Know your car
How parts and systems work, warning lights, fluids
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How a car engine works, in plain language
A simple tour of what happens inside a petrol or diesel engine and why oil, coolant and air matter.
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How to find a good car workshop
Practical ways to choose a trustworthy workshop, read a quote and build a long-term relationship with a mechanic.
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Electric cars for buyers: the basics
How an electric car works, what is different to live with and the questions to ask before you buy one.
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Engine oil explained: what it does and how to check it
What engine oil does, how to read the grade on the bottle, and how to check the level safely.
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Diesel or petrol: which suits your driving?
A balanced look at how fuel type affects running costs, repairs and suitability for the way you actually drive.
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Dashboard warning lights: what the colours mean
A plain guide to reading the symbols on your dashboard and deciding whether to keep driving, slow down or stop.
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Coolant and other fluids: a simple check
A beginner's guide to the fluids under the bonnet, how to check the levels safely, and what a leak can mean.
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Charging an electric car: speeds, plugs and habits
A beginner's guide to home, work and public charging, how long it takes and how to charge in a battery-friendly way.
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Buying an old car or oldtimer: what to know
The joys and the risks of owning an older classic, from rust and parts to paperwork and real costs.
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Brake basics and the signs of wear
How brakes work in simple terms, which noises and feelings mean wear, and why brake work belongs in a workshop.
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Looking after your 12V car battery
How the standard 12V battery ages, what shortens its life, and what to do before the cold season.
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Air filter and cabin filter: what they do
The difference between the engine air filter and the cabin filter, when to replace them and what is safe to do yourself.