Mot collection providers Reading, UK today: 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 Mot collection and delivery near me or other MOT checks services in the United Kingdom? You can oversee the work carried out! When you drop your vehicle off at a workshop, you may not be able to see what is happening on it, whereas with a mobile mechanic, you can speak to them during the process, and go through any parts or components that require replacing with the mechanic – although keeping your distance when the mechanic is working under the vehicle is advisable so they are not distracted.
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.
Keeping your car’s belts and hoses in good shape can help keep your car running and may help you avoid a breakdown on the road. For example, if your serpentine belt breaks while you’re driving, it may cause many of your car’s systems to fail. Having your belts and hoses checked at every oil change will help ensure that they’re in good condition and don’t need replacing. Review your car insurance: Just like regular car checkups, it’s a good idea to review your car insurance policy from time to time. This can help ensure your policy’s coverages, limits and deductibles are up-to-date and suitable for your current situation.
Car interior being cleaned before MOT test: It is important to ensure that all of your seatbelts are of the correct length and in working order. If you pull sharply on each seatbelt they should react by locking. Your horn will be tested during your inspection – it is important that it can be heard by another road user. Giving your horn a quick honk should show whether it is working! Finally, the warning lights on your dashboard will be included in your test so it is crucial to make sure that they all light up when you start the car and that they go out before you start driving. If any of the warning lights remain lit then you should fix the errors or have your car seen to before your test.
Keep up with oil changes. When oil levels are low, or oil is old, added friction between moving parts can cause wear and tear to the engine. Follow your owner’s manual to determine the best intervals for changing oil. Check the brakes every time the oil is changed. Take care of your tires. Check and maintain proper tire pressure. Tires inflated within five pounds per square inch (PSI) of their recommended level improve gas mileage and general handling of your vehicle. Recommended PSI can be found in the owner’s manual. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
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.”
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.
Remember, a service is the best opportunity for a technician to get under your car and check for leaks, extensive wear or damage. They will also check the condition of the brake pads, brake discs and suspension, and give the car a general health check. If any issues are spotted, they will tell you the best way to fix them and the cost. What are the main benefits of servicing my car regularly? The main benefit is that your car will have a clean bill of health and be running at its optimum. A car with a clean engine will also typically have better fuel economy, saving you money at the pumps. Aside from that, it’s a financial investment. Chiefly, it saves you money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs. For newer cars, it also protects the manufacturer’s warranty. Discover additional details on 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.
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.
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 authorised test centres around the country, all of which display an official blue sign featuring three white triangles. 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.