Car Mechanics May 2021

Editorial Martyn Knowles, Editor Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @CarMechanics Cash for Qashqai Our latest CM project car, bought from the car auctions, is just seven years old. Yes, a 14-plate Nissan Qashqai Mk2. We started out looking at the Qashqai Mk1, but realised the 1.2 petrol turbo models launched with the Mk2 are cheap to buy (some Qashqais are sought-after and do demand high prices). The 1.2 is cheaper for a reason – the early cars did have engine-related problems. Not to be put off, I found one with low ownership, six stamped services and an MOT certificate to 2022. Nissan have had a tie-in with Renault for many years and it’s no surprise to us to see the 1.2 DIG-T has Renault stamped on various engine parts.…

Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @CarMechanics Cash for Qashqai Our latest CM project car, bought from the car auctions, is just seven years old. Yes, a 14-plate Nissan Qashqai Mk2. We started out looking at the Qashqai Mk1, but realised the 1.2 petrol turbo models launched with the Mk2 are cheap to buy (some Qashqais are sought-after and do demand high prices). The 1.2 is cheaper for a reason – the early cars did have engine-related problems. Not to be put off, I found one with low ownership, six stamped services and an MOT certificate to 2022. Nissan have had a tie-in with Renault for many years and it’s no surprise to us to see the 1.2 DIG-T has Renault stamped on various engine parts. Launched in early 2014 (on a 63-plate), the…

Most of us have driven less since the start of 2020. While some cars have sat idle, the vast majority have suffered an increased frequency of short journeys. Yet, many owners take some convincing that pottering to the shops and back is harder on many of the car’s parts than undertaking longer journeys at higher speeds. This is highlighted by the higher rate of post-lockdown MOT failures, which supports the theory that infrequent use dictates more regular technical attention, not less. Therefore, whether you perform full services from home, or rely on a garage to do it for you, do not think that a relatively low mileage means that you can skip maintenance tasks this year to save money. The temptation is false economy. If anything, the car requires even more…

SERVICING PRECAUTIONS AFTER LOCKDOWN INSTANT EXPERT LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN Lockdown has been hard on each of us but spare a thought for your car. Rob Marshall looks at extra considerations that a DIYer should cover at service time, now that freedoms are being (gradually) restored. Most of us have driven less since the start of 2020. While some cars have sat idle, the vast majority have suffered an increased frequency of short journeys. Yet, many owners take some convincing that pottering to the shops and back is harder on many of the car’s parts than undertaking longer journeys at higher speeds. This is highlighted by the higher rate of post-lockdown MOT failures, which supports the theory that infrequent use dictates more regular technical attention, not less. Therefore, whether you perform…

Memoirs Over 50 years ago, as an apprentice in the motor trade, I like all of us apprentices would make mistakes – sometimes potentially dangerous ones. Mistakes like getting the valve timing on a Rover 2000 wrong and ending up with bent valves. Too much grease on the gearbox input shaft splines on a Renault following a clutch change – this was discovered on the road test when the clutch was found to be slipping. A further gearbox removal to allow the clutch centre plate to be removed and de-greased along with the pressure plate and flywheel, and a mere smear of lube on the splines rather than half a tin this time. Two that really stand out was the failure to tighten-up a brake union sufficiently on a Jaguar 2.4-litre. A phone…

What has 12 months since the start of lockdown done for the mindset of mechanics? Mechanics and garage owners have highlighted the challenges of business growth and recovery post-lockdown, with work dropping by as much as 75% during periods of 2020 leading the biggest areas of concern. Research conducted by mobile mechanic service clickmechanic.com has revealed exactly how a year since the first lockdown has impacted the industry. Despite garages being categorised as essential services, the reduction in cars on the road means that 30.4% of the respondents are finding customer acquisition the most difficult part of the business right now. Over 20% of the respondents also mentioned that ordering car parts has proven problematic due to the closure of part branches and Brexit supply chain interruptions, while 33.3% listed this area…