All posts by : Marie Poppins

Car service quote and Mot testing top company Reading right now: When you come to sell the car, having a full service history will make it more appealing and boost its second-hand value, and if your car is written off, an insurer is likely to pay out more for a car with a full service history. Don’t forget to take your car’s service booklet (often found in the same pouch as the handbook) to the garage or dealership, so they can stamp and date when the service was carried out. A growing number of cars come with no service record or handbook, but the servicing agent should be able to log into the car maker’s online portal and add in information about the service that has been done.

Doing your own pre-MoT check can also help you save, as latest figures reveal more than a quarter of MoT failures come from faulty light bulbs and low-pressure tyres. Both are a cheap and simple DIY fix, and sorting them out in advance means you won’t have to pay for a retest which can cost up to half the full MoT rate. Buying a car is an expensive business, but unfortunately the costs don’t stop there. Running a car isn’t getting any cheaper either, so when you’re budgeting it’s crucial to consider all the associated spending required to keep a car on the road, and how you might be able to keep a lid on costs. Read extra details on car servicing Reading.

Whatever you’re buying, though, think about how and where you’re buying it from. Use a service such as Google Shopping to find the best online deal, which you might be able to have price-matched by a local bricks-and-mortar retailer. Don’t forget cashback websites such as Quidco and Topcashback, which could help recoup a few pounds on motoring-related purchases, while extensions for your web browser such as Honey can help comb the internet for the best money-off deals.

Car service Tilehurst / Servicing – Clutches – Brakes – Cambelts – Gearboxes – Exhausts – Turbos – Head Gaskets – Drive Shafts – Suspension – Cooling Systems – Batteries – New Tyres, Puncture Repairs and Fitting MOT preparation and MOT testing from £40.00 if booked online Our Labour rate charges are based on the manufacturer’s published times. Our Labour rate is charged at £60 per hour (+ VAT). We offer a parts and labour guarantee.

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.

Windscreen wipers: make sure your wipers clean your windscreen effectively along with the washers. Remember, any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can mean an MOT fail. Suspension check: check the shock absorbers by applying your weight to each corner of the car then quickly releasing it. Identification of your car; Your vehicles VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) must be displayed in a legible manner on your vehicle. The cars registration plate must be clear, have correct spacing between letters and numbers and be in an overall good condition. See extra info at http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.

Do you hate the inconvenience of having your car serviced, having to take a day off work to bring your vehicle in, and then waiting for it to be completed? We always put the customer first, that’s why we offer a flexible car servicing service. We can collect your car, and the deliver it back to you when the service is completed. We can even arrange for a taxi to collect you when your car is ready. We do that for MOTs as well.

The air you breathe inside your car is important, which is why experts recommend you change the air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Changing the air filter is something you can get done when you take your car for an oil change or a routine check. However, if you’re skilled with cars, you can change it yourself. A typical air filter costs about $10, and it takes 10 minutes to change.

Test the lights: A broken or burnt-out bulb is a safety hazard and might get you a ticket. Learn how to thoroughly inspect each bulb on your car. If a bulb is out, take your car to an expert to determine whether it’s the bulb or the fuse that needs replacing. Headlights are key safety lights on your car. Consider taking a few extra steps to help keep them shining bright, such as cleaning the lenses and replacing bulbs as they start to dim.

Not every chip or crack on a windscreen will cost you an MoT certificate, as it’s all down to location. The details may seem complicated, but as a rule of thumb you can get away with chips smaller than 10mm in front of the driver. Any damage bigger than 10mm in front of the driver – and also in the glass area swept by the wipers – will be an MoT fail. Elsewhere on the glass, damage has to be larger than 40mm to constitute an MoT fail. Wiper blades must be in good condition – not perished or damaged – and clear the screen effectively. The washers must work too, and the MoT tester is within their rights to issue a fail if you haven’t topped up the washer bottle or unblocked dirty washer jets with a pin!

It’s next to impossible traveling with a broken air conditioning system in your car in the London heat. It can lead to health issues on days with high temperature and humidity. Therefore, you should proactively schedule a maintenance for your car’s air conditioning system. If that isn’t feasible, the least you should do is conduct a self-inspection of the air conditioning system and consult an expert if something appears to be wrong that can’t be fixed by you.

Auto engine diagnostics inspection in Reading today: Why should I get a car diagnostic test? Engine diagnostics and general diagnostic tests can help to identify multiple issues before they have a severe impact on the performance of your vehicle. By taking your car in for an annual vehicle diagnostics test, you can uncover minor issues that won’t otherwise be spotted by your car’s ECU until it’s too late. Additionally, if you’re conducting a check of a used car, the vehicle ECU can store previous notifications from the manufacturer as well as historic data of the car’s performance – providing you with all the information you need to make an informed inspection. Find even more details at mobile car diagnostic near me.

Installing the Scanner Software: If you have invested in a scanner, the next step is to install the software that is affiliated to the scanner onto the laptop or phone that you wish to use. Before doing so, however, it is important to keep in mind that some softwares are incompatible with certain devices. Checking for compatibility before purchasing the scanner is crucial in order for the diagnostic tool to work. Connecting the Vehicle Diagnostic Scanner to the Laptop: Once you have downloaded the software onto your laptop and run it, to ensure that there are no technical glitches; it is time to connect the auto scanner to your car. Since you have already installed the scanner software onto the laptop; it will automatically read the codes that this scanner displays and help you get the perfect car diagnostic reading.

Full Car Servicing: This is a 52 point check list starting with replacing your engine oil and oil filter including air and pollen filters fuel filter on diesiel cars and spark plugs on petrel cars all under bonnet fluid checks plus all road wheels are removed and a report given on your brake discs and pads and a brake adjustment whee neccessary adjust handbrake check all tyre wear check suspension exhaust and underbody of the vehicle and a overall visual check. To recieve any advice or Vehicle related problems please email us on repairs@mot-centre.com or simply telephone us on 01189581198.

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.

All vehicles sold by us are professionally checked and serviced with no expense spared. Why Choose Us? Tilehurst Car Servicing – A Interim Service FROM £89.00, A Full Car Service Tilehurst FROM £189.00 which includes parts and Labour. We carry out car servicing in Tilehurst on all makes and models of vehicles and our Services include the following: Full Car Servicing – All The filters including Oil Change Tilehurst Tilehurst, air and fuel are changed, Spark plugs are changed in petrol vehicles.

Even though it has been around a long time, the main ethos behind the MoT has not changed. It is designed to identify any weaknesses or faults on a car which may endanger the lives of road users – both inside and outside the car. However, and very topical at the moment, emissions testing was also introduced to the MoT test in a bid to identify and repair cars which have defunct emissions control systems e.g. catalytic converters. Should a vehicle fail its MoT, it is not permitted to be used on the public highway (excluding of course being trailered), unless you are going to or from an pre-booked MoT MoT test at an authorised garage. Thus, it is vital to make sure your chariot of fire passes its MoT first time, saving you time, money, and hassle.

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.

in Reading by Carservice-Centre? 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.

Cars are becoming ever more sophisticated. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more electronic components that could fail. Have you ever taken your car to a garage with a warning light on, only to find they can’t locate the problem? We use the latest diagnostic equipment to find the fault, and then we repair it. From ABS and airbag sensors, to engine management lights and air conditioning, we’re here to help you.

The air you breathe inside your car is important, which is why experts recommend you change the air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Changing the air filter is something you can get done when you take your car for an oil change or a routine check. However, if you’re skilled with cars, you can change it yourself. A typical air filter costs about $10, and it takes 10 minutes to change.

Any chip or crack in your windscreen that is larger than 40mm will result in a failed MOT. On the drivers’ side the allowance is even smaller; any damage larger than 10mm in the area covered by your driver-side wiper will result in a failure. As well checking your windscreen for faults, it is also important to assess the wipers. Your wipers and washers should be in a suitable condition to give you a clear view of the road ahead. If your wipers are splitting or your washer feed is blocked, this will require attention prior to your MOT. You can fail your MOT for having no screen wash so make sure that the bottle is topped up!

Exhaust: check for exhaust leaks by starting the engine in a well-ventilated space at normal temperature, then listen from the rear of the car for any unusual noises or abnormal smoke. Fuel and engine oil: make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – you can be turned away from the MOT if there isn’t enough to test your car’s emissions levels properly. Speedometer; Your vehicle speedometer must be working both correctly and accurately. The swept area of the windscreen must not have any damage larger than 10mm to pass the MOT test. See more information at mot-centre.com.

How much does an MOT cost? The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency sets the maximum fee official test centres can charge for an MOT. It’s currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorbikes, but many garages charge less than this – sometimes up to 50% less. Search online for “cheap MOT” or “MOT discount” to find out how you can save money on your car’s next MOT. Top 5 simple reasons for cars failing the MOT test: Nearly two in five MOT tests are a fail first time. Yet often this is because of minor faults the owner could easily have fixed beforehand.

Keeping your car’s belts and hoses in good shape can help keep your car running and may help you avoid a breakdown on the road. For example, if your serpentine belt breaks while you’re driving, it may cause many of your car’s systems to fail. Having your belts and hoses checked at every oil change will help ensure that they’re in good condition and don’t need replacing. Review your car insurance: Just like regular car checkups, it’s a good idea to review your car insurance policy from time to time. This can help ensure your policy’s coverages, limits and deductibles are up-to-date and suitable for your current situation.

Excellent auto repairs companies Reading, UK: Regular checkups: Some routine car care tasks can be done at home, but others require trained technicians. Take your car to a technician if the check engine light comes on. Trained technicians can diagnose the problem through the car’s on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) port. A qualified repair shop will also be able to inspect and replace other core components like the alternator and the wheel bearings. Scheduling regular tune-ups will help ensure that your car gets other maintenance items repaired as well. Discover additional details on car servicing Reading.

Buying what you need second-hand is a surefire way to save even more money, and well established sites such as eBay and Gumtree make this easy. Don’t discount Facebook Marketplace, either – it’s particularly ideal for bulkier accessories that you can pick up locally, avoiding postage charges. There’s an old adage about buying once and buying right, and that’s certainly true when buying tools, parts or accessories for your car. Yes, it’s possible to buy a set of screwdrivers or pliers for a few pounds at your local bargain store, but when you’re working on your car there’s a fair chance they’ll let you down when you need them the most. The issue is not just that you’ll need to replace them, but it’s also the time taken to jump in the car and find a retailer that’s open. And you might end up paying more than you need to.

All vehicles sold by us are professionally checked and serviced with no expense spared. Why Choose Us? Tilehurst Car Servicing – A Interim Service FROM £89.00, A Full Car Service Tilehurst FROM £189.00 which includes parts and Labour. We carry out car servicing in Tilehurst on all makes and models of vehicles and our Services include the following: Full Car Servicing – All The filters including Oil Change Tilehurst Tilehurst, air and fuel are changed, Spark plugs are changed in petrol vehicles.

Ask questions. Lots of them. Don’t be intimidated. Ask questions about why something needs fixing or how a technology works. As the customer, you have a right to become more educated about your vehicle. Request Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Whenever parts need to be replaced, be sure to request genuine OEM components rather than generic pieces. Maintaining exact manufacturer specifications is important in achieving optimum performance. The low-price allure of aftermarket parts often prompts customers to forgo OEM quality, but spending the extra dollars on factory-approved equipment now can make a big difference down the road, especially in terms of vehicle longevity.

Windscreen wipers: make sure your wipers clean your windscreen effectively along with the washers. Remember, any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can mean an MOT fail. Suspension check: check the shock absorbers by applying your weight to each corner of the car then quickly releasing it. The bonnet; The latch on your bonnet will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position.

Do you hate the inconvenience of having your car serviced, having to take a day off work to bring your vehicle in, and then waiting for it to be completed? We always put the customer first, that’s why we offer a flexible car servicing service. We can collect your car, and the deliver it back to you when the service is completed. We can even arrange for a taxi to collect you when your car is ready. We do that for MOTs as well.

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. Find extra details at http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.

As well as using the correct lettering style and spacing, your number plates need to be clean and easy to read from a distance. Modified number plates, damaged number plates or otherwise illegal plates will fail the MoT. If you own a diesel car fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could be given a Major defect and automatically fail the MoT test if it emits “visible smoke of any colour” during metered checks. Testers will also inspect DPFs closely for signs of removal or tampering, awarding a Major defect and failing the car if foul play is detected. Testers must refuse to test any car where the “DPF canister has clearly been cut open and re-welded” unless the owner “can show evidence that there was a valid reason to cut it open, such as for filter cleaning.”

The cooling system of your car’s engine needs to be fully functional and in the top-notch condition during summer to prevent the engine from overheating. Flushing the cooling mechanism is important and should be done from time to time. Don’t forget to check the coolant level to make sure it is at the right levels. You can fill it up with the coolant as needed. The rubber and plastic components of the cooling system may get damaged from the overheated engine, So it’s better to check those as well, and get it fixed if needed.

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.

Doing your own pre-MoT check can also help you save, as latest figures reveal more than a quarter of MoT failures come from faulty light bulbs and low-pressure tyres. Both are a cheap and simple DIY fix, and sorting them out in advance means you won’t have to pay for a retest which can cost up to half the full MoT rate. Buying a car is an expensive business, but unfortunately the costs don’t stop there. Running a car isn’t getting any cheaper either, so when you’re budgeting it’s crucial to consider all the associated spending required to keep a car on the road, and how you might be able to keep a lid on costs.

Auto MOT testing checks and mobile mechanic Reading Berkshire right now: Ignore the myth of the 100,000-mile tune-up. “It doesn’t exist,” states Principe. “Each vehicle has a specific tune-up schedule recommended by the manufacturer. The more you keep the systems clean, the better the vehicle will run.” Variations in climate and driving style also dictate the necessity for maintenance. Commuting in dusty desert conditions will quickly clog air filters, while driving short distances repeatedly can wear out the exhaust system, as moisture is never completely evacuated. Extremely hot and cold conditions require more attention paid to radiator fluid and engine oil. Searching for Mot Reading near me or other MOT services services? A pre-MOT checklist should cover the following areas: Your lights need to all be in good working order. This includes your headlights, sidelights, indicators, and brake lights as well as your number plate light. You may need to get a friend or family member to assist you when checking the brake lights, or back your car up to a wall and check them via reflections. Things such as unsecured light mounts can also be cause for MOT failure. So be sure to check whether there are any wobbly lights on your car.

Inspect and maintain your tires: Engine maintenance is the key to a healthy vehicle, but don’t forget about the only part of your car that touches the road, your tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire pressure and treadwear impacts everything from your vehicle’s handling to your gas mileage. Look at your owner’s manual to find the correct pressure for your tires. (The number displayed on the tires may not be accurate.) By keeping your tires properly inflated you can maximize your gas mileage. The U.S. Dept. of Energy found that maintaining the correct tire pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%. Also, to avoid potential flat tires and blowouts, it’s recommended that you rotate your tires regularly.

The reality is that regardless of whether you like it or not, you may have to park your car outdoors for prolonged periods underneath the scorching sun. Consider getting windshield covers that can minimize the amount of heat entering the car, so that later when you get in the car, you don’t feel like a pizza in the oven. You might want to do the same for the rear side and windows too. Everybody who drives knows how important brakes are for the safety not only of your vehicle but also your life. Brakes are important regardless of the season, and summers are no different. Check if your brake pads or shoes are worn beyond the acceptable thickness specifications for your car. If so, you should replace the brakes without further delay.

If you use a regular garage or test centre, they may keep a record of your MoT due date, and can send out MoT reminders if necessary. However most people have a rough idea of their vehicle’s MoT expiry date, as it’s become such an intrinsic part of car ownership. The most recent major change to the way MoTs work came in May 2018, when a new fault grading system was introduced. Faults are now categorised as Minor, Major and Dangerous – with the latter two equating to an automatic test fail. Cars with Minor faults will pass the test, but their MoT certificates will clearly show that the car passed the test “with defects”, urging owners to effect a “repair as soon as possible”.

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.

Aside from all the tips included in this list, car owners should take their car to a mechanic for a general checkup. If you bought the car at a dealership, they might send you a reminder in the mail to take your car for a checkup. During these checkups, they might inspect the car exhaust, flush the cooling system, and replace any parts needed, such as brakes, valves, and hoses. Regular checkups are in general pretty low cost and can ensure your car is in great shape for years to come.

A test centre isn’t allowed to let you drive away a car that has failed an MOT until the problems are fixed, unless your existing MOT certificate is still valid, or you’re taking the car to have the faults fixed. Second, the test might take an hour or less, but, even if there aren’t any repairs, this doesn’t mean your vehicle will only have to be at the garage for 60 minutes. Test centres can require you to drop your vehicle off first thing in the morning and collect it when ready. The interior of your car will be checked as part of the MOT test. The seat belts; All seats within your vehicle must have seatbelts and all seatbelts must be in the correct working order. The type, condition and security of the seatbelts will also be checked.

Some people think you will void your warranty if you don’t service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership. However, that’s not the case. Independent garages, specialists and fast-fits are all capable of servicing your car without invalidating your warranty, provided they fit manufacturer-branded or OE parts and use up-to-date equipment and technical information to work on your car. The European Union’s Block Exemption Regulations, which were created in 1995 and apply until 31 May 2023, allow independent garages, traders and organisations to have the same access to the manufacturer technical data, and repair and servicing information as dealerships, allowing them to work correctly on all cars. They’re likely to be replaced with similar UK-specific rules that will apply after the EU rules expire. Discover more info at http://www.mot-centre.com/.

How much does an MOT cost? The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency sets the maximum fee official test centres can charge for an MOT. It’s currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorbikes, but many garages charge less than this – sometimes up to 50% less. Search online for “cheap MOT” or “MOT discount” to find out how you can save money on your car’s next MOT. Top 5 simple reasons for cars failing the MOT test: Nearly two in five MOT tests are a fail first time. Yet often this is because of minor faults the owner could easily have fixed beforehand.