FAQ’S

Find below answers to some of the questions that you may have about the mechanics on your car, and its health.

How Often Should I Get My Car Serviced?

We recommend a regular service every 12 months or 10,000 Miles, whichever comes first, unless specified otherwise by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is composed of designer molecules created by engineers for their superior lubricating characteristics. Synthetic oil has been shown in independent laboratory tests to do a better job of both lubricating engine parts and in controlling internal engine combustion deposits.

Should I Use Synthetic Oil in My Car?

Check with the specifications of your vehicle Manufacturer to see if it is applicable to your vehicle. We recommend synthetic oil for all 1998 and newer cars. We do not think it is necessary for older vehicles.

Why Is It So Important to Get Fluids and Lubricants Checked Every Year?

We recommend biannual fluid, lubricant and coolant check-ups. A brake flush is very important because brake fluid can absorb atmospheric moisture. This can really compromise your brake-system performance, causing poor pedal feel and brake fade. In extreme cases the moisture will lower the boiling point of your brake fluid, possibly leading to failure but also causing corrosion, and damage to your wheel callipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, and brake lines.

The same problem occurs with engine coolant. Diluted engine coolant will have a lower boiling point, which may lead to over-heating. Corrosion and deposits can damage your radiator and water pump.

CONTACT our mechanics in Bradford-on-Avon, for an unsurpassed service.

What Should Be My Antifreeze Strength?

Antifreeze should be checked and changed at regular intervals. After prolonged use, antifreeze will break down and become very corrosive. It can lose its rust preventative properties and the cooling system can fill rapidly with rust.

Check your owner’s manual for antifreeze usage specifications. Antifreeze, when mixed at a 50/50 ratio with water, provides excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil, and anti-corrosive properties. In extremely cold environments, the ratio for standard ethylene glycol can go as high as 70% antifreeze, 30% water.

The most common formulation of antifreeze is green in colour, and uses ethylene glycol as a base with anti-corrosion additives mixed in. The ethylene glycol part of the formula provides crucial anti-freezing characteristics, and the additives deliver the anti-rust and anti-corrosion capabilities.

Other antifreeze formulations include silicate-free for Japanese cars and phosphate-free for European cars.