Local auto repairs in Reading right now: Spending five minutes carrying out these simple checks every few weeks – and certainly before a long journey or an MOT – can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, not to mention help keep you safe on the roads. To keep things simple, here are 12 simple car checks you can carry out today to keep your car safely on the road and on the right side of the law. When it comes to preventing a breakdown, remember the acronym FORCES, which stands for Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screen wash. Check you have plenty of fuel in your tank for your journey. It may sound obvious but you’d be surprised just how many people run out of fuel, particularly in harsh winter weather. Worried about running out? Here’s our guide to saving fuel. Discover even more info on cheap car repairs reading.

Changing the oil and checking the fluids is something your car cannot go without. Depending on your car and how often you drive, most cars need an oil change between every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Making it a habit of changing the oil will extend the life of your vehicle and save you money on costly repairs. During routine oil changes, your mechanic can also check to make sure all other fluids in your car are topped off.

What Should I Do If My Check Engine Light Comes On? The dreaded check engine light – what does it mean and what should you do if it suddenly illuminates on your dashboard? It’s essential not to ignore this warning light, as it could indicate a serious issue with your vehicle that requires immediate attention. Firstly, check if your fuel cap is loose or damaged – if that’s not the case, then it’s best to bring your car in for a diagnostic check at carservice-centre.co.uk. Our team of highly trained vehicle technicians (car mechanics) will be able to identify and fix any underlying issues, ensuring your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

Local car servicing Reading in 2024: How much does an MOT cost? The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency sets the maximum fee official test centres can charge for an MOT. It’s currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorbikes, but many garages charge less than this – sometimes up to 50% less. Search online for “cheap MOT” or “MOT discount” to find out how you can save money on your car’s next MOT. Top 5 simple reasons for cars failing the MOT test: Nearly two in five MOT tests are a fail first time. Yet often this is because of minor faults the owner could easily have fixed beforehand.

Is the service technician A.S.E.-certified? Twice annually, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers auto service industry professionals the chance to become A.S.E.-certified. By passing a written test and having at least two years of work experience in auto repair service, auto mechanics earn A.S.E. certification, placing them among the top practitioners in the industry. Inquiring about A.S.E. credentials is important, as the designation better ensures the competence of your prospective car mechanic.

You can get a quote online by using our quote engine widget for every vehicle make and model by simply entering your vehicle registration number to make a booking and you do not pay car service centre reading until the work has been carried out to your liking and you are happy with the work that has been carried out. On collecting your vehicle all the work that has been carried out will be explained to you and our technician will run this through with you before driving away in your vehicle. Battery maintenance: Car battery maintenance is also important. Keep cleaning it from time to time as dirt can reduce the current. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Avoid leaving the car on when the ignition is off, as it may weaken the battery life. See extra info on http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.

A 24 month major service suitable for average mileage vehicles covering 12000 miles per year. or at 24000 mile intervals for high mileage users The schedule is more comprehensive than most main dealer service schedules. The service includes oil and oil filter, air filter, pollen filter, fuel filter and spark plug changes. All tops ups to the engine bay area are included. It is a comprehensive service with all wheels removed and brakes inspected, cleaned and adjusted. A Free diagnostic scan, vehicle health check and test drive by a qualified technician are all included.

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.

The cooling system of your car’s engine needs to be fully functional and in the top-notch condition during summer to prevent the engine from overheating. Flushing the cooling mechanism is important and should be done from time to time. Don’t forget to check the coolant level to make sure it is at the right levels. You can fill it up with the coolant as needed. The rubber and plastic components of the cooling system may get damaged from the overheated engine, So it’s better to check those as well, and get it fixed if needed.

Cold and damp weather can put a strain on your car’s 12-volt battery. The lower temperatures already make it harder for an engine to turn over, but unfortunately, as any EV driver will tell you, cold weather also has a negative impact on a battery’s power output. If you haven’t changed your car battery recently, then it could be tired, and the cold weather could amplify the problem. If the battery struggles to provide enough power to start your car, the chances are it’s on its way out. You can get a home battery tester and most are easy to use. If you do indeed need a replacement battery then, assuming you can start the car, you can drive to your local dealer or car spares shop to buy a new one. Most car battery stockists will also fit it for you.

Often a service will require extensive work and a large area to work in. If you do not have the time, skill or space to carry out these tasks safely and to the highest standard possible, then it is best to visit a local garage. Although there are many benefits that come with regular maintenance and general upkeep of your vehicle, it might not always be the best choice to carry out engineering work without the correct knowledge of tools. Is it cheaper to do it yourself? Sure, it can be – but if you make a mistake it could cost you a lot more to repair the damage. Also, if your mistake leads to a dangerous accident, then you could be liable. Can I fix it this issue? If there are small maintenance things you can do throughout the year, then do them, as this will make sure the vehicle is in the best condition possible.