With so many pet friendly locations why would you not want to take your pet on your next staycation? Travelling with your pet in the vehicle is legal but they must be properly retrained, don’t let them sit in the front seat, or stick their head out of windows. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” While driving with an unsecured pet isn’t an offence, it could be considered as ‘driving without due care and attention’. This could lead to a fixed penalty and points on your driver’s licence, and could also invalidate insurance claims if your pet is found to have caused or contributed to an accident. How to travel with your pet in the Vehicle: Harness / Belt A harness or specially designed seatbelt usually clips into existing seat belt fixtures and safely restrains your pet across their body, protecting them from injury in the event of an accident. Make sure there is enough slack in the belt for your pet to get comfortable, but not so much that they can roam around. Crates/Carriers These are best placed in a rear seat or boot of vehicle, never on the front seat as they would be at risk from the airbags. Dog guard Using a mesh or metal guard between the boot and rear passenger seats allows your pet to move around freely without affecting you’re driving. However, note that these will protect you in an accident but not your pet.

It’s always worth knowing what to do in case of an emergency, so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. Many cars are now sold without a spare wheel and are instead supplied with an emergency tyre repair kit. The step-by-step guide below should explain what to do if you get stuck in this situation. How to change a spare wheel Firstly, make sure the car is stopped safely, away from any traffic. You should stop on flat level ground to stop the vehicle from rolling, making sure to also apply the handbrake. It is also recommended to use a wheel wedge on the wheel opposite the one you’re changing. You should use your hazard lights so other road users know to give you space. Locate your spare wheel, jack, wheel brace and locking wheel nut adapter (if locking nuts are fitted) – the spare wheel should be stored under the boot. Loosen the wheel nuts but don’t fully remove them yet. Using the jack, place this under the designated jacking point closest to the wheel you are changing. Slowly wind the jack up until the wheel you are replacing is 4 inches of the ground. Remove the loosened wheel nuts and then the wheel. Fit the new wheel and screw the wheel nuts until they are finger tight. Lower the jack until the vehicle is fully resting on the tyre. Fully tighten the wheel nuts using the wheel brace. Place the damaged wheel in the boot to take for repair. Your local garage or tyre fitters will advise whether to repair or replace it. Note: Don’t drive on a space-saver spare wheel for longer than is strictly necessary, as they are only intended for emergencies. How to use a car tyre repair kit Follow the same procedure for stopping safely as described above. Locate the repair kit from your vehicle. This is normally stored under the boot. Follow the provided instruction located on the repair kit. These kits are simply connecting the tyre sealant to the valve on the rim. Once the sealant is in the tyre, you need to attach the compressor to the 12V socket inside your vehicle. Start the engine and using the compressor, pump the tyre to the recommended pressure. If the hole does not seal you may need to disconnect the compressor and drive the vehicle forward slightly to insure the sealant is spread throughout the tyre. Then reattach the compressor and try again. This repair is only a temporary measure and you should replace the damaged tyre as soon as possible. Note: If the puncture hole is over 4mm in the tread or the wheel itself is damaged the repair kit is unlikely to work and the tyre will need to be changed. Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

The process for scraping your car is simple. However, it is a legal requirement that your vehicle is scrapped by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). These vehicles need to be disposed of properly as they have the potential to release harmful substances to the environment. It is illegal to take your vehicle anywhere else so always make sure the company is licensed. Once you have located and contacted the ATF for a quote and are satisfied, you can arrange for a time that suits to dispose of the vehicle. If the vehicle is sorn or not roadworthy you can arrange collection of the vehicle. If you wish to keep the registration of the vehicle if you have a private or personalized plate you must apply to keep it. Follow the simple steps on the government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-off Having the right paperwork before you scrap your vehicle: The car logbook (V5C) – This proves that you are the owner of the vehicle and stops any unlawful sales. Keep the yellow slip from your log book and always request a receipt. Some ATF may require ID and proof of address. Scraping your car without a logbook – It is much easier to scrap your vehicle with the logbook but if you don’t have one you must send a letter to the DVLA informing them that you no longer own the vehicle. This must include: Your car’s reg number The make and model The exact date of the sale Name and address of the scrapyard If you wish to replace your V5C document you will have to apply to the DVLA and pay a fee of £25.00. When you scrap your vehicle at Traynor’s we will de-register the car with the DVLA and a CoD (Certificate of Destruction) is issued within 7 days. We will send you a copy of the CoD upon request. You must always inform the DVLA when you scrap your car, they will refund any remaining months of your car tax. You can be fined £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA. Also contact your insurance provider as you may be entitled to a refund. Traynor’s are experienced vehicle recyclers, so if you’re considering scrapping your car give us a call today on 028 38891242 and we will be happy to give you a quote. Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Some lights that appear on our dashboard are simple service reminders, while others are cries for help from your car! If a service brake system light illuminates, don’t ignore it. Your vehicle’s brakes are its most important safety feature, designed to keep you and everyone else on the road safe. There is no exact time or mileage when you should get your brakes checked as these parts are designed to gradually wear out over time. You should be aware of the following warning signs: Dashboard brake warning light comes on. Newer vehicles have advanced alerts for the brakes, if your vehicle has a brake pad indicator light, this could illuminate when the pad material is getting too thin. The steering wheel vibrates when braking. If your steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when braking at a higher speed, this is a sign you should get your brakes checked. Grinding or squeaking of brakes. This is one of the most noticeable signs, it could mean your brake pads or discs need replacing. Some brake pads have built in metal wear indicators. These are designed to make a loud noise so that you know it is time to replace your vehicles brake pads. If you ignore this noise you could be opening yourself up to more damage. Increased stopping distance. In most cases this can just be a matter of changing the brake pads but there is a chance that the brake fluid is running low. To make sure you don’t lose braking abilities you should get this checked as soon as possible. The brake pedal feeling soft. If you notice that the pedal is a long way down before the car begins to brake, this could be a sign that the brakes are leaking. This needs to be checked immediately. The car pulls when braking in one direction in the direction of travel. If you find your vehicle pulling to one side when braking this could be a sign that the brakes are more worn on one side than the other. Even with these indictors, it is a good idea to get your vehicle checked occasionally. As where and how you drive makes a big difference in the wear of the brakes. Ideally, most vehicles should have their brakes checked at least every six months. Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

The effects of the cold weather can cause an array of problems for your vehicle in the winter. Use the guide below to learn some common troubles your vehicle may face during the winter months. Battery Failure Colder weather can put a strain on your vehicle’s battery as it makes the battery more difficult to turn over, reducing the amount of power it therefore generates. Dead or dying batteries are one of the biggest issues in the winter months. We recommend having your battery tested before the colder months as it would be less expensive than being towed. Frozen wipers Icy conditions can cause windshield wipers to freeze to the glass and some blades can get torn when turned on. As well as the blades this can cause damaged to the wiper assembly. Before heading on your journey make sure to clear any ice or snow from the windscreen. For the winter months we would recommend always keeping de-icer in your vehicle. Low tyre pressure Temperatures changing can cause tyre pressure to drop, this increases fuel consumption and impacts the overall handling of the vehicle on the road. It is important to check the tyre pressure regularly or consider snow tyres for your vehicle. Car Fluids Fluids in the vehicle can get thicker in colder temperatures, causing it to work less effectively. Starting the vehicle 5 minutes before starting your journey will help reduce this risk. You should remain in the vehicle throughout this period. In the winter months it is more important to take care of your car as you are more likely to occur common problems. Having a basic maintenance routine will lessen your chance of any major issues. Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Road Safety Week aims to inspire thousands of people to take action on road safety and promote life-saving messages. This year’s theme decided by Brake is “road safety hero”. Road Safety Week 2021 aims to celebrate the professionals who are working to make roads safer for everyone – from road designers to emergency services. Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe on the roads. Vehicle Safety As a driver it is important to always make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. This should be done more regularly than just an annual MOT or service. These basic safety checks can help you have a safer journey. Fuel: Always maintaining your tank is at least one quarter full to avoid running out on your journey. Failing to do so can lead to a fixed penalty in some locations as the breakdown as foreseeable. Tyres: Your tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and road, so these should be checked regularly. The minimum legal permitted tread depth is 1.6mm but it is recommended to replace your tyres when they reach 3mm. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tyres can adversely affect your braking distance, steering and fuel efficiency. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly. Lights: Lights should be checked regularly, and bulbs should be replaced as necessary. Engine Oil: Having the correct oil level is essential as this cleans, cools and protects the engine, preventing it from seizing and your car breaking down. Water: It is essential to keep your screen wash reservoir topped up. Driving with a dirty or smeared windscreen can be dangerous. Driver Safety Road safety ultimately comes down to the driver obeying the law requirements. Things like, not using a mobile, not drinking and driving, not driving faster than the speed limit, can all make a positive difference for a safer driving experience for all. It’s important we aim to be safer drivers, as we are responsible for keeping ourselves and other road users safe. By simply obeying the rules of the road, we save lives. Find out more information on road safety laws at https://www.think.gov.uk/road-safety-laws/ FOLLOW US ON: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

One of the main benefits of purchasing a second hand or “Green” part is that it can save you money on your motoring. You must remember that these parts are second hand so it is unrealistic to expect them to be in “as new” condition. The condition of the part supplied should correspond to the description/images. This guide should contain everything you need to know when shopping for used vehicle parts. Know exactly what you need: It is important to use the following methods to get the correct second hand part for your vehicle as you would be surprised at the many variations of the same part. Knowing the VIN Number The Vehicle Identification Number identifies the car model, make, year and other details that could determine the part that is required. The VIN can be found of the manufacturer’s data table and is engraved on the vehicle chassis. Using the vehicle’s VIN should help you locate the part you need. Part Numbers The only way to be 100% sure you are getting the correct part is to find the part number. Some part numbers will be obvious and easy to locate. Some part numbers may be hidden due to dirt or grease, so make sure that you check the part thoroughly. Enquire about the history of the used car part you want to buy: Asking about the history of a part is important as the part you could purchase may not last that long. Some used parts may be cleaned up to look brand new but could have concealed defects. Asking questions about the mileages or repairs is important as some companies may not offer warranty or returns and that could be money wasted. Check colour This is important as it can be very expensive to repaint the part the same colour of the car. Ask for photos Ask for a photo before purchasing the part to ensure the quality of the part being supplied. Also guarantees that this is the correct part needed for your vehicle. Check the warranty/ Returns Policy: Some parts sellers don’t issue refunds or accept returns on parts. When purchasing a part make sure to buy from a company with a return policy. Most sellers offer a 30 day warranty on used parts, at Traynor’s we offer a 3 Month warranty on all our used parts. At Traynor’s we want to give our customers confidence when buying parts from us. Remember that not all parts should be replaced with used parts. Some parts are crucial to the safety of your car and become less effective the more they are used. Finally, if something does go wrong with the used part you have purchased, make sure to contact the supplier as soon as possible. Within reason, most reputable dismantlers will try to help resolve the problem. FOLLOW US ON: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

As we set off on a bank holiday trip, the last thing we want is to have a breakdown. Over half of car breakdowns can be avoided with a little preparation before starting your journey. Here are 10 simple checks you can do yourself which could be the difference between getting to your destination as planned or sitting by the roadside waiting for recovery. 1. Check your coolant levels Coolant keeps your engine healthy by regulating the temperature of the cooling system. This makes it essential for avoiding breakdowns on a hot day. 2. Fuel Level Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for the journey ahead, this not only could save you time on the journey but knowing you have a full tank, gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t need to drive around in an unfamiliar location hunting for a fuel station. 3. Oil Level Oil is vital in keeping your car engine running smoothly. Without oil you could end up stranded while causing costly damage to your vehicle. If your car doesn’t automatically alert you when the oil is low use your dipstick to check it hasn’t gone below the minimum level. 4. Refill your screen wash bottle It is essential to keep your screen wash reservoir topped up. Driving with a dirty or smeared windscreen can be dangerous. Also look out or any chips or cracks in your windscreen, if you have one get this fixed as soon as possible. 5. Check your tyre pressure on all tyres, including the spare Checking the tyre pressure is essential to make sure your car can brake, grip and steer properly. It can also prolong the life of the tyres ensuring you and your family stay safe on the road. Most modern vehicles come with tyre pressure monitoring systems but if not, you can also use a tyre pressure gauge at your local fuel station. 6. Check your tyre tread for wear When checking the tyre pressure, make sure to also check the tread depth on all tyres to make sure they meet the legal requirement. The law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre. To help you judge how much tread you have on your car tyres, manufacturers often mould thread bars at roughly 1.6mm. If your tread is between 1.6mm and 3mm, consider replacing your tyres before your trip. 7. Make sure all your lights are working properly Lights are essential for safe travel, not only so you can see clearly but so other road users can see and know your intentions. Before a long journey check each light (headlights, indicators and taillights) and replace any bulbs if needed. Tip: Consider keeping spare bulbs in the car for the future. 8. Turn on windscreen wipers and check wiper blades You can’t trust the weather so it is a good idea to check your wiper blades for wear and replace them if needed to ensure you can see the road clearly. Check the rubber for any splits that could prevent the wiper from clearing water or leave streaks in your line of view. 9. Switch on the air con Traveling without functional air con can make the journey unpleasant in hot temperatures. Testing your air con before any long trip is a good idea as it’s not unusual for the air con system to develop faults. 10. Remember important documents Remember your driving licence, car insurance details and to keep the number for breakdown services handy. If you’re planning a trip to the continent you’ll need an insurance green card. Tip: Pack anything that may be useful in an emergency if you were to breakdown. We recommend having warning triangle in order to alert other drivers of your presence, a torch, warm clothing, a reflective jacket and a first aid kit! FOLLOW US ON: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

Why is car maintenance important in the autumn? Autumn has arrived and the clocks will soon be going back to mark the start of the winter season. This is the perfect opportunity to get your car ready for the season ahead. It’s a good idea to give your car a thorough once-over now before the cold weather and dark evenings take hold. Check now and save problems later! 1. Wipers and windscreen As the weather gets worse, the chances of driving in the rain are more frequent which can lead to poor visibility. A priority for your safety is to ensure you can see clearly out of your windscreen. If your windscreen wipers aren’t working, they will leave a streaky mess over the windshield and ‘bounce’ over the glass, it’s time to replace your wipers. Invest in a good de-icer and ice scraper so you are prepared for the first icy morning. 2. Ventilation Ensure your heater system in the car is working properly as this will help to demist and defrost the windows, while also keeping you warm. Check that the heater is blowing warm air at different settings. If little or no air comes out of the vent this may be a sign of something wrong with the motor. Get this checked now before it gets worse in the winter. 3. Brakes With Grip levels lower in autumn due to the rainy weather and potentially icy conditions, drivers must ensure their braking performance is as strong as possible. Brakes are crucial for driving safely and the cold weather heightens brake problems. Listen for unusual noises that may suggest an issue with brakes, get your brakes checked by a mechanic for extra peace of mind. 4. Tyre checks Winter season is when your tyres need to be at their best, check them now to ensure they have the proper tread, no cracks and they’re inflated to the recommended level. The Legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, so replace them straight away if they are below the limit. Remember that the cold weather causes tyres to lose air more quickly. 5. Lights Shorter periods of daylight means you are more likely to be driving in the dark. It is extremely important that your lights are working as they should be. Drivers should check the bulbs frequently. The driver’s handbook should show you how to change the bulbs but some may require a visit to a garage. 6. Check fluid levels It is important to replace your car’s fluid levels. This includes washer, transmission, coolant, brake and power steering fluids. These are very important to ensure your car runs smoothly. Washer fluid is important for maintaining visibility. Transmission fluid is important for cooling. Coolant regulates the engine’s temperature, while brake fluid serves as a lubricant, preventing corrosion. Power steering fluid is crucial for operating the vehicle. 7. Battery check According to breakdown recovery organisations, batteries are the most common cause of breakdowns. In autumn and winter, there is an extra strain on your car battery. Cold weather means more power from the battery is needed to get the car started. Batteries typically last about 4-5 years but can fail without warning. If you’re not sure how to check your battery take your car to a professional to make sure it is charging properly. 8. Prepare for the Cold Weather Getting stranded on the side of the road any time of the year is not fun. As the weather turns cooler, you especially need to be prepared for a roadside emergency. Be prepared if a situation like this were to occur. Stock your vehicle with the following items: Gloves Ice scraper Blanket First aid kit Jumper cables Flashlight It’s not a huge list of items, but these 8 tips could help prepare you and your car for colder months, a short commute can quickly become difficult when your vehicle isn’t prepared to handle the colder temperatures. FOLLOW US ON: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedin