Owning and running a car can be expensive and if an unexpected problem with your car catches you off guard, you may not know what to do. If you’re unsure what to do, your first port of call may be to do a quick Google search of your query. Find out the most Googled car problems by other drivers and how to fix them in the guide below!
🔎 How do you open a car bonnet?
You’d be surprised how many people Google ‘How do you open your bonnet?’ If you find yourself in the same position, you may be best off searching for your car make too as it can be model-dependent. However, usually, learning how to open your bonnet is easy. You can open the car bonnet by using the lever found next to the driver’s side door. Pop this up and it will open the bonnet slightly. You’ll then have to feel underneath the bonnet (usually at the front centre of the car) for a clasp to unlock and you can then lift the bonnet. Use the rod supplied to hold the bonnet in place whilst you work. When you’re done, simply remove the rod, gently lower the bonnet down and, click it back in place.
🔎 How do you change engine oil?
Another one of the most Googled car problems is ‘How to change your engine oil?’ Your engine oil can be changed during a car service but it can also be something you can do at home yourself. Changing your car engine oil is easy and only involves a few steps.
Follow this 10-step guide on how to change your engine oil.
If you’re unsure or don’t feel confident changing your car’s oil yourself, it’s best to let a trained professional do this for you or wait til your car next has a service.
🔎 What should your tyre pressure be?
Tyre pressure is really important and can affect your car’s performance if your tyres are not inflated correctly. It’s one of the most common car faults and can increase your fuel consumption. Tyres which are under-inflated can hurt road grip, stopping distances and braking distances. Each car has its own recommended tyre pressure but usually, it is between 31 and 38 PSI. You can find out your tyre pressure by checking your vehicle handbook or it may be printed on the sill of the driver’s side door.
🔎 How to change windscreen wipers?
Changing your windscreen wipers is an easy car maintenance job you can do yourself at home. Signs your windscreen wipers may need changing can include striking or smearing, a squeaking noise or they are skipping when in use. Replacing your windscreen wipers is easy and you can find the recommended size in your vehicle handbook before you start. Simply lift the windscreen wiper arm and unclip or slide off the old wiper. You can then discard it and fit the new wiper in its place.
🔎 What to do after a car accident?
One of the most Googled car problems is ‘What to do after a car accident?’ Being involved in a car accident can send your brain into overdrive and it can be hard to think clearly. However, you must stay calm and follow the top tips below.
☑️ Pull over if it is safe to do so.
☑️ Stop the car, turn off the engine and put your hazard warning lights on.
☑️ Call 999 if yourself or someone else involved is injured.
☑️ Record all relevant information about the incident and exchange contact/insurance details with any other parties involved.
🔎 Why is car insurance so expensive?
All UK drivers need to have a valid car insurance premium in place and there are several reasons why your car insurance may be high. There are different factor which affect how much your car insurance will cost, from how long you’ve been driving, how many years of no claims you have, the type of car you drive and where the car is kept, can all affect how much you need to pay. The biggest influence on car insurance premium is usually how experienced of a driver you are and newly qualified drivers will face the highest premiums because they are more likely to be involved in an accident.
🔎 How to check tyre tread?
Checking your tyre tread at home is easy! You must keep on top of this type of maintenance to ensure your tyres are legal and road-worthy. You can check your tyre tread easily by using a 20p coin. Tyre tread depth must be above 1.6mm, which is about the size of the outer band of a 20p coin. Simply pop a 20p coin in the tyre tread and if you can’t see the outer band of the con, your tyres are above the legal limit. If you can see the band, it can mean it’s time to invest in some new tyres.