It is advisable to have your car serviced according to the manufacturer service schedules so you can make sure everything is in running order. It might be more expensive to fix a problem that has been lingering for some time if it isn’t caught early. You can read what happens during a car service in our previous article.

You can choose from three types of service at our Service centres; manufacturer service, and two Value Range services; standard or major. Arnold’s Value Range is made for cars that are three years or older with less than six cylinders.

Manufacturer service

If your car is under warranty you will probably need to have a manufacturer service carried out on your car so the warranty isn’t made void.

This is a much more extensive service that is carried out by a manufacturer trained technician. Even if your car has passed its warranty stage a manufacturer service will ensure that your service history will be maintained, that only genuine manufacturer parts are used and there’s a 12–24 month warranty provided with all parts. All Arnold Clark Manufacturer Services are tailored to your vehicle’s age, make and mileage.

Manufacturer services can vary from one manufacturer to another so it would be beneficial to ask one of our 26 different car manufacturer service departments. Service schedules also differ between manufacturers and your car’s make and model.

Standard service

A standard service interval is recommended at 12 months. Items that are checked are your car’s lights, fluid levels, handbrake, brake pads, shoes, pipes and lines, as well as wipers and suspension dampers.

You can see a full list of what’s checked on our servicing page.

Major service

The major service interval is recommended at 24 months. This will include checks that are not featured in the standard service such as checking and adjusting the clutch cable freeplay, fitting a new air filter adding a fuel treatment, checking the air conditioning system, fitting new spark plugs and fuel filter (where applicable) as well as checking wheel alignment.

Last week we took a look at Sir Arnold Clark’s 1950s car collection, where cars were becoming more compact and technologically advanced.

The 1960s saw the birth of ‘muscle cars’ and sports cars, and without a doubt some of the coolest cars came from this period. There are three 1960s cars in Sir Arnold Clark’s collection, and one from the 1980s.

Rover P4 110 2.6 Saloon (1962)

Registration: 540 EXW

This Rover 110 has only had two previous keepers, and has been in Sir Arnold’s possession since 2001.

The Rover 110 sat alongside the Rover 95 as the final members of the Rover P4 series. The 110 was produced for only two years, from 1962 until 1964.

The 95 and 110 models represented the end of an era. They were to be replaced quickly by the Rover 2000, a longer saloon that would be hugely successful and go on to win European Car of the Year. The 110 was the last in the Rover P4 line, and the end of the much-loved ‘Auntie’ Rover compact style that was a favourite of such high-profile people as Grace Kelly, who also owned another of Sir Arnold Clark's cars – the Bentley 4.3 Mark VI Sedanca Coupé.

The car has a 2.6-litre IOE petrol engine and can manage 123hp. Features included electric windscreen washers and steel door panels.

The car now resides at our Glasgow, St George’s Road branch.

Maserati 425 Biturbo (1988)

Registration: E860 AGF

The youngest in Sir Arnold Clark’s classic car collection is this Maserati 425 Biturbo Auto.

The Biturbo was a family of luxury sports cars produced between 1981 and 1994. This particular model was produced in 1988, and was the first 4-door Biturbo introduced. There were a total of 2,372 425s made (including 425 and 425i models).

The 425 featured a 2.0-litre 2491cc petrol engine, capable of 200bhp. The 425 could reach 0–60mph in just 6.2 seconds, and had a top speed of 143mph.

One of the draws of the Maserati Biturbos was the absolutely amazing interior, which can be seen here with the butter-soft brown leather bucket seats and wooden dash.

This car now resides at our Stafford Car & Van Rental branch.

Good Egg Drivers, the new driver safety initiative, is giving away a brand-new Volkswagen Polo S to young drivers aged 17–25 across the UK. To win entrants just need to complete a quick online quiz, before November 30, 2015.

The 2015 Volkswagen Polo S comes with front side airbags, Stop-Start technology, DAB radio, front electric windows CD player and Bluetooth connectivity. This practical supermini is perfect for new drivers or learners, with a 1.0-litre engine that delivers 59bhp. With its stylish build, high interior quality and impressive low running costs the winner will be the envy of all their friends.

Last year’s winner was Kayleigh Edwards, 19, from Tayport, Fife. She won a Fiat 500 even though she is still learning to drive, but due to sit her test soon. She commented ‘I really hope I pass my test. It’s frustrating to have my dream car sitting in the garage and not be able to drive it! I am so thankful to Good Egg Drivers and I know all the advice that I’ve got from them has put me in good stead for sitting my test.

Good Egg has taught me a lot about safe driving, so I know I will be a careful driver when the time comes to get behind the wheel on my own. It has also helped reassure my parents, who were clearly very nervous when I first started learning to drive.

‘I would definitely recommend the competition for this year. Now I know it really is possible to win these competitions and I have been telling all my friends and family all about how great the Good Egg Drivers website is.’

Good Egg Drivers offers accessible tips for new drivers on important information such as choosing the best instructor, passing the tests, insurance, the responsibilities of getting behind the wheel and how to keep your licence once you have earned it.

The car has been provided by the Arnold Clark group, we have been working with the Good Egg Drivers initiative for some time to help new drivers make safer choices on the roads. As a responsible dealer Arnold Clark has a stock of the Good Egg Safety New Driver guides on hand to accompany any purchase made by new drivers, or those looking to begin driving in the coming months.

Please note that prices stated in this article are correct at time of publishing, and may be subject to change.

Ford Fiesta– from £8,995

The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s best selling car, and it’s easy to see why. The Fiesta is handsome, well built and comfortable. There’s no need to stray from the entry-level model for a reliable and fun car. The Fiesta has all the equipment you would expect, and offers bags of style to boot.

Our pick: 1.25 Studio 3dr– £8995

Spec:

• 1.25-litre petrol engine

• Combined MPG: 54.3

• CO2 emissions: 120g/km

• Equipment: Radio/MP3 player with USB connection, daytime running lights, hill start assist, six speakers

SEAT Mii– from £8355

The SEAT Mii is one of the best new city cars you can buy. It’s spacious, handles well and offers a bit more interest than rivals. If you’re on a budget, the entry-level model is okay, but it’s worth paying a little more for the SE trim, which benefits from alloy wheels, a smarter cabin and leather steering wheel.

Our pick: 1.0 SE 3dr– £9790

Spec:

• 1.0-litre petrol engine

• Combined MPG: 62.8

• CO2 emissions: 105g/km

• Equipment: 14-inch Silva alloys, hill hold control, service interval indicator

Vauxhall Corsa– from £8995

The revised Vauxhall Corsa released earlier this year gives the car a fresh lease of life, with big improvements in engine refinement, comfort and quality. There’s a wide range of engines to choose from, and updates to the suspension and interior make the all-new Corsa a solid choice.

Our pick: 1.4 ecoFLEX Sting 3dr– £8995

Spec:

• 1.4-litre petrol engine

• Combined MPG: 55.4

• CO2 emissions: 119g/km

• Equipment: 16-inch alloys, city assist mode for power steering, Bluetooth system, cruise control and speed limiter, trip computer, USB

So much has changed in the past 50 years – we can now flush our toilets, phone anyone we want, from anywhere, and do laundry in the house! Life wasn’t always so civilised, though. In the ‘70s, for instance, it was considered acceptable to smoke while pregnant, and immoral to co-habit with your partner before marriage.

When it comes to driving, a lot has changed and you might be surprised to learn that many of these changes have nothing to do with technology. There’s hardly any comparison to be made between the cars from the ‘60s and the cars now, and there’s just as much deviation between the driving habits of today, and those of drivers in the not-too-distant past…

Smoking in the car

It is hard to say that this bad habit has vanished completely, however laws that will be passed as early as October 2015 can ban British drivers from smoking in the car whilst children are present. This ban excludes anyone driving alone or driving a convertible. According to the British Lung Foundation, more than 440,000 kids are exposed to aggressive second-hand smoke that could lead to a number of health problems.

However, back in the ‘60s smoking anywhere was allowed – in hospitals, on the train and even on planes. This is probably due to the limited knowledge of the associated health risks, or the advertising campaigns by the tobacco moguls, who claimed that smoking was nothing but beneficial.

Interestingly, governments first started imposing laws against smoking on public transport, and later on private transport, because of the growing number of fire accidents, not due to the health risks.

Today, our culture is much more non-smoker orientated. It’s hard for younger people to grasp that not that long ago you could light up at the cinema, or in your local shop.

We’ve all been there – sitting forever delayed in a never-ending contraflow on a motorway down to one lane and watching road workers painstakingly carry out roadworks.

Alternative road surface

One company, VolkerWessels, believes it has found an alternative road surface which could cut down on such instances, using recycled rubbish compounded into plastic.

Fit together like Lego

The roads would be created using moulds in factory units, which would move large amounts of the roadwork process away from roadside. When roads are eventually worn out, replacing them would be similar to replacing a Lego brick. One block would be removed, and a new one delivered from the factory and fitted in its place. And when utility companies need to cause chaos, works will be much simpler as the blocks of road contain hollow ducts through which pipes and cables can be run.

Durable and environmentally friendly

The benefits of the plastic roads don’t stop there. Owing to the plastic compound, they’re expected to be more durable than asphalt roads, meaning repairs would be less frequent. The new roads would also be kinder to the environment, as they would be made from recycled plastic, cutting down on landfilled waste. Less roadwork congestion will of course also contribute to a cut in pollution, as will a reduction in the emissions caused by the production of asphalt.

Testing

All this sounds fantastic, but it’s likely to be a few years before these roads start to appear, as the roads are yet to be tested in Rotterdam. India had a similar concept in several years ago, but uptake of the new style of paving proved to be slow.

Until then...

So until plastic roads become reality in the UK, motorists may have to endure potholes and inevitable tyre replacements and repairs. Here at Arnold Clark, we offer an extensive range of tyres, along with puncture repair services.

Arnold Clark is now the UK’s biggest SEAT dealer, and also won SEAT Dealer of the Year 2014. To celebrate this along with the SEAT Leon winning more awards for the third year running from the likes of What Car? and Auto Express, Arnold Clark is holding a special event.

From Thursday 16th–Tuesday 21st July, all customers who buy a new SEAT will receive £300 in free fuel vouchers.

On top of this, if you book a test drive at any of our SEAT branches during this time, you’ll get two free cinema tickets!

Search all brand new SEAT cars.

Terms and conditions apply.

Contacted on Twitter

Last month, we chose to help out a voluntary organisation that is wholeheartedly doing something of real value – saving lives.

The Trossachs Search and Rescue Team tweeted us, asking for help, and we gladly reached out.

The organisation was established almost 19 years ago and is operating on an entirely voluntary principle. The team comprises three sub-organisations; a dog training facility, supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a training unit for the locals, in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service and a teaching unit, in association with the British Heart Foundation.

Arnold Clark donates a Toyota Hilux

We donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux to the search and rescue team as we are aware that often, the Trossachs team need to overcome many obstacles on their way to rescuing people.

Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of Arnold Clark, commented on the donation:

‘We are thrilled to be able to get the Trossachs back on the road with our donated Hilux. The team here have made an excellent job of the livery which means the pick-up will be highly visible to members of the public who require their assistance. We wish the Trossachs Search and Rescue Team all the best with their future search and rescue operations.’

Hilux lends a helping hand

The Hilux is a solid and reliable car and will prove extremely helpful, representatives of the organisation have said. The brave people that volunteer their time and skills on a daily basis work alongside trained dogs and are helping both people in trouble and the local community.

Volunteers go the extra mile and help anyone in need; they took part in the search for people in the Clutha tragedy, as well as the Stockline factory collapse. The well-trained rescue dogs have also assisted in police searches for murder victims and missing persons. This they also carry out school and community talks, educating the public into how to deal with emergencies and casualties. Thus, it is essential that this organisation receives support and assistance and we were delighted to help provide this.

Why Toyota Hilux?

A durable pick-up, the sixth-generation Hilux is perfect for the off-road locations the team often have to navigate. It’s four-wheel capabilities, high clearance and tough exterior are the perfect features for rescues. Load limits are impressive ranging from 860kg to 1100kg and it has the ability to tow up to 2500kg. Suspension if good and steering is weighty so corners can be turned with ease. There is plenty of space in the high-quality interior, with space for three in the back. Engines on offer from Toyota are a 2.5-litre turbo diesel with 101bhp or 118bhp and a 3.0-litre diesel with 168bhp.

At Renault’s Kadjar launch event, four Arnold Clark Renault branches won at the JD Power of Excellence Awards for ‘Motor Dealer of the Year 2015’.

The four branches that took home an award were:

• Dumbarton Renault
• Wigan Renault
• Elgin Renault
• St Helens Renault

The final stage of the JD Power awards process involved completing an onsite assessment, where a representative visited each branch to see how they performed on service and customer processes.

JD Power automotive ratings offer consumers an independent guide and are based on customer satisfaction surveys from people who have visited the branches nominated. JD Power awards dealerships that consistently provide an outstanding level of customer service.

An assessment score of over 80% was required to secure the accolade of JD Power of Excellence 2015.

We congratulate all four of our branches for winning this accolade.

Renault has announced that it has updated the trims of two of its electric cars on the UK market. This is exciting news for electric car lovers as the new trims offer more exciting opportunities for clean and powerful driving.

Q: Which models are being updated?

A: The ZOE supermini now comes in Expression Nav, Dynamique Nav and Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge, while the Twizy is available in Expression (replacing Urban), Dynamique (replacing Technic) and Cargo.

Q: How are the trims’ engines different?

A: The ZOE Expression Nav and Dynamique Nav trims feature a new in-house engineered electric motor R240. The engine has been developed for over eight years in Normandy and is a technical masterpiece. The Twizy’s engines are the same for all three trims.

Q: What additional spec is available?

A: All trims are equipped with increased safety features including a new ESC stability control, a CSV understeer control and Hill Start Assist. The ZOE Expression Nav is specifically designed for a wholesome musical driving experience with powerful speakers and USB and AUX ports. The Dynamique Nav flaunts a hands-free Keycard and lots of tech goodies such as a rear parking camera linked to a 7-inch touchscreen and a special Z.E Interactive remote control system.

Q: Are the new trims energy efficient?

A: Efficiency is Renault’s middle name. Both the ZOE and the Twizy’s new trims feature regenerative braking, whilst the battery adapt itself to always charge to the maximum, regardless of the charging device. All models are also equipped with an econometer and a battery charge indicator, which allows for easy monitoring. The new R240 is developed in such a precise way that it is more eco-friendly than ever without losing on performance. This means these models are cheaper to run.

Q: What is the driving experience?

A: Both the ZOE and the Twizy are extremely silent on the road. They are light and relaxing to drive – some users say it feels like riding on a cloud! The driving experience is notably enhanced by the easy parking, especially in busy urban areas.

Both the ZOE and the Twizy feature in our interview with Ben Fletcher and Andy Heiron of Renault.

Now the Tour de France has begun, we're sure lots of you are thinking about getting the bikes out and going for a cycle over the coming summer.

After the London Olympics in 2012, one major bike retailer reported a jump in sales of almost 15%, whilst cycle-to-work schemes offered by many employers (including Arnold Clark) saw uptake rise by 150% when compared with the previous year, as reported by Cycling Weekly.

People of all ages and competencies can jump on a bike and enjoy a leisurely cruise or a competitive race, but not everyone will be eager to get caught up on busy roads and will need to transport their bikes to a more leisurely location. During the Tour de France, we see team cars supporting cyclists using cars that are optimal for carrying bikes and all their equipment, as well as a team of staff.

ŠKODA, proud to trace its roots to bicycles during the 1890’s, is an official partner of the tour. A quick glimpse of the competition on the TV will show you Superb support cars, as well as Yeti’s and Octavia’s presence.

Of course, you don’t have to own a ŠKODA to carry a bike – we have a range of other vehicles that have been used by teams participating in the Tour de France below.

Volvo V70

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, Volvo has been seen at the event in previous years making use of the massive V70 estate.

With an impressive 815 litres of boot space (or a phenomenal 1600 litres with the back seats folded down), the Volvo is the ultimate family wagon. With luxuries including full leather, an automatic tailgate and sat-nav, the V70 would take care of you after a challenging cycle far from home. The D3 SE Nav is available for £23,995, or if you’d rather something a little more rugged, you can opt for the XC70 with off road capabilities and a few more toys, and still get change from £30,000.

ŠKODA Yeti

If you do decide you want a ŠKODA though, the Yeti is probably one of the most versatile cars on offer in the UK, and has received praise from Jeremy Clarkson over its capabilities. We’ve heard he’s a hard guy to please, so that’s got to be good.

The Yeti provides off-road functionality whilst feeling like a small car to drive. ŠKODA emphasises its cycling heritage with the accessories sold through their dealers, which range from bike racks and rails to helmets and gloves. A used high specification Elegance 4x4 model with full leather and a gutsy engine can be yours for £8788.

Please note that all prices referenced in this article are correct at time of publishing, and may be subject to change.

Supermarkets have begun a price war, as the cost of diesel has been slashed by 2p per litre, making the average price cheaper than petrol for the first time since 2001.

A combination of factors has led to the price drop in diesel. Firstly, the freezing of fuel duty outlined in the Conservative summer budget and secondly the criticism retailers have recently received from motoring organisations for their high costs.

Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda have all made diesel price cuts.

Mark Todd, petrol director for Morrisons, said: 'Because of the recent price drops in the wholesale diesel price, we are able to pass on these savings to our customers. This is a milestone in motoring and many younger drivers won't remember the last time that diesel prices were lower than unleaded.

'While we are cutting diesel prices today, we will continue to look for opportunities to pass on savings on unleaded as soon as we can.'

A price war has been triggered after Morrisons cut the cost of diesel by up to 2p a litre. Tesco and Asda are also following suit both knocking off 2p a litre this afternoon, which is welcome news for drivers of the 10.7m diesel cars on Britain’s roads.

A small number of Morrison's petrol stations will still see diesel prices higher than petrol ones as a result of 'local competitive factors'.

What were we driving in the '90s?

Ford Escort

Of all the cars in the '90s the Ford Escort could be the most popular. Although the first and second generation Escorts had been among the best selling cars in Britain it was the third and fourth generation Escorts that spanned the late '80s and '90s.

The third generation was launched in 1980 and was given a facelift in '86, from the launch there were five trim levels available and several versions of the model released; the Sporty XR3, XR3i, RS 1700T and the commercial 2-door Escort Van.

The third generation Escort underwent a facelift in 1986 (MKIV) with a few changes including revisions to the dashboard, rear lights and nose.

The fifth generation Escort dates from 1990 to 1996, it was launched in September 1990 with a new bodyshell but similar engine than the Mk3. Ford added a Zetec 16-valve in 1992.

Ford Escort RS Cosworth launched in 1992 with a 2.0-litre Cosworth engine giving 225 horsepower. One for the boy racers, it was intended for rally driving but road-worthy versions were produced and were in high demand by car enthusiasts so after the initial 2,500 were sold Ford made more. The model has already achieved classic status after production was stopped in 1996.

The Ford Escort

Nissan Micra

The first generation Micra was launched in 1982 and was available with either an automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. The Micra gained a reputation for being a reliable economic car. There were additional models available the sporty Super S (1989) and the powerful Super Turbo (1988).

The first generation Micra was superseded by the second-generation model in 1992. The second-generation model was notably different with a more bubble-shaped body along with that change there were additional safety features that had not been seen before as options in a car of this ilk. Features such as a driver’s airbag, pre-tensioning seatbelts, and a toughened safety-cage and side-impact door beams.

Nissan Micra K11, 2nd generation

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen started producing the Golf in 1974 it was popular from the off, although the rise in popularity came with the second (1983–1992) and third (1991–2002) generations of the model. It was the Mk3 that really epitomised 90s style for the Golf. Launched in the UK in March 1992 it won European Car of the Year in the same year due to its high quality build and strong image. The Golf is one of only two cars to win the award twice; its second was awarded to the 2013 model. People loved the reliability and practicality that came with the Golf, and still do.

The Volkswagen Golf

Vauxhall Nova

Between 1983 and 1993 the Corsa A was badge engineered as the Nova. The supermini was available with three engine size options when it launched. It was a popular small car released as a direct competitor to the Ford Fiesta. Style-wise it didn’t stand out from the crowd but its popularity was down to the choice on offer. There were numerous engines and trim levels to choose from, something for everyone. However, Vauxhall went back to the Corsa after just under 10 years.

Vauxhall Nova

Saab 900

A luxury car that was probably driven by your friend’s dad and made you green with envy. Saab produced the 900 from 1978 up until 1998, with two generations over this period. The second generation 900 was launched in 1994. It was a solidly built premium car, with a large curved windscreen offering plenty of visibility.

A '97 Saab 900

Peugeot 106

Sold from 1991 to 2004 its 13-year production period is one of the longest running in Europe. The French supermini had a wide selection of engines including 1.0- and 1.4-litre options and for the speed demon there was the 1.6 16v GTi. Its small size, good handling and low running costs made it popular with young drivers.

Peugeot 106

Renault Clio

With a name like mine I couldn’t leave this '90s gem off my list. Launched in 1990 this supermini is the other of the two cars that was awarded the European Car of the Year prize twice. It was available in a 3-door or 5-door body style, the addition of two rear doors making it ideal as a small family car.

A five-door Renault Clio

Rocking and Racing from the 24th to the 26th of July.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the classic car event at Silverstone, hailed as ‘The World’s biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival’ and is one of many events held at the racecourse.

Silverstone Classic combines motor racing, classic car and bike clubs, live music, live demonstrations and fun. There will be live music from Paul Young, The ZZ Tops, Status Quo and others and more than 10,000 classic cars on display.

Parades

On the third day there will be the Silver Sunday Car Parade to mark the silver anniversary of the first Silverstone Classic festival, which was known as Christie’s Historic festival back in 1990 when the event began. There will be additional parades at lunchtime of each day of the festival.

Live demonstrations

The Streetcar Shootout demonstration where you can enjoy the roar of the V8 engines featuring a 55 Chevy, Mustang, Ford V8, Slingshot Dragster and a Funny Car Dragster.

The British Historic Kart club will be there with demonstrations of karts dating from 1956 to 1982 by the UK’s largest kart club in the UK.

A first for 2015, the RAF will be demonstrating a Spitfire and offering paying visitors the opportunity to sit in a full-scale replica Spitfire and listen to a full explanation.

Aerial displays

The RAF will also be carrying out impressive air displays featuring a Spitfire and a Hurricane for the Battle of Britain Memorial flight.

Races

Qualifying starts bright and early at 9am Friday morning and will last the whole day. There will be more than 20 races over the course of the event with around ten races on the Saturday and another ten on the Sunday.

Funfair

There will be free funfair rides at the Jet Village Green including a 40m giant wheel ride, 9-hole crazy golf course and massages and face painting. The Adrenaline zone caters for the big kids with a reverse bungee swing, the wall of death, star flyer and more.

Car clinic

On Sunday Motorhead Mike will be imparting his Classic Car ownership knowledge on the main stage on Sunday. He is taking queries via social media too so if you’ve got a burning question about buying, restoring or owning a classic car you want answered on the day you can use #SC15ASKMIKE to ask him.

Classic car auctions

Auctions will take place over the Saturday and Sunday where bidding can be done in person, by phone or online. The most exciting auction is tipped to be the 1989 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S with an extended 6.4-litre V8 engine, beautiful Italian leather interior and racing red paintwork.

If classic cars are your thing, take a look at our series covering Sir Arnold Clark’s classic car collection.

View our video to hear from Gary McCormick, a technician at Arnold Clark, about how often you should check your tyre pressure, where you can find the correct pressure for your car, and how to adjust it accordingly.

In order to check your tyre pressure, you will need:

• A tyre pressure gauge
• A tyre inflator pump

If you are having difficulty checking your tyre pressure, bring your car into your local Arnold Clark Service Centre where they will be happy to assist you.

How to check your tyre pressure

An MOT lasts a year, but you can have an MOT carried out up to a month (less one day) before the current MOT certificate expires. You can check the MOT status of a vehicle online.

MOT failure

If your car fails its MOT:

• You will be given a refusal of MOT certificate (VT30)

• Your vehicle must be repaired and retested to comply with MOT standards

• You will not be covered by your insurance, so you shouldn’t drive it. If you do you could be liable to fines and/or a driving ban.

Your refusal of MOT certificate will state why your vehicle failed its MOT and what needs to be fixed in order for it to pass. The repairs needed could be specialised such as welding jobs or emissions failures, so it may not be possible to make them there and then.

If your car can be tested, repaired and retested at the same location within a 10 working day period then there should be no additional charge for retesting, this is known as a partial re-examination. Although, there are certain repairs that cannot be fixed under a partial re-examination.

A partial re-examination will check the items that the car failed on in the original MOT test as long as they are one or more of the following items.

If the repairs do not come under the list of items under a partial re-examination then you will need to pay for a second full MOT test.

If you return the car for retest after the 10 working day period then you will have to pay for a second full MOT test.

Once the vehicle has been fixed you will need to have it retested by an approved MOT testing station.

If your MOT runs out:

• You must arrange to have an MOT

• You cannot drive your vehicle

• You could be prosecuted for driving your vehicle

What is included in the MOT test?

*Class five vehicles are private passenger vehicles and ambulances

Arnold Clark has recently donated to Circus Starr– an organisation that helps to raise funds for local charities while providing free seats for thousands of disadvantaged, disabled or vulnerable children.

The donation will enable 20 children to see the spellbinding show that features world-class professional artists from across the globe.

Since Circus Starr was established in 1987, it has given over one million underprivileged or disabled children across the country the chance to enjoy a magical and entertaining circus show. The Autumn Tour 2015 will see performances from aerial acrobats, gymnasts and hilarious clowns as they take to the stage.

The benefits of the show are truly remarkable with many parents and carers reporting that their children experience:

• Reduced sense of fear, isolation and anxiety
• Increased confidence, sociability and self-esteem
• Greater connectedness to others, a feeling of inclusion

Parents and carers have also discovered that children who typically find it difficult to concentrate are completely captivated and enthralled by the shows. Overall, the experience helps to distract children and young people from their everyday worries and build positive memories for the future. The locations and accessibility are also paramount to the success of the shows.

Backed by organisations such as Barnados, National Autistic Society and CLIC Sargent the circus looks set to continue its highly successful tours that are proving to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Motor enthusiasts can rejoice as Chris Evan’s Carfest revs up once again. You can enjoy a family-friendly weekend of cars, music and food. Whether you are a Carfest veteran or newcomer, read on to discover what to expect at Carfest 2015.

Carfest offers a unique experience, combining the traditional festival staple of evening music performance with a superb lineup of motoring events and activities catering to the interests of children and adults alike.

The weekend will play host to an amazing cast of cars from iconic classics to the latest super cars. Watch them in action at the Carfest Track Sprint. Be sure to look out for the spectacular finale – a collection of historic F1 cars including a rare Martin Donnelly Lamborghini Lotus.

Vintage models

Those who appreciate vintage models will be happy to learn that Carfest now includes a brand new Vintage Village with showings from prestigious owners clubs such as UK S2000 Owners, Morgan Owners, Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain and many, many more.

Hands on experiences

If you would prefer to find yourself on the other side of the barrier then head over to Dream Rides and book a seat alongside the Sporting Bears. For a donation you could get to ride in one of the Sporting Bears Eleven Dream Ride cars. Among the choice names are Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.

Get hands-on with MSV Driving Experiences and fulfil your rally fantasies. Mudmaster puts you behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender on a challenging woodland course or alternatively, choose Rallymaster where you get the opportunity to take on a tarmac rally stage in a Toyota GT86.

Get the kids involved

Youngdrive! gives kids the chance to get their first taste of track driving. Anyone aged 11 and over can drive a MINI One aided by a DSA-approved instructor. Youngdrive! encourages safety and fun for first-time drivers while developing crucial skills and knowledge.

And if that’s not enough to keep you occupied, there will be even more motor-themed madness like the motorbike stunt show, burnout and donut challenge and strong man car pull all before the music begins.

It’s not all about the cars, there’s music and food too

Your weekend soundtrack will be provided by over 30 acts. Headlining this year’s event are big-name artists Take That, Will Young and Primal Scream. Pop music aside, Carfest accommodates various other tastes. Folk Dance Remixed will be performing Celilidh music with a dance twist in the The Big Top and the Wigwam stage offers genres as diverse as country, jazz, reggae and punk throughout the weekend.

Once you’re feeling peckish find your way over to one of the numerous food stalls. Carfest has handpicked the finest caterers who specialise in cooking up tasty, healthy snacks that will keep you fuelled up. The Britain’s Best Pavilion is home to a group of the UK’s small producers with homemade treats aplenty.

Carfest will hold two sibling festivals over the summer. Carfest North will take place from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August at Oulton Park, Cheshire with Carfest South following later in the month from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th of August at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire.

A recent petition, that has won the support of large motoring organisations such as the RAC, Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and Association of British Insurers, has placed pressure on the government to add driving classes to the national curriculum.

Nearly 12% of people who are hurt or killed in a crash are aged 17–19. This is despite the fact that this age group only makes up for 1.5% of total licenced drivers.

This is the reason why young drivers pay high premiums on their car insurance.

Due to the increased risk of young drivers having an accident, a recent petition has suggested that driver safety classes should be introduced in schools, to give those approaching driving age the chance to understand important safety information, before they get on the road.

Jan James CEO of Good Egg Drivers agreed with the petition saying;

'we have recently run educational workshops with thousands of young people in schools and colleges and found an alarming lack of even the most basic knowledge among those currently learning to drive or just about to start.

'As a society we wring our hands about the unacceptably high number of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured every week yet do not equip them with even the most basic knowledge to make informed and safer choices. There's little point attaining great qualifications if they subsequently get killed in a collision. For these reasons we wholeheartedly support this important petition.'

Good Egg Drivers offers accessible tips for new drivers on important information such as choosing the best instructor, passing the tests, insurance, the responsibilities of getting behind the wheel and how to keep your licence once you have earned it.

Young Driver, a road safety organisation that provides young people with driver safety tuition before they hit the road, commissioned independent research into the results of their programmes. They found that former pupils were half as likely to be involved in an accident.

Kim Stanton from Young Driver explained that: ‘Evidence-based research shows that road safety messages are better absorbed by children in their early teens rather than at driving age.’

Lessons proposed by Young Driver include:

• Road safety awareness
• Speed limit information
• Driving in specific situations

What do you think? Should driving classes be introduced into the national curriculum? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

We have recently helped to support The Haven Centre– a charitable organisation that provides holistic therapies to individuals and families affected by life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and motor neurone disease. David McDonald, General Manager of the East Kilbride Vauxhall branch, was in attendance to present the centre with their cheque.

The donation will assist the opening of The Haven’s newest centre in the grounds of Wishaw General Hospital on August 3rd. The Haven Wishaw will help extend support across the whole of Lanarkshire alongside the current facilities in Blantyre and Forth.

Janice Williams, Haven manager said: ‘This is an exciting time for the charity during this period of growth, and we are all delighted to be reaching out and providing support to more clients and families. At The Haven, we understand that the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness is a life changing event, and the programme of support available is designed to help individuals cope with all aspects of their illness, and enable them to face their future with hope.’

The Haven aims to create a relaxed environment in order to relieve the added stress and anxiety associated with the challenges of living with a life-limiting condition. Professionally qualified therapists and counselors work closely together to provide the highest standard of support. These services enable patients to develop positive coping strategies and gain a greater understanding of their own emotions. Specialist nurses are also available and are essential in ensuring continual support throughout treatment.

Haven offers a free drop-in centre with no need for medical referral. All ages at various stages of illness are welcome at the charity and support is flexible with care specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

Fiona Davidson, Haven nurse said: ‘As a Haven nurse it is wonderful to be able to provide support to people of all ages and at all stages of their illness from diagnosis, and be able to tailor the support to the individual. I am very much looking forward to being the nurse in the new centre and would encourage anyone who thinks they may need the support of The Haven to drop in and see us. I look forward to meeting you.’

The Haven Wishaw opens on 3 August, and thanks to Arnold Clark’s donation of £500 they can help deliver their incredible services to their clients now in North Lanarkshire.

Fundraising Officer, Scott Cunningham MBE added: ‘All of us at The Haven would like to say a massive thank you to Arnold Clark for their very kind and generous donation. It is with generosity like this that we are able to continue our much needed and loved services such as therapies to our clients and their families. It is with amazing donations such as this and individuals undertaking events on our behalf that allow us to continue our work within the North and South Lanarkshire communities with our centres in Blantyre, Wishaw and along the Clyde Valley area and beyond from our centre in Forth.’