Vehicle MOT test services and mobile mechanics Reading, UK right now: Additionally, with a mobile mechanic, you can see the repairs performed on your car and ask questions, which can better understand the work and help you make informed decisions about your vehicle. In short, the cost-effectiveness of using a mobile mechanic offers an affordable and transparent solution for all of your car repair needs. Searching for mobile mechanic Reading or other MOT checks services in the United Kingdom? We all know that the vehicles we drive require periodic maintenance to keep them operating at 100%, but sometimes life can get in the way. Work, family and many other factors can take precedence over taking our cars to the mechanic to have servicing and repairs carried out.
Three years after a car is first registered here in the UK, it is subject to an MoT test to ensure it is still safe to drive on the road. This isn’t a negotiable thing, it is required by law and following the first MoT, the test must be carried out once a year. MoT itself stands for ‘Ministry of Transport’, which was a Government department originally formed in the 1960s. Since then, the Ministry has seen various names, but is known today as the Department for Transport or DfT. That being said, the actual regulation of the tests is carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is also part of the DfT.
Check the fluids: There are several fluids that should be kept at the appropriate levels to help keep your car running properly. According to Popular Mechanics, you or your mechanic should check: Engine oil; Coolant; Power steering fluid; Brake fluid; Transmission fluid. A leak with any of these fluids can affect the way your car drives. If you spot a leak, you may be able to identify the fluid by its color. This can help you and your mechanic determine where the leak is coming from. It can also help speed up the repair process.
Any chip or crack in your windscreen that is larger than 40mm will result in a failed MOT. On the drivers’ side the allowance is even smaller; any damage larger than 10mm in the area covered by your driver-side wiper will result in a failure. As well checking your windscreen for faults, it is also important to assess the wipers. Your wipers and washers should be in a suitable condition to give you a clear view of the road ahead. If your wipers are splitting or your washer feed is blocked, this will require attention prior to your MOT. You can fail your MOT for having no screen wash so make sure that the bottle is topped up!
The cooling system of your car’s engine needs to be fully functional and in the top-notch condition during summer to prevent the engine from overheating. Flushing the cooling mechanism is important and should be done from time to time. Don’t forget to check the coolant level to make sure it is at the right levels. You can fill it up with the coolant as needed. The rubber and plastic components of the cooling system may get damaged from the overheated engine, So it’s better to check those as well, and get it fixed if needed.
Ask questions. Lots of them. Don’t be intimidated. Ask questions about why something needs fixing or how a technology works. As the customer, you have a right to become more educated about your vehicle. Request Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Whenever parts need to be replaced, be sure to request genuine OEM components rather than generic pieces. Maintaining exact manufacturer specifications is important in achieving optimum performance. The low-price allure of aftermarket parts often prompts customers to forgo OEM quality, but spending the extra dollars on factory-approved equipment now can make a big difference down the road, especially in terms of vehicle longevity.
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.
Some people think you will void your warranty if you don’t service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership. However, that’s not the case. Independent garages, specialists and fast-fits are all capable of servicing your car without invalidating your warranty, provided they fit manufacturer-branded or OE parts and use up-to-date equipment and technical information to work on your car. The European Union’s Block Exemption Regulations, which were created in 1995 and apply until 31 May 2023, allow independent garages, traders and organisations to have the same access to the manufacturer technical data, and repair and servicing information as dealerships, allowing them to work correctly on all cars. They’re likely to be replaced with similar UK-specific rules that will apply after the EU rules expire. See even more details at http://www.mot-centre.com/.
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.
Most car owners underestimate how important car battery maintenance is. Although your battery will run out of juice eventually, keeping up with it will extend the life. If you want your car battery to run smoothly, you need to make sure it has a good connection. Residue can build up and prevent your tire from starting. You can get battery-cleaning fluid at most auto parts stores. Removing the battery and cleaning the connections will extend the life and improve the connection.
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. The doors; Each of your doors must latch securely in a closed position and each hinge will be checked for security and condition. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors must open from the outside.