Compare timing chain replacement quotes from specialist garages in London

There are over 2.5 million cars registered in London, and the city is home to many of the busiest roads in the UK. In some areas, you might face extra charges for driving at certain times of day and in certain types of vehicles. There's a congestion charge in the centre, from Marylebone to Shoreditch and down to Elephant and Castle, and there is also a low emission zone (LEZ) and an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) you'll need to watch out for.

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) operates in London to improve air quality and specifically reduce public exposure to nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant produced by traditional combustion engines. This goal is achieved by encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles, such as EVs, and restricting high-pollution vehicles. Many CAZs charge drivers for entering them, though some are non-charging. Before driving in London, it's worth checking online whether you will have to pay for driving through the zone.

You may encounter a congestion charge in some parts of London. Congestion charges are used to reduce the number of vehicles driving in a busy area, often a city centre, by making drivers pay a daily tariff to enter them. The charging zone usually operates at certain times, and once you have paid, you can leave, drive around and re-enter it as many times as you would like within that day. You can find more information about London's congestion charge online.

Driving in cities like London puts extra strain on your car due to long periods of idling and frequent stopping and starting in traffic. The parts most at risk are the brakes, cooling system and transmission. Manoeuvring into tight parking spaces and navigating busy roads can result in scuffed alloys and dented or scraped bodywork while driving over potholes can throw out your suspension. FixMyCar can help you find affordable repairs and maintenance in London for all these crucial components.

London is in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ), both of which are designed to reduce air pollution in the city. The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day, and excludes the M25 motorway. It charges drivers of cars, vans, motorcycles and specialist vehicles that don't meet the emissions standards £12.50 a day. The LEZ also covers most of Greater London and specifically targets drivers of the most polluting diesel vehicles. It is enforced year-round, and the amount you pay varies. It usually ranges from £100-300 depending on your vehicle, and you can pay online. This guide explains everything you need to know about ULEZ and LEZ.

An interim car service - sometimes called a minor car service - involves inspecting several key car components and systems, including a safety assessment, engine oil change and fluid check.

The car service schedule for an interim service is every six months or every six thousand miles. As a driver, following this guidance is smart because if you don't, you may not realise a problem is developing, and it could cost you more money later down the line. Interim services can catch potential problems early.

The difference between an interim and full service is the number of components checked; a full service is more comprehensive. Likewise, the difference between a vehicle health check and interim service is that the former only includes the inspection of various parts. In contrast, the latter may consist of an oil change and the topping up of other fluids.

Find out how much an interim service costs here.