FAQs
General FAQs
A service is a vehicle inspection based on guidelines set out by your vehicle manufacturer rather than the DVSA; it keeps your car in a reliable, safe, and fully-functioning condition. In some ways an MOT test and service are quite similar and both include checks such as tyres, brakes, and seatbelts.
However, a service is more thorough in that it covers the vehicle health, not just the ‘safety-critical’ aspects of your vehicle. It also includes the replacement of some parts such as the engine oil in order to maintain the smooth running of your car. A full service can also include replacement spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter (where applicable) to further improve vehicle performance. Here’s a full list of what’s included in a service and how our service packages differ.
The consensus agrees that a driver should get an oil change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or every three months. However, you can always refer to your owner's manual which covers the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model. Many of today's newer vehicles will tell you when they are due for service. Remember: an oil change is essential because it acts as a lubricant for the internal cogs and gears under the hood. Without it, oil can turn into sludge and prohibit your vehicle from operating correctly.
Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power-steering fluid. Their levels are not only affected by how frequently you drive but extreme temperatures as well. As such, specialists advise checking them at the same time as your oil change or every month or two.
Typically, there are two filters in a vehicle. One is for the engine and the other is for the cabin. A dirty filter can prevent airflow, limiting the engine's ability to expend hot air and inhibiting clean air to pass through. How often you need to change it varies, though the conventional timeframe is about 30,000 miles, which is why the best way to determine that it needs a replacement is to check it periodically. Fortunately, replacing a filter is a quick and easy process.
On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Knowing what signs to look out for will therefore prove instrumental in detecting when your brake pads need to be replaced. If you feel your vehicle taking longer to come to a stop or notice a high-pitch screeching or grinding noise when braking, scheduling a check-up is integral. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.
The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining. If your headlights and dashboard lights are starting to dim or if your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are clues that your vehicle may be due for a battery replacement.
MOT FAQs
The test is an annual inspection of your vehicle that is required by law. It follows a strict checklist of criteria set out by the DVSA that determines if your vehicle is fit for purpose and in roadworthy condition. Your vehicle may require additional work in order to pass your MOT but the test itself does not include any repairs or replacement parts. Here’s a full list of what’s included in your MOT test.
The test ensures the vehicle is safe to drive but doesn’t mean the car is running as well as it could be. That’s because the MOT test covers what’s ‘safety critical’ in your vehicle, not necessarily the health of the vehicle. So while things like brakes, lights, tyres, and seatbelts are covered in the MOT test, things such as your engine are not. That’s where a service will help.
VSC Car Servicing provides in-house MOT testing and repairs, which means that if your car fails the MOT test first time round, we can provide fast, quality repairs to your car to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Specialising in some of the best makes and models of vehicles means we provide efficient, first class repairs on all vans and cars.
Wheels FAQs
As the main point of contact with the pavement, tires are subject to the most wear and tear. This is especially true if you utilize your vehicle for off-roading or have a two-wheel drive system which puts most of the labour on a specific set of wheels. That being the case, having your tires rotated every six months or around 6,000 to 8,000 miles is a good rule to uphold. Doing so will ensure your tires wear evenly.
The amount of pressure a tire requires depends on its type and the vehicle. You can find out the optimum air pressure either printed on the door jamb, the sidewall of the tires, or in your owner's manual. Too much pressure can make it difficult for you to manoeuvre your vehicle while too little pressure can result in a blow-out. You can always speak with a product expert to determine what pressure levels are most appropriate.
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