Professional local car service Reading: A faulty or clogged-up air filter could reduce your fuel efficiency and lead to reduced engine power, which is why mechanics recommend getting it replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you think your filter needs checking or replacing, simply locate the filter (usually in a black box under the bonnet) and remove it, making note of how it fits before you insert the replacement and fasten the box back shut. More of a replacement than a check, but spark plugs are integral to the running of your engine – one or more faulty plugs will cause an engine misfire so it’s worth knowing how to replace them. Generally, spark plugs need replacing every 30,000 miles or so and you’ll need the right tools if you want to replace them yourself. Also check your handbook or consult a dealer to check that a DIY replacement is possible. Read even more information on car service Reading.
How Do I Know If My Car’s Battery Is Dead? A dead battery can put a damper on any day, especially when you’re running late for work. But how do you know if it’s really your battery that’s causing the issue? Look out for signs such as dim headlights or difficulty starting your car. If your car has been standing idle for a while, it’s best to get the battery checked as part of your vehicle service. Our team at carservice-centre.co.uk can test and replace your battery if necessary, ensuring you’re not left stranded when you need your car the most.
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.
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.
Vehicle servicing Reading, UK today: An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months. You still need to make sure you maintain your car well, including regular servicing. Make sure you’re not caught out by any of the five simple reasons for a fail shown above, then inspect your car against our 11-point checklist below. If you find any problems in the following areas, you can fix some yourself to help keep garage costs down. Find additional details on carservice-centre.co.uk.
You can get a quote online by using our quote engine widget for every vehicle make and model by simply entering your vehicle registration number to make a booking and you do not pay car service centre reading until the work has been carried out to your liking and you are happy with the work that has been carried out. On collecting your vehicle all the work that has been carried out will be explained to you and our technician will run this through with you before driving away in your vehicle. Battery maintenance: Car battery maintenance is also important. Keep cleaning it from time to time as dirt can reduce the current. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Avoid leaving the car on when the ignition is off, as it may weaken the battery life.
Visit a place you know is reputed and if it’s not an authorized garage for your car brand, ensure the technicians use the approved materials, for instance the exact grade of oil, or replacement parts bearing the exact numbers approved by the car manufacturer. This not only ensures the best results and reliability, but will also comply with any warranty the car may be under, Also make sure you retain all the bills and service receipts that bear the above details. Whoever you entrust your car with, make sure they are careful workers. If they pay attention to the little details, you’ll know your car is in good hands.
Not every chip or crack on a windscreen will cost you an MoT certificate, as it’s all down to location. The details may seem complicated, but as a rule of thumb you can get away with chips smaller than 10mm in front of the driver. Any damage bigger than 10mm in front of the driver – and also in the glass area swept by the wipers – will be an MoT fail. Elsewhere on the glass, damage has to be larger than 40mm to constitute an MoT fail. Wiper blades must be in good condition – not perished or damaged – and clear the screen effectively. The washers must work too, and the MoT tester is within their rights to issue a fail if you haven’t topped up the washer bottle or unblocked dirty washer jets with a pin!
The reality is that regardless of whether you like it or not, you may have to park your car outdoors for prolonged periods underneath the scorching sun. Consider getting windshield covers that can minimize the amount of heat entering the car, so that later when you get in the car, you don’t feel like a pizza in the oven. You might want to do the same for the rear side and windows too. Everybody who drives knows how important brakes are for the safety not only of your vehicle but also your life. Brakes are important regardless of the season, and summers are no different. Check if your brake pads or shoes are worn beyond the acceptable thickness specifications for your car. If so, you should replace the brakes without further delay.
It goes without saying that you need to keep your car in good condition throughout the year, but this takes a bit of extra thought in winter. Recovery firms say you’re twice as likely to break down during this season, but there are some precautions that you can take in order to avoid being stuck in the cold. Now that the cold months have arrived, it’s advisable to take a bit of time to go over your motor and check that everything is as it should be. If you’re not sure where to start or exactly what to check, read on through our checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Is it easy to service my own car? If you have decent technical know-how, you should be able to complete a basic car service yourself with the right tools and information. That being said, we don’t recommend that you attempt to service your own vehicle unless you really know what you’re doing, and you have access to the right tools and equipment. A lot can go wrong if an inexperienced person tries their hand at vehicle maintenance, from breaking vehicle components to injuring yourself. Also, if some parts aren’t fitted correctly, then it could be dangerous for yourself, your passengers, and other road users. So if you’d prefer a professional to service your car, the RAC Approved Garage Network only includes garages that provide quality work and exceptional customer service, giving you peace of mind you’ll get a service you can trust.