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Euro Car Parts - Knowledge Centre


Latest articles

replacement-number-plates-guide

Replacement Number Plates: A Guide to When, Why & How

If your number plate is cracked, broken or difficult to read, it’s time to look into replacement number plates. By law, your number plate should be clearly visible, and you could be fined or fail your MOT if your plate is unreadable. If you need a last-minute replacement, we can help – drop into your local store with your car registration details and proof of address, and we’ll create your new plate while you wait. Find out how to order your plates from your closest Euro Car Parts store today. When should I replace my number plate? There’s a few different reasons why your registration plate might need to be replaced: Your plate is cracked or weathered Your number plate has fallen off or been stolen You’ve purchased a DVLA-registered private plate You need an additional plate for your trailer Our number plates are created with black 2D digits in the correct number plate format as standard, in oblong or EV plates. What will I need to bring with me? By law, we’ll need to see documentation that shows you own your car before you can swap out your old plates for new ones. You’ll need to show proof of address and identity, and proof of entitlement; without a V5C, we won’t be able to create your plates. Bring any of the following documents into your local store (you’ll need one ‘proof of identity’ document and one ‘proof of entitlement’ document), and we’ll create your replacement plates while you wait. Proof of identity Driving licence Bank statement from the last six months Utility bills from the last six months (like your phone or council tax bill) Passport National ID card Debit or credit card Proof of entitlement A Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) The tear-off slip (V5C/2) from (V5C section 10) Replacement number plates FAQs Can I drive my car while I’m waiting for a new number plate? It’s illegal to drive your car without a valid, DVLA-registered number plate. You could risk a fine, MOT failure or points on your licence if you drive without any plates. Can I drive with my number plate in the windscreen? No. Your number plate should be fixed to the exterior of your vehicle, so it’s clearly visible while you’re driving, without any reflections from your windscreen. How long does it take to replace a number plate? It takes around 30 minutes from when you get to the counter to create your new number plate in-store, so you can drive away in no time. Can I replace a motorbike plate? We are currently unable to create motorbike plates or unregistered plates. Your car must be registered with the DVLA to be eligible for new plates with Euro Car Parts.
Several red classic cars lined up on a street

How To Make Money From Your Car

Investing in a car is the norm for most drivers, but what if you could get a return on the investment? As more and more people are looking to find a side hustle, vehicle owners are discovering how to make money from their car. From renting out your car when you don’t need it, to running deliveries in your free time, there are ample ways to utilise your car to its fullest and make some quick cash in the process. If you’re looking to ride share or rent out your vehicle, it’s crucial that it is fully serviced and has passed its MOT, so check out our MOT Essentials to make sure everything is running smoothly. Ride Sharing Ride sharing is a popular way for commuters to reduce both their expenses and the environmental impact of using their own car every day. For those who don’t have friends or family to share with, ride sharing apps connect people in the same area who want to do so. Signing up to one of these services as a driver is a great way to make money from your car; you’ll just need to make sure you have the necessary documentation to pass the screening process. To make a good impression with your fellow passengers, you’ll probably want your vehicle looking spick and span, so invest in some cleaning accessories before you start sharing. Renting Out Your Car Drivers who don’t use their car frequently and find it goes unused for periods of time can make a bit of quick cash by renting it out online. Over three-quarters (78%) of drivers say they don't use their car every single day1, meaning they could take advantage of this lucrative side hustle when their car is sat on the drive. Hiyacar and Turo are great examples of online services which allow drivers to rent out their vehicle to other people on the sites, as well as rent cars when they visit somewhere and need a car. Effective verification checks ensure that you’re renting to trusted members and that your own car is safe and secure. But for that extra peace of mind, check out our range of safety and security accessories. Renting Out Your Driveway Similarly, a great way to make money from your car is by renting out your driveway when it is unused or if you have extra room. You can sign up to online services such as Just Park, or rent to people who you know, and take an hourly or daily fee for the time used. It creates an affordable parking option for people visiting the area and has become a lucrative side hustle. Deliveries If you have plenty of spare time, signing up to be a delivery driver can help bring in extra cash. Whether you register with a specific brand or opt to work for a delivery service, you can choose how many hours to work and block out time during the day to make deliveries such as groceries, coffee, courier deliveries, takeaways and more. Advertising Not feeling too precious about the appearance of your car? You can sign up your vehicle to be a moving billboard, where companies pay you for adding stickers and other ads to your car. Most companies will be looking for specific makes and models so it might not be available for everyone, but if your car fits the criteria, you can earn a decent sum of money. Just make sure you keep up with the maintenance and cleaning of your car, so the ads are always visible and appealing. Utilising your car is a great way to bring in some extra cash. If you’re thinking of trying a side hustle, our guide to essential car maintenance will help ensure your car is safe for use.
Set-of-Brake-Discs-and-Pads

A Guide to Brake Maintenance

Taking the proper care and maintenance of your vehicle is essential to keep it running smoothly and prolong its lifespan. While most people are aware of regular jobs such as cleaning your car, topping up oil, and getting a service and MOT, a large portion of drivers are overlooking one of the most important car parts: the brakes. Carrying out your own basic brake maintenance can save money and the inconvenience of going to the garage, and our selection of car brakes offer budget and premium choices to get you started. If you’re ever unsure about problems with your car, go to a professional who can properly diagnose and repair the vehicle. Why is brake maintenance important? Brakes are one of the most critical car parts in ensuring the safety of any vehicle and its passengers, yet less than a quarter of UK drivers (20%) know how and when to check their brakes for faults1. It’s important to keep them well maintained and cared for in order to maximise their performance and ensure you can stop reliably on the roads. If you want to extend the lifespan of your brakes and their components, maintenance is a crucial way to do so. Regular brake maintenance can also help to identify issues early on and catch any repairs before they become worse – and more costly. What are the different parts of the brakes? Whether you're carrying out your own brake maintenance or taking it to a local garage, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the brakes so you can do accurate repairs and confidently understand information being shared by mechanics. All drivers will be familiar with the brake pedal, which is used by the person operating the car to slow and stop the vehicle. The master cylinder is a hydraulic pump that converts the force created from pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure. Transporting that hydraulic pressure are brake lines, through flexible tubes that lead to the brake callipers. These brake callipers then take on the role of clamping the brake pads against the brake discs to initiate the slowing down of the vehicle. Brake discs and brake pads are the two circular components that physically slow down the car as they are clamped together by the callipers. There is one of each within each wheel of the vehicle. Under the bonnet, you can top up the brake fluid, a liquid which helps to transfer the force between the brake pedal and brakes. How often should you check your brake fluid It’s a good idea to check the level and condition of your brake fluid every couple of months. Whilst most cars get a dashboard warning signal when it's time for a top up or replacement, it's always worth doing a manual check every so often to catch potential issues early on. Typically, you’ll need to change the brake fluid every two years, which you can do at home or at a local garage. For top ups, only add more brake fluid to the reservoir if it’s showing levels below the minimum mark. If you find you’re having to top up your brake fluid regularly, this could be a sign of a leak or other problem, in which case you should get your brakes inspected. How to top up and replace your brake fluid Topping up brake fluid is a quick task that can be done easily at home, despite only 15% of drivers carrying out regular checks. Whilst on a flat surface and with the engine turned off, pop the bonnet, locate the brake fluid reservoir (it usually has a black cap with a yellow brake rotor icon) and unscrew the cap. Check that the fluid is below the minimum marker, which indicates it needs to be topped up. Use a funnel to slowly pour the brake fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the maximum marker, cleaning any spills as soon as possible. Screw the cap back on and you're ready to go. How often should you check your brakes Fortunately, brakes are a long-wearing car part, so maintenance doesn't need to be as frequent as some other common jobs. At a minimum, you should check your brakes every two years, but it can never hurt to do it more frequently and we would always recommend checking them every year. To give a rough idea of when you might need to carry out full maintenance, brake pads will need replacing somewhere between 30,000 -70,000 miles, while brake discs need replacing every 60,000 – 100,000 miles. How to tell if brakes need replacing Over three quarters of drivers (76%) admit to ignoring signs of brake failure on their vehicle, but regular wear and tear will make it easy to identify if your brakes are ready for a replacement. Changes to your driving, unusual noises, and other signals will become noticeable. You might start to hear a grinding or squealing sound coming from your car, specifically your brakes, which is a good indicator that your brake pads and discs are wearing down and need to be replaced. Whilst driving, if your car pulls to the side, you notice a vibration when pressing on the brake, or your brakes are generally not working as well, these are other likely signs that your brakes need maintenance. For many drivers, you’ll also get shown a brake warning light on the dashboard when it’s time for a brake fluid, brake pad, or brake disc replacement. Can I repair my own brakes? With the correct tools and materials, it’s possible to repair your own car brakes. Always make sure you have thoroughly read and are following accurate instructions and are confident in your ability to carry out the maintenance required. If you're not sure about repairing your own brakes, ask a professional for guidance or to carry out the work themselves. If you have had recent work done or are still noticing issues with your braking system, you might need to bleed your brakes to keep them in full working order.


Featured articles

replacement-number-plates-guide

Replacement Number Plates: A Guide to When, Why & How

If your number plate is cracked, broken or difficult to read, it’s time to look into replacement number plates. By law, your number plate should be clearly visible, and you could be fined or fail your MOT if your plate is unreadable. If you need a last-minute replacement, we can help – drop into your local store with your car registration details and proof of address, and we’ll create your new plate while you wait. Find out how to order your plates from your closest Euro Car Parts store today. When should I replace my number plate? There’s a few different reasons why your registration plate might need to be replaced: Your plate is cracked or weathered Your number plate has fallen off or been stolen You’ve purchased a DVLA-registered private plate You need an additional plate for your trailer Our number plates are created with black 2D digits in the correct number plate format as standard, in oblong or EV plates. What will I need to bring with me? By law, we’ll need to see documentation that shows you own your car before you can swap out your old plates for new ones. You’ll need to show proof of address and identity, and proof of entitlement; without a V5C, we won’t be able to create your plates. Bring any of the following documents into your local store (you’ll need one ‘proof of identity’ document and one ‘proof of entitlement’ document), and we’ll create your replacement plates while you wait. Proof of identity Driving licence Bank statement from the last six months Utility bills from the last six months (like your phone or council tax bill) Passport National ID card Debit or credit card Proof of entitlement A Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) The tear-off slip (V5C/2) from (V5C section 10) Replacement number plates FAQs Can I drive my car while I’m waiting for a new number plate? It’s illegal to drive your car without a valid, DVLA-registered number plate. You could risk a fine, MOT failure or points on your licence if you drive without any plates. Can I drive with my number plate in the windscreen? No. Your number plate should be fixed to the exterior of your vehicle, so it’s clearly visible while you’re driving, without any reflections from your windscreen. How long does it take to replace a number plate? It takes around 30 minutes from when you get to the counter to create your new number plate in-store, so you can drive away in no time. Can I replace a motorbike plate? We are currently unable to create motorbike plates or unregistered plates. Your car must be registered with the DVLA to be eligible for new plates with Euro Car Parts.
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Black coloured slick interior car leather

The Best of In-Car Tech and Accessories


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