Motoring

A significant change in people’s driving needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing new car production shortages saw the used-vehicle market grow by over 10% last year, according to industry experts, with over 7 million transactions worth £38 billion.

Buying a second hand vehicle is a big purchase, so Heart of the South West Trading Standards has launched a campaign to encourage motorists to check it’s all okay, before they drive away.

Alex Fry, Operations Manager in Intelligence and Investigations at Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “Each...

Whether you're looking to sell your car to help combat the rising cost of living, or perhaps you're doing your bit for the environment and have found that going car-free is easier than you thought, you'll want to ensure you get the best possible price for your car.

How is a price determined?

The value of your car is determined by a number of factors, including the popularity of the make and model, vehicle specs, appearance and condition, as well as mileage and maintenance records.

Where and how you sell your car can also impact the value. Typically, you can get...

When you start your car, the battery gives it the power to run. However, the alternator is what keeps the battery charging while running, and it's also what distributes power to the electrical parts of your vehicle, such as the radio, wipers, and headlights. It can last for as long as the car's life, but it could get damaged earlier than that due to various factors. If the alternator stops working, your car could still run as the battery would supply the power it needs, but not for a long time. However, it's best not to run the vehicle if there is an alternator problem and get it fixed...

Car ownership can be an expensive endeavour. As well as the up-front cost of the vehicle itself, there are the ongoing costs to consider. These include tax, insurance, fuel and maintenance. When it comes to the latter, there are certain components that tend to fail more often than others. Let’s take a look at a few of the common swaps you might perform.

Tyres should be the only part of the car that actually comes into contact with the road. They’re designed to be regularly replaced, let alone when you get a puncture. Legally speaking, you have a responsibility to get your...