hand after the vehicle has been jacked. Once they are removed take the flat tyre with both hands and pull it forward until you are supporting its full weight, once it is off roll it out of the way.

Attach The New Tyre

Lift the spare tyre onto the lug bolts and use the wrench to partially secure the nuts, only secure them fully once your vehicle has been lowered to the ground.

Replace The Wheel Cover

Delicately replace the wheel cover according to your manual’s instructions and you’re ready to drive away!

If your confidence is shaky when it comes to tyres or if your car is in need of a servicing then it’s best to consult a professional. Here at Ken’s Autos our dedicated team can perform your car service and fix any problems with speed at competitive prices so if you’re in the Croydon area get in touch today online.

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What Does it Do?

Your car engine comprises of many moving parts that operate under various stresses and temperatures. You engine oil’s primary function is to lubricate these moving parts, however it also cleans, inhibits engine corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine down.

Essential to Check Regularly

Have you even been driving along and then noticed this light come up on the dashboard?

It indicates that your engine oil level is too low and means that you need to top it up – however if it does light up it means that you aren’t checking it often enough. If you run your engine without oil then you run the risk of causing significant damage, so you should make sure that you check your oil level at least once a month, but how do you do so?

Step #1: Locate the Dipstick

Once you’ve opened the bonnet up you need to find the oil dipstick. Depending on whether you have a rear or front-wheel drive the position of the dipstick will vary, however it will be identifiable as the yellow hoop located somewhere near the engine.

Step #2: Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert.

Using a clean and lint-free cloth wipe off any residual oil on the dipstick before reinserting it back inside the pipe. Remove it once again and check that the oil level is between the two clearly marked ‘Add’ and ‘Full’ lines at the bottom.

Step #3: Check the oil quality.

If the oil level only comes up to the ‘Add’ level or below then, as the name suggests, you need to add more – though check the owner’s manual to ensure you buy the right grade of oil. However you should also check the oil is still clean. Rub a little between your thumb and index finger – if it leaves a dirty smudge then it probably needs to be changed.

An oil change is something that is included in a car service, and here at Ken’s Autos we are one of the premier car servicing garage’s in the Croydon area. To find out more about how a car service can help your vehicle to stay in the best condition give us a call or complete our contact form and we’ll get back to you.

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So what are some of the signs that indicate your car could do with a service?

1. Illuminated dashboard lights.

You will rarely see them, but when you do it could mean that there is a problem that would be remedied by a car service.

Dashboard lights give warnings as to problems with certain aspects of your vehicle such as oil level, battery charge and brake fluid level, so when they come on it is important that you pay heed to them. You can read up more about the dashboard warning lights in our post, ‘Understanding the Dashboard Warning Lights‘.

2. Spongy brake pedal.

Your car’s ability to stop in good time is something that will be checked yearly anyway with your MOT, however if you are experiencing a spongy brake pedal or one that can get much closer to the floor before having an effect then it could be that the pads are worn or the brake fluid is degrading.

3. A slow starter?

It may be something you do without thinking, but if your car is taking longer than usual to get going after you turn the key then this could be a sign that you need to get it serviced.

4. Wobbly wheels & poor grip.

Like with the brake pads, the wheels are something that is checked during your MOT, however that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong with them in the meantime.

If you notice that your steering wheel is vibrating at higher speeds, feels oddly-weighted when going through bends or that you aren’t getting as much grip as you used to, get it checked out before the MOT comes around.

5. The engine sounds rough.

A car engine should make a smooth and consistent humming sound. If it is giving off a much rougher and ‘dirty’ sound then this could be a sign of any number of problems with the engine – all of which will be looked at when you get a service.

So if you think your car is in need of a health check from one of the most reputable garages Surrey has to offer, get in touch with the team here at Ken’s Autos by phone or by completing our online contact form.

The post 5 Signs Your Car is in Need of a Service appeared first on Kens Autos.

Numerous road safety and environmental campaign groups have joined together to form the pressure group ‘No to 80′ – comprising of the charity Brake, the Campaign for Better Transport and Greenpeace, among others – which put forward a number of issues with the proposed changes.

However, supporters of the trial – including former transport secretary Phillip Hammond – claimed that shortening journey times could add millions of pounds to the UK economy. So what are the potential impacts of a speed limit increase were it to ever happen in the future?

More Deaths & More Pollution

Initial analysis carried out by the Department for Transport indicated that, should the speed limit on motorways be increased to 80 mph, fatalities would rise by about 1% – representing between 19 and 25 deaths every year.

This analysis also showed that carbon emissions would increase by an estimated 670,000 tonnes CO2 every year. However this second figure was deemed too modest by the government’s own special advisors at the Climate Change Committee who claimed that the emissions increase could be as much as 2.2 million tonnes per year.

In addition, No to 80 estimate that the move could cost British motorists an extra £766 million in fuel costs and the country a further £62 million in health costs.

More Wear and Tear

Most vehicle engines are relatively comfortable driving at a cruising speed of 80 mph, however there is still some additional wear and tear that will be incurred.

Firstly driving at higher speeds will lead to increased brake pad and tyre degradation in the event of heavy braking – meaning they won’t last as long.

Secondly, the higher the revs the harder the engine has to work, while it will also emphasise any imbalances within the engine which could lead to a costly repair further down the line.

To find out how the team here at Ken’s Autos can deliver a professional and competitively priced garage service throughout Surrey and further afield get in touch with us today by phone or contact form.

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Without understanding what they mean it can be easy to simply ignore them and remain in blissful ignorance, but failing to get one of these issues checked or repaired could lead to a much more serious problem further down the line.

Here at Ken’s Autos we have seen many vehicles come in with problems that could have been fixed a lot earlier and easier had the driver paid heed to the warning lights. Below are some of the most common.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

If this light comes on intermittently or permanently during a journey then it means the oil level needs to be checked. Stop immediately and top it up if it is below the minimum required amount.

Battery Charge Warning Light

The car battery is charged while the engine is running, so if this light is on after the engine has started then it means there is a fault with the charging system. this could be because of:

• a slack battery or starter terminal;
• a broken or loose alternator drive belt;
• an alternator failure.

Brake System Warning Light

You’ll recognise this light as the one that is illuminated when your handbrake is engaged, however if it remains on after the handbrake has been released this could mean the brake fluid level is low. Check this immediately and top up to the MAX mark if it has dropped.

If the fluid level isn’t low then it could simply be a sensor fault, however you should get this checked by a professional garage.

If the brake fluid is low and the brake pedal travel is much longer than it should be then this could indicate a failed hydraulic brake circuit.

Engine Warning Light

This light is used to highlight a malfunction with the engine management system and this is something that you should have checked as soon as possible. It is safe to drive while this light is on, however only if no other faults are apparent with the engine.

If it flashes, reduce your speed until the light is steady, however if it continues to flash, you’ll need to avoid both heavy acceleration and high speed and get the car checked immediately.

Here at Ken’s Autos we have been maintaining and repairing all makes and models of vehicle since 1976, and we can also diagnose a wide range of technical issues such as the ones listed above. To find out more get in touch with the team by phone or via our online contact form.

The post Understanding the Dashboard Warning Lights appeared first on Kens Autos.

In a divergence from the usual maintenance advice and tips articles, in this post we are going to give you a run-down of our all-time favourite driving music.

#5. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun

This 60s classic is one of the standout tracks of the decade and exudes a bluesy rock riff that is perfect for those peaceful summer drives. We challenge you to listen to this song and not have the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

#4. Muse – Knights of Cydonia

A track that combines a futuristic guitar riff with the swashbuckling pace of the Wild West? It may sound ridiculous but that is what English rock band Muse pulled off with this seminal hit from their Black Holes & Revelations album.

Sit back, open up the engine and turn it up to 11.

#3. Kasabian – Club Foot

The pumping chorus to this 2004 track from Kasabian’s debut album is ideal for driving to – just be sure not to hit the steering wheel too hard while singing “Ooo – aahh ahh ahhh!”

#2. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

No list of top driving music is complete without this Queen favourite, and sure enough it finds its way to position 2 in our top 5. Everything from the insanely catchy guitar riff to the lyrics almost feels as though it was written for the road, just make sure that the fast-pace of the song doesn’t end up making you speed.

#1. Meatloaf – Bat Out of Hell

Was there ever any doubt of what song would take the number one spot in our top 5? Bat Out of Hell is nearly ten minutes (in its full album version) of fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll, though try not to get into the song too much while driving, as the lyrics actually depict an epic motorcycle crash.

Here at Ken’s Autos we offer a variety of garage services throughout Surrey to help you stay on the road this summer. Get in touch with your local garage by phone or by contacting us online.

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Motorists up and down the UK may well have found that one drawback to such conditions is the resulting temperature inside their vehicles, with respite only being provided by an effective car air conditioning system.

If you’re lucky enough to own one of the 70% of cars that are fitted with air con then you will need to get it serviced once every two years – but why?

Photo credit: Wikipedia

The Importance of Servicing

Just like with every other component within your vehicle your car air conditioning requires regular servicing to ensure that it operates at the optimum level. Here at Ken’s Autos we can provide a professional and experienced service on the air con units for all makes and models.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of air conditioning gas escapes the system every year, and if the filter is allowed to become dirty and clogged you will not be able to enjoy your air con to its maximum, with it running inefficiently and nowhere near as effective as it could be.

Your Money Back if No Improvement

At Ken’s Autos we are passionate about providing an honest and value for money service which is why if your air conditioning system isn’t running cooler following our service we’ll give you your money back.

To find out more about our air conditioning services and why we’ve become known as one of the best garages Surrey has to offer, get in touch with the team today by phone or by completing our online contact form.

The post Is Your Car’s Air Conditioning in Need of a Service? appeared first on Kens Autos.

Here at Ken’s Autos we have garages throughout Surrey, and if you’re a resident of Coulsdon or a town in the surrounding area then you really cannot do better than us for honesty, integrity and level of expertise.

The Customer is #1

At Ken’s Autos we put the customer central to everything we do, which is why he have become so popular with motorists throughout Surrey, particularly female drivers who are concerned they may be perceived as an easy target for unscrupulous mechanics.

We endeavour to explain every aspect of the work that needs to be carried out, and we will take you through to our workshop where we will show you the nature of the problem and also take you through how we plan to remedy it.

To see the thoughts of just a few of our very satisfied customers check out the testimonials box on the homepage.

A Comprehensive Service

There are all manner of things that can go wrong with your car, so it is important that you find a garage that can take care of everything. At Ken’s Autos we can offer MOTs and servicing as well as repair work on everything from brakes and clutches to body work and air conditioning.

To find out more about how we can provide peace of mind and a first-class service for your vehicle if you live in Coulsdon give us a call or complete our online contact form.

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