Jun 30, 2023 | Mounting, Maintenance and polishing |
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about clutch replacement on Ford Focus.
In addition, we cover common problems and signs of a clutch failure (jamming/responding sluggishly/slipping) and give you guidance on the cost, duration and procedure of clutch replacement.
Clutch replacement Ford Focus
If your Ford Focus's clutch slips, shifts stiffly, smells or responds with a delay, this is a strong indication of a defect or problem - if this is the case, the clutch will most likely need to be replaced quickly. Otherwise, there could be consequential damage and other problems to the Ford Focus.
How do you recognise a faulty clutch?
- Clutch slippage: The clutch does not engage properly - often called "clutch slippage". You may notice this because you let out the clutch pedal but the car moves slowly. You may also notice this when driving, when suddenly accelerating, you hear the revs increase but the car does not accelerate or only very slowly.
- Stiff clutch: The clutch pedal becomes stiff or difficult to operate.
- Clutch vibrates: You feel vibrations from the clutch pedal, especially during gear changes.
- Changed clutch behaviour: the "feel" of the clutch pedal changes, e.g. it becomes softer or harder than normal.
- Difficulty shifting gears: Shifting gears is difficult, especially noticeable when switching from neutral to another gear.
- Odour: You notice an unusual odour, which smells like a burnt clutch (often similar to burnt rubber).
- Clutch pedal remains on the bottom: The clutch pedal remains on the bottom after being pressed and does not return to its original position (this indicates a problem with the clutch or clutch working cylinder).
Advice: as with all cars, periodic maintenance is very important, this is no different for a Ford Focus. Make sure the car is regularly inspected and if any of the above signs occur, visit a garage for an extra check-up.
Replace clutch, what are the costs?
The cost of a Ford Focus clutch replacement can vary depending on several factors, such as the region, the type of workshop (specialist versus independent workshop) and the engine or equipment of your vehicle.
The selection of spare parts (third-party products versus original parts) also determines the final bill. Clutch replacement on the Ford Focus generally costs between €500 and €800, depending on the region - the choice of workshop (independent workshop versus specialist company) and the spare parts play the main role in putting the price together.
Above all, contact several garages for a price estimate so that you can make an informed decision.
Procedure for replacing clutch
The exact procedure and time required for clutch replacement can vary slightly depending on the workshop, vehicle model and other factors. But generally, the following steps will be followed by the mechanic:
- Diagnosis: The mechanic examines the vehicle to determine whether a clutch replacement is actually needed or if something else is going on.
- Disassembly: The necessary parts, such as transmission and clutch elements, are disassembled to access the faulty clutch.
- Inspection and replacement: The worn clutch and other defective parts are dismantled and replaced with new parts. In addition, it may also be wise to replace other parts such as the thrust bearing or clutch pressure plate to ensure a complete repair.
- Fitting: The new clutch parts are well fitted and accurately adjusted.
- Check/test: After replacing the clutch, the entire system is checked for proper operation. This includes checking the clutch actuator and, if necessary, an adjustment or calibration.
- Test drive: A test drive should also be mandatory to ensure that the clutch works properly, the gears shift smoothly and there are no unusual vibrations or noises.
- Conclusion: After passing the test and test drive, the car is ready to go again!
How long does replacement take?
The time required to replace a clutch on Ford Focus can vary from a few hours to a full working day, depending on the experience of the mechanic, the availability of spare parts and the difficulty of the installation.
As a rule, however, it can be assumed that clutch replacement on a Ford Focus can be completed within one working day. However, as you probably know, garages are often busy and you will still need to schedule an appointment for maintenance. So when you can go depends on each garage, contact a garage in your area!
Jun 30, 2023 | EV |
Is it wise to buy a used hybrid car? There are many reasons why buying a hybrid is a good idea. Consider the environment, lower fuel costs or lower road tax.
With developments of lower emissions and many subsidies, more and more hybrid electric cars (HEVs or full hybrids) can be found on the road. As a result, second-hand supply is also growing. There are many fine cars to mention, such as the BMW X3 occasion but other brands also have several hybrids in their range.
For many used car buyers, a used hybrid will be the first hybrid they have owned. So, are you going to opt for a used hybrid? Then keep the following pros and cons in mind.
Advantages of buying a used hybrid car
It goes without saying that hybrid cars offer numerous advantages, whether new or used.
- Low fuel consumption: Hybrid cars are designed to be as economical as possible, this is reflected not only in the battery but also in the ergonomic design. The dual drive chain works best at certain speeds - the electric motor at lower speeds and the combustion engine at higher speeds - so by switching from one to the other at the right time during acceleration, significant fuel savings and a reduction in harmful emissions can be achieved.
- Lower road tax: Owners of a plug-in hybrid car get 50% discount on motor vehicle tax. This only applies to cars with minimum CO2 emissions not exceeding 50 grams per kilometre. The government has extended this tax break until 2024.
- Lower BPM costs: When you register a car in the vehicle registration register, you pay BPM, or purchase tax on passenger cars and motorbikes, once. The BPM of Plug-in Hybrids is calculated on emissions. Because the combined consumption and therefore emissions are low. A PHEV often also has a lower BPM amount than a comparable petrol or diesel car with the same performance.
- Reduced emissions: Hybrid cars are undoubtedly greener than cars using only petrol or diesel, so driving a used hybrid is kinder to the environment. Full hybrids cannot be plugged in to recharge like a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), instead they generate their own electricity for the battery through regenerative braking.
The disadvantages of a used hybrid car
Of course, as with any car, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when it comes to buying a used hybrid.
- Battery life: As a hybrid car ages, the battery and hence the range naturally deteriorate. Although batteries for hybrid cars are designed to offer long life, manufacturers cannot claim that they will maintain their full performance forever. If the battery of a used hybrid is out of warranty then this can be costly. So delve into this if you are going to buy a 2nd hand hybrid.
- High mileage: Hybrid cars are understandably a popular choice among taxi drivers. However, this can lead to many used hybrid cars having significantly higher mileage than you would expect for their age. It also makes it important to double check that the mileage is correct before buying a used hybrid car.
- Maintenance can be expensive: Provided it is well maintained, a hybrid car will last as long as a traditional model. Regular maintenance on a hybrid should not be more expensive, but if a hybrid vehicle is involved in an accident, the engine and parts may be more expensive to repair and/or specialised mechanics may be needed.
- Subsidies: When you buy an all-electric car new or second-hand, you can claim subsidies. Unfortunately, this does not apply to plug-in hybrid cars.
We wish you good luck with the search and lots of driving fun!
Jun 29, 2023 | Insurance |
When was the last time you compared the premium of your current car insurance with the premiums of policies with other insurers? The ones taken out in the past compare car insurance with the current offer can yield substantial savings. This does not only apply to your car insurance, by the way; compare other insurance policies once a year to see if they can be taken out cheaper elsewhere.
When comparing car insurance, there are several factors to consider. You can read more about them in this article. You don't have to compare insurance manually; there are several online tools to help you do this. With these tools, you can determine within minutes which insurer offers the best insurance for you. You can take out the insurance directly from such a tool.
Factors determining car insurance premium
The premium of a car insurance calculation means that an online tool assesses your risk based on several factors when they offer you car insurance. Examples of these factors include where you live, your age and the number of claim-free years you have already accumulated. For a younger driver, the risk of damage is assessed higher than for an experienced driver; it results in a higher premium for the younger driver's car insurance. In the case of where you live, a distinction is made between urban and rural areas, for example. In rural areas, the risk of accidents and damage is assessed lower, than in the city.
Look carefully at the cover required for your car
When you bought a car, you wanted to protect it optimally from damage. After all, you paid a lot of money for it. Where you opted for third-party insurance with full bodywork back then, now third-party insurance with limited bodywork or no bodywork is sufficient. It leads to considerable savings on your car insurance premium. Especially if you intend to replace your car in the next few years, it is advisable to consider third-party insurance. That way, you will save a little extra every month for the purchase of your new car.
Additional insurance not always necessary
Besides the basic insurance for your car, you can take out several additional policies. Consider, for example, passenger insurance and legal expenses insurance for traffic situations. Such additional insurances are not always necessary. It is possible that you almost always drive the vehicle alone; in such a case, occupant insurance will cause unnecessarily high monthly costs.
Jun 21, 2023 | Maintenance and polishing |
Working on your car or something broke and you want to replace it quickly? You can of course go to the first (online) shop but you might also be able to get by with a second-hand part! Whether it is smart to buy used parts for your car or opt for new parts depends on several factors. We have listed some considerations.
Used car parts
Used parts are generally cheaper than new parts. If you have a limited budget or want to save on repair and replacement costs, used parts can be an attractive option.
Availability also plays a role. For older or rare cars, new parts can be hard to find, or they can be very expensive. In such cases, second-hand parts may be the only practical option.
Make a good trade-off when it comes to safety and performance. With some car parts, such as brakes, airbags or safety systems, it may be wise to choose new parts. These parts are essential to the safety of the vehicle and it is important to make sure they are functioning properly and meet the latest safety standards.
It is always advisable to do thorough research, compare prices and check the condition of second-hand parts before making a decision.
What else should you consider?
In general, using used car parts can be safe, but there are still some factors to consider:
- Quality and reliability: It is important to buy parts from reliable sources, such as authorised scrapyards or reputable online suppliers. For example, check out the website of Autoparts24. This ensures that the parts are likely to be in good condition and function correctly. Although there are many high-quality second-hand parts available, there are also chances of wear and tear or damage. If you have found a company that offers 2nd-hand parts also look carefully at reviews and experiences of other buyers, this often gives a good idea.
- Checking and warranty: If you buy second-hand parts, it is advisable to check them for any damage or wear and tear before buying them. Some sellers also offer a warranty on the parts, which can provide extra peace of mind.
- Compatibility: Make sure the used part is compatible with the specific vehicle model and year of manufacture. Check the (OEM) part numbers and specifications to ensure it fits and functions correctly.
Which parts are often bought second-hand?
As for which car parts are most commonly bought second-hand, the following parts can often be found in second-hand condition:
- Body parts: This includes parts such as doors, bumpers, bonnets and mudguards. In case of minor accidents or damage, used body parts can be a cheap alternative to new parts.
- Engines and transmissions: For larger repairs, replacing a complete engine or transmission can be very expensive. Some people choose to buy second-hand car engine or buy transmissions if they are reliable and have good performance.
- Electronic modules: Electronic components such as engine control modules, navigation systems or radios can sometimes be bought second-hand.
These are just a few examples, but in principle, most car parts can be bought second-hand if they are still in good condition and have proper compatibility. However, it is always wise to research and check thoroughly before buying used car parts.
Make use of the OEM number
An OEM number stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer number. It is a unique identification number assigned to a specific automotive part produced by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This number is used to identify the part and ensure that it correctly matches the desired part for a specific vehicle model.
OEM numbers are often standardised according to industry standards such as ISO standards. Different car manufacturers have their own unique numbering systems for their parts, but in most cases these OEM numbers can be linked to general reference numbers that are widely recognised in the after-market.
Using an OEM number when searching for auto parts can help identify the right part and ensure that it is compatible with the specific vehicle for which it is intended. It is a useful tool for car dealers, auto repair shops and consumers alike in finding and ordering the right parts.
Jun 15, 2023 | Financial |
Want to lease a car but have no idea how much the monthly lease cost will be? In this article, we look at leasing costs, how you can easily calculate them using a calculation tool and how you can lease financially as an entrepreneur. We also look at the possibility of financial leasing without submitting annual figures.
Calculate lease costs
Do you have your eye on a car you want to lease and are curious about what the monthly costs will be? The following website has a handy lease calculator which helps you calculate monthly costs.
The data you need for the calculation are:
- Purchase value of the car
- Lease amount
- Duration in months
- Value of final instalment
After filling in the details, you can send the application and will receive a quote within one working day.
Financial lease, what exactly is it?
Financial lease, also known as business lease, is a form of financing that allows companies to purchase business assets without direct acquisition costs. With financial lease, the car is financed by a leasing company. The company enters into a lease contract that lays down the terms and the payment structure.
With financial leasing, you become the legal owner of the car during the lease period. You pay monthly lease payments to the leasing company over an agreed period. At the end of the lease period, you can choose to take over the car by making a final payment, which is often a symbolic amount.
Some benefits of financial leasing:
- No large initial investment: Financial leasing allows companies to purchase assets without having to pay large sums immediately. This helps companies maintain liquidity and spread costs over a longer period.
- Tax benefits: With financial leasing, the company can often benefit from tax breaks. Lease payments can usually be deducted as business expenses, reducing taxable profits.
- Possibility of financing 100%: In many cases, companies can finance the full purchase value, including VAT, with financial leasing. This means no own contribution is required.
- Flexibility: Financial leasing allows companies to tailor the lease to their specific needs. The lease period can be tailored to the expected lifetime of the asset, and additional options such as maintenance contracts can be included.
- Possibility of ownership: At the end of the lease period, the company usually has the option to take over the asset for a symbolic price. This means the company can eventually become the owner of the asset.
It is important to note that financial leasing also comes with obligations. The company is responsible for maintenance, insurance and any depreciation of the asset during the lease period. It is advisable to read the terms and conditions of the lease contract carefully and, if necessary, seek advice from a financial expert before entering into a financial lease agreement.
Lease without annual figures?
Are you a start-up and do not yet have annual figures but still want to lease? That doesn't have to be a problem!
There is practically no difference between leasing a car without annual figures and financial leasing. The car is used as collateral so providing figures is not necessary. The application for leasing without figures is also virtually the same.
A financial lease without annual figures you can apply for it through the website Autokan, for example. Of course, you do need to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce as a company. Furthermore, there is a limit on the purchase value of the lease car. In the case of a lease without annual figures, this amount may not exceed €50,000.
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