58 | APRIL 2022
Motoring
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
SQUEEZED BRITAIN :
MOST EXPENSIVE CAR PARTS TO REPLACE
Amid the current cost of living crisis , the last thing that cash-strapped drivers need is an expensive garage bill which could cost hundreds of pounds or even more than £ 1,000 when something goes wrong on their vehicle . It ’ s not just the part itself that can prove costly - there is also labour to factor in and the potential for other car problems to be uncovered at the garage .
Here are LeaseCar . uk ’ s guide to the most common and expensive car parts that might need changing :
Head gasket : the role of the head gasket is to keep the combustion chambers , oil and cooling systems separate . If it fails , it can lead to some dramatic symptoms such as blue smoke coming from the exhaust and the potential for oil and water to get into the cylinders . The cost is less about the car part itself , but the labour and skill needed to replace it as it is quite a complex mechanical process .
Clutch : learner drivers are often told to avoid getting into bad habits such as ‘ riding the clutch ’ when they are on the road as it can cause unnecessary wear and tear . It can cost more than £ 1,000 for a clutch assembly replacement , but in view of the huge amount of gear changing that goes on in the life of a manual car , this cost can often be anticipated after a certain amount of miles driven .
ECU replacement : with so much of our modern day cars relying on electronic systems - be it for windows , temperature control or other things , one item you want to be reliable at all times is the ECU ( Engine Control Unit ).
Catalytic converter : this can cost a huge amount to replace , as it contains specialist materials such as palladium , rhodium and gold .
Timing belt : This is critical to the smooth running of the vehicle , connecting the crankshaft in the base of the engine with the camshaft in the top , but if it begins to slip , can cause internal and expensive damage to the engine .
Starter motor : if you start your car and the ignition doesn ’ t work , it is common to assume that you might have a flat battery , especially if the car has been standing for a while . However , on closer inspection at the garage , it could be a faulty starter motor .
Alternator : if you do a lot of mileage , then one of the most common expensive car parts which can fail after racking up thousands of miles is the alternator . If it gives up the ghost , it means the car ’ s entire electrical system also fails .
WATCH THE WINDOWS :
Eight things which could null your insurance
Reading and understanding the intricacies of car insurance policies is essential as there are several things such as the wrong home address that can invalidate the policy .
Not only can these things void insurance policies and cause an inability to claim – but they can also carry hefty financial penalties and sometimes legal ramifications too .
Misjudging your mileage
When filling out any insurance policy it will ask you to estimate your annual mileage and this needs to be as accurate as possible . Taking your commute as well as your leisure activities into account will provide a semi accurate number however , it ’ s best to allow some tolerance for those unexpected trips .
New job & Commuting
Make sure to be accurate with your job title because even a subtle difference can affect your policy . Ensuring you ’ re covered to drive to work can stop you from getting in trouble with your insurer .
Change of address
The location in which you live has an effect on your premium , this is for a variety of reasons including crime and traffic density . By changing your address and not informing your insurer , you could be getting a cheaper premium and this can invalidate your policy .
Looking after the vehicle
Keeping your car roadworthy is important not only for road safety but also to ensure your insurance policy remains valid . MOT ’ s and services should be carried out at regular intervals to keep the policy valid .
Window tints
Any modifications made by you or the previous owner before taking out a policy must be reported to the insurance provider – no matter how small they may be . If the work is yet to be carried out , it is also essential the modifications stay within the legal limit . For example , window tints on side windows must let at least 70 % of light through . Any more than this and they become illegal .
Fronting
Parents or older drivers who falsely claim they are the main driver of a vehicle when it is in fact a younger , less experienced driver can in fact render the insurance void . Although this often makes insurance policies cheaper for young drivers , it is also illegal .
Declaration of points
Insurance providers must be aware of any current points on your licence – these usually stay on your licence for four years . If you try to claim on your insurance and the provider finds out you haven ’ t declared your points ( or an incorrect amount ) they can refuse to pay out . Driving penalties increase the perceived risk on the road , so it ’ s best to think twice before trying to get a cheap quote .
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