Kwik Fit Technicians Answer Your Most Googled Car Questions

Ever found yourself Googling a car-related question, only to be met with pages of conflicting answers? Or perhaps you just get overwhelmed with all the different formats and resources, and end up questioning your own sanity? You’re not alone. 

From confusing dashboard lights to tyre checks, UK drivers are constantly turning to search engines for quick fixes and clear advice. But when it comes to your car, nothing beats expert knowledge. 

That’s why we asked our Kwik Fit technicians, the people who work with your cars day in, day out, to tackle the UK’s most Googled car questions. In this blog, they’ll cut through the noise, debunk common myths, and give you straightforward, trustworthy answers you can rely on - on everything from weird smells to issues starting your car.

Why has my car insurance gone up?

"A big reason car insurance has gone up is simply the cost of repairing vehicles and getting them back on the road. Labour, repair parts, and components have all become more expensive, and modern cars are also far more complex than they used to be. 

Features that were once considered extras are now standard, and while they’re great for drivers, they do add to repair costs - which, in turn, pushes insurance premiums higher."

Why does my car lose power when I'm driving?

"There are a few different reasons why a car might lose power while you’re driving. At the most basic level, an engine needs fuel, air, and combustion to generate power, but with modern engines being so complex, there are lots of sensors constantly monitoring performance. If something isn’t right, the system can deliberately reduce power to protect the engine from further damage. 

Common causes usually come down to problems with combustion, like spark plugs, coil packs, or issues in the fuel system. Sometimes, it can also be linked to emission systems, such as DPFs or catalytic converters."

Why does my car keep juddering?

"If your car keeps juddering, it could be down to a few different things. For example, if it happens when you’re braking, it might suggest an issue with the brakes themselves, like warped discs, or even problems with the suspension bushes. On the other hand, if the juddering happens while you’re driving at a steady speed, it could be as simple as your wheels needing to be rebalanced."

Why does it take a while for my car to start?

"It’s often more noticeable that your car takes a while to start in colder months, because the engine needs extra energy to get going. In many cases, it points to the battery, either because it’s low on charge or something is draining it. But it’s not always just the battery; sometimes the starter motor or alternator could be the cause too."

Why is my car not starting?

"There are quite a few reasons why a car might not start, and some are very similar to what causes slow starting. A flat battery is one of the most common culprits, but it could also be an engine fault, a fuelling issue, or a problem with the starter motor. 

Sometimes it’s something much simpler though; for example, certain cars won’t start unless you’ve got your foot on the brake or clutch, the handbrake on, or the car in the right gear."

Why is my car squeaking when I brake?

"When you hear squeaking or squealing from your brakes, it can be down to a few different things. Sometimes it’s something simple, like the brakes needing a clean and re-grease, but more often it’s a sign of wear. In fact, many brake pads are designed to squeak at low levels as an early warning that they need changing. 

Worn or corroded discs can also cause the pads to make irregular contact, which produces that squeal. In rarer cases, it might even be overheated brakes, when excessive heat hardens the brake pad material, leading to a squeal when you apply them."

Why does my car smell of petrol?

"If your car smells of petrol, the first thing I’d suggest is checking for any warning lights on the dashboard, like the check engine or oil light, as these can give an early clue about what’s going on. A strong petrol smell can sometimes point to a leak or another issue that could be a safety concern, so it’s always worth getting a vehicle safety check done by an expert as soon as possible."

Why does my car battery keep dying?

"If your car battery keeps dying, there are a few possible causes. Sometimes it’s because there’s a drain on the battery that makes it lose charge, or it could be down to an alternator that isn’t working properly and therefore not recharging the battery while you drive. 

Another really common reason is repeated short journeys; the battery doesn’t get enough time to recharge fully, so over time it can run flat much sooner than you’d expect."

Why does my car air conditioning smell?

"If your car’s air conditioning smells, it’s often down to the pollen filter. This filter cleans the air coming through the AC system, but when dirt and debris build up in it, it can start to cause unpleasant smells inside the cabin. Replacing or cleaning the filter usually sorts the problem."

What oil do I need for my car?

"The type of oil your car needs really depends on the make and model, so the best place to start is always your vehicle handbook. If you’re not sure, we’ve also got a handy oil checker tool on the Kwik Fit website that lets you put in your registration and find exactly the right oil for your car."

Learn more about your car at Kwik Fit

From everyday maintenance queries to those “what does that light even mean?” moments, the most Googled car questions reflect the challenges that all drivers face. Kwik Fit technicians know exactly how to turn uncertainty into clarity, and are always on hand to make sure you get the answers you’re looking for.

Still have a question that didn’t make the list? Whether it’s online advice or expert support at your nearest Kwik Fit centre, you can count on us to keep you and your car moving safely.