Car Maintenance
Best car drying cloths 2024![drying cloth on car bonnet](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--IZnc32fY--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562245833/autoexpress/2018/01/remote-car-products-c-michael-bailie-17-0769.jpg)
![drying cloth on car bonnet](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--IZnc32fY--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562245833/autoexpress/2018/01/remote-car-products-c-michael-bailie-17-0769.jpg)
Best car drying cloths 2024
Which products make a clean sweep in the drying stakes and which should throw in the towel? Our test reveals all
22 Jul 2024
Part worn tyres: buying advice and test vs new tyres![Worn tyre](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--BL-p9dMd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562243606/autoexpress/2016/10/tyre-test-1229.jpg)
![Worn tyre](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--BL-p9dMd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562243606/autoexpress/2016/10/tyre-test-1229.jpg)
Part worn tyres: buying advice and test vs new tyres
Depending on who you ask, part-worn tyres are either a great money-saver or a risky gamble. But should you buy part-worn tyres and what are the risks …
19 Jul 2024
Best pressure washers for cleaning your car![Alloy wheel being cleaned with pressure washer](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--yoaGFq9B--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1677254085/autoexpress/2023/02/Best%20pressure%20washers%202023.jpg)
![Alloy wheel being cleaned with pressure washer](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--yoaGFq9B--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1677254085/autoexpress/2023/02/Best%20pressure%20washers%202023.jpg)
Best pressure washers for cleaning your car
We fire up ten pressure washer rivals to discover which cleans up when it comes to washing a car
18 Jun 2024
Best plier sets 2024![Best plier sets - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--rgUJuXSa--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717670776/autoexpress/2024/06/Best%20plier%20sets%20-%20Pliers%20header%20image_os58iw.jpg)
![Best plier sets - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--rgUJuXSa--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717670776/autoexpress/2024/06/Best%20plier%20sets%20-%20Pliers%20header%20image_os58iw.jpg)
Best plier sets 2024
We get a grip on eight sets to see which should be in your tool box
6 Jun 2024
How much does a car wash cost? Automatic car wash, hand car wash and do it yourself prices compared![Auto Express contributor Tom Barnard sitting in the Mazda 3's boot](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--bPCxKDaQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717512173/autoexpress/2024/06/Mazda%203%20car%20wash.jpg)
![Auto Express contributor Tom Barnard sitting in the Mazda 3's boot](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--bPCxKDaQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717512173/autoexpress/2024/06/Mazda%203%20car%20wash.jpg)
How much does a car wash cost? Automatic car wash, hand car wash and do it yourself prices compared
Can cleaning your motor by hand, rather than at a car wash, save you money? We did all the calculations to find out
4 Jun 2024
Car Product Awards 2024: the best kit for your car![Product Awards 2024 - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--17fNFtS4--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1716218181/autoexpress/2024/05/Product%20Awards%202024%20-%20header%20image_htfp8z.jpg)
![Product Awards 2024 - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--17fNFtS4--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1716218181/autoexpress/2024/05/Product%20Awards%202024%20-%20header%20image_htfp8z.jpg)
Car Product Awards 2024: the best kit for your car
From waxes and washes to tyres and tools, the top kit for your car
20 May 2024
Car exhaust smoke: what do the different kinds and colours of smoke mean?![Car exhaust emitting grey smoke](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ONX29ACt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715874303/autoexpress/2024/05/Car%20exhaust%20smoke.jpg)
![Car exhaust emitting grey smoke](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ONX29ACt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715874303/autoexpress/2024/05/Car%20exhaust%20smoke.jpg)
Car exhaust smoke: what do the different kinds and colours of smoke mean?
Is your car suffering from a smoky exhaust? Our troubleshooting guide tells you the causes and what you need to do to fix it
16 May 2024
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How to change a car battery and choose the right battery for your car![Car battery](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--nmIQA1ix--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715705003/autoexpress/2024/05/Car%20Battery.jpg)
![Car battery](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--nmIQA1ix--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715705003/autoexpress/2024/05/Car%20Battery.jpg)
How to change a car battery and choose the right battery for your car
Here’s everything you need to know about changing your car’s 12V battery
14 May 2024
Best kneeler mats and pads 2024![Best kneeler mats and pads header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--c44IMkyh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562246158/autoexpress/2018/04/1_kneelers-header-1.jpg)
![Best kneeler mats and pads header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--c44IMkyh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562246158/autoexpress/2018/04/1_kneelers-header-1.jpg)
Best kneeler mats and pads 2024
The best kneeling pads and mats protect you from cold, dirty floors when doing car DIY. We test eight to crown a champion
7 May 2024
Best snow foam lances 2024![Best snow foam lance - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--z0XXzFSU--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1714392400/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20snow%20foam%20lance%20-%20header%20image_xm1hqj.jpg)
![Best snow foam lance - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--z0XXzFSU--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1714392400/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20snow%20foam%20lance%20-%20header%20image_xm1hqj.jpg)
Best snow foam lances 2024
We reveal the biggest hits, plus the ones bubbling under
29 Apr 2024
Record complaints about car repairers blamed on cost-of-living crisis by garage watchdog![Record complaints about car repairers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--suqOqeHl--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1713879787/autoexpress/2024/04/The-Motor-Ombudsman-reports-highest-quarterly-volume-of-service-and-repair-case-submissions_wm4x8v.jpg)
![Record complaints about car repairers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--suqOqeHl--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1713879787/autoexpress/2024/04/The-Motor-Ombudsman-reports-highest-quarterly-volume-of-service-and-repair-case-submissions_wm4x8v.jpg)
Record complaints about car repairers blamed on cost-of-living crisis by garage watchdog
The Motor Ombudsman has recorded its highest quarterly number of complaints about garage repairs, with rising financial pressures cited as the driving…
23 Apr 2024
Best cordless drills 2024![Best cordless drills 2024 - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--VPzZjdXu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1713787555/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20cordless%20drills%202024%20-%20header%20image_whlxdi.jpg)
![Best cordless drills 2024 - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--VPzZjdXu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1713787555/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20cordless%20drills%202024%20-%20header%20image_whlxdi.jpg)
Best cordless drills 2024
We drill down to find the best tool for your money...
22 Apr 2024
Electric car charging in the UK![Fiat 500 connected to a Gridserve rapid charger](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--K80C5_ha--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1653572213/autoexpress/2022/05/Rapid%20charging%20Fiat%20500.jpg)
![Fiat 500 connected to a Gridserve rapid charger](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--K80C5_ha--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1653572213/autoexpress/2022/05/Rapid%20charging%20Fiat%20500.jpg)
Electric car charging in the UK
Keeping your EV battery topped-up is easier than ever. Here’s all you need to know about charging an electric car today
9 Apr 2024
Best inspection lamps 2024![Best LED inspection lamps - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--o8iSnKOs--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1712139108/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20LED%20Inspection%20lamps%20-%20header%20image_zzkzrq.jpg)
![Best LED inspection lamps - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--o8iSnKOs--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1712139108/autoexpress/2024/04/Best%20LED%20Inspection%20lamps%20-%20header%20image_zzkzrq.jpg)
Best inspection lamps 2024
Which is best at getting light where you need it?
3 Apr 2024
Why your car’s service history really matters![Vehicle service book](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--viTSRzp5--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1712139024/autoexpress/2024/04/Car%20service%20history.jpg)
![Vehicle service book](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--viTSRzp5--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1712139024/autoexpress/2024/04/Car%20service%20history.jpg)
Why your car’s service history really matters
A full service history can add a lot of value to a used car. We explain everything you need to know
3 Apr 2024
Government to investigate car headlight glare as drivers report being dazzled![Full-beam car headlights shining from a distance](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--YABFKe-d--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579633175/carbuyer/2018/11/headlights.jpg)
![Full-beam car headlights shining from a distance](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--YABFKe-d--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579633175/carbuyer/2018/11/headlights.jpg)
Government to investigate car headlight glare as drivers report being dazzled
Almost nine-in-ten drivers think car headlights are too bright and now the Government says it’s looking into the matter
2 Apr 2024
Best hose spray guns 2024![Best hose spray guns - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--qPjl1n2m--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1646238744/autoexpress/2022/03/Hose%20gun%20prod.%20test%20header_avu1lc.jpg)
![Best hose spray guns - header image](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--qPjl1n2m--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1646238744/autoexpress/2022/03/Hose%20gun%20prod.%20test%20header_avu1lc.jpg)
Best hose spray guns 2024
Which unit can handle the pressure of washing a car the best?
20 Mar 2024
Best rechargeable torches 2024![Torch being shone on an engine bay](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s---0SAzIL3--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1643024200/autoexpress/2022/01/Rechargeable%20torches%20-%20header_xrxvcc.jpg)
![Torch being shone on an engine bay](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s---0SAzIL3--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1643024200/autoexpress/2022/01/Rechargeable%20torches%20-%20header_xrxvcc.jpg)
Best rechargeable torches 2024
We put eight LED torches under our test spotlight
5 Mar 2024
Best cordless ratchets 2024![Best cordless ratchets - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--030XeLev--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1707822126/autoexpress/2024/02/Best%20cordless%20ratchets%20-%20header_tgk1qg.jpg)
![Best cordless ratchets - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--030XeLev--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1707822126/autoexpress/2024/02/Best%20cordless%20ratchets%20-%20header_tgk1qg.jpg)
Best cordless ratchets 2024
Help your DIY to take a turn for the better with a cordless ratchet wrench
13 Feb 2024
What's the best engine oil for my car?![Person topping up engine oil](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--de3Lfk1b--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1707412059/autoexpress/2024/02/Topping%20up%20engine%20oil.jpg)
![Person topping up engine oil](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--de3Lfk1b--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1707412059/autoexpress/2024/02/Topping%20up%20engine%20oil.jpg)
What's the best engine oil for my car?
Use our handy guide to find the right engine oil for your car
8 Feb 2024
‘Madcap’ MoT test changes kicked into touch![Mot testing centre sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--OYSQ1AHS--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1706182774/autoexpress/2024/01/MoT%20test%20centre%20sign.jpg)
![Mot testing centre sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--OYSQ1AHS--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1706182774/autoexpress/2024/01/MoT%20test%20centre%20sign.jpg)
‘Madcap’ MoT test changes kicked into touch
The Government cans its plan for two-yearly MoT test, but says diesels could face tougher scrutiny
25 Jan 2024
Best rotary multitools 2024![Best rotary multitools 2021 - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--kOdeqJRy--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562247373/autoexpress/2019/02/rotary-tools-header.jpg)
![Best rotary multitools 2021 - header](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--kOdeqJRy--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562247373/autoexpress/2019/02/rotary-tools-header.jpg)
Best rotary multitools 2024
We round up eight cordless rotary multitools to see which one should be in your garage
23 Jan 2024
Sainsburys plugs-in to the EV charging market with its own Smart Charge brand![Polestar 2 and LEVC TX connected to Sainsburys EV chargers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ub7cU0Xt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705059816/autoexpress/2024/01/Sainsburys%20EV%20chargers.jpg)
![Polestar 2 and LEVC TX connected to Sainsburys EV chargers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ub7cU0Xt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705059816/autoexpress/2024/01/Sainsburys%20EV%20chargers.jpg)
Sainsburys plugs-in to the EV charging market with its own Smart Charge brand
The new Smart Charge brand will put the supermarket among the top five ultra-rapid charging providers in the UK
12 Jan 2024
Best battery chargers 2023/2024![Battery charger testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--O9KBwKHe--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1642090009/autoexpress/2022/01/Product%20group%20test%20battery%20chargers%20-8.jpg)
![Battery charger testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--O9KBwKHe--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1642090009/autoexpress/2022/01/Product%20group%20test%20battery%20chargers%20-8.jpg)
Best battery chargers 2023/2024
We find out which device has the power to keep your car’s battery in tip-top condition
8 Dec 2023
Lotus to take-on Tesla Superchargers with its own ultra-rapid EV charging network![Lotus Flash Chargers - full range of chargers and battery storage systems](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--IsGwwIVk--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1701171835/autoexpress/2023/11/Lotus%20Flash%20Charge%2001.jpg)
![Lotus Flash Chargers - full range of chargers and battery storage systems](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--IsGwwIVk--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1701171835/autoexpress/2023/11/Lotus%20Flash%20Charge%2001.jpg)
Lotus to take-on Tesla Superchargers with its own ultra-rapid EV charging network
The British sports car maker will start rolling out 450kW rapid chargers in Europe next summer
1 Dec 2023
Car paint protection, films and ceramic coatings explained: is it worth it and does your car need it?![Car sealants](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--sxjc2GNh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1604590883/autoexpress/2020/11/Car%20sealant.jpg)
![Car sealants](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--sxjc2GNh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1604590883/autoexpress/2020/11/Car%20sealant.jpg)
Car paint protection, films and ceramic coatings explained: is it worth it and does your car need it?
What is car paint protection, what are the different options and are they worth it?
26 Oct 2023
Wheel bearing noise - what causes it and what to do? ![Kia Rio wheel](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--MinPNtJG--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1610463599/autoexpress/2021/01/Rio-wheel.jpg)
![Kia Rio wheel](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--MinPNtJG--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1610463599/autoexpress/2021/01/Rio-wheel.jpg)
Wheel bearing noise - what causes it and what to do?
If your wheel bearings are noisy they could be worn out. Here’s all you need to know about them
11 Oct 2023
Best car headlight bulbs 2023![Person holding a car lightbulb](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1O6jQzBh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696946314/autoexpress/2023/10/Headlight%20bulb%20testing.jpg)
![Person holding a car lightbulb](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1O6jQzBh--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696946314/autoexpress/2023/10/Headlight%20bulb%20testing.jpg)
Best car headlight bulbs 2023
Our annual test has expanded to cover even more cars
10 Oct 2023
How to change a car tyre![Person using a scissor jack to lift a car](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--XStPxtxR--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1589211879/autoexpress/2020/05/How%20to%20change%20a%20tyre-6.jpg)
![Person using a scissor jack to lift a car](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--XStPxtxR--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1589211879/autoexpress/2020/05/How%20to%20change%20a%20tyre-6.jpg)
How to change a car tyre
Got a flat tyre? Here’s how to safely change over to your spare wheel and get back on the road
4 Oct 2023
Best multibit screwdriver sets 2023![Multi-bit screwdriver testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--87I67PQl--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696336299/autoexpress/2023/10/Multibit%20screwdriver%20set.jpg)
![Multi-bit screwdriver testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--87I67PQl--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696336299/autoexpress/2023/10/Multibit%20screwdriver%20set.jpg)
Best multibit screwdriver sets 2023
We try eight sets to find which bits fit best in your tool box
3 Oct 2023
Engine management light: what is it?![Engine management light showing on a Mazda 6's dashboard](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--i1zwxP7k--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696332848/autoexpress/2023/10/Engine%20management%20light.jpg)
![Engine management light showing on a Mazda 6's dashboard](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--i1zwxP7k--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1696332848/autoexpress/2023/10/Engine%20management%20light.jpg)
Engine management light: what is it?
What should you do when the engine management light comes on, and how do you safely turn it off?
3 Oct 2023
Councils refusing to pay-up for pothole damage to cars![Pothole](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--X_NydKp0--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579621821/carbuyer/2017/10/pothole.jpg)
![Pothole](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--X_NydKp0--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579621821/carbuyer/2017/10/pothole.jpg)
Councils refusing to pay-up for pothole damage to cars
27 per cent of drivers suffered pothole damage costing £7.5bn in repairs last year according to a survey, but councils paid out less than £1m compensa…
13 Sep 2023
Best dog smell removers for cars: air fresheners to eliminate wet dog odour![Dog odour remover - teaser](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--p9saoGal--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1692964125/autoexpress/2023/08/Dog-odour-remover---teaser_bvnkch.jpg)
![Dog odour remover - teaser](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--p9saoGal--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1692964125/autoexpress/2023/08/Dog-odour-remover---teaser_bvnkch.jpg)
Best dog smell removers for cars: air fresheners to eliminate wet dog odour
Do you need professional help to completely rid your car of doggy smells, or could a DIY alternative do the job?
25 Aug 2023
Recycled car parts: sourcing, quality and how much you could save![eBay used car parts](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--hUMjRU3Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1683042843/autoexpress/2023/05/eBay%20used%20car%20parts-3.jpg)
![eBay used car parts](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--hUMjRU3Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1683042843/autoexpress/2023/05/eBay%20used%20car%20parts-3.jpg)
Recycled car parts: sourcing, quality and how much you could save
We visit the vehicle recycling centre that’s changing the face of scrap dealers and promoting component recycling in the process
23 Aug 2023