September 2025 Car Care Articles

If you’re hunting for quick, useful advice on keeping your car running smooth, you’ve landed in the right spot. In September we covered three hot topics – spark plugs, radiator pricing, and battery health – each with practical tips you can apply today.

Do New Spark Plugs Really Boost Engine Performance?

We broke down whether swapping out spark plugs actually gives you more power, better fuel economy, or a snappier throttle response. The short answer: a good plug can make a difference, but the gain depends on your engine type, plug material, and current wear. Copper plugs are cheap and work fine in older engines, while iridium or platinum plugs last longer and fire more precisely in newer, high‑rev models. If you notice rough idling, misfires, or a dip in mpg, checking the gap and heat range of your plugs is a quick first step before you think about a full replacement.

Car Radiator Price UK (2025): Parts, Labour, and Real Fitted Costs

Radiator repairs can feel like a mystery bill, so we laid out the numbers you’re likely to see in 2025. A basic aftermarket radiator part runs around £80‑£120, while an OEM unit can cost £150‑£250. Labour adds another £80‑£130 depending on shop rates and how accessible the cooling system is in your model. We also compared repair versus replace scenarios – a small leak might be sealed for under £50, but a cracked core usually means a full swap. Knowing these figures helps you question quotes and avoid overpaying.

Finally, we tackled battery health. A healthy battery should sit at 12.6 V when the engine is off and jump to about 13.7‑14.3 V while running. If you see the needle dip below 12.2 V, or if the car struggles to start on a cold morning, it’s time to test the battery and alternator. Common signs include dimming lights, a clicking starter, or a rotten‑egg smell near the battery terminals. Replacing a standard lead‑acid battery costs roughly £80‑£120, while a premium AGM unit can be £130‑£180. We gave you a quick decision tree: test voltage, check for corrosion, evaluate age, then decide replace or repair.

All three posts aim to give you confidence when you talk to your mechanic or DIY in the garage. Remember, regular checks – spark plug gaps, coolant level, and battery voltage – can catch issues before they turn into costly repairs. Keep this page bookmarked and swing back whenever you need a refresher on these basics.