All Car Servicing

All Car Servicing

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and all Car Servicing business now for 40 years. So. worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with Car Servicing and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and MotorCodes and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

mot testing and car servicing

Car Servicing Tips-Six Easy Steps for Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs by sticking to basics

Car Servicing Tips; Car repairs need not be that expensive

Significantly, a visit to your local car repair shop can be even more stressful. say, than a trip to the dentist. Perhaps you won’t suffer physical pain. However, your car repair bill can sometimes skyrocket. Frighteningly, this can leave your wallet or purse feeling pretty empty. including leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth. 

The best way to try and avoid costly repairs So, the best thing to do is practice preventative maintenance and follow car service tips to keep your car in the best possible condition.

The foremost thing that you should do is to follow the car manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Of course, that will be outlined in your owner’s manual. The best guidelines are always the ones that are recommended. Of course, by the manufacturer, and if those instructions are not followed.

Your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Although we are here in Europe. You are allowed to have your car repaired and serviced. As a result, by law, it must be performed by a reputable garage using original equipment service parts and oils. So, without breaking your warranty agreement, Importantly, a reputable garage would be one that operates under the  MOT testing station scheme.

Always be sure to change fluids

regular servicing
Regular servicing is important

Naturally, things like brake fluid, filters, and spark plugs (if equipped) should be what the manufacturer recommends. It is also a good idea to upgrade your motor oil to a higher-performance synthetic oil, which can help prevent certain problems and also improve your car’s overall performance. We keep several types of oil on hand for servicing, as specifications are changing all the time, but using synthetic oil is not a bad thing and will cover most modern engines.

Always be sure that your tyres are correctly inflated. This is especially important, because tyres with too little or too much, can result in excessive wear from bad handling and may cause a tyre to blow out. It is often recommended that you check your tyre pressures every time you go to the gas station. While this may seem excessive, you won’t be sorry that you have kept your tyres correctly inflated and therefore safer. For reasons of both safety and the expense of new tyres, the extra effort is well worth it.

If you notice any unusual noises coming from your car, there may be engine problems! While driving along, check your owner’s manual for information. Quite often, noises are perfectly normal, and there is no need for concern. Your owner’s manual information section will let you know whether or not a visit to the auto centre is necessary.

Use a reputable garage for your car repairs

If you find that you do have to take your vehicle in for some car repair advice, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable local company. Check with the other locals and ask your family or friends for recommendations. Also look out for your local independent garage, as they have very high standards to qualify for membership and a nationwide warranty system. If problems occur, see your local car repair garage.


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Cars and Climate Change

Hybrid Car Servicing-Good Garage Scheme Car Servicing in Great Britain : Get Ready for …

Hybrid Car Servicing

Hybrid Car Servicing Pellon Autocentre, Halifax UK

regular maintenance for my hybrid vehicle


Even if your car might benefit from the newest hybrid technology, it still makes sense to have annual maintenance performed on it. By doing so, you can make sure your hybrid is operating without a hitch and find any little faults before they turn into major ones. The mechanics working on your hybrid will do electrical and mechanical inspections to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible and to help you get more mileage out of it.

If your hybrid is still covered by a warranty, you must follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your coverage. The resale value of your hybrid car can also be greatly increased by a complete service history.

choices for servicing my hybrid vehicle at Pellon Auto Centre Halifax UK


A full hybrid servicing option is available from Pellon and may be added to our Bronze, Silver, or Gold servicing packages. An annual service serves as a health check to make sure the fundamentals and hybrid technology are in excellent condition. For a comprehensive package that provides peace of mind driving and helps you save time and money, we can also add a cheap MOT.

In addition to a thorough diagnostic health check, our hybrid inspections also look for damage to cables and connectors, provide an inverter coolant report, and check for brake binding. Any of the following services can be enhanced by the hybrid service component:

Hybrid Car Servicing

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Winter is on its way ?

This article from the “Good garage scheme” . Thus, pointing out to the motorist to the severe weather conditions the could be imminent. Of course, that may lie ahead. Frighteningly, with the  effects that a severe winter could have on your car. Importantly, if you did not prepare for it by servicing your hybrid car before the winter arrives.

So, helping the consumers by offering an MOT test and service for just about the £100 mark all inclusive. This offer is for most small and medium sized cars and will carry out your hybrid Servicing. Of course, on their cars for the winter ahead. This offer also includes a brake check and your anti-freeze levels topping up the correct winter levels. So you won’t be the one with a frozen engine. We also give your battery a good check over. For fear that, you will not be late to work because your cars battery has failed you.

Of course, it is now 2020 and we are just starting our second Covid 19 lockdown.

If your car does require an MOT test. Then it is important to give your garage plenty of time when booking in your car for a test. In there usual wisdom the government decided to postpone MOT testing for a 6 month period. Consequently, we now have a large backlog of tests.

The second lockdown starting on the 5th November 2020. Thankfully, the government are not suspending any testing for the second time.

See on www.goodgarageschemeblog.com

mot testing and car servicing

Service Reminders Very Important- Than ever – Pellon Autocentre

Service Reminders Very Important

Service Reminders Very Important

So, importantly, service reminders have always been our policy! MOT Testing reminders have also been one our priorities. Of course, computer technology and the appropriate software that accompanies it does help considerably. In the early days we would have to write everything down sometimes months in advance. However to be truthful we still do this to some extent.

This practice is invaluable when it comes to booking in MOT tests and car servicing. Especially, when it comes to sorting out the accumulation of testing slots! Due to the backlog caused by the governments cancellation of MOT testing during the recent Covid 19 crisis.

Unhappily we as a country are having to go into a second lockdown. Fortunately, we are one of the businesses who can stay open. Because we are considered as an important service to keep workers cars going and to carry out MOT tests on time. This advice also applies to people who are fortunate enough to have a company car.

Keeping your customers informed and up to date with their vehicle maintenance is seen as a valued service by customers and can be offered cost effectively nowadays. Using SMS and email is a convenient way to

Source: Opinion: Service reminders more important than ever – Garagewire

catalytic converter

New Diesel particulate filters Law-2014- makes Even more important to use the correct Oil

New Diesel particulate filters Law

New Diesel particulate filters Law

Oil helps in reducing vehicle emissions

New laws are making car manufacturers vastly reduce the emissions of new models that they produce. One of the ways to do this is by fitting complicated exhaust after treatment units to their cars. It means that new low SAPS oil must be used to protect these units. New laws will be coming out in 2014 to reduce the emissions even further. For further reading  follow “Diesel net”.

Another large change that is now becoming more common is the development of the “extended service intervals”, this means that the car owner needs to use special long life oils must be used to meet the extra demands of the longer service intervals. Most service centers will have the computer technology to state the exact oil that the car requires, but things are becoming more difficult for the DIY motorists amongst us.

New Diesel particulate filters Law; Indeed by using the wrong oil in your car can cost you around £2500

For a new engine unit, this the average cost of a family sized saloon engine replacement. I am not trying to scaremonger, but the stuff in your engine is becoming more critical. The number of 5W-30 oil types now used on modern cars has increased dramatically; this is because of the number of reasons introduced by the car manufacturers.

Any motorist getting this wrong will end up in trouble and possibly a large bill. It is now getting more important to have your vehicle serviced at a reputable service center, even an engine service will be better than nothing, do not forget good service centers will have all the help from the oil companies to make sure that they get the correct product for their car. The wrong oils will block up your diesel particulate filter or poison your three-way catalytic converter, all at a terrible cost. Also do not forget to get the correct oil mix, for example, synthetic or semi-synthetic oils, or even diesel or petrol oils, all have different properties, so if in doubt have your car serviced by professionals, and don’t take the risk of a damaged engine.

 Pellon Auto Centre in Halifax offers to service at excellent rates.

car suspension parts

Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test- Because of Worn Out Front Suspension.

Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test

Especially with female drivers. The little car also makes a good city car, with very little problem when getting around town and parking. The Corsa is well known for its light steering;

(power steering) which makes the little car easy to maneuver and along with its good rear end visibility makes the car easy to park and is a favorite with the lady drivers.

The car was launched by Vauxhall in 1993 and has proved to be a very successful model for the giant car company. The car has also remained cheap to buy, both new and second hand. We recently purchased a Vauxhall  Corsa from one of our lady customers, to be used as one of our courtesy cars, and it has proven to be a little gem and popular with our lady drivers, who use the car when leaving their own car for servicing or repairs.

The Corsa has a few drawbacks

Size wise this car is not for the taller person. Also, the car is very cramped when driving with four adults, (two fronts and two rears). Additionally, they are also not very suitable for the out of town open road driving. Significantly, noisy due to road and engine noise. Also, they do not corner very well. Especially with a full car of adults.

However despite this the little super mini is very popular amongst younger people. As this is the first car than many first time drivers can usually afford , Corsa’s can be found at bargain prices and as I have said earlier the lady drivers love to drive them around town and they are easy to park.

The running costs of these little cars are one of its assets, the little 1.0 litre cars can do as many as 50 mpg and the diesel versions can come up figures of 60 mpg, making the car a good

choice for the economically minded driver. The insurance is also very low, most normal sized engine cars come into the lowest insurance groups possible. The Corsa is also cheap to service, making the car as I have said earlier cheap and economical to run, favouring the money conscious lady drivers and the young first time car buyers.

Vauxhall Corsa cars have had several factory recalls

These little cars are usually trouble free when it comes mechanical problems apart from the usual wear and tear items such as tyres, exhausts and suspension and brake parts, but there has been a few recall problems with cars between 2000 and 2006.

The following problems included, air bag problem due to faulty software, faulty seat adjustment catches and spring, causing the seat to move or not lock, steering wheel problems, the centre nut that holds the steering wheel in place was not tightened correctly causing the steering  wheel to wobble. The early Corsa had also cam-belt problems, they should be changed every 40,000 miles promptly, or a damaged engine could follow,

One of our long standing lady customers dropped off her car for a service and an MOT test. She said that the car was in excellent condition and should walk the test. Dale Linton tested the car and found that all sorts of things were wrong. The steering and suspension had lots of play in them, the car also had a broken spring and also failed the emissions test.

We always phone our customers before working on their car and we always save the old parts for them to look at.

The Vauxhall Corsa Fails MOT Test.  Requiring new front control arms (known as wishbones to some people). Including a new spring and a new lambda sensor. The lady said that she could hear some knocking coming from the front of the Vauxhall Corsa. When she drove over speed bumps, but did not think much about it. She gave us permission to complete the work. So, new control arms were fitted.

We know that you can fit new control arm bushes.  But this takes much longer and by the time you have removed the old bushes and fitted new ones. Of course, we can fit a complete new arm. The costs work out about the same because of the labour factor.

We fitted a new lambda sensor and a new spring. So, before MOT re-testing the Vauxhall Corsa and then servicing it. The car is now a far better ride than when she brought it in and the lady customer noticed this and thanked us for our great service.

brakes pads only posts

Anti-Lock Brake Systems- ABS- have been around for 20 years or more

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Anti-Lock braking systems -problems are now a common thing

So, one of the things that I am most proud about. Of course, been a garage owner ! Is when a customer contacts my garage for a brake problem sorting out? Subsequently, it appears not be the price that the person is worried about. Because they know how important it is to have good brakes on their car.

Before we remove the wheels to examine the brakes. So, generally we have a blank canvas to work from. We know that most cars that get to the stage of having practically no brakes! Then the braking system will be in pretty bad shape. Believe me they usually are.

Back in the old days! Then the cars brakes were a much simpler affair to diagnose and repair. Of course, with only the upper end of the market cars. Having any type of electrical modifications in order to aid  better braking. As in almost all the car developments. So, brakes were originally tested and tried on motorsport vehicles. Long time before been tried and tested on the average road cars. Including the beginning of the ABS braking systems! Importantly, that are in common use today.

At first Anti-lock braking systems only came out on the prestige cars such as BMW and Mercedes

but many drivers had not heard of them before, in fact we still get customers in today that do not know what it means when their ABS warning light comes on and has to be investigated. Twenty years ago many vehicles owners were given the option of having ABS brakes or not, similar sort of thing to fitting alloy wheels or steel wheels, they were an optional extra.

Anti-Lock braking systems work differently to a standard braking system

ABS brakes do act differently to a normal braking system. The main two advantages are that; when you are braking on a wet slippery road surface, or say on ice, then your car will stop quicker, this also applies to normal roads of course. Also the car will handle much better when the driver has to brake and steer at the same time, once again say in bad weather conditions, the car will handle much better that when using a conventional braking system.

In any normal driving situations such as stopping at traffic lights or at a road junction, then the Anti-Lock Braking Systems does not activate, but if you need to brake sharply and suddenly then the Anti-Lock Braking Systems will be activated and assist you in braking more safely.

The Anti-Lock Braking Systems sends out pulses of pressure instead of the single pressure that is asserted when braking a normal car. You can actually feel the pulses coming through the brake pedal when you have to assert pressure on to the brake pedal in an emergency stop. It is also important to note that if you do come across a bad situation caused by say snow or a non-tarmac road, then you will still have to slow down, your ABS system will not help you in such situations.

The main gaining point of Anti-Lock Braking Systems is that the driver has full control when braking and steering at the same time and can help the driver to steer away from danger; they prevent the wheel from locking, in certain conditions.

Practice your ABS brake system

In my experience it has always been a good idea to take your car and have a practice with the brakes if you are driving a car fitted with ABS brakes for the first time and get used to the different feel of the brakes when going straight and when steering.

The in cab ABS warning light may come on if there is a fault with the ABS system or the normal braking system. If the warning light comes on then you should have the brakes looked at as soon as possible. In our experience it is usually something simple such as a faulty electrical connection or even that the car needs a set of new pads. You can also find problems with Anti Lock Brake Sensors and other Anti Lock Brake Parts. Once the problem has been found and rectified the ABS warning light can be re-set with a computer.

Also sell Firestone Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk. By using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work. Also an official MOT testing station who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.

brakes pads only posts

Brake Juddering Causes-What is it?

Brake Juddering Causes

Foot pedal vibrations lead to the brake juddering experience

So, one of the first signs of brake juddering problems. Firstly, is when you can feel a vibration coming through your foot pedal. Secondly, when you press the clutch pedal. So, to brake and stop your car. Some of our customers say that it was a long drawn out process. Eventually though the brake began to get worse. Including the vibrations starting to come through the steering wheel.

Unfortunately, some of our customers think that the vibration is a wheel balancing problem! We also have to check out the problem with a correct diagnosis. However a braking problem will usually come through the brake pedal. So then this is a sure sign of a brake problem.

Unfortunately, one of the main Brake Juddering Causes come from elderly drivers. Significantly, who always cover the brake pedal with their right foot. This applies to manual gear changes or automatic, they what I call “ride the brake” some drivers also do this with the clutch but that’s a different article to cover. What happens if you ride the brake? Well one of the problems is that you are applying extra pressure onto the brake pads that are constantly in contact with the brake discs (brake rotors in the USA). These in turn over heat the discs, and the discs then warp and go out of shape.

Brake juddering is a bigger problem in hilly areas

In my opinion though, driver fault is not the main reason for warped brake discs. I think that the main cause is the terrain. We here in Halifax are in a hilly area and we get a high occurrence of warped brake discs and brake juddering faults from our customers.

In areas where there is very steep inclines, then drivers are more likely to keep their foot on the brakes. Some of the hills in the Hebden Bridge area are like alpine passes with 180 degree bends to contend with. When you come down these roads you have to keep the car in a low gear and be prepared for a vehicle coming up the hill, without braking all the time.

This constant braking is what overheats the discs and causes them to warp and vibrate giving Brake Juddering through your brake pedal. Some garages have a machine that will skim the brakes and stop the vibrating, but I think that once they have overheating then they do not work to their full potential and there for a new set of pads and discs is the best option.

Improved brake technology

Over the years car manufacturers have brought in new technology to balance out the disc overheating problem and try to eliminate the Brake Juddering Causes. Including different metals that can stand more heat and also the disc parts

that now come out with holes drilled in the metal at calculated intervals, for heat dispersal. This can work very well; you can see brake discs actually glowing red hot on some motor sport cars when they have to brake very often at high speed, some can be seen to be glowing white hot in the dark.

This has the same effect as the regular car driven by a regular driver. So, try to avoid heavy braking especially at high speed.  Keep your distance and try not to brake heavily. When you are driving down a steep hill, use a low gear and use the car’s engine as a brake, try not to press the brake pedal constantly.

Have your brakes inspected at regular intervals when the car is serviced. Of course, any worn discs or pads will be picked up by the garage. Importantly, we can even spot a disc that has been overheated in the past.  Because the disc has a blue coloured sheen on it. Remember like many other things to do with a car, prevention is better than a cure.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and Car Brake Repairs to all makes of vehicles.

new vans

Car Owners Ripped Off-Are they Really Getting Ripped off by Garages?

Car Owners Ripped Off

Garages are becoming more transparent towards Car Owners

There are many recent reports about Servicing a Car and independent repair garages are ripping their customers off. I am not sure what these reports actually cover? Is it the one man band

operations, the larger independent garages or the main franchise dealers? Or are we all being “tarred with the same brush”.

I must admit though, no matter how you try in any trade, you will not please all of your customers and it depends how loud the disgruntled person is to how it may affect your garage. We can all try our best, but we are all going to get the “wrong customer at the wrong time”. I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing much you can do about these people, they probably have other issues that are affecting their personal lives and you are the one that they are taking it out of.

Garages should be aware of social media

Ten years ago we would have hit “a brick wall” with the customer that you just are not going to please whatever you do. I regard myself as a very calm person but when I have confronted some of these “raging” customers, then my blood has reached boiling point, and my blood pressure has hit the roof. I have built my garage and Business Plan on trust and have enjoyed customer loyalty beyond my wildest dreams. Over the years we have had whole families returning time and time again for their cars servicing and repairing.

Although it sounds like that we have many bad tempered and grumpy car owners, they are indeed far and few between, but when they come they can really hurt you. The big threat at the moment is to “expose “us on social media, especially on Facebook. This has happened once or twice now, but we just tell them to go ahead, we can defend ourselves and our reputation and I am sure that other people who know them will be familiar with how they behave.

How good is the training ?

Although some of auto press appear to be concerned about the level of training that our mechanics or technicians receive, (whatever we like to call them), then I am not so sure. I think that the whole education of young people has been watered down in recent years here in the UK and this includes the colleges where our young mechanics start off. Some like to think that this is progress and a new way of education, but looking back over the years I do not think that the levels of quality, have not dropped very much, if any.

The difference is that our apprentices now receive on the job training and assessments

In my own experience I think this works. I find that my staff will do the course work at home in their own time. Without much prompting. I remember when I was an apprentice (in the dark ages) I had to go to night school classes and hated it, now everything is more relaxed, providing the youngster does do the work that we ask of them.

This brings me back to having to raging customer. Consequently, facing the customer who may be out to get us. I firmly believe that part of all of staff training should be in customer care. These days the standards for caring for the customer and their cars have risen.

For young people who are just starting out in the garage trade. Perhaps and are starting their own business for perhaps the first time. Therefore should take this into consideration. Even if you are just a one man band or a mobile mechanic. So, you should look at some of my advice that I offer. Of course, as a successful garage owner of Pellonautocentre for twenty five years.

What garages can do to cushion the aggression?

1: One of the most important things. Of course, is that you and the members of your staff should be trained. Especially in the skill of “meet and greet”. This is the first thing we teach any of our staff. Believe me people have to be taught this skill. Just a basic “yes sir/Madam, how can help you” will be just fine. Even if you have got a hangover or just argued with your wife. This is the very basic polite response that your customer deserves and of course a smile. This also applies to answering the telephone, never let the phone ring out, train your staff to answer it politely, until a senior member of staff can take the call.

2: Escort the customer

To your reception/manager or whatever system your garage operates in. This is passing the customer onto the expert. Who will help the customer with any advice or problem that they may have. Too many businesses do not take any time out to perform these basic tasks. So they fly about with the customer in close pursuit trying to explain that they have a problem with their brakes. For my UK readers, (a good example of what not to do can be seen in the garage that Kevin owns in Coronation Street). No time sorry too busy attitude, will not build you a successful garage business.

3: Then you are prepared for that monster customer, with his huge problem.

I know that some of the larger garages. Such as main dealerships are trained to cope with these types of situations. But in general the small rage has to cope ! Whoever the unlucky member of staff is who has to deal with the matter. If you do not have a person who is trained to cope with these things. Of course, then you should take a deep breath. Asking the disgruntled customer to step somewhere out of the way, (this may upset other customers, who may be waiting for your attention).

4: Keep calm

may by do not take it personally. You must try to put yourself in the shoes of the customer, has he got a genuine reason to be annoyed with your garage.

Is the thing that is causing a dispute with your garage reasonable?

We have been accused of scratching a car on a couple of occasions, we know we didn’t do it but have come to some sort of compromise and kept the customer’s business try to keep in a conversation and not a “slagging match”. Resolving the dispute with the Car Owners is your ultimate goal.

5: perhaps finally,

If you feel that you are getting nowhere then “hit a brick wall “. Of course you must let the customer go away and think about what you may have offered them, or not. At this stage you may have lost the person as a customer anyway. But if you have been seen to try and resolve the situation, and then you have tried your best and move on to the rest of your day.

6: As the owner of the garage business

I have learned over the years that you should not interfere in the reconciliation process and try find which member of your staff has got the correct attitude and presence of mind to deal with this type of dispute, I usually find that your manager is best capable to handle this, even if you have to give them some form of advice and training.

I also hope that nay advice that I give will help young and future garage owners to enjoy and succeed in their future Car Garage business. more reading…http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/unhappy-customers.htm

Car Servicing for Safety

Car Servicing for Safety

Car Servicing for Safety

Vehicle servicing is very important as it helps to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. At least once a year, and preferably when your MOT requires doing. So, it is advisable to bring your car in for a service to check. Including checking the brakes and other safety features. This will give you peace of mind when driving and will help to avoid any accidents due to mechanical failure…

I cannot overstress that car servicing is extremely, important. Your car should be serviced at least once a year for safety reasons. This includes checking all of the cars brakes. In my opinion, Car Servicing for Safety can help you avoid accidents and breakdowns. Combined with the annual MOT test here in the UK, it can also help you spot potential future problems with your car.

It is difficult not to over emphasize how very important it is to service your car at least once a year for safety reasons. Your car brakes are one of the most important Car Servicing for Safety, features on your car.

Car Servicing for Safety
Car Servicing for Safety

Ensuring car safety is a paramount responsibility for every driver. Regular servicing plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

By prioritizing car servicing, you not only safeguard your own well-being but also extend the longevity and efficiency of your automobile. Let’s explore the importance of car safety and servicing and how it contributes to your overall driving experience.

    If they are not serviced regularly, they could become very costly.

    It is common knowledge in our garage industry that one brake problem can lead to another. Thus causing the final cost of repairs and replacement to be very expensive.

    Modern car engines also require clean oil and oil filters. Once again, car servicing is very important as it helps to ensure the maintenance of your car’s engine!

    At least once a year, it is advisable to bring your car in for garage car safety checks to check the engine oils and other safety features. This will give you peace of mind when driving and will help to avoid any accidents. If your car is not serviced regularly, it may not drive efficiently, when you need it to the most.

    Best car servicing for safety, can fix many small problems and give your car the maintenance it needs to operate smoothly and within the law. Car services here at Pellon Auto Centre in Halifax UK, are affordable and convenient, so don’t wait to take advantage of them.

    Car servicing is important for the safety of you and your loved ones.

    In winter time when nights are dark earlier it’s important to have your Car Servicing for Safety and your lights checked. So, at least once a year to check the lights and other safety features. This will help avoid any accidents or even a problem with the local police!

    In addition to the safety benefits of regularly Car Servicing for Safety, your car, it is also important to do this to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. A car that is regularly serviced will run far better and will possibly last longer.

    To sum up, car safety and servicing must be a priority. Routine maintenance improves the car’s performance, extends its life, and fulfills the producer’s instructions.

    By making sure your vehicle is serviced regularly, you protect yourself, the people you are with, and other people on the street, while also ensuring your car is in proper working order and you have a secure and dependable trip. So, focus on car safety and service and receive the advantages of a safe and secure drive.

    mot testing and car servicing

    Suzuki Servicing neglected-Owner Misses out on Servicing causes a Bigger Problem

    No Suzuki Servicing could end up costing you a fortune?

    This is not just one of my rants about car servicing but I think that it is important to give a few sad cases of what can happen, when the car owner neglects to have their Suzuki Servicing.

    carried out at regular intervals.

    We all should be having our Engine Oil checked at regular intervals, if your car’s engine is in good condition and operating correctly, then you should not have to use any oil to top up the engine. In my opinion there are a few variations to this theory and one of them is if you are traveling long distances at high speed. Then it would be possible that your car may need to have an oil check when you arrive at your destination.

    Modern cars will have an Oil Level Warning Light but older cars may not, so it is best to check the level just to be on the safe side. In fact I had an experience myself on a recent trip to France. I drove my two year old Peugeot Partner van 700 miles to a Rufec in the Charente area of South West France. The following morning I went to the local supermarket for some odds and ends, when my oil level warning light came on, much to my horror.

    I know that my staff had serviced the van before my journey

    and I too checked the level before I set off on my journey. I stopped the van and turned off the engine so that the oil level is allowed to settle down, to get a correct oil level reading. Some dip-sticks are impossible to see, but mine was just below the minimum mark on the dip-stick. I was still in the supermarket car park and so I bought a two litre can of 10w-40 diesel oil (this is what the van used).

    As I topped the engine up I kept checking the level, but found that the engine did not need much oil at all. I think some of the oil sensors are very sensitive, but your engine oil level is

    very important, just as the young guy with the Suzuki Swift was about to find out. Another important piece of advice is, when you are topping the engine oil up again, then put the oil in a small amount at a time, it is just as important not to Overfill the engine with too much oil, this could cause too much pressure building up in the engine, causing all sorts of expensive repair work.

    The Suzuki did not have any servicing for two years at least.

    The only warning that he had, was when the car engine started to make very loud noises. Unfortunately, this was on the M62 motorway. Doing 70mph in the third lane. This was followed by a cloud of black smoke. Frighteningly,  followed by a complete loss of power. Luckily, the guy managed to manoeuvre the Suzuki across the carriageway and onto the hard shoulder.

    He suspected the worse and called for recovery from a roadside assistance phone box on the motorway. The guy was either lucky or a very skillful driver! As I am convinced that this sudden loss of power is the cause of many motorway accidents.

    The recovery truck brought the car into our garage in Halifax, Yorkshire . Urgently, we started the postmortem on the lifeless Suzuki. We checked on the history of the car on our computer system. Finding out that although the car had a few MOT tests over the past few years. We did not have any record of Servicing a Car. We asked the guy if he took the car to any other garage for his Suzuki Servicing. Frighteningly, he told us that we were the only place that the car had come to?.

    The previous owner also brought the car into us

    So, to be looked after it was at the Suzuki Dealers. Indeed the last service had been three years ago. The car was a Suzuki Swift 1.6 petrol 2007 model and looked in good condition! Apart from the engine.

    It became obvious to Ryan Linton that the engine was completely gone. So, caused by a lack of engine oil starving the Big End Bearings due to lack of Servicing. That is to say also damaging the crank and much more.

    The owner of the car was a 26 year old man. Consequently, who led a busy life and did not have time for his car. Hence a thing that is most common these days. As for the car we found that it would be more economical to fit a re-conditioned engine. With the whole job costing around £2500 to the customer.

    The lesson to be learned is to have your servicing carried out at some sort of regular intervals. Finally, this guy is not the first and will not be the last. But look at the price that he had to pay in the end?.