Stopping distances and tyre wear

Written by Declan
Many of us are aware that stopping distances can be affected by many things such as the weather, tyre wear and tyre pressures but yet you may not realise exactly how much tyre condition can affect the time it takes your vehicle to stop. The law states that tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band around the centre three quarters of the tyre, anything below this is classed as illegal and can cost you a fine and three points on your license per tyre. Although this is what the laws states, many mechanics and tyre fitters stress that really tyres should be replaced when they reach 3mm of tread. A new tyre starts off with 8mm of tread but once it gets to 3mm of...
Read More »

Should your car service be carried out at a main dealer?

Written by Declan
All cars and vans should be service in accordance with the manufactures schedule to ensure that components are checked and replaced when needed. All service schedules can vary from vehicle to vehicle so it is advised to check what is required for your specific make and model of car. There is often a huge price difference between getting your vehicle serviced at a main dealer garage as opposed to another independent garage. Some cars that are under a warranty must be serviced at a main dealer to ensure that the warranty is not invalidated. If you do use an independent garage, then check what parts they are using when replacing them. It may be that they are going to use non genuine parts, which may be ok as long as...
Read More »

Why is it so important to use a garage you trust?

Written by Declan
When it comes to finding a garage to carry out any repairs or servicing etc to your vehicle, you need to find one that is reliable and one you can trust. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to use a garage that we have had no previous dealings with due to a breakdown for example. This is not ideal but if you find yourself in this situation, you need to have an idea of what you are talking about to ensure that you receive a good deal. People that take cars into garages and say they have no idea what is wrong and could they fix it are asking for trouble. If you go to the mechanic and say that you have experienced an issue with the vehicle and detail what has...
Read More »

What is a car diagnostic check?

Written by Declan
If your car has developed a fault or have warning lights come up on your dashboard, then a garage may recommend that you have a diagnostic run on your vehicle. This can range in price from £30 upwards to £100 depending on where you take it. So what exactly is a car diagnostic check and how can it help with a fault? All modern vehicles have an on-board computer inside them which is linked up by sensors to different components within your car. These computers monitor things such as engine temperature, oxygen levels and replay issues and any faults found are stored on the on-board computer in a series of fault codes.  These fault codes need to be read by specialist equipment called a diagnostic machine. Not all garages have...
Read More »

Passenger airbags

Written by Declan
Passenger airbags were first introduced into vehicles in the 1970’s in the USA and in the 80’s in the UK. Passenger airbags have proven to save lives and increase the safety for a passenger if you are involved in an accident. For some situations, you should turn the passenger airbags off such as if using a rearward facing car seat on the front passenger seat. This is because if the airbag is activated it can cause the car seat to be pushed up and into the back of the seat which can be fatal. Some cars are fitted with an airbag deactivation switch allowing you to turn the airbag on and off depending on which passengers you are carrying but many vehicles need to be taken into a dealership to...
Read More »