Posted by Patrick Moreau on April 10, 2023 in Business
Excellent mobile mechanic and vehicle MOT inspection services in Reading: Decide between the independent corner garage and the dealership service department. Technicians at the dealer are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained and typically work exclusively on your make of vehicle. Most dealers have an ongoing training program for the service staff, which includes not only the service technicians but also the service manager, advisors and support staff. (See “Roles of the Dealership Service Staff…Who Does What”.) But the dealer service department is usually the most expensive route. And it doesn’t mean that the dealers always have the best technicians. Many independent auto repair service facilities are started by previous dealer employees who want to operate their own repair store. For help deciding which is right for you, see “Corner Garage vs. Dealer Service Department.”
Searching for Car Mechanic Near Me or other MOT services services? Clean and safe mirror being adjusted before MOT test: Your mirrors must be intact, secure, and free of cracks. You can fail an MOT for cracked or smashed mirrors so make sure any damaged mirrors are replaced before your test. You can often find replacement mirrors for your car make and model online, but be careful with the ‘self-adhesive’ types – they’re likely to fall off again in no time. If you’re unsure about replacing a mirror, call your local www.mot-centre.com centre for help.
Inspect and maintain your tires: Engine maintenance is the key to a healthy vehicle, but don’t forget about the only part of your car that touches the road, your tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire pressure and treadwear impacts everything from your vehicle’s handling to your gas mileage. Look at your owner’s manual to find the correct pressure for your tires. (The number displayed on the tires may not be accurate.) By keeping your tires properly inflated you can maximize your gas mileage. The U.S. Dept. of Energy found that maintaining the correct tire pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%. Also, to avoid potential flat tires and blowouts, it’s recommended that you rotate your tires regularly.
Headlights and indicators: front, rear, headlights (main beam and dipped), hazard lights and indicators. If any aren’t working, first check for broken bulbs and replace them. Brake lights: ask another person to check the rear brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal. Tyres: check all the tyres have at least the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm, or they’ll be marked as an MOT ‘fail’. This can easily be done with a 20p coin – see the diagram on the Tyre Safe website. Check for any damage such as splits in the tread, bulges or cuts in the sidewalls. Also check the tyre pressure is correct – the car’s manual will list the right pressure and they might also be on the sidewall of the tyre itself – and increase it at a petrol station if necessary.
Keep up with oil changes. When oil levels are low, or oil is old, added friction between moving parts can cause wear and tear to the engine. Follow your owner’s manual to determine the best intervals for changing oil. Check the brakes every time the oil is changed. Take care of your tires. Check and maintain proper tire pressure. Tires inflated within five pounds per square inch (PSI) of their recommended level improve gas mileage and general handling of your vehicle. Recommended PSI can be found in the owner’s manual. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
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. See extra details on mot-centre.com.
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.
Any tyre that doesn’t have at least 1.6mm of tread across the middle three-quarters is an instant MoT failure. Tyres with significant damage such as cuts, bulges or cracking will cost you a pass certificate too. All your vehicle’s lights must be clean and work correctly, or you will fail the MoT. So before you book it in, check they do. That means headlamps on full and dipped beam, sidelamps and daytime running lights, hazard lights and indicators, fog lamps if fitted, and even number plate lights at the back. You can pick up most bulbs from car accessory stores, and they’re usually easy to fit – if sometimes a little fiddly.
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.
Cars are becoming ever more sophisticated. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more electronic components that could fail. Have you ever taken your car to a garage with a warning light on, only to find they can’t locate the problem? We use the latest diagnostic equipment to find the fault, and then we repair it. From ABS and airbag sensors, to engine management lights and air conditioning, we’re here to help you.
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.
The corner of the car should quickly return to its original position. If it bounces more than twice, this could mean the shock absorbers are faulty and need to be checked. Horn: give a short blast of the horn – if it doesn’t work or isn’t loud enough to attract the attention of pedestrians or other motorists, get it repaired. The body and vehicle structure; The MOT test specifies areas of your car that must be free of excessive corrosion or damage. Any sharp edges on your vehicle that could cause injury will be examined.