What’s Included in Car Servicing?

A full car service is usually carried out once every 12 months, while an interim service is once every six. If you’re thinking about taking your car to get serviced in Maidstone, you might be wondering what’s included. In this post, we’ll run through everything that’s included in car servicing so you know what you’re paying for.

Lights

Servicing includes a comprehensive check of all of the vehicle’s lights, including the front, rear, side, and main lights are in full working order. Your indicators and hazards will also be checked, as well as reserve, fog, and registration lights.

Fluids

We’ll then check the engine oil and top it up or replace it if necessary with a high-quality oil. The condition of the oil filter will also be checked and this will be replaced if needed.

We will also check the windscreen washer fluid as well as the engine coolant levels and power steering fluid. All of these will be topped up if necessary.

Brakes

We carry out a full inspection of the brakes, including the brake fluid. Everything from the pipes delivering the brake fluid to the brake pads will be checked. Brake pads can be replaced if they’re worn and we can advise on any repairs needed to pipes.

Tyres

Next up, the tyres will be checked for any obvious damage such as cracks or punctures. We’ll also ensure your tyres have the minimum required tread depth to be roadworthy. We’ll also check the tyre pressure as well as the wheel alignment and suspension.

Electrics

All of the vital electrics of your car will be tested, including the battery, alternator, and starter motor. The battery will also be checked for damage or leaks, as well as the wiring to make sure everything is in good working order.

Instruments

We’ll run tests to make sure the rev counter, speedometer, mileage counter, and other electrical instruments are working properly. We’ll also check the gauges, warning lights, and horn.

Windscreen

Both windscreens will be inspected for damage, as well as the washers and wipers. If these are damaged, we can provide replacement parts as needed.

Engine

All engine components go through rigorous testing, including the transmission, rear axle, radiator, coolant hose, clutch, air filters, exhaust system, and more. This is an extensive inspection to make sure all components are working properly.

Book a car service in Maidstone

If it’s time to get your car serviced in Maidstone, Kent, come to Granville Garage. We are a local, independent garage known for car servicing and offer great prices for quality services. To get a free quote, call our team today: 01622 761 571

Common Issues That Require Brake Repairs

The brakes are arguably one of the most important components of your car. Any issues could significantly impact your braking distance, making your car unsafe to drive. Unfortunately, there is a lot that can go wrong with a car’s brake system. In this post, we’ll cover common issues that require brake repairs so you know when to bring your car into our garage in Maidstone.

Worn brake pads

This is a common issue we see because brake pads will naturally wear down over time. When brake pads wear too thin, they don’t react as strongly when you hit the pedal and you might hear a high-pitched squeal.

Fortunately, replacing brake pads is a quick, affordable job, so if your brakes aren’t responding as they should, bring your car in to get checked.

Low brake fluid

If your pedal goes almost to the floor when you push it but your car doesn’t stop quickly, you likely need a top-up of brake fluid. This is another extremely easy and affordable problem to fix. All we need to do is fill up your brake fluid – you can even do this one yourself by taking the cover off the master cylinder under the hood. If you’re unsure what this is, it’s always best to bring it in and let us take care of it.

Brake fluid contamination

When dust or water gets into the brake fluid, it affects the fluid’s ability to withstand high pressure which can cause your brakes to fail. When checking your brake fluid level or topping it up, it’s important to secure the lid on the valve tightly so no particles can get in.

If your brake fluid is contaminated with anything, we can replace it to get your brakes working properly.

Rusted brake discs

Brake discs are made of metal so are susceptible to rust. If they do rust, they can get jammed or damaged, often making it feel like the car pulls to one side. We can remove the wheel and inspect your brake discs for signs of rust. Replacements are relatively affordable and we can source the best parts for you.

Mud on the calliper

If you often drive down lanes or muddy roads, mud can get stuck to the calliper and seriously impact the brake system. If this happens, your car will feel like it’s braking even when it’s not and can make it dangerous to drive. If it’s difficult to control the speed of your car, we can check the calliper for you and remove any dirt or debris.

Damaged brake booster

The brake booster is there to create a vacuum in the brake system. This pressurises the brake pedal, meaning you can brake quickly with little effort. If the brake booster gets damaged, you won’t have the same brake power. We can inspect your brake system and look for leaks in the brake booster and talk you through repairs if required.

Brake line obstruction

Sometimes, something gets lodged in the brake line if the brake fluid gets contaminated. When the brake fluid gets blocked, your brake system will fail and your car will overheat and become extremely dangerous to drive. If you notice any issues with your brakes and feel the car overheating, bring it in immediately so we can take the fluid and the brake line for obstructions.

Expert brake repairs in Maidstone

Our team at Granville Garage are known for fast, affordable brake repairs in Maidstone. If you’re concerned your brakes aren’t working as they should, we can do a thorough inspection and pinpoint the problem. We’ll walk you through the issue and give you a free, no-obligation quote for repairs. Call us today to make an appointment: 01622 761 571

How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT

In the UK, you are legally required to get a yearly MOT inspection when your car is more than three years old. This is an essential safety test that makes sure your car is roadworthy and safe to drive. If it’s almost time to book an MOT for your car in Maidstone, there are some simple checks you can do yourself to boost your chances of passing.

Your Pre MOT checklist

We understand you can’t fix any major problems with your car before an MOT. And that’s why we provide pre MOT checks to ensure your car passes. However, if you don’t want to pay for these checks, there are some basic checks you can do yourself to spot issues before the MOT.

Even small issues like faulty lightbulbs or door handles could make your car fail its MOT inspection, so it’s important to do some routine checks and mention any concerns to your mechanics before they do your MOT.

Here are some easy checks you can do at home:

Number plates

Both your front and rear number plates need to be clearly visible and well-secured. They also need to be appropriate for the year of the vehicle. If you have personalised plates, check on the DVLA website to make sure they are legal and will pass an MOT inspection.

Steering

When you’re driving the car, pay attention to the steering. If the car feels like it’s pulling to one side or your power steering isn’t working as it should, this is something that needs to be addressed before the MOT.

Horn

Yes, your car can fail its MOT if the horn isn’t working since it’s considered a piece of safety equipment. Beep your horn to check it works before your MOT so you’re not caught out. It needs to make a loud, clear noise.

Lights

It’s hard to check your lights yourself, so get someone to make sure your lights are working for you by going around and visually inspecting each one for you while you operate the brakes.

If you don’t have anyone to help, you can drive up to a wall and see if you can see the reflection of the lights in your mirrors.

Bonnet

Your bonnet needs to open and close easily and securely. If the catch doesn’t work properly, your car will fail the MOT. Make sure the hinges are well-oiled so they don’t cause issues.

Doors

Make sure all the doors (boot included) open and close easily and all the locks are in good working order.

Car body

Although dents and scrapes won’t make you fail your MOT, holes in the bodywork could. So do a full visual inspection and make sure there aren’t signs of rust and holes. If you’re concerned, ask our mechanics before your MOT is due and we’ll let you know if it’s something your car will fail on.

Book your MOT prep in Maidstone today

Those are all the simple checks you can do at home. If you want a more thorough inspection to ensure your car will pass its MOT the first time, our team can help. At Granville Garage, we are an approved MOT testing centre in Maidstone and regularly carry out pre MOT inspections. Call us today to get a quick, free quote: 01622 761 571