Best rated car service repair in Reading: What Should I Do If My Check Engine Light Comes On? The dreaded check engine light – what does it mean and what should you do if it suddenly illuminates on your dashboard? It’s essential not to ignore this warning light, as it could indicate a serious issue with your vehicle that requires immediate attention. Firstly, check if your fuel cap is loose or damaged – if that’s not the case, then it’s best to bring your car in for a diagnostic check at carservice-centre.co.uk. Our team of highly trained vehicle technicians (car mechanics) will be able to identify and fix any underlying issues, ensuring your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Read more info on Car Servicing Reading.
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.
Best rated local vehicle servicing in Reading: 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. See even more details on carservice-centre.co.uk.
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”.
Check vehicle fluids. Vehicles rely on transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and properly mixed coolant to run. Fluids need to be topped off for optimal vehicle performance throughout the life of the vehicle. Change air filters regularly. Dust and grime accumulates over time and can negatively impact gas mileage and engine performance. Take care of minor repairs when they arise. New noises or changes in the drivability of a vehicle should be checked out promptly.
Car battery prices vary, and models fitted with stop-start systems need a heavier-duty battery that can cost much more than the standard type, depending on the size, type and the electrical current produced. There are dozens of combinations on offer, so make sure you get the correct one for your car. If you can’t start your car, but have access to a 12-volt power supply in another car, then you can use a set of jump leads. If you’re skilled enough and it’s accessible, you could remove the battery and charge it indoors. This can be complex, not least because car batteries are heavy. You should always refer to the owner’s manual.
It’s important to check your engine coolant level regularly and replace it when needed. Doing so will keep your engine running smoothly and help prevent costly repairs down the line. Some manufacturers recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 miles, but keep in mind there are other recommendations depending on the engine type or manufacturer, so refer to the service literature for you own vehicle. If your car is struggling to start or vibrates a lot, you may need new spark plugs sooner. Remove the HT leads first before unscrewing the plugs themselves, making sure you clean the area thoroughly. Place the new plugs in the socket and lower into the gap, before tightening up by hand at first followed by a torque wrench to the correct setting.
Full Car Servicing: This is a 52 point check list starting with replacing your engine oil and oil filter including air and pollen filters fuel filter on diesiel cars and spark plugs on petrel cars all under bonnet fluid checks plus all road wheels are removed and a report given on your brake discs and pads and a brake adjustment whee neccessary adjust handbrake check all tyre wear check suspension exhaust and underbody of the vehicle and a overall visual check. To recieve any advice or Vehicle related problems please email us on repairs@mot-centre.com or simply telephone us on 01189581198. Fix wipers: Defects in windshield wipers not only affect the vision of the driver but also endanger the safety of all. Make sure you avoid driving under such conditions and get the wipers repaired whenever necessary. Wipers are used the most in the monsoon season.
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.
Aside from all the tips included in this list, car owners should take their car to a mechanic for a general checkup. If you bought the car at a dealership, they might send you a reminder in the mail to take your car for a checkup. During these checkups, they might inspect the car exhaust, flush the cooling system, and replace any parts needed, such as brakes, valves, and hoses. Regular checkups are in general pretty low cost and can ensure your car is in great shape for years to come.