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Showing posts from April, 2025

DIY Car Maintenance in Ireland – Save Money on Repairs at Home

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DIY Car Maintenance: How to Save Money on Repairs in Ireland Meta Title: DIY Car Maintenance in Ireland – Save Money on Repairs at Home Meta Description: Learn how Irish drivers can perform easy DIY car maintenance and save money. From tyre checks to oil changes, protect your car and your wallet! πŸš—πŸ’Ά Tired of high garage bills? Many Irish drivers — whether they’re buying from DoneDeal , Carzone , or restoring vintage cars for sale in Ireland — are switching to DIY car maintenance to save money, time, and stress. Here's how to handle the basics yourself — even if you're not a mechanic! πŸ”§ 1. Check Tyre Pressure & Tread Depth ✅ Good tyres = safe driving AND fuel savings. DIY Tip: Use a digital pressure gauge (€15–€20). Insert a 20c coin into the tyre tread — if the gold edge is visible, it’s time for new tyres. Shopping for cars for sale Dublin or Cork ? Tyre condition is a must-check! πŸ”‹ 2. Test Your Battery Health DIY Tip: Check for corrosio...

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter in Ireland – Stay Safe on Irish Roads

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How To Prepare Your Car for Winter in Ireland (2025 Guide) How to Prepare Your Car for Winter in Ireland – Stay Safe on Irish Roads Discover essential tips to prepare your car for winter in Ireland. Protect your vehicle, drive safely, and avoid costly repairs. Best guide for Irish drivers! As winter approaches in Ireland, the cold, wet, and icy conditions can take a serious toll on your car. Whether you're driving in Dublin, along the Wild Atlantic Way, or through rural backroads, preparing your car for winter is vital for safety and reliability. Here’s a complete guide on how to prepare your car for winter in Ireland , whether you drive a brand-new BYD, a secondhand car bought from DoneDeal, or a family hatchback you spotted on Carzone. 1. Check Your Tyres (Especially for Wet and Icy Roads) Tyres are your only contact with the road, so they need to be in top shape for winter. Ensure your tyres have at least 3mm tread depth. Check for uneven wear and cracks. Conside...
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  Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for Irish Roads (2025 Guide) Meta Title: Best Fuel-Efficient Cars for Irish Roads 2025 – Save on Fuel Costs Meta Description: Discover the top fuel-efficient cars perfect for Irish roads. Save money, drive smarter, and explore Ireland with these economical vehicles. Choosing a fuel-efficient car isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s essential for driving Ireland’s busy cities, scenic motorways, and winding rural roads. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning road trips across the Wild Atlantic Way, here are the best fuel-efficient cars for Irish roads in 2025. 1. Toyota Yaris Hybrid Fuel Economy: 4.0L/100km (70+ MPG) Why It’s Great: - Perfect size for Irish cities like Dublin and Cork - Hybrid engine means excellent savings on fuel - Reliable, easy to maintain 2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Fuel Economy: 1.1L/100km (250+ MPG with battery) Why It’s Great: - Short electric trips without...

10 Signs Your Car Needs Urgent Repairs

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Spot the warning signs early! Learn 10 signs your car needs urgent repairs to avoid breakdowns and costly fixes in Ireland. Essential tips for Irish drivers. Owning a car in Ireland means staying alert to early warning signs before they turn into major problems. Ignoring small issues can lead to expensive repairs — or worse, dangerous situations on the road. Here are 10 signs that your car needs urgent repairs , and why you should never delay getting them fixed. 1. Strange Noises from the Engine or Brakes If you hear grinding, squealing, knocking, or rattling noises, it’s time to visit your mechanic. Unusual sounds often point to brake issues, engine trouble, or suspension problems. 2. Warning Lights on the Dashboard Never ignore a warning light, whether it’s the check engine light, oil pressure, or brake system alert. They’re there for a reason and could indicate serious underlying problems. 3. Difficulty Starting the Engine If your car struggles to start or needs several t...

How to Pass the NCT Test in Ireland – Checklist & Tips

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Hey folks πŸ‘‹ Just wanted to share a useful checklist and a few tips for anyone heading in for their NCT (National Car Test). Whether it's your first time or you've been through it before, these steps might help you avoid common pitfalls — and maybe even save a re-test fee! ✅ Basic Checklist Before You Go 1. Clean Your Car (inside & outside) You’d be surprised — a tidy car makes a better impression, and testers do check under the car, so clear out any clutter. 2. Tyres Matter Make sure they’re all in good shape, inflated, and with at least 1.6mm tread. Don’t forget the spare if you have one! 3. All Lights Working Test every bulb — indicators, brake lights, headlights, number plate lights. One bulb out can cost you a pass. 4. Check Wipers & Washer Fluid Make sure your wipers aren’t torn and that washer jets spray properly. 5. No Warning Lights on Dashboard If you’ve got a check engine light or airbag light showing — sort that before the test. 6. Horn, Seatbelts ...
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πŸ•΅️‍♂️ How to Spot a Scam When Buying a Used Car Online in Ireland (2025 Guide) IrishAutoMarket.ie | Published: April 2025 With more Irish drivers turning to online marketplaces for used cars , it’s important to know how to protect yourself from scams. Whether you're shopping in Dublin, Cork, Galway or Waterford , here’s how to make sure your deal is legit—and not too good to be true. 🚩 1. If It Looks Too Good to Be True… It Probably Is Be cautious with listings that show: Unrealistically low prices (e.g. €5,000 for a 2021 Audi A6) No mention of NCT , mileage, or ownership history Only one or two vague photos πŸ“ž 2. Check for Real Contact Info & Location Use platforms like IrishAutoMarket.ie , where verified dealers and private sellers are listed. Avoid anyone who refuses to give a phone number or insists on texting only. πŸ“ 3. Ask for the Vehicle Registration and Service History In Ireland, you're entitled to ask for: Registr...
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πŸš— How to Get the Best Car Trade-In Value in Ireland (2025) IrishAutoMarket.ie | Published: April 2025 Ireland's trusted car marketplace Thinking of trading in your car this year? Whether you’re upgrading or simply want a fair deal, knowing how to get the best trade-in value is essential. In the competitive Irish car market , your car could be worth more than you think—especially when listed on IrishAutoMarket.ie , the best website to buy used cars in Ireland . 🧼 1. First Impressions Count — Clean, Fix, Shine A clean, well-presented car can earn you a better valuation—even for basic second hand cars in Ireland . Before getting a quote: Wash and wax the exterior Clean the interior, vacuum carpets, remove clutter Fix minor dents, scratches, or broken trim Check all lights, wipers, and small issues πŸ“„ 2. Prep Your Paperwork Have these documents ready for a quick, easy process: Vehicle Registration Cert (logbook) Full service history Valid NCT ...
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πŸš— New vs. Used Cars in Ireland (2025): Which Should You Buy? IrishAutoMarket.ie | Published: April 2025 Trying to decide whether to buy a brand-new car or go for a second-hand bargain ? Here’s everything Irish car buyers need to know in 2025 — with real pros, cons, and local insights. 🚘 Buying a New Car in Ireland ✅ Pros: Latest tech & safety: Modern cars offer features like lane assist, automatic braking, and smartphone integration. Warranty included: Most new vehicles come with 3–5 year manufacturer warranties. Better fuel economy: New engines meet strict emissions standards and save you money long-term. ❌ Cons: Higher price tag: New cars cost more upfront, and can have higher insurance premiums. Depreciation: Most new cars lose up to 20–30% of their value in the first year. πŸš™ Buying a Used Car in Ireland ✅ Pros: Lower purchase price: Get more car for less money — possibly even a higher spec for your budget. Slower depreciat...
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πŸš— Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in Ireland (2025) IrishAutoMarket.ie  |  Published: April 2025 If you're planning to buy a car in Ireland this year, this list might help steer your decision in the right direction. Based on the latest registration data, here's a look at the  top 10 best-selling cars in Ireland in 2025  — from fuel-efficient hybrids to popular SUVs dominating Irish roads. 1. Hyundai Tucson The Tucson  remains Ireland’s best-selling vehicle in 2025. Its sleek design, spacious interior, and advanced tech make it a favourite among Irish families and commuters alike. 2. Toyota Yaris Cross This compact hybrid SUV is gaining serious traction in cities like Dublin and Cork. It's economical, reliable, and ideal for urban driving. 3. Toyota RAV4 Combining size with hybrid efficiency, the  RAV4  is a go-to option for Irish drivers who want space without sacrificing fuel savings. 4. Skoda Octavia A long-standing Irish favourite, the  Octavia ...

Top 10 Defensive Driving Tips for Irish Roads Stay Safe, Drive Smart in Ireland

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  Top 10 Defensive Driving Tips for Irish Roads Stay Safe, Drive Smart in Ireland Top 10 Defensive Driving Tips for Irish Roads   Stay Safe, Drive Smart in Ireland Driving on Irish roads offers a scenic exp, but safety should always come first. Whether you're commuting in Dublin, exploring rural Kerry, or traversing the Wild Atlantic Way, defensive driving is essential to protecting yourself and others. At  IrishAutoMarket , we’re committed to helping drivers stay safe. Here are the top 10 defensive driving tips tailored for Ireland’s unique roads: Always Expect the Unexpected  Ireland's roads can be narrow, winding, and unpredictable. Be ready for sudden stops, cyclists, farm vehicles, or even sheep crossings—especially on rural routes. Maintain a Safe Distance  Tailgating is risky. Keep at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead in good weather, and double this in wet or icy conditions—common in Ireland’s climate. Slow Down on Country Roads  Country...

Essential Documents Needed When Buying a Car in Ireland: Best Tips & Tricks

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  Essential Documents Needed When Buying a Car in Ireland: Best Tips & Tricks Buying a car in Ireland is an exciting process, but ensuring you have the right paperwork is crucial to avoid legal or financial issues. Whether you’re purchasing from a dealership or a private seller, here’s a complete checklist of the essential documents needed to make your car purchase smooth and hassle-free. 1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) – Logbook πŸ“œ The VRC (logbook) proves car ownership and contains vital information, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine details, and previous owner details. Ensure the logbook matches the seller’s name and address to avoid potential fraud. 2. National Car Test (NCT) Certificate ✅ For cars older than four years , a valid NCT certificate is required. This proves that the car has passed Ireland’s mandatory roadworthiness test. Check the expiry date and verify it on the NCT database before finalizing the purchase. 3. Motor Tax C...