Car Mechanics January 2022

Editorial Martyn Knowles, Editor Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @Car Mechanics Confusing tax rates ▸ Vehicle Excise Duty as it is official called – although GOV.UK do refer to it as Vehicle Tax – has risen during 2021, though only in certain sectors. I tend to use the monthly direct debit option to pay for road tax (that’s what I call it) as to me it feels like it’s not costing too much... However, I’ve just worked it out that to cover all the cars in my name that are currently roadworthy it is nearly £200 a month. That’s a lot of hard-earned cash wasting away on vehicles, of which some, hardly move from one month to the next. I could SORN one or two I guess – and…

Email martyn.knowles@kelsey.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @Car Mechanics Confusing tax rates ▸ Vehicle Excise Duty as it is official called – although GOV.UK do refer to it as Vehicle Tax – has risen during 2021, though only in certain sectors. I tend to use the monthly direct debit option to pay for road tax (that’s what I call it) as to me it feels like it’s not costing too much... However, I’ve just worked it out that to cover all the cars in my name that are currently roadworthy it is nearly £200 a month. That’s a lot of hard-earned cash wasting away on vehicles, of which some, hardly move from one month to the next. I could SORN one or two I guess – and I do have three cars on SORN currently. I…

For such a simple component, flexible rubber bushes can cause the DIYer plenty of headaches: some of them are difficult to access and not especially easy to replace. Yet, while replacing bushes can save you money, doing so is not always the most cost-effective option. Bushes defined A typical bush separates two (or more) metal components via a flexible joint. They are fitted, most commonly, to steering and suspension mechanisms, including control arms, droplinks, dampers (shock absorbers) and suspension strut tops. Unsurprisingly, you will encounter different designs but most of them comprise an outer case made from aluminium, steel, or even plastic. The central flexible core tends to be manufactured from silicone, or natural rubber, which must resist degradation from movement, temperature extremes, sunlight, ozone and contamination from moisture, salt and oil. Bushes…

INSTANT EXPERT RUBBER BUSHES Despite their seemingly straightforward rubber-to-metal construction, bushes are safety-critical components. Incorrect replacement wastes money and worsens your car’s dynamic characteristics, as Rob Marshall discovers. For such a simple component, flexible rubber bushes can cause the DIYer plenty of headaches: some of them are difficult to access and not especially easy to replace. Yet, while replacing bushes can save you money, doing so is not always the most cost-effective option. Bushes defined A typical bush separates two (or more) metal components via a flexible joint. They are fitted, most commonly, to steering and suspension mechanisms, including control arms, droplinks, dampers (shock absorbers) and suspension strut tops. Unsurprisingly, you will encounter different designs but most of them comprise an outer case made from aluminium, steel, or even plastic.…

Coming together as one brand ► Consolidating 170 sites into one national brand, The Parts Alliance has changed its trading name to GSF Car Parts. “This is a milestone moment for our business that marks the beginning of an exciting journey,” explains Mark Eburne, President and COO of GSF Car Parts. “Operating nationally as one brand for the first time enables us to streamline more of our processes and to implement improvements across the business more quickly and efficiently. This rebrand precedes an exciting period of investment in stock, staff, innovative technology and a larger UK footprint. “What our customers can be sure of is that our network of passionate, knowledgeable and experienced staff will continue to provide the market-leading service they’re renowned for both today, tomorrow and when we become the UK’s…

Weld done on lifetime guarantee promise Sealey has upgraded its guarantee on the MIGHTYMIG, POWERMIG and SUPERMIG Welders to offer lifetime cover on the main transformers. Now each product comes with one-year cover for unconditional parts and labour, following by the lifetime guarantee conditional on registering your purchase. In addition, the brand’s biggest ever tool catalogue is now available, with 11,900 items detailed within, and 2800 completely new products. Visit sealey.co.uk Last issue’s advice coming out in the wash We have to come clean after the “Feeling hot, hot, hot!” review of the Ember Smart Mug on page 18 of last month’s CM. We got it wrong regarding dishwasher usage. The leak-proof lid of the mug is dishwasher safe but the mug itself isn’t. The mug itself is safe to handwash and submersible…