What do they test during the MOT?

The test should last no more than an hour, and will look at various aspects of the car to make sure that they are legal. It is not a substitute for servicing, and the assessment excludes the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox.

It is carried out by a tester who is specifically trained in MOTs, and the test includes examining the performance of the brakes, the headlamp aim, battery health, the exhaust system, the seatbelts, the tyres, the registration plates, as well as the steering, amongst other areas.

(Image courtesy of DVSA)

What is the difference between an MOT test for an electric vehicle (EV) and those with an internal combustion engine (ICE)?

The MOT test for electric vehicles and for those with an ICE engine share many similarities, as mentioned above. However, due to the nature of their powertrains, there are some key differences.

For vehicles with an internal combustion engine, during the MOT they will check the fuel system, the exhaust system will be inspected for leaks, corrosion, and noise levels, and an emissions test will check that exhaust emissions meet environmental standards, all of which are not applicable to electric vehicles.

For electric vehicles, there will be no fuel or exhaust system checks, however the battery and charging port will be checked. You can read more about MOT tests for electric vehicles in this useful article from MG.

How can you find out online when the last test was for a vehicle?

You can easily check the testing history of a vehicle online by visiting the GOV.UK website. Upon entering the car’s registration, this will reveal if it passed or failed any test, the mileage recorded when it was tested, what parts failed at each test if applicable, and if any parts had minor problems. The site also displays the date for when the next test is due.

What does the Test Certificate show?

At the end of the test, and if the car has passed, you will receive a paper copy of the certificate which is valid for a period of one year and will be held on the central  database. You are able to complete the next test up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out (this is known as the ‘Expiry Date’).

The certificate will show any advisory comments such as if any of the tyres have deteriorated.

You will get a bilingual (Welsh and English) version of the certificate if your vehicle is tested in Wales.

What happens if your car fails?

If your car fails, you will be given a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. It will list the reasons why the car did not pass, and the issues listed on the certificate will need to be addressed and repaired before the car is retested.

Where can you get an MOT?

To find your local MOT test centre which is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code of Practice, visit The Motor Ombudsman’s Garage Finder.

Only an approved MOT test centre can provide a valid MOT. Make sure that the centre is displaying the official MOT logo, a blue sign with three connecting white triangles in the centre.

How much does an MOT cost?

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth shopping around, however the maximum fee that you are allowed to pay for a car is £54.85.

You can find a complete list of prices for all vehicles on the DVSA website.

Are there any online reminders available?

To help avoid missing the inspection due date after the car has had its first MOT, you can sign up for free annual reminders on the GOV.UK website. All you will need is the vehicle’s registration number and a valid e-mail address.

The post Getting to know MOTs appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

What does the service for an electric vehicle include?

As there are fewer moving parts on an EV compared to one with a traditional combustion engine, this means that there are less components to service. For example, there is no timing belt, clutch, sparkplugs or a gearbox to maintain, plus there’s no need for any oil changes. This means that EVs are therefore often cheaper to service than petrol and diesel models. In addition, electric motors are known to be very reliable.

Amongst others, the following parts are likely to be inspected and replaced as necessary during the servicing of an electric vehicle:

• The charging cable;
• The high-voltage battery; and
• High-voltage components and cables.

How often should electric vehicles be serviced?

An EV should be maintained in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended full and intermediate servicing intervals, the same as that for a car powered by a regular engine.

Are the vital safety components such as brakes and tyres also checked during a service?

As with petrol and diesel-powered cars, the vital safety components such as tyres and brakes (discs and pads) will still be checked for wear to ensure that they are operating within their legal limits. This is despite regenerative braking being a common feature which doesn’t use the actual mechanical brakes.

Does an electric vehicle still need an MOT even though it doesn’t have an engine?

It is still a legal requirement to have an MOT for an electric vehicle once it reaches three years of age, as this will be needed to purchase insurance. The principal difference versus a petrol or diesel vehicle is that there is no emissions test due to the absence of an engine.

Take a look at our “Getting to Know MOTs” guide here.

An electric vehicle battery holds less charge over time. How do I find out how much it will cost to replace?

The cost of batteries for electric vehicles varies by make and model. Not all garages provide servicing, repairs and diagnostics for this type of car, but you can start your search for a business by using The Motor Ombudsman’s online Garage Finder.

The post Getting to know electric vehicle servicing   appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Here’s our top six spring vehicle checks and tips

1. Are your wipers prepared for the mixed forecast of showers and sun?

The winter months will have taken their toll on your wiper blades. They may have suffered damage from the freezing temperatures, and may not be clearing the screen as effectively as they should. Remember to check the front and back wipers, as well as your level of screen wash – and top up as necessary.

2. What condition are your tyres in?

Make sure you check the state of all tyres including the spare. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, and a simple way to check is using the ‘20p test’. Under-inflated tyres can affect the wear, handling and grip, which is especially important during Spring’s somewhat unsettled weather.

3. Ensure you’re prepared for hotter weather ahead.

In preparation for the daily temperature rising, ensure your air conditioning is working properly, and it’s a good idea to use it regularly. It may also be the perfect time to get ahead and book it into the garage for a re-gas or clean. Air filters can also become clogged and it’s recommended to change your air filters every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

4. Are your lights working?

Although we’ll now be enjoying longer days, your lights will have seen plenty of use over the winter, so it’s still vitally important to check that bulbs in the front headlights, running lights and rear lamps are operating at their full potential, and are clearly visible.

5. It’s time for a spring clean, inside and out.

If you haven’t had your car cleaned for a while, or the kids and pets have made a mess – why not give it the spring clean it deserves with a home wash and vac. It’s also a great idea to ensure you have antibacterial wipes and/or antibacterial gel in your car to give your hands and surfaces a good clean when arriving back at your vehicle after a trip outside.

6. Is your paperwork well organised and key dates noted?

It’s a good idea to spend some time to ensure all of your vehicle-related documentation, such as your MOT certificate, service book, insurance and any receipts for repair work are in one place. Remember to check and diarise key dates, so you don’t miss your MOT and ensure your servicing schedule is maintained, and you can sign up to an online MOT reminder service e.g. on the GOV.UK website. It’s also the ideal time for a clear out if you’re still holding onto receipts and other paperwork for cars you no longer own!

We hope you’ll find these spring checks and tips useful.

If you’re unsure of any aspects of vehicle maintenance, want to check the condition of your brakes, the health of your battery or you hear any unfamiliar noises coming from your car, don’t delay and ensure you get it checked out by your local garage. They often run special offers such as a Spring Check, which may be low-cost or even free of charge.

You can find a list of reliable garages on our Garage Finder who’ll be happy to help.

The post Six important vehicle checks and top tips for spring appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Under pressure to perform

If a car has been stationary for a prolonged period of time, tyre pressure can be lost. Therefore, to top it up to the recommended levels, which can be often be found on the driver’s side door frame or in the handbook, you can use a home tyre inflation kit, or if it is safe to do so, you can visit a nearby petrol station forecourt that has an air machine. As well as running at the right pressures, tyres must also have the correct tread depth (i.e. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre), and be free of any defects, bulges and cracking.

Go out on a charge

If you haven’t used your car for a while, the battery may have gone flat, with the same fate applying to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs). If you don’t have the option of jump starting the car, and don’t have vehicle recovery at your home address on your breakdown policy, it is still possible to pay for it, or alternatively portable battery chargers and boosters to recharge the battery can be purchased. Once you have started the car, it is recommended that you go out for a 20 to 30 minute drive to allow the battery to charge up again.

If the battery has lost charge, it may also be worth checking the date on it, as batteries over five years old will generally be more susceptible to failing and might be worth replacing.

Keep it fluid

It’s good practice with routine maintenance to check that all the vital fluids are topped up, such as oil and screenwash. For the oil, the level should sit between the two marks on the dipstick, whilst the latter should be equal to the “max” or “maximum” line.

Tax it or risk a fine

If you have been self-isolating during the past few months, and declared your car as “SORN”, i.e. off road, you will need to visit the GOV.UK “Tax your vehicle” website to re-tax your vehicle according to the current bands. If you drive a SORN car, other than to go to a pre-booked MOT, you can be fined £80, with a maximum penalty of £1,000 if the case were to end up in court.

With MOT certificates extended from the 30th March according to the latest rules, motorists can tax their vehicle using their existing MOT certificate. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, as of 27th May 2020, test certificates will be reminding drivers that, if a vehicle fails its MOT, the six-month exemption will no longer be valid.

Stay covered

Your car insurance may have also expired whilst the car was off the road, so before heading out, it’s worth just double checking that it’s still valid, and that you can drive legally. If it has expired, or the agreement didn’t renew automatically, you can get quotes online or over the phone from insurers when shopping around for a new policy.

Cleanliness is key

Stationary cars, whether on a driveway, or when parked at the roadside, can gather dirt, grime and dust. Therefore, front and rear screens should be cleaned and be free of smears for maximum visibility, and all mirrors should also be wiped down. At the same time, you should also check your front are rear number plates are clearly visible.

Check your lights are working

Although we’re now getting used to the longer days of sunlight, the nights will soon start to draw in again, so it’s important to make sure that all of your front and rear lights are working before setting off. This includes the fog lamps.

Keep an eye out for wildlife

Static vehicles can provide an ideal nesting spot or home for some wildlife, so it’s worth giving the car a once over to ensure that no small animals are stowed away in the wheel arches, or have made the engine bay their home.

Heading out…

When you start the car up for the first time, and all the necessary checks have been made, let the engine run to allow the oil to circulate, and if it’s convenient to do so, it’s advisable to go on a short drive, ideally on different types of roads, to be able to move through the gears, get the engine up to temperature and to recharge the battery.

The post Get your car in shape for the road appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Range, which is defined as the maximum distance that can be travelled by a vehicle on electric power only after the battery has been fully recharged, can be an influential and determining factor for consumers when purchasing an electric vehicle (also referred to as an EV or BEV), or even a hybrid car that has an electric motor alongside an engine. It is worth bearing in mind that when looking to purchase or run an EV, the maximum achievable range after recharging the battery fully can be impacted by a number of key factors, which are outlined below.

Not achieving this figure quoted by the vehicle manufacturer may be a source of frustration and subsequent complaints by consumers who have bought an EV. However, this makes up a relatively small proportion of the overall issues logged annually with The Motor Ombudsman by electric and hybrid car owners.

Some of the key factors that may affect an electric vehicle’s range, are as follows:

Vehicle components

1. Battery age

When buying either a new or used electric vehicle, it is worth bearing in mind that the size of battery impacts range, whilst the ability for it charge to its full capacity may decrease over time, thereby resulting in a corresponding decline in range.

Whilst a battery can come from various sources, it should retain circa 70% of its original capacity during its lifetime. On the assumption that you charge your car three times a week, the battery should last between 10 to 12 years. Many manufacturers offer a separate battery warranty above the vehicle warranty for EV and hybrid vehicles.

2. Tyre pressures

Tyres are another key factor in determining range, and it is therefore important that pressures are kept at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary rolling resistance, as more energy is needed to overcome it.

In addition, larger wheels also increase rolling resistance and reduce range, meaning smaller alloys fitted with thicker profile tyres tend to deliver a greater potential distance per charge.

Environmental

3. The weather

In colder temperatures during the winter for example, batteries tend to be less efficient, as this kind of weather impedes the flow of electrons in them and to the rest of the vehicle. Therefore, on cooler days, storing and transferring energy becomes more difficult for the EV’s battery, therefore reducing the level of range available per charge.

Similar to when taking a plane, the wind direction and strength of any gusts can also impact range i.e. the greater the headwind, the harder the electric motors have to work, and the more battery power is used up, thereby diminishing the range available.

Furthermore, having the windows down to help keep occupants cool can increase drag, thereby meaning more power is required to keep the car on the move compared to if they were closed.

Please refer to point 6 below in relation to the use of the in-car climate control system during periods of hot and cold weather.

4. Terrain and topography

How far you can travel on a full charge in an EV is also determined by the location that you  are driving in i.e. whether this is a flatter urban setting, or a more hilly rural area, and how smooth the terrain is. For example, driving on steeper inclines or on rougher ground, means that the motors have to work harder to drive the wheels.

On the flipside, EVs however, have the advantage of being able to retrieve energy through regenerative braking when going downhill, which can reduce the extent of range loss.

Consumer influence

5. Driving style

Similar to how driving style affects the level of fuel consumption (mpg) in a petrol or diesel-powered model, the amount of range that can be extracted from the battery on a single charge is also impacted by the way an electric car is used on the road.

For example, if you use a lot of energy to overtake other vehicles or to travel at higher speeds, this can reduce range. Equally, applying a lot of pressure quickly to the throttle pedal when accelerating, rather than building up momentum gradually, also requires more energy.

6. Use of climate control system

For cars with a diesel or petrol-driven powertrain, the interior cabin can be warmed up on cooler days using the heat generated by the engine, but EVs of course do not have this ability. They need to use energy from the battery to keep occupants warm, whilst also having to drive the motors when the car is on the move.

Activating the heating in the vehicle whilst it is plugged in before you set off (where this option is available), can be an effective way of saving battery energy to warm up the car prior to leaving for your destination.

The same principle applies to air conditioning during periods of hot weather. Similar to fuel being used to power the climate control system in a car with an engine, energy is also needed from the battery to keep the cabin in an EV cool on a hot day.

Once again, some EV models may have the facility to cool the interior before departing, thereby helping to preserve range when on the move.

7. Weight

The number of passengers in the car, and the amount of luggage being carried, be it shopping or suitcases, can also impact how far you can drive on a single full charge. The heavier the vehicle, the greater the strain put on the motors, meaning more battery capacity is used to carry the load, thereby reducing the range.

Carrying luggage or equipment in a roof box or on a roof rack can also impact range, as a vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency is reduced due to the creation of drag when on the road.

*Please note that the above list of factors is not exhaustive.

The Motor Ombudsman’s EV Resource Hub

For more information on electric vehicles (EVs), visit The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated EV Resource Hub here.

The post Getting to know what drives EV range appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

What is a test drive?

A test drive is an essential part of the vehicle purchase process (new or used), where you can try out the car first-hand to find out whether it will meet your needs and that it is of the right quality.

What should I take into consideration before a test drive?

If there is a specific model, engine size, transmission (i.e. automatic or manual), or trim level / grade that you wish to try, check in advance that it’s available when booking the test drive. Also, to make the most of your visit, and if you have the time, it is also worth asking whether you can test more than one car, as it can be useful to compare one model to another. In addition, take the measurements of your garage or allocated parking area to ensure that your new car will fit. Furthermore, if you’re looking to buy an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, find out if you can have a charging point installed at your home, or where your nearest one is.

What should I bring along to a test drive?

So that the independent garage or franchised car dealership can verify that it is legal for you to drive their vehicles, you will need to have your driver’s licence with you so that they can check and take a copy of it. You will not need to pre-arrange insurance cover as the car will be on the business’ policy. However, ask if there are any excesses to pay in the rare event of an accident or damage occurring during the drive.

In addition, think about how you will be using the car, and bring along any accessories such as a buggy or sporting equipment (e.g. golf clubs), so that you can see whether they will fit in the boot. Likewise for child car seats to see whether they are compatible with the fixing points.

 A face covering is also required when visiting a car showroom. 

How long will I be able to test the car for?

Normally, a test drive will last for about an hour, and the business will have a pre-defined route in the local area which often takes in different types of roads (e.g. residential and motorways). It is common practice for the sales representative to take to the wheel first to show you the controls, and will drive to a safe place to swap over.

Some brands now offer longer test drives so that you can see what it’s like to live with the car in your own environment and as part of your weekly routine.

What should I look out for during the test drive of a car?

During the drive, you may want to consider the following*, and it’s always worth taking someone with you (such as a qualified mechanic) if you are unsure as to what to look out for:

– Is it comfortable, and can you adjust the seats and steering wheel easily to the correct height?

– Is there enough head and legroom?

– Is the boot big enough for your requirements, and how do the seats fold down (i.e. a 60-40 or 50-50 split)?

– Is there enough storage in the front and rear?

– How user-friendly are the satellite navigation and audio / infotainment systems?

– Are there charging sockets for my satellite navigation system or smartphone?

– Is there Bluetooth connectivity?

– Are there any squeaks and rattles (if testing a used car especially)?

– What does the engine sound like (as this could reveal potential faults)?

– Is the gearbox shifting smoothly?

– What is the condition of the bodywork and tyres (if testing a used car especially)?

– Does it accelerate adequately when overtaking or on steep inclines, or does the car feel under-powered to you?

*List not exclusive.

What will happen after the test drive?

Following the test drive, the sales representative will often want to get your feedback on what you thought of the car or cars that you have just tried, and try to gauge when you will be looking to make a purchase. However, just because you have done a test drive, don’t feel pressured into signing on the dotted line there and then. As it is a significant purchase, take the time to think it through, review all the paperwork and make sure that the car is ultimately right for you.

Where can I find a business to arrange a test drive of a car that I am interested in?

To arrange a test drive of a car at an independent garage or franchised car dealership which is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Sales, visit www.themotorombudsman.org/garage-finder.

The post Getting to know test drives    appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE)

In this case, we are talking about a ‘traditional’ petrol or diesel-powered car that has an internal combustion engine or ICE only. The wheels are therefore not driven by electric motors, as seen in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid.

Some of the benefits:

• The ability to cover long distances without range anxiety (as seen with an EV)
• Consumers generally have a greater range of more affordable models versus alternatively fuelled vehicles
• A choice of manual and automatic gearboxes are available
• There’s no need for the installation of a domestic charging point
• A fast refuelling time versus having to recharge a battery in an EV or plug-in hybrid
• Petrol stations are plentiful across the UK
• May suit some car buyers who prefer a traditional power configuration and are not yet ready for / or can afford to buy a hybrid or EV

Some of the disadvantages:

• CO2 emissions can be high for larger-sized engines and can prove more expensive for road tax (VED)
• No option for zero emission motoring
• The cost of petrol or diesel at the pumps fluctuates, so running costs will vary
• More maintenance is required than an EV due to a greater number of moving parts and on-board fluids that need replenishing (e.g. oil)
• Cars with an ICE are generally more noisy than those that can run on electric power only
• They are less quiet on start-up than an electric or hybrid car, which may be a consideration when parking and driving in residential areas

Self-charging hybrids / non-plug-in hybrids / full hybrids

Self-charging, non-plug-in, or full hybrids combine an engine, a battery and one or more electric motors. Some of the engine’s power, in addition to energy recovered from braking, is used to replenish the battery, which in turn drives the electric motor(s) and the car at low speeds (e.g. around town / when in traffic) or when accelerating. This type of car does not need to be plugged into an external power source to replenish the battery, as this is all done automatically when on the move.

Some of the benefits:

• Lower running costs and emissions than an equivalent model powered solely by an ICE
• The car can run on electric power at low speeds
• They are available with a petrol or diesel engine subject to the available product line-up
• No external charging point or cable is required to replenish the battery
• They are quieter than a pure petrol or diesel equivalent on start-up
• The ability to cover long distances before needing to refuel

Some of the disadvantages:

• They can be more expensive to buy than a pure petrol or diesel equivalent, but can be cheaper to purchase than a comparable plug-in hybrid
• They are not exempt from road tax (VED)
• The battery can only be charged when the car is in use, rather than being at the vehicle owner’s discretion (i.e. when plugged into a charging point like a PHEV or EV)
• Self-charging hybrids cannot cover longer distances solely on electric power
• They are not currently available with a traditional manual gearbox/transmission
• Batteries can reduce the capacity of the boot

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)

A plug-in hybrid or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a petrol or diesel engine with one or more electric motors, but a larger capacity battery means that it can run on electric power only for much greater distances than a full hybrid. It is called a plug-in hybrid or PHEV, as the battery can be charged via an external source.

Once the battery power has been used up, the car will also then act like a standard petrol or diesel-powered vehicle and be driven solely by the engine. When buying a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it’s worth checking what type of charging cable the car comes with as standard or as an optional extra, as this will determine how fast the battery is replenished.

Some of the benefits:

• Compared to a full hybrid, it can be driven for longer distances on battery power only
• The car can still be driven using the diesel or petrol engine once the electric power has been used up, which is not the case with an electric vehicle
• Owners have the best of both worlds in terms of being able to drive on electric power in urban areas or for short trips, but still have the ability to cover significant distances using a petrol or diesel engine

Some of the disadvantages:

• As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid has to be plugged in to replenish the battery, so a charging cable and charging point is required. This may prove more inconvenient if off-road parking, such as a driveway, is not available, or a charging point is not located in the immediate vicinity
• It can be more expensive to buy than a full hybrid and is not exempt from road tax
• Consumers are effectively responsible for replenishing two power sources (i.e. the fuel tank and the battery)
• The car can weigh more than a pure petrol or diesel equivalent, and may compromise ride quality
• Plug-in hybrids are not currently available with a conventional manual gearbox/transmission, but a manual mode may still be available for gear changes using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, for example

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) / electric vehicles (EVs)

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) are driven by one or more electric motors that are powered by a battery (usually lithium-ion) that needs to be recharged via an external source when it runs out. An electric vehicle can be front-wheel-drive with an electric motor on the front axle, or all-wheel drive if there is an electric motor on each of the front and rear axles.

Some of the benefits:

• There’s zero emissions at all times, with no CO2 or NOx impact on the environment when on the move
• Some models are eligible for the UK Government’s plug-in grant when buying an EV
• No road tax (VED) is currently due in the first year or during subsequent years of ownership
• If you have one as a company car, there is a zero percent Benefit-in-Kind tax rate, meaning you pay no company car tax
• Electric cars will be the only type of vehicle that will qualify for the London Congestion Charge cleaner vehicle discount from 25th October 2021
• Consumers no longer have to visit a petrol station to refuel and be at the mercy of fluctuating prices
• There are fewer moving parts than a car powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE), and no oil changes, meaning that there are less components to maintain in comparison. Read our dedicated ‘Getting to Know’ guide on electric vehicle servicing here
• Customers can order front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models
• Fast acceleration due to instant torque from electric motors
• A quiet driving experience compared to a car that has a petrol or diesel engine only

Some of the disadvantages:

• Electric vehicles can be more expensive to buy than traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars
• They are generally more costly to insure than other types of cars due to the specialist nature of repairs and the higher cost of parts, although they are fewer components than in cars with an engine. However, overall, when you consider a vehicle’s ‘Total Cost of Ownership’, an EV is much cheaper to run
• No manual transmission is available if consumers like to be in control of gear changes
• Range anxiety (i.e. the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a destination)
• Having to wait for the car to charge versus the shorter time it takes to refuel
• They are dependent on electric charging points functioning and being available when needing to recharge, especially if consumers have no off-street parking
• A domestic charging point may be required, which may incur additional costs at the start of electric vehicle (EV) ownership

Please note that The Motor Ombudsman is unable to recommend which type of car to purchase, or advise on suppliers of domestic electric charging points.

The post Getting to know vehicle propulsion appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

Glow plugs are an essential component of diesel-powered cars.

This “Getting to Know” guide sheds some light on what they work.

What is a glow plug?

A glow plug is a pencil-shaped piece of metal with a heating element at the tip. It essentially consists of a housing with screw-in threads and a pencil element pressed into the housing. The single-pole connecting pin is glued to the housing by means of a non-detachable round aluminium nut.

What is the role of glow plugs?

While petrol engines use spark plugs during ignition, diesel engines use glow plugs to start. Their principal role is to heat up the air in a combustion chamber of a diesel engine to allow it to reach the necessary temperature. There may be as many as 10 glow plugs, one for each cylinder of the engine.

How do they work?

When electrified, the heating element heats due to its electrical resistance and begins to emit an orange-red light, hence the term glow plug, which is similar to what happens with a heating element in a toaster. The air-fuel spray generated by the injector ignites close to the red hot tip of the plug, which initiates combustion.

How do you know if they are working?

When you turning on the ignition, the glow plug symbol (an orange squiggle) illuminates on the dashboard, and will then go out after a few seconds. When a car’s ignition is started with a button rather than a key, the car’s computer knows to delay starting the engine until the glow plugs have been activated.

How do you know if they are not functioning correctly?

The principal symptoms are:

• The engine may become more difficult to start, especially in cold weather.

• There is black smoke when starting the engine, indicating the presence of unburned fuel due to an incomplete combustion process.

Where can I find a garage?

To find your local Motor Ombudsman-accredited franchised car dealership or independent garage to get your glow plugs looked at or replaced, visit The Motor Ombudsman’s online Garage Finder.

To read a Motor Ombudsman case study on glow plugs, click here.

Image courtesy of Yourmechanic.com

The post Getting to know glow plugs appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

What is the function of windscreen wipers?

Windscreen wipers are a vital safety component, and are designed to increase visibility by clearing dirt and moisture from the front and rear screens.

What is the typical lifespan of windscreen wiper blades?

Windscreen wiper blades are made out of rubber and have a limited lifespan (around six months to a year), even if they are not frequently used. Therefore, they should be inspected on a regular basis for cracks and splits.

What steps can I take to make the blades last as long as possible?

The following actions can be taken to help prolong the lifespan of the blades:

• Make sure that your windscreen is kept clean and free of debris;
• In cold weather, remove any snow and ice from the windscreen before turning on the wipers;
• Always keep the windscreen washer fluid topped up; and
• Try to park in a location which is out of direct sunlight (i.e. in the shade).

How do I know if the windscreen wiper blades need replacing?

There are a few telltale signs that your windscreen blades may need changing. These are namely:

• They leave streaks on the windscreen;
• They skip due to being out of shape;
• They squeak when they run across the screen; and
• Smears occur on the windshield. 

How do you change the blades on windscreen wipers?

The following is a simple 10-step guide for changing the windscreen wiper blades (front or rear).

1. Before you start, measure the wiper blade length or check your car’s owner’s manual to purchase the correct specification and blade size.
2. Once you have the replacement blades, switch on the ignition and activate the wipers.
3. Turn the engine off when the wipers are in a vertical position as this makes the blades easier to change.
4. Pull the wiper arms away from the windscreen.
5. Depress the small tab on the underside of the wiper where it meets the wiper arm.
6. Slide the old wiper blade off the arm by pulling downwards.
7. Pull the new wiper blade tight onto the arm. You will hear a clicking sound when it locks into place.
8. Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield slowly and repeat this process on the other wiper arm (front screen only).
9. Take care not to damage the windscreen when lowering the arm.
10. Discard the old wiper blades safely.

For a more interactive guide for changing the blades, there are numerous “how-to” videos on the Internet that you can watch as necessary.

How much do windscreen wiper blades cost?

The price of the blades depends on the specification and brand. It is worth shopping around to get quotes for the blades themselves, and for fitting if you require a garage to change the blades for you.

Where can I find a business to have my windscreen wiper blades replaced?

To find an independent garage or franchised car dealership which is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, visit The Motor Ombudsman’s online Garage Finder.

Image courtesy of The Sun.

The post Getting to know windscreen wipers appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.

What is the function of an airbag?

Airbags, which are sometimes referred to as Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS), are designed to enhance the protection provided by seatbelts, rather than being a replacement for them. Airbags ultimately provide a degree of cushioning when occupants are forced against hard band unpadded parts of the car interior’s in the event of a collision, such as the steering wheel and the dashboard.

What are the two main types of airbag?

Vehicles can be equipped with both front and side air bags (SABs). Driver and passenger airbags are designed to inflate in a severe frontal collision, whereas side airbags (SABs) are located in either the side structure of the car or in the seats themselves. Their job is to protect the driver and passengers from injury in the event of a side impact.

How does an airbag work?

Crash sensors detect a sudden reduction in speed and send a signal to the airbag inflator which fills the bag with a gas. The bag will then start to deflate instantly, in a controlled manner, in order to lessen the impact for the vehicle occupants.

Can the inflation of airbags cause injuries?

As airbags inflate quickly, and with considerable force, minor injuries, such as abrasions and slight burns, may occur to the driver and passengers. Serious harm can be caused if an occupant is sitting too close to an airbag when it inflates.

What does it mean if my airbag warning light is showing on the dashboard?

If the airbag light illuminates on the dashboard, it could signal three issues:

• That there’s a faulty seat belt switch;
• That the clock spring is damaged (this is a cable which can be found between the steering wheel and the steering column); or
• The crash sensor is defective or needs to be reset.

If the light is on, you will not be able to turn it off yourself. Therefore, it is advisable to take the vehicle as soon as possible to an independent garage or franchised dealer to be rectified (please see below). It will not stop you driving the car, but the airbags may not inflate in the event of an accident.

What happens if my vehicle is recalled because of potentially faulty airbags?

Airbag recalls have been widely publicised in the media due to potential manufacturing defects. Therefore, if you have received a notification, such as a letter, from the manufacturer of your vehicle or dealership where you purchased the car from, you should arrange an appointment with them to have the necessary rectification work carried out as soon as possible. This should be at no cost to yourself.

The online GOV.UK MOT history checker also has a useful section where you can view any recalls on a vehicle as per the registration entered.

What should I consider when getting any part of the airbag system replaced?

If any part of the airbag system requires replacement, only components approved by the vehicle manufacturer should be used, and should equally be installed according to their guidance and specification.

Where can I find a business to have my airbag replaced?

To find an independent garage or franchised car dealership which is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, visit The Motor Ombudsman’s online Garage Finder.

For further guidance on vehicle safety, visit the ROSPA here.

Image courtesy of WhichCar.

The post Getting to know airbags appeared first on The Motor Ombudsman.