Uncategorized

The used car market is a minefield, to put it lightly. Sadly, you wouldn’t believe the number of times we have to inform customers that the car they’ve just bought is not in the condition they believed it to be. If you’re in the market for a second-hand car, there are some things you can do to mitigate the risk of being cheated.

The do’s and don’ts of buying a used car:

NEVER buy a car without its MOT

First and foremost, if a car’s MOT has expired, do not buy it. This is practically a sure sign that the seller has something to hide. If its MOT test is due in the next couple of months, the best thing to do is ask that the seller takes it early. You can offer to pay extra for the test, and the seller should cover any repairs needed.

Always do a thorough background check

It’s vital to review a vehicle’s history before you go to view it. You can find a lot about a car online, certainly enough to determine whether it’s worth seeing. First, do an MOT check – www.check-mot.service.gov.uk is the place for that. You already know what to do regarding the MOT due date, but make sure to take note of the MOT history as well. Check for any advisories, particularly those on the most recent MOTs, that may not have been dealt with and make a note to ask about them when meeting the seller. If you’re buying from a private seller, we recommend using sites like Auto Trader. Cars listed here go through a background check before being available for purchase. You can buy a lot of vehicles on Facebook Marketplace these days, but these are not pre-checked and therefore are a much riskier purchase.

It’s also wise to do an HPI check. The most comprehensive ones aren’t free, but it’s a small price for complete transparency. The report will tell you whether the car is on finance, if it’s been written off, or marked as stolen – all massive red flags! Type “HPI check” into Google, and you’ll get multiple options, all of which are fine. You’d be looking at around £20 for a check to tell you everything you need to know.

The proof is in the paperwork

Request that the seller sends you screenshots of the vehicle’s service history to confirm whether it’s up-to-date on its maintenance. Generally, the vehicle should have had a service every year, alternating between a full and interim service in its most basic form (although it’s better if it has stuck to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule – read our previous blog post!). If you decide to view the vehicle, request proof of ownership through a purchase receipt and ensure you get the physical copies of the service history. The logbook doesn’t prove ownership, but you must be handed this; otherwise, you won’t be able to tax the vehicle.

Check the mileage

A second-hand car with low mileage (anything less than 40,000 miles on the clock) is more desirable. However, if you’ve found a nice car with low mileage and at a low cost, likely, something is not quite right. Nowadays, it’s easy to alter a car’s mileage; it’s just a case of having the right software on your laptop. If you’re viewing a vehicle that looks in good knick but is cheap, given its low mileage, look closer. Check for stone chips on the bonnet, the condition of the seats and mats and how worn the pedals look. The general rule; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Second-hand cars are expensive these days, especially in seemingly-good condition with low mileage.

Stop, look and listen

Talking about condition, if you’re viewing a car, there are some important things to check for, and you don’t have to be an expert to spot them. The first thing you should do is a visual inspection. Check outside, underneath and inside. Look for signs of repainting or body work replacement indicating the car had been in an accident. The most important thing is that the car is safe and mechanically sound, so you must test-drive it. Turn the radio off and ask the seller (if in the vehicle) to stay quiet. Listen out for unusual noises or rattles and check for excessive smoke. Test the brakes and handbrake and pay close attention to the steering and handling. If you notice anything that seems off, it’s not worth the risk.

Get a second opinion

Of course, unless you know exactly what to look for, it’s hard to be certain you’re not being taken for a fool. If you buy a second-hand car, it’s wise to inspect it as soon as possible. Many garages will be happy to have a general look over the important elements free of charge (we certainly will!) to give you some peace of mind or to bring your attention to something you may have missed. If you buy from a dealer and have a problem within 30 days of purchase, you can either request a full refund or a like-for-like replacement. If you buy from a private seller, you don’t have as much legal protection, as it’s your responsibility to be careful. Head to the Citizens Advice website for a confirmation of your rights.

The main takeaway is to be cautious. Don’t get too wrapped up in the excitement; think with your head and not your heart!

If you’ve just purchased a used vehicle and would like someone to check it over, please give us a call on 01485 533786 in Hunstanton or 01553 763763 in King’s Lynn. Or, if you’re still browsing and want some advice, contact us – we’d be more than happy to help.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the cost of living crisis is still in full swing, and it’s as important as last year to be careful with your spending. With that in mind, have you considered that you could potentially be overspending on your car servicing?

Servicing your car is paramount to ensuring it performs as it should and is safe for you and others on the road. So, reducing how often you service your car or choosing to only book for small services is not the best option. Although in the short term, you’ll be spending less, in the long run, you could end up shelling out way more than you bargained for because of damage caused by not servicing your car properly in the first place. So, how do you keep on top of your car’s maintenance and your finances?

Menu Servicing

Short answer: menu servicing. This is the service recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer based on its current mileage and age. A garage that offers menu servicing will take your vehicle details and use a comprehensive online program to determine exactly what needs renewing/inspecting rather than simply guessing. They will take your vehicle’s service history into account as well to ensure everything that needs to be done is recommended at the correct time. This saves you money in two ways; 1, you can ensure the service being done on your car is only what is requested; and 2, your vehicle will be up to date on its service checks and renewals, extending its life, retaining more of its value, and lessening the chance of any deterioration caused by neglect.

A common misconception is that only main dealerships can offer this type of service; however, some independent garages do. And, because they are independent, don’t have as many overheads and can supply and fit a range of different parts (including genuine) depending on requirements and budget, they can charge less.

What service does your car need?

Unlike the slipper socks you may have unwrapped for Christmas, it’s not a case of one size fits all with your vehicle’s service schedule. What we’ve touched on above but not in so much detail is knowing what kind of service your car needs and when.

You may have come across the concept of small and large services or something similar. These are usually set services that you would be advised to alternate between year on year. We do things differently. Although we offer set services (Bronze, Silver and Gold), most of our customers choose to have what is required based on their vehicle’s age and mileage – this is menu servicing. To explain how this works, it’s easier to use an example: a car is seven years old and has done around 40,000 miles. We would use our technical data software to look up the vehicle and determine the correct service based on this information.

You don’t have to pay main dealer prices to get main dealer quality. At K Brown Auto Repairs, we can service any make and model of vehicle – even if it’s under warranty – to the manufacturer’s specifications and for a more affordable price. Plus, we offer exemplary customer service, a quick turnaround, and regular updates to keep you informed. Our long-term customers, Ashley and Diana Corden, sum it up nicely in their Google review: “For those who critique non-dealer garages, K Browns have done all my servicing on Jaguar XJs, XFs, AMG Mercedes, M BMWs and Porsche. I would go to K Browns over dealers every time.”

To speak to a team member or book your vehicle in for a service, call 01553 763763 for King’s Lynn or 01485 533786 for Hunstanton.

As the year is coming to a close (I know, we’re wondering where the time’s gone, too!), we thought it fitting to discuss the best tech of the automotive industry so far. If you read our last blog post, you’ll know we’ve also covered the introduction of self-driving vehicles and how that may impact safety – can you see the theme here?

Tech features are hugely important in today’s vehicles; they affect how you interact with your vehicle and how it reacts to what’s happening around it. Here we look at some of the key automotive technologies of this year and how the driving experience has changed because of them.

1. Driver assistance systems
   This is an umbrella term for features like adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, reverse brake assist and cross-traffic alerts. All these tech benefits focus on safety and ensure you know of cars and obstructions around your vehicle. One of the first examples of this was anti-lock brakes, now standard on every new car.
   
2. Automatic emergency braking
   An essential part of safety tech, automatic emergency braking activates your car’s brakes when it senses a collision is imminent. It could minimise the potential damage during an accident or even help you avoid one altogether.
   
3. Connected apps/digital keys
   Almost every car company now has an app you can download for your car, with the smartest ones letting you remotely lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel and tyre pressure, and even remotely start the car. These apps will also display key maintenance features, and you can use them to find your nearest garage, petrol station, or charge station.
   Similar to contactless card payments, to use the digital key on a phone, it would have to be held near the door to lock and unlock it – and only your phone would have this capability.
   
4. Teen driver tech
   Something particularly cool is that you can now get vehicles with features aimed solely at parents with younger drivers in the house. The tech safeguards new drivers, allowing parents to put specific settings in place and put their minds at ease! For example, it can notify you if the car is driven over a specified speed, disable the audio if seatbelts aren’t in use, and set a volume limit on the sound system. There’s even a report card telling parents if safety systems like forward collision warnings have been triggered while their child was behind the wheel.

Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean of the technological advancements we see in cars today, but it certainly gives you an idea of how much the industry has progressed in recent years.

Read more of our latest blog posts:

• Protected: Vehicle Diagnostics – Why It’s More Than Just a Code Read
• Which Car Service Do I Need? A guide to choosing the right service at the right price
• Catalytic converter thefts: is your car at risk?
• Is your car’s air conditioning bad for you?
• How your dirty car can cost you money

Fully autonomous cars dominating our roads may seem like a scene from a futuristic sci-fi film, but we are closer to this becoming reality than you may wish to believe. 

Driverless cars have remained a thing of the distant future for some years, but the Department for Transport (DfT) has said the first self-driving cars could be ready for use on UK roads this year.

Should we be nervous or excited about this development? There are both pros and cons to consider. 

Pros: 

• Reduced human error

“Algorithms can’t get drunk, drowsy or distracted,” said the BBC. And, they’re right. This technology’s primary goal is to create safer vehicles than human-driven cars. Self-driving cars will keep a close eye on speed and maintain a safe distance from other moving cars. The DfT believes these automated cars could improve safety, with more than 85% of road accidents in the UK caused by human error.

• Fuel efficiency

Driverless vehicles could be better for our planet. Many models in the making run on electricity, and even the way they drive is beneficial. The BBC states, “They accelerate and brake more smoothly, which ultimately reduces exhaust pipe emissions.” 

• Increased accessibility and independence

Automated vehicles could offer “life-changing benefits to people with disabilities.” They would also help older people deemed unsafe to drive ordinary cars on UK roads due to diminishing eyesight or mobility. 

Cons:

• Slow-moving traffic 

Research by GreenBiz has indicated that it could encourage “a lot more driving in the US.” A lot more people (as assumed by those who weren’t able to drive previously will be able to) and longer distances. The first self-driving cars may have to remain in the slow lane, only reaching up to 37mph while in a single lane. Until technology progresses, these slow speeds could cause a problem or a lot of road rage! 

• Hacking risks

We know from experience with desktop computers and mobile phones that all similar technology is at risk of being hacked. Unfortunately, it’s a “near-certainty that self-driving cars will be hacked, too.” The AI systems responsible for controlling autonomous vehicles are vulnerable to attacks that could compromise their function and pose a risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians. 

• Different road variations

While a brand-new dual carriageway may be ideal for a driverless vehicle, narrow, winding lanes in rural areas, for example, could pose a challenge. Self-driving cars use radar, camera and laser-based guidance to navigate different environments safely. Still, the more complex the road, the more processing power is needed to understand it.

Do the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa? The answer at the moment is unclear – until these vehicles are on the road, we won’t know. However, as a garage, it will undoubtedly be interesting to learn how to service these automated cars in the future! 

To speak to a member of the team or book in your vehicle, call us in Hunstanton on 01485 533786 or King’s Lynn on 01553 763763.

For more news and articles visit www.kbrownautoskingslynn.co.uk/blogs-k-brown-auto-repairs.

You may remember us posting an article about the importance of female-friendly garages back in 2021 (it feels like ten years ago!). We feel so strongly about this topic that we felt it deserved another post. A year later, we still come across multiple customers who are initially nervous that we’re overcharging them or lying about something they need. This is particularly pertinent amongst our female customers but not completely uncommon with other genders. We treat every single one of our customers in the same way; never ripping people off, taking advantage of their potential lack of knowledge or making them feel embarrassed for this. But, unfortunately, at some garages, this is the reality, which sadly has resulted in everybody being a little wary of putting their trust in a new garage.

You are not alone if you’re a woman who has dreaded taking your car to a garage. A whopping nine in ten women believe they are treated differently at auto-repair shops than men. And with 31% confused by jargon and 28% nervous about asking technical questions, it’s no wonder women view a trip to the dentist more favourably than getting a car serviced, according to AutoMD. Yet, shockingly, despite the statistics above, many auto-repair garages are not making an effort to be ‘female appropriate.’

First impressions count, and if women, men, or people of any gender walk into a dirty, uninviting reception area, they are likely to feel uneasy from the off. Even things that may seem insignificant, like old, faded calendars on the wall and insufficient lighting, can impact how comfortable someone feels. On the contrary, a light, airy space with plenty of seating and tasteful decor will have the opposite effect. Another essential aspect of a reception is the right staff. A warm smile, friendly demeanour, and understanding approach go a long way to building trust and calming nerves.

Confused.com states that over a third of women motorists worry a mechanic will rip them off. This is a scary statistic, but it’s understandable given that some technicians use jargon and fail to explain what the car needs and any work completed. Then there’s the fear that you’ll be laughed at if you misunderstand anything. On the other hand, an honest garage would go through everything in detail and layman’s terms without patronising. The reception/admin team and mechanics should treat each customer with respect and compassion.

No garage should conduct work before getting prior approval from the customer, regardless of gender. This may seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many garages aren’t so forthcoming when communicating effectively with customers. You may have heard horror stories about garages taking advantage of women, perhaps overcharging them, or doing more work on their car than discussed and still being charged for it. In fact, according to a study performed by The Times, women are much more likely to be quoted high prices for car repairs than men for the same services. It’s important to note that this isn’t always the case, however.

A handful of garages make providing a safe, welcoming environment and services to people of all genders a priority. With our all-female receptions and knowledgable, helpful technicians, we at K Brown Auto Repairs are dedicated to treating all customers with the same courtesy and care, regardless of gender.