Car MOT testing checks and mobile mechanic Reading, UK today: This makes them impartial when inspecting your car – there’s no commercial incentive to find problems with it. For a list of local council MOT test centres that don’t carry our repairs, visit the website. Once a car is three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) it must be tested each year to check it meets road safety and environmental standards. This Ministry of Transport test is commonly known as an ‘MOT’. MOT tests are carried out at around 21,000 authorised test centres around the country, all of which display an official blue sign featuring three white triangles. Searching for car servicing near me or other MOT services services? It is important for your car to have adequate fuel and oil levels to carry out the required emission tests. To check your oil levels, remove your dipstick from the engine and give it a wipe. Put it back in the engine and pull it out again. Your oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks (check your vehicle manual for specific instructions). Make sure your car is parked on an even level when doing this. Make sure your braking system is in good working condition.
Replace windshield wipers: If your wipers aren’t working like they used to, don’t let the problem linger. Damaged or worn out blades can reduce visibility during a heavy rain or a snowstorm. Knowing how to inspect your wiper blades regularly and replace them when necessary is one way to help keep your car safe. Change your engine air filter: A dirty engine air filter can allow dirt and other particulates into your car’s engine and reduce its efficiency. Inspect your car’s air filter once a year and replace it as needed.
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.
Ignore the myth of the 100,000-mile tune-up. “It doesn’t exist,” states Principe. “Each vehicle has a specific tune-up schedule recommended by the manufacturer. The more you keep the systems clean, the better the vehicle will run.” Variations in climate and driving style also dictate the necessity for maintenance. Commuting in dusty desert conditions will quickly clog air filters, while driving short distances repeatedly can wear out the exhaust system, as moisture is never completely evacuated. Extremely hot and cold conditions require more attention paid to radiator fluid and engine oil.
If you use a regular garage or test centre, they may keep a record of your MoT due date, and can send out MoT reminders if necessary. However most people have a rough idea of their vehicle’s MoT expiry date, as it’s become such an intrinsic part of car ownership. The most recent major change to the way MoTs work came in May 2018, when a new fault grading system was introduced. Faults are now categorised as Minor, Major and Dangerous – with the latter two equating to an automatic test fail. Cars with Minor faults will pass the test, but their MoT certificates will clearly show that the car passed the test “with defects”, urging owners to effect a “repair as soon as possible”.
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. See more information on www.mot-centre.com.
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.
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.
Exhaust: check for exhaust leaks by starting the engine in a well-ventilated space at normal temperature, then listen from the rear of the car for any unusual noises or abnormal smoke. Fuel and engine oil: make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – you can be turned away from the MOT if there isn’t enough to test your car’s emissions levels properly. The lights; The condition, operation and security of your cars headlamps will be tested. Each of your cars lights will be checked to ensure they are the correct colour and that your headlamps are correctly aimed.