Local auto MOT service in Reading in 2024: Car servicing is important for so many reasons. Not only does it save you time and money on any big issues your car may have, but it could also save your life by identifying issues early on. It’s important, but what’s involved in a car service, and why is it needed if you’ve already had an MOT? We’ve got the answers for you! What is a car service? A regular car service checks the condition of your car. It can assess everything from general wear and tear to fluids, brakes, the engine, and more. What is covered during each service will differ slightly, as it depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and age. Read even more information on Mot And Service Reading.
Yes, it’s your car’s bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you discover that your “problem” stemmed from not understanding your car’s controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle, it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration, transmission and other included features that vary across the model line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling service.
How Do I Know If My Car’s Battery Is Dead? A dead battery can put a damper on any day, especially when you’re running late for work. But how do you know if it’s really your battery that’s causing the issue? Look out for signs such as dim headlights or difficulty starting your car. If your car has been standing idle for a while, it’s best to get the battery checked as part of your vehicle service. Our team at carservice-centre.co.uk can test and replace your battery if necessary, ensuring you’re not left stranded when you need your car the most.
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.
Local vehicle servicing Reading, UK today: This makes them impartial when inspecting your car – there’s no commercial incentive to find problems with it. For a list of local council MOT test centres that don’t carry our repairs, visit the website. Once a car is three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) it must be tested each year to check it meets road safety and environmental standards. This Ministry of Transport test is commonly known as an ‘MOT’. MOT tests are carried out at around 21,000 authorised test centres around the country, all of which display an official blue sign featuring three white triangles. Find extra info on http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.
Major Car Servicing: This is a 53 point check list which covers all of the above of a full service plus we will download and plug in to your engines ECU and check for any fault codes that may be present and a report is given on our findings and any work that maybe be required we will inform you and give you a quote to fix these items but no work will be carried out without your prior knowledge and only carried out with your written approval. We offer a 24 hour vehicle recovery service and we will offer a 10% discount if your vehicle related problems are fixed in our workshop and we also offer a 24 hour Mobile Tyre Fitting Service at home your business or at the roadside. Battery maintenance: Car battery maintenance is also important. Keep cleaning it from time to time as dirt can reduce the current. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Avoid leaving the car on when the ignition is off, as it may weaken the battery life.
Visit a place you know is reputed and if it’s not an authorized garage for your car brand, ensure the technicians use the approved materials, for instance the exact grade of oil, or replacement parts bearing the exact numbers approved by the car manufacturer. This not only ensures the best results and reliability, but will also comply with any warranty the car may be under, Also make sure you retain all the bills and service receipts that bear the above details. Whoever you entrust your car with, make sure they are careful workers. If they pay attention to the little details, you’ll know your car is in good hands.
Any tyre that doesn’t have at least 1.6mm of tread across the middle three-quarters is an instant MoT failure. Tyres with significant damage such as cuts, bulges or cracking will cost you a pass certificate too. All your vehicle’s lights must be clean and work correctly, or you will fail the MoT. So before you book it in, check they do. That means headlamps on full and dipped beam, sidelamps and daytime running lights, hazard lights and indicators, fog lamps if fitted, and even number plate lights at the back. You can pick up most bulbs from car accessory stores, and they’re usually easy to fit – if sometimes a little fiddly.
Checking the tires before hitting the road is always a good practice. And this practice can prove to be helpful during the summer months too. Visually inspect if your tire threads are showing signs of wear or not. It is dangerous to drive with worn tires as those can lead to uneven handling of your car both during driving and while using the brake. And they may also blow out if not replaced timely. Next, it’s time to examine tire pressure. Depending on the build and type of your tire, the pressure should be between 30 and 35 PSI. Make sure that the tires are not over or under-inflated, as those may lead to a flat tire on hot days. Don’t forget to do the same with the spare tire as well. Do check out these top tips on how to inspect your tires before getting started.
We’ve included everything from the quick, easy tasks that take no time at all but can make all the difference, such as washer fluid and lighting checks, right up to more serious jobs, including fitting winter tyres. We’ve also included some recommended purchases where applicable. Despite the added urgency of keeping your car well maintained during the winter, most of the checks are the same ones you would perform during the rest of the year. That said, there are a few points where a bit of extra winter attention wouldn’t go amiss.
It’s important to check your engine coolant level regularly and replace it when needed. Doing so will keep your engine running smoothly and help prevent costly repairs down the line. Some manufacturers recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 miles, but keep in mind there are other recommendations depending on the engine type or manufacturer, so refer to the service literature for you own vehicle. If your car is struggling to start or vibrates a lot, you may need new spark plugs sooner. Remove the HT leads first before unscrewing the plugs themselves, making sure you clean the area thoroughly. Place the new plugs in the socket and lower into the gap, before tightening up by hand at first followed by a torque wrench to the correct setting.
We should all understand importance of properly-functioning brakes, so keeping them maintained is essential, to avoid any expensive repair bills or potential repair failures. Start off by checking the brake fluid level and if low, top it up – check your vehicle handbook for the correct fluid specification Be careful as brake fluid is corrosive, and if you feel unsure then get a professional to take a look at it. Whether it’s 35 degrees outside or barely breaking freezing, it’s essential your aircon unit is fully functioning. However, apart from visual checks of the pipework, there is not a lot for you to check yourself. Aircon system servicing should be carried out by a competent person with the correct equipment. A typical complaint is when the aircon does not feel cool enough on hot summer days, this may indicate that the system requires re-gassing – specialist equipment is required and so should be entrusted to an authorised servicing centre.