Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to view the answer.
If my car fails the MOT, am I legal to drive it?
When is the earliest I can come for my MOT before my previous certificate expires?
How often do I need my car servicing?
Why does my cambelt need changing?
Why have you recommended I change the brake fluid and antifreeze?
If my car fails the MOT, am I legal to drive it?
If your previous MOT has expired and your car fails the test, you are not legal to drive it, other than to and from the testing station.
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When is the earliest I can come for my MOT before my previous certificate expires?
You can come for the MOT whenever you want, however if you come anywhere up to a month before your old MOT certificate expires, we can date your new ticket ahead so that you don't lose any time on it. Therefore if you come a month before the test is due and it passes, your new ticket will run for 13 months.
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How often do I need my car servicing?
More and more modern cars have service lights to indicate when a service is due. This indicator is triggered by the number of miles the car has covered, the number of times the ignition key is turned and other factors detected by the onboard computers in the vehicle.
With older cars it is very wise to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and service the vehicle on a mileage or time basis, whichever comes first. Low mileage vehicles need just as much love and attention as their higher mileage cousins as they do a lot more short, start, stop journeys and are subject to greater wear on their brakes, clutch and engine, among other things.
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Why does my cambelt need changing?
Many moons ago nearly all production cars had chains to drive the internal mechanics on the vehicle. With the advent of more compact engines and better material technology, many manufacturers in their wisdom decided that it would be better to replace the noisier chain with a quieter "rubber" belt. This also had the advantage of being able to go through angles and was easier (and cheaper) for the manufacturer to install. Unfortunately when the belts began to snap / strip and simply work their way off their rollers, this caused expensive (in most cases) repairs as the pistons can hit the valves and the sudden quietness can be very disconcerting. This is even more important with diesel engines and it is strongly recommended that you change this belt on a regular basis. Please call in or telephone us to see if your belt needs changing and receive a free no obligation quote.
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Why have you recommended I change the brake fluid and antifreeze?
Brake fluid is hydroscopic i.e. it absorbs moisture from the air. Over time brake fluid becomes contaminated with excess water which lowers its boiling point and is not as easily compressed thus causing problems with brake fade.
Antifreeze loses its anticorrosive properties over time and can cause a buildup of sludge and rust if not changed on a regular basis. If left for extended periods of time this can cause potentially expensive problems with overheating and the cylinder head gasket.
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