Car servicing providers Reading today: Check the fluids: There are several fluids that should be kept at the appropriate levels to help keep your car running properly. According to Popular Mechanics, you or your mechanic should check: Engine oil; Coolant; Power steering fluid; Brake fluid; Transmission fluid. A leak with any of these fluids can affect the way your car drives. If you spot a leak, you may be able to identify the fluid by its color. This can help you and your mechanic determine where the leak is coming from. It can also help speed up the repair process. Find additional information at car service Reading.

Cheaper tyres, or even second-hand part-worn tyres, can look tempting for the cost-conscious buyer, but they are safety-critical, so you should always choose the very best products you can afford. With only a tiny patch of rubber in contact with the road, a good set of brand-new tyres are key to keeping you and your passengers safe. Saving around £150 on a set of four tyres might sound appealing, but in our tests we find a huge gulf in performance between the best and worst products. Price has a small role in our calculations, but is not key. You should look at the detailed results and then choose the best for you.

Although some may not be dealer owned, many private mechanics and technicians are just as good, if not better than most approved garages. You may just be referred to them by someone you know and trust. SO go ahead, but just make sure they do a good job on your car. Service stations with a good reputation aren’t hard to find, you just need to look around and ask the right people. Out Of The Way Car Servicing Tilehurst If you happen to drive far out of town and then are faced with a problem, you’ll no doubt have to visit a nearby car servicing centre. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, don’t let just any technician get under your car’s bonnet.

Yes, it’s your car’s bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you discover that your “problem” stemmed from not understanding your car’s controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle, it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration, transmission and other included features that vary across the model line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling service.

Check all the seatbelts latch and fasten securely, and lock when you give them a sharp tug. Windscreen: any damage wider than 10mm in the driver’s central view will cause an MOT fail, as will any damage larger than 40mm in the whole of the swept area. The bonnet; The latch on your bonnet will be tested to ensure it securely latches in the closed position.

Your car is more than four wheels; it’s been through a lot with you. You need to know that you can rely on it. Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre are experts at servicing all makes and models of cars, we’ll help keep your car running as well as the day you bought it. Are you selling your car? Nothing devalues a car more than an incomplete service book. A fully stamped book shows prospective buyers that you’ve taken good care of it. We provide a thorough service from experienced mechanics, and that all important stamp in your book.

Most car owners underestimate how important car battery maintenance is. Although your battery will run out of juice eventually, keeping up with it will extend the life. If you want your car battery to run smoothly, you need to make sure it has a good connection. Residue can build up and prevent your tire from starting. You can get battery-cleaning fluid at most auto parts stores. Removing the battery and cleaning the connections will extend the life and improve the connection. See even more information at carservice-centre.co.uk.

As well as using the correct lettering style and spacing, your number plates need to be clean and easy to read from a distance. Modified number plates, damaged number plates or otherwise illegal plates will fail the MoT. If you own a diesel car fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could be given a Major defect and automatically fail the MoT test if it emits “visible smoke of any colour” during metered checks. Testers will also inspect DPFs closely for signs of removal or tampering, awarding a Major defect and failing the car if foul play is detected. Testers must refuse to test any car where the “DPF canister has clearly been cut open and re-welded” unless the owner “can show evidence that there was a valid reason to cut it open, such as for filter cleaning.”

Check vehicle fluids. Vehicles rely on transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and properly mixed coolant to run. Fluids need to be topped off for optimal vehicle performance throughout the life of the vehicle. Change air filters regularly. Dust and grime accumulates over time and can negatively impact gas mileage and engine performance. Take care of minor repairs when they arise. New noises or changes in the drivability of a vehicle should be checked out promptly.

Some people think you will void your warranty if you don’t service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership. However, that’s not the case. Independent garages, specialists and fast-fits are all capable of servicing your car without invalidating your warranty, provided they fit manufacturer-branded or OE parts and use up-to-date equipment and technical information to work on your car. The European Union’s Block Exemption Regulations, which were created in 1995 and apply until 31 May 2023, allow independent garages, traders and organisations to have the same access to the manufacturer technical data, and repair and servicing information as dealerships, allowing them to work correctly on all cars. They’re likely to be replaced with similar UK-specific rules that will apply after the EU rules expire.

It’s quite easy to lose track of overall spending on your car, and many drivers are happiest not thinking about it. Fortunately, there’s plenty that you can do to help keep these costs as low as possible. A bit of forward thinking, some minimal changes to your driving style, and a bit of shopping around are just some of the ways that you can make surprisingly big savings – and they’re all very easy to implement. Here we have gathered together a bunch of useful tips and advice to help you to reduce your motoring bills…