Affordable mobile mechanic and vehicle MOT test inspection in Reading: Windscreen wipers: make sure your wipers clean your windscreen effectively along with the washers. Remember, any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can mean an MOT fail. Suspension check: check the shock absorbers by applying your weight to each corner of the car then quickly releasing it. 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. Looking for car servicing near me or other MOT inspection services? 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.
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.
Check vehicle fluids. Vehicles rely on transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and properly mixed coolant to run. Fluids need to be topped off for optimal vehicle performance throughout the life of the vehicle. Change air filters regularly. Dust and grime accumulates over time and can negatively impact gas mileage and engine performance. Take care of minor repairs when they arise. New noises or changes in the drivability of a vehicle should be checked out promptly.
Inquire about pricing and labor rates. Before you surrender your keys to the service department, be sure to determine the labor rate. Shops typically post the rate in a conspicuous place, so be observant and ask questions if you’re confused. Make sure you understand the way in which you will be billed for an auto repair. Many shops bill according to estimated repair times established by the manufacturer. A repair that the service tech deems “minor” could indeed be an all-day job according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
There was a time when a paper MoT certificate was a vital document, and the police would routinely ask to see it during traffic stops. Nowadays the information is stored on a national MoT online database and the paper MoT issued after your test is simply a statement of whether your car has passed or failed. It can be a handy document for when it comes to sell your car on as it shows its service history, and it’s also a useful reminder of when your test is coming around again. However, if you’ve mislaid the paperwork – which is easily done – you can check your car’s MOT status (or the MoT status of any vehicle) by searching for the phrase ‘when’s my MoT due’ online.
When you come to sell the car, having a full service history will make it more appealing and boost its second-hand value, and if your car is written off, an insurer is likely to pay out more for a car with a full service history. Don’t forget to take your car’s service booklet (often found in the same pouch as the handbook) to the garage or dealership, so they can stamp and date when the service was carried out. A growing number of cars come with no service record or handbook, but the servicing agent should be able to log into the car maker’s online portal and add in information about the service that has been done. See even more info on http://www.mot-centre.com/.
An MOT is a legal requirement after three years. Without it your insurance is invalidated, and you could be fined. There’s another important aspect to the MOT. It proves that your car is roadworthy, and safe to drive. Vehicles have a lot of stresses put upon them. As they age the chances of parts wearing or failing increase. An MOT test can help to spot problems before they occur. Call Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre today. We perform fair and thorough MOTs for all cars and motorbikes.
Keeping your tires in good shape is essential for your safety and of others on the road. With only a few tire maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your tires and ensure your safety on the road. The first thing you can do is to check the tire pressure. This is something that you can do yourself without a mechanic. You will find the correct tire pressure for your car either in the owner’s manual or the tire placard located on the doorjamb. Experts also recommend getting your tires rotated every 6,000 or 8,000 miles. You can get your tires rotated when you take your car in for oil changes. A mechanic can also inspect the alignment of your tires.
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. Electrical; All of your vehicles electrical wiring will be checked alongside your battery for functionality and overall condition.