Hybrid vehicle bumper

Do Hybrid Cars Services Differ From Regular Servicing?

By | Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Services, Uncategorized

The UK’s roads are filled with a mixture of fuel, electric and hybrid vehicles. Because of this, we’ve expanded our range of services to meet the needs of electric and hybrid car owners. There are some slight difference with what each vehicle will need. Let’s take a look at what might be different for hybrid car services.

Do Hybrid Vehicles Need Less Maintenance?

In some ways yes, and in other ways no. Because a hybrid vehicle is powered by a combination of a battery and an engine, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard as it does on a traditional vehicle. This usually means that oil needs topping up and changing less often. However, the battery and engine combination can make the hood of the car hotter. Therefore, the coolant may need topping up more often.

CAR BATTERY REPLACEMENT CHEPSTOW

What’s Included In Hybrid Car Services?

Much like standard petrol and diesel vehicles, hybrid cars still need the usual mechanical checks. We’ll ensure that the brakes and steering are working correctly, and also check the suspension and fluids. Some hybrid vehicles will also need the charging equipment checked, if they have it.

The charging equipment is comprised of a few different parts. First, the hybrid battery will need to be checked for overall health. If it’s not performing very well, it will need replacing. We also need to check the charging port and cables. Finally, the inverter coolant and brake binding also need to be assessed.

How Often Do You Need Hybrid Car Services?

There’s no difference in servicing frequencies for hybrid and standard vehicles. Much like with petrol or diesel engines, you’ll need to service your hybrid car more or less depending on how much mileage you do. At a minimum, you should get a service once per year.

Because of this, hybrid car maintenance isn’t usually any more expensive than that of a fuel-powered vehicle. Although the initial outlay may be more expensive, you shouldn’t have to worry about extra costs down the line. The most expensive fee you might have for your hybrid car is a battery replacement. However, the batteries are designed to last for up to 11 years, so this should be a very rare occurrence.

For Hybrid Car Services, Choose Easy Car Care

If you have a hybrid vehicle and need a local garage to help with servicing and maintenance, look no further. Our team have experience working with regular, hybrid and electric vehicles, so you can trust us to take care of your needs.

a tyre in the snow, winter tyre fitting

Tyre Fitting For Colder Months: When To Fit Winter Tyres

By | Tyres

With the weather becoming more unpredictable as each year goes by, it’s more important than ever to prepare your vehicle for the winter. Not only should you ensure you’ve filled up the screen wash and engine oil, you should also book your winter tyre fitting.

Why Do You Need Winter Tyre Fitting?

When the temperatures plummet, the roads can become icy and slippery. This can be very dangerous, particularly if your tyres are older and have less tread. Winter tyres have better grip in colder temperatures and on wet roads. They’ll increase your safety on the road, so it’s well worth the investment.

How To Care For Winter Tyres

Once your car is fitted with winter tyres, you’ll need to know how to care for them. They’re very similar to regular tyres, so it’s very simple. It’s suggested that you check your tyre pressure more often in the colder seasons, as the drop in temperature can cause the pressure to drop.

When Should You Get Winter Tyres Fitted?

As soon as the temperature drops to 7°C or below, it’s time to switch your tyres. You’ll need them to ensure your car has good grip to the road.

Remember, once winter is over and things start to warm up again, you should remove the winter tyres. At over 7°C, their grip is much worse and you should switch back to summer tyres for the best possible adhesion to the road.

At present, it’s not legally required to have winter tyres fitted. However, it is in many European countries. If our winters continue to become colder, icier and therefore more dangerous, it could become a requirement in future.  If you’re planning a European road trip over the winter, be sure to check what the law is in the countries you’ll be driving through.

For Winter Tyre Fitting, Choose Easy Car Care

At Easy Car Care, we’re all about simple vehicle maintenance. If you’re interested in fitting winter tyres to your car, get in contact with us today. We’d be happy to discuss your options and book your tyre appointment today.

ECU Remapping

What To Do If Your Car Fails Its MOT Test

By | Car Garage

No matter how well-kept your car is, it’s always possible for it to fail its annual MOT. We know that this can be disheartening, but don’t worry. Read on for our guide on what you need to do when your car fails its MOT

What Is An Mot Test?

The first step to this process is understanding why your car failed in the first place. As a result, in order to understand how you failed the test, you need to understand what the test is:

An MOT (Ministry Of Transport) test is an annual inspection that ensures your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards and environmental requirements set by the UK Government. The test covers many aspects of your vehicle, such as its brakes, exhaust, lights, steering and suspension. It is a legal requirement for all vehicles that are over three years old and must be conducted by a certified MOT centre.

Wheel Alignment

What To Do When Your Car Fails Its Test

If your car fails its MOT test, don’t panic. This is a common occurrence and many drivers find themselves in the same position as you are now.

The first thing you need to do is ask for a copy of the test results. You can then bring this copy along when you head to your car garage. With that copy, a garage mechanic will understand precisely what went wrong and how to bring your car back up to passing standards.

At Easy Car Care, we offer a range of garage services, including MOT tests. Our certified vehicle technicians can carry out all of the necessary repairs and adjustments to get your vehicle back on the road. We’ll provide you with a detailed report of the repairs required and an estimate of the costs involved.

car diagnostics

But What If You Don’t Agree With The MOT Test Results?

If you, or a mechanic you’ve gone to for a second opinion, believe your test results are a mistake, then there is a way forward. You can request an MOT retest within ten working days of failing. However, you will have to leave your car at the MOT centre for the test to be carried out.

How To Get Your Car Roadworthy For Its Next MOT Test

Your car must be taken into a car garage and properly repaired. With a copy of your failed MOT test, a car garage mechanic will be able to tell what needs fixing in order to make your car roadworthy again. Simply arrange the repairs, wait for them to be finished, and arrange a new MOT test.

MOT

Contact Us For Mot Testing And Vehicle Repairs

Failing your MOT doesn’t need to be an issue. With the help of our skilled technicians at Easy Car Care, you can get your car roadworthy and back on the road in no time. Whether you need a test, retest, or repairs, our team are here to help. Don’t let a flubbed MOT test get in the way of you and the open road. Contact Easy Car Care today to keep your car running smoothly.

TYRE FITTING IN CHEPSTOW

How To Choose The Right Tyres For Your Car

By | Car Garage

Your car’s tyres are the only part of your car that will make contact with the road. This makes them one of the most critical components of your vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right tyres for your car to ensure that it is performing properly In this article we cover the factors that you should consider when choosing the right tyres for your car:

Size And Type

The first thing to consider is the size and type of tyres that your car needs. This is an essential part of the process as your car will only be able to fit certain specific types and sizes of tyres. You can find out what these are in your car’s owner’s manual. If you have lost your manual or never received one after buying your car second-hand, don’t worry; you can also find this information on the side of the tyres that are currently fitted or ask your local car garage mechanic.

It is always vital to choose tyres that are compatible with your car’s make and model. Even the most expensive tyres in the world wouldn’t help your car do anything but crash if they didn’t fit properly.

WORN TYRES

Weather And Terrain

The weather and terrain you will be typically driving in should be a cornerstone of your decision-making process. For example, if you live in an area with frequent rain or snow, you may want to consider all-weather or winter tyres. These have better traction on slippery and wet roads, making them a great choice for your safety. In the same vein, if you do a lot of off-road driving, then all-terrain tyres are likely the best choice; they provide a better grip and are more durable, even on uneven surfaces.

CAR TYRES

Tyre Fitting

Choosing the best for your car, strangely enough, doesn’t end with choosing the tyres themselves.

Your next step is to have them fitted correctly.

Tyre fitting is a specialist task that should only be carried out by trained professionals. Poorly fitted ones can cause a range of problems, including uneven wear, reduced handling, and increased fuel consumption. At Easy Car Care, we provide uneven professional tyre fitting services to ensure that yours are fitted correctly and safely.

CAR TYRES

Tyre Maintenance

Once you have chosen your tyres and had them fitted by a professional, it is important to ensure they are maintained. This ensures that they last for as long as possible, operate at maximum performance, and are safe. Regular tyre checks and maintenance can detect and prevent problems before they become serious. Some of the maintenance practices you should practice include:

    • Checking tyre pressure
    • Inspecting yours for signs of wear or damage
    • Regular rotation
CAR TYRES

Contact Easy Car Care For Hight Quality Tyres And Professional Tyre Fitting

Choosing the right tyres for your car is essential for ensuring that your car performs at its best. At Easy Car Care, we provide a range of garage services, including tyre fitting and maintenance. We strive to keep your car in peak condition. Talk to our experts about which ones would best suit you and your car’s needs. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.