The interior of your home or your car needs some personalized touches to have a warm and inviting look.

The interior of the car is important as it is the area where you actually spend all of your time. Choosing from the right accessories & keeping it clean are just so of the many ways you can add to the comfort of your driving experience.

You must be careful about the textures and materials of all the accessories so that they blend into an overall ambience to create a harmonious effect. At the same time the interior of the car should match its stylish exterior too.

The choice of the accessories has important role to play. Starting from the seat cover to floor mats and dash covers to cargo liners or audio systems, mirrors or steering wheels. You can make huge difference to your car interior by being a bit creative. How? Here are a few useful tips.

1. The seat is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the interior of your car. Using a seat cover, you can bring a difference in the look of the car interior from time to time. However, those who want a more sophisticated look can go for leather upholstery. These days, vinyl materials are used extensively as a cheaper alternative of the leather.
2. To make a lavish statement consider using customized door knobs, dashboard covers and console. Fiber glass can help you to create a color coordinate look for the dash and door panels along with a customized audio system.
3. Now choose a carpet to complement the other accessories. If you like a sporty look, you can choose from several neon color shades which have become hugely popular these days.
4. However, the final magic is done by lighting. Light emitting diodes or other small lights are a good item to create a stylized look; to make a trendier statement, make use of colored lights, colored LEDs and mood lights in strategic places of your car. For more enhanced effect, place the lights in the headliners and cupholders.
5. To make your car interior even more comfortable and relaxing consider using orthopedic cushions, different types of customized storage solutions, steering wheel covers and sun shades.

Most of the on road hazards of car break down can be avoided simply by knowing your vehicle better, how different parts work and their importance in the overall running of the car.

When you know the parts of your car, it will be easier for you to do a few quick checks before you hit the road. You will be rewarded through these basic maintenance efforts by getting a stress free ride without the fear of a mechanical failure in the middle of nowhere.

According to the AA (http://www.theaa.co.uk) and the RAC (http://www.rac.co.uk) car battery troubles are one of the major contributors to car breakdowns.

It is true that modern day automobiles have become far more complex in their mechanical aspects. But it is also true that their maintenance has also become easier than the past. For example, modern car batteries are claimed to be maintenance-free. Still, it is recommended that you simply keep any eye to see how things are working out. This is because over time they become weaker and can give you trouble starting the car. Extreme cold and heat adversely affect their functionality.

A little maintenance can save you from major troubles. Here are a few useful tips to help you avoid the battery troubles:

• Check the terminals and cables at regular intervals to see whether they have become dirty loose, or corroded. These are precisely the factors that drain power out of batteries and prevent it from charging.
• Using commercial cleaner can be a solution to this problem; alternatively you can also use a homemade mixture of baking soda and water.
• Batteries today commonly come with a guarantee period of five years. Keep in mind when the guarantee period will be over, as batteries may lose their functionality at the end of this period. It will be wiser if you go for a timely replacement of your car battery as a measure of preventive maintenance.
• When you replace the battery make sure the new battery is as high in standard as the one originally specified.
• Also be sure the car electrical system is charging at the correct rate; both overcharging and undercharging reduces the battery life.

Beware car owners!! Summer is the season for facing some of the worst battery problems. So keep our tips in mind to reward your car with a trouble free battery.

If You Need To Change a Wheel

1. Get your vehicle off the road to a layby or other safe area.
2. Where possible the vehicle should be on a solid, flat surface.
3. If you are at the side of a road use reflective warning triangles some distance behind your vehicle.
4. Use wood or stones/brick to chock the wheel that’s diagonally opposite the one you are changing.
5. Using a wheel brace, slacken each bolt on the wheel.
6. Fit the jack onto the nearest ‘jacking’ point (check manual)
7. Slacken the wheel nuts.
8. Jack the car up until the wheel you are changing is no longer touching the ground.
9. Remove the wheel nuts and then the wheel.
10. Replace with spare wheel, and follow the procedure in reverse, ensuring all wheel nuts are securely tightened.

On no account should you be underneath the vehicle when it is on a jack!

Three good habits to get into are:

1. Check and change the oil regularly
2. Ensure tyre pressure is correct
3. Book car in for regular servicing

It is also important to be aware of :

• Lights – are they all working? If there is one that is not then replace the bulb, but if both lights are out replace the fuse.
• Tyres – there is a legal minimum tread depth (outer edge of 10p piece). Poor steering, cornering and braking could indicate bald or under-inflated tyres.
• Wipers – ensure they clear the windscreen for sufficient visibility, and keep topped up with wiper fluid.
• Brakes – ensure there is no leaked brake fluid in the footwells that could indicate a leak. To check brakes, pump the brake pedal until it is rigid and hold your foot on it. If it gives way there may be a leak. Also, if the brake pedal feels loose, spongy and unresponsive, there may be air in the system.
• Cooling System – there needs to be sufficient water and antifreeze in the system or it could cause extensive damage to the engine. Keep an eye on the level and top up with pre-prepared mix of one third anti-freeze and two thirds water to the maximum level.
• Shock Absorbers – check these by pushing down hard on each corner of the car and letting go- the car should go back into position smoothly and not bounce.
• Rust – you can check for this by looking at the bottoms of the doors and around the wings. However, rust in main structural areas in checked during an MOT.
• Exhaust – Any rough or loud sounds may indicate a hole. This will need repaired as it will cause the vehicle to be inefficient. During MOT’s, fuel emissions will be checked to ensure the correct levels of gases.
• Oil – You should aim to check the oil level once every two weeks. Do this by pulling out the dipstick (check manual if you are unsure where it is), wiping it clean and putting it back in fully. Remove it again and look to see where the oil level comes to. If it is under the bottom (minimum) mark, the oil needs topped up. Make sure you use the correct oil type for your car (check manual) and, using the oil filler cap, pour small amounts in continually checking the level with a clean dipstick, until it reaches maximum.
• Oil Change – This is very important and should be done at every service or every 10 000 miles.

For Added Efficiency from Your Car

• Drive at a steady speed of 50 mph.
• Avoid lots of short trips – they don’t allow the engine to heat up properly and use more fuel.
• Change gear quickly – don’t rev the engine.
• Choose the type of tyre carefully – some are more fuel efficient than others
• Make sure you always have sufficient tread on your tyres.
• Use a multi-grade oil.
• Keep all vehicle fluid levels topped up.
• Always use an authorised repairer/ garage.* Interestingly, by properly maintaining your car you can reduce you contribution to ozone pollution while at the same time saving yourself up to 20% on the annual cost of fuel *

It is irritating when you are left stranded by a broken down car, but it can also be a frightening and dangerous experience. Car breakdown cover is something that you may want to consider, whether you use your vehicle to go to and from work or just for personal use.

For a set amount, you can ensure that in the event of your vehicle breaking down, there will be someone to call who will take care of you and your car at any time of the day or night. Many companies offering breakdown cover also offer car insurance, and you may be eligible for a discount if you take out both.

There are a number of different types of breakdown cover, from basic roadside recovery to a package that includes accommodation and onward travel, and companies vary in their pricing and policy details. Here are the details of a few well-known companies offering car breakdown cover:

The AA

• The AA have a breakdown promise to fix your car by the road or get you another one.
• They currently fix 8 out of 10 cars at the roadside.
• If you call for help from a mobile, they will send you a text message to let you know that a patrol is on its way.
• Currently gets to members within 35 minutes of receiving the call, on average.
• Get immediate cover, and receive membership card and pack within 14 days.

The AA offer 4 different options for breakdown cover

Option 100

Roadside help at least a quarter of a mile from your home

If the problem is not immediately repairable, transport of you and your vehicle home or to the nearest garage- or provide a courtesy car for 24 hours.

Option 200

Roadside help as in Option100

Relay – If prompt repair is not possible, transport of you and up to 7 passengers home or to any mainland destination.

Option 300

Roadside recovery and Relay as in Option 200.

Home Start- help within a quarter of a mile of your home.

Option 400

Roadside, Relay and Homestart as in Option 300.

Relay Plus- provides replacement car, overnight accommodation or onward travel if a local repair is not possible.

The RAC

The RAC offers a basic Roadside recovery package plus 4 additional options for breakdown cover.

Roadside

Covers you anywhere in the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at least quarter of a mile from your home.

Provides roadside assistance or a tow to a nearby garage.

Solution One

Cover as in Roadside

Transport of you, your car and up to 7 passengers to any UK destination (if local repair is not possible in reasonable time).

You can build a no call-out discount, where you can receive a 10% discount on next years membership. This increases to a total of 50% discount over 5 years.

Free 28 point car check. Designed to keep you on the road by checking the areas most likely to cause the car to break down.

Solution Two

Cover as in Solution One, plus breakdown assistance outside your home.

Solution Three

As in Solution Two, plus transport of you, your car and up to 7 others to any Uk destination (if car can’t be fixed locally within reasonable time)

Solution Four

As in Solution Four, plus transport of car to any UK destination

Replacement car for up to 3 days

Or overnight accommodation

Or onward travel by taxi or plane up to a maximum of £150 per person or £500 for a group (depending on which is cheapest)

Tips to Help you Choose

• Decide what you need/want in a car breakdown package:
• Do you travel long distances, and more likely to need courtesy car availability or cover for travel costs?
• Do you tend to travel short distances and use the car less often, so perhaps only need a more basic package of roadside recovery?
• How much can you afford to pay for car breakdown cover?
• Would you consider taking out car insurance with that company, or do you already have a policy with them, and qualify for a discount?
• Do you want to pay monthly, or make a one-off payment only?
• How long do you need cover?
• How many people is the breakdown cover for- is it single, joint or family?
• Shop around to get an idea of prices and types of cover, either by phone, in car magazines or on the internet.
• Some companies offer a discount for cover arranged over the internet.
• Always check the conditions and exclusions. Some companies may seem cheap, but there may be a lot of hidden costs, so take time and look carefully.

Car Breakdown Cover Websites

www.greenflag.co.uk

www.gemrecovery.co.uk

www.norwichunion.com

www.theaa.com

www.rac.co.uk

Breakdown Cover - Find Car breakdown cover for cars, motorcycles, motorised caravans, light vans, estate cars, and 4×4 sport utility vehicles. Cover can also include roadside assistance insurance, vehicle recovery, homestart cover, and European cover. Get an instant car breakdown quote online to arrange for cover….  

Car Breakdown Cover - Compare Breakdown Covers from the AA, RAC, Green Flag and more. Find a complete guide to vehicle breakdown cover and recovery. Each company guide gives an in depth look at the company, highlighting the services they offer, its vehicle patrols, the pros and cons of choosing breakdown cover with them and the rating it gets…