Latest news with #ClickMechanic
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Cheapest cars to keep on the road with 3 common brands named
With Brits being stung by maintenance costs averaging out at a whopping £756.45 every year, experts have urged drivers to opt for these five trustworthy models which are cheap to fix and maintain Avoid sky-high repair costs with these reliable cars that have been crowned the least expensive to own in 2025. Drawing on more than 300,000 real-world bookings, analysis by ClickMechanic provides expert insight into the true cost of keeping different models on the road. It found the average annual maintenance cost stands at £756.45, which totals a whopping £13,540 over a typical car's lifespan. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive models is substantial, with luxury saloons costing hundreds of pounds more every year to run in comparison to budget hatchbacks. With this in mind, here are the five most economical motors to maintain in 2025: 5. Kia CEED The Kia CEED holds fifth place with an annual maintenance cost of £615. Renowned for its reliability and user-friendly features, the CEED benefits from Kia's strong warranty and quality engineering. This reduces the frequency and cost of repairs over time. Kia's global presence ensures parts are readily available and competitively priced. The CEED's popularity means local garages are familiar with servicing it, making routine maintenance convenient and budget-friendly for owners. 4. Peugeot 2008 SUV The Peugeot 2008 SUV ranks fourth for affordable maintenance, costing £613 annually. Known for its stylish design and practical features, the 2008 is popular among families and city drivers. Its widespread parts availability and Peugeot's extensive dealer network help keep servicing and repairs straightforward and affordable. The model's reliability and efficient engineering also reduce unexpected expenses, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a balance of style and low running costs. 3. Dacia Sandero The Dacia Sandero is the third most affordable car to maintain in the UK according to the study, with an annual upkeep of just £602. Its low maintenance costs are largely due to the Sandero'a simple engineering and inexpensive replacement parts, making repairs straightforward and budget-friendly. Dacia 's reputation for dependability is reinforced by its impressive ranking — sixth out of 31 brands according to analysis done by What Car? in 2024 — giving owners added confidence in the brand's reliability. 2. Vauxhall Grandland X The Vauxhall Grandland X is among the most affordable cars to maintain, with annual upkeep costing just £600 — 22 per cent less than the national average. Vauxhall 's commitment to building practical, straightforward vehicles makes the Grandland X easier and cheaper to service. Additionally, its shared platform with Peugeot models ensures that replacement parts are widely available and reasonably priced, further reducing repair costs. 1. Hyundai i20 The Hyundai i20 is the cheapest car to maintain in the UK, with an annual upkeep of £580 — this works out at 25 per cent below the national average. The Hyundai i20 is designed for reliability and finished fourth out of 24 in its class in What Car?'s 2025 reliability survey. Hyundai as a brand also ranked 10th out of 31 manufacturers for dependability in 2024. To minimise maintenance expenses, regular servicing and preventative checks are key. CEO and Co-founder of ClickMechanic, Andrew Jervis, advises: "The first thing you want to do is stick to a regular service schedule, preventative maintenance can stop bigger problems down the line. It's the same for conducting regular checks, such as tyre pressure and engine oil levels. If these are kept up, it avoids any unnecessary wear and tear." He also recommends driving sensibly, as aggressive driving leads to premature wear. Andrew added: "If you're driving aggressively, like hard braking, navigating through potholes or speed bumps too fast or 'riding' the clutch excessively you should expect premature wear to critical components."
Motor 1
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘How Bad Is This?' Woman Hears a Clink While She's Driving. Then She Pulls Over and IDs the Real Source of the Problem
A woman put the internet in absolute shock when she revealed her brake pad situation. In a viral video, Haley Loughran (@haleyloughran) asks on a scale of 1-10, how bad her brake pad situation is. Spoiler alert, it's bad, real bad. The TikTok has more than 306,200 views as of this writing. How Bad Is the Problem? In her post, Loughran admits to having a big problem with her brake pads. 'I've been saying all week, 'My brake pads need to be changed,'' Loughran shares. Knowing this information, she continued to commute around town as if nothing was wrong. That is, until she went to back out of a parking spot and noticed her car was jerky. The situation triggered her fear that her parking brakes had stopped working. All of a sudden, she heard a clunk sound coming from outside her vehicle. Loughran says she finally got the car to stop and went to inspect what happened. She shows that the brake pad completely fell off the car as she holds it in her hand. She asks how bad the situation is as she holds her brake pad. The brake pad appears extremely thin and worn down. There is visible wear and tear, and the fact that Loughran is casually holding it is bad news. Viewers agree. 'I was not expecting the brake pad to be in the room with us,' one shared. 'You went from needing brake pads to brake pads, rotors and possibly new calipers,' a second said. 'Your brake pad has literally walked off the job. That's how bad it is,' a third wrote. 'Hubs says it's 10 bad…' a fourth consulted. The show and tell of the brake pad is enough evidence to demonstrate that something is definitely wrong. 'Like, that's not supposed to happen, I don't think. Like, brake pads aren't just supposed to fall off,' Loughran concludes. How Thick Should Your Brake Pads Be? 'Brake pads are also not supposed to be this thin,' one viewer commented. Brake pads are typically flat, rectangular pieces of material with a metal backing plate, according to Click Mechanic . For determining the health of a brake pad, thickness is observed, Allstate mentions. New brake pads will measure 10-12 mm thick when first bought, according to AutoZone . The pad material will wear down the more the brakes are used. Replacement is recommended when the pads are 3 mm thick. If brake pads are less than 3 mm thick, it becomes unsafe to drive, and they should be replaced right away. Brakes To Go reports brake pads should be checked every six months or every 15,000 miles. When Should You Change Out Your Brake Pads? Ignoring minor issues with your brakes can turn into major, costly replacements. Considering brakes play a major role in road safety, maintaining them should be at the top of the to-do list. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reports that brake pads typically last 25,000-50,000 miles, depending on where you drive, your driving style, and other factors. Any sign of worn-down brake pads needs to be addressed immediately. Here are a few signs that your brake pads may need to be replaced: A loud squeaking or grinding sound An indicator light comes on The brake pedal vibrates The car takes longer to stop The first thing to notice is sound. If your brakes make either a squeaking or grinding sound, something is wrong. Brake pads are designed to make a noise as an early warning signal that they need to be changed, says J.D. Power . The squeaking sound will be initiated by the wear indicator on the brakes. This indicator is designed to grind against the rotor when the brake pads start to wear out, leading to the noise. If you hear a loud grinding sound like metal rubbing together, well, that's what is happening. KBB reports that some cars have metal indicators that cause this grinding sound to inform the driver that the brakes are worn down. Neither of these sounds will go away, so it's best to address them immediately. Second, some cars have an indicator light on the dashboard that will signal when it's time to replace the brake pads, according to Bridgestone Tire . To find out if your car does, check the owner's manual or find the symbols listed here . The third thing to watch out for is whether the brake pedal vibrates when braking. Many factors can cause this, but it is typically caused by uneven brake pad wear or overheating, causing the adhesion to spread unevenly on the rotors, KBB shares. When this happens, the reason is less important compared to getting it inspected and replaced as soon as possible. The last thing to notice is if your car is taking longer than usual to stop. This one will be more subtle. When stepping on the brake pedal, if it takes longer than usual to come to a complete stop, that is a problem. This extended hold on the brakes can cause more excessive damage to the rotors. Additionally, if the pedal "sinks" toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system, J.D. Power shares. If any of these issues come up, it's wise to get an expert's opinion. Don't drive the brakes off the car like what happened in this viral post. Motor1 has contacted @haleyloughran via TikTok direct message. Now Trending 'Big Facts:' Chevy Driver Says Oil Changes Every 3,000 Miles Are Why He Hit 200,000 Miles. Should You Ignore Dealers' Advice? 'I Would Have Just Cried and Waited for Everyone to Leave:' Woman Tries to Park Ford Expedition at the Airport. It Backfires Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Highway Code: Warning over common speed camera myth in UK
A motoring expert has lifted the lid on whether the widely held belief that drivers can go ten per cent over the speed limit is true or not. For many years, many motorists have believed that there is a '10 per cent +2 rule' when it comes to speed cameras, suggesting that drivers can exceed the speed limit without facing consequences. However, the truth is that it's actually up to the area's individual forces themselves to decide, meaning drivers could find themselves with hefty fines or penalties. Andrew Jervis, CEO of leading online mechanic marketplace Click Mechanic, has urged caution. He said: 'Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not. "Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity. 'They should not be taken as a target that is there to be exceeded, and failure to adhere to the rules of the road can have serious consequences. 'In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces - and not a rule for members of the public. 'The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence but can cause fatal road traffic collisions. 'As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use.' It originates from speed enforcement guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is designed to take into account speed guns used by the police aren't always 100 per cent accurate. However, it is also stated the guidelines 'do not and cannot replace a police officer's discretion', meaning it is no guarantee of avoiding prosecution. Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
South Wales Guardian
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Highway Code: Warning over common speed camera myth in UK
A motoring expert has lifted the lid on whether the widely held belief that drivers can go ten per cent over the speed limit is true or not. For many years, many motorists have believed that there is a '10 per cent +2 rule' when it comes to speed cameras, suggesting that drivers can exceed the speed limit without facing consequences. However, the truth is that it's actually up to the area's individual forces themselves to decide, meaning drivers could find themselves with hefty fines or penalties. Andrew Jervis, CEO of leading online mechanic marketplace Click Mechanic, has urged caution. He said: 'Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not. "Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity. 'They should not be taken as a target that is there to be exceeded, and failure to adhere to the rules of the road can have serious consequences. 'In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces - and not a rule for members of the public. 'The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence but can cause fatal road traffic collisions. 'As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use.' It originates from speed enforcement guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is designed to take into account speed guns used by the police aren't always 100 per cent accurate. However, it is also stated the guidelines 'do not and cannot replace a police officer's discretion', meaning it is no guarantee of avoiding prosecution. Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
North Wales Chronicle
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
Highway Code: Warning over common speed camera myth in UK
A motoring expert has lifted the lid on whether the widely held belief that drivers can go ten per cent over the speed limit is true or not. For many years, many motorists have believed that there is a '10 per cent +2 rule' when it comes to speed cameras, suggesting that drivers can exceed the speed limit without facing consequences. However, the truth is that it's actually up to the area's individual forces themselves to decide, meaning drivers could find themselves with hefty fines or penalties. Andrew Jervis, CEO of leading online mechanic marketplace Click Mechanic, has urged caution. He said: 'Speeding costs lives and should never be encouraged, regardless of whether it can land you in trouble or not. "Speed limits are not arbitrary figures; they are carefully determined based on factors such as road design, traffic flow, and pedestrian activity. 'They should not be taken as a target that is there to be exceeded, and failure to adhere to the rules of the road can have serious consequences. 'In any case, the 10 percent rule is guidance for the police forces - and not a rule for members of the public. 'The misconception of a 10 percent leeway could not only see drivers getting fines and/or points on their licence but can cause fatal road traffic collisions. 'As road users, we all have a responsibility to drive with consideration for others to ensure our highways are safe for all to use.' It originates from speed enforcement guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is designed to take into account speed guns used by the police aren't always 100 per cent accurate. However, it is also stated the guidelines 'do not and cannot replace a police officer's discretion', meaning it is no guarantee of avoiding prosecution. Here are some other common speed camera myths: No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don't often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right. Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: "Legally, we don't have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to - but it's all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away." If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty". However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: "It doesn't bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van - I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent." It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a £100 fine. But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course - an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: "An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer. "Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the 'notices' and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit." So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don't have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.
