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Excellent app. Makes making payments and reminds of tax and insurance and MOT for the car easy peasy!

Finding trusted automotive garages near you can be difficult, so we've made it easier than ever. Download Caura for free and get access to over 6,000+ vetted independent garages and main dealerships nationwide. Then, book in Caura in seconds

Book an automotive garage near you | Caura

How long can you drive with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) light on

Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is the particles found in diesel engines that are responsible for the black smoke.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine and plays a vital role in the health and efficiency of the engine. ­It’s a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. In a nutshell, the DPF filter aids in minimising the emission of harmful pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

A DPF works much like a regular filter: by trapping and storing the soot particles produced during the engine's normal operation. After the DPF has gathered a certain number of particulates, it automatically burns them off, a process known as "regeneration."

Legislation introduced in 2009 to help lower car emissions made DPFs mandatory in all diesel vehicles. 

When the DPF becomes clogged or blocked, an orange car warning light will appear on your car’s dashboard.

Primarily, the DPF light is designed to alert you when the DPF filter becomes too full of soot and can’t self-clean. This often happens when the vehicle is frequently driven for short distances or at low speeds, not allowing the DPF to reach the temperature required for a successful regeneration.

Additionally, a faulty DPF pressure sensor can also cause the light to illuminate. The DPF pressure sensor monitors the amount of soot in the filter, and if it malfunctions, it may incorrectly signal that the filter is full

Poor servicing and vehicle maintenance can also cause a DPF to become blocked. Generally, a DPF should last at least 100,000 miles if the vehicle is well serviced and looked after. 

Book a your vehicle in for a service now on Caura to ensure your engine and all its parts are running efficiently.

How long can you drive with the DPF light on

Once the DPF light illuminates, it's a signal that your DPF filter is reaching its capacity and needs immediate attention. While your vehicle won't stop running the moment the light turns on, continuous driving can lead to more severe issues like decreased fuel efficiency, reduced performance, and in the worst case, engine damage.

An illuminated DPF light will cause an MOT failure. Since part of an MOT test is to check that vehicles comply to environmental standards, a faulty or missing DPF will cause an immediate failure.  

If your DPF light turns on, the first thing you should do is attempt to initiate a DPF regeneration cycle. 

This can be done by driving at a consistent speed of at least 40 mph for approximately 10 minutes. This higher sustained speed increases the exhaust temperature, which can often trigger a DPF regeneration.

However, if the DPF light remains on after trying this, or if it's constantly coming on, it's time to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. They can perform a manual or forced DPF regeneration, or if needed, clean or replace the DPF filter.

Remember, prompt attention to a lit DPF light can save you from expensive repair costs and prolong the life of your vehicle. 

Book into a garage near you on Caura today.

To avoid frequent DPF issues, follow these simple guidelines:

Regularly drive your vehicle at higher (but legal!) speeds on a motorway for at least 20 minutes. This allows the engine to reach the temperature required for DPF regeneration

Regularly service your vehicle, ensuring oil and filters are changed as per the manufacturer's guidelines

Never ignore the DPF light. Take immediate action to prevent any long-term damage

Maintaining the health of your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is not just about maintaining your vehicle's performance, it's also a matter of environmental responsibility. A well-functioning DPF filter reduces the emission of harmful pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Stay on top of vehicle maintenance in Caura.

A common question amongst diesel vehicle owners is: "How long can I drive with the DPF light on?" 

This blog will discuss all things Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) including what can cause the DPF light to turn on, how long you can continue driving in this state, and what steps you should take if the DPF light comes on.

Discover what triggers the DPF light in your diesel vehicle. Learn about DPF filter blockages, DPF pressure sensor issues and how to avoid DPF problems

How long can you drive with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) light on | Caura

What to do when the ABS warning light turns on

Anti-lock brakes are a safety feature installed on most vehicles to prevent a car from skidding during braking, especially in slippery conditions. This allows for better vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on both dry and slippery surfaces.

How should you use anti-lock brakes when you need to stop in an emergency

Anti-lock brakes are activated automatically when you press the brake pedal with force. 

Ever been in a position where you need to perform an emergency stop? That slight judder you feel when braking is a sign that your Anti-lock brakes are in use. Here are 3 things you should keep in mind when using the Anti-lock brakes:

Apply firm, steady pressure: when you need to perform an emergency stop, you should apply the brake firmly and maintain that pressure. Do not pump the brakes or lift your leg immediately after pressing

Steer around obstacles: one of the significant advantages of the ABS is that it allows you to steer while braking. If there's an obstacle in your path, you should be able to steer around it while maintaining brake pressure

Don't panic if the pedal vibrates: when the ABS is engaged, the brake pedal may vibrate under your foot or you might hear a noise. This is normal, and it's a sign that the ABS is working. Keep holding the brake pedal down firmly

What can cause the ABS warning light to turn on

The ABS warning light, typically represented by the letters 'ABS' inside a circle, is a dashboard warning light related to your vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

When functioning normally, the ABS light will illuminate when you start your car, but should turn off after a few seconds. This is the system performing a self-check to ensure it is working properly.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light can turn on due to several issues, ranging from minor to more severe. Here are 3 common causes:

Faulty wheel speed sensors: each wheel has a sensor that monitors its speed and sends that information to the ABS. If one or more of these sensors fails, the ABS light may turn on

Low brake fluid level: if your brake fluid level is low, it could trigger the ABS light to turn on. This is a serious problem because a low brake fluid level can affect your ability to stop the car

Faulty ABS fuse: if the fuse that controls the ABS is blown, the system will stop functioning and the ABS light will turn on

Get your Anti-lock Braking System checked by trusted mechanics near you

Is it safe to drive with the ABS warning light on

If the ABS light turns on, it is still safe to drive your car if there aren’t unusual sounds coming from the wheels. This is because your car should still have its normal braking function. However, without the ABS, your wheels can lock up during hard braking, reducing your ability to steer. 

If the ABS light and the brake warning light are both on at the same time, it indicates a serious fault with your car’s braking system and your vehicle is no longer safe to drive. You must stop in a safe place immediately.

What should you do if your Anti-lock brakes (ABS) warning light stays on

Although it may still be safe to drive with the ABS light on, we recommend getting your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic so they can identify the issue that’s causing the light to turn on. 

There are a few things you can do yourself before taking your car to a garage. These are:

Check your brake fluid: low brake fluid can sometimes trigger the ABS light. Check your brake fluid level and, if it's low, top it up to the correct level marked on the side of the reservoir

Perform a system reset: sometimes, the ABS light can be triggered by a temporary issue or an error in the system. In such cases, turning off and restarting your vehicle might reset the system and turn off the ABS light. However, if the light comes back on, this suggests an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed

Check the ABS fuse: if the ABS fuse is blown, it could cause the ABS light to come on. You can check your vehicle's manual to find the location of the ABS fuse and how to replace it if necessary

Disconnect and reconnect the battery: disconnecting the battery can reset the vehicle's computer systems, potentially clearing the ABS light. However, this is usually a temporary fix and the light may come back on if there is an underlying issue

Remember, the Anti-lock Braking System is a critical safety feature of your vehicle. Always prioritise safety and take your vehicle to a professional if you're unsure.

Get your car checked by vetted mechanics near you

Car warning lights play a crucial role in letting drivers know if there are any faults with their vehicle. One of such warning lights is the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Anti-lock brakes do, how to use them in an emergency and what you need to do if the ABS warning light turns on.

Your guide to troubleshooting the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light! Discover what to do when your ABS light turns on and how to use anti-lock brakes when you need to stop in an emergency

What to do when an ABS warning light comes on | Caura

A van driver we spoke to who didn’t want to be on camera said he bought his diesel vehicle when “the government told us to buy diesels,” and he wants to hang onto his as “it’s better for my longer journeys, now I have to change and I can’t afford an electric car, It’s money-grabbing.”
Indeed in the early 2000s Gordon Brown as Chancellor introduced a new way of determining a vehicle’s excise duty (car tax). The amount a vehicle owed was determined by the CO2 output. A metric that favours diesel vehicles, but doesn’t take into account the other pollutants harmful to health that diesel vehicles emit more off such as nitrogen oxides and particulates. The result was an increase from 3 to 9 million diesels on the road. Millions of which are now liable to charges such as ULEZ. [3]

The health benefits of the ULEZ expansion and the desperate need for cleaner air in London cannot be ignored and the evidence is clear. The current ULEZ has reduced NO2 levels by 44% within its boundaries already. In Birmingham the effect since the introduction of their own Clean Air Zone in June has been similar. NO2 levels have fallen within the zone  by 20%, see our blog on Birmingham's CAZ here for more. Whilst the current ULEZ has made a difference, London remains the worst affected city in the UK, with concentrations of NO2 exceeding the limit by up to 95% in its most polluted areas. Research shows the expansion could prevent up to 614 deaths per year and London could see an additional £48m yearly benefit from the planned extension. [4]

It’s not just lives that will be saved, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that living in areas of London with the highest levels of NO2 pollution was associated with a 40% higher risk of dementia than living in one of the least polluted parts of the city, a shockingly high disparity. [5]

Florida is certainly not alone in having this opinion, TfL already makes £392.8m annually from the Congestion Charge and ULEZ, accounting for 16.4% of TfL’s total income in 2021. With the ULEZ zone increasing to include many less affluent areas, some people are viewing it as a tax on people who cannot afford to change to a newer vehicle. 

For some people like Terry, it has accelerated the inevitable.

“Me personally I’ll have to buy a new car, it’s coming to the end of its life, but would have probably got another 2 years out of it, so for me personally it’s not worked out very well”

Throughout our research into ULEZ one unsurprisingly prevalent theme has developed. Those with vehicles affected consider the financial impact first, and those who either don’t drive or have compliant vehicles largely praise the expansion’s health benefits. We asked the simple question on the London subreddit, ‘How’s the ULEZ expansion going to affect you?’ The majority of responses spoke directly to the cleaner air element of ULEZ and praised it.

Whilst not aware of the finer details Terry was aware of the ULEZ expansion in general. However many more motorists we spoke to had no idea the expansion was happening so soon. If there's one thing we have learnt from Birmingham's CAZ launch in June it's that fines for motorists forgetting to pay for ULEZ will go through the roof. In July alone Birmingham council issued 113,000 penalty charge notices to motorists forgetting to pay. With such a larger density of population and far larger zone, the number of fines could easily eclipse this.

Asked if he knew how he’d go about paying the ULEZ charge he wasn’t sure but when informed of Caura’s features: “Yes that would be very useful.” 

[1] https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/opinion/355032/londons-ulez-expansion-could-fundamentally-alter-uks-used-car-market
[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41985715
[4] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/uk-clean-air-zones-save-lives-and-money/
[5] https://airqualitynews.com/2021/09/20/hidden-harms-the-impacts-of-air-pollution-on-the-mind/

The laborious process to pay for the ULEZ charge using Transport for London's (TfL)  site is undoubtedly responsible for generating fines in its own right. It's a fiddly process, best tackled on a computer which often means waiting until back home at the end of a day and remembering to pay the charge. It's a 15+ step process that involves manually entering your numberplate, card details and email address. We built Caura to rebalance this process in the favour of motorists. By allowing effortless ULEZ payments in just two-taps you can easily make the payment whilst on the go during your day, meaning you're less likely to forget. Find out more about the London ULEZ charge here or download Caura and get set up in seconds.

On 25th October 2021, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expands to become 18x larger. The new 140sq mile zone grows outwards from central London, to cover everything within the North & South circular roads. According to TfL this will mean 565,000 cars in London will be liable for the daily £12.50 charge. [1] To put that in perspective, if each of the 565,000 cars drove within the expanded zone every day of the year, TfL would generate a staggering £2.5 billion in revenue. In other words, more than the entirety of their current income combined. [2]

With the expansion representing the largest change to London’s road network since the introduction of the Congestion Charge in 2003, we decided to take to the streets to hear from people who will be most affected and try and get a better understanding of the sentiment towards the expansion. What quickly became apparent was, despite a large advertising campaign by TfL, there is still a lot of confusion, unawareness and in some cases anger towards the change.

We first headed to an out-of-town shopping centre in East London, located a couple of miles within the expanded zone. With a full car park, it didn’t take us long to find motorists driving vehicles that will be affected.
We spoke to Florida (pictured below) about how the ULEZ expansion and £12.50 charge would be affecting her.

 “I won’t be coming here anymore, I can’t change my car now, because it’s a lot of money.”

We also asked her if she knows how to pay the new charge: “no, I know absolutely nothing…” After explaining it can be paid with two taps on Caura, Florida appreciates the functionality but still concludes the financial burden of the charge:“it’s just putting people down.”

Caura takes to the streets of London to spread awareness and talk to residents about the ULEZ expansion on 25th October 2021.

An MOT test involves various checks of the vehicle to ensure that it is safe and roadworthy. When a vehicle fails its MOT test, it means that at the time of the test, the car did not meet the minimum requirements set out by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

When faults are identified with the vehicle, the MOT tester will list them as ‘dangerous’, ‘major’, ‘minor’ or ‘advisories.

You can’t fail an MOT on advisories or minor faults alone. This means that, only if an MOT tester identifies any major or dangerous faults with the vehicle, you will not be able to pass your MOT test until the necessary repairs have been made.

What could cause an MOT failure: 11 things that could fail an MOT

When an MOT tester believes that faults found with the vehicle are a potential threat to your safety and that of other road users, it will result in an MOT failure. 

The most common reasons that could cause an MOT failure are:  

Faulty headlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, or hazard lights

Improper functioning of fog lights, reverse lights, or number plate lights

Incorrect operation of the lighting control system

Insufficient brake performance when in operation

Insufficient tread depth (below the legal limit of 1.6mm)

Incorrect tyre pressure (the correct tyre pressure is written in your car’s manual)

Faulty shock absorbers or suspension components

Exhaust leaks or excessive corrosion in the exhaust system

Modified or tampered emission control systems

Windscreen cracks or damage that obstructs the driver’s view

Worn or damaged wiper blades that do not clean the windscreen effectively

Damaged seatbelts including buckles and mounts

Inoperative seatbelt retractors or tensioners

Missing or inadequate child restraint systems

Leaks within the fuel system including filler caps

Incorrect or missing fuel system components

Missing or incorrect Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or reg plates Illegal number plates

Horns that don’t work or product sufficient sound

Malfunction car warning lights including ABS, airbag, EML, battery warning lights

Pre-checks to reduce the risk of an MOT failure

We understand how frustrating an MOT failure can be, so we’ve written a detailed blog on pre-checks you can do yourself before heading to your vehicle’s MOT test to minimise the risk of failing. 

By conducting these pre MOT checks, you can take proactive steps to address any issues and increase the chances of a successful MOT test.

We highly recommend checking your MOT history in Caura before your MOT test. You will be able to see all your past test results including any faults or advisories found during the test. 

If there are any faults or advisories on your latest MOT test that you haven’t gotten repaired, you should book these repairs in before your MOT test.

You can book all repair work directly in the Caura app. 

Following an MOT fail, you will need to get the defects to be fixed and then take the vehicle back for a retest. 

If you get your MOT retest done at the same garage:

The next working day, the garage should conduct a free partial retest

Within 10 working days, the garage should conduct a partial retest by may charge a small fee

Read more about getting an MOT retest here.

It's important to note that if your MOT has expired and your vehicle failed the test, you will only be allowed to drive your vehicle to the test centre for a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs.

Book an MOT with trusted mechanics in Caura

Ever failed an MOT and wondered why? A recent study by the RAC found that around 7.3 million vehicles fail their MOT test each year. We’re here to stop this happening to you!

In this blog, we’ll explore the different causes of an MOT failure and pre MOT checks you can do yourself to minimise the risk of failing an MOT.

Learn the 11 most common reasons for an MOT fail. This blog post will also provide crucial pre MOT checks to reduce the risk of failure, and MOT retest tips. Also find out how you can check your MOT history in Caura.

Understanding what an MOT failure means | Caura

Why you should book a car service before an MOT test

Difference between an MOT test and a car service

Before we dive into this blog, it’s important to understand the difference between an MOT test and a car service. 

An MOT test is a mandatory annual inspection for all vehicles over three years old to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive on public roads. During the test, an MOT tester will simply check specific parts of a vehicle for its condition but will not conduct any repairs during the test.

A car service is a comprehensive evaluation and maintenance process that ensures your vehicle operates at peak performance and safety. This routine assessment involves numerous inspections, adjustments, and repairs to optimise your car's efficiency and longevity.

Book an MOT, car service or repair in Caura

Why the order matters: 4 reasons you should service your car first

The order in which you get an MOT test and car service depends on your specific circumstances, but garages suggest it’s a good idea to get the car serviced before your MOT test.

Reduce the likelihood of failing an MOT: during a car service, mechanics can identify and rectify issues that might cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test. This could include replacing worn-out tyres, fixing faulty lights, or even adjusting the brakes. By servicing your car first, you stand a better chance of passing the MOT test the first time around, saving you time and potential retest fees

Early identification of problems: a car service addresses the overall health of your vehicle, including aspects not covered by the MOT test. By getting your car serviced first, you can discover potential issues early and rectify them. This proactive approach not only helps maintain your car in good condition, but it also prevents minor issues from escalating into major, costlier problems down the line

Enhance longevity and efficiency of your vehicle: regular servicing ensures that your car stays in prime condition. By servicing before the MOT, you can make certain that your car is not just safe, but also performing optimally. According to Halfords, this maintenance can improve fuel efficiency, extend your vehicle's lifespan, and offer a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience

Resale value: you can prove that you regularly service and maintain your vehicle which is a great selling point for potential buyers who will want to ensure any vehicle they buy is in good condition

Remember an MOT is not a replacement for a car service. While the MOT test checks that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, a service might identify issues that aren't part of the MOT test but could cause problems in the future.

When you should get an MOT before service

While most mechanics and garages usually recommend getting a car service before an MOT test, there are scenarios where you might want to book an MOT before service:

When MOT is due: if your car's MOT is due, and your vehicle is generally in good condition with no apparent issues, it makes sense to get an MOT first. If the car passes the MOT, you can then schedule a car service for ongoing maintenance

When you've just purchased a used car: if you've bought a used car and it's due for an MOT, getting an MOT done first can provide a good baseline of the vehicle's condition and point out any safety or roadworthiness issues that need immediate attention. You can then address these issues during the car service

The goal is to keep your vehicle safe, roadworthy, and well-maintained. Regular servicing is important for this, even if it's not legally required like the MOT. Always consult with a trusted mechanic or garage for advice based on your specific circumstances.

Do you want to keep your car in top-notch condition and ensure you always pass your MOT test? Regular car servicing is a great way to make sure your car is safe to drive and working efficiently.

Many car owners are under the impression that a car service and an MOT test are interchangeable, or that the order doesn't particularly matter. However, a growing body of evidence and expert advice suggests that booking a car service prior to an MOT test could be the smartest move you make before you book an MOT.

The conventional wisdom was to get an MOT test done first to identify potential issues, but with the rise of more comprehensive testing mechanisms you could be better off opting for a car servicing first.

This blog will explore the benefits of scheduling a car service before an MOT test and how it could save you time, money, and stress down the road.

Looking to pass your MOT test with flying colours? Don't leave it to chance – book a car service before your test! Our blog explains why servicing your car beforehand can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Download Caura to book a car service near you, at great prices

Why you should book a car service before an MOT test | Caura

What the power steering warning light means for your vehicle

To start with the basics, power steering is a feature that makes it easier for drivers to steer their vehicle, particularly when it's moving slowly or stopped. Instead of exerting physical force to turn the wheels, drivers can rely on the power steering system, which leverages hydraulic or electric power to reduce the effort needed.

Traditional power steering systems use a hydraulic pump that moves power steering fluid into specific areas in the steering system. When the steering wheel is turned while the engine is on, the pump assists by filling one of these areas, making it easier to steer the vehicle. 

In contrast, Electric Power Steering (EPS) is a newer technology that uses an electric motor to assist in steering. When you turn the steering wheel, the EPS control unit senses the input and provides the appropriate amount of assist. One of the primary benefits of EPS is its efficiency: it only uses power when the steering wheel is turned, and it doesn't require power steering fluid, unlike its hydraulic counterpart.

What causes the power steering warning light

The power steering warning light, often symbolised by a steering wheel icon and an exclamation mark, is a car warning light designed to alert the driver to issues within the power steering system. There are several reasons the power steering warning light could turn on. These are:

Low power steering fluid: power steering fluid is essential for smooth operation of the steering system. If the power steering fluid is low, the warning light will turn on

Power steering pump failure: if the pump that pushes the fluid through the steering system fails, the power steering light will turn on

Leak in the power steering system: a leak in the hydraulic system can cause the fluid to drip out, triggering the warning light

Faulty power steering belt: if the belt that drives the power steering pump is broken or slipping, the system won't function properly and may trigger the warning light

Electrical faults: problems with the wiring within the power steering system or power steering motor will cause the warning light to illuminate

Software issues: modern electric power steering systems are controlled by software. Any software glitches or failures could potentially turn on the power steering warning light

Is it safe to drive with the power steering warning light on

Determining whether it’s safe to drive with the power steering warning light on largely depends on the severity of the issue. 

In many cases, an illuminated power steering light indicates a significant problem, making the vehicle harder to steer. This can pose a safety risk, particularly at higher speeds or during sharp turns. Therefore, if the power steering warning light illuminates, it is advisable to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible. 

Find out what’s causing your power steering warning light to turn on by booking a repair in Caura.

What to do when the power steering warning light turns on

Don’t panic if the power steering warning light turns on. 

If you’re driving a vehicle with a hydraulic power steering system, pull over when it’s safe to do so and check if the power steering fluid is low by following these steps:

Switch the car off and wait for 5 minutes to let the engine cool down

Open the bonnet of the car and locate the power steering fluid container – the cap of the container will have ‘power steering fluid’ written on it

Check if the power steering fluid is filled to the minimum level. If it’s below the minimum level you’ll need to top it up. You can do this yourself if you have the power steering liquid or at garage

Place the lid back on the container and secure tightly

Turn the car on and check if the power steering warning light illuminates

If the light turns back on, or if you’re driving a vehicle with an electric power steering system, you will need to get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. Book a garage near you in Caura. 

Will a power steering warning light cause an MOT failure

Yes. If your car's power steering light is illuminated during an MOT test, and the power steering system is indeed malfunctioning, your vehicle will fail the MOT test. 

The MOT tester will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a road test, to detect any potential issues that may affect your power steering's performance.

One such issue is a power steering fluid leak, which is often due to faulty seals, joints, or other components. If your car's reservoir lacks power steering fluid or if there's evidence of fluid leakage, it will result in an MOT failure.

Another common defect that leads to MOT failure involves defective power steering that's apparent during driving. For instance, you might experience uneven steering stiffness (harder to turn in one direction compared to the other) or your vehicle may pull to one side while in motion.

Worried about the power steering warning light? Download Caura and get it checked by vetted mechanics near you, at exclusive pricing!

Driving a car with manual steering can be physically demanding. That's why, for several decades, car manufacturers have been utilising power steering systems to ease the driving experience. A car’s power steering warning light will turn on when there is a problem with this steering system.

In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into what power steering is, what can cause the power steering warning light to turn on and what you should do if this light illuminates on your car’s dashboard.

Understand the role of power steering fluid in making sure the power steering system is operating correctly Explore the significance of your car's power steering warning light, its potential causes, and the recommended actions when it illuminates

Understanding the Power Steering Warning Light: causes, solutions, and impacts on MOT| Caura

Understanding the difference between a car service and car maintenance

Car service vs. car maintenance: what’s the difference?

Let’s start by distinguishing between car service and car maintenance. 

Car service is a systematic check conducted by professionals to ensure all parts of your vehicle are functioning correctly. A car service could include things like oil changes, brake fluid checks, air conditioning checks, replacing spark plugs, and more. 

Car maintenance on the other hand is more about preventive care. It involves routine checks that car owners can perform themselves. Tasks like checking tyre pressure, engine oil levels, cleaning air filters, or replacing windshield wipers fall under car maintenance.

In simpler terms, car maintenance is all about pre-emptive action to prevent any potential issues that might develop into significant problems later.

The timing of your car service depends on two main factors: the vehicle’s age and mileage. Most manufactures recommend booking a full service for a new car after the first 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Following this, service schedules are typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year. Note that this can vary based on the make and model of your car, so it’s always best to refer to your owner’s manual. 

Getting your car serviced regularly can uncover hidden problems that aren’t immediately obvious. For instance, issues with the engine, brakes, or transmission, which require a professional’s expertise to diagnose and fix. Book a car service in Caura today to ensure your car is in its best condition.

Unlike car servicing, car maintenance should be performed more frequently. Some tasks needs to be done daily, like checking if your lights and indicators work properly. Other tasks, like checking the engine oil levels or tyre pressure should be done weekly or monthly, depending on your driving habits.

Here’s a general car maintenance checklist you can use:

Check lights everyday: check all lights including headlights, brake lights, reverse lights and interior lights to make sure they’re functioning correctly

Car wash every two weeks: regular car washing prevents paint damage from dirt

Check fluid levels every month: regularly check your car’s oil levels, brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant and top up if necessary. Your vehicle’s manual will provide you with details on how to top these up

Tyre pressure check every month: proper tyre pressure ensures better handling, fuel efficiency and tyre longevity

Car waxing every six months: to maintain the shine and protect the paint

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