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Please use these FAQs as a guide, if you have further questions then please give our team a call or drop us an email and we’ll be able to answer any questions you may have?
MOT
/01Do I need an MOT?
Yes â it is a legal requirement to have your vehicle inspected and an MOT test carried out annually. Every vehicle that drives on UK roads must be deemed in roadworthy condition, both for the safety of the owner/ driver and for other road users.
Getting your vehicle MOTâd is different from having your car serviced, it is important that you note the difference between these two. An MOT is there to ensure that a vehicle is safe to drive on the road, while a car service involves looking at the general mechanical health and condition of the vehicle.
/02How often does an MOT test need to be carried out?
Wondering when your vehicle needs to have an MOT test carried out? You must make sure that your vehicleâs first MOT test is carried out on the third anniversary of its registration, and then every year thereafter.Â
For example, if you bought a brand new vehicle on 1st April 2016, its very first MOT would be due on 1st April 2019, and then it would need an MOT annually on this date.
Vehicles less than 3 years do not need to be MOT tested.
/03What if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails to meet the minimum safety and environmental criteria, then you will have to have a re-test. If your car has failed its MOT, you will not be able to use the vehicle on public roads. Motorists will have to have work carried out to bring the car up to the correct standard and then retake the test.
/04I canât remember when my MOT is due â How can I find out when my MOT test is due?
We offer an MOT reminder service â Here at FRM Automotive Ltd, we understand that itâs easy to forget when your next MOT is due so why not fill in our MOT Reminder form, and we will remind you within 3 weeks of your next MOT date.
/05What do I do if Iâve lost my certificate?
Firstly, donât panic. Your chosen MOT testing garage can supply you with a paper replacement â all you need to do is provide them with the vehicle registration number, and either the original MOT test number or your vehicleâs V5C number.
When you lose your certificate, donât worry, you can easily get another certificate reissued and you donât need to go through the process of getting the vehicle retested â phew!
/06What if my MOT has already expired?
Driving a vehicle that does not have a valid MOT certificate is against the law. When it comes to the law, ignorance is not a valid excuse. If the car doesnât have an MOT certificate, it canât be driven on the road. Simple as â unless of course, youâre driving the vehicle directly to an MOT test centre or car garage. If you are stopped by the police, you must be able to prove that you have a pre-booked test.Â
/07Are any vehicles exempted from needing an MOT?
Technically, yes, some are. If the car was built more than 40 years ago, then it does not need an annual MOT test. However, owners of these elderly vehicles do still have a legal requirement to maintain them and ensure its safe and in a roadworthy condition. Other exempt vehicles include electric-powered goods vehicles and tractors.
Tyres/wheels
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/02What should I look out for when checking my car tyres?
The main thing to look out for is the condition and age of the tyres. When checking your tyres, take a look at the tread and sidewalls. Observe whether they have any cuts, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps or cracks. It is also important to keep an eye on the tyreâs age.
If you see anything usual or suspicious, it is always advisable to get your tyres checked over by a professional who can take a closer inspection.Â
/03What is the minimum legal tread depth?
The law requires you to have a minimum car tyre tread depth of roughly 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three-quarters of the tyre. You can check your tread depth by placing a 20p coin into several of the tread grooves across the tyre. If your tyre tread depth is below the legal limit then you wonât be able to insert the coin into the grooves. If you can, and part of the â20â on the coin is not visible, then this means that your tread depth is well above the legal limit.
/04Why are tyre pressures important?
There are a number of reasons why tyre pressure is important. Tyres that have the correct tyre pressure can improve our vehicles steering, stopping and grip. When tyres are under-inflated this can increase the stopping distances by up to 8 metres or even more. In heavier vehicles, the stopping distance can double, particularly in bad weather conditions. Therefore, under-inflated tyres are really not worth the risk.
/05How long will my tyres last?
The length of time in which tyres last depends on how your car is driven and stored. In normal driving conditions, you should get a minimum of 20,000 miles out of the front tyres on a front-wheel-drive car; real tyres may last longer than this, up to 40,000 miles.
/06What causes irregular tyre wear?
Irregular or uneven tyre wear is usually caused by improper alignment, over-inflation, under-inflation, or worn out suspension. Regardless of the time of year, the effect of winter may linger on your tyres, from snow, salt and grit, the cold or fluctuating temperatures as well as winter potholes that often affect the roadways and cause wear and tear.Â
/07How far can I drive with a flat tyre?
Driving on a flat or punctured tyre is not just unsafe but it can also cause damage to the wheel the longer you drive on it when your tyre is in this condition. If you leave a flat tyre on a car whilst itâs not moving, this should not cause any significant or major damage, but it is a good idea to sort the tyre out as soon as possible.
/08Do I have to fit winter tyres in the winter?
In the UK, it is not a legal requirement to fit winter tyres during the cold winter months. However, in many other Northern European countries such as Germany, drivers are compelled by law to remove their summer tyres during the winter months; the law also applies to visitors.
When the temperature drops below 7°C over a 24-hour period, then ideally winter tyres should be fitted. But, as the weather in the UK fluctuates and there is typically no specific date when this could happen, and it is not on a consistent basis, it is not a legal requirement, only a recommendation.
Engine
/01How often should my cambelt be changed?
Timing/cam belts require routine replacement, including their tensioners and, possibly, the water pump. Some car makers were over-ambitious about the replacement intervals and may have revised their schedules. You may want to call Furlong Street Garage if you notice the following:
- You Hear A Ticking Noise Coming From The Engine.
- Your Carâs Engine Wonât Turn Over.
- You Notice An Oil Leak Near The Motor.
- You Experience Exhaust Issues.
- Your Revs Start Acting Up.
/02Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid absorbs water, which can reduce braking efficiency. Unless synthetic brake fluid is used, it should be renewed every two years.
/03Antifreeze / Coolantâs
Antifreeze / Coolantâs anti-corrosion properties diminish with time, necessitating replacement every two years. Some long-life coolants (which should, generally, not be used on pre-1985 cars) extend this period to five years.
/04Fuel Filters
Fuel Filters often need replacing at least once a year, although many manufacturers recommend a much longer interval.
/05Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs Use good-quality long-life replacements and inspect the condition of the ignition coil(s) and leads (if fitted).
/06Sensors
Sensors, such as engine electrical sensors, air-mass sensors or oxygen/Lambda sensors, are not considered to be service items but they do degrade with time and often need replacing after 5-10 years.
Battery
/01How long should a car battery last?
Average battery life for a conventional wet cell lead-acid car battery is about four to five years, and can be as short as three years in hot climates. Battery life can be reduced if the battery is run down frequently, chronically undercharged, or subjected to extreme vibration (driving on rough roads). AGM batteries usually last up to 6 years or longer.
/02How can I tell if a battery is good or bad?
Load testing a battery or using an electronic battery tester to check the condition of your battery will tell you if it is good or bad. If your battery fails either type of test, it needs to be replaced.
/03What type of replacement battery should I buy?
You can replace your battery with a conventional wet cell battery car battery, or an AGM battery. The Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating of the new battery should be the same or higher than your old battery.
/04How should I dispose of my old car battery?
Car batteries contain lead (a toxic heavy metal) and acid. They should always be recycled. Most retail outlets and repair facilities that sell batteries will accept your old battery for recycling. If you do not give them your old battery for recycling, they may charge a deposit fee to encourage you to recycle your old battery.
/01How much does a car battery cost?
It depends on the cranking capacity of the battery (CCA rating), the type of battery (conventional or AGM) and the warranty on the battery. The higher the CCA rating and/or the longer the warranty period, the higher the price. AGM batteries also cost up to 25 percent more than conventional batteries. New batteries typically sell for ÂĢ70 to ÂĢ200.
/02Are all car batteries rated at 12 volts?
Yes, for most starting and basic electrical systems. A fully charged 12 volt battery will actually read about 12.65 volts. Back in the 1950s and early 1960s, some cars have 6 volt batteries and electrical systems. Hybrid vehicles have a separate high voltage battery that may range from 48 volts up to 300 volts or higher depending on the application.
/03Are car batteries dangerous?
A 12-volt car battery cannot shock you. However, car batteries emit hydrogen gas when they are charging. Hydrogen gas is very explosive. A spark nearby could cause the battery to explode. Caution should be used when jump starting a dead battery for this reason. Never connect both jumper cables to the battery itself. Connect the positive jumper cable to the battery, but make the negative cable connection to a ground on the vehicle away from the battery to reduce the risk of an explosion. Also, wear eye protection and gloves while handling or changing a battery and void contact with any acid that spills from the battery. Never attempt to jump start a frozen battery.
/04What is the difference between an AGM battery and a conventional battery?
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. It is a type of battery cell construction that used a paste rather than liquid acid electrolyte between the cell plates. AGM batteries cannot spill because there is no liquid to spill, and they are typically longer lived because of their unique construction. AGM batteries are also slightly lighter, charge faster and can deep cycle with less risk of battery damage.
Oil & filters
/01What is a lubricant: role and function
Improves engine efficiency by reducing friction, protects against wear and prolongs life, keeps the engine clean, and cools the parts.
Lubricants have different performance characteristics, but share one common characteristic, their main component: the âlubricating baseâ. The latter is the primary component of lubricants which can be synthetic or petroleum-based. IGOL offers a comprehensive range of hydraulic fluids, gear oils and other lubricating fluids for all industrial applications.
/02Why is viscosity of an automotive lubricant important?
The âviscosityâ of a lubricant refers to its ability to resist flow. There are two cases, either the viscosity is high or it is low: the lower the viscosity (0W/5W), the more friction is reduced, providing energy savings. Conversely, high viscosity will create a thick film between moving parts for maximum engine protection.
/03Should different lubricants be mixed?
Each lubricant consists of different characteristics and a specific formulation. They are not all mixable or compatible. This means that mixing two products can cause performance deterioration.
As this is a âcase by caseâ issue, we advise you to consult the detailed technical data on the label of the lubricant used and to never make hazardous mixes that could harm your engine, the environment or your health!
Brakes/pads
Coming soon...
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
General
Coming soon...
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
Motorbike
Coming soon...
/01
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
Fuels
Coming soon...
/01
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
Winter Checks
Coming soon...
/01
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
/01How often should my tyres be checked?
It is recommended that you should check your vehicleâs tyre pressure every couple of weeks. In an ideal scenario, you should check your tyre tread depth every two weeks, but more realistically, it should be done at least every month. When left unchecked, tyres can quickly become deflated; this can result in uneven wearing of the tread.
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