Category: Automotive

Best Mot and vehicle service and car repairs company these days in Reading: Check your windshield wipers: Windshield wipers are the last thing on your mind until it’s too late and you’re caught in the rain. When they go bad, it can dramatically affect your vision and ability to drive safely. To avoid a lack of vision, check your windshield wipers regularly and watch out for any warning signs that point to a loss of effectiveness. These signs included squeaking, chattering while on the road, streaks and wet spots. The Family Handyman recommends replacing your windshield wipers on a regular schedule, typically every six to 12 months. Find additional details at Car Servicing Reading.

How frequently should I service my car? You should have your car serviced annually or before it reaches a certain mileage outlined by the manufacturer (typically 12,000 miles) – whichever comes first. It’s best to check the service intervals in your car’s handbook, because they vary depending on the model, fuel type and engine. What work is carried out during a service? This depends on the service interval your car has reached. Most first services for new cars will involve only an oil and filter change, then the second service will also include the replacement of components with a 24-month lifespan – such as the spark plugs (petrol cars only), glow plugs (diesel cars only) and the brake fluid. There will be a larger, full service the following year, and after that the same cycle continues throughout the car’s life. However, if you own an older car and don’t cover many miles, you can opt for smaller services more often.

An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months. You still need to make sure you maintain your car well, including regular servicing. Make sure you’re not caught out by any of the five simple reasons for a fail shown above, then inspect your car against our 11-point checklist below. If you find any problems in the following areas, you can fix some yourself to help keep garage costs down.

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.

Not only is it important to have a cooling system inside the car, but it’s also necessary to reduce the amount of heat entering your car from outside. A great way to do that is by applying a layer of ceramic car coating. This type of coating bonds with the paint, providing lasting protection to both the exterior and interior of your car. Ceramic car coating protects your car from absorbing the heat and the associated radiations like harmful ultraviolet rays. It also helps you ensure that overheating is not causing cracks in the paint of your car. Besides, ceramic car coating can prevent stains from bird droppings settling on your car’s surface, as well as from minor scratches. And if all these reasons aren’t good enough, here’s the jackpot – it can help your car look as good as new!

We Also Offer The Following Services, A Free Collection And Delivery Service within a 10 mile radius, a Small charge may apply if you are further afield but we will never refuse on the grounds that you are to far away,we also have a Onsite Valeting Service, A 24 Hour Recovery Service, Cam-belt Replacement, Clutch Replacement, , Car Air Conditioning, Car Exhausts and Brakes and all General Car and Vehicle Repairs are carried out on the premises. Read more info at http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.

Clean the engine : Use clean fuel to make the engine clean and strong from inside. From time to time it should also be cleaned externally. Leakage along with dust and debris can damage the engine so use any engine cleaner to wipe off the dirt.

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”.

Inquire about pricing and labor rates. Before you surrender your keys to the service department, be sure to determine the labor rate. Shops typically post the rate in a conspicuous place, so be observant and ask questions if you’re confused. Make sure you understand the way in which you will be billed for an auto repair. Many shops bill according to estimated repair times established by the manufacturer. A repair that the service tech deems “minor” could indeed be an all-day job according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

An MOT might also be included in the cost of a full service for your car. While servicing your car regularly is a good idea, a service, even if it includes an MOT, is likely to be more expensive than an MOT on it’s own. Nearly two in five MOT tests fail first time. Yet often this is because of minor faults the owner could easily have fixed themselves before they paid for a test. Electrical; All of your vehicles electrical wiring will be checked alongside your battery for functionality and overall condition.

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.

Affordable mobile mechanic and car MOT inspection checks Reading: 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. Looking for Cheap Car Service Reading or other MOT checks services? Your tyres should be properly inflated (check your vehicle handbook for the correct tyre pressures or use our tyre pressure checker) and have at least 1.6mm of tread around the whole tyre. A good way to check your tread depth is the 20p test. Any unusual wear could highlight a problem so bring your car down to your nearest www.mot-centre.com centre or a free tyre check. Tyre problems are the biggest cause of all MOT failures so it is especially important to check these in advance!

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.

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.

Is the technician trained on your specific vehicle make? Cars and trucks today are extremely complex machines, and their unique characteristics vary heavily from brand to brand. Making certain that your technician has obtained the proper training for your specific vehicle is crucial since special tools and procedures — many of which are not easily available to the “average” auto mechanic — are required to correctly service your auto.

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.

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. Find even more info on mot-centre.com.

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.

Although they might not seem as important as tire rotation or oil change, replacing the windshield wipers is also important. If you’re caught in a storm and your windshield wipers don’t work properly, you could put everyone around you in danger. Windshield wipers are not only affordable, but they’re also easy to change on your own. You can get them in all auto parts stores, and the instructions are on the back of the package. Of course, if you doubt your skills, you can always ask an auto parts store employee to change them for you. While you’re there, don’t forget to check your wiper fluid levels.

An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months. You still need to make sure you maintain your car well, including regular servicing. Make sure you’re not caught out by any of the five simple reasons for a fail shown above, then inspect your car against our 11-point checklist below. If you find any problems in the following areas, you can fix some yourself to help keep garage costs down. The exhaust system; Your exhaust will be examined to ensure it is secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences effectively.

Best rated mobile mechanic and car MOT testing verification Reading, UK: Is the technician trained on your specific vehicle make? Cars and trucks today are extremely complex machines, and their unique characteristics vary heavily from brand to brand. Making certain that your technician has obtained the proper training for your specific vehicle is crucial since special tools and procedures — many of which are not easily available to the “average” auto mechanic — are required to correctly service your auto.

Looking for Mobile Mechanic In Reading or other MOT checks 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.

Change the oil: Routinely checking and changing your car’s oil is essential to keeping its engine in running condition. Check your oil each month and change it as directed in the car’s owner’s manual. You can change your oil yourself or take it to a service center. If you choose to do it yourself, learn the necessary steps to drain the fluid, set the correct oil level and dispose of old oil. You should also know which type of motor oil is best for your car, regardless of whether you change the oil yourself or take it to a service center. This generally means considering three things — the oil viscosity, whether to use synthetic versus non-synthetic oil and your car’s mileage.

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.

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.

Car Servicing we can save you up to 60% off the main dealer prices without the loss of Your warranty. Thanks to changes in the European Union legislation (block exemption) we can service your car and save you money without the fear of invalidating your vehicle’s warranty. For a quick and non binding quote please Insert the registration number of your vehicle, if you are happy with your quote you can book online with a date and time to suite you, and you only pay once the work has been completed Your Vehicle may be collected free of charge in the Tilehurst area. See additional information at www.mot-centre.com.

Clean the engine : Use clean fuel to make the engine clean and strong from inside. From time to time it should also be cleaned externally. Leakage along with dust and debris can damage the engine so use any engine cleaner to wipe off the dirt.

The MoT cost is controlled by law, with a maximum charge for cars set at £54.85. An individual MoT test centre can choose to charge less, so it’s worth shopping around. If you think you’ve a chance of failure, make sure you pick an MoT test centre that offers free retests within 10 days, as you can be charged a partial retest fee. If repairs take longer, you’ll have to pay the full fee again. Many garages are able to conduct MoT tests, although if you’re suspicious of garages that will charge for unnecessary work, it’s probably best to take your car to a dedicated MoT test centre.

Whatever age your car is, regular servicing is the only way to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. We look at the costs and benefits… Most modern cars will remind you with a warning light or message when it’s time for a service. When you see this, it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s just letting you know the vehicle is due for its regular check-up. Why is it important to service my car, and how much will it cost? Having your car serviced can seem like a financial burden, but there are a few key reasons why it’s important to make sure you do it. Firstly, it makes sure your car is in good working order; the technicians working on it will inspect many of the mechanical and electric parts to make sure they’re functioning as they should. Having your car serviced regularly will extend its life and help it to retain more of its value.

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.

Spending about $20 to replace the fuel filter can save you a lot of money on a fuel filter. Most experts recommend owners change the fuel filter annually to keep it in top shape. While this is a fast and inexpensive replacement, it’s a more advanced project not recommended for DIY. A professional can take care of the fuel filter when you take the car in for maintenance.

Here are some of the ways your car could fail an MOT. Screen wash not topped up. This basic task takes minutes, so don’t be caught out by it. The car was dirty or full of clutter. Clear the mess from the boot and cabin and give the windows and mirrors a quick wipe. A registration plate problem. For example, the plate used the incorrect type face/spacing, or was dirty or missing altogether. If you have a personalised plate, make sure it follows DVLA rules. The bonnet; The latch on your bonnet will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position.

Top rated mobile mechanic and vehicle MOT inspection in Reading: Searching for car servicing Reading or other MOT services services? Clean and safe mirror being adjusted before MOT test: Your mirrors must be intact, secure, and free of cracks. You can fail an MOT for cracked or smashed mirrors so make sure any damaged mirrors are replaced before your test. You can often find replacement mirrors for your car make and model online, but be careful with the ‘self-adhesive’ types – they’re likely to fall off again in no time. If you’re unsure about replacing a mirror, call your local www.mot-centre.com centre for help.

Inquire about pricing and labor rates. Before you surrender your keys to the service department, be sure to determine the labor rate. Shops typically post the rate in a conspicuous place, so be observant and ask questions if you’re confused. Make sure you understand the way in which you will be billed for an auto repair. Many shops bill according to estimated repair times established by the manufacturer. A repair that the service tech deems “minor” could indeed be an all-day job according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

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.

First, if your vehicle fails the test and repairs need to be made this will take longer. A test centre is not 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 does not mean your vehicle will only have to be at the garage for sixty minutes. Test centres can require you to drop your vehicle off first thing in the morning and collect it when ready.

Not only is it important to have a cooling system inside the car, but it’s also necessary to reduce the amount of heat entering your car from outside. A great way to do that is by applying a layer of ceramic car coating. This type of coating bonds with the paint, providing lasting protection to both the exterior and interior of your car. Ceramic car coating protects your car from absorbing the heat and the associated radiations like harmful ultraviolet rays. It also helps you ensure that overheating is not causing cracks in the paint of your car. Besides, ceramic car coating can prevent stains from bird droppings settling on your car’s surface, as well as from minor scratches. And if all these reasons aren’t good enough, here’s the jackpot – it can help your car look as good as new!

An annual service suitable for average mileage vehicles covering 12000 miles per year or at 12000 mile intervals for high mileage users. The schedule is more comprehensive than most main dealer service schedules. The service includes oil and oil filter, air filter and pollen filter changes. All tops ups to the engine bay area are included. It is a comprehensive service with all wheels removed and brakes inspected, cleaned and adjusted. A diagnostic scan, vehicle health check and test drive by a qualified technician are all included. Read even more information on mot-centre.com.

Take care of tire pressure: The tire pressure of the car not only affects the mileage, but it is also the cause of accidents at times. Always check the tire pressure whenever you have to take the car somewhere. These days the feature of tire pressure monitoring has also started coming in many modern vehicles. Tire air can also be checked and filled for free at many petrol pumps.

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.

Whatever age your car is, regular servicing is the only way to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. We look at the costs and benefits… Most modern cars will remind you with a warning light or message when it’s time for a service. When you see this, it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s just letting you know the vehicle is due for its regular check-up. Why is it important to service my car, and how much will it cost? Having your car serviced can seem like a financial burden, but there are a few key reasons why it’s important to make sure you do it. Firstly, it makes sure your car is in good working order; the technicians working on it will inspect many of the mechanical and electric parts to make sure they’re functioning as they should. Having your car serviced regularly will extend its life and help it to retain more of its value.

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.

Changing the oil and checking the fluids is something your car cannot go without. Depending on your car and how often you drive, most cars need an oil change between every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Making it a habit of changing the oil will extend the life of your vehicle and save you money on costly repairs. During routine oil changes, your mechanic can also check to make sure all other fluids in your car are topped off.

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. 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.