Top auto service offers in Reading: 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. See more information on Best Car Servicing Reading.

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.

How much does an MOT cost? The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency sets the maximum fee official test centres can charge for an MOT. It’s currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorbikes, but many garages charge less than this – sometimes up to 50% less. Identification of your car; Your vehicles VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) must be displayed in a legible manner on your vehicle. The cars registration plate must be clear, have correct spacing between letters and numbers and be in an overall good condition.

If your car is in need of repairs, it can be frustrating. Being without a car can make you feel like a child again. Having to catch buses, or pay for taxis is no fun. Our expert mechanics have the experience and knowledge to carry out all repairs speedily and effectively. Tilehurst Service & MOT Centre offers a complete range of repairs, from removing scratches and dents in bodywork, to complete engine replacements. We’ll give you an accurate quote and let you know how long it will take, at the very start. It’s car repair perfection.

The air you breathe inside your car is important, which is why experts recommend you change the air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Changing the air filter is something you can get done when you take your car for an oil change or a routine check. However, if you’re skilled with cars, you can change it yourself. A typical air filter costs about $10, and it takes 10 minutes to change.

But if you’re only using them for light duties, cheaper tools may last a decent amount of time. It all comes down to deciding what you actually need – and that applies to any kind of motoring product. Each week, we test a wide range of products, which we rate on a mix of performance and price to give you the best advice on what to buy. But it’s not always as clear cut as that: a winning dash cam might offer 4K capability and a host of add-on features, but will you actually use them? That amazing set of spanners might stretch to 27mm wrenches, but how often will you use one? Does a fully featured portable sat-nav device give you more than using free Google Maps or Waze on your phone? Decide what features you actually need and search our free product test archive.

An annual service suitable for average mileage vehicles covering 12000 miles per year or at 12000 mile intervals for high mileage users. The schedule is more comprehensive than most main dealer service schedules. The service includes oil and oil filter, air filter and pollen filter changes. All tops ups to the engine bay area are included. It is a comprehensive service with all wheels removed and brakes inspected, cleaned and adjusted. A diagnostic scan, vehicle health check and test drive by a qualified technician are all included. Find extra info on http://carservice-centre.co.uk/.

Not every chip or crack on a windscreen will cost you an MoT certificate, as it’s all down to location. The details may seem complicated, but as a rule of thumb you can get away with chips smaller than 10mm in front of the driver. Any damage bigger than 10mm in front of the driver – and also in the glass area swept by the wipers – will be an MoT fail. Elsewhere on the glass, damage has to be larger than 40mm to constitute an MoT fail. Wiper blades must be in good condition – not perished or damaged – and clear the screen effectively. The washers must work too, and the MoT tester is within their rights to issue a fail if you haven’t topped up the washer bottle or unblocked dirty washer jets with a pin!

Keep up with oil changes. When oil levels are low, or oil is old, added friction between moving parts can cause wear and tear to the engine. Follow your owner’s manual to determine the best intervals for changing oil. Check the brakes every time the oil is changed. Take care of your tires. Check and maintain proper tire pressure. Tires inflated within five pounds per square inch (PSI) of their recommended level improve gas mileage and general handling of your vehicle. Recommended PSI can be found in the owner’s manual. Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Whatever age your car is, regular servicing is the only way to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. We look at the costs and benefits… Most modern cars will remind you with a warning light or message when it’s time for a service. When you see this, it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s just letting you know the vehicle is due for its regular check-up. Why is it important to service my car, and how much will it cost? Having your car serviced can seem like a financial burden, but there are a few key reasons why it’s important to make sure you do it. Firstly, it makes sure your car is in good working order; the technicians working on it will inspect many of the mechanical and electric parts to make sure they’re functioning as they should. Having your car serviced regularly will extend its life and help it to retain more of its value.

MOTs are a necessary expense by law, but you can save money here, too. Some dealers incentivise customer loyalty by offering free MoTs for life, as long as the car is serviced at the dealer it was bought from. But another route you can go down is to get your car inspected by a council-run test centre. Council-run MoT centres do not carry out any repairs, which means the mechanics doing the inspection have less incentive to fail your car in order to make some extra money. So you can guarantee that any MoT failure is a genuine one.