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16/03/2012

Car repairs - is there an easier way?

There are few things in life more frustrating than your car breaking down and needing to be repaired. It always seems to happen on a bad day when you're really busy and you need your car to get around. Think about it though, how often are you not busy and how often do you not need your car? My guess is that most days are bad days for car repairs.

You may have read my below post about the importance of a regular car service. It's true that these really can help keep your car in good working order and can identify potential problems before they cause you an inconvenience.

I'm sure it's a bit of a jinx to say this but we regularly send my car for a Peugeot service and my husband's car for a BMW service and (knock-on-wood!) have had no problems with either car, despite mine being over 10 years old!

11/03/2012

The importance of servicing

So, it has to be said that servicing is considered a slightly annoying expense and can be seen as a bit of a hassle. However, there are many reasons why your car should receive a regular service that could actually save you time, money and aggrevation in the long run.

Surprisingly, not everyone actually knows what a service generally includes. A lot of garages will talk about 'standard service' but there really is no such thing. Services will differ slightly between each garage that you go to and may also depend on the model, age and mileage of your car.

You will usually find that an annual service will include:
  • Routine lubrication of all working parts, catches and hinges
  • An oil change and oil filter change
  • New spark plugs on petrol models and new fuel filters ondiesel models

Additionally, your garage should carry out routine safety checks on steering, tyres, suspension and ball joints. They should also ensure all lights are in good working order, check the fan belt tension and top-up fluid levels where necessary and check there are no leaks.

Although assessed during an MOT, the general safety of your car, such as windscreen wipers and safety belts, should also be assessed. Many garages such as Lookers Jaguar servicing now offer free safety checks as part of a service.

Lookers Jaguar dealers in West London are an authorised Jaguar aftersales centre, dedicated to servicing Jaguar cars in London and the South East of England. It's always best to choose an approved servicing centre for your make of vehicle as they will know your car best.

Incase you're interested to know, an interim service is a lot more basic and typically involves an oil and filter change, new spark plugs or fuel filter and a check of fluid levels.

Vintage Military Vehicles

Well, they say you learn a new thing every day. I must say, I had no idea that vintage military vehicles were available to buy online! I've been talking with the guys at M35A2 and have learnt loads about these niche vehicles.

Did you know that you can buy M35A2 parts online as well as completely rebuilt and customised military trucks? It's really quite fascinating actually! Some of the trucks and vans on the site date back to the 1970s and 1980s and must have really interesting stories to tell.

Although a former military vehicle like this would be highly impracticaly for me, I can see the appeal for enthusiasts, farmers, builders and other tradespeople. These fantastic vehicles are built to be exceptionally sturdy, tough and able to withstand difficult conditions. Certainly a much more intesting alternative to a new commercial vehicle or van.

07/03/2012

Fiat 500 and the L word...

Fiat have launched yet another variant of the ever-popular Fiat 500 at the glitzy Geneva motor show. Fiat believe that the ‘extended’ 500L adds a new dimension to the popular small car and will increase the audience range by becoming more of a family car.




The Fiat 500 is widely acknowledged as the main rival to challenge Mini and some industry spectators see the 500L as an alternative to the new Mini Countryman SUV.

You could argue, as some seem to be doing, that in an extended form the 500L compromises the pleasing lines and visual appeal of the 500 but I don't think it does. Surprisingly I actually think this works rather well!

Incase you were wondering, the L stands for 'large' and follows the Abarth, Cabrio and Gucci versions into the 500 range.

The glass roof is a particularly nice touch and I look forward to a test drive at my local Fiat dealer when the 500 L launches in the UK this year.

Towing in San Diego - can't think of a better place to break down!

Guest post from: Green Towing San Diego. Green Towing in San Diego started off 2012 with a new tow truck dedicated to North County San Diego. Those of you living and working in the larger and smaller cities north of San Diego will start seeing an improved towing and roadside assistance experience from Green Towing. With the high volume of calls coming from Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, Encinitas, San Marcos, and Solana Beach, the team at Green Towing decided to make the investment towards a brand new tow truck.

With a strong commitment to those on the road across Southern California, Green Towing is becoming a known brand for reliable roadside assistance and safe towing. The company started out several years ago only serving San Diego and over the years it has built a solid reputation. As a result, Green Towing began to expand into Long Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Today, the company wants to provide care to the lesser populated cities north of San Diego, like Escondido and Solana Beach.

Green Towing San Diego provides 24 hour towing and roadside assistance. From battery jump starts to flatbed towing, you can rely on the experienced and certified tow truck operators for help. All tow truck drivers are licensed and certified and the company boasts fast arrival times. The new tow truck dedicated to North County San Diego has already helped hundreds of people over the last month!

Whether you are stuck on the road because you ran out of gas or because you got caught in a car accident, be sure to be in touch with Green Towing. You can expect the same responsiveness, reliability, and dedication that make Green Towing unique in the industry.

In summary, Green Towing’s new truck will be dedicated to North County San Diego. Therefore, you can expect better response times in Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, and more cities! For North County San Diego Towing, you can rely on the team at Green Towing!