Best rated mobile mechanic and car MOT inspection checks Reading, UK: The handbrake: check the tension in your handbrake. If it slides up and down without resistance and can’t be ratcheted to a set level, there’s likely to be a problem needing fixing by a professional mechanic. Seats and seatbelts: check the driver’s seat adjusts forwards and backwards and inspect the full length of the seatbelt for any damage. Check all the seatbelts latch and fasten securely, and lock when you give them a sharp tug. Windscreen: any damage wider than 10mm in the driver’s central view will cause an MOT fail, as will any damage larger than 40mm in the whole of the swept area. Searching for car servicing near me or other MOT inspection services? Listen out for any excessive noise or rattling when your vehicle is running. This may suggest a problem with the exhaust system, which could result in a failed MOT. Another easy check is to see whether there’s smoke coming from the exhaust. This is normal on startup for diesel engines, but excessive smoke may indicate a problem. Similarly, if there’s fuel or oil leaking from the exhaust, there’s likely a problem further up the line – possibly with the spark plugs or glow plugs not warming/burning fuel properly.
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.
IHS Automotive reports that Americans are keeping their cars and light trucks for longer than previously reported – an average of 11.5 years – an increase attributed to both improved vehicle reliability and economic factors. With 84 percent of vehicles on the road in need of a service or new part, YourMechanic surveyed hundreds of mechanics from more than 30 states to compile the top five tips car owners can follow as a guide to help extend the life of their vehicle.
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.
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.
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. Discover additional info at http://www.mot-centre.com/.
Your car is more than four wheels; it’s been through a lot with you. You need to know that you can rely on it. Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre are experts at servicing all makes and models of cars, we’ll help keep your car running as well as the day you bought it. Are you selling your car? Nothing devalues a car more than an incomplete service book. A fully stamped book shows prospective buyers that you’ve taken good care of it. We provide a thorough service from experienced mechanics, and that all important stamp in your book.
If your radiator builds up deposits, it can mess with the cooling system in your car. To keep the radiator in top shape, a radiator flush will do the trick. How often you need to replace the radiator fluid will depend on your vehicle. Start by consulting the owner’s manual to get an idea. For the most part, you can get away with flushing the radiator every couple of years. Now that you know about these basic car repairs, you can keep your car in top shape for many years to come. Remember to rotate your tires, change the oil, replace the brake pads, and more.
The corner of the car should quickly return to its original position. If it bounces more than twice, this could mean the shock absorbers are faulty and need to be checked. Horn: give a short blast of the horn – if it doesn’t work or isn’t loud enough to attract the attention of pedestrians or other motorists, get it repaired. 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.