What Type of Services Can Garages Provide?
Having a car is great. Whether you’re a newly passed driver or have been driving for years, the convenience of getting from A to B in the comfort of your own car makes things that little bit easier. But owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility, and ignoring any warning signs that your vehicle is in need of a repair could result in serious consequences for you and other road users.
Finding a garage that you trust is important - as one of the most valuable assets you’ll own, poor workmanship can lead to more complicated issues further down the line. However, with a little bit of research you can find a local garage that suits your needs. It’s also important to know that, as a car owner, you’re required to have your car annually checked over by a professional - this is more commonly known as an MOT. But, it’s likely that you car will need to be looked at for other reasons too such as warning lights, repairs or a burst tyre.
So, what services can a garage actually help with? Read on for an informative insight into what your local car garage can do.
What can a car mechanic do for your car?
Most car garages will provide common services such as MOTs, servicing and repairs, however many also offer paint work and accident repairs too. Below we explain some of the services you can expect:
By law, all vehicles over three years old need to have a valid MOT certificate - this test will determine whether the vehicle is safe to be on the road or whether it requires work or repairs. But, not all garages are an approved MOT testing station. An easy way to find out which garages can conduct MOTs is to look for the ‘three blue triangles’ symbol which all approved stations have to display. Nearly all faults identified during an MOT can be avoided through regular maintenance, so it’s important that you keep on top of repairs to improve your chances of passing.
Car MOT checks look at the following areas:
●Lights
●The horn
●Steering
●Suspension
●Brakes
●Tyres
●Seat belts
●Fuel system
●Exhaust
You can use the GOV website to check when you MOT expires or refer to your previous MOT certificate.
Unlike an MOT, a service is not a legal requirement but they are still recommended in between MOTs. A service is a vehicle inspection based on guidelines provided by your vehicle manufacturer. There are two types of service; an interim service that should be carried out every 6 months and a full service that is recommended every 12 months. Here at Aylesbury Tyres & Servicing, we provide excellent vehicle servicing to extend the lifespan of your car. Checks include but are not limited to:
●Oil and oil filter check and replacement
●Brake fluid check and top up
●Coolant check and top up
●Windscreen wash check and top up
●Full brake check
●Exhaust check
●Battery check
●Charging system check
●Tyre tread and pressure check
●Power steering fluid check and top up
●Steering check
●Suspension check
●Light check
●Windscreen wipers check
If your vehicle has started to make strange noises, unfamiliar lights have appeared on your dashboard or it simply isn’t running as it usually does, then it may require a repair of some sort. When this happens, it’s more important than ever to have a professional and trusted garage that you can go to, who can identify the fault quickly and fix it for a fair price.
Common car repairs include:
● New tyres - there are several reasons why you may need replacement tyres, one being that they have worn down. When the tread depth is below the 1.6mm indicator, this can result in skidding. If you are involved in a road collision and your tyres are found to be below the legal limit, you could be dealt a fine or lose your licence. You may also need a new tyres if you have a slow puncture, this can easily happen when you drive over sharp objects.
● Battery replacement - car batteries are rechargeable, however they don’t last forever and often, cold weather can trigger its lack of ability to hold charge. On average, a battery can last between 5 and 7 years, and driving your car daily will keep it charged compared to cars that are left unused for several days or weeks at a time.
● Air conditioning repairs - most people forget about their car’s air conditioning system until it gets to summer and they need to cool down, or it gets to winter and they need to warm up. The hot and cold settings are also needed to clear your windows when they steam up or get icy. However, sometimes the cold setting lets out warm air, and this is usually a sign that your aircon needs regassing.
● Wheel alignment - sometimes, when your wheels are no longer properly aligned this can cause steering and suspension issues. You may have noticed that your vehicle pulls slightly to one side which is usually one of the first signs of this kind of problem. Alignment problems can be caused by worn out parts or a heavy impact such as hitting something or bumping a curb.
When problems occur in your car, but the direct cause cannot be pinpointed at first glance, diagnostics can be used to determine the fault. Linking the car to a diagnostic computer can quickly highlight the problem and save the mechanic from spending unnecessary time troubleshooting the problem manually. Technicians recommend having a diagnostic test at least once a year, as this can reveal underlying problems which can be fixed before they progress.
If you’re involved in a car accident, or wear and tear has made your vehicle look unsightly, then you may require body work. Dents, scratches and grazes can make your car look older than it is, especially when you they’re left for long periods of time. While major body work repairs such as big dents and loose doors will need to be looked at by a specialist, many small garages can tackle cosmetic work such as paint jobs and scratch repairs.
How do I find a good car garage near me?
Finding the right car mechanic could be the difference between your car being repaired properly and you paying a fair price, and many local garages can offer this service. To find the right car mechanic you should consider:
● Do you know anyone who has used their services? - asking friends and family about their experience with a local garage can give you a good idea of their work and customer service.
● Do they work on your make and model of car? Sometimes garages on work on specific models, so make sure you do your research and find out beforehand.
● Are affordable? Although cheap prices are not always a reflection of good work, you still want to get the best deal you can for professional work. According to current government guidelines, MOTs cannot exceed £54.85, so be wary of garages offering an MOT at a lower price.
Aylesbury Tyres & Servicing: Your local, reliable garage
Here at Aylesbury Tyres & Servicing , we offer a range of first-rate car services that will keep your vehicle roadworthy and running as it should. With a fully-trained and professional team on hand to help, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. From MOTs and servicing to tyres, brakes and exhausts, we aim to minimise your vehicle running costs and keep you safe on the road. Contact us today for more information.
