If you own a car, it’s likely you’ll have experienced the horror of getting into your vehicle just to find it won’t start. Rattling and rumbling noises can be quite unnerving when you’re on a long haul car journey, and the appearance of an unexpected light on the dashboard can send us into a frenzy of panic. As with most things, motor vehicles can begin to show signs of wear and tear after a few years of use, so it’s crucial for us to keep on top of maintenance to ensure they’re safe to drive.
Whilst there are a few aspects of a vehicle that you yourself can check, it’s sometimes better to err on the side of caution and have your car examined by a professional. In the event that your vehicle needs some TLC, there really is no better place to visit than a garage. Whatever the problem, a garage will likely be able to diagnose and fix the issue in good time, allowing you to get back on the road and continue with your day. Further to this, all these services will be right on your doorstep at your local garage, making it extremely convenient for you to nip any issues in the bud quickly. Many of us rely on vehicular transportation on a daily basis and, with this in mind, a car that’s out of action could cause major disruption to your everyday routine.
If you’ve only recently purchased your first vehicle, it’s likely you’ll still be getting to grips with the responsibilities that come with owning a car. This may seem overwhelming, however, there really isn’t much that a garage can’t help with. At St Albans Car Clinic, we understand that maintaining a vehicle can be quite a daunting undertaking for a first time driver. That’s why we’ve created a guide to the most important services offered by garages near you.
Any motor vehicle that is over three years old is required to have a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test annually to ensure it’s roadworthy and to assess the exhaust emissions. As well as being a legal requirement, a car MOT test will identify any minor or major repairs that your vehicle might need so that these can be worked on as quickly as possible. Pinpointing small issues early on will stop them spiralling into more severe problems and, with this in mind, having an MOT test could save you a lot of money further down the line. Getting your car professionally analysed will undoubtedly increase its lifespan as any faults with your vehicle will certainly be picked up during an MOT test.
In the event that your car fails its MOT, you may not be able to drive it until any problems identified as ‘dangerous’ have been rectified. Luckily, the garage (or MOT test centre) will be able to carry out any necessary repairs, ensuring your car is ready to be re-tested as soon as possible.
From brakes and steering to seat belts and lights, an MOT test is extremely thorough, giving you the peace of mind you need to be comfortable on the roads.
As well as conducting annual MOT tests, garages also offer to service vehicles to make sure they’re in peak condition. You may be thinking that this sounds similar to an MOT, however, there are actually some crucial differences. Whereas an MOT test ensures your car meets the minimum requirements to be road safe, a full service takes all the necessary measures to get your car running at the optimum level. It is also likely to include the replacement of certain parts such as spark plugs and air filters.
At St Albans Car Clinic, we offer a wide range of servicing packages from a simple interim service to a major service and MOT. To find out more about what we can do, click here to visit our website.
Sensing that something is not quite right with your vehicle but not knowing what the problem is can be extremely unnerving, especially if in the middle of a long haul car journey. We all like to think our trusty cars that have been there through thick and thin are invincible but, unfortunately, wear and tear is inevitable. To be safe, it’s advisable to take your vehicle to a local garage at the first sign of trouble to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. Using specialist test equipment, an experienced mechanic will get to the root of the fault in a timely fashion, ensuring that the correct repairs can then be carried out. Diagnostic tests can be conducted on lots of major components including the engine, transmission and brakes.
Motor vehicles are made up of a multitude of complex components, so more often than not, it’s advisable to let a professional take the reins when it comes to diagnostics. As well as being extremely efficient, qualified technicians rely on the test equipment to work quickly, ensuring a highly cost-effective service.
Although many automobile repair shops all offer very similar standard services, certain garages may play on their strengths to offer more to their customers. For example, some businesses may have specialist knowledge when it comes to complex brake issues or transmissions, making them more proficient at completing repairs.
Similarly, some garages may not offer bodywork repairs whereas other shops will have the equipment needed to remedy dents and refresh paintwork. When our vehicles start to deteriorate, our initial reaction is to visit a local garage, however, you may be referred to a garage that specialises in a certain area if the issue is particularly niche.
At St Albans Car Clinic, we are proud to offer Terraclean services. This innovative technology thoroughly cleans the inside of a vehicle’s fuel system and removes carbon, making the engine run a lot more efficiently. If you’re keen to restore your engine back to its former glory, book an appointment with St Albans Car Clinic today.
One of the most valuable things you can take away from visiting a garage is the expert advice and peace of mind provided. For example, if you’re concerned that your car tyres are unsafe, a mechanic will be able to reassure you that they’re fit for purpose. Alternatively, if they aren’t up to standard, a mechanic will be able to fit your vehicle with brand new tyres. Further to this, they will likely have lots of tips regarding ways in which you can keep them in tip-top condition.
When taking your vehicle to a garage to be repaired, it’s important to think of the advice as part of the service. Pick the brains of your mechanic and you’ll be surprised at the amount of knowledge you return home with. Heeding the advice of experienced professionals will ensure your vehicle functions at an optimum level and, ultimately, will increase its lifespan.
At St Albans Car Clinic, we provide all the above mentioned services and more. From air conditioning services to ECU remapping, we do everything in our power to ensure your car handles like a dream.
We understand that car malfunctions can occur at the most inopportune times. That’s why we offer flexible appointments and our mechanics are highly trained to ensure disruption to your routine is kept to a minimum.
