Service information

Having your vehicle serviced to the manufacturers schedule is very important as all modern vehicles have engine management systems to keep it in tune for all its working life. Worn plugs, blocked filters and poor oil quality can have a big effect on your engines performance and economy. Most vehicle service schedules vary, some have plug changes at 20,000 or 60,000 miles (NOT every service) air filters at 24,000 and pollen filters at 18,000 so the correct schedule needs to be carried out. With the Autodata technical software we can print out the correct service schedule required for your vehicles mileage.Below are a few service items that may require special attention

MOT Emission Tests

Petrol: From our experience most MOT emission failures are not due to the catalytic converter but either a sensor (giving a fault code) failure or a badly maintained engine. A new set of plugs, air filter and an oil change with a high quality oil usually does the trick. Your engine should warm up to normal working temperature (83 to 110 deg C) and the cooling fan should cut in to avoid overheating. In some cases if faults have gone unnoticed for a while then your converter may be damaged. We can check for any fault codes using the latest Bosch KTS 650 diagnostic scanner.

Diesel cars are now becoming more difficult to get through an MOT test as emission levels are now quite low, 2.5 for non turbo and 3.0 for turbo's. We recommend having your vehicle serviced and MOT tested at the same time as this will ensure that all filters and oils are clean. Also have your camshaft and pump belts checked for wear and correct timing. Incorrect cam and pump timing can have a big effect on emissions. Adding a diesel additive a few weeks before will help clean out your fuel system plus taking it for a long run just before the test will ensure the engine is completely hot. Later diesel cars now have engine management systems and catalytic converters greatly reducing emissions.

Spark Plugs

You can trust the performance of a Bosch Super Start Spark Plug. Suitably named for reliable, super starting, Super Start Spark Plugs are Bosch quality inside and out. Built to withstand extreme operating temperatures and give more power, Bosch Super Start is ideal for all small engine applications.

HT Leads

HT leads play a big part in delivering the spark to your plugs so we would recommend changing them at every 2nd or 3rd plug change (60,000 to 80,000 miles for most vehicles) This is because the leads insulation will begin to break down over time due to heat or oil contamination and may cause engine misfires or poor starting in damp weather. Due to the high cost of some HT lead sets they are very often left.

Pollen Filters

Pollen filters are very often overlooked during a service. They are not fitted to every vehicle so you need to check your handbook. These filters clean the air that enters into your heating system and are usually changed at 18,000 or 20,000 miles. If you do a lot of town/city driving we would recommend changing at 10,000 miles. If your heater fan is blowing but no air seems to be coming into the car then your filter is probably blocked. These filters are not expensive so ask your garage to change it at least once a year.

Drive Belts

Cam belts do break and they can cause serious engine damage. Timing belt technology has got better with a more durable material such as Highly Saturated Nitrile (HSN). For this reason most cam belts will last until the recommended mileage change. It is usually something else that causes it to fail prematurely, ie water pump failure, guide pulley, belt tensioner, oil or antifreeze contamination. It is good practice to check the belt about half way to its change point. (If its changed at 80,000 miles then check at 40,000) Most experienced mechanics will spot any potential problems. If your cam belt is 5 or more years old but has not reached the recommended mileage then we would advise you to have it changed at your next service.

Serpentine belts (more commonly know as your alternator or fan belt) are now very common on most vehicles. These belts drive your alternator, power steering, water pump and air conditioning. If your belt breaks it will not cause any damage to your engine so long as you stop driving. If you can see radial cracks across the belt then have it changed at your next service.

Cooling System

Antifreeze does much more in your engine than just stop it from freezing. Manufacturers use a number of different materials in engine construction such as cast iron, alloys, plastics and rubber and all these materials will de-grade or corrode in some form over time. The antifreeze solution is designed to stop this process but only if it is in the correct ratio (usually 30/70 or 50/50). These inhibitors will only last 2 or 3 years so it is vital that antifreeze is changed as recommended. Antifreeze also acts as a lubricant for your water pump and if to weak may cause premature wear and leakage. Some new higher spec antifreezes are now available with greater protection up to 5 years. Always use a 50/50 mix for top ups

Braking system

Brake fluid: Most manufactures recommend changing brake fluid at 2 year intervals this is because brake fluid will absorb moisture from the air. The water in the brake fluid causes the fluid to boil at a lower temperature. How does it get that hot? Take a look at F1 racing you can quite often see the brake discs glowing. Your disc may not get that hot but quite close during high speed braking. If your fluid boiling point is low it may cause brake fade or in some cases brake failure. Most garages have a brake fluid tester and will test it for free. If it boils at 169c or lower - have it changed (Dot 4 ). Brake Discs and Pads: With the ever increasing efficiency of braking systems and harder materials being used in the construction of brake pads, it is now quite common for brake discs to wear at the same rate as your brake pads. If you do a lot of motorway driving with high speed stop starts then disc changes may be required at 30,000 miles. Under normal driving conditions discs will probably last up to 60,000 miles. Always make sure a high quality brake pad is fitted to your vehicle.

Exhaust System

If you are having problems with your exhaust then we can supply and fit new systems made by bosal These excellent quality exhausts are fitted by many leading car manufacturers as original equipment. Most exhaust systems and catalytic convertors come with a 24 months unlimited mileage warranty. To ensure your exhaust is fitted perfectly we will normally use new exhaust clamps, gaskets and rubber mountings.

Batteries

The battery in your vehicle has to cope with an ever increasing amount of electrical equipment and with sophisticated engine management systems it is essential that your battery is up to the task. When you have a new battery fitted ask to have the alternator output checked under load as this will ensure your battery is being charged at the correct rate (13.5v to 14.5v). If your battery does go flat then remember to check your user manual or ask your local garage before jump starting as this may cause damage to your engine management system. Removing and re-fitting a new battery may upset or loose system settings i.e. Radio codes, alarms or activate central locking (with your keys in the ignition!) Bosch Silver is the right power pack for your automobile. Bosch Silver provides superior power reserves. Their high current consumption makes them extremely suited to short trips and gives them good cold starting characteristics. The innovative silver alloy increases their service life by 20% over conventional car batteries. And they are 100% maintenance-free.