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Hot off the press automotive news and views

Read about the latest news from our team, and find out what’s happening in the world of motoring.

As a responsible driver, ensuring your vehicle’s brakes are in optimal condition is paramount for both safety and performance. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of brake maintenance is bedding in new brake pads. Whether you are a seasoned driver […]

Driving without a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate is a legal offence in the UK, but many motorists may find themselves wondering just how long they can get away with it. In this blog, we will discuss all the […]

Undergoing a vehicle compliance check and MOT is not merely a legal obligation; it’s a proactive step towards ensuring your safety on the road. A vehicle in compliance is less likely to encounter breakdowns or pose risks to its occupants […]

Understanding and troubleshooting car problems are necessary for every driver. This blog aims to arm you with the knowledge to identify and tackle common issues effectively, empowering you with DIY solutions. By being proactive in car maintenance and troubleshooting car […]

We understand that keeping your vehicle in top shape is a priority, especially when it comes to passing your MOT test. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on the proper functioning of your wiper blades, […]

Our vehicles are great for getting us from A to B, but they do require certain levels of maintenance to ensure that we are able to do so safely. Some forms of maintenance, such as MOTs, are more straightforward to […]

Owning a car comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and engine maintenance is one of the most crucial aspects of car ownership. Your car’s engine is its heart, keeping it in good condition is essential for smooth and efficient […]

After a long, hot summer, we can become accustomed to driving in dry and bright conditions – so when the dreaded rainfall finally arrives, are we confident with the ways in which our driving methods need to adjust? Tailoring the […]

We often rely on our cars for short trips, whether it’s a quick run to the grocery store or a brief commute to work, but have you ever wondered how these short journeys could affect your car’s health and performance? […]

In today’s world, where fuel prices are top of mind and environmental concerns constantly in the news, it’s important to maximise fuel efficiency on every trip. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by driving at the […]

Summer is fast approaching, and if it’s anything like the 2022 scorcher, you won’t want to be caught without aircon in your car. As a rule of thumb, most vehicles permeate between 10 – 15% of gas from their system […]

In this day and age, people are always accustomed to saving their pennies where and when they can, and this can often result in actions such as vehicle servicing being overlooked and made less of a priority on to do […]

At Bromley Vehicle Test Centre, we’re delighted to share that we have renewed our sponsorship of Sparrowhawk Racing for the 2023 BRSCC Audi TTCR Cup. This is following their past successes, in which we also proudly sponsored the team. The [...]

Being involved in a car accident is never something we like to think about but, unfortunately, they can happen. It is common, post-accident, for the drivers and passengers involved to feel shaken up and stressed, as well as upset and […]

It’s fair to say that winter weather isn’t greatly loved by many, and the feeling is mutual with our cars too. Often, the colder spells can take their toll on our vehicles, and they can end up catching us by […]

With the colder weather now in full swing, leaving home in the morning and witnessing a car coated in a sheet of ice can be enough to fill us all with dread. Not only does this signal that we need […]

Driving home for Christmas – it’s a time of the year that is highly anticipated by many of us. Whether it’s your normal commute home from the office or a long-haul drive to stay with friends or relatives, it is […]

MOTs are something every driver is familiar with due to the regularity of the assessment. However, the topic is often associated with many-a-myth. This month, we’re here to set the record straight. We answer your burning questions, including those we […]

To many, the road can be a place which causes feelings of apprehension. Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes occur and in the heat of the moment it can be challenging to recall what really happened. Could a dash cam be the […]

We are all aware of the rate at which the cost of living is rising, starting with those soaring petrol costs, and so we understand that pushing back anything else costly is common. However, one thing that must never take […]

Moving to an electric vehicle can bring multiple benefits to not only your own lifestyle, but the environment too. Alongside the ability to avoid paying road tax, ULEZ and congestion charges, and no longer needing to spend your hard-earned cash […]

The clutch plays a vital part in the operation of your vehicle. It is an aspect that is depended on heavily, and so it is not surprising that over extended periods of time, they eventually wear out. At this stage, […]

Regular car services are the smart way to keep your vehicle running smoothly, whilst saving you money on repairs in the long run. A car service will help you identify potential problems before they become serious and therefore expensive to […]

When it comes to caring for your car, we can guarantee that you will only want the best. Sadly, there may be mechanics out there who will test their opportunity to take you for a ride and may often succeed. […]

With your oil being tucked away out of sight, it can often be forgotten about. However, a crucial aspect of car maintenance is keeping your oil levels healthy. The task is a simple one which can be carried out by […]

As of the 29th January this year, The Highway Code has been updated to increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The changes came into play following a public consultation that received over 20,000 responses from members of [...]

As we welcome in the new year of 2022, the Government also welcome in a plan that will seek to enhance the UK’s clean energy credentials. Whilst actions such as the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone have already […]

As we approach the last of 2021 and the days roll into 2022, the annual discussion of New Year’s resolutions comes alive. In 2022, why don’t we step away from those centred around workouts, healthy eating,and spending,and opt for something […]

For many, it would be fair to say that Christmas in 2020 was a let down, with households up and down the country instructed to stay safe and stay at home. However, with things on the up in 2021, it […]

With the introduction of E10 fuel beginning back in September of this year, the rollout has now started to cover a larger percentage of our fuel stations, becoming the default option for stations across England, Wales, and Scotland. As this [...]

Your tyres bear the brunt of your driving, so it is important that you take correct care of them. With many drivers remaining unaware on just how to do this, we have created a simple guide on how to check […]

It’s something most drivers living near Central London will have heard of, but with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanding to cover an additional 3.5 million properties, it may be working its way closer to you. Set up in […]

When driving your vehicle regularly, you’ll get used to the way in which it runs, so when something starts to feel different, its highly likely you’ll pick up on it. This includes your steering. Over time, our cars can experience […]

Nowadays, our vehicles come packed with the latest technologies, keeping us as safe as possible whilst on the road. With alerts appearing on your dashboard in times of a danger and risk, from low fuel to loss of pressure in […]

Throughout the year, it isn’t uncommon to hear the phrase “Where is the sun?”. The UK weather can be unexpected at times, just like right now! With an unpredicted hot-spell, you may be flying down to the coast, ordering in […]

For over a year, many of us would have left our vehicles parked and unutilised, if not driven solely for those short, essential journeys to the local supermarket. However, with restrictions easing month by month, the likely return of staycations […]

When it comes to our cars service, we can become so caught up in the function of the vehicle that we forget how to best prepare for ease during the assessment! Allow us to remind you of just how you […]

By now, we are all aware of the legal factors of driving which could land you with a fine or penalty, such as speeding, travelling in an un-taxed vehicle or using your mobile phone whilst on the road, but were […]

With many a myth circulating around the topic of vehicle MOTs, both throughout the pandemic and in normal times, we thought what better time than now to recap the legal requirements and regulations around the regular examinations of your car. […]

With the weather currently taking an icy turn, revolving our roads into snow-ridden tracks, what better time to inform you of the best ways to drive safely through severe forms of wintery weather. Driving through snow or ice can bring […]

As we begin to experience the frosts of the early mornings and the below freezing temperatures result in water transforming into a glaze of ice over the glass windows of your vehicle, we thought now may be a great time […]

Driving in the winter weather is often enough to daunt people into keeping their vehicles off of the roads entirely until the bad weather passes, but there are factors which can protect us and other road users throughout this season, […]

It’s a last-minute panic we all experience when reaching out for the fuel pump at the local garage. Is it petrol or diesel? Surprisingly, there are over 150,000 brits that carry out the mistake of filling their vehicle with the […]

Over the last six months of the lockdown, has your vehicle remained parked and dormant? Now that normality is creeping it’s way back in and the children are back at school, there are a few factors that you should consider […]

It is common place to crack a joke about ignoring those suspicious clanks and clunks that your car might make whilst on the road, but it is important that this remains as a joke and never becomes the choice that […]

Here in the UK, a car requires an annual MOT to declare whether or not it is road worthy. Without a valid MOT certificate, your insurance will be invalid and so you must not drive your vehicle unless you are […]

It is an unwritten rule to never buy a car without checking its service history. With this exercise causing confusion and needless hassle to many, we have produced a simple guide as to how to check for it. With the […]

The government have recently introduced a six-month MOT extension. Any cars that have an MOT certificate with an expiration date on, or after 30th March 2020 will benefit from this action. However, as the driver, it is still your responsibility […]

With the blossom appearing and the daffodils blooming, it can mean only one thing. Winter is over. It’s finally time to lead your caravan out of hibernation, warm her up and get her on the road for that long-awaited spring […]

If you’re wondering what documents you need to take to an MOT test, it’s actually less than you think. These days, approved testing centres can access the required documentation online thanks to a recent Government initiative. Before you attend your […]

Winter weather can mean hell on the roads – but it needn’t be if you take the right precautions. According to the AA, winter is the time of year when you’re most likely to break down. So be smart and […]

With setting in, you’ll want to make sure your car is ready for the inevitable plummeting temperatures and adverse road conditions. It’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is in proper working order so it can cope with the winter […]

Forgetting to renew your MOT could put your car insurance at risk, plus you could be hit with a £1,000 fine. Owning a car already involves a lot of paperwork, with road tax and insurance. It can be hard to […]

Unless you bought your car in the last three years, the chances are that you will need to get an MOT check on your vehicle. You may be a seasoned driver with lots of MOTs under your belt, or a […]

We have talked about car maintenance before and particularly why it is important for your safety and the smooth and efficient running of your car. For a reminder on the essentials of car maintenance have another read of our previous […]

Are you considering selling your car? Or maybe thinking about buying a second-hand one yourself? Either way, you will have an idea of what you want to sell or buy it for and a few key things about what you […]

No one knows your vehicle as well as you do, and you are best placed to know when something is ‘a little off’ or to notice small changes straight away. And so it is with your steering. If you are […]

When it comes to buying a car a lot of dealers use warranties as a way to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Whether it is a new or used car, warranties can make the difference between one vehicle manufacturer and […]

Is it that time of the year again when your annual MOT reminder pops up on your calendar? If you haven’t had to get an MOT for a while – for example if you bought a new car – or […]

Have you accidentally used the wrong fuel at the pump? It’s surprisingly common, so don’t beat yourself up too much. The important thing is to recognise the mistake as quickly as possible and act fast to rectify it. This month, […]

We are seeing more and more stories around the problems caused by poor air pollution in the media and all the associated negative effects this has on our health. There is no denying that there is a link between air […]

Your brakes are one of the most important components of your car. They are designed to keep you safe, slow you down, and stop – avoiding collisions and accidents. So it is important to keep them properly maintained and ensure […]

Car maintenance… Yet another thing to add to your to-do list and another cost to hit your budget. But it need not be that much of a chore or an expensive one at that. While getting an annual service is […]

Like all manufacturers and other mechanics we advocate regular servicing – typically annually and more regularly if you put lots of mileage on the car. While safety is a major reason for this, it isn’t the only one. With the […]

It’s that time of year when schools have gone back and you are faced with making the daily school run again. Has that doubt begun to creep in again about all those short journeys and what effect they may be […]

The holidays are in full swing, you are finally on annual leave, or even a long bank holiday weekend, and the weather is still holding (most days, anyway). Time for this year’s staycation to finally get going, and what better […]

We do love a bit of warmth and sunshine during the summer, but so far this year we have seen quite the heatwave! Just as we sometimes overheat and feel like we can’t, so can our vehicles especially if we […]

On the 20th of May 2018, new MOT rules were introduced that could affect your car. Broadly speaking, the main changes relate to new defect categories, stricter rules for diesel vehicles, and an exemption for vehicles that are over 40 […]

Changes introduced in April have seen car insurance premiums drop for the first time in three years. The news has made headlines across the media given the high and increasing costs over the last few years particularly affecting younger drivers […]

Finally…the winter is over. That cold spell over the Easter break had to be it for this year, surely! While we cannot predict the weather, we do want to think that spring has finally arrived and that temperatures will slowly […]

The cold weather can wreak havoc on all sorts of things and your car is no exception. The cold, damp, and ice can get into nooks and crannies leading to locks that won’t unlock, doors that won’t open, screenwash that […]

While many of us like to think that we know what happens under our car bonnet, the reality is that we have a vague idea at best. We may be able to tell what is wrong, but we don’t know […]

If you live and drive in the south of England you have probably already been on the new M3, or at the very least experienced some of the delays caused by the upgrades that Highways England has been carrying out […]

On the 23rd of October this year Mayor Sadiq Khan introduced the toxicity charge, or T-charge, aimed at vehicles that do not comply with the minimum Euro standards on emissions. The T-charge, or to use its official name the Emissions […]

Unless you live in a remote rural area or in mainland Europe, the chances are that you don’t regularly fit winter tyres to your car. But is it something that you should consider? There has been some debate over the […]

Autumn is already well under way and with the clocks about to change there is no denying that winter is almost upon us. There is no better time to prepare your car before the cold and damp set in so […]

September means lots of things – the end of summer and cooler temperatures, going back to school (or to work), and looking forward to winter. It’s also an important time of the year if you are a car owner. It […]

  While many people think that cars only require attention and maintenance during the winter, the reality is that you should be checking it regularly during the summer too. Summer is usually associated with sunshine, beaches, and barbeques, but it […]

Many car owners are of the opinion that the cold winter months pose a bigger risk to a vehicle than the hot summer months. In actual fact they’re both challenging to deal with, so preparing your car for the summer […]

Forgetting to renew the MOT on your vehicle can have serious consequences, especially if you’re involved in an accident. Most insurance policies become invalid if a vehicle is involved in an accident and the MOT has expired. This scenario could […]

EBay, Gumtree, Auto Trader or We Buy Any Car? If you’re planning on selling your car, then you’ve never had so many options before you. However, if you’ve decided to go it alone rather than part-exchange or sell to a […]

With the days finally getting longer and the first fledging signs of spring arriving, it’s time to ensure your car is fighting fit following the toughest months of the driving year. Here are our top five tips for the lighter, [...]

Motorists rejoice! While the annual government budget usually brings only bad news and depressing updates about tax, the 2015 budget announced a sweeping change that could extend the time between purchasing a vehicle and having to book in for an […]

Far from being a mythical test that demands the knowledge of an experienced mechanic, there are a few simple steps that you can take for the best possible chance of your car passing first time, and with flying colours. Here’s [...]