HELP & ADVICE

All our work is covered by a unique 12 month / 12,000 mile guarantee

In the unlikely event of a replaced part failing due to incorrect fitment or the part itself being faulty, we offer the added reassurance of free parts and labour for replacement within 12 months or 12,000 miles commencing from the date of original fitment (whichever is the earlier)

Your statutary rights are not affected.

We subscribe to The Motor Ombudsman Code Of Practice and commit to providing you with:

• Honest and fair services
• Completing work as agreed
• Invoices that match quoted prices
• Competent and conscientious staff
• Open and transparent pricing

A few simple facts

Your MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test your vehicle met, as far as can be determined without dismantling, the minimum acceptable environmental and safety standards required by law. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and is not a substitute for regular maintenance (This is an explanation taken from the government’s own website).

The point about no dismantling is important because, items such as brake pads & shoes (quite often) are not visible and cannot be checked for wear.

Without an MOT certificate, you will be unable to renew your road tax and in the event of an accident your insurance claim could be affected

A good place for further information About MOT's is https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/vehicle-tax-mot-insurance

Is my car due?

A car does not require an MOT until it is 3 yrs old, after that it will require one every 12 months. At Kingshurst we send out MOT reminders every year, usually between two and four weeks before they are due. We can also send out text message and email reminders if we have those details. To find out if your car is due an MOT, visit https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status

I can't find my MOT certificate

No Problem - If we tested it last time then give us a ring and we will be able to tell you when its due. If we didn’t then you can check it by contacting VOSA on 0870 330 044 or by visiting their website at http://www.vosa.gov.uk/

13 Month MOT!

Did you know you can renew your MOT up to 28 days before it is due without losing any days! E.g. bring your car in 2 weeks early and if passes your new certificate will be valid for 1yr & 2 weeks!

VOSA and MOT Computerisation

VOSA (the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) is the government agency responsible for the MOT.

In March 2006 they installed computer equipment in all test stations to record the results of all MOT tests. So although we issue a certificate the main legal 'proof' is now an electronic record held on a national VOSA database. With this has come many benefits:

1. Reduced certificate theft and MOT fraud
2. It provides better information and protection when buying second-hand vehicles
3. Enables you to buy a tax disc online at: www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc

What we check

For the latest information regarding the items we check during an MOT, visit https://www.gov.uk/topic/mot/get-check-mot

Tips on getting your car through the test

A few simple checks can save time and money

It is surprising how many cars fail on small items, such as a blown light bulb or a worn out windscreen wiper blade.

Putting everything right before the test will save the inconvenience and expense of a re-test. It will also be a lot cheaper than paying labour on things that you can do yourself.

Make sure all the obvious items are working - Lights, horn, washers & wipers are the easy ones. If you see something and you’re not sure if it will affect the outcome of the test give us a ring or pop in.

If your diesel car is mainly used for short local runs the exhaust will be sooted up which may cause it to fail the emissions test. Give the car a good run (20 min) in a low gear with the revs held higher than you would normally drive to clear the soot out.

Retests

Free retest

No fee will be charged for a retest if your vehicle is left with us for repair or if it fails on any of the items below and returned before the end of the next working day:

Bonnet, Boot lid, Brake pedal anti-slip device, Direction indicators, Doors, Fuel filler cap Hazard warning lights, Horn, Lamps, Loading door, Mirrors, Rear reflectors, Registration plates, Seat belts (but not anchorages) Seats, Sharp edges or projections, Steering wheel, Tailgate, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Windscreen and glass, Windscreen washer and wipers, Wheels & Tyres

Chargeable retest

If your car has failed on more major items and you either fix it yourself or get another garage to fix it you will need to bring it back for a partial re-test within 10 working days. Cost £27.00.

What to Bring

Nothing much!

You don't even have to bring in your old MOT certificate - If you bring your car in early (up to a maximum of 28 days) the computer will look at when your previous test is to run out it will then add those extra days onto your new certificate!

Diesel cars - As the diesel emissions test requires us to rev the engine, make sure the oil level is correct and the cam belt has been changed as specified by the manufacturer. To check this refer to your vehicle service history (a cam belt generally needs replacing between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles) Not sure? - Just ask us to check it before we carry out the test

Please bring your vehicle for its MOT a few minutes early We do not wish to inconvenience you, but we do work to a tight schedule and may have to re-book a late presented vehicle.

Waiting

Sit in comfort with Free WiFi

As you can see we have a comfortable waiting lounge with a clear viewing area upstairs and provide tea & coffee while you wait

Allowing time for paperwork

Please bring your vehicle for its MOT a few minutes early. We do not wish to inconvenience you, but we do work to a tight schedule and may have to re-book a late presented vehicle

How long does it take?

An MOT takes approximately 45 minutes.

Typical Brake Problems

It goes without saying that brakes are a safety critical item and any problems you may encounter will require attention immediately. Some of the typical problems you may experience if your brakes start to develop a fault are:

• Vibration
• Grinding noise
• Pulling to one side
• Loss of brake fluid
• Brake warning light on
• Long travel on foot brake or handbrake

Warning lights - On dash

Most cars have one or two main warning lights on the dashboard. When you first start up your car, all the lights on the dashboard should light up. This is the bulb check; they should go out in a few seconds. If a light doesn’t go out, then your car is alerting you of a problem. If a warning light does not come on during the bulb check, it is telling you that you need to replace the bulb.

Brake Warning Light

If your brake warning light stays on it indicates one of the following:

• Your handbrake is on (should go out when it is released)
• You have lost pressure in the system
• There is a brake fluid leak and the sensor in your brake reservoir has detected your fluid is low

ABS Warning light

The ABS tests itself each time the ignition is turned on. If a defect is detected for whatever reason, the ABS turns itself off and the normal braking system is used on its own. If the ABS warning light stays on (after initial start up) it is telling the driver of a defect in the system. Not only is this dangerous but it will prevent the car from passing its MOT

If both warning lights illuminate at the same time when driving, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is hydroscopic which means it absorbs water over time and because water boils at a much lower temperature than brake fluid it can cause the brake pedal to "go spongy"

To make matters worse, the only time you are likely to boil your brake fluid is during a period of prolonged braking, or in an emergency stop - not the best time for brake failure!

With our FREE Brake Check we test the temperature the brake fluid boils at and can advise you of its condition.

Brake fluid is a service item and should be changed at least every 2 years.

What is ABS (Antilock Braking System)

Stopping a car in a hurry on a slippery road can be very challenging. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) take a lot of the challenge out of this sometimes nerve-wracking event. In fact, on slippery surfaces, even professional drivers can't stop as quickly without ABS as an average driver can with ABS.

The ABS System has sensors on each of the wheels that relay information back to the ABS computer to tell it if a wheel is just about to start skidding. When the ABS system is in operation you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal; this comes from the rapid opening and closing of the valves. This allows maximum stopping force to be applied without the brakes locking-up and the car skidding.

Punctures

When can you safely repair punctures?

Cuts, breaks and abrasions to the tyre casing can penetrate deep into the inner fabric of the tyre and can be extremely dangerous - capable of causing high speed blow-outs.

However, penetration of the tread by a nail or shard of glass or metal can often be safely repaired.

Which part of a tyre can be repaired?

Tyres can only be repaired in the area marked 'T'

PUNCTURES

When can you safely repair punctures?

The area 'T' is defined as a percentage of the tyre's width:
Up to and inc 155mm .......... You can repair the middle 60% of the width
Above 155mm to 200mm ... You can repair the middle 65% of the width
Above 200mm ........................You can repair the middle 70% of the width
Also for tyres rated 'V' and above, only one repair is allowed.

Prices

Locate puncture, remove tyre, repair, refit & balance

£18.50 inc vat

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Tracking

Wheel alignment

Incorrect alignment can result in rapid irregular tyre wear and can even affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.

Wheel alignment can be affected by driving against a kerb, hitting a pothole in the road or by excessive wear to steering or suspension components. Alignment of the wheels is important to get the maximum wear from your tyres as well as maintaining good road holding.

Wheel alignment or 'tracking' involves checking suspension angles against vehicle manufacturers' specifications. This is often described as toe in or toe out.

"Toe" refers to whether the front of the tyres are closer or further apart than the rear of the tyres. Different vehicle types need different toe settings to allow for the way the wheels either pull towards each other or apart when driving.

Prices

Laser front wheel alignment Check & adjust	£36.00 inc vat
Laser four wheel alignment Check & adjust	£58.00 inc vat

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Tyre Tips

If you get a puncture

If you get a puncture, the 3 things that can let you down and leave you desperately stranded are:

Locking Wheel Nuts - If you have them fitted do you know where the unlock key is?

Jack - Most car jacks seize up because they are never used. Just once a year, lubricate the thread then wind it up and down to free it off.

Spare Wheel - When did you last check to see if it was legal & inflated?

Legal requirements

The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.

For safety reasons it is recommended that you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3 millimetres.
At 1.6 millimetres in wet weather, it would take a further 8 metres (the length of a bus) to stop at 50 mph, compared with a tread of 3 millimetres.

Importance of correct tyre pressures

The main reasons for maintaining the right tyre pressures are:

• Safety - Tyres that are either over or under inflated do not have the same levels of grip as ones that are correctly inflated
• Economy - Tyres with the correct pressure do not wear out so quickly.

Also vehicles with under-inflated tyres have a higher rolling resistance which increases the engines fuel consumption

We do not charge to set tyre pressures

Space saving spares

'Mini spares' are designed to take up less room in your vehicle and to get you home, but not to be driven on for long periods. Many of the space savers can not be used at speeds over 50mph; consult your space saver wheel or vehicle handbook for specific details

Run flat tyres

Run flat tyres enable vehicles to be driven, at reduced speeds for a limited time until they can be replaced. These are specialist tyres with reinforced sidewalls allowing the tyre to support the vehicles weight even when all the air has escaped

General

It is preferable to have the same tyres all round - Or at the very minimum the same from side to side (same axle)

Never change a tyre on a motorway or busy dual carriageway especially if it’s on the off side of the vehicle (driver’s side)

Testing Tips

A few tips to save you both time & money

By reading through the information here there is much you can do for yourself to save both hard earned cash and unnecessary trips back to the garage

You will be surprised at just how many drivers turn up with simple things like lights not working, wiper blades worn out and even washer bottles that are left empty!

Check your oil level

Petrol & especially diesels. The test requires hard revving of the engine to check the emissions and if it's too low or too high it could cause damage to the engine

Tyres

One of the most common failures and one of the simplest to put right. The council regulations are that there must be a minimum of 2mm of tread across the whole tread and not 1.6mm as required by the law (this includes the spare)

Always check your tyre pressures before a test (again including the spare)

Lights

Another very common area of failure but very simple to put right.
Headlights - if you have replaced a bulb is it fitted correctly and is the headlamp refitted securely.
If a headlight bulb is fitted incorrectly it will effect the beam pattern

Spare Wheel, Wheel Brace & Jack

Must be present and indelibly marked with the car registration number

Radios

Must be secure with wires clipped away neatly

LPG Car

Must have current certificate of conformity from approved garage.

Tints to windows / screen

Go to Guidance Notes

Disputes

It has never happened in all the time we have been carrying out these tests and we always go out of our way to explain why any item has failed. However if you are still unhappy - Who you get in touch with will depend on which section of the test an item has failed on

MOT section of the test

Complete a form VT17 (supplied by us) and return it to VOSA within 14 days. Their enquiry line is: 0300 123 9000.

Supplementary Test

Contact the council within 14 days. Solihull Licensing Dept can be contacted on: 0121 704 6830.

Do not carry out work on the vehicle before any inspections have taken place.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

PO Box 1833
Council House
Solihull
B91 9DZ
Licensing Department Tel: 0121 704 8003
Taxi Information -Vehicle
Driver Information

Birmingham City Council

Licensing Section
Crystal Court
50 Rocky Lane
Aston
Birmingham
B6 5RQ
Tel: 0121 303 8442

VOSA

Berkeley House
Croydon Street
Bristol
BS5 0DA
MOT enquiry line: 08703 300 444
www.vosa.gov.uk
Good link for MOT testing information - Directgov

LPG specialists

Prestige LPG Limited

Unit 9, Rea Business Park
Inkerman Street
Nechells
Birmingham
B7 4SG
Tel: 0121 333 3990

Solihull Autogas

29 Birchy Close
Shirley
Birmingham
B90 1QL
Tel: 01564 823006
However any LPGA approved garage is acceptable

For more details on our great savings on Tyres in Castle Bromwich as well as our Garage Services in Chelmsley Wood then please view the rest of our site

FREE Pick up & Drop off

With the non stop nature of work today, do you really want to take time off to have your car repaired?

A quick look at our web site will tell you that our prices are competitive and if you work within a 4 mile radius of our garage we will collect and deliver your car free of charge!

This service is only available from a business address, not a domestic address, and is only available when you book a service or service/MOT

Courtesy Car

If you prefer to drop your car off (as an alternative to collection) we can lend you a courtesy car instead. We have two Ford courtesy cars and there is no charge for their use; all we ask is that you replace any petrol you use. Please call us to pre-book this service.

Payment

We take card payments over the phone when the job has been completed and your card receipt will be attached to your invoice on return

Car servicing even under warranty

Have you car serviced with us can make savings of between 30% to 40% compared to a franchised dealer and it wont affect your manufacturer’s warranty.

For full information click here [MANUFACTURERS SERVICE]

The Nuts & Bolts

Generally we will pick up your car between 9.00am - 10.30am (unless agreed otherwise) all we need to know is:

• Your work address
• Where we are to collect the keys from
• Where it’s parked if within a large car park
• Time you would like it back

To book, please contact us on 0121 770 9377