Auto MOT testing checks and mobile mechanics in Reading 2023: Flexibility is another significant advantage of using a mobile mechanic. Traditional garages often have strict business hours that may not fit within your schedule. Still, you can schedule appointments outside of regular business hours with a mobile mechanic. Looking for mobile mechanic Reading or other MOT verification services in the UK? But, there is a solution to all this – mobile mechanics. Mobile mechanics usually operate from a fully stocked van or utility, and can perform almost all the same tasks that traditional bricks and mortar mechanical workshops can. Here are 5 benefits of using a mobile mechanic for your next service or repair.
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.
Check belts and hoses: A broken belt or a leaky hose can stop you in your tracks. For example, a snapped serpentine belt can cause several systems to fail, including your air conditioner compressor and power steering, according to Consumer Reports. Plus, they also point out that if your radiator hose is damaged or leaking, your car can quickly overheat, resulting in significant damage. To avoid any problems, you, or your mechanic, should check your hoses and belts during every oil change. Also, it’s easy to pop your hood occasionally to see if there are any overly worn belts, or cracked, broken or hardened hoses. As Bob Vila points out, if you hear any squealing or wailing noises when your car is running, a belt or hose may be going bad. Consult your mechanic and owner’s manual on how and when to replace any belts or hoses.
Listen out for any excessive noise or rattling when your vehicle is running. This may suggest a problem with the exhaust system, which could result in a failed MOT. Another easy check is to see whether there’s smoke coming from the exhaust. This is normal on startup for diesel engines, but excessive smoke may indicate a problem. Similarly, if there’s fuel or oil leaking from the exhaust, there’s likely a problem further up the line – possibly with the spark plugs or glow plugs not warming/burning fuel properly.
It’s next to impossible traveling with a broken air conditioning system in your car in the London heat. It can lead to health issues on days with high temperature and humidity. Therefore, you should proactively schedule a maintenance for your car’s air conditioning system. If that isn’t feasible, the least you should do is conduct a self-inspection of the air conditioning system and consult an expert if something appears to be wrong that can’t be fixed by you.
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.
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.
During a service the technician will carry out a health check of your vehicle, which will include checking the condition of the brakes, suspension, tyres and other crucial parts. That will ensure they are in working order, identify any potential problems and allow the technician to recommend how to fix problems before they get too serious. Finally, it’s also the perfect opportunity to mention any annoying issues you’ve noticed. The technician will be able to investigate and possibly fix them while the car is up on a ramp. The cost of a service depends on numerous factors, including whether you’ve booked a full or interim check-up, where you choose to have your car checked and, in some cases, where in the UK you live. Find additional info on mot-centre.com.
Have you ever collected your car after an MOT, and then been left open mouthed at the cost? Some MOT centres advertise one price and then add on hidden charges. There are no hidden charges with Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre. The price you see is the price you pay. We have an outstanding reputation for great customer service, high quality repairs and low prices. Call us today for a quote, and find out why. Great value MOT testing, at times to suit you.
If your radiator builds up deposits, it can mess with the cooling system in your car. To keep the radiator in top shape, a radiator flush will do the trick. How often you need to replace the radiator fluid will depend on your vehicle. Start by consulting the owner’s manual to get an idea. For the most part, you can get away with flushing the radiator every couple of years. Now that you know about these basic car repairs, you can keep your car in top shape for many years to come. Remember to rotate your tires, change the oil, replace the brake pads, and more.
A test centre isn’t allowed to let you drive away a car that has failed an MOT until the problems are fixed, unless your existing MOT certificate is still valid, or you’re taking the car to have the faults fixed. Second, the test might take an hour or less, but, even if there aren’t any repairs, this doesn’t mean your vehicle will only have to be at the garage for 60 minutes. Test centres can require you to drop your vehicle off first thing in the morning and collect it when ready. The bonnet; The latch on your bonnet will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position.