Ashton's Garage
Practical engine, cooling & electrical advice from Ashton’s Garage.
Finding that your car is losing coolant can be worrying, especially if there is no obvious puddle. Learn the common causes, the checks that are safe to make and when you should stop driving and arrange a professional inspection.
An overheating car should not usually be driven further. Learn what to do safely, what the warning signs may mean and when professional inspection is needed.
Find out why an engine may overheat, what the warning signs mean and what to do safely if the temperature rises while you are driving.
A fuse that blows once may be a simple electrical fault. If the same fuse keeps failing, the cause could be a short circuit, damaged wiring, a faulty component or an overload that needs proper investigation.
Headlights that dim while driving can point to a charging, wiring or lighting fault. Here are the likely causes, safe checks and signs that your car needs professional attention.
Learn the common signs of a failing alternator, how alternator problems differ from a flat battery, and when professional inspection is the sensible next step.
The alternator charges your car’s battery and supplies electricity while the engine is running. Here is how it works, the warning signs of a problem and when to arrange a garage inspection.
A clicking sound when you turn the key or press the start button often points to a weak battery, poor electrical connection or a starter motor problem. Here is what the different sounds can mean and when professional help is sensible.
Learn the common signs of a failing car battery, what they may mean and when a battery or charging-system check is sensible.
Most car batteries last around three to five years, but driving habits, weather, electrical demand and charging faults can shorten their life. Here is how to spot a tired battery and when to arrange a professional check.
A car battery that repeatedly goes flat may be old, undercharged, affected by cold weather or being drained by an electrical fault. Here is how to narrow down the likely cause safely.
If your engine turns over but does not fire, the battery is not necessarily the main problem. Here are the common causes of a crank-no-start fault and when to arrange a professional inspection.