BRAKE DISCS, PADS, CALIPERS, CABLES & BRAKE FLUID CHANGE

These items are frequently changed due to wear & tear, however customers do complain about brake squeal, handbrakes not holding on a steep hill and brake warning lights on the dash. Customers also ask why there is such a wide price difference between budget & premium brake products. The answer lies in how well the brake discs / pads cope with dissipating heat. Heat causes uneven wear on the pad, can warp the discs & damage callipers. Also premium quality products tent to last longer too, although driver behaviour & type of journey are key factors on longevity.

EXHAUST SYSTEMS INCLUDING CATALYTIC CONVERTORS & DPF (DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER)

These are essential in cleaning the pollutants generated by the engine and as environmental legislation becomes more demanding so these items are improved to cope with these changes. They also have sensors to feed back to the engines ECU so that it can regulate fuel supply at the most efficient level.

Without diagnostic equipment these items can not be checked & tested accurantly enough to see if they can be reused or have to be replaced, as they are expensive.

SUMMER & WINTER TYRES, WHEEL ALIGNMENT & TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSORS)

Generally in the UK it’s not wintery enough to swap to winter tyres & without snow winter tyres have worse braking, are noisier & use more fuel. So unless u definitely need grip for the short spell of snowy weather or have a rear wheel drive car like a BMW don’t bother changing. imotorist can advise on the most suitable tyre & tyre pressure monitoring system for your car & needs.

BATTERIES, ALTERNATORS, STARTER MOTORS & INTELIGENT BATTERY SENSORS / MODULES

In winter these items fail the most, however most modern cars have so many electrical comfort options which may need to be reprogrammed or reset too using diagnostic equipment.

CLUTCH KIT, FLY WHEEL, & GEARBOX REBUILDS

Most customers complain about juddering or lack of pulling power, which is usually a result of flywheel damage or clutch being worn. Automatic gearboxes are more expensive to replace and are often rebuilt as this is the cost effective option

TIMING BELT KIT (CAM BELT) & WATER PUMP

Some manufacturers like BMW only use timing chains others have belts, each has its merits. Those with belts need to be changed at specific intervals based on mileage or age. It is critical to change them well within the limits set as any damage will be very expensive.

ENGINE REBUILDS, CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS & TURBOS

Cars that have any of these type of failures, need to be managed very carefully in terms of the repairs but also the costs too. The need to avoid repair costs that out strip the value of the car is important, as is providing objective professional advice on what can & cant be done. Finally the customer needs to be kept informed of progress at each stage and whether the repairs can be guaranteed or not.

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS & STANDARD SHOCK ABSORBERS WITH COIL SPRINGS

Most cars have spring & shock absorber suspensions, however those with air suspensions must be checked and tested to find the cause of the air loss. Air suspension systems involve electronic control units, air bags at each wheel, compressors, reservoir tanks, valves and feed pipes, any one or more of these could be the cause of failure and are expensive to replace.