Ashton's Garage
Straightforward guidance on MOTs, servicing, warning lights, repairs and looking after your car.
Use this practical summer car maintenance checklist to prepare your car for warmer weather, longer journeys and holiday travel. It covers tyres, fluids, air conditioning, visibility, battery health and sensible safety checks.
Use this practical winter car maintenance checklist to check your battery, tyres, fluids, lights, visibility and heating before colder, wetter weather arrives.
Cold weather can expose a weak battery, worn spark plugs, fuel system fault or sensor problem. Here is what rough starting may mean and when to arrange a garage inspection.
A visible white cloud from your exhaust can be normal on a cold morning, but persistent smoke or a change in colour may point to a fault. Here is how to tell the difference and when to arrange an inspection.
A fuel smell should not be ignored. Learn what may cause it, when it could be harmless, and when to stop driving and arrange a professional inspection.
An engine knocking noise can come from anything from combustion problems to low oil or a loose exhaust part. Learn what the sound may mean, what you can safely check and when to stop driving.
A ticking engine can be harmless, but it may also point to an oil, exhaust, valve or timing problem. Learn what the sound could mean and when to arrange a professional inspection.
Black exhaust smoke usually means the engine is burning too much fuel or not getting enough air. Here are the likely causes, what you can safely check and when to arrange a garage inspection.
Blue smoke from an exhaust usually means the engine is burning oil. Learn what the colour can indicate, which checks are safe to make and when professional inspection is needed.
White exhaust smoke can be harmless condensation, but persistent smoke may point to coolant entering the engine. Here is what to check and when to stop driving.
Learn the common signs of a failing water pump, including coolant leaks, overheating, unusual noises and temperature changes, plus when it is unsafe to keep driving.
A car thermostat helps control engine temperature by regulating coolant flow. Learn how it works, the signs of a fault and when professional checks are needed.