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Most drivers have heard the term “running rich”. Admittedly, many of us don’t know what it means; we only know it’s not good.

When we start our car, a series of reactions take place. The efficiency of these reactions dictates how “rich” your car runs; if your vehicle runs rich, it means there’s an issue in your engine.

A car that runs rich causes a few problems: higher fuel costs, a poorer driving experience, and a worse environmental impact.

Below, we describe what running rich is, why it’s a problem and the long-term impacts of ignoring this issue.

So, what does “running rich” mean, and how does it happen? 

Running rich only occurs if there is an issue with your engine’s combustion process. The cause of this is your engine receiving too much fuel. Conversely, “running lean” refers to your car receiving too much air and not enough fuel. 

With this in mind, is it better to have your car be running rich vs lean? 

Both issues are as bad as each other. Ideally, there would be an even distribution of fuel-to-air, through what is referred to as an even “stoichiometric ratio”. This ratio is determined when your car is manufactured, and is optimised for a balance between performance and reliability. 

You don’t need to visit a mechanic to check if your car runs rich. There are a few clear rich fuel mixture effects that any driver can spot. 

The strongest symptom is a strong, pungent smell from your engine. If you’re not sure what it smells like, then don’t worry, your car probably is not running rich – it’s a bit like rotten eggs. 

Essentially, this smell comes from uncombusted fuel. As mentioned, running rich is the result of a faulty combustion process, and this leftover fuel escapes into the exhaust in all of its stinky, polluted glory. 

Usually, our catalytic converters prevent the smell from appearing. However, very rich fuel is impossible for the converter to break down, leading to the emissions of unprocessed fuel.

We’ve covered catalytic converters in our in-depth blog: Catalytic converter theft: why it's on the rise and how to prevent it.

Do you feel like you’re filling up your car more? Does it seem like it costs more to fill up the tank? 

Well, higher fuel costs is a clear symptom of running rich. It implies that your car is not combusting fuel efficiently. 

However, it’s important to note that other factors can lead to increased fuel consumption, including colder weather. 

How does your car feel when it’s idle? Is it smooth and comfortable? Or does it feel rough and cause vibration? 

If idling in your car causes vibration, then running rich is likely the cause. The RPMs on the tachometer may be erratic, implying an issue is occurring with combustion. 

Your engine light provides you with a lot of information. Each car model will have a diagnostic code that triggers when too much exhaust gas is produced in the combustion chamber of the engine. 

This is the key issue that causes running rich. Other dashboard warnings from oxygen sensors, pressure sensors and mass air flow sensors can trigger warnings too. 

So, pay attention to your dashboard notices – they are there for a reason. 

Now, the majority of these symptoms occur when driving. However, if you pop open the bonnet, you can really see if your car runs rich. 

For example, spark plugs full of black, dry soot means excessive carbon deposits are forming. This condition implies combustion is not occurring correctly, leading to too many carbonates in the system. 

If left untreated, the spark plugs will eventually clog up the catalytic converter, which is very expensive to replace. 

There are other symptoms that a trained mechanic can test. Higher carbon monoxide emissions, faulty oxygen and airflow sensors, and underperforming fuel pressure regulation are amongst the symptoms professionals notice. 

Okay, so let’s say your car has a few of the above symptoms. Does that mean it’s running rich? Well, no – you need proof. 

Proving it requires a professional with an OBD scanner. We’ve covered the importance of OBD ports in our blog: What is an OBD port and what are they used for?

Run full diagnostics to find the exact cause of the problem. 

Of course, it’s doubtful that your car will require all of the above. It depends on the damage, and if your engine is completely broken, then it may be better to scrap the car and purchase a new one. 

Now that you know the signs of running rich, you’ll be well equipped to react quickly if you spot them in the future.

Of course, running rich isn’t the only thing you need to be mindful of when choosing a car. It’s equally as important to stay clued up on the latest news and guidance, including the ins and outs of motor finance. To do just that, stay tuned to our motoring blog. 

How to stop your car from running rich

In the modern marketplace, it’s essential to ensure all purchased and sold cars have their required information on record. Otherwise, the market would be flooded with vehicles that could be improperly advertised and sold.

This is where a V5 logbook comes in. If you have ever sold or bought a car, then you have likely seen one of these. However, what information does a V5 logbook contain? Do you need one? What should you do with a lost V5 logbook?

Discover all you need to know about this all-important document below.

 The V5 logbook records the Registered Keepers of a vehicle. The named person in this document is the person who has registered for and is paying tax for the vehicle, so it may not always be the owner.

In most cases, the person paying tax and registering the vehicle is the owner, but this can change in cases such as company cars.

So, what information does a V5 logbook record? In total, a V5 logbook contains:

The name and address of the Registered Keeper

The number of previous Registered Keepers

The vehicle’s make, tax class, frame number, model and colour

Forms to send to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if the car is sold, as well as forms for scrapping and exporting

Overall, the V5 logbook allows a buyer to see the full history of a car. If things look a little out of place on the logbook, or if a car doesn’t have one, it raises eyebrows, such as whether the car has been advertised incorrectly or if it has been stolen.

Technically, it is illegal to drive a car without a V5 logbook. This is because a car without a V5 logbook cannot be taxed.

Driving an untaxed vehicle can lead to serious fines, with a few exemptions:

If you are driving an untaxed vehicle to a pre-booked MOT appointment

If the vehicle is classed as a “historic vehicle”

Be sure to check the exemptions list before you hit the road if you think you’re exempt. However, even if you are exempt, you should still have a V5 logbook for your own safety. Plus, it makes selling the car much easier.

The DVLA strongly advises that you should never buy a car without a V5 logbook. This is because cars without a V5 logbook carry a risk of being stolen, written off or having finance owed on them.

If you purchase a stolen or unpaid vehicle, then bailiffs are within their rights to take the car from you as you aren’t the rightful owner. 

By extension, trying to sell a car without a V5 logbook will not go down well. You could offer a once-in-a-lifetime deal, but without a logbook, most buyers will walk away.

Usually, when buying or selling a car, the owner will give the buyer a green “new keeper details” slip. Filling out this form confirms the transaction and isn’t available without a V5 logbook.

A lost V5 logbook is a common issue. Thankfully, despite its complexity, the logbook isn’t hard to replace.

If you have personally lost or destroyed a V5 logbook, you can pay £25 for a replacement. However, you can be exempt from paying if:

You haven’t received the V5 logbook from the previous owner after 4 weeks

The logbook has been destroyed by an insurance company in a Class C or S salvage

You can apply for a replacement via the DVLA.

With a signed and sealed V5, you’re nearly on your way to driving freely and casually. But, it’s key to know of all the latest news and plans, be it regulation changes or updates to driving laws. At MotoNovo, our blog is here to ensure you stay informed about any high-profile changes in the motoring space. 

What is a V5 logbook? Can you sell a car without a V5? What should you do with a lost V5? Learn all you need to know about V5 logbooks here.

What is a V5 logbook and why is it important?

What is an SUV? In fact, what is a 4x4? Are there any differences between an SUV and a crossover? How do you decide which one is best for you?

Don’t worry if you struggled to answer these questions – the terms 4x4, SUV and crossover are used so often that many think they share the same definition. Rather, the SUV tends to be the item of confusion. Side by side, a 4x4 and crossover are easily identifiable – it’s the SUV’s involvement that blurs the boundaries and makes all three vehicles seem identical. 

While they may look similar, there are key differences between each type of car. So, don’t judge a car by its name, and find out the differences between a 4x4 and SUV, and SUV and crossover, below.

Most of us already have an idea of what a 4x4 is. Images of big, bulky, powerful cars come to mind, but the most important feature of a 4x4 is in its namesake – the four-wheel drive.

Four-wheel-drive is a term that can be thrown around without being understood, but it simply means that the engine powers all four wheels, rather than just two. This means 4x4s are much more powerful than other vehicles.

What's the difference between an SUV and a 4x4?

However, this power and high-raised driving position come at the expense of a light chassis, precision and fuel efficiency. Having a heavy chassis isn’t always a negative, though – it makes the majority of 4x4s incredibly resilient. If you get bumped or need to do a spot of off-roading, then the weight of a 4x4 will come into its own. In a typical 4x4, you will also find a chassis frame with bodywork sat on top. This benefits its powerful, heavy design.

Once upon a time, the term SUV – which stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – was used to describe cars that were like 4x4s, but were more eye-catching, quiet and stylish. They were larger, 4x4-like vehicles that were better on roads, better on fuel and better for the modern driver.

Nowadays, it is used to refer to weight and build design. SUVs are considerably lighter than 4x4s, meaning they are cheaper to run with lower repair costs.

When deciding between an SUV or 4x4, you need to consider whether you want to sacrifice the power and off-road precision of the latter for the more lightweight, economical design of the former. 

Deciding between an SUV or crossover, however, is more difficult as they’re both so similar.

Many people have a good idea of what a 4x4 or SUV is. However, if you start talking about how you’re looking into buying a crossover, you may get a few raised eyebrows or confused looks. Most people will confuse SUVs and crossovers, and to be fair, there is a grey area between the two.

This is mostly a relic of marketing, as, in the past, the term SUV brought with it ideas of poor mileage and a habit for breaking down. These days, SUVs do not suffer the same problems as they used to.

What's the difference between an SUV and a crossover?

The difference, at least at a mechanical level, is black-and-white. A crossover is based on a regular car’s infrastructure and platform, whereas an SUV always uses the chassis of a truck. This means the body and frame of a crossover is built in one piece, whereas an SUV is not.

Of course, you wouldn’t know this unless you had a deep interest in motors, so what do these differences mean for general consumers?

Well, since a crossover is built on a unibody frame, it means drivers can enjoy the space and other benefits of an SUV with the fuel efficiency and running costs of a larger-sized car. However, it does also lead to SUVs being considerably better when driving off-road.

That covers CO2 emissions, too, making crossovers very popular for company cars or those who want an SUV-like experience without the environmental downsides.

So, decision time: what type of car should you go for? This all depends on you. If you want all the typical features that come with these cars – lots of power, a resistant chassis and four-wheel drive – then a 4x4 model might be best for you.

If you’re willing to lose a bit of power for a lightweight chassis and a better environmental impact, then a crossover is a good choice.

Can’t make your mind up? Then an SUV could be your best bet, blending the benefits of both crossovers and 4x4s.

 It’s clear that 4x4s, SUVs and crossovers serve different purposes. Which one you choose ultimately comes down to your own preferences. 

Before settling on one or the other, it’s important to have a well-rounded perspective on the other kinds of cars available. By following our blog, you can do exactly that. From comparison pieces to information-heavy articles, you’ll be on your way to becoming a motoring expert in no time. 

What is an SUV? What is a 4x4? Do you know what a crossover is? Many think they’re the same thing, but they’re not. Discover the differences here.

What's the difference between a 4x4, SUV and crossover?

Fossil fuels are a source of energy, including petrol and diesel, that we’ve been using for decades. However, we all know that these are a limited resource. We’re consuming them at an alarming rate, and it’s not like we can create more overnight, so how much longer will our resources last us?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look into what fossil fuels are, the alternatives that are available, and discuss how long it might take before drastic measures are needed.

Fossil fuels are exactly what their name suggests: fuel made from fossils. Millions of years ago, plants, animals, and other organisms were buried over time and became fossils. 

Through a geological process, these become fossil fuels, which we use to make energy. They include oil, petrol, and coal, among other things that we use on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, the process of creating them also gives off a huge amount of carbon dioxide, which is bad for our planet.

As it stands, we’re due to reach the IPCC’s maximum level of ‘catastrophic’ global warming by the time we burn 20-30% of the remaining fossil fuels that we have.

There are multiple considerations that will affect how quickly our fossil fuels reduce, such as which fossil fuel we’re considering, how we use fossil fuels currently, how we use them in the future, and whether we will find any more.

If we continue as we are, collective sources assume we will run out of fossil fuels by 2060. Considering we’ve only been using fossil fuels for approximately 200 years, our consumption of fossil fuels is undoubtedly quick.

It’s estimated that we have about 400 years left before we run out of natural gas, and 150 before we run out of coal.

However, if we’re just considering oil, it’s estimated that our known oil deposits will run out by 2052. This is largely due to the demand from the transport sector.

As well as being a limited resource, the amount of CO2 that fossil fuels give off make them a less-than-ideal source of energy. 

Fortunately for us, there are alternatives like solar and wind power. In the future, these, in the form of electric cars, will hopefully be able to provide a more sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel. 

Additionally, the rise of electric cars will hopefully decrease the affect that transportation has on our environment. They emit far less greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars, and contribute far less active damage to the planet. As science continues to advance, hopefully we can find enough alternatives to fossil fuels to put a stop to their use altogether.

There are many other things out there that are impacting the motoring industry. All of them can have an effect on drivers, so it’s good to be switched on. Make sure your motoring knowledge is topped up by staying tuned to our blog. 

It’s not news to anyone that our energy sources as a planet are in trouble, but at our current rate, when will we run out of fossil fuels?

Will we ever run out of petrol and diesel?

When buying a new car, your first thoughts are often around three main areas: safety, price, and efficiency. That last one is a somewhat difficult aspect to measure, but one way that this is usually gauged is through engine sizes.

The belief is generally that the smaller the engine size, the more fuel efficient the vehicle is. Unfortunately, the reality is not that simple. To set the record straight on some incorrect beliefs, we’ve taken a deep dive into engine sizes for cars to help you learn a little more about how these fascinating vehicles work.

Measured in litres and cubic centimetres (cc), engine size refers to the total volume of both fuel and air that can be pushed through a car’s cylinder. Cars with larger engine sizes are generally more powerful than smaller engines, which is why a lot of sports cars are only available on 3.0-litre configurations. With this in mind, you might be asking yourself: what does a 1.4 litre engine mean? Well, by applying what we now know, we can start to work it out. 

1.4-litre engines translate to 1390cc, which implies that 1.4-litres of fuel and air can be pushed through the cylinder. The reason we arrive at a measurement of 1.4-litres is because the cc number is simply rounded up. 

Usually, your car’s engine size can be found in your V5C logbook. But, you can always type your number plate into the government’s website if you’ve misplaced yours.   

To make working things out a little easier, here’s a quick chart you can use to figure out a whole range of engine sizes. 

Cars with 1-litre engines are typically smaller in size and positioned more as city runners. For this reason, hatchbacks tend to be the most common 1-litre cars on the road.

Just because these cars are small, they are by no means incapable of performance. Very often, manufacturers will include an onboard turbo to help add some horsepower. This is because 1-litre cars aren’t as fast as others on the market, with them usually being sold in three-cylinder configurations. 

Cars with engines measuring between 1 and 2 litres tend to be physically larger. This is because of the additional power and space needed to get things moving. In this category, the horsepower rating will begin to creep up towards the 100+ bracket, and prices start to increase alongside this. Many manufacturers claim similar fuel efficiency to smaller engines, but this is very much hit or miss. 

Many small-mid size SUVs fall into this size bracket, as they are heavily linked with family road trips and additional cargo. As a result, you can expect to see a handful of 1.4 litre engine cars configured as people carriers.

When approaching the 2.0-3.0-litre size bracket, you’ll likely begin to encounter large SUVs, estates, and saloons. Power also starts to increase, pushing firmly into the 200-300 horsepower rating. 

Because of this, performance increases a lot, as does fuel consumption. These cars are, however, much better suited to long-distance, high-speed travel. So, if you’re a frequent motorway user, a larger sized engine could be just what you need.

As previously mentioned, cars with engines measuring beyond 3.0-litres are usually reserved for high performance vehicles like sports cars. Although they offer exceptional performance, they are incredibly thirsty for fuel. As a result, these cars are probably not well suited for daily runners.

Better for long-distance, high-speed travel

If you frequently travel long distances, it could be worth thinking about investing in a larger engine size. Generally, larger engines tend to be more robust, and better at keeping the revs low at high speed. They do suffer at slower speeds, in which case your efforts might be better focused toward a smaller engine, or even an electric car.

Due to the additional power provided by more fuel and air within the cylinder, cars with larger engines are much more powerful. This power is manifested in horsepower and torque, which is a major benefit when hauling large payloads or frequent towing.

Larger engines, especially naturally aspirated ones, are much quicker to respond when your foot is placed on the throttle. Comparing this to smaller engine cars that might have turbos, these cars suffer from something called ‘turbo lag’. Such a thing happens because turbochargers can take a few seconds to take in enough air that can then be sent back into the engine. 

If you make frequent, short journeys, a car with a smaller engine could be just what you need. With the engine being less dependent on fuel, there’s less overall usage. This makes smaller engines great value for city dwellers that rarely venture on the motorway. 

Generally, smaller engines tend to be more affordable. This is due to the lack of complexity during the manufacturing process, and the reduced level of performance. 

With fuel prices always rising, it seems motorists might wish to invest in more efficient cars as opposed to those focused on performance. As a result, smaller engine cars are in somewhat high demand. This increased demand drives resale value, increasing the likelihood of a profit on the used market. 

Now that you know all there is to know about engine sizes, you’re well prepared to venture out and choose a suitable model. 

But remember, engine size isn’t everything. There’s loads of other factors to consider when choosing a car. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help.

You can discover all there is to know about the decisions you need to make before choosing a car thanks to our blog.

Nowadays, cars come with engines in a whole range of sizes. Brush up on your engine bay knowledge as we explain engine sizes big and small. 

Engine sizes explained

Car corrosion can be a big issue. Those who wish to sell a classic vehicle can encounter rust regularly, but even for newer cars, corrosion and its effects can plague the car-selling process.

The introduction of rust-resistant materials in newer cars has slowed the rate of corrosion, but it’s still essential for drivers of modern vehicles to take all precautions against it.

Estimations state that car corrosion can curtail a car’s value significantly. For example, too much rust can easily re-classify a vehicle from “complete and running” to “basket case”, leading to losses in sales value.

Thankfully, car corrosion is both preventable and treatable. If you want to prevent rust or learn about neutralising rust on cars, we have you covered below.

Car corrosion happens when materials deteriorate because of oxidation. This process is usually caused by rusting, a chemical reaction that occurs when iron interacts with air and water.

Noticing rust doesn’t exactly mean corrosion is present. Rust is merely a type of corrosion. However, it is the most common sign that corrosion is happening; if rust is left untreated, damage can occur to your car’s engine, brakes and internal mechanisms. 

There are several risk factors for car corrosion: 

Age – A car’s paintwork will peel away over time, which exposes the car’s chassis. These small exposures let water and air in, leading to rust. Salt and grit speed up the rusting process too, while very high temperatures also encourage it. 

Materials – Old cars aren’t made out of the same rust-resistant materials as newer cars, leading to faster corrosion.

Climate – Countries with frequent rain, snow or high humidity have greater levels of rust as cars are exposed to more moisture. 

You also need to know the types of rust a car can have. Namely, there are three major rust types: 

Surface-level rust – This impacts the car’s top layer, usually due to missing paint. This is the stage where rust should be treated. 

Scale rust – This is the next stage of surface rust, where the rust starts to impact a car’s body panels. 

Penetrating rust – This is when a car really starts to corrode. At this stage, rust completely cuts through body panels and impacts a car’s internal systems such as the engine, brake pads, etc. 

Ideally, you want to prevent corrosion at the source before it occurs. There are a number of oils and waxes you can use to protect your car, but the most cost-effective method is proper storage and cleaning. 

You should ensure your car is parked so it stays dry for as long as possible. Of course, this isn’t always possible unless you own a garage, especially in the UK! You can, however, ensure spare parts and nuts and bolts are kept dry. 

Washing and drying your car regularly can reduce rust, too. You should still wash your car in the winter, especially if there is grit on the floor. Grit and salt speed up the rusting process, and cleaning your car can get rid of those pesky rusting agents. 

Otherwise, there are anti-rust sprays you can purchase. For most cars, regular cleaning and drying should be enough to prevent surface-level rust from appearing. 

So, you’ve taken care of your car, but you still see surface rust. Is it game over? Can you treat this yourself? Thankfully, with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can get rid of surface rust for good. Learn how to treat surface rust on a car below. 

Protective gear (gloves, mask and goggles)

How to remove rust from a car without sanding

There are ways to remove rust without sanding. Sanding can be difficult if you’ve never done it before, plus it’s possible to damage good paintwork in the process. 

Two other tools you could use are citric acid and steel wool. For citric acid, add hot water and apply it to the surface area. Be sure to read all the safety information first and wear the recommended PPE. 

Steel wool can remove rust, but it takes more effort than sandpaper. However, this extra effort comes with the added benefit of you being less likely to remove good paint. 

If you have penetrating or scale rust, then you will need to get it professionally treated at a garage. You can only deal with surface-level rust at home. Of course, if you don’t feel confident about removing surface rust alone, opt for a garage. 

Found a rust-free car? That’s step one. Now, you’ll need to make sure it’s ready for the road both mechanically, and on paper. 

From knowing engine sizes to understanding motor finance products, our blog has the latest tips for keeping your wheels in shape. Keep us in your bookmarks and you’ll be on your way to becoming a motoring expert in no time

Corrosion and rust are common issues for many. Learn how to prevent corrosion and how to remove it from your car. 

Rust: What is car corrosion and how can you avoid it?

The motoring industry is synonymous with competition with Formula One, rally driving, and NASCAR being some of the most high-octane extreme sports around. Despite their differences, they all share one common objective: to be the fastest.

In pursuit of speed, there have been many single attempts and individuals that have stood out among the rest for all sorts of driving associated accomplishments. Step up your motoring knowledge with these record breaking attempts throughout the years.

Fastest car wheel change – 49.03 seconds

Let's face it: nobody enjoys changing their car wheel. It can be a tedious, stressful, and, if you don't know what you're doing, long process. 

Not if you happen to be driving with the record-breaking mechanics from Austrian tyre specialist Lucky Car though: they hold the record for changing all four wheels on a road car in a staggering 49.03 seconds, putting the rest of us to shame in the process.

The technicians achieved this feat in October 2021, beating the previous holders who accomplished their record 6 years prior on a Ford Focus. 

Looking at this world record entry, it's fair to say we'll never, ever complain about having to endure a long journey again.

Having shipped their Toyota Land Cruiser from Iceland to New York, Swiss couple, Emil and Liliana Schmid embarked on a journey that has seen them drive nearly 500,000 miles across 186 countries. 

Their journey began way back in 1984, and as of April 2017, the record is still in place. This officially makes it the longest road trip in the world.

UK racing and stunt driver, Jamie Morrow, managed to pull off an impressive 280 donuts back in September 2011 at the UKs Silverstone Race circuit in front of 5,000 audience members. 

Performed in a Westfield Sport 1600, the record took Morrow more than 17 minutes to perform; enough to make your head spin for sure.

Fastest time to park 50 cars - 22 minutes and 16.7 seconds

The dreaded car park. Staring out into a car park with zero free spaces stirs up feelings of anxiety in all of us. It’s enough to make you wonder, how long would it take to park so many cars?

Brodie Branch managed to park 50 cars of all shapes and sizes in Gatwick airport car park in 2012.It took Mr. Brand just over 20 minutes to safely manoeuvre all 50 cars into place, and the record still stands today.

Parallel parking is perhaps one of the most difficult driving manoeuvres to take on. It requires skill, precision and above all, patience.

Not one for the faint-hearted or practicing outside your house - Alastair Moffatt from Stunt Drive UK set this record in 2015, beating the previous record of 35cm by just 1cm. 

To accomplish this record, Alastair used a classic Mini Cooper and, by doing so, managed to create one of the most Italian Job-esque driving world records of all-time.

News - February 2024