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:
MOT test
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.
Servicing
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
Repairs
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.
Diagnostic tests
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.
Body repairs
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.
