Ashton's Garage
Straightforward guidance on MOTs, servicing, warning lights, repairs and looking after your car.
A humming noise from a wheel can come from a wheel bearing, uneven tyre wear, a damaged tyre or a brake problem. Here is how the noise may change, what you can safely check and when professional inspection is sensible.
If your car keeps bouncing after a speed bump or pothole, the suspension may not be controlling the movement properly. Here are the likely causes, safe checks and signs that it needs professional inspection.
If your car needs constant steering correction or seems to drift across the road, several faults could be responsible. Here are the common causes and when to arrange a professional inspection.
Loose steering can be caused by tyre problems, wheel alignment or wear in steering and suspension components. Here is what the change may mean, what you can safely check and when professional inspection is important.
Heavy steering can be caused by low tyre pressure, a fault with the power assistance system, or a problem with the steering or suspension. Here is what to check safely and when to arrange a professional inspection.
A clunk when turning can come from the suspension, steering or drivetrain. Here are the common possibilities, safe checks to make and signs your car needs professional inspection.
Regular servicing cannot prevent every breakdown, but it can identify wear, fluid problems and developing faults before they leave you stranded. Here is how servicing helps and what it cannot do.
A major car service is a more detailed scheduled inspection and maintenance visit than a basic oil service. Find out what is usually included, what can vary between vehicles and when extra work may be recommended.
A car service reminder usually means your vehicle is due routine maintenance based on time, mileage or both. Find out what it means, what to do next and how it differs from a warning light.
A puddle under your car may be harmless condensation, but it can also indicate a coolant, oil, fuel or brake fluid leak. Learn how to identify the likely fluid and when to stop driving.
A leaking car can leave anything from a small damp patch to a serious loss of engine oil. Find out the common causes, what you can safely check and when professional inspection is needed.
Power steering fluid helps some steering systems work smoothly and safely. Learn what it does, how to check it, which warning signs to watch for and why not every modern car uses it.