Cars in South West London are a tool that helps residents cope with their daily routines, such as commuting to work, shopping, picking up children from school, visiting various attractions and cultural events, leisure activities, etc.
In other words, cars here are used constantly. It should also be noted that this area has a high population density and some of the busiest traffic in the capital.
Statistics from the Department for Transport show that the total number of cars on the country’s roads is constantly growing. What does this lead to?
In general, it leads to road congestion, increased traffic jams, harmful emissions, noise pollution, and accelerated wear and tear on the cars themselves. The latter is due to the fact that driving in heavy traffic always puts more strain on the car.
Therefore, regular maintenance and care of your vehicle is a daily necessity that pays off in the long run. Your car will last longer without unpleasant surprises and will provide you with safe and comfortable travel.
The real situation on the roads: what is it like?
The Department of Transport has conducted an interesting study that shows the real situation on the roads in statistical terms.
For example, it is interesting to note that as of 2024, the level of road traffic in the country has increased compared to 2023.
At the same time, we can say that it has not returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and remains lower.
Statistics also show that the mileage of cars over a one-year period (from 2023 to 2024) increased by 1.6 per cent (thus, the average mileage is 336.2 billion miles).
Thus, this information confirms the above statements: cars are an integral part of people’s lives not only in South West London but throughout the United Kingdom as a whole.
After all, this region has its own specific driving conditions, which create additional challenges for cars. Journeys in the area are usually quite short, and the constant starting and stopping of the engine in traffic jams leads to accelerated wear and tear on some car components, as these manoeuvres do not allow the engine to warm up completely.
In addition, the climate itself has a negative impact on the car. High humidity significantly increases the risk of corrosion.
Basic tips for car maintenance
We have always emphasised that regular maintenance and checking the condition of car components is essential. And we will do so again, as it affects driving safety. What do we recommend?
- Change consumables regularly. This refers to engine oil and filters. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, preventing friction and overheating. Considering that in heavy traffic you have to constantly stop and start, the oil gets dirty faster. That is why it is necessary to take this into account and constantly monitor the oil change intervals and change the filter.
- Tyres and more tyres. First of all, you need to take the weather into account and fit tyres according to the season. In addition, you always need to consider the tread depth and overall condition of the tyres. Be sure to check them for cracks or foreign objects. And, of course, monitor the tyre pressure. It should be exactly as specified in the technical recommendations, as this affects the handling of the car and fuel consumption.
- The braking system requires special attention when used constantly (sometimes even in emergency situations). For example, many drivers in London notice faster wear on their braking systems. The brake discs on a Vauxhall Astra, for instance, often need replacement earlier than expected when the car is used mainly in heavy stop-start traffic. A regular check can prevent costly repairs and improve road safety.
The experts at AUTODOC can best explain the importance of a properly functioning braking system: «After all, a well-functioning brake system is extremely important for your safety and for all occupants in the vehicle. This is why it’s necessary that you, or a mechanic, check the fluid, brake pads, and discs regularly». Therefore, never ignore squeaking or grinding noises coming from the brakes, and raise the alarm if the brake pedal behaves strangely.
- Do not ignore the condition of the battery. The fact is that short trips are usually not enough to charge the battery. That is why, if you notice that the starter has become slower, pay attention to the condition of the battery.
Of course, to be more thorough, you should still refer to the expert opinion of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which has researched typical problems and recommendations for inspection frequency.
| System / Car Part | Recommended Check Frequency | How to Spot a Problem |
| Braking System | Every 20,000-30,000 miles or annually before the MOT | Squealing, vibrations, increased braking distance |
| Tyres | Weekly check of pressure and condition; replace at ≤ 1.6 mm tread depth | Vibrations, poor grip, longer braking distance |
| Lighting (headlights, stop lights) | Weekly + before long journeys | Dim light, other drivers signalling that your lights are dazzling them |
| Battery | Every 6 months, especially in autumn/winter | Slow engine start, dim headlights |
| Suspension (shock absorbers) | Every 2 years or at every service | The car “bounces” on uneven surfaces, unstable handling on corners |
| Fluids (oil, brake fluid, coolant) | Weekly fluid level check; replace according to the manual | Burnt smell, engine overheating, warning light on the dashboard |
Another question is, what are the most common faults that affect MOT passes in the UK?
Thus, we see that the number of cars in the UK is constantly growing. As of 2024, there are 41.7 million registered vehicles, of which more than 81 per cent are passenger cars.
In addition, the car fleet is ageing, as the average age of a car in the country is 9.9 years. Therefore, regular maintenance is important for cars, especially those that are constantly operating in extreme conditions.
Vauxhall Astra brake discs – Buycarparts
How many vehicles are there in the United Kingdom?
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