Services

Minor Service (Interim Service)

A minor service focuses on essential maintenance and is typically done every 6 months or 6,000-10,000 miles (depending on the vehicle's usage). It includes basic checks and replacements to keep your car running smoothly between major services. Key tasks include:

• Oil and oil filter change

• Fluid top-ups (e.g., brake fluid, coolant, power steering)

• Basic safety checks (e.g., brakes, tires, lights, and windshield wipers)

• Inspection of the battery, exhaust, and suspension

• Check and adjust tire pressures

The goal is to maintain the car’s reliability and address smaller wear-and-tear issues before they become bigger problems.

Major Service (Full Service)

A major service is more comprehensive and typically performed every 12 months or 12,000-20,000 miles. In addition to everything covered in a minor service, it includes:

• Replacement of air and fuel filters (for petrol engines, the spark plugs as well)

• More thorough brake checks and replacements if necessary

• Inspection and possible replacement of cabin filters

• Check for wear on major components like suspension, steering, and the drive belts

• Testing and recharging the battery (if needed)

• Full diagnostic check (depending on the service provider)

A major service is designed to ensure your vehicle’s longevity by thoroughly checking and maintaining its key systems and components.

An MOT test (Ministry of Transport test) is a legally required annual inspection for vehicles in the UK that are over three years old. The test ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum safety, roadworthiness, and environmental standards set by the government.

Key Aspects of an MOT Test:

• Vehicle Safety: The test checks critical safety components like brakes, tires, lights, and seat belts to ensure they are functioning properly.

• Emissions and Environmental Standards: It ensures that the vehicle's exhaust emissions comply with UK regulations, helping to reduce pollution.

• Roadworthiness: The test inspects the vehicle's overall condition, including suspension, steering, and structural integrity (such as rust or damage that could affect safety).

What’s Checked During an MOT:

• Brakes, lights, and indicators

• Tires and wheels (including tread depth and condition)

• Steering and suspension

• Exhaust and emissions

• Seat belts and seats

• Mirrors, windscreen wipers, and washers

• Bodywork and general condition

If the vehicle passes, it receives an MOT certificate, which is valid for one year. If it fails, repairs must be carried out, and a retest is required to certify the vehicle as roadworthy.

An MOT does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox, and regular servicing is still necessary to maintain overall vehicle health.

Diagnostics in automotive repair refers to the process of using specialized equipment and tools to identify issues or faults in a vehicle's electronic systems and components. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex onboard computers and sensors that monitor various systems, and diagnostic testing helps pinpoint problems efficiently.

Key Aspects of Car Diagnostics:

• Fault Code Reading: A diagnostic tool is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II port (Onboard Diagnostics), allowing it to read error codes generated by the car’s computer. These codes correspond to specific issues, such as engine misfires, transmission faults, or sensor malfunctions.

• Checking Warning Lights: Diagnostics are often performed when dashboard warning lights (like the check engine light) illuminate. These lights are triggered by issues in various systems such as emissions, electrical, or engine performance.

• Performance Monitoring: It provides real-time data on the engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, and exhaust emissions, helping technicians identify inefficiencies or potential faults before they become major issues.

• Component Testing: It allows for the testing of individual vehicle components, like sensors, fuel injectors, or ignition systems, to ensure they are working properly.

Common Issues Diagnosed:

• Engine problems

• Transmission faults

• Emissions and exhaust system issues

• Electrical and battery faults

• Sensor malfunctions (e.g., oxygen sensor, MAF sensor)

By running a diagnostic test, technicians can quickly identify the root cause of issues, leading to more efficient and accurate repairs.

Mechanical repairs refer to the maintenance and fixing of various physical and functional components of a vehicle to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. These repairs typically involve working on key systems like the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and exhaust.

Key Types of Mechanical Repairs:

• Engine Repairs: Involves diagnosing and fixing engine-related issues such as overheating, oil leaks, or unusual noises. Common tasks include changing head gaskets, replacing timing belts, or fixing fuel injection systems.

• Brake Repairs: Includes replacing worn brake pads, discs, or drums, as well as addressing issues with the brake fluid or hydraulic system to ensure safe braking performance.

• Suspension and Steering Repairs: Deals with components that affect the handling of the vehicle, such as shock absorbers, struts, or tie rods, to ensure a smooth and stable ride.

• Transmission Repairs: Focuses on repairing or replacing parts of the gearbox, clutch, or automatic transmission system to ensure proper gear shifting and power delivery.

• Exhaust System Repairs: Involves fixing or replacing parts of the exhaust system, such as the catalytic converter, muffler, or exhaust pipes, to ensure proper emissions control and engine performance.

• Cooling System Repairs: Fixes problems in the radiator, water pump, or coolant system that may cause overheating or engine damage.

Mechanical repairs are essential for maintaining the safety, performance, and longevity of a vehicle, often requiring experienced mechanics to accurately diagnose and fix issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help prevent larger, more costly problems.

Vehicle checks are routine inspections to ensure that key components of a vehicle are functioning correctly and safely. Performing regular checks helps prevent breakdowns, improves safety, and enhances vehicle performance. Seasonal checks, especially for summer and winter, are crucial as extreme weather conditions can strain different vehicle systems.

General Vehicle Checks:

• Fluids: Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels. Top up or replace as needed.

• Brakes: Inspect brake pads, discs, and brake fluid levels for proper function.

• Tires: Check for correct tire pressure and tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), and ensure there are no signs of damage or excessive wear.

• Battery: Test the battery's charge and look for signs of corrosion or loose connections.

• Lights: Ensure all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights, and hazard lights) are working correctly.

• Wipers and Washers: Check that windshield wipers are effective and that washer fluid is topped up.

Summer Vehicle Checks:

• Coolant Levels: Hot weather increases the risk of overheating. Ensure the coolant system is working properly, with sufficient levels of coolant and no leaks.

• Air Conditioning: Test the air conditioning system to ensure it is cooling effectively, and consider a re-gas if performance has declined.

• Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure, as high temperatures can cause tires to overinflate. Also, inspect for any wear that could worsen in summer heat.

• Battery Health: Extreme heat can affect battery performance. Inspect for corrosion, clean the terminals, and ensure a strong charge.

• Brakes: Higher temperatures can affect braking performance, so check the brake system for wear and overheating issues.

Winter Vehicle Checks:

• Tires and Tread Depth: Ensure tires have sufficient tread (at least 3mm is recommended for winter driving). Consider switching to winter tires for better grip in icy and snowy conditions.

• Battery: Cold weather strains the battery. Make sure it’s fully charged and in good condition to avoid starting issues.

• Antifreeze: Test the coolant/antifreeze mixture to ensure it can handle low temperatures and prevent the engine from freezing.

• Heater and Defroster: Check that the heater and defroster are functioning properly to maintain visibility and comfort.

• Wipers and De-icer: Replace wiper blades if they are worn and ensure windshield washer fluid contains antifreeze to prevent freezing.

• Lights: Days are shorter, so verify that all lights are bright and functioning properly, including fog lights.

These seasonal and regular checks help maintain vehicle safety and efficiency in varying conditions. Proactive vehicle maintenance, especially during extreme weather, can prevent breakdowns and ensure smoother, safer driving.