It is a common misconception that the only job of a coolant is to keep a car cool, when in fact water will do nearly as good a job under normal conditions.

Despite the coolant having a higher boiling point, which is becoming more important in modern cars that demand more from their motors, the biggest difference is the corrosion inhibitors and scale retardants. Over time these abilities in the coolant are reduced and the system is left vulnerable to corrosion. This affects the radiator water outlets, core plugs, water pump and cylinder head, all of which can cause the car to be unreliable and subject to overheating.

Repairs to these components can be very costly. Scale and sediment can build up in the system, blocking the radiator and causing overheating. By flushing the system regularly and using a high quality coolant, you reduce the risk of blockages and corrosion.

If it has been some time since any work has been done to your vehicle's cooling system, it may be necessary to remove the radiator for servicing and replace the thermostat.

It is also recommended that only distilled or filtered water be used, since it is free of impurities and will help extend the life of your engine.

Tires with less than the correct amount of inflation will cause your fuel consumption to increase.

Unbalanced and incorrectly aligned wheels may cause your car to pull to one side when driving. Apart from this being dangerous, it will lead to premature wear and the early replacement of your car tires as well as the suspension.

Keeping your tires correctly inflated and making sure that they are correctly aligned will improve your car's fuel consumption and provide you with an effortless driving experience, especially in situations of quick maneuvering.

Brake fluid is often overlooked even though it can have grave consequences in an emergency situation. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, which means it readily absorbs moisture from the air even when your car is not being used.

The high temperatures generated from modern braking systems can rapidly raise this moisture to a boiling point, causing a spongy and inefficient brake pedal.

The problem with this is that the symptoms may not be evident until it is too late.

To avoid this, your brake fluid should be changed every two years regardless of how far you have driven.

Cars under a new car warranty can be serviced by Bedford Park Motors without affecting your rights under this warranty.

It is important to keep in mind that your warranty is conditional upon you having the vehicle serviced on time (either by the miles driven or the date, whichever comes first) and as required by the manufacturer's handbook, regardless of whether it is done by Bedford Park Motors, the vehicle dealer or another repairer.

As every manufacturer has different service requirements, some services may be covered by our standard services. however, each vehicle's services should be quoted on an individual basis.

A common practice among drivers is to fill their oil up to the top, as opposed to replacing it at regular intervals.

Although a car needs to have an optimum amount of oil "full upon your engines dipstick," it also needs to have clean oil to lubricate the many moving parts of the engine. Oil is given a life span of approximately 3,000 miles, after which it loses its efficiency in keeping your car running smoothly.

Old oil may contain impurities that may lead to premature engine wear and possibly a costly engine replacement.

With any new car purchase, you need to know what you are paying for. If you are unsure of what to look for or how to spot potential problems, the purchase of a car may end up costing you more than you expected.

Bedford Park Motors can provide an overview of your intended purchase, outlining current and possible future faults. Note that this service only provides an opinion regarding the vehicle's physical condition, and does not in any way recommend actions regarding your purchase.