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Pothole Damage and the damage they can do! Did you know that potholes cause one in 10 of all mechanical failures? Unfortunately, this one issue costs motorists up to £730 million annually in the UK! How Are Potholes Made? These lethal potholes are created when moisture seeps into cracks in the road, then in the cold temperatures, it freezes. Like how water in an ice cube tray expands when it freezes, the water under the pavement expands, and the road surface is forced to bend and crack, causing a weakening in the pavement.  Eventually, when the ice melts, it leaves gaps under the surface, allowing this cycle to repeat and become even weaker! More trucks and cars will go over this same weak spot as time goes on. So the material will become displaced and break away, resulting in a deadly and dangerous pothole. You may be surprised to find out that during Spring, potholes are even more likely to occur. This is due to temperatures frequently fluctuating above and below freezing, so it is essential to know why you should avoid them and what damage they can cause. How Can a Pothole Damage a Car As motorists, we can all relate to that dreaded feeling of terror when you thought that a slight dip in the road would be smooth but instead it felt like your car just fell down a crater! After hitting the pothole, Your Car may have damage caused by the impact., Including cracked alloys, knocked out tracking and wheel balancing, buckled wheels, damaged suspension components and lumps in the tyre.  Some common signs of pothole damage include: Your car pulls to one side, which is an issue with wheel alignment Punctures and/or bulges in the tyre Dents in the wheel rim Fluid leaks You may hear an unusual noise from your exhaust It may feel as though the car is slightly bouncing or making a noise when driving, this could be an issue with the suspension How to Avoid Damage to Your Car Sometimes it may be impossible to avoid a pothole, but when there’s a possibility of avoiding them and the damage that comes with them, you definitely should! So here are MotorServ UK’s top tips for avoiding dangerous potholes:  Keep your eyes peeled, and stay alert! Especially in rainy weather, deep potholes can be hidden as puddles  Keep your distance from the car in front to clearly see when a pothole is ahead.  Don’t go speeding over them, as this can cause more damage to your vehicle than if you were driving slower If you can’t avoid it, drive over the hole with care so that the wheel rolls freely into the hole See a professional and get your car checked! If your vehicle is damaged from a pothole, and you can hear any noises or the Car isn’t driving the same, Claim For Pothole Damage Did you know that you may be able to claim compensation if a pothole damages your car? Whether your pothole claim is successful will significantly depend on whether the pothole has been reported previously. This is because local councils and local authorities cannot be held liable if they are not aware of it from a report or through their inspections or maintenance. When reporting a pothole, it is important to do your research! You should review the guidance provided on council websites and how your council is maintaining the road regarding their system of inspection and repair.  How MotorServ UK Can Help MotorServ UK is here to save the day when your Car suffers from pothole damage! If you are not sure whether your car wheels are correctly aligned, you can have them checked at MotorServ UK to put your mind at rest. Wheel alignment at MotorServ UK is an inexpensive procedure that doesn’t take too long to rectify. A 4-wheel alignment check will also spot any worn or damaged parts that may cause problems in the future, potentially saving you money by not having to pay for costly repairs and replacement tyres sooner for example! Your car will also drive more efficiently, which will save you money in reducing fuel costs.  Contact the team today at MotorServ UK to find out more!

10 Tips to Maximize Petrol Mileage In this current climate of high fuel prices, it’s more important than ever to get the most out of each litre. Prices at the pump have skyrocketed in the past months and may continue to rise, according to The Guardian. So, it’s time to improve the fuel efficiency of your car.  Don’t know how to do this?  Fortunately, MotorServ UK know some ways to squeeze a bit more mileage out of your tank. Here are 10 tips to help you increase your mileage and maximize petrol: 1. Plan your journey to maximize petrol Who likes to be stuck in traffic anyway? By planning your journey and figuring out mileage calculations, you will avoid busy roads. Congestion is a nightmare at peak times. Planning ahead, taking into account time and the route also helps you combine journeys.  Before leaving the house, consider your route and the number of stops you can make on one round trip. Several short trips during the day increase fuel consumption due to cold starts. A warm engine operates more efficiently.  2. Slow down to maximize petrol Did you know that if you drive at 75mph instead of 60mph you will use around 18% more fuel? That’s why the Vehicle Certification Agency recommends reducing your speed to increase your MPG. But, don’t exaggerate as slow speeds at low gears will have the opposite effect. Remember you should drive according to the speed limits.  3. Drive at a constant speed to maximize petrol When possible, reduce fuel consumption by keeping your speed steady. Accelerating and decelerating burns more fuel than travelling at a constant speed.  4. Be gentle with the car brakes to maximize petrol Avoid slamming on the brakes. Heavy braking can cause your engine to burn fuel faster. Pay attention to the road conditions further ahead so you can react on time and slow down gently. 5. Take out unnecessary weight to maximize petrol The heavier your vehicle is, the harder it must work to accelerate or slow down. Remove the unnecessary and heavy stuff from your boot. 6.Avoid idling to maximize petrol On top of polluting the atmosphere, you are wasting fuel when your engine is idling. Switch off the engine if you’re going to be at a standstill for a couple of minutes.  7. Improve the aerodynamics of your car and avoid drag to maximize petrol The easier your car moves through the air, the more fuel-efficient it will be. To achieve this, you can:  Remove roof boxes, roof racks and bike racks Consider selecting smoother wheels Close your windows when driving at higher speed 8. Use air conditioning and heating moderately to maximize petrol During the summer don’t use the AC when driving at low speeds. Open the windows instead. In winter, use the heater in moderation. If improving your petrol mileage and getting better mileage rates is a big concern, make sure you’re dressed for the weather, even inside your vehicle. Both the heating and the AC can increase fuel consumption. 9. Check your tyre pressure to maximize petrol  Your vehicle engine will have to work harder if the tyres are under-inflated as they will create resistance. Checking your tyre pressure often will save you a lot of money in the long run. Be sure to check out our blog on ‘What to do if your tyre pressure drops’. And last but not least… 10. Maintain your car well to maximize petrol From checking the fluid levels of your engine to general wear and tear, maintaining and servicing your car regularly will improve your tank mileage. Our blog on ‘Car maintenance checklist’ will teach you our top tips for car maintenance. These were MotorServ UK´s 10 tips to get more mileage out of each tank.  Our purpose is to offer a one-of-a-kind car maintenance and repair service, whilst saving you as much money as possible. We offer MOT services as well as vehicle servicing. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

How to tell when you need a Car Service A Car service booking, allows MotorServ UK to check the overall condition of your Car including your engine’s fluid levels and general wear and tear. Hence, a Car service is an opportunity to obtain an important and general health check on your Car, that shouldn’t be skipped.  But, how can you tell when your car needs a service? The general rule is to have your vehicle serviced once a year or every 12,000 miles.  This rule is what most manufacturers recommend in their Schedules. However, this depends entirely on the model of your vehicle and how you drive it, as some have variable timing based on condition, and that’s based on how you drive the Car.   Checking your Service book, either on paper or on the Car’s onboard dash system, where fitted, is a good way to find out when your car was last serviced. Service reminders are also available on some vehicles, and flash up automatically on the dashboard. These notifications may appear before the year or 12,000 miles, and it’s advisable not to ignore them. Here are other signs that your car service is due … Where are those mystery puddles coming from? If the answer is your Car, and you can see that it’s leaking a coloured liquid, you should book a service right away. It could be a sign that your vehicle is leaking brake fluid, power steering fluid, or oil, which means you may have a major problem on your hands.   Are your brakes behaving differently? A driver’s nightmare is malfunctioning brakes. Without a doubt, brakes are the most important safety feature of your vehicle. But your brakes may become less efficient if you neglect to take your car for a check-up.  Do you need to press harder on the brake pedal to stop your car? Are they making a scraping noise or excessively squealing? Maybe you have worn brake pads or your vehicle is leaking brake fluid. In either case, a professional should be able to identify how to proceed and solve the problem. Have you been hearing strange noises? Unusual noises are a good indicator that something is wrong. You should pay attention when you listen to any noise so you can describe it to the professionals. This way you’ll be able to help them diagnose the issue faster. Does it happen when starting the car, turning or idling? What does it sound like? Is it a click or a squeaking sound? Where is the noise coming from?  There are various problems that the unusual sound could be indicating. The strange noise could be a sign that your clutch needs replacing, your engine is overheating, your oil pressure is low, or that it may be time to change your car’s tyres or brakes, among many other possibilities.  Other red flags The following are other indicators that your car service is due: Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust or any from the bonnet Vibrations Ignition issues Dashboard warning lights Fewer miles per gallon Even if your vehicle shows no signs, don’t skip a service. Servicing your car regularly ensures it continues to run safely and efficiently. Getting your car serviced annually prevents potential problems from becoming major ones, and can help prolong the use of your Car for a longer period of time. Maintaining your car throughout the year is definitely a good investment.  At MotorServ UK you’ll have access to competitive prices for Servicing & MOT. We have a team of professional  and qualified technicians with all the latest diagnostic equipment and manufacturer quality parts for all makes and models. If you think it’s time to service your car,  book with MotorServ UK today!

How to Tell if you need a New Clutch? The clutch is a vital part of your vehicle’s working machinery as it controls the connection between the shaft coming from the engine and the shafts which turn the wheels. You use the clutch every time you shift gear and when you need to control the car at a slow speed. Thus, a clutch is one of the most frequently used mechanical components in your vehicle, which leads to regular wear and tear. But how can you tell if your car needs a new clutch?  Read on to learn some tell-tale signs that will help you identify this problem. Trouble shifting gears may mean a new clutch is required Have you noticed any problems whilst reversing or shifting into or out of first gear? If the answer is yes, then you should bring your car in for an inspection. Struggling to shift gears is an indicator that your clutch may need to be replaced. Unusual noises and vibration may mean a new clutch is required Pay attention to any unusual noises, as this could be a sign that your clutch is failing. If you listen to a grumbling or squeaking sound when you press the clutch pedal, something is definitely wrong. Similarly, pedal vibration is a red flag that indicates clutch failure. Burning smell may mean a new clutch is required Have you noticed a burning smell when shifting gears or when idling on the clutch? This distinctive smell indicates that the friction material of the clutch plate may have worn down and your clutch is slipping because of the wear between the flywheel and the disc. Soft or spongy clutch may mean a new clutch is required When the clutch feels loose or spongy, it’s generally more difficult to press the pedal and more force needs to be exerted. A soft pedal is one of the earliest signs of a clutch replacement being needed. Poor acceleration may mean a new clutch is required This is an evident sign that a new clutch is in your future. This problem is particularly noticeable when driving uphill. So, if you want to test it, shift to a higher gear and accelerate. If your clutch needs to be replaced, you’ll realise that although the RPMs increase, the speed doesn’t and your car doesn’t move as fast. If this happens, then it’s time to bring your car into us at MotorServ UK. How MotorServ UK can help you We recommend you book your car in for an inspection to fully understand the severity of your clutch problem. Clutch replacement should be done by professionals with the knowledge and the right equipment. We understand it is often difficult to decide where to take your car.  Is your car in need of a reliable service? Are you looking for a trustworthy servicing centre?   MotorServ UK is proud to be a Premium servicing and MOT test centre, offering top-tier services designed to keep your vehicle running at its best. We employ highly trained technicians with extensive experience across all makes and models, ensuring that any work carried out on your car adheres strictly to manufacturer specifications and recommendations. Whether it’s a simple service or a more complex repair, our team has the expertise to handle it with precision and care. One of the many benefits of choosing MotorServ UK is our commitment to using original equipment for all vehicles. We source only the highest quality parts and components, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is getting the same standard of care it would receive at the manufacturer. This is especially important when it comes to clutch replacements, where precision and quality matter most. At our facilities, you’re guaranteed a quality clutch replacement, with access to genuine manufacturer parts and lubricants to ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its peak. In addition, we stand by the quality of our work, which is why we guarantee all our parts and labour for a full year. This gives you peace of mind knowing that any service or repair carried out at MotorServ UK is covered, allowing you to drive with confidence. Why wait? If you’re experiencing issues with your clutch or simply want to ensure your vehicle is in top shape, book an inspection with us today. Get a competitive quote and experience the premium care that MotorServ UK is known for. We’re here to help you keep your car running smoothly for the long haul!

Maintaining Tyre Pressure in Winter Winter is coming! And with the cold temperatures, a question comes to mind: Does cold weather affect maintaining tyre pressure? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Thus, in this article, we’ll look at why this happens, its consequences, and what you can do to tackle this problem. Maintaining Tyre Pressure – How do winter and low temperatures affect tyre pressure? The amount of air pumped into your car tyres is known as tyre pressure. Low temperatures cause the tyre pressure to drop. Generally, tyre pressure drops between 0.07 and 0.14 bars or 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (PSI) when the temperature decreases by 10°C.  And if you live in elevated areas, altitude will reduce tyre pressure even more.  Why does this happen? Higher temperatures cause the air in the tyres to expand and cold temperatures have the opposite effect. During winter, the air particles contained in the tyres contract, which will cause your tyres to be underinflated.  Underinflated tyres can have negative effects on your vehicle’s health and safety. Drivers sometimes make the mistake of overinflating tyres to counteract the impact of cold temperatures. Doing this isn’t a good idea either. Maintaining Tyre Pressure – Why you should care about maintaining tyre pressure? Keeping your tyres inflated at the right pressure is essential. Not doing so will: Compromise the safety of your vehicle Reduce the lifespan of your tyres If the tyre pressure is uneven, you’ll have more difficulty handling your car. Underinflated tyres can lead to serious problems, such as: Wear due to uneven contact of tyres with the road Damage to the tyre wall structure Increase in rolling resistance In addition, tread damage won’t allow your vehicle to grip the road, which is especially dangerous in slippery winter conditions. Your car tyres will perform poorly when driving in snow. Low tyre pressure will also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. On the other hand, overinflating tyres will result in the wear of the middle section of the tyre. Increasing your tyre pressure over the level recommended by the manufacturer can have negative effects, such as: Loss of traction High-speed blowouts Longer braking distances due to poor braking efficiency Thus, it’s vital to check and maintain the right inflation levels of all four tyres regularly. Maintaining Tyre Pressure – How to check and adjust your tyre pressure? You’re responsible for checking your tyre pressure regularly and correcting it if necessary. Drivers should do this every few weeks and always before long journeys. You should check your maintaining tyres even if you have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or studded winter tyres. If you’re not sure what your tyre pressure should be, we recommend that you check in the following places: The vehicle manufacturer’s handbook that came with your car The inside of the door frame on the driver’s side On the fuel filler door With the manufacturer’s recommendation, you can now proceed to check the tyre pressure. Here are some tips: Make sure your tyres are cold to get an accurate reading – Check tyres in the morning or when they haven’t been used for a couple of hours. Use a quality gauge and air compressor – You can get them from an auto store, but some petrol stations also offer this service for free or for a small fee. If the reading doesn’t match the manufacturer’s recommended level because it’s too low, you should use the air compressor to fill the tyre until it has the right level. If the air pressure is too high, let out some air by pushing the valve carefully. Maintaining Tyre Pressure – How can MotorServ-UK help you? In addition to checking the car tyre pressure, you should also check the tread depth of your tyres. It’s unlikely that the tyres you’ve been using all year round will be of any use in winter. Therefore, fitting winter tyres is always a wise decision.  The award-winning team at MotorServ-UK can prepare your vehicle for winter. We offer a wide range of maintenance and repair services, including fitting and servicing your tyres. Your car will be in safe and competent hands with us. If you’d like to find out more about our services, please contact the MotorServ-UK team today!

How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting a Tyre Puncture As a car owner, you have a lot of responsibilities as it relates to keeping your vehicle in good condition. One area you should pay special attention to is your tyres. Car tyres aren’t cheap and you need them to be in one piece to function properly and keep you safe. A tyre puncture can be frustrating and even put you in potential danger. Here you can learn more about what a type puncture is and how to reduce your chances of getting a tyre puncture. What is A Tyre Puncture? One of the most common types of tyre failure is a tyre puncture. A tyre puncture is when there is a small hole in a car tyre that is likely due to a sharp object coming into contact with it. When it comes to driving with a tyre puncture, the short answer is that, no, you can’t drive on a punctured or flat tyre. How They Happen The most typical reasons for a tyre puncture are screws, nails, and crushed stones. You may even encounter glass that causes air to escape your tyres. Another element that will put you at risk for this happening is low tyre pressure. It might also be possible that you have damage to your valve stem which is the tiny tyre protrusion used to inflate your tyre. Tyre punctures can happen at any time but the most common occurrences are during the summer holiday season. How to Prevent Them Since it’s never good to have a tyre puncture, you likely also want to know how to prevent them. While you can’t entirely avoid them, you can take some actions that will help you avoid them and mitigate the damage. Having good pressure management is always important, as well as being a careful driver. Also, be aware while driving on the roads and keep a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you, should you get a flat tyre. Be mindful of driving on roads that are in poor condition and in construction zones. How to Fix One You might also want to know what to do if you have a tyre puncture and how to fix one. Always ensure traffic safety first and contact roadside assistance if necessary. Stop in a safe place as quickly as possible if your car is unstable to handle. Also, keep a spare tyre and the tools you need to change it handy. How We Can Help Your best option if you puncture your tyre is to contact MotorServ UK to help. Our Car MOT Birmingham services are the perfect solution and our expert team is ready to assist you. We have a lot of experience dealing with tyre punctures, fixing them, and replacing impacted tyres. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment. Conclusion   These are just a few tips to help you reduce your chances of getting a tyre puncture and how to handle the situation if you ever find yourself with one. Remember, taking preventative steps like regularly checking your tyre pressure, avoiding hazardous road conditions, and keeping an eye on the overall health of your tyres can make a big difference in prolonging their lifespan and reducing the risk of punctures. However, no matter how careful you are, punctures can still happen, and when they do, it’s essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage to your vehicle. The good news is that if you ever find yourself with a punctured tyre, you can always bring your car to us at MotorServ UK. Our experienced technicians are here to help with swift and professional puncture repairs, as well as any other tyre-related or car servicing needs you might have. From tyre replacements to alignment and balancing, we’ve got you covered to ensure your vehicle is safe and performing at its best. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert assistance whenever your car requires it. At MotorServ UK, we make car maintenance hassle-free and efficient, so you can get back on the road with confidence. Contact our team today, and let us take care of all your tyre and vehicle servicing needs!

What Causes an MOT Fail? Steer Clear of These Car Accessories Car modifications and accessories can be a great way to make the driving experience more personal and fun, especially over the drab winter months. However, these could make you run into trouble when it comes to your car’s annual check. Whether you’re already a car owner, or looking to buy, here’s some guidance to ensure your car accessories fit within current MOT guidelines. Car Accessories – Window Stickers Window stickers have been around for almost as long as car windows themselves. They’re a fun way to personalise your vehicle, while also notifying other drives of important information. For example, you may have a child on board. It benefits the drivers around you to know this, so that they can amend their driving style accordingly and be more considerate. Personalised stickers are a trend that many enjoy, but equally aren’t aware of the legal limitations. UK Government standards suggest that “drivers windscreens must always be kept clear from obstructions that interfere with vision”. Having stickers that are too large or incorrectly placed – no matter how festive – could lead to significant fines if caught on the road and may lead to MOT failures too.  Car Accessories – Adapted Car Horns As part of the MOT process, surveyors will check to ensure that a car’s horn is fully functional and appropriate for road use. While it might be in the festive spirit to blast out jingle bells from your car instead of the classic honk, UK road restrictions state that car horns must actually follow surprisingly strict rules. According to The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, “No motor vehicle shall be fitted with a bell, gong, siren, or two-tone horn.” This means that while car horn adaption is legal in the UK, the options are strictly limited. Car horns must sound like what they are – car horns – so as to be easily recognisable by other drivers. So, while it might be fun to change your car horn to replicate the sound of Santa’s sleigh, you likely won’t pass your MOT for it. Car Accessories – Rear-view Mirror Hangers Often, the first thing that new drivers purchase after passing their driving test, is a novelty hanging accessory to dangle from the rear window mirror. These small personalisations have been around for decades and, though the styles have changes, they have always been consistently popular. There are however, increasing reports of MOTs being failed due to these accessories in recent years, after concerns appeared in the driving community about whether these hangers block drivers’ visions or cause unsafe distractions. While car mirror hangers are not illegal in the UK, many MOT providers will take their size and shape into consideration when conducting tests. Major vision blockages are considered a sufficient reason to fail an MOT. Car Accessories – Colourful lights While car light alterations are legal in the UK, there are strict limitations on how you can modify your car in this way. Blue, red and green lights (bar red brake lights) are strictly prohibited and only allowed on emergency vehicles. Furthermore, flashing, or rotating lights are also not permitted. Neon underglow lights can be fitted, along with a new interior lighting system as long as they fit within the highway code limitations. So, while it might look great to light up your car in the festive spirit, your MOT tester may not take it so light-ly (pun intended). Car Accessories – Loud Subwoofers As with most things on this list, Subwoofers and amplifiers aren’t illegal in the UK and are a permitted modification in most vehicles. However, if a car’s sound system causes noise loud enough to cause ‘alarm, distress or annoyance’ to the general public, it’s legally considered enough reason for the police to seize your car, or even to make you fail its MOT. If you like your music loud, it might be best to install your next mega-sound system into your home, rather than your car. Summary Driving is more than just a means of transportation to many. People love driving because it represents freedom. It can be a chance to unwind, be in our own space and refocus. However, there are many responsibilities that come with being a driver – one of them being MOTs. “There’s something ironically primordial about the juxtaposition of man and machine – even more so when you mix horsepower with high-tech gadgets and features” say the experts. But it’s those gadgets that could cause trouble when you get your next MOT. Check out our blog for more advice on car ownership and driving tips.

How to save money on car running costs in 2023 After a challenging 2022, we look forward to a fresh start in the new year. We enjoyed the well-deserved Christmas and New Year festivities with the family. But afterwards often comes a period of anxiety. The January blues makes us think about life and the future. You may be concerned about your personal finances. And rightly so. The cost of living crisis, a looming recession and rising interest rates are just some of the difficulties facing the UK. So, this is the time to identify ways to spend your money wisely.  Your car expenses must be one of your top priorities and MotorServ UK is here to help you. Here are some recommendations for saving money on your car running costs. Car Running Costs – How to cope with rising fuel prices? Fuelling up your car can be quite challenging with the rising petrol and diesel prices. According to Statista, the average UK household spent £1,159.60 a year fuelling up the car in 2021. That’s approximately £22.30 a week.  In 2023, this expense may be a little bit higher. According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pump prices, in pence per litre as of 19 December 2022 were: 154.04 for ultra-low sulphur unleaded petrol 177.60 for ultra-low sulphur diesel The price you pay will depend on how fuel efficient your car is. There are several ways you can get more mileage out of your petrol tank, including: Planning your journey  Avoiding busy roads Driving at a constant speed By driving efficiently, you can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds annually at the pump. So, it’s essential to monitor your fuel economy. Car Running Costs – What can you do about your car maintenance costs? Another way to save money is to maintain your car regularly. Paradoxically, maintenance and servicing are major annual expenses that can break the bank if you don’t consider them in your annual budget. However, if you skip servicing and do not keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, a major breakdown could occur, leading to more expensive repairs.  At MotorServ UK, we have often found that not budgeting for your vehicle’s servicing and regular maintenance will cause you to cut corners on the repair once your car starts to malfunction. Doing this just to get your car on the road will do more harm than good in the long run. That is why at MotorServ UK we have created the initiative 0% Finance available in Birmingham, Solihull. This way if your bill exceeds £250, our team can do the work immediately, and spread the payments over up to 12 months to a budget that suits you. And guess what? It’s interest-free! That’s right, you don’t have to pay down on the same day, and you don’t have to pay any interest! We take the worry out of car maintenance. Another option we have created for our customers is the MotorClub, which will allow you to save money and avoid painful service bills.  The membership covers all of your servicing requirements and gives you access to over £500 worth of free additional services, including all your MOTs.  We guarantee your peace of mind because whatever your vehicle needs, we’ll carry it out for you entirely. Car Running Costs – Additional Recommendations Here are some extra tips for you to improve your car running costs and finances in 2023: Choose the right insurance cover and opt for multi-car insurance if your household owns more than one car. This option often helps you get discounts. Find cheap parking spaces before driving. You can rent the space in advance. Saving on parking will allow you to put some pennies back in your pocket. Keep sensible out on the road to avoid fines and save fuel. Keep up to date with your car tax and don’t fall for scams. Find out what your renewal day is and pay only through the official gov.uk website. By taking into consideration our recommendations, we’re sure you’ll save on your car running costs this year.

New Cambelt Replacement: 5 Important Signs You Must Know Have you checked your cambelt recently? Is it time to get it replaced? The cambelt, or timing belt as it’s also called, is a critical component in your engine. Thus, you must keep it in check to ensure your vehicle stays in tip-top condition for a long time. In this article, we’ll explain the role the cambelt plays in your vehicle’s engine, why it’s so important to have it regularly checked, and the signs for new cambelt replacement. How does a Cambelt work? The cambelt synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an internal combustion engine. It’s responsible for controlling the timing of the engine valves, which open and close at different times as the pistons move up and down in the cylinders. And, like the tyres of your car, the cambelt gradually wears out if it’s not serviced properly and replaced at regular intervals.  When does a Cambelt need to be changed? There’s no exact rule of thumb to follow. But you may have to replace your new cambelt more than once over the course of your car’s lifetime. Your vehicle’s make and model, as well as how often you drive it, will often determine how long your new cambelt lasts.  That’s why we advise you to read your vehicle handbook and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. They often recommend changing your cambelt after: 4 years of constant use 40,000 – 70,000 miles 5 years of age – regardless of mileage. Ignoring when it’s time for your cambelt replacement will cause you to encounter a number of problems, all of which can be really bad news. What happens if you don’t change Cambelt? If you don’t replace your cambelt on time,  it’ll wear out and eventually lose grip.  You cambelt may slip, which will affect the timing of the engine and can cause valves and pistons to come into contact with the cylinder head. All this could lead to engine failure and result in a very expensive repair bill.  To ensure this never happens to you, here are 5 telltale signs that you car needs cambelt replacement: 5 Important Signs you must know 1. Cambelt Appearance Is the rubber on your cambelt shiny? It could indicate that it’s stressed and likely to snap soon. Cracks and peeling are also an indication of age and wear and tear. If you spot them, then your cambelt is about to malfunction as the rubber is losing its integrity. When the engine is running, the belt should move with a reasonable amount of tension. Any sagging or slipping means it’s time to replace your cambelt. Make sure to check the ridges surrounding the belt as they may wear down too. 2. Noise The cambelt may produce loud noises when your vehicle is running. If you hear a squealing sound, it could be an indication that the belt is loose. 3. Starting issues A worn cambelt can be the cause of a hard start. If your vehicle doesn’t start at all, it may be because without the belt, the camshaft can’t rotate when the crankshaft turns.  4. Smoke after starting Black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe is usually due to incomplete combustion of the fuel. This could be caused, among other factors, by damage to the cambelt. 5. Loss of voltage If the cambelt slips or breaks, it can cause the timing of the engine to be off. This can cause a misfiring of the engine, which can lead to: decrease in fuel efficiency decrease in power output and a loss of voltage If you notice any of the previous warning signs, you should seek professional advice right away. Let MotorServ UK help you: ‘Cambelts for Life’ At MotorServ UK, our technicians are fully trained to take care of your vehicle. And we offer a 1-year Cambelt Warranty for your peace of mind. You can be assured we’ll fit exact dealer specification parts, which will be backed by a 1-year mechanical failure warranty.  At the same time of replacing the Cambelt, we also replace the waterpump for completeness.  So, if anything happens within a year of the fitting date, you can return your vehicle to us and we’ll take care of any damage resulting from the cambelt failure completely FREE OF CHARGE.  What if you never had to worry about your new cambelt again? No need to remember dates and miles travelled or stress about any worrying signs – wouldn’t that be wonderful?  With MotorServ UK, you can get FREE Cambelt Replacement for life! Our new Cambelts for Life option will save you the hassle of paying for any replacements in the future. Want to know more? Contact the MotorServ-UK team today!

How to tell if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment Are you wondering whether your vehicle requires a wheel alignment check? If so, this post will guide you through the telltale signs to look out for. Wheel alignment is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that we tend to overlook. But, if you want a smooth and comfortable driving experience, your wheels must be aligned correctly. Are your tyres wearing unevenly? First, check if your tyres are wearing unevenly. Uneven tyre wear is one of the most common signs that your vehicle needs its wheel alignment looking at. You can determine this by examining the treads. Don’t be alarmed if you notice slight wear on one side of the tyre than the other, as it can be due to road conditions and your driving habits. For instance, if you make more turns to the right than to the left, you may notice a slight difference between the left and right sides of the tyre. However, if one side is considerably more worn than the other, it’s a clear indication that you need to bring your car to MotorServ UK for a check. Is your car pulling to the left or to the right? When your wheels aren’t aligned, your vehicle tends to pull towards one side of the road. Your car is likely to pull to the left or right even if you’re not steering in either direction. This can be dangerous, especially on wet or slippery roads or at high speeds, as it can affect your ability to control the car and increase the risk of accidents. Is your steering wheel off-centre? Pay attention to the steering wheel when driving straight. Is the steering wheel crooked when you’re driving on the motorway or when your car is going down the centre of any other road? If you notice that it’s off-centre, it’s essential to have your vehicle checked by one of our mechanics. Are you hearing squealing sounds? Do you hear a squeal when you turn a corner or accelerate? Misaligned tyres can cause uneven wear and tear, leading to bald spots on your tyres. As a result, the friction between the tyres and the road surface increases, producing a high-pitched squeal.  Why is the steering wheel vibrating? Finally, excessive vibration in the steering wheel while driving could be a sign that your wheels aren’t pointing in the same direction. This can result in a significant amount of vibration, particularly at higher speeds, which can be felt in your hands. If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to have your vehicle checked by  professionals. Although there are thousands of tips and tricks available on YouTube, don’t perform wheel alignment yourself. It’s advisable to rely on experts. We have all the right equipment and technology to ensure your vehicle runs safely. How we can help MotorServ-UK is proud to offer some of the most advanced wheel alignment technology in the UK, ensuring that your vehicle is in the best possible hands. Our skilled technicians are trained to not only provide precise alignment but also to thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any signs of wear or damage that could lead to future problems. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling, all of which can affect your safety and cost you more in repairs if left unaddressed. By taking advantage of our comprehensive four-wheel alignment check, you’re ensuring that your vehicle performs optimally and avoids these costly issues. Our team will accurately adjust your wheels according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring your tyres wear evenly and your car handles smoothly, even in challenging conditions. Regular alignment checks can extend the life of your tyres and improve your vehicle’s overall performance, saving you money in the long run. Don’t wait for minor alignment issues to turn into major repair bills. Contact MotorServ-UK today and schedule your four-wheel alignment check. Let our expert team help you keep your vehicle in peak condition and avoid expensive repairs in the future. Trust us to keep you safely on the road with confidence!