car clutch Clutch Vibration Problem

Clutch Vibration Problem-TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in with a Clutch Vibration Problem

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Clutch Vibration Problem

TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in for a Clutch Vibration Problem

So, for some unknown reason.  Christmas time brings in a few cars that are having Clutch Vibration problems. Hence, these are the normal problems. So, such as the driver cannot get the gears. Or the gears grind. Thus, when trying to drive the car and so on.

The Toyota Auris was a slightly different clutch pedal vibration and noise problem. As a result, the car was sort of vibrating and rattling. Consequently, as it was been driven along. When speaking to the customer. Ryan Linton my workshop manager. Discovered that the car had only had a new clutch fitted about two years ago. So the customer found it highly unlikely. Hence, that the clutch could be causing the clutch vibration in first gear problem. Especially, when driving the car along.

Ryan explained that the only way to tell is to check the clutch pedal vibration when engaging problem for the Clutch Vibration vibration when letting off clutch, by stripping the housing off and taking a look. The customer agreed and he took one of our courtesy cars while we explored his car to see what the problem was.

The other clutches that were done this week were standard sort of jobs,

taking two or three hours to do, but we always check with our Auto-data computer system, for the times it takes to do these jobs and this Toyota was shown to take seven hours, this included the Duel mass Flywheel having to be changed, but at this stage we did not exactly know what was wrong with the car.

clutch vibration problem
Clutch Vibration Problem

Clutch Vibration Problem

Ryan, tripped down the Auris clutch housing and assembly. Only to find that the system was a Duel Mass Flywheel. To clarify, the car had only had the clutch fitted two years ago and nothing had been done to the Dual Mass Flywheel. This action had

caused the pressure plate and the Dual Mass Flywheel to wear prematurely. Causing the DMF to have more play in it. Therefore causing the Clutch Vibration.

We did not fit the first clutch.

However the customer said that he would not go back there again. The cost was estimated at about the £1000.00 mark. Of course, customer gave us the go ahead to do the job. The time given by Auto-Data was pretty accurate and it took Ryan near enough six hours to complete the job. We always fit LUK clutches and DMFs because they were the company who originally developed the products along with BMW in Germany and to date we have never had any warranty problems with the LUK products in the past.

The Toyota Auris clutch and DMF was finished, tested and returned to a happy customer another job well done by my excellent staff.

mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Horror Submissions-Broken cars sent in for the MOT test-have you seen worse ?

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MOT Horror Submissions

According to information from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), these are the top 6 MOT failures in the UK:

Lights and signalling:

Issues with lights and signalling are the most common cause of MOT failures in the UK. This includes problems with headlights, brake lights, indicators, and other important safety features.

In the UK, problems with lights and signalling are the most frequent reason for MOT failures. Problems with the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and other crucial safety features fall under this category.

Suspension:

Suspension faults can cause uneven tyre wear, decreased vehicle stability, and other problems that can affect a vehicle’s performance and safety.

Brakes:

Problems with brakes, such as worn pads and discs, can substantially impair a vehicle’s capacity to stop swiftly and safely, making them a significant factor in MOT failures.

Tyres:

Problems with the tyres, such as inadequate tread depth or tyre sidewall damage, can also result in a vehicle failing its MOT.

Driver’s view of the road:

This is any issue that makes it difficult for the driver to see the road clearly, such as chips or cracks in the windscreen, worn wipers, or other window-related concerns.

MOT horror submissions
MOT horror submissions
Emissions testing

has grown in importance as a component of the MOT in recent years. Excessive emissions or defective emissions control systems may cause a vehicle to fail its MOT.

MOT Horror Submissions

As the owner of an MOT testing station in Halifax Yorkshire. So, we have seen most things. Hence, when it comes to car owners and presenting their beloved vehicles in for the dreaded MOT test.

Of course, this applies to 90% of motorists. Consequently, these are the drivers who really care about their cars. They do most of the right things, by having the cars checked out before the test date.

You can tell though that they are worried and often pace up and down waiting for the tester to appear with the results of the test. Obviously many drivers are worried about the potential cost. Especially this time of year when approaching Christmas time.

With this is mind it is only understandable.

That when it comes to an annual MOT test. Then drivers can often be filled with dread often presenting mot horror submissions. Wondering whether they are about to be presented with a long list of failures. Consequently, that will leave them with nothing more than an immensely high bill!

MOT Horror Submissions-Check the easy things before the test

Subsequently, If your vehicle is due your MOT test. Then check all the common things that are easy to do. Such things as the lights and tyres. This will only take you a good 10 minutes and is part of the test. make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and washers are working. Simple things that will ensure a smoother test experience.

It doesn’t matter how long you have been driving and what condition your car may be. So, no one actually enjoys the dreading feeling. Hence, of having to head to the local garage for their annual MOT test. We’ve heard all the horror stories. Including the multiple fails, the eye watering quote to fix any issues. Most garages are busy because they are trusted.

A lot of garages and MOT centres.

Pride themselves on providing the best service. Offering the  best prices possible as it is only this degree of customer satisfaction. That will ensure a continuous trade for the garage concerned.

However, there is a small percentage who operate with underhanded tactics and have incredibly questionable ethics that leave mechanics with a very tarnished reputation. These should be avoided at all costs. Because you will be asking for trouble and a big bill at the end of it.

MOT Horror Submissions-10% of drivers don’t give a damn?

Of course, the other 10% are the “couldn’t give a toss” brigade. These drivers turn up with their cars from hell. the car in the article image is a prime example. Worst than this some cars turn up with badly worn tyres and half the lights missing.

In general though things are good between our customers and testers. In fact we have a great reputation for fairness and honesty and that why we are always busy.

MOT test stations across the country are continuing to report dangerous defects and MOT horrors. One tester recently submitted pictures of a 2001 Nissan Micra to the DVSA after the station came across a cracked axle and

Source: Latest MOT horror submissions: have you seen worse than these?

Motorcycle batteries

Motorcycle Batteries: Maintenance Tips-Look after your bike battery?

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         Motorcycle batteries are very safe

Motorcycle batteries

Motorcycle Batteries Maintenance Tips

This article  explains some of the pitfalls about buying a motorcycle battery. Motor cyclists should be careful when buying a new battery. But I do not want to be scare mongering. As long as you follow simple rules. Hence, it will be a perfectly safe operation to carry out. Your new battery can be bought at a cheap Motor-cycle battery price online. Of course, where possible, with a next working day delivery. Thousands of these batteries are bought online every year. Significantly, without any problems at all.

“Battery failure isn’t just inconvenient, it can often lead to dangerous problems. Before you take your bike far from home, learn what happened to Sarah. Anytime you take your motorcycle on a trip, you should make sure the battery is in optimum condition. If you have a typical, conventional battery, take a few moments to ensure that fluid levels are adequate before heading out.

Remove the caps to see if the cells appear dry; if they are, add clean distilled water. Additionally, look for any signs of terminal corrosion and leaking acid, including tarnished chrome and faded paint. “If you aren’t confident in your ability to service a conventional battery, consider buying a sealed variety. These maintenance-free motorcycle batteries are ideal for people who like riding their bikes but don’t particularly enjoy using Batteries Maintenance Tips and working on them”

AGM Motorcycle Batteries: Sealed and Safer

As motorcycle enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient battery. When it comes to motorcycle batteries, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are becoming increasingly popular among riders due to their exceptional performance, reliability, and safety features.

At batteriesontheweb, we specialize in providing high-quality AGM motorcycle batteries that offer superior performance and unmatched reliability. Our batteries are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions, making them the perfect choice for avid riders who demand nothing but the best.

What are AGM Motorcycle Batteries?

AGM motorcycle batteries are a type of sealed lead-acid battery that uses Absorbed Glass Mat technology to trap the electrolyte between the plates. Unlike traditional flooded motorcycle batteries, AGM batteries are maintenance-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about topping up the electrolyte or checking the water level.

AGM batteries are also designed to be spill-proof and vibration-resistant, making them an ideal choice for motorcycle riders who are always on the go. With an AGM battery, you can be confident that your motorcycle will start up quickly and reliably every time.

Benefits of AGM Motorcycle Batteries

  1. Enhanced Safety: AGM batteries are designed to be sealed, meaning they are spill-proof and maintenance-free. This feature reduces the risk of acid leaks and spills, making AGM motorcycle batteries safer for you and your motorcycle.
  2. Superior Performance: AGM batteries offer superior performance compared to traditional flooded batteries. They provide a higher cranking power and a longer lifespan, making them an ideal choice for motorcycle riders who demand nothing but the best.
  3. Maintenance-Free: AGM batteries are maintenance-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about topping up the electrolyte or checking the water level. This feature makes AGM batteries an ideal choice for busy riders who don’t have time for regular battery maintenance.
  4. Vibration-Resistant: AGM batteries are designed to be vibration-resistant, meaning they can withstand the vibrations and shocks that come with riding a motorcycle. This feature ensures that your battery lasts longer and performs better.

Why Choose batteriesontheweb for AGM Motorcycle Batteries?

At batteriesontheweb, we understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient battery for your motorcycle. That’s why we offer a wide range of high-quality motorcycle batteries that are designed to provide superior performance and unmatched reliability.

Our batteries are manufactured using the latest technology and highest-quality materials. Ensuring that they are capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions. We also offer competitive pricing. So, making our batteries an affordable choice for all riders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AGM motorcycle batteries are an ideal choice for riders who demand nothing but the best. With their exceptional performance, reliability, and safety features. AGM batteries offer superior performance compared to traditional flooded batteries.

At batteriesontheweb.co.uk, we specialize in providing high-quality motorcycle batteries. Of course, that offer unmatched reliability and superior performance. So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional racer, we have the perfect battery to meet your needs.

At the moment the motorcycle battery market is flooded, with all sorts of makes and different types of batteries. Unfortunately, this can be very complicated. Of course, I think that the internet is the best way to go about buying one of these batteries. Consequently, this way of buying motor cycle batteries. Keeps the job as simple as possible. Importantly, try to replace the part number of the battery the same as that you are replacing. So, like for like.

Differing manufactures are not such a problem ! Except that some motorcycle batteries come with differing part numbers. Of course, I was thinking of Varta and perhaps Bosch. A few years ago a European standard battery part number was introduced. Of course, to try to make all the battery manufacturers use the same number, but this seems to have fallen apart and you can get three different numbers for the same battery.

Japanese battery markings

The most common part numbers are on the Japanese bikes and will look like,”YTX9BS”; this to me is the most common type of battery. The European number found on a Varta will look like “53030”, so the numbers will differ depending where your bike is from. You will find though that most Japanese bikes will have the YTX9BS lettering, but BMW’s will have the 53030 Varta numbers.

In any case you will find it easier if you replace the battery that is fitted to your bike, will be best practice and unless you know what you are doing please don’t try to be clever and update or uprate the battery that you have fitted to the bike. Batteries are available for cherry pickers in Kings Lynn. Information about the worlds largest battery.

First Time Drivers Guide

Volvo self driving cars- 100 to be tested on Swedish roads in pilot project …

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Volvo self driving cars

Volvo self driving cars has announced a pilot project that’ll see 100 Volvo self driving cars take to the roads of Gothenburg, Sweden, as the automaker continues in its efforts to bring a fully autonomous self driving cars to the market.

 Volvo self driving cars

Hi it must be a strange feeling to get into a car that can steer and drive to its destination without any aid by a driver. I must be getting old ,because I can’t see for the life in me what these Volvo self driving cars are going to gain.

If that’s what people want why on earth don’t they stick to the driver- less train systems that we see in many countries these days? I would much prefer to sit on a train high up above the busy traffic “Than In Volvo self driving cars”. Significantly, modern technology is good, but it is not perfect. I recently visited France and had to turn off the motorway because it was blocked by an accident, a large truck had toppled over, completely blocking the two lane motorway.

Unfortunately, we had to turn off so I switched on my satellite navigation system, hoping to pick the motorway up further North. I keyed in Calais further North and the sat/nav kindly to me to three junctions South of the junction that I had to turn off on? It then came up with a server problem message, which rendered it useless?.

Results of the Volvo Self-Driving Vehicle Experiment

Volvo self driving cars are already a reality because to advancements in technology. Volvo is one of the automakers that has been experimenting with self-driving vehicles. Since 2014, the Swedish carmaker has been testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in Gothenburg. Impressive results from the experiment are worth talking about. Volvo and the Swedish Transport Administration are working together to test self-driving vehicles. The experiment’s goal is to determine whether self-driving cars can safely share the road with other vehicles.

A fleet of Volvo self driving cars that are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other technology are used in the experiment to traverse the highways. Initially, there were only a few self-driving cars in the trial, but that number has since increased. The self-driving vehicles have been tested in a variety of weather situations and on a variety of roadways, including motorways and city streets.

With the aid of professional drivers who can take over control of the Volvo self driving cars if necessary, the tests have been carried out. Impressive outcomes have come from the experiment. The self-driving vehicles have successfully negotiated the roads, proving its practicality for use on public highways.

Volvo self driving cars have demonstrated the ability to recognise other automobiles, pedestrians, and other impediments and steer clear of collisions. The autos can also converse with other vehicles and adhere to traffic regulations.

Yet there have been difficulties with the trial as well.

Lack of laws controlling self-driving cars has been one of the main problems. The experiment has made it clearer how important it is to have rules governing autonomous vehicles on public roads. The general public’s opinion of self-driving automobiles has presented another problem. There is a need for additional education to assist people comprehend the advantages of self-driving cars because many people are still sceptical about them.

Volvo self driving cars
© Can Stock Photo / XXLPhoto

Volvo’s experiment with self-driving cars has been a success overall.

The test demonstrated that self-driving vehicles can travel on public roads safely and effectively. The trial has also brought attention to the need for rules governing autonomous vehicles on public roads and for additional education to help people comprehend the advantages of autonomous vehicles.

In conclusion, autonomous vehicles are the way of the future. A big step in achieving this vision has been Volvo’s self-driving automobile experiment. Self-driving cars will be a common sight on our roads with additional research and development.

So I have my doubts about the technology used in these cars.

Here is a good snippet from the Popular Mechanics web-site about the strange sensation that their driver experienced when first handling one of these Volvo self driving cars,

“As soon as I hit the small black lane-centre button, I can feel the wheel stiffen in my hands. Suddenly the light bar atop it begins to glow a soft green, signaling that the car has taken over the task of steering. I had already surrendered control of the acceleration and braking to the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, and now with my feet flat on the floor, I slowly un-wrap my fingers and release the wheel. Sitting in the passenger seat is Jeremy Salinger, who works on General Motors’ semi-autonomous car program. He’s seen the car do this dozens, possibly hundreds, of times, but, if only to reassure me, he states the obvious: “The car is in control now.”… http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/the-12-most-important-questions-about-self-driving-cars-16016418

His final comment is that” it felt like a ghost was driving the car”

See on www.digitaltrends.com

Goodyear Wrangler SUV Tyres

SUV Winter tyres-even more important for SUV drivers – UK Net Guide-Pellon tyres

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SUV Winter tyres

SUV Winter tyres even more important for SUV drivers UK Net Guide Indeed, speaking to the Telegraph, Guy Frobisher, marketing director at Continental, notes that a significant proportion of accidents could be avoided if only drivers invested in some…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Winter tyres for extra safety

It always amazes me the amount of SUV drivers that visit my garage here in Halifax UK, are not aware of the dangers that they face when driving in any kind of winter weather .

Even if it does not snow. So, the cold and wet weather will affect the way that their SUV vehicle. Hence, will perform on the roads, and they will be much safer. Thus on SUV Winter tyres.

I can now say without doubt, that this is a true fact. The article says that the SUVs on summer tyres. Are involved in more accidents relating to the weather conditions. Than on normal type saloon cars. The tyre sizes and overall diameters. Making the SUV vehicles more vulnerable in winter weather. Therefore, there is no doubt that SUV Winter tyres. So, will enhance the safety of the vehicle in winter weather.

SUV Winter tyres

Also many SUV drivers are not aware that their vehicles are only fitted with summer tyres. Of course, when they are first purchased. SUV Winter tyres have to be bought separately. They seem to be lulled into a false sense of security. Especially, when they see that their cars are fitted with big fat wheels and tyres. So, the truth is that this type of tyre will act in the opposite direction. Of course, when they are faced with cold temperatures and rain and snow. Indeed this type of tyre with its wide tread area acts exactly in the wrong direction, and makes the vehicles unstable on the icy and wet winter roads.

As the article states last year the AA alone had to rescue 8000 motorists who were stuck in ice snow and mud, and all this could have been prevented if the vehicle owners had fitted winter tyres. So if you take my advice it is not too late to fit a set of SUV Winter tyres on your SUV particularly, but on any vehicle, foe a safer winters driving.

 

wiper blades-lady drivers

Car Safety Tips-for Lady Garage Users – (Although Everyone can benefit from Car Safety Tips)

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Car Safety Tips-for Lady Garage Users

While everyone can benefit from car safety tips. You will have to admit that women are more likely to need these tips. Of course, to help them out during unexpected and unfamiliar situations. While it would be great if  woman were well versed and equipped to handle wonky Disc Brakes or out of aligned tyres, that isn’t usually the case. Find below some great car safety tips to help you out and manage the unforeseen when you are driving.

When your car brakes fail

Before all else, check if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes or just regular ones. Knowing this important bit of information. Naturally, will help you determine how to manage when your brakes fail. To know this, when a light goes on with the logo ABS when you start your car. Then you have anti-lock brakes. If no light goes on, then you have regular brakes.  If your brakes fail, you need to downshift to a lower gear first. Next, pump your brakes three to four times to build up the brake fluid pressure.

If this does not work. So your next option would be to use the parking brake. Do this gradually, not abruptly, and be ready for the car to skid. With anti-lock brakes, practice your sudden stops at safe street situation. Of course, to get a feel of how they should perform.  When you press the brake all the way down, you should feel a strong vibration at the pedal, which will let you know the ABS system is working the way it should.

When car isn’t driving straight

If your car is veering to the left or right even when your steering wheel is straight. Chances are your wheels may need to be aligned. But before you head off to have them aligned, make sure to check off other possibilities that may cause your car to tend towards another direction when the steering wheel is straight.

Are you tyres properly inflated? Make sure they are inflated to the recommended  pressure, which you ought to find on the label attached to the driver’s side door. What about the wear pattern? Are you tyres round or are they out of shape? Are there missing pieces or lumps  along the side-wall? Also make sure that all your tyres are of the same type. Having several kinds  on one car can make for an unstable ride.

Once you have determined that there is nothing physically wrong with yours, you should bring in your vehicle for proper and professional wheel alignment to keep your vehicle running properly  and safely.

Unstable steering, clanking and banging sounds while driving, vibrations while driving

This could indicate a problem with your suspension. The suspension system of a vehicle takes the heaviest wear from the road and it is an important part in keeping your car stable while driving and ensures the driver and passenger’s safety.  If you go over a hump and the car continues to bounce up and down, chances are your shock absorbers are worn and may need

replacing. Clanking and banging sounds may indicate that your shocks are getting caught and not bouncing back. Vibrations while driving on smooth surfaces should clue you in to have your shocks and suspension checked because they are not supposed to occur on a smooth road.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

It is better to maintain your car properly and routinely in order to avoid any major mishaps. Most Car Safety Tips are useful, but you need to make sure to take your vehicle to a reputable and  professional garage that will ensure outstanding results and keep your car humming for a long time.

We will help you keep your auto in excellent condition so it will always be road worthy and safe for anyone to drive- male or female. And as an accredited Independent Car Care Centre garage, you are assured that our standards are up to par with theirs.

•             An open and honest approach with the customers

•             A high standard of work and excellent value for money

•            At least 12 month guarantee on parts and labour

•             An open invitation to inspect, review and rate the garages of your choice to make the best informed decision for your needs  

Cars and Climate Change

UK driverless Cars-government paves way for driverless Cars | tech spotlight

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BBC News – UK government paves way for uk driverless cars

The government has announced that it wants to make the UK a world centre for the development of driverless cars.

It said it would conduct a…

Eric Roberts insight:

UK Driverless cars ? what a joke?

Importantly, then I think it would be better to rephrase the statement as “uk driverless cars in the South of England”.

Anybody who travels around the North of England. Of course, would know that our roads in town and city centre are busting at the seams with traffic. We have had very little investment. Especially, to our road structures here in the North of England for years. Hence, successive governments have neglected to update the northern towns and cities. They cancelled the tram scheme in Leeds. Because of the costs! So, the East West train lines were to be electrified, but that never came off, because of lack of finance, now they can suddenly find some money by selling off their share in Eurostar to fund the development of Gatwick airport along with other projects down in the South, once again neglecting the northern towns and cities.

The only thing that I can think of that the government have done is to widen parts of the M62 motorway. We are desperately in need of a new road infrastructure to take us from North to South, before we completely grind to a halt. We all know what a nightmare it is trying to drive around West

Yorkshire in the rush hour traffic.

Now the government are going to give a £10 million prize to fund a town or city that becomes a testing ground for the UK driverless Cars. What a joke, the name of Milton Keynes has already been mentioned on more than one occasion, so I reckon that it’s a done deal. What chance would we have in the North for driverless cars, we are too congested as it is and one our largest cities Leeds, had to miss about on its tram system.

We do not need UK driverless Cars but a decent road and rail system, especially here in Yorkshire. The North is and will still be starved of investment, never mind this ridiculous idea of driverless cars, what a joke.

See on techspotlight.tumblr.com

leisure battery

Leisure Batteries Connected-How to Connect 2 or More Leisure Batteries? / Car & Leisure Battery …

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Leisure Batteries Connected

Connecting two or more leisure batteries is entirely possible, but it should be undertaken with caution. To connect the batteries, you’ll have to have enough space in the caravan to house the multiple batteries safely, as well as …

Eric Roberts insight:

Connecting 2 or More Leisure Batteries

It is entirely possible to connect more than two leisure or solar power batteries. But it must be in parallel. Therefore, this means that to retain the twelve volts that you require. Hence, you must connect the two positive terminals together. Naturally, and the two negative terminals together. By connecting the batteries in this way. Thus, as I have said you will retain the twelve volts that you will require. As a result, to power a twelve-volt system. For this reason, that is used on most cars and marine and leisure systems, it

will also double the amps for more power storage, which is why this is done in the first place. This method also means that your batteries will charge at the same rate.

It is also important to use the same type of batteries, the accompanying video will explain about the different types of Leisure Batteries and the best for most applications are AGM batteries.

Leisure Batteries Connected

The Leisure Batteries that you connect together must also be the same type and age, preferably new batteries, it will be of no use if you connect a new battery with one that is old and has less power.

This will only make the new battery fail at a later stage and not give you the full power that you are looking for. It is also possible to connect each battery to a fuse, which will stop the risk of a high current flowing from the good battery to the bad battery with a faulty cell causing it to short; this situation could be dangerous, with a risk of a fire or explosion. One of our most popular boat batteries is the LV31MF ApolloPower leisure battery.

For more reading… http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/serial_and_parallel_battery_configurations

car servicing

Car Repair Garages-This is the way forward for car repair garages? ChipsAway in Abingdon puts customers first.

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For the car repair garages to survive they must have modern facilities for their customers.Car Repair Garages

Of course, this is a point I have been making for the past twenty years at least. American tyre repair companies were the first to supply their customers with a reception. Including a decent waiting room. Firstly. this idea was replicated by Scottish entrepreneur Tom Farmer. When he visited American Auto centres. So, on his return home decided that this was the way forward. Implementing the new style reception areas into his early Kwik-fit empire.

Successfully, other Car Repair Garages and tyre centres all over the UK began to copy his style of operation. But many of the Auto Repair Services and car repair garages were too small . Subsequently, half of them were just back street dirty places. As a business model . These smaller operations would not have warranted money spending on them.

Generally though things began to improve

Altogether though it was a huge improvement and many tyre depots and Car Repair Garages where brought into the twentieth century and were fit for motorists to sit in while their car was been repaired, or their tyres were been fitted.

As time went on more and more ladies were taking up driving and the move to step up the facilities in the car repair garages was imminent. The customers wanted a better experience when visiting the garage or tyre depot for work doing on their cars. The main dealer garages started to introduce courtesy cars, to loan to their customers while work was been carried out on their cars, a good idea!

The courtesy car idea became a little tarnished when some of the garages started to charge for their use, or for insurance. I thought this was a negative affect and was not in the spirit of the idea. We at Pellon Tyres and Autocentre in Halifax UK provide courtesy cars for our customers, mainly because we are about two miles out of the town centre, and it allows our customers to go shopping or to work, while their car is been repaired.

Coffee machines and TV sets were added to receptions

Many of the switched on Car Service Garages offer their clients  a free coffee machine in their reception. As well as a TV and up-to-date magazines for their entertainment. While they are waiting for a Car Repairs or an MOT or a tyre fitting. In my opinion this is what today’s modern consumer wants, this coupled with the fact that as I have said earlier, many of our customers are now ladies and they do not want to turn up to a dirty old Car repair garages in their nice clean clothes.

So this standard is the way forward and any garage or tyre fitting station that does not have customer facilities will fall behind and eventually perish.  

Engine oils Price Hike!

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Engine oils Price Hike!

Engine oils Price Hike!

So, a few days of the week then I go into my office/reception in my Halifax garage. Nowadays, I don’t do very much. Mainly keeping an eye on the phones and chatting to my staff. Most of my staff are young and we can have a laugh and a joke.

I also listen into conversations and many a time can pick up some knowledge to use in my blogs. Last week was no exception. So, the conversation turned into the massive increase in the price of oil used in car servicing.

In the old days most cars would use the same engine oil. As a young mechanic then I can remember putting the “Castrol GTX oil” in almost every car engine requiring an oils change in the service schedule.

Now, when it comes to using the right type of engine oil, you need to consider several important things. In this article, we have discussed 5 important things that can indeed help you go for the right type of oil for your car engine. This is for the DIY motorist of course. We will look online to see what any particular cars oil choice should be.

Because of environmental policies, then car manufacturers have had to develop different types of oils to work in different cars. Now many of the oils made are synthetic oils and manmade. It is important therefore that you are choosing the right type of oil. Or you can have a negative impact on the performance of your car. Possibly blowing up the engine altogether.

Importantly, apart from this, it can also reduce the life of the engine or even ruin the engine altogether.

Therefore, it is extremely important to always use the right type of oil. Read on to find out more. Here at Pellon Auto Centre we only use the most up to date information from a leading automotive information website.

  1. Car series and manufacturer

So, if you are looking up the oil recommendations for your car, you should make and model of your car. Because we are professionals then we are able to enter the cars registration number to get a more accurate specification of the oil we should be using.

  1. Driving environment

You should also consider your driving environment when making a choice. For instance, you may have a hot or cold climate. Similarly, road conditions may vary. You may have to drive on paved or unpaved roads on a regular basis.

Based on these factors, your car engine will have to tolerate different levels of strain. If you drive on unpaved roads, you will have to change engine oil more frequently. Some types of oils are designed to reduce the strain on your engine.

  1. Engine oils Price Hike-Types of oil

After you have considered the make and model of your car engine, you can go for either a mineral or synthetic oil. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, synthetic oils cost more money but may last longer.

  1. Viscosity grade

If you compare different products, you will find different codes and letters written on the labels. However it is becoming more and more complicated for the regular DIY and more expensive.

Engine oils Price Hike
© Can Stock Photo / romarti

Different grades and viscosity-  Engine oils Price Hike             

These numbers tell you about the viscosity grade and the resistance of the oil to flow. Now, this is an extremely important factor to consider after driving and climate conditions.

The letter “W” refers to winter. In other words, it tells you how the oil will perform in cold weather. The second number tells you about the flow of the oil at normal operating temperatures.

Normally, low viscosity oils are thinner and provide greater protection for your engine in cold weather. On the other hand, high viscosity oils offer greater protection in hot weather. Therefore, it is important to get familiar with the viscosity grade of the oil before making your purchase.

Shock of rising engine oil pricing-Engine oils Price Hike

The shock came when I was told about the massive rise in costs with the Engine oils Price Hike, we use to service your cars and vans. Not too long back, we could buy barrel of oils for £95 if say we bought four barrels. Now the price has shot up to £450 a barrel.

How silly is this!

The most popular oil we buy in barrels is the 5W30 oil. The other variations are bought in smaller quantity plastic barrels, for storing convenience. After the price shock I decide to have a shop round for the best price.

So, now we buy our oils form a local company who started in oil back in the 1800,s when oil was used in the great textile mills of West Yorkshire. Then known as “Squire Radcliffe’s” and now use the name of “SARS Lubricants” Ltd. With nearly 200 years’ experience in oil quality. I have recently heard that there is yet another Engine oils Price Hike, in the offering! Oil producing Arab countries are lining up with Russia against the Wests climate change programme. So, depleting the amount of oil they will have to buy.