CA Cars News

Why is My Car Exhaust Leaking?

CA Cars — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:22:00 GMT

The team here at CA Cars has put together this handy article explaining some reasons why your car’s exhaust might be leaking.

Exhaust leak symptoms

Some of the most common signs that your exhaust might be leaking include:

Loud noises - Loud or strange noises coming from the engine could indicate a leak. This may include hissing, popping or rumbling sounds.
Reduced fuel efficiency - Your engine will need to work harder if the exhaust is leaking. This means you might notice you are using more fuel and having to top up more regularly.
Vibrations or rattling - If you notice that your vehicle or its pedals are vibrating unusually, it could be down to a leak.
Loss of power - A leak can make your car feel like it doesn’t have the usual power when accelerating.
Unusual smell inside the car - Smelling gas fumes inside the vehicle can be a sign of an exhaust leak.

Why is my car exhaust leaking?

There are a wide range of reasons why your car's exhaust might be leaking. This includes:

Rust and corrosion - Exhaust systems are exposed to all kinds of elements, including moisture, road debris and hot conditions. Over time, this can cause rust, which weakens the pipes and causes leaks.

Exhaust cracks - Constant heating and cooling can cause damage to the metal of your exhaust. This may lead to cracks, which in turn will cause a leak.

Damage from potholes - Driving over potholes or speed bumps can cause physical damage to the exhaust of your car, which can then lead to leaks.

Failed gaskets - Gaskets play an important role in sealing connections between the exhaust’s components. When they wear out, leaks can start to occur in the joints.

Broken bolts - Loose bolts or other components can cause damage to the exhaust, which will allow leaks to occur.

What to do if my car’s exhaust is leaking

If you suspect an issue with your car’s exhaust, you should take the following action:

Stop the car in a safe place - If you’re driving when you notice the problem, first pull over in a safe place.

Inspect the exhaust - Look under the car for any signs of rust or corrosion. This may give you an indication of why the exhaust is leaking.

Avoid prolonged driving - Continuing to drive your car can make the car exhaust leak worse and may risk the safety of you and your learner drivers.

Use a temporary fix if necessary - Sometimes, you can address the issue yourself using putty or tape that you can get from your local hardware shop. However, you should only attempt this if the issue is not serious.

Arrange professional repairs - Getting a professional mechanic to repair the issue is always preferable to trying to do it yourself.

Prioritise safety over convenience - Losing access to your car is annoying, but safety should always be prioritised. If you become aware of any fumes entering the vehicle, stop using it immediately, as you could be inhaling dangerous carbon monoxide.

While minor problems can be fixed quickly, reliability is everything when it comes to your driving instructor car. With this in mind, if yours is beyond repair, the team here at CA Cars can help with our wide range of driver instructor cars that you can buy or lease.

With new and used cars to choose from, including electric models, we’ll always have the perfect fit for you and your business. For more information, contact our expert team today.

How to become a Driving Instructor

CA Cars — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Planning on Becoming a Driving Instructor?

A career as a driving instructor can be extremely rewarding, giving you the flexibility to be your own boss and help people on their journey to becoming drivers. As well as the great work-life balance of choosing your own hours, this career also offers great security, as the UK always has a high demand of people wanting to learn to drive.

If you’re considering becoming a driving instructor, there are a few things you should know first. In this article, the team here at CA Cars will provide you with a comprehensive guide to becoming a driving instructor.

How to become a driving instructor?

The first thing you need to be aware of is the process of becoming a driving instructor. It’s a bit more detailed than simply enrolling on a driving instructor course:

Check eligibility - To become a driving instructor, you have to be eligible. This involves:

Be registered with the DVLA
Be over 21 years old
Have held a driving license for more than three years
Have no motoring convictions
Have a DBS

Find a trainer - You can take the driving test to become an instructor without any training, but this is more difficult. In most cases, people find a driving instructor trainer to help them before taking the necessary exams.

Take the theory test - Just like with your driving licence, you need to take a theory test to become a driving instructor. Known as ADI Part 1, this involves a multiple-choice question section and a hazard perception section.

Take the driving ability test - This is ADI Part 2 and follows a similar format to a normal driving test. To pass, you must have no serious faults and no more than six minor faults.

Take the instructional ability test - This is the third and final test to become a fully qualified driving instructor. In this test, you will have an examiner watch you giving a client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils for about 45 minutes.

This will vary depending on your rates and whether you work for a franchised driving school. On average, driving instructors can expect to earn anywhere from £30,000 to £50,000 per year.

Choose the right car

Perhaps the most important decision you’ll have to make as a driving instructor is what car to use. While there is a growing interest in learning about automatic vehicles, manual cars still remain the preferred choice for learners, so teaching in one of these will increase your demand.

Other factors to consider include:

Dual controls - While not a legal requirement, it is safer and best practice to have a car with dual controls.

Reliability - Choose a car with a good reputation for reliability.

Size - A small to medium-sized car is usually best for learners.

Economy - Good fuel efficiency is a must for the number of miles you’ll be driving.

Safety features - Modern cars come with a wide range of safety features, which are important for learner drivers.

At CA Cars, we specialise in supplying quality dual-control vehicles for driving instructors nationwide and can help you find the best vehicle for your needs. Whether you’re looking to buy or lease a car, we have a whole host of options to choose from, including modern vehicles of the latest make and model. To find out more, contact our team today.

Are Manual or Automatic Cars More Common for Learner Drivers?

CA Cars — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:56:00 GMT

While manual cars are currently the most popular choice for new drivers, there are signs in the industry that this is set to change.

More and more learners are choosing to learn to drive in automatic cars. In 2025, more than 25% of driving tests were in automatic vehicles. This is a huge increase from less than 5% in 2013. Perhaps even more eye-opening is the prediction that 2027 could see the last person born who will take a driving test in a manual car if some studies are to be believed.

Whatever the case, it’s clear that automatic car learning is becoming more and more popular, and driving instructors need to be prepared for this. In this article, the team here at CA Cars will take a closer look at which type of cars are most common to learn in and the benefits of both.

Differences between learning in a manual and an automatic car

There are significant differences between learning to drive a manual and an automatic. This includes:

Gears - Automatic cars change gears automatically, with no need to use a clutch pedal like in manual cars. Many people find this easier, which is one of the biggest reasons why automatic cars are becoming a more popular choice.

Multitasking - No gear stick or clutch pedal means less multitasking when learning to drive in an automatic car, making it less physically demanding and simpler.

Learning times - Learning how to drive in a manual car can take longer as the driver needs to master how to control the clutch and change gears.

Overall, automatic cars are sometimes viewed as easier to learn how to drive in due to automatic gear changing and a lack of clutch control.

Benefits of learning in a manual car

There is a wide range of benefits to manual car learning, including:

Greater flexibility - People who learn to drive in a manual car will be able to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

Enhanced vehicle control - Manual learners develop better control of vehicles as they learn clutch control and gear selection.

More availability - Currently, manual cars make up about 70% of vehicles on British roads, meaning people who learn in a manual car will have more choice when it comes to buying their own vehicle.

Benefits of learning in an automatic car

Automatic car learning also has several advantages, including:

Easier and quicker to learn - Automatic learning is often considered easier due to the lack of manual gear changing and clutch control required.

Great for city driving - Automatic cars perform especially well in urban areas where stop-start traffic is commonplace.

Well-suited for modern vehicles - Most new vehicles that are released are automatic, especially electric cars. This looks set to continue in the future, so learning in an automatic car means the learner is prepared for what will one day be the norm.

Are all electric cars automatic?

Yes, all electric cars are automatic as they have electric motors that provide instant power, removing the need for manual gears or a clutch pedal. In 2030, new petrol and diesel cars will be banned as the UK shifts towards an electric future, meaning one day in the not-too-distant future, virtually every car on the road will be automatic.

Whether you’re looking for a car to lease or buy, at CA Cars, we supply driving instructors across the country with a wide range of quality vehicles. We provide both manual and automatic vehicles, so no matter what type you need, we have you covered with a whole host of options to choose from. To find out more, contact our expert team today.

Everything You Need to Know About Lease+

CA Cars — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:57:00 GMT

Choosing the right car leasing plan is extremely important for driving instructors. It will help you focus on your business without the stress of having to own the vehicle yourself. At CA Cars, we offer a wide range of leasing options, but our Lease+ service stands out as one of the best in the industry.

An all-encompassing leasing solution, Lease+ simplifies the leasing process by providing everything you need in one package. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing lease or just want to find out more about how Lease+ works, in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the service.

What is Lease+?

Lease+ is a comprehensive car leasing package that is tailored to driving instructors. Instead of managing all your car costs separately - such as insurance, servicing and maintenance - our Lease+ package bundles all your essential motoring expenses into a single, monthly payment. This approach means you can enjoy the use of your vehicle without having to worry about any unexpected bills or administrative issues.

When you choose a Lease+ package, you get more than just access to a car; you get a solution that supports your driving instructor business.

Key features and benefits of Lease+

Lease+ brings together everything you need in one all-inclusive package. From the initial lease of the vehicle to its upkeep, this structure means you can simplify your financial planning and keep your business moving. It means you don’t need to worry about juggling separate contracts or using multiple service providers, as everything will be in one place.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of Lease+ is the way everything is covered. You’ll get:

A new car
Free delivery to any location nationwide
Routine servicing and tyre replacements
24/7 breakdown rescue and recovery
Dual controls for driving instructors
Courtesy dual control car if your car is off the road for more than 48 hours
Road fund license
Roof protector
Dash cam

Who is Lease+ for?

Lease+ is the perfect plan for driving instructors who value reliability and financial predictability. In particular, Lease+ is ideal for:

Self-employed driving instructors who are looking to simplify motoring costs
Instructors who want to avoid the upfront expense of buying a car outright
Those who want a reliable vehicle without hidden charges or unexpected bills
Instructors who want to focus on teaching and not vehicle management

How to set up a Lease+ Plan

It is incredibly straightforward to set up your new Lease+ plan:

Choose your vehicle - First, browse from our wide range of suitable cars for driving instructors.

Select Lease+ - Opt for the Lease+ package to make sure you get all the benefits.

Complete the application - Fill out all your details and submit the simple application form. If you need any support, our team will be happy to help.

Get on the road - Once approved, we will deliver your vehicle to your location, no matter where you’re based in the UK.

At CA Cars, we have spent more than 40 years supplying quality vehicles to driving instructors across the UK. To find out more about how our Lease+ package can help you, get in touch with our team today.

The growing rise of automatic driving tests in the UK

CA Cars — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:44:00 GMT

The continued transition to electric vehicles is seen as a key factor behind the marked increase of automatic driving tests, given the vast majority of these models do not use manual gearboxes.

It is estimated that of the 1.8 million practical driving tests taken last year in England, Scotland and Wales, 470,000 were completed in an automatic car.

To acquire a full driving license in Great Britain, drivers must pass their test in a manual car. Learners who learn to drive in an automatic car are currently issued a Category B auto license, limiting them to only operate vehicles with automatic transmission.

Northern Ireland currently supply their own driving licenses.

Last year, following the general election and change of government, Labour vowed to reinstate the 2030 petrol and diesel ban, previously shifted back to 2035 by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

While EVs can still command a considerably higher price than petrol, diesel and hybrid cars, the gap is lessening. Also, EV owners enjoy the benefits of savings when it comes to running costs.

In the last decade, the overall perception of EV’s has shifted significantly. The AA have estimated that during 2025/26, 29% of all tests will be taken in an automatic vehicle.

New universal parking payment app

CA Cars — Tue, 27 May 2025 21:07:00 GMT

The UK’s largest car parking companies, including the likes of PayByPhone and JustPark, are joining forces to build a universal payment platform, meaning motorists will no longer have to use a separate app for each provider.

The Department of Transport (DfT) has stated that the interface for the new platform is in development and will be operated by the British Parking Association. This follows a series of government-backed trials, with the scheme of incorporating different apps into one main platform coming at no extra cost to taxpayers.

The new smartphone payment app will be called the National Parking Platform, and will enable drivers to use it for parking their car at all participating car parks. The DfT has said the move will promote “a more flexible parking experience,” with the reliability and usability of existing parking apps receiving constant criticism.

Complaints surrounding parking apps has gradually become a more prevalent issue as councils across the country phase out conventional coin and card payment machines, in an attempt to reduce operating costs.

Autocar, the popular car magazine, recently backed this up by reporting that the growing use of mobile phone apps replacing machines was causing frustration to motorists. Road users have cited connectivity issues and the overall complexity of paying for a car parking space as the two main bugbears, in turn causing delays to journeys and, in some cases, even forcing some drivers to park in different locations.

It is the intention of the DfT that the new parking app will ease these types of concerns. The platform will be operated jointly by private parking companies and councils, on a non-profitable basis. The DfT has also said that the government will monitor the app’s compliance to ensure it is functioning in accordance with its promise to “operate under clear terms to ensure transparency, sustainability, and public value.”

Further to this, the DfT have said that the new app has already been rolled out to 10 local authorities in the UK and currently processes more than 500,000 transactions every month. The timeline for a larger rollout has not yet been announced.

Changes to UK practical driving test

CA Cars — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:30:00 GMT

The DVSA has recently begun a three-month trial to update practical driving tests across the UK, in a bid to reduce casualties involving young drivers. Learners in selected locations across the country will be encountering new driving test routes, which will involve real-world experience on rural and high-speed roads.

The pilot scheme comes as a result of alarming safety figures which show that almost half (48%) of all young driver casualties take place on rural roads – the most hazardous high-speed environments for motorists with little to no experience.

The trial will continue until August 2025 and will impact 20 driving test centres across the country, including in cities like Cambridge, Cardiff, Oxford and Middlesbrough. It is thought that thousands of learner drivers will be affected by the changes.

The DVSA has confirmed that the duration of practical tests, and what is currently included, will not change. However, three significant updates to the structure of test routes are being introduced, which includes the following:

The amount of stops during tests will decrease from four to three, which means that more time can be spent driving on high-speed routes and rural roads.
Emergency stops during tests will occur less frequently, as a result of improved car safety standards such as the mandatory anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Examiners will have the versatility to prolong the independent driving section of tests, using satellite navigation which may be used throughout any given test.

The DVSA has stated that the new changes have been put in place to better reflect “real-world” driving conditions, and to make learners more prepared for challenges after passing their driving tests.

Test centres involved in the three-month trial will have up to four participating examiners, and DVSA officials will be in touch with all learners with upcoming bookings at these centres to talk through the changes and provide reassurance.

After the trial ends in August, the DVSA intend to share the results of the trial with the driving instruction industry.

Calling all non-hybrid automatic drivers

CA Cars — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:05:00 GMT

Upgrading your older automatic for a new one may workout cheaper for you.

Hybrid vehicles can be cheaper to run compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.

Fuel efficiency is a big competent went it comes to how affordable a vehicle is to run, hybrid cars combine a petrol engine with an electric motor allowing them to use less fuel and run off electricity instead. There are different types of hybrid engines.

Due to the hybrid element of the vehicle it lowers emissions, emitting less CO2 and harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. This makes the vehicle eco-friendly and also lowers your road tax comparted to a fully petrol or diesel engine!

Regenerative braking is another big component of an hybrid engine that not many people are aware of, the hybrid engine converts braking energy into electricity to recharge the battery, this also reduces wear on the brakes helping them last longer unlike a petrol or diesel engine, as well as improving efficiency of the vehicle all over.

Lower fuel costs is a big benefit of a hybrid vehicle, since hybrids rely partly on electricity for their power alongside petrol It lowers the cost of fuel as you aren’t using as much. The regenerative braking also means you don’t have to charge the vehicle as often as a fully electric vehicle due to the vehicle recovering energy whilst moving.

Since PHEVs rely on the electric motor for a significant portion of driving, the petrol engine is used less, reducing maintenance needs like oil changes and brake replacements. This help keeps maintenance costs down compared to petrol and diesel engines.

The Toyota Yaris is a hybrid petrol engine, it is well known for its fuel economy. With its regenerative braking the engine saves between 20-35% of fuel per tank, this works out to 8.4-14.7 litres of fuel. They have been the leader of hybrid technology since 1997, with the Toyota Yaris being voted one of the best small cars of 2024 according to carwow for its hybrid engine.

Local authorities to be mandated to report on UK pothole repairs

CA Cars — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:02:00 GMT

From 30th June this year, councils across England will be required to publish annual reports stating the number of potholes which have been filled.

By June 2025, each local authority must issue a report detailing how much money has been spent on filling potholes and how many potholes have actually been filled. Councils will also be obliged to describe the condition of the roads within their constituency.

Local authorities who do not declare their statistics will face losing a considerable portion of their funding for road repairs, which has the potential to have an even wider impact on residents and communities.

It is understood that The Department for Transport (DfT) will retain 25% of the extra funding recently granted to councils if pothole reports are not submitted, equating to £500 million.

Council reports will have to include how disruption from roadworks is being minimised, and how money is being spent on long-term preventative maintenance.

By November, local authorities will also need to prove they are engaging with their communities, whenever and wherever road repairs need to be carried out.

Further to this, the DfT has declared that it will provide £4.8 billion in funding for National Highways for the 2025–26 financial year, with this figure matching the budget from the financial year that ended on 31st March 2025.

What the different hybrid engines?

CA Cars — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:19:00 GMT

The different hybrid engines

Fully hybrid
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Mild hybrid

There are different hybrid engines to cater to everyone’s needs, for example some are either manual or automatic only. Different hybrid engines have different efficiency and ranges depending on what source of power the vehicle relies on most. Depending on where you are based you may find that there are different government regulations like ‘green zones’ and ‘ULEZ’ areas in cities and if these requirements are not met by your vehicle there Is usually a daily fee but if it does it is free.

Fully hybrid engine

A fully hybrid vehicle also known as a self-charging vehicle is still an automatic vehicle that uses both petrol (or diesel) engine alongside an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency, both the engine and electric motor can power the wheels together or separately. Unlike plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), fully hybrid vehicles cannot be charged form an external power source – instead, they recharge their battery using regenerative braking and the engine itself.

How does it work?

Electric-only mode at low speeds, the car can run on the electric motor alone for short distances only. Usually this is up to 30mph, depending on how much charge the car has.

Hybrid mode the petrol engine and electric motor work alongside each other. This is usually default mode for most cars as they reach 30 mph and is mainly used during town driving.

Engine-Only Mode – At high speeds or under heavy acceleration, the petrol engine does most of the work.

Pros for fully hybrid vehicles

No need to plug in – the battery charges itself while driving.
Better fuel efficiency – uses electric power when possible, reducing petrol consumption.
Lower emissions – compared to a traditional petrol car.
Reliable & low maintenance – fewer moving parts than a plug-in hybrid or full electric vehicle.

Examples:

Yaris Hatchback
Yaris Cross Estate
Toyota Corolla

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is an automatic hybrid car that has both a petrol (or diesel) engine and a larger battery-powered electric motor. Unlike standard hybrids, PHEVs can be charged from an external power source, allowing them to drive on electric power alone for 20-50 miles before switching to petrol.

How does it work?

A Plug-in hybrid works very similar to a fully hybrid engine but you are able to recharge the battery externally resulting in having to put less fuel In.

Electric-only mode at low speeds, the car can run on the electric motor alone for short distances only. Usually this is up to 30mph, depending on how much charge the car has.

Hybrid mode the petrol engine and electric motor work alongside each other. This is usually default mode for most cars as they reach 30 mph and is mainly used during town driving.

Engine-Only Mode – At high speeds or under heavy acceleration, the petrol engine does most of the work.

Regenerative Braking the car recovers energy when braking to recharge the battery. This usually boots when gentle and early braking takes place, resulting in EV mode being able to operate for longer periods.
Plug-in Charging – The battery can be recharged using a home charger, public charging station, or a regular power outlet. This means the vehicle can run solely off electricity and not fuel vice versa.

Pros for Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV)

Lower running costs – Electricity is cheaper than petrol, so short trips cost much less.
Electric-only driving – Many PHEVs can handle daily commutes without using petrol at all.
Lower emissions – Less fuel use means reduced CO₂ output.
No range anxiety – Unlike fully electric cars (EVs), a PHEV has a petrol engine as backup.

Examples:

Toyota C-HR Plug-in

Mild Hybrid (MHEV)

A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is a manual and automatic hybrid car that has a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine, but cannot drive on electricity alone. Instead, the electric motor helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by providing extra power during acceleration and using regenerative braking to recover energy.

How does it work?

Electric Motor Assistance: The electric motor assists the engine during acceleration and provides a smoother start-stop system, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Regenerative Braking: The electric motor also acts as a generator, capturing energy during braking and storing it in the 48-volt battery for later use.

No Plug-in Required: Unlike plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids do not require external charging and can be refuelled like a traditional car.

Examples :

Ford Puma Hatchback (mHEV)
Ford Focus Hatchback (mHEV)