Did you know that around 80% of cars can be recycled? That’s quite a large statistic and it’s something not everyone is aware of.

With a growing 18% of the world’s population using a form of vehicle to get from A to B, we must understand the importance of recycling our cars and the benefits that come with doing so. Most of these link to environmental factors such as reducing landfill and reducing energy which is harmful to our planet.

Of the many ways to reduce pollution and combat climate change, it seems as though recycling is one of the easier strategies for us to carry out successfully. With more people jumping on board with this, landfill pile-ups are becoming smaller than they once were in the past.

So, let’s delve into some useful facts about recycling your vehicle and find out just how you could help tackle climate change by doing so.

1. There’s more to auto recycling than crushing cars

Before a car is recycled, there’s a lot of work that goes into depolluting and dismantling it before it’s crushed. Fluids that could be harmful to the environment, including fuel, brake fluid, and even windscreen washer fluids, are safely removed from the vehicle. This is to ensure no chemicals are leaked.

Once the fluids are removed, the vehicle can then be dismantled. All parts that are still in good condition are salvaged for reuse to reduce waste and to get the maximum life out of them. After the vehicle has been dismantled, the car is ready to be crushed!

Interested in recycling your car? Find more info here.

2. 27 million cars are recycled across the globe each year

It’s no wonder that with 27 million cars recycled each year they are classed as the most recycled product in the world. From batteries to windscreen wipers, 95% of our cars can be reused once we’ve finished with them.

Did you know that recycling metal uses around 75% less energy than creating new metal? That’s a huge amount of energy saved when you take into account the number of cars that are recycled each year.

3. Recycling cars has boosted our economy

The more cars that are recycled, the more work that’s needed for the process.

Auto recycling has created a positive boost for the worldwide economy over the years, with almost 800,000 workers employed in the automotive industry in the UK alone. As the majority of the work requires hard labour, the number of employees in the recycling business is only growing more and more.

So, not only does recycling our cars reduce our carbon footprint, it has also created hundreds of thousands of jobs across the globe. A great boost for the economy and our planet!

4. Millions of tonnes of material are saved every year

As cars are predominantly made from metal, it’s obvious that the largest material used for recycling is, of course, metal. To give you a better idea, there are around 14 million tonnes of steel that are recycled annually from end-of-life cars. That’s a shocking amount that would simply go to waste if it wasn’t for auto recycling!

Bonus Fact: Each year, scrap metal buyers divert roughly 145 million tonnes of material from entering landfill. What do they do with all this material? They recycle it and keep it in production!

5. Around 1 million cars are scrapped each year in the UK

A staggering amount of cars are scrapped each year, and this number is only increasing!

If it wasn’t for businesses like Overton Automotive, these cars would pile up in landfill and seriously harm our planet. Toxic chemicals would be released into the environment and millions of tonnes of material would go to waste each year.

You might’ve thought that auto recycling was as simple as crushing cars, or you might’ve been aware of all the work that goes into saving car parts. Either way, these are just some of the eye-opening facts and figures about the auto recycling industry. From reducing our carbon footprint to boosting the economy, it seems to be an industry that is becoming increasingly popular.

Have any questions about recycling your car? Our friendly team are happy to answer any questions you might have. Call us on 01224 722 354 or email us at sales@overton-automotive.co.uk. Or feel free to use our live chat feature where one of our team members will respond as soon as possible.

 

Overton Automotive has worked in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for almost 20 years now. With their mission to ensure safety to the community across Scotland, part of their work includes helping those who need rescuing from vehicle collisions on the road.

Home to some of the most dangerous roads in the UK, areas surrounding Aberdeen are reported to have high fatality rates when it comes to road traffic accidents (RTA). With the help of the incredible Fire and Rescue Service, the number of fatalities from RTA has decreased from 123 casualties in 2009 to 60 in 2021 across Scotland (Source: Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics, 2021).

Overton Automotive is so proud to support the fire and rescue team by supplying vehicles to every fire station within the Grampian region. The supply of our vehicles allows the firefighters to gain hands-on experience within their road safety training. It gives them the opportunity to practise the extraction of casualties in a controlled and safe environment, before being called out to assist with real RTA.

Our vehicles are also used in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service training centre to help recruits complete their initial training. This allows them to train with vehicles on fire and the extraction of drivers/passengers from vehicles.

Not only have we provided the team with vehicles at their stations and training sites, but we’ve also previously welcomed the fire department into our Aberdeen site. Here we set up a multi-vehicle and heavy plant machinery exercise, allowing them to practise working with other vehicles including buses and motorcycles. We are so pleased to have supported the team with a varied training experience, allowing them to cover all eventualities they may come across when attending an RTA.

With some of the worst roads in Scotland, Overton Automotive is proud to be able to support our fire service and firefighters with their training needs, and we are so glad to help them with the training they need to save lives on the road.

 

Since 2001, Overton Automotive has supported Aberdeen and Fraserburgh North East Scottish College (NESCOL) to help train the next generation of mechanics and vehicle technicians.

The college’s mission is to provide individuals, businesses, and communities in the North East of Scotland with the 21st-century skills needed to become experts in their chosen industry. They teach a wide range of courses to help educate the younger members of the community and to build their future careers.

 

 

With our mission to be at the forefront of sustainability, we’ve supported NESCOL for over 20 years to ensure young mechanics come through the ranks in the auto recycling industry. In doing so, we’ve supplied the college with vehicles that are both complete and accident-damaged, alongside mechanically damaged vehicles to help with the training of the students. Along with the damaged vehicles, we’ve also supplied the staff and students with loose panels for panel beating classes, and engine and mechanical loose parts for an in-depth mechanical experience.

In 2016, years ahead of the End-Of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV), we supplied the college with a Renault Zoe electric vehicle to help with their training. The car allowed the students to be at the forefront of their education as we equipped them with the resources needed to work with the most modern vehicles.

As well as this, every quarter we donate 2 vehicles to NESCOL and help to welcome students on career days and other events at the college campuses. We support them in gaining a deeper insight into the various elements of work we do at Overton Automotive. This allows them to see the vast number of roles we have on-site, which could potentially be their future career.

Overton Automotive is proud to have been one of the first businesses on board with ELV in Aberdeen to ensure the trainees of today’s world could be as successful as possible in their course. We’ve loved inspiring students and helping staff over the years and look forward to continuing our journey with NESCOL for many more years to come.

The benefits of vehicle recycling are endless. It helps the environment, protects wildlife, and it can also make you money! It’s something that’s become increasingly popular over the past decade with landfill piles reducing in size. A great step in the right direction!

With 27 million cars recycled each year, it’s important to know exactly what car parts you should be recycling to help save our planet. So, here are 6 of the key car materials us at Overton recycle correctly.

 

1. Metal

The majority of an average car is made up of metal, with the most common metal in car manufacturing being steel (found in brakes, engine, exhaust, wheels, and roofs). Steel is popular due to its durability, low price, and the fact it’s easy to work with. 

At Overton Automotive, we’ll take in your scrap vehicle and remove all the components before crushing it. The metal will then be processed for metal recycling through processes of magnetic separation, detinning and melting.

Parts such as axles, handles and other scrap metal can be sold to scrap metal companies where they’ll melt down the metal so it can be reused. So, the metal from your car could turn into just about anything, from electronics and medical equipment, to jewellery and other transportation devices.

 

2. Plastic Components

The second most common material found in vehicles is plastic, with around 40 different types of plastic in a car, and 10,000 parts on a car being plastic. Not only that, plastic is becoming a more popular use of material due to its lighter weight and better mileage, accounting for as little as 10% of an average car’s weight.

Plastic components can be found in both the interior and exterior, from parts such as bumpers and lift gates, to door panels and lighting.

Unfortunately, plastic waste is still such a large issue which we are tackling as a planet. Although when recycling your vehicle, there are specific methods for depolluting and shredding the plastic into smaller pieces to help tackle this issue. They are then sent to recycling centres to be turned into various pieces of equipment. 

So whether your dashboard is turned into a lunch box, a shampoo bottle or a toy, you can guarantee they’ll be repurposed into something useful.

 

3. Tyres

Did you know that around 50 million vehicle tyres are discarded each year in the UK? Because of this staggering number, tyres were actually banned from being dumped in landfill sites back in 2002. 

Since then, the UK has ensured that 100% of tyres are now recycled, in various ways, in order to help save the planet. Due to the nature of the material and the chemicals in tyres, they can be difficult to break down like other car components. 

Tyres are great for refurbishing or shredding into new products. When mixed with asphalt, shredded tyres can be used for roadway construction. Rubberised asphalt makes for a safe material for roads as it’s skid-resistant and improves night time visibility for drivers.

Did you know that shredded tyres can also be recycled into fuel? Using high-temp pyrolysis technology the tyres can be converted into oil for our vehicles.

According to Michelin, “car tyre disposal leads to around 30 million tons of tyres being replaced and potentially thrown away every year, worldwide!” Hence the importance of recycling old tyres.

 

4. Battery

Like most other components, your vehicle battery can’t be recycled at home. By law it must be recycled properly as they contain hazardous materials, such as lead and sulphuric acid, that could harm the environment. 

Bringing your old car battery to Overton Automotive for recycling is great for both you and the environment. Once removed from the vehicle, the batteries are collected by a licensed treatment company and each component of the battery is taken out including the lead, silver, acidic water and plastic. These are then all separated. 

The process of recycling a car battery involves the acid in the water to be chemically neutralised and purified. The lead and silver are melted to be reused as battery components, while the plastic is melted into pellets. These are then used for battery cases.

 

5. Engines

One of the more complex parts to recycle due to its many components is a vehicle’s engine. However, it’s much cheaper to recycle and reuse old engine parts than to produce a brand new one from scratch. It’s also a crucial step in reducing waste and conserving resources in the automotive industry.

Once an end-of-life engine has been taken into a recycling facility, it can then be disassembled to separate the different components, such as metal parts, plastic and rubber parts, and other materials. The separated components are sorted and graded based on their quality and material type, and the engine block and other larger metal parts are shredded into smaller pieces for easier processing. The shredded metal is melted in a furnace to produce clean scrap metal, which can be used to make new products.

Reuse and repurposing is a significant part of the engine recycling process. The different materials from the engine, such as steel, aluminium, and copper, are used to make new products, such as new engines or other automotive parts. This not only reduces waste but also conserves resources, as recycled materials require less energy to produce than new materials.

 

6. Engine Oil

The same as an engine, engine oil must also be recycled correctly to avoid polluting the environment. Used vehicle oil contains hazardous contaminants, so should never just be poured down the sink. At Overton we aim to depollute all vehicles within two days of arriving on site , we use the appropriate machinery to remove all oils and other fluids from the vehicle prior to dismantling.

The engine oil then undergoes a full process of recycling.

1. The oil is placed in a large settling tank to separate the oil from water.
2. The oil is cleaned by a filtering process which removes any solids and additives.
3. It then undergoes propane de-asphalting to remove any outstanding bitumen elements.
4. Now that the oil has been refined, it’s then distilled to be refined even further to be used as fuel oils, lubricants and raw materials.

 

This should give you a better understanding of what happens to some of the key materials in your car when it is recycled, what they can be reused for, and also how not to dispose of certain parts.

Have any questions about recycling your car? Our friendly team are happy to answer any questions you might have. Call us on 01224 722 354 or email us at sales@overton-automotive.co.uk. 

One of our longstanding and biggest goals at Overton Automotive is to help out and give back to the community where possible. 

Over the years, we’ve given back to the community through various activities and campaigns. From donating end-of-life vehicles to NESCOL college, to supplying vehicles to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we help out in any way we can!

To further underpin our commitment to helping out the local community, we’ve made the decision to support two incredible local charities this year, as chosen by our wonderful employees. 

 

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA)

The first charity Overton Automotive has decided to support is Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA). 

Working alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service, they are Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service. Their incredible work means they are on hand to help save lives when called upon.

The team work tirelessly, 365 days a year to be exact, and respond to hundreds of time-critical call outs every year.

SCAA rely solely on donations from the public, and with their life-saving missions costing them around £2,500, they appreciate all the support they can get.

Overton’s Business Development Manager Mark Boden explains the importance of SCAA’s work.

“Many of the roads and villages in our Northern tip of the country are remote and it is vital that the air ambulance keeps operating in order to reach any emergencies in these areas quickly. It really is a matter of life or death. 

We’re so pleased to be supporting this charity which works in close proximity to our Aberdeen site. ”

 

Charlie House

Our second chosen charity is a wonderful organisation called Charlie House. 

They’re committed to helping babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions. The support they provide is not only for the children, but also the families who care for the children. 

A big part of their work involves arranging activities to help families to gain confidence, engage socially, meet others in a similar situation, share information and to access emotional and practical support when they need it most.

Charlie House is currently campaigning for donations to support their Specialist Support Centre. With a community of over 1,500 babies, children and young people requiring ongoing palliative care support in Grampian, unfortunately, there are limited services available locally. 

Tracy Johnstone, Charlie House Chair, says “The £8m Big Build Appeal will enable us to build the centre, kit it out with all the specialist equipment requirements that the children need and get this fantastic centre operational and running for the first six months. This Specialist Centre will enable the children and their families to make wonderful memories together and live life to the full.”

“This charity is really close to our hearts. It is imperative we help them reach their goal of providing a support centre in the Aberdeenshire area, many families have to travel over 100 miles to get this valuable service now,” says Mark.

 

Overton Automotive is so pleased to be supporting this incredible charity and to help them reach their goal of building The Charlie House Specialist Support Centre. 

Keep an eye out on social media for our charity fundraising events throughout the year and help us to support these fantastic charities. 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’d love to recognise and honour the women in the auto recycling industry who have made significant contributions to the field. 

Despite being a traditionally male-dominated industry, over the years we’ve seen women shattering the stereotypes and barriers to succeed and excel in various roles, including management, sales, and technical positions.

Overton Automotive is lucky to be made up of many skilled and experienced women, each of whom bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the industry. It’s safe to say that each of our female employees have played a vital role in the growth and development of not only the company, but the auto recycling industry as a whole.

In particular, we’d love to highlight the incredible work of two inspirational figures at Overton Automotive. Sarah Allan and Debbie McPherson have been with us for many years now, and have each made such a positive impact on the company.

Here’s a bit about them and what they have to say about working with us.

 

Sarah Allan

I started in 2002 fresh behind the ears as the office apprentice. Just two years later, I took over the main Logistics Manager role. Then in 2007, I became the office manager and in 2011 I joined our parts department to help for 2 weeks due to staff shortage. This turned into nearly 8 years! I started out in the parts department as a parts advisor, then quickly progressed to team leader. Eventually I became manager of the parts department.

I think my main attribute is that I have had experience working in every department within the whole building, including the stores, vehicle collation and inspection. I progressed to sales manager in charge of all parts, store, yard and stripping bay staff. I’ve used my experience to help set up and integrate procedures at our two other sites we acquired. This has been an excellent opportunity for me to utilise those skills and see the other yards take shape with my input.

Although I have worked here over 20 years it feels like a flash in time as my role has always evolved. The industry changes daily and no two days are the same. I absolutely love the varied roles and responsibilities, and (as much as I can sometimes complain about it) I enjoy leading all the staff and looking after them. 

We have a great family atmosphere and all work together really well. I’ve formed some lifelong bonds which has made it an excellent place to work in my eyes.

 

Debbie McPherson

I joined the company in December 2011 as an Admin Assistant in the Logistics office.  Due to business growth and expansion I had to quickly gain the experience needed to progress to the role of Logistics and Purchasing manager, overseeing 4 lorry drivers and 2 members of staff. The role is busy and extremely varied! No two days are the same and it feels like I have been working here moments, not decades.

With the acquisition of our new yard in Lincoln, this meant another career promotion which involves the main office staff, vehicle logistics, admin, auction department, 4 drivers and their daily workload which is generated from my office which is the central hub. My job is busy and testing at times but very rewarding.

I like to think we work in a busy but friendly environment. It can sometimes be stressful but my great singing voice always brings a smile (or possibly a grimace) to fellow workers.

Sarah and Debbie go above and beyond in everything they do to enhance the company and the industry as a whole. So this month, and always, we celebrate and thank all the women who have made a positive impact at Overton Automotive.

 

At Overton Automotive, a longstanding business in the Aberdeen community, we have been modernising and expanding our operations while maintaining a history we are proud of. One way we’ve been doing this is by partnering with the Trinity Centre to reduce our carbon footprint. The Trinity Centre supplies Overton Automotive with used shipping pallets, which we then use as packing material for larger car part orders. This mutually beneficial arrangement helps both businesses dispose of large quantities of wood in an environmentally friendly way.

By reducing our carbon footprint, we’re helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which helps to slow down the rate of climate change. Not only this, reducing our carbon footprint can also have positive impacts on our health. By reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy, we can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

It’s a win-win for both individuals and the environment. By taking action to reduce our emissions, we can help to create a more sustainable and equitable future for ourselves and future generations.

The Easter Egg Appeal

In addition to our eco-friendly practices, Overton Automotive’s team members are also involved in the community. This year, our Ecommerce Team Leader, Scott Fowler, proudly participated in the Trinity Centre’s Easter Egg Appeal. The appeal has been running for over two decades now, and we are so pleased to be a part of it.

The Easter Eggs are collected and distributed to over 80 different organisations including children’s charities, hospitals, hostels, crèches and family centres all in the North East of Scotland.

At Overton Automotive, combining community involvement with environmentally conscious practices is just one way we’re paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Scott says, “With the current business climate in and around Aberdeen, I think it’s great to see local businesses working together no matter the scale to benefit each other and the community they serve.

When Linda reached out to us about the Easter appeal, it was something we were more than happy to contribute to. It has been a tough time over the last few years for a lot of people, and if we can have a positive impact in any way, especially when it comes to children in need, we wholeheartedly support that.

One of the core values of the company is to go above and beyond for our customers and we are just so pleased to be involved with the Easter Appeal.

 We’d love to give a huge thank you to Linda for getting in touch and to all the Trinity Centre staff that help not only us, but countless other businesses.”

If you are visiting the Trinity Centre you can drop your Easter eggs in the giant Egg collection box on the mall floor.

At Overton Automotive, we’re always finding ways to promote and support our employees where possible.

A prime example of someone who has excelled incredibly since joining us is Ziggy. He joined us from Romania where he had been working previously and was new to Aberdeen and the UK. He had a vast amount of experience back in Romania which made him an ideal candidate for our depollution and stripping bay. 

Once Ziggy found his feet, his brother also joined us and they made a formidable team in our bay. It quickly became clear to us that Ziggy was a highly skilled and conscientious worker. All the while with very limited English (we are now pleased to say he is fluent in Aberdonian), he quickly progressed within his role.

After a few years, Ziggy passed his class 1 lorry licence with our support and regularly helps out on the road recovering vehicles. Then just two years ago, he was promoted again, this time to the position of machine operator. Ziggy spends his days on our specialised machine, expertly ripping the wire, engines, and boxes out of vehicles. It’s a highly skilled and precise job, and Ziggy has proven himself to be an invaluable member of our team.

Ziggy loves the variety of work at Overton Automotive and says, “I’ve really been able to broaden my skill set with support and training from the team. I feel like I am part of the family as they have really looked after me and my family since we moved to the UK.”

Here’s what Overton Automotive’s Sarah Allan has to say about Ziggy. 

“We’re so grateful for Ziggy’s hard work, dedication, and continued growth within our company. We’re proud to have employees like Ziggy who are committed to their craft and the success of our business. Thank you, Ziggy, for all that you do!”

Upskilling plays a vital role in the auto recycling industry. It enables professionals to adapt to changes and meet industry standards.

Here at Overton Automotive, we are always looking to upskill opportunities within our business to support any skills shortages in the auto recycling and salvage industry. By continuously learning and developing their capabilities, our employees are contributing to the growth and sustainability of the industry while improving their career prospects.

In more recent times, we have been continuing to focus on bridging the ‘green skills gap’ even more so as it’s apparent there is a large gap in the industry for staff.

One shining example of Overton Automotive’s recent commitment to upskilling its workforce is our dedicated employee, Mark Acton. Mark first joined us in 2015 as a vehicle logistics assistant. However, it soon came to light that he enjoyed working on vehicles in his spare time and has a lot of valuable knowledge and experience in vehicles and green parts.

We made sure his talent wouldn’t go to waste and soon enough Mark was promoted to our parts department and, once our eBay store went live, he became a founding member of our eBay ecommerce team.

In between his roles at Overton Automotive, he’s also helped out massively with removing parts from vehicles. He’s been a huge help and we are so grateful for all he’s done and his incredible hard work throughout the years!

With his positive attitude to learn and keeping the ‘green skills gap’ in mind, we were then delighted to give Mark the opportunity to take the HGV Class 1 drivers training (which we are so proud to announce he has recently passed)! After passing this test, Mark has reached yet another milestone with us as he’s now been promoted to a lorry driver for Overton Automotive.

We really value Mark’s knowledge and experience and are so happy to watch him progress through the company. He’s a brilliant example of how our employees can upskill within the business and it’s absolutely something we are continuing to encourage amongst our team.

Keeping your car in good condition is not only about maintaining its appearance, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring its long-term performance, reliability, and safety. 

Your car is a significant investment, and looking after it properly can help to maximise its lifespan, retain its value, and save you from costly repairs down the line. Taking the time to prioritise regular maintenance and care can go a long way in preserving the functionality and overall condition of your car. 

That’s why we’ve put together 8 top tips for keeping your car in good condition, to help in the long-term.

1. Regular Maintenance & Servicing

Regular maintenance helps to prevent issues and ensures that your car’s components are functioning as they should be.

This includes checking your car’s fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to component damage and affect the performance of your vehicle. You should be checking your oil every couple of weeks, and always before a long car journey.

It’s also important to stick to a regular service schedule. A service looks at the general wear and tear of the car, including:

• Engine Oil and Filter
• Fluid and Coolant Levels
• Brakes
• Tyres
• Battery and Charging System
• Lights and Electrical System
• Air Filter
• Suspension and Steering
• Exhaust System
• Safety Checks

 

Check out the AA for a complete guide to servicing.

 

2. Keep it Clean

Did you know that keeping your car clean can actually extend its life? That’s right, there’s more to cleaning your car than keeping it shiny! A regular clean can extend your car’s lifespan and preserve the value of your vehicle.

Some things you can do to clean your car include:

• Regularly wash and wax to protect the paintwork from dirt, grime, and environmental contaminants
• Clean the interior regularly to prevent stains, odours, and wear. 
• Vacuum the carpets
• Wipe down surfaces (using appropriate cleaning products for different materials)

 

As well as some basic cleaning, a yearly polish is also recommended as it provides a layer of protection and prevents rust from spreading.

 

 

3. Drive Consistently

Leaving your vehicle for long periods of time without driving can significantly impact its health.

When your car is not driven for a while, it puts the battery at risk of going flat. There really are no positives of your battery dying, as it means potentially jump-starting your vehicle. When this happens, it puts an additional strain on the battery and can actually damage the engine management system.

Did you know that the cold temperature affects a car’s battery life significantly too? This means you’ll definitely want to keep driving your vehicle more regularly over the winter months. Read more about how the temperature affects your car’s battery here.

 

4. Drive Smoothly

It might sound obvious, but the way you drive your vehicle can also have an impact on its condition. 

Be mindful of the road ahead and avoid aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding. These actions put unnecessary stress on your car’s components, leading to increased wear and reduced longevity. Instead you should opt for smooth, gradual acceleration and deceleration to reduce any risk of damage to your motor.

 

5. Check Your Tyres

Underinflated and overinflated tyres can affect the condition of your car and also cost you in fuel consumption!

So, it’s important to keep an eye on your tyre pressure and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels to avoid any problems. The correct pressure improves fuel efficiency and the lifespan of your tyre. It’s a good idea to check the pressure every month and before long trips. This will save you from long-term costs.

6. Keep Your Vehicle Light

Any unnecessary weight in your vehicle can put a strain on things like your tyres, brakes and suspension.

Not only that, the heavier your vehicle the higher the emissions you’re putting out there. The average petrol car in the UK produced the equivalent of 170.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre in 2022. However, the heavier the car, the more CO2 emissions it emits. 

Simple things like clearing out the boot and door pockets of any unnecessary items can keep your vehicle’s weight lighter. 

 

7. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

Keeping your fuel at a sensible level and not letting it get too low is essential to keeping your car running smoothly.

When you’re running low on petrol, the fuel pump will start to draw in various bits of debris and sediment that’s stuck at the bottom of the fuel tank. Of course, any unwanted materials are not going to do any good to your car. More specifically, debris can cause clogging and eventually damage the vehicle and stop it from starting.

So, keeping the tank fuel is an easy way to prevent any potential internal damage.

8. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

When a warning light suddenly comes on, never ignore it! 

Warning lights are designed to alert you of any potential issues or malfunctions in your vehicle that require immediate attention. They might suddenly appear for various reasons, such as overheating, tyre pressure, oil pressure, and electrical system faults.

Ignoring warning lights can lead to small issues escalating into major problems. What might have been a simple and affordable repair initially could turn into a costly repair or even result in irreparable damage. 

If the warning light is about something serious, it could also put yourself and any passengers at risk of an accident or injury. So it’s vital to take these seriously and never ignore them.

 

There’s much more to keeping your car in good condition than just keeping it nice and shiny! By following simple steps, like regular maintenance, checking your tyres, keeping your fuel tank full, and driving smoothly, you could really make a difference in keeping your car running efficiently in the long-run!