Mot and van service premium provider Reading, UK right now: Over time, corrosion (which looks like white or bluish powder) can form on the terminals of your car’s battery (those little metal knobs on top). If you don’t keep them clean, the battery could develop a crack or simply not function, leaving you stranded. Since a quality car battery can cost upward of $250—and a tow can run you even more—buying a $5 wire brush and keeping the terminals looking spiffy is money well spent. Do you hear a squeaking sound when you hit the brakes? If so, your brake pads could be on their last legs. Replacements can cost up to $300 per axel, plus the labor charge if a professional installs them.3 We know that price tag may seem hefty. But this isn’t something to mess around with. You can’t just screech to a stop with your feet like Fred Flintstone. Don’t get in an accident. Keep your brakes working. Discover additional details at car servicing.

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.

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.

Although the lights might not seem like a big issue for car owners, it’s important to have these function properly for safety. Make sure you take the time every few months to inspect the lights of your car. This is one of the easiest and cheapest car maintenance tips you can do yourself. While your car is parked, test all of the lights such as tail lights, brake lights, headlights, and turn signals. Ensuring all the lights work properly on your car will ensure your safety and save you from getting a ticket.

in Reading? Whatever age your car is, regular servicing is the only way to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. We look at the costs and benefits… Most modern cars will remind you with a warning light or message when it’s time for a service. When you see this, it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s just letting you know the vehicle is due for its regular check-up. Why is it important to service my car, and how much will it cost? Having your car serviced can seem like a financial burden, but there are a few key reasons why it’s important to make sure you do it. Firstly, it makes sure your car is in good working order; the technicians working on it will inspect many of the mechanical and electric parts to make sure they’re functioning as they should. Having your car serviced regularly will extend its life and help it to retain more of its value.

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 Tilehurst 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.

Many people don’t realize that your battery’s health is not only affected by winter, but by summer too. Heat can cause malfunction of the battery or its failure to operate properly. So watch out for telltale signs of your battery’s declining health over the summer months. This may include : Slower cranking of the engine than usual while starting the car; Dimmed headlights or internal lights; The “check battery” light on the dashboard is lit up. You should make sure the battery is in tip-top condition so as not to be surprised by a sudden and unwanted breakdown.

Although some may not be dealer owned, many private mechanics and technicians are just as good, if not better than most approved garages. You may just be referred to them by someone you know and trust. SO go ahead, but just make sure they do a good job on your car. Service stations with a good reputation aren’t hard to find, you just need to look around and ask the right people. Out Of The Way Car Servicing Tilehurst If you happen to drive far out of town and then are faced with a problem, you’ll no doubt have to visit a nearby car servicing centre. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, don’t let just any technician get under your car’s bonnet. Read extra information on carservice-centre.co.uk.

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.

The MoT cost is controlled by law, with a maximum charge for cars set at £54.85. An individual MoT test centre can choose to charge less, so it’s worth shopping around. If you think you’ve a chance of failure, make sure you pick an MoT test centre that offers free retests within 10 days, as you can be charged a partial retest fee. If repairs take longer, you’ll have to pay the full fee again. Many garages are able to conduct MoT tests, although if you’re suspicious of garages that will charge for unnecessary work, it’s probably best to take your car to a dedicated MoT test centre.

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.”