Advice from our workshop
A few straight answers about your car.
You do not need to know the technical words before you call. These guides help you work out what information to bring us and what to expect.
01 · MOTs
What does an MOT actually tell me?
An MOT checks a vehicle against road safety and environmental standards on the day of the test. It is not a service and it is not a full report on the engine, clutch or gearbox. A pass does not replace routine maintenance.
Most cars need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, then every year. You can have the test up to one month minus a day before it expires and keep your existing renewal date. You can check the due date using the official MOT history service.
Check an MOT due dateBefore you drop it off
Check your lights, tyres, screen wash and wipers. Make sure your number plates are readable and clear out anything that blocks the driver’s view. These checks can catch simple problems; they are no guarantee of a pass.
If the result shows a major or dangerous defect, it fails. A vehicle with a dangerous defect must not be driven until it is repaired. We’ll explain the result, the options and any quote before doing extra work.
02 · Servicing
Interim, full or major — which one do I need?
Start with your car’s own service schedule, not the name of a package. The handbook or digital service record gives the intervals for its age and mileage. Some jobs are due by time, others by distance, whichever comes first.
An interim service is a useful extra check for cars doing a lot of miles between scheduled services. A full service is a broader set of checks and routine items. A major service adds items that come due less often. The exact parts and fluids depend on your make, model, engine and service history.
What to tell us
Give us the registration, current mileage and the date and mileage of the last service if you have them. Tell us about warning lights, noises or heavy use too. We can then check the correct schedule and quote the work your car actually needs.
An MOT and a service can be arranged together, but they do different jobs. If you are unsure what has already been done, we can help you read the service record.
03 · Air-con
How do I know which air-con gas my car uses?
Open the bonnet and look for the air-conditioning refrigerant label in the engine bay, often near the front panel or air-con pipework. It should show the type, usually R134a or R1234yf, and the required quantity. Your handbook may also list it.
Registration year is only a clue: manufacturers changed over at different times. If the label is missing or unclear, send us your registration and we’ll check the vehicle data before connecting a machine. The two gases are not interchangeable.
Blowing warm air?
Low refrigerant is one possibility, but a leak or another fault can give the same symptom. A regas alone may not fix it. Tell us how the system behaves and we’ll advise whether it needs a leak check or further diagnosis.
Still unsure?
Tell us what the car is doing.
You can call us on 01294 537576 or send a booking enquiry with your registration.