Vehicle Servicing Components
Engine Oil
A vehicles engine oil is responsible for lubricating your car engine whilst it is running. You should change your engine oil at least every 6 months if your car travels high mileage. For average mileage change the oil annually.
Engine Oil Filter
Your car engines oil is forced around many areas of your engine under high pressure. Over time deposits build up which would be catastrophic if the oil filter was not present or becomes full. We have many customers who call in regular just for an oil and oil filter change.
Spark Plugs
Ceramic or porcelain, platinum or copper as well as double & triple electrode they all essentially perform the same function. They literally just provide a spark to ignite your engines fuel / air mixture. Although the quality of plug does have an effect on performance and economy we recommend you use spark plugs listed by your vehicle manufacturer.
Air Filter
Fuel is mixed with air in your engines combustion chamber to increase the efficiency and power gained from the ignited mixture. Obviously we don’t want any particles entering here, hence the air filter. Change them regardless when your car manufacturer schedules them.
Fuel Filter
Your fuel is filtered to prevent unwanted particles entering the injection system and ultimately the combustion chamber. These days fuel filters are usually much more substantial than original filters which were just folds of card in glass.
Pollen Filter
Many vehicles have pollen filters built into the air intake system. Like all filters they saturate over time and are much less effective so change yours when your manufacturer recommends.
Coolant Fluid
To keep your engine cool water is pumped around water channels designed into your engine. Over time the coolant which is a mixture of water and anti-freeze collects minute particles which degrades the cooling performance. If left long enough this can result in your engine overheating.
Cam Timing Belt
When is my timing belt due for replacement is a question we get asked regular. The answer is listed in your car manufacturers data. Your timing belt keeps your engine in sync making sure the valves open at the correct time. Should this belt snap or jump the result could be catastrophic failure and big repair bills. Better to be safe than sorry, when is your timing belt next due?
Lights
A full check of all your vehicles exterior front back and side lights including: headlights (all beams), tail and brake lights, indicators and number plate lights.
Brakes
Brake linings and disks fully inspected for any signs of wear, irregularities or potential failure along with all individual braking components.
Gears
Check all gears for correct operation whilst listening for any noises. Check and lubricate gear linkage joints and examine links for damage such as kinks, bends or corrosion.
Clutch
Use your clutch pedal to very slowly start off and pay attention for high rpm verses normal speed. Change up to a higher gear and accelerate. Does your engine sound like it revs high before your vehicles movement catches up. Also check cables and linkages for damage, corrosion or obstruction.
Tyres
The U.K law states your tyres should have at least 75% of you tyres surface above 1.6mm tread depth. Check using a tyre depth checker which can be purchased from most garages. Check tyre condition for cracks, signs of perishing & damage.
Steering Fluid
Unscrew your steering fluid reservoir and inspect the fluid condition. Top up if necessary using the plastic level markings on the container.
Brake Fluid
Unscrew your brake fluid reservoir cap and check the condition and the fluid level against the marked scale on the reservoir side, adjust if required.
Instruments
Fully check all vehicle instrumentation for correct operation including: dashboard lights, switches, gauges and dials.
Battery
Check your battery terminals for signs of corrosion, damage and acid levels. We also check the battery condition with our load tester which tells us if your battery is in good condition or needs replacing.
Screen Wash
Top up your car screen wash fluid with water and a little screen wash regular to make sure you have wash wipes when you really need them.