Top rated mobile mechanic and auto MOT inspection Reading, UK: Looking for car servicing Reading or other MOT services services? A pre-MOT checklist should cover the following areas: Your lights need to all be in good working order. This includes your headlights, sidelights, indicators, and brake lights as well as your number plate light. You may need to get a friend or family member to assist you when checking the brake lights, or back your car up to a wall and check them via reflections. Things such as unsecured light mounts can also be cause for MOT failure. So be sure to check whether there are any wobbly lights on your car.
Yes, it’s your car’s bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you discover that your “problem” stemmed from not understanding your car’s controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle, it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration, transmission and other included features that vary across the model line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling service.
How much can skipping oil changes affect your budget? Oh, plenty. Oil problems can be some of the costliest car maintenance issues to fix, since oil affects pretty much everything your car does. So don’t skip it. Getting your oil (and filter) changed costs around $35–75.1 For the price of a family dinner at a higher-end fast food joint, you’ll lower the risk of wearing out your engine—which costs a lot more than burgers and fries to replace.
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.
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.
Car service Tilehurst / Servicing – Clutches – Brakes – Cambelts – Gearboxes – Exhausts – Turbos – Head Gaskets – Drive Shafts – Suspension – Cooling Systems – Batteries – New Tyres, Puncture Repairs and Fitting MOT preparation and MOT testing from £40.00 if booked online Our Labour rate charges are based on the manufacturer’s published times. Our Labour rate is charged at £60 per hour (+ VAT). We offer a parts and labour guarantee. Find more details on www.mot-centre.com.
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.
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”.
When you come to sell the car, having a full service history will make it more appealing and boost its second-hand value, and if your car is written off, an insurer is likely to pay out more for a car with a full service history. Don’t forget to take your car’s service booklet (often found in the same pouch as the handbook) to the garage or dealership, so they can stamp and date when the service was carried out. A growing number of cars come with no service record or handbook, but the servicing agent should be able to log into the car maker’s online portal and add in information about the service that has been done.
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.
The brake system of your car is one of the most important, which is why you need to pay attention to the brake pads. Most owner’s manuals recommend you change the pads every 20,000 miles. However, if you drive your car every day, and have to brake more often, you might have to replace them more often. People who live in the city and have to deal with a lot of traffic and stop more often should consider changing the pads more often. Replacing the brake pads is a fast and relatively inexpensive process.
Exhaust: check for exhaust leaks by starting the engine in a well-ventilated space at normal temperature, then listen from the rear of the car for any unusual noises or abnormal smoke. Fuel and engine oil: make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – you can be turned away from the MOT if there isn’t enough to test your car’s emissions levels properly. The wipers and washers; Both your vehicles front and rear wipers will be tested to ensure they operate correctly and give the driver a clear view ahead.