It is always advisable to use a garage that comes with a good reputation and quality customer service. You will be able to rely on them to do what is right for your car and to leave it in good condition. Unfortunately, there are many mechanics around who are not especially reliable and who will not necessarily do the right job for you.

At the same time, don’t necessarily just go for the garage with the highest price tag. They may be a specialist dealer for an expensive brand of car, like Bentley or Audi, in which case they will charge higher prices for the privilege of using their services. If you do need to use an approved garage though, make sure they have the competency you require.

Look at reviews of the garage and make sure they deliver good work that people have been pleased with. Ask around for recommendations as well.

Buying a car is no easy task. Finding something within your budget and knowing that it is going to be a good vehicle for you is never going to be simple and foolproof. If you are looking for a car that will do what you need to, you may need to ask an expert.

If you know someone who is a car salesperson, ask them to take a look for you. If not, you may need to ask a professional opinion elsewhere. If you are thinking of buying through a dealer, look in other dealerships as well to get a good idea of costs and how they will compare.

Check things like the mileage to see that they tall up with the official documentation from the DVLA and from previous owners. If a car has particularly low mileage, check whether it looks in keeping with the rest of the car’s wear and tear, such as the pedal rubbers and gear knob.

Steering issues are relatively common in cars. They can be dangerous if they progress to far, so it’s important to make sure you get the issue checked out as soon as it appear. This is important for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users. Here are some of the things to look out for:

• Liquid underneath the vehicle. This could be indicative of a leaking power steering system. Check to see if you can spot where the liquid is coming from.
• A crunching or grinding sound when steering. This could be a problem with plates inside the steering system, or it could be indicative of a lack of power steering fluid.
• The car doesn’t seem to be moving the way you want it to. This could be an issue with wheel alignment, rather than the steering itself. It also could be a problem with your tyres, so get these checked first.

Often, damage to your car will not be your fault. Someone might cause you to have a car accident through their driving, or they may damage your vehicle accidentally whilst parking or driving round a corner. This is what you should do in these circumstances:

• Get the other person’s details. Ask for a name, contact number and insurance details. They should either cover the cost of the damage themselves or they should use their insurance policy to cover it.
• Make a note of their registration. This is especially important if you think that they might drive off without owning up to the damage they have caused to your vehicle.
• Find a local garage and get some quotes. If the person is paying for the damage privately, get some quotes so you know what they will owe you.

If you find your care has been damaged whilst you are away from it, get some quotes. You could claim on your insurance but if the damage is minimal, it may be cheaper in the long run to repair it yourself.

A car is one of the most important purchases you will ever make. It will be one of the most expensive things you own, for starters (probably the only thing more expensive will be your house). It’s therefore imperative that you make the right decision when choosing your next vehicle.

Weigh up the pros and cons of different models. If you want a car that looks stylish and modern, think about a sports car. However, make sure this is a practical choice for you. A people carrier may be more suitable for you if you have 3 children and 2 dogs!

That’s not to say that there isn’t a compromise. Many cars, like landrovers and rangerovers, are now seen as something of a fashionable brand. New models of these cars have been brought out to appeal to younger people who crave style and elegance. See what deals can be done on brands like these.