High quality auto servicing companies Reading: Over time, corrosion (which looks like white or bluish powder) can form on the terminals of your car’s battery (those little metal knobs on top). If you don’t keep them clean, the battery could develop a crack or simply not function, leaving you stranded. Since a quality car battery can cost upward of $250—and a tow can run you even more—buying a $5 wire brush and keeping the terminals looking spiffy is money well spent. Do you hear a squeaking sound when you hit the brakes? If so, your brake pads could be on their last legs. Replacements can cost up to $300 per axel, plus the labor charge if a professional installs them.3 We know that price tag may seem hefty. But this isn’t something to mess around with. You can’t just screech to a stop with your feet like Fred Flintstone. Don’t get in an accident. Keep your brakes working. Discover additional information on Car Services In Reading.
An MOT is a legal requirement after three years. Without it your insurance is invalidated, and you could be fined. There’s another important aspect to the MOT. It proves that your car is roadworthy, and safe to drive. Vehicles have a lot of stresses put upon them. As they age the chances of parts wearing or failing increase. An MOT test can help to spot problems before they occur. Call Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre today. We perform fair and thorough MOTs for all cars and motorbikes.
Most car owners underestimate how important car battery maintenance is. Although your battery will run out of juice eventually, keeping up with it will extend the life. If you want your car battery to run smoothly, you need to make sure it has a good connection. Residue can build up and prevent your tire from starting. You can get battery-cleaning fluid at most auto parts stores. Removing the battery and cleaning the connections will extend the life and improve the connection.
But if you’re only using them for light duties, cheaper tools may last a decent amount of time. It all comes down to deciding what you actually need – and that applies to any kind of motoring product. Each week, we test a wide range of products, which we rate on a mix of performance and price to give you the best advice on what to buy. But it’s not always as clear cut as that: a winning dash cam might offer 4K capability and a host of add-on features, but will you actually use them? That amazing set of spanners might stretch to 27mm wrenches, but how often will you use one? Does a fully featured portable sat-nav device give you more than using free Google Maps or Waze on your phone? Decide what features you actually need and search our free product test archive.
Is the service technician A.S.E.-certified? Twice annually, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers auto service industry professionals the chance to become A.S.E.-certified. By passing a written test and having at least two years of work experience in auto repair service, auto mechanics earn A.S.E. certification, placing them among the top practitioners in the industry. Inquiring about A.S.E. credentials is important, as the designation better ensures the competence of your prospective car mechanic.
An MOT involves dozens of checks on your car, ranging from the brakes and fuel system to lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and exhaust system. It doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox. An average MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes, but there are a couple of other things to take into consideration. First, if your vehicle fails the test and repairs are needed this will take longer. The brakes; The safety, condition and performance of your brakes will be tested thoroughly tested. If relevant, the ABS/ESC dashboard will be tested alongside the dashboard functions.
We Also Offer The Following Services, A Free Collection And Delivery Service within a 10 mile radius, a Small charge may apply if you are further afield but we will never refuse on the grounds that you are to far away,we also have a Onsite Valeting Service, A 24 Hour Recovery Service, Cam-belt Replacement, Clutch Replacement, , Car Air Conditioning, Car Exhausts and Brakes and all General Car and Vehicle Repairs are carried out on the premises. Read additional information on carservice-centre.co.uk.
When people book MoT tests, even if there’s the offer of a free retest, they don’t generally want the hassle of having to go back to the garage. That’s why it makes sense to understand the vehicle MoT check rules, and carry out some simple steps to try and guarantee that vital MoT pass. These tips below won’t help you if your car has significant mechanical wear items, or if your emissions are over the limits, but on an otherwise well-maintained car they can certainly reduce the annoyance and hassle of an avoidable MoT failure.
Keep up with oil changes. When oil levels are low, or oil is old, added friction between moving parts can cause wear and tear to the engine. Follow your owner’s manual to determine the best intervals for changing oil. Check the brakes every time the oil is changed. Take care of your tires. Check and maintain proper tire pressure. Tires inflated within five pounds per square inch (PSI) of their recommended level improve gas mileage and general handling of your vehicle. Recommended PSI can be found in the owner’s manual. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Remember, a service is the best opportunity for a technician to get under your car and check for leaks, extensive wear or damage. They will also check the condition of the brake pads, brake discs and suspension, and give the car a general health check. If any issues are spotted, they will tell you the best way to fix them and the cost. What are the main benefits of servicing my car regularly? The main benefit is that your car will have a clean bill of health and be running at its optimum. A car with a clean engine will also typically have better fuel economy, saving you money at the pumps. Aside from that, it’s a financial investment. Chiefly, it saves you money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs. For newer cars, it also protects the manufacturer’s warranty.
The most obvious and frequent expense is fuel, whether in liquid or electric form, but simply shopping around can save you money even with fuel prices rising. And while staying on the right side of the law means you’ll need to pay for Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), insurance and annual MOT testing – if your car is 3 years old or more – there are ways to save in those areas too. At present, zero-emission vehicles are exempt from paying road tax, so an electric car could be one potential option for cutting costs in the longer term. Regardless of the type of car you drive, you will also have additional expenses to account for such as maintenance, servicing, and breakdown cover, and these can add up very quickly.