6 Tips to Reduce your Car's Fuel Consumption

We share our top tips for being kind the environment and your wallet while you drive.

There's no two ways about it, cars are expensive to run, and if we listen to expert opinion the fact that we're driving more and more isn't doing wanders for the environment either. So, we've come up with some 'green' driving tips that will kill 2 birds with one stone and reduce the environmental impact and fuel consumption as you drive.

Get friendly with your garage

While getting your car serviced can seem like an annoying expense having it looked at regularly (exactly how often will depend on the number of miles you drive) will help to make sure its in tip top condition, improving the longevity of parts such as tyres and exhausts, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and optimising fuel consumption.

Pump it up

Tyre inflation is one of the main determinants of a car's fuel economy. So, by making sure the tyres of your car are consistently inflated to the correct pressure (performing weekly checks will help with this), your tank of petrol will last longer and consequently you'll decrease the amount of CO2 your car releases into the atmosphere.

Plan ahead

Where possible you should plan your journeys to avoid busy, congested times as the less traffic on the road, the less fuel you'll burn stopping and starting, braking and crawling in traffic jams. As a result of journey planning you should also spend less time travelling which will again reduce fuel consumption - good for mother nature and your wallet.

Cruise along

Use cruise control wherever possible as this helps to keep your acceloration even and minimises fuel burning speed fluctuations that human drivers cause.

Lose some weight

Emptying your boot and removing your roof rack whenever its not in use will help your fuel consumption no end for the simple reason that your car will be lighter to move around.

Fill it up

Next time you take a trip to the petrol station watch how you fill up. Fuel economy-wise its much better to run your tank right down before you top it up as fuel evaporates each time you remove the petrol cap so obviously the less you can do that the less fuel is lost to the atmosphere. Its also better to stop at the first click as if you continue filling beyond this there is a possiblity that you'll simply loose the excess fuel as you begin to drive.

So, by following these tips and practicing eco-safe driving you can make your car much more environmentally and wallet friendly. Call in the experts from Scuffs 'N' Scratches Car Body Repairs Liverpool  to make sure your car is ready for the summer sun and tick one more thing off your checklist.  We can make sure your car is in tip top condition from alloy wheel repairs, dent repairs, paint repairs, car paintwork repair

Call Joe 0151 909 3456 to check your car body needs today!

This blog content is courtesy of www.money.co.uk

How to Keep Your Car on the Road

We explain the basic maintenance checks that will help to cut the cost of running your car.


If you, like many others, are resisting the urge to splash out on a new car in your efforts to save money, it’s never been more important to make sure that your current set of wheels are well looked after. Basic car maintenance is a must; particularly if your car isn’t protected by a manufacturer’s warranty as breakdowns can be hugely expensive and always seem to happen when you can least afford it.

Taking good care of your car is an easy way to prolong its driving life and cut costs. All it takes is a few minutes every week or so to carry out the checks that will help to keep your car in tip top driving condition. We explain how:

Tyres:

Regularly checking your car's tyre pressure and keeping all 4 tyres correctly inflated will go a long way in cutting fuel consumption, reducing wear and tear and making your car safer on the road.

You car's optimum tire pressure (psi) should be detailed either in your handbook or in a 'convenient place' such as on the side of one of your doors.

It's always best to check your tyre pressure when your tyres are cold as the reading will be far more accurate and you'll avoid the risk of over-inflation. For this reason it can be a good idea to invest in a manual tyre pressure gauge and a foot pump and do it at home rather than driving your car to your nearest garage.

You will also need to check the depth of the tread on your tyres as this is subject to a legal minimum. The law states that the tread on your tyres should be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three quarter breadth and around the entire circumference of each, although a depth of at least 3mm is generally recommended for optimum grip.

You should also check for any bulges, cracks, cuts, or foreign objects stuck in your tyre.

Oil:

Keeping your car’s oil levels topped up is a must if you want to keep it running at its best. If you’re not familiar with how to check your oil levels you should look in your car’s hand book to identify the dipstick, choose a time when your car’s engine is cold, pull out the dipstick, wipe it and dip it back in the engine as far as it will go.  When you pull it back out you should be able to see whether your car’s oil level sits comfortably between the ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ markers.

If there is too little oil in your engine you should top it up with a suitable oil (you should check your car’s handbook to find out which type of oil is suitable for your car’s engine) – but be careful not to overfill though as this can do more harm than good.

To extend the life of your car’s engine it’s generally considered a good idea to have your oil changed either once a year or every 10,000 miles. This can usually be done as part of a service if you’re not sure how to do it yourself.

Lights:

Checking that your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, full beam and fog lights work is vital. You should replace any bulbs as soon as you realise they have blown (your instruction manual should explain how to do this) and it can be a good idea to keep a spare set in the boot just in case.

Brakes:

Regularly checking your brakes is a must for your own safety if nothing else. You can do this while you're on the move simply by feeling and listening to how your brakes respond when you want to slow down. If you notice any squeaking, your wheel vibrates, or the car veers to one side when you apply the brakes it's a good idea to get a specialist to take a look as leaving a brake-related problem unchecked could compromise your safety and end up seriously damaging your car and your bank balance.

Windscreen wipers:

Wiping your windscreen wiper blades with a cloth dipped in white vinegar will help to keep them in good condition and your windscreen sparkling and smear free. As soon as they start to leave dirty marks or small scratches on your windscreen it's time to change them.  You should also make sure that your screenwash is topped up with an appropriate solution so that you don't get caught short.

Battery:

Your car battery should last you at least 4 or 5 years but with a little bit of tlc you may be able to extend this even further.

Try to remember to switch off your car's electronic controls before stopping your engine as this will allow the extra charge to run back into your battery and help to extend its life. This includes lights, windscreen wipers, heaters, air conditioning, heated seats, radios and cd players and any other electronic gadgets that are powered by your car's battery. Also, if at all possible, store your car in a garage when not in use. This is particularly beneficial during the winter months as car batteries don't respond well to the cold.

Bodywork:

Washing your car on a regular basis will not only help it to look shiny and new (even if it's years old) but will also prevent the build up of dirt, grime and potentially corrosive winter salt, helping to protect both the bodywork and other essential components from damage.

Servicing:

While getting your car serviced on a regular basis does up the cost of running your vehicle, ultimately it should save you money. This is because a well maintained car is likely to cause you fewer problems and require far fewer expensive repairs as it ages than one that has not had this attention.

You’re also likely to find that when you come to sell your car you’re able to command a far higher price (on both the private-sale and part-exchange markets) for a car with a complete service history than a car with an incomplete log book.

Once any initial warranty has expired you may find that you can cut the cost of a service considerably by using an ‘approved repairer’ rather than an official dealership so it’s worth ringing around to get some quotes.

Fuel:

It sounds obvious but always check that you're using the right pump when you fill up at the petrol station as getting it wrong can be a costly mistake.

If you do top up with the wrong fuel then it's essential that you get help right away as your car will need to be drained and assessed for damage. Trying to move, start or drive your car will only exacerbate the damage and make the situation a lot worse so keep it where it is until assistance arrives.

Call in the experts from Scuffs 'N' Scratches Car Body Repairs Liverpool  to make sure your car is ready for the summer sun and tick one more thing off your checklist.  We can make sure your car is in tip top condition from alloy wheel repairs, dent repairs, paint repairs, car paintwork repairs.

Call Joe 0151 909 3456 to check your car body needs today!

Top summer driving tips

This year an estimated seven million Brits will use their cars to transport themselves on their annual summer holiday, and two million of those people will be taking them abroad.

"A lot of people don't realise that extended periods of intense heat and high levels of the sun's harmful UV light can do more damage to a car than freezing weather conditions, Joe Woodhouse from Scuffs 'N' Scratches warns ”The best thing to do before a summer holiday is to check your car is in good working order and ready for the long drive.”

There can be a lot to remember, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you stay safe on holiday this summer;

1.    Get your car ready– Make sure your car is ready for long journeys; get European breakdown cover, ensure your insurance covers you sufficiently, check your water, oil, tyres, engine, windscreen wipers and paintwork before you go. It’s normally best to get a service so you can be sure your car is in working order.

2.    Get yourself ready– You need to ensure you’re prepared for a long drive. The usual sensible driving rules apply; don’t drive when tired and make sure you have properly mapped out your journey before you leave. It’s also beneficial to keep a travel box with you, including blankets, water, snacks, sunglasses and a first aid kit.

3.    If you are driving abroad, familiarise yourself with local driving regulations– For example, did you know that in Spain, if you wear glasses for driving, you must carry a spare pair in your car at all times? And in France, police impose on the spot fines for speeding, sometimes only payable by the exact cash amount? It’s well worth reading up on the country you’re visiting.

4.    Keep the kids entertained– One of the biggest causes of accidents during the summer, is people being distracted whilst driving. If the children are bored and whingey, they are more likely to distract you from the road. Make sure you include some books (including audio books), music and films to keep them busy during the trip.

5.    Do the same when you get back– Too many people do all of the necessary checks before they go away – but not when they return home. Ensure you recheck everything from tyres to paintwork as long trips can mean a lot of wear and tear on your car.

Call in the experts from Scuffs 'N' Scratches Car Body Repairs Liverpool  to make sure your car is ready for the summer sun and tick one more thing off your checklist.  We can make sure your car is in tip top condition from alloy wheel repairs, dent repairs, paint repairs, car paintwork repairs.

Call Joe 0151 909 3456 to check your car body needs today!

10 CAR BODY REPAIR TIPS

10 CAR BODY REPAIR TIPS

Have you ever been involved in a seemingly minor fender bender? If so, did you swoon when you received the estimate for the repair costs?

Make no mistake about it:  Car body Repair can cost a small fortune. Bearing this in mind, it’s important to know how to proceed before an accident happens – especially if you end up being the driver who causes the accident.

Our tips will help:

1. Brace for impact. Make sure you’re happy about where your deductible is set for collisions on your Car insurance policy. Often it can be £250 , but you may have bumped it up to £500 at some point – a tactic that really can help you save on insurance rates over time. Considering the high cost of  car body repairs, though, just be prepared to pay the full deductible amount out of pocket if the accident is your fault.

2. Understand the system. Your insurer may direct you to its list of approved car body repair shops, which can be just fine – but be aware that those shops might be tempted to take shortcuts with your vehicle in order to save money. That’s because they will only receive pre-negotiated rates from the insurance company, and those rates might be stingy.

3. Get more than one estimate. Take good notes when the first place you visit tells you what kind of car body repairs you need and how much those repairs will cost. Then quickly call three or four other car body repair shops and ask how much they would charge for the exact same work. Try a variety of businesses, including independent shops, chain outlets and dealerships.

4. Know what to expect when it comes to replacement parts. Many insurance companies want repair shops to use less expensive salvage or generic replacement parts, as opposed to original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which match your vehicle exactly and cost more. You may not have much of a choice in the matter if you’re responsible for the accident – but if you’re not at fault, instruct the shop to use OEM parts.

5. How does the car body repair shop rate? How about looking for Google reviews and ratings? You can view other websites that have ratings systems too.

6. Clarify your rental car expenses. Car body repairs often take longer than expected – meaning you could be stuck driving rented wheels for a long time at a potentially high cost to you. If you regularly pay a nominal monthly fee for rental-car insurance, you might only be reimbursed for the rental of a compact car. If such a small car would never work for you, it might be time to reevaluate your coverage.

8. Do you have a European car? If so, the car body repair shop you use should have a special certification from the car manufacturer, along with specialized equipment to fix your vehicle’s aluminum and hard steel parts. Your insurer’s approved shops may not fit the bill for your vehicle, but your insurer still should pay for such specialized repairs.

9. Don’t be unduly swayed by your insurer’s warranty. As a way of encouraging you to use a shop in its network, your insurance company may offer a warranty on replacement parts. This warranty often isn’t necessary because most shops guarantee their work and parts manufacturers guarantee their parts.

10. Make your signoff a requirement. Especially when you’re on the hook for the repair costs, politely clarify with the shop that no work should happen until you’ve authorised it first. When the time comes to pick up your car, look the bill over carefully and make sure everything matches up with the estimate you had been given and the notes you had taken earlier. If you spot anything you didn’t authorise, speak up about it.

You can always come and visit the good guys who will help you through the minefield of Liverpool car body repairs, just call Joe at Scuffs 'N' Scratches Liverpool 0151 909 3456 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk

How to replace your car leather seats

Leather car interiors can become worn and eventually will need replacing. However, did you know that you can replace your old leather seats with new ones yourself? There is no need to go to a specialist car interior shop, you will not only save money but, if you take your time, you can have your car interior looking as good as new in a few hours.
[Please note, we take no responsibility for any damage that may occur].

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench
• Ratchet
• Extension
• Socket
• Screwdriver
• Hog rings and pliers
• Hog-ring cutters/Tin Snips
• Scissors
• 3M upholstery glue
• Heat gun or hair dryer
• Leather cleaner
• Rubber hand squeegee

STEP 1: REMOVE THE SEATS

1. Use the wrench to remove the bolts from the front seats. Carefully push back each seat to check for electrical wiring. Disconnect any electrical connections from underneath the seat. Put the bolts in a safe place, as you will need them to reinstall the seats.
2. Take the cushion off the back seat. Locate the two screws securing the front part of the cushion to the carpet. Remove the screws using the screwdriver, take the cushion off, put it in a safe place.
3. Use the wrench to unfasten the bolts from the armrest. Push the seat back and up to detach it from the car. Put all the components in a safe place.

STEP 2: REMOVE THE LEATHER

1. Take the plastic trim from the front seat cushion. Turn the seat so, it is facing upwards. Use the wrench to unfasten the four bolts securing the cushion to the frame. Locate the J hooks, these are the plastic pieces that are attached to the outside frame of the seat. You should see the seam of the leather inserts. Carefully pull the Velcro away from the foam.

2. Take the headrest off by, applying pressure to the button on the side of the headrest bar, and pulling upwards. Turn the seat upside down. Locate the J-hook, use the scissors to cut the hog rings, if the seat has a zip unzip it. Pull the leather up, take off the hog rings and pull up the leather further. Bring the cover up and over the seat and it should easily come off now.

3. Take the backseat cushion off, turn the backseat upside down, find hog rings and J-hooks and remove them, by cutting them. You can now take the cover off the seat.

STEP 3: REPLACE THE LEATHER

1. Put the new leather on the front seat cushions by pulling the leather through the hog rings. Use the same foam seat cushions, put the plastic parts of the chair back in their rightful places. Use the scissors to cut holes for the headrests.

2. Use the scissors to make tiny slits where the headrest posts will go. Push the leather under the headrest posts to hide the excess.
3. Reinstall the backseat cushions by wrapping the cover round the foam neatly, Hog-ring the outside of the cushion and tuck excess leather into the attachment points.

Hey presto, your seats should look as good as new!

IF THAT IS TOO MUCH HARD WORK, THEN CALL THE PROFESSIONALS.
CALL JOE WOODHOUSE - SCUFFS 'N' SCRATCHES LIMITED IN LIVERPOOL TO DISCUSS YOUR INTERIOR CAR LEATHER UPHOLSTERY REPAIRS

0151 493 2600   OR      07802 348096        OR VISIT www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk

60-61 LOVE LANE, LIVERPOOL, L3 7DD

(JUST OFF GREAT HOWARD STREET, BY THE HERITAGE MARKET)

FOR HONEST, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SINCE 1996

Choosing the Right Car Dent Repair Company

Does your vehicle look like it's been driven through a hail storm? The dent damage, dings, and other car exterior damage can be successfully restored using the proper provider. Scuffs N Scratches is Liverpool based, reasonably priced, quick, and very effective at returning your car or truck to its previous glory. Our paintless dent repair system fixes dings and dents without causing other damage. The sheet metal is restored from behind, so there is absolutely no sign of the fix. It only takes 1 or 2 hours to perform the fix and we can do this work whilst you are doing something more interesting with your time.

We provide an honest, reliable and professional service around Liverpool since 1996

For a free quotation or advice call Joe on 07802 348096 or 0151 493 2600 or call in to our Unit at 60-61 Love Lane, Liverpool, L3 7DD or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk

CAR SCRATCH DIY

Does your car have scuffs & scratches within the paint or car paint blemishes you’d wish to do away with without going with the expense and hassle of managing an entire body paint shop?

The car scratches become more and more annoying to you ever before due to the fact you initially observed them? Car paint fix is simply not difficult and time consuming after you get sound details and commit on your own to subsequent a couple of easy-to- have an understanding of instructions.  A huge number of motor vehicle owners have found this mega-money-saving reality, and now have professional shopping paint work they’ve finished efficiently themselves.

Small paint scratches and imperfections can easily be repaired by car owners who’re ready to take the point in time to perform the work appropriate and carefully progress with the necessary methods for specialist motor vehicle paint repair.

The primary factor to comprehend is that touch up paint presented by car dealers is just not the best resolution for your challenge in case the scratch you’re wanting to fix is obvious from a distance.

Should you check out an car dealer complaining in relation to small scratches and dings you can see at a distance of six feet or even more away from the car, they will certainly desire to sell you touch up paint instantly, promising it can be all you should repair the scratch. Never fall for this sales pitch, since touch up paint certainly not blends perfectly together with your car’s paint and will certainly only design yet another possibly, even worst eyesore.  Basically, you will only be changing a scratch on the car’s paint surface with an uneven blob or gob of paint that will certainly be just as annoying because the scratch was. Touch up paint is only helpful for quite little nicks and scratches and almost nothing a lot more.

To repair scratches and nicks as part of your car’s paint, you initially will need to cautiously sand the scratch down, employing 240-grit sandpaper, in the beginning, then heading to 320-grit sandpaper, doing work gradually to assure you’re making an even and easy surface in which the scratch utilised for being. Deeper scratches should be sanded with 800-grit moist and dry sandpaper.

If you are happy the surface is sufficiently flattened and smoothed, clear the region to become painted thoroughly, getting rid of all dust, debris, sand, and many others., after which evenly apply the primer. Last but not least, you will following apply 3 coats of colour through the primed spot, and end up the paint repair position by applying a coat of distinct coat.

Be specific to permit plenty of period for each coat to dry completely, fifteen minutes or so, prior to applying another coat. And do not attempt your vehicle paint repair task if the temperature is beneath 55 degrees, or else you will get inferior final results.

The above advice is for minor scratches but for really deep scratches it would be a good advice to go to a Car Paint Repairer such as Scuffs 'N' Scratches in Liverpool about the severity of your car’s paint scratches in advance of starting your task otherwise it may be a wasted effort.   They will be happy to advise and even give you a price to see if it is worth your time and effort.  They also carry out car body repairs, car dent repairs, alloy wheel repairs, car bumper repairs and they will be happy help with any of these repairs.

Call Joe - Scuffs 'N' Scratches Ltd, 60-61 Love Lane, Liverpool, L3 7DD
0151 493 2600    or 07802 348096 or visit www.scuffsnscratches.co.uk

Honest, reliable and professional service since 1996