Car ownership is like owing any other gadget or item – if you don’t look after it properly, you will eventually need to replace it.

Here are just five of the key car ownership mistakes that people have made in the past, that have cost them far more than they could have imagined.

The Wrong Wheels

Believing that you are a car expert, when you are new to the world of automobiles can be a disastrous car ownership mistake to try and pull off. For instance, installing oversized wheels is a rookie mistake and will eventually cause you nothing but massively expensive problems. You can eventually damage the fenders and wheel wells for your vehicle and leave yourself with a huge bill to pay and no car for quite some time.

Unaligned Tyres

Car Ownership Mistakes

Tyres care is a big part of car ownership, and aligning them in the wrong manner is a mistake that plenty of people do. If you’re putting on new tyres make sure they are properly aligned. Failure to do so will see your tyre’s running out much quicker than you ever thought possible!

Ignoring Oil Changes

Just like anything else that uses oil, it has to be changed and re-mixed from time to time. Whilst oil technology has improved in the last generation or so, it’s still vital to make sure that your car gets an oil change from time to time. If you fail to do so, this car ownership mistake will eventually start to cause your engine to wear out, as there will not be efficient enough lubricant. This can be an expensive problem to clean up, in more ways than one.

Buying Cheap Batteries

Sometimes, trying to save money on vehicle maintenance will only cost you far more in the long-term. A dead battery as you might imagine is useless. When buying a car battery, look online for the exact battery type for your vehicle and try going for one of the better ranges. Buying a cheap replacement to save a few pounds may cost you extra money for a battery charger and a replacement, so try not to scrimp and save in this department.

Unprofessional Body Work

The last thing that your vehicle needs is cheap bodywork – if you have dented or damaged your car, get a professional to fix the problem. Your mate with a hammer or that DIY specialist with his own garage out the back, might not be the best people to really help you, as it may end up costing you far more in the future.

If you can think of any other car ownership mistakes you want to shout, about feel free to let me know.

To health and vehicle happiness,

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil.

The post Five Disastrous Car Ownership Mistakes appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

As a car owner, you will no doubt be aware of the massive dirge of common car faults that can befall drivers at any given time.

Whether it’s a car garage giving you an eye-watering bill for a “simple repair”, or one of the common car faults where your car fails to start en route to your biggest conference of the year. Common car faults are a problem that most of us could do without.

While some of us driver cars that run with pristine authority, some drivers just cannot seem to get out of the street without something going wrong!

So… to try and get yourself prepared for auto life, here are five of the most common car faults you are likely to make or witness at one stage:

A Lack of Life

Battery problems are the bane of any driver’s existence.

Common car faults like draining the battery by leaving the lights on overnight can be a terrible mistake, especially if you can’t get to work because of a flat battery.

The problem is that you don’t hear of these common car faults regularly as you should – but they happen all the time!

Common car faults like this have been a long-term problem for many motorists over the years. The best way to dodge this problem is to buy a charge kit so that you can get yourself going in the morning, or to live next door to the world’s friendliest neighbor who happens to have a jump lead pack.

Flat Tyres

Common Car Faults

Doh! This is one of the most common car faults issues you’ll see on the roads. In fact, on any typical work week you’re likely to see at least one absolutely raging person standing by their car waiting for vehicle support to arrive, usually in the rain. A flat tyre can be dodged, by making sure you go for a car service regularly and getting your tyres checked out.

Fuel Problems

Ah, fuel – one of the most costly resources on the planet. Fuel problems are part of the common car faults pack. For a typical driver and the best way to deal with these problems is to make sure that you ALWAYS use the correct fuel in your vehicle. Sound stupid? Okay well hands up how many have put the wrong fuel in their car?

Damaged Cabling

Common car faults can also entail damaged vehicle cables. This can be so infuriating because they can literally put you off the road. A car with damaged brake cables, a weak throttle cable or a useless clutch cable is effectively a massive danger on the road. Here’s some advice: get those cables checked pronto. Find a good garage and get those cables looked at and replaced.

Another suggestion is to try a buy a solid car from the get go. This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised at the level of poor electrics that are found in cars. However a good car garage should be able to sort you out with an easy and reliable fix fast.

To health and vehicle happiness,

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil.

The post 4 Ridiculous Common Car Faults appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

One of the most liberating parts of owning a car is that it becomes your own little X factor auditon room. Flying down the motorway belting out your favorite songs on the car radio can be great fun, and without having access to that radio you are missing out on one of the most enjoyable parts of driving.

The problem is that radio issues can start from literally nowhere, and leave you with a very frustrating drive to work in the “peace & quiet”.  Sometimes, just hearing that one great song can make all the difference to your work performance, so having a working car radio is very important.

So, what could be causing your problem? Here are some of the most common issues and how to solve them;

Won’t Turn On

The most basic car radio problem is the old-school “just won’t turn on” method that we are all such huge fans of. When this happens it can be absolutely infuriating and most of the time the issue is actually really easy to fix. It will typically be a power and/or ground issue – start off by checking the fuses. You can find online guides for your own car model to find these with ease.

Try replacing the car radio fuse, and see how that goes. If it’s still broken or breaks again shortly later, you might have a short elsewhere in the car that will need help from a pro mechanic.

No Sound

car radio solution

How great is it to have access to the car radio, but have no sound? Not great at all, that’s how great it is! The problem is that this can be caused by so many different issues as well, so it’s kind of hard to come up with a solution. It could be dodgy speaker wires, it could be an issue with the amp…it’s a bit of a nightmare to come up with a solution for!

Additionally, it could be something simple like a broken wire or a bad connection with the car radio speaker wires. Therefore, you’ll be doing a fair bit of running around trying to come up with a solution – be prepared for the hard work that comes with doing so, and the trial & error sessions that come from dealing with a lack of sound from your speakers.

A common solution is opening and closing the car door again – this might sound daft, but some cars just love to be awkward to put you in a bad mood for the rest of the day! Solving car radio problems can take a while, especially when it’s something innocuous like your speakers. But if you are really at our wits end with the problems then take your car to a specialist or a garage, they’ll be able to sort it for you within no time at all.

To health and vehicle happiness

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil.

The post Broken Car Radio Solutions appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

There is nothing is worse than that cold, winter car feeling, when you get into your car en route to work sitting there rubbing your hands trying to keep warm.

Driving when you are really cold can be a little dangerous as you won’t have full control over your reactions etc. So it’s important to make sure you get rid of that cold winter car feeling before taking off.

If you find the idea of getting up to a pitch black sky at daft o’clock, then you won’t be too keen of sitting in the car waiting for it to heat up, either!

So what can you do to make your commute to work a little more enjoyable and a little less frozen?

Remote Starters

You might think this winter car warmer is just for James Bond, but remote car starters are dirt cheap and hugely common these days.

Your car engine can take a little while to get up to running speed in the colder months, so giving it a few minutes to warm up while you finish off your coffee can be really helpful. Although this is a theft hazard in some parts of the world, it’s a really useful way to stop the cold really taking over your journey. Just check the legality of it all first.

Spare Heat Clothing

Blankets, big jackets and other useful clothing in the back of your car (hidden, again you don’t want to entice any thieves) can be a logical winter car warmer. To help you heat up in the mornings, why not simply try putting on a few of these clothes as a winter car warmer.

Work From Home

Winter car warmer

I say why go into a cold car if you don’t have to?

Many businesses allow their staff to work from home, and why not? It’s more enjoyable for you, it stops you messing you around at work, and if you don’t have something tangible to show for the end of the day then you’ll be in serious trouble with the boss anyway! So for a winter car warmer why not simply kick back and relax at home instead of heading into work!

Heated Car Seats

Winter car warmer

Ah, the winter car warmer dream!

Heated car seat can be very cost-effective winter car warmer. You can find them online and in car stores all across the place. Please be aware, though, that they can be pretty sore to sit on if you don’t turn them down – it works kind of like a toaster, so be prepared to turn them off when they get a little too warm!

These simple winter car warmer tips should get you moving in the mornings. There’s no need to let your job become a drag – if you can work from home). But using these tip before traveling to work by car in the morning will help you to turn up nice and warm, certainly helping to make a day dealing with moody clients that much easier.

To health and vehicle happiness

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil.

The post Kill that Winter Car Feeling appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

Having a car oil leak is a common problem with vehicles today, and it can be caused by a variety of reasons.

However, its important to deal with a car oil leak when it arises. Without sufficient amounts of oil in a car, you’ll find yourself waiting for an AA pick-up truck pretty soon. The good thing is, it’s easy to spot a leak with your car. Just have a look underneath your car to see if you can spot any oily black spots on the ground. If so, you have a leak.

While many cars with more than 100k+ of miles on the clock will burn through a little more oil and leave a small residue, it’s a source of concern if you find oil underneath your vehicle. So long as you keep your engine levels topped up you’ll be fine, but it’s always good to try and find the root of the problem and get it dealt with quickly.

Where is the Car oil leak?

car oil leak

Typically, the car oil leak can come from a few different places. The first thing that you will want to find out is the speed of the car oil leak, as this gives you an idea of just how bad the actual damage might be things first, start with the engine – it’s usually got something to do with the problem. Give your engine an absolutely spotless cleaning session, and you’ll be able to see the oil coming from the source, if the source is indeed the engine.

If you are finding the car oil leak is coming straight from the engine then it’ll be much easier to deal with.

If it’s travelling through the car and getting to somewhere else before leaking, it will be a lot thicker and gungier which is not nice to deal with at all. Starting with the engine, though, you should be looking for a few specific points at the top of the engine such as the valve cover casket. If your leak is higher up on in the engine, you will likely find the problem here.

Additionally, if your car comes with a PCV valve, you might find the same car oil leak issues here. Start to work your way down the engine slowly, and you should find a spot around about half way down that can be the main source of your typical oil leak – the head gasket.

Sat between the cylinder head and the engine block, the oil travels through passageways that connect each side of the gasket. You’ll usually find a fairly sizeable amount of car oil leak coming from here, so be prepared. Check your cooling system, which should be nearby the gasket, as this will be full of frothy brown liquid if it’s got a leak.

Check out the oil pan gasket as well, which is a common source of stress here. It’s at the very bottom of the engine, and even the smallest of failures can leave quite the mess.

To health and vehicle happiness

Your fearless Mechanic,

Phil.

The post Car Oil leak? appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

So, you’ve just got back from a “fun” trip to the mechanics, where he had a lot of really boring information to give you about your car that you didn’t understand. Throughout the conversation that was filled with dizzying price estimates and various platitudes you never really caught, you may have heard the term “winter air in tires” being mentioned. Basically, winter air in tyres is something that is used during the winter to help boost your tires.

With winter air in tires, during the summer months, the warmer temperatures add on an extra couple of Pounds per Square Inch, or PSI, to your car tires. Even if you were to deal with this small adjustment day-in, day-out in the winter it would always seep out at night when the temperatures hit their lowest. You’ll need to regularly add a couple of pounds back into the tires during the winter, and make sure that you check for the need for winter air in tires before you setoff in the morning.

The side of your tires should come with a little notice for what the recommended cold tire pressure level should be. This also implies that when you take any pressure readings, you should do so in the cold so you aren’t getting that little bit of a boost from the heat, giving you an artificial reading. Tires do work at their peak when they are warmed up, so making sure that you try and get the heat in your tires is also important to improve functionality on the roads.

Why Does This Happen?

Winter air in tires

Put simply, this all occurs due to the perplexing nature of physics.

Static quantities of gas in a container will push against the sides of the container, trying to get out. To solve that problem, you would add heat to help expand the inside because the air molecules inside can then move freer & faster, and make sure that they collide with each other more inside which increases pressure. Using the example above, you can apply the exact same methodology to your tires!

If you are sick of your winters being a little bit more confusing than they need to then make sure that your that the winter air in tires are checked regularly, specifically when the cold weather comes in. your best bet, usually, is to try and do this once every few days and fill up your pressure levels when needed as it can be problematic otherwise.

To health and vehicle happiness

Your fearless Mechanic,

Phil.

The post What is Winter Air in Tires? appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

In this day and age in car gadgets for safety is a must.

As a new driver, finally embarking on your first time legally driving on the road can be quite an intimidating experience. However, the technological advancements made by car manufactures has seen a huge wave of new in car gadgets hit the market to make your driving experience as safe as possible.

Whether you’ve been on the roads for many years or this is an entirely new experience for you, picking up a couple of new in car gadgets can make all the difference to your safety on the road.

If you’re looking for some great in car gadgets to pick up, then be sure to consider some of these great ideas for ramping up your safety;

In car gadgets ?

‘Lifehammer’

Lifehammer is an incredibly powerful in car gadget tool, but it’s also very subtle. In fact, the majority of owners might never even use their Lifehammer installation. However, it could actually save your life in the rare occurrence that you do need to use it.

This is, in effect, a double-tipped hammer which is perfect for hammering through your windows. It’s also got a razor blade at the other end that can get through the seatbelt.

If you ever get stuck in your car, this can get you quick and safe access out of the vehicle in an emergency situation.

Camera Detectors

Camera detectors are a good in car gadgets solution that will help you avoid any unwanted speeding fines. The in car gadgets tool will allow you to pick up any black spot cameras that could catch you when you are over the limit. This is a very useful tool and although you should never be speeding anyway, it’s better to keep yourself covered.

Bluetooth Set

Bluetooth hands-free sets are incredibly useful in car gadgets tools for drivers. Driving while speaking on the mobile phone is illegal as it can use up valuable hand space, and outside of this you are putting others in danger. If you absolutely need to take a call, you can get a hands-free Bluetooth adapter that will let you answer your car while driving without impacting on your safety or anybody else’s.

Visibility Bulbs

Perhaps you may not think of these as a in car gadgets, but the headlights on your car should be extremely bright, and not only will this make sure that people see you coming from afar, but it will give you a longer visual range in front of you when driving as well, making you see like a bat in the dark, improving your confidence and safety when driving at night tenfold.

Make sure you consider changing your break lights, as well.

Breakdown Kit

In car gadgets like Emergency kits, can be found in stores like Halfords or you can get them online. You can buy them from garages but expect the price to be significantly higher. They can easily be packed into a small essential kit that will give you everything from a tyre pump to a jump lead for getting started on those annoying days where nothing else will work.

Phone Charger

Again, using your mobile phone when driving is dangerous and irresponsible. However, one of the worthwhile in car gadgets to consider is a phone charger.

It makes sense to have a car charger installed to keep your phone alive in case of emergencies. Emergency chargers can be bought from petrol stations, gadget stores and online, and tend to fit just about any phone, plus you can change the adapter if it does not suit your phone.

Fire Extinguisher

This should be fairly self-explanatory. In car gadgets like fire extinguishers are cheap, light and incredibly effective. They can deal with a Type B fire if you buy the right brand, meaning you should be able to contain any fires that start while driving. This can literally save your life – so make sure you buy one.

To health and vehicle happiness,

Your fearless mechanic,

The post Top Seven In Car Gadgets For Staying Safe. appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

Ok so here it is, my final count down of the best driving song classics from five to number one!

5. AC/DC – Highway to Hell

As one of the best driving songs, every badass (or wannabe) should have the lyrics to this song memorised. Especially if you’re behind the wheel of a horsepower heavy piece of automobile perfection, Highway to Hell is just one of those tunes that gets your blood pumping and your engine revving. There’s a reason why several professional sports teams choose this song as one of their pre-game serenades – it makes you feel like a warrior, a road warrior that is!

4. Gigola Aunts – Where I Find My Heaven

At number four on the best driving songs list, there is something so simultaneously poppy, upbeat, sunshiney, and chill about this particular track. Finding an appropriate description for this song is like summing up a one-word definition for Lady Gaga’s style – one word just isn’t nearly enough. I’m not sure why this song stands out as such a great song for driving. Maybe it’s the beat, the melody, the catchy lyrics that are still ok to sing while Grandma’s cruising in the front seat? Toss this song on for a change of pace. It will make you smile.

3. Rolling Stones – Start Me Up

Best Driving songs

Who says you can’t wear your dancing and your driving shoes at the same time? Not me, especially if you’re listening to this song in the car. The Rolling Stones have somewhat of an untouchable reputation. Their infamous style and unsurpassed cool factor are sure to create a sophisticated, rock star ambiance in any space. I dare you to listen to this song without nodding your head to the beat, at the very least. Number three on the best driving songs top ten list? Definitely.

2. Manic Street Preachers – Australia

This is the type of song that will make any driver mentally transform their beat up car into a hotrod convertible. Maybe it’s the angelic background harmonies that make you feel like you’re driving on a cloud, or perhaps it’s the effortless delivery from James Dean Bradfield himself. Either way, it would be impossible to create a best driving songs list without something from this renowned group of musical artists.

1. The Cult – She Sells Sanctuary

The classic rasp of a seasoned rock star, the stellar guitar skills, and the dance worthy melody are just enough to land this song top honors on my list of best driving songs. Perhaps you’ll listen to this original song on the way to one of their concert stops – after all, this epic band is still putting on regular public performances. Talk about a long ride! Check them out – they’ve still got it!

So there it is, my count down of the best driving songs classic.

I hope you enjoy the run down

To health and vehicle happiness

Your fearless Mechanic,

Phil.

P.s I still love me some Buju Banton :)

The post The Ten All Time best driving Songs (Part 2) appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

Love them or hate on them, here is my run down from ten to one of the all time best driving songs classics.

An electrifying beat from the bass, riveting skills on the electric guitar, sensational lyrics, and hair raising drums are just a few of the elements that combine to create the best driving songs that have ever hit the airwaves. There is something so quintessential about great music and the open road. The wind in your hair is that much more appealing when there is fresh music in your ears. What are some of your favorite driving songs? Feel free to add your suggestions to my top ten list in the comment area underneath this post.

10. Derek And The Dominoes – Layla

Originally written by legend, Eric Clapton, the song Layla was literally given life by the group Derek and the Dominoes in the early 1970’s. Although the lyrics yield your not so average love song, this classic, guitar heavy track with its contagious lyrics deserves its place in the top ten as one of the best driving songs. Perfect for taking a spin on the open road, Layla was later recorded by Clapton himself in a slower, acoustic version that didn’t receive near as much attention or public praise.

9. Golden Earring – Radar Love

You feel the energy slowly building and you can almost remember what it felt like to rock your stylish bell bottoms and the perm poof up top. As one of the best driving songs, you can almost hear the 1970’s calling your name. After all, it was just yesterday, right? Although an air guitar solo or dashboard drumming are completely optional, foot tapping is not.

8. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car

Tone it down a notch, and Tracy Chapman’s ballad that belts about speeding off and finding a better life surely should be on the best driving songs list. Over the years, this calming tune has received a plethora of recognition and praise, and even a Grammy award for best performance in 1989. You got a fast far. Is it fast enough so we can fly away? Tracy’s buttery smooth and deeply soulful tone will certainly make you want to speed off into a concrete chasm or a pavement abyss.

7. Kula Shaker – Hey Dude

Best Drive Songs

If your driving escape were ever to be featured in a blockbuster movie, this song would likely be playing in the background. A best driving songs classic, elements of strong guitar and striking drums are paired with a modern approach at rock music. You’ll find yourself singing along to the catchy chorus and probably tapping your steering wheel to the beat as you set off into the sunset with nothing but open road ahead of you.

6. Bruce Springsteen – Radio Nowhere

Now my wife would say, “who needs a man crush Mondays when you have Bruce Springsteen?” This epic legend to the music industry has not only consistently released some of the best driving songs of all time, and let be honest he put Justin Bieber to shame. He continues to impress with show stopping performances and a contagious image. Women swoon over his flawless bone structure and sultry eyes, and really, what’s not to love about a musical genius that has provided us with remarkable music for over 30 years?! Rock on BruceGodofMusic. Rock on.

Next up the best of the rest.

My count down from five to number one!

The post The Ten All Time Best Driving Songs (Part 1) appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.

Okay… so you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy a new car!

What was it?

Did you like the idea that your “bum bum” would be the only rear end to ever leave an imprint on the driver’s seat? Or do you plan to keep the car for more than five years to make it a good investment? Maybe you just like the smell of a brand new car, it has a certain scent to it doesn’t it?

Regardless of your motivation, before you sign on the dotted line there are a few things worth considering when buying a new car.

Sure, you want to find a car that you think is “cool “(and “cool” will vary widely based on your personal definition of “cool”). You’ll need to decide what colour you want, how many extras you are going to add. These are all important considerations, but there are few other thing worth thinking about.

One of the key reasons why car owners tend to regret buying a brand new car is the cost of ownership after the car leaves the showroom. If lets say your monthly car payments are tight, what will you do if you end up with an additional £120 per month in car maintenance costs?

“Car maintenance costs…? What are you talking about the car has warranty”.

And this may be true. But be warned not all warranties are created equal, and to be frank most will not cover the standard car maintenance costs you will encounter.

To keep a vehicle on the road car maintenance costs can vary by make and model, and not just by a little. For the first five years of ownership some cars can be maintained for less than £1000. Others on the other hand, can cost triple that for a similar make of vehicle!

With this in mind, it’s important that you put car maintenance costs high on the consideration list when buying a new car.

These days’ new vehicles have very strict maintenance schedules that must be adhered to, or you risk voiding your warranty. Sorry but old-fashioned slap dash maintenance isn’t enough anymore. The good news is there are a number of carmakers that periodically offer full maintenance packages included in the cost of the vehicle. This can be of real value since not only will your maintenance be free, but you’ll be sure to actually get the job done right.

There are a number of websites out there that discuss new car maintenance cost and compare the cost to a vehicle when new. Personally I’ve found the most informative to be Consumer Reports. They regularly pull together repair and car maintenance costs data for scores of makes and models. The downside is you need to subscribe for the newest info, but if you’re thinking of spending £10,000+ on a new car believe you me, this is money well spent.

After a quick look at the Consumer Reports chart for the Top 10 best selling vehicles I was immediately surprised. Car maintenance costs for the number one seller the Toyota Camry, almost double in regular maintenance cost when compared to the number-two ranked car, the Honda Accord, which is very interesting, because it brings the actual price of these two cars a little closer together. There are similar comps for Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It’s information like this that can turn a hard decision when buying a car, sway largely in one direction or another.

In addition to new car maintenance costs, most data crunchers will consider other costs of ownership like the average cost of repairs and depreciation. These are also important to think about because both can equate to real cash flowing out of your pocket.

car maintenance costs

Owning a new car can be pleasurable, but the long and short of it is, whether buying a new car or a used vehicle, car maintenance costs should be a serious consideration.

Okay… sure, you can change your own oil and maybe flush the car radiator yourself, but when you’re talking about maintaining a valid warranty, the manufacturers regular recommended service schedule must be adhered to.

The good news is that new car warranties are getting better, but be careful as it can turn into a smoke and mirrors game when the money you think you’re saving goes out the window in the form of high car maintenance costs and repairs.

Food for thought,

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil

The post Buying a New Car? Consider New Car Maintenance Costs. appeared first on Xavier Auto Clinic.