MRT Autos https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:43:05 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/logo150-150x150.png MRT Autos https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/ 32 32 Check your car’s health and have a hoppy Easter https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/check-your-cars-health-and-have-a-hoppy-easter/ Wed, 06 Apr 2022 21:54:49 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1659 Spring has sprung, the weather is starting to warm up (mostly), and it’s the perfect time to get the whole […]

The post Check your car’s health and have a hoppy Easter appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Spring has sprung, the weather is starting to warm up (mostly), and it’s the perfect time to get the whole family out and about over the Easter weekend.

Whether you are eager to go on the classic Easter egg hunt, keen to take advantage of the spring weather, cheer on outdoor sports, or plan a long-awaited picnic in the park with family, no matter what your plans are, you need to make sure your car is ready for the road. Before you set off, here is a handy checklist.

Tyre checks

Air pressure: find the tyre size on the sidewall; it will be in this format XXX/XX/RXX, for example, 195/55/R15. Look up the air pressure for your vehicle either in the handbook, filler cap or on the door sill. Cross-reference the size of the tyre with the recommended pressure, and bear in mind that you will likely have two values displayed: one for a fully-loaded vehicle and the other with minimal occupants.

Condition: Cracking the tyre’s sidewall indicates that the ageing process has made it lose its suppleness and beyond its safe lifespan. It should be checked by a professional if you see this ‘crazing’ effect, as you will also need to do if you notice any lumps or bulges. If a tyre has a ‘flat spot’, it is likely to be felt by vibration through the steering wheel when driven; we have the equipment to check this for you.

Tread depth: The minimum tread depth for vehicles under 3.5 tons is 1.6mm (1mm for motorcycles and scooters over 50cc). Ideally, it should be checked with an accurate tread depth gauge but if you do not have one, insert a 20p-piece into the central grooves of your tyre and at several points around its circumference. If you can see the border at any point, it might be illegal; my guys will help you make sure.

Oil checks

When did you last do an oil check? An oil warning light coming on is not the same warning as a petrol light – you don’t have plenty of time to top up the level. When the oil light illuminates on your dashboard, you may only have a handful of miles before severe and expensive damage is caused to your engine. My guys will happily help you understand the correct levels for your car with a free oil check.

Water checks

Have you checked your vehicle fluid levels? Your car will alert you if you’re running low on coolant, but ideally, you shouldn’t let it get this low, just like oil. We can help you get the balance
right.

Electrics checks

Check all the lights, preferably with a helper to operate the switches or walk around whilst you do. Failing that, use the reflection of the lights in a window or a nearby car. In addition to your lights, check your horn and windscreen washers, and remember to be considerate of others when you do – waking up the neighbours won’t make you popular.

At Mr T Autos, we urge drivers to ensure they’ve carried out the necessary checks to ensure their vehicle is still in egg-cellent condition and is #ReadyForTheRoad ahead of the Easter weekend. So come and book a cracking Easter Health Check. (We promise we’ll provide great service without the dad jokes.)

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Check your car’s health and have a hoppy Easter appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Some paws-itive news about dogs https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/some-paws-itive-news-about-dogs/ Fri, 04 Mar 2022 09:03:35 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1597 We all love dogs at MRT Autos, and as you know, Peggy is our mascot at the garage. And as […]

The post Some paws-itive news about dogs appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
We all love dogs at MRT Autos, and as you know, Peggy is our mascot at the garage. And as dog owners, we relate to our four-legged friends tending to follow any trail, find every puddle and disappear into the mud, especially at this time of year.

Toby the swamp dog

So, as we head into a wet weekend, here’s some trivia: Did you know there has been some science done looking into the muddiest dogs? Okay, it was conducted for commercial reasons by car manufacturer JEEP, but we think the findings are fascinating and wanted to share them with you.

The off-road brand conducted a cleaning habits survey with its users and found that, on average, a dog owner devotes around one day each cleaning their dog (23 hours), muddy house (24 hours) and car (22 hours). Does this sound familiar?

Anyway, we love our pups, and Jeep went further to find out which of the four-legged fur-balls friends win the well-earnt accolade of being the muddiest dog.

They worked with The James Hutton Institute to investigate which dogs pick up the most mud on their daily walks. The Institute is an internationally networked organisation and operates from multiple sites, including two main ones in Scotland at Aberdeen and Dundee. It combines strengths in soils, crops and land use and environmental research and contributes to our understanding of crucial global issues, such as food, energy, and ecological security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions.

‘Paw’ticipants were instructed to go on three walks, then they were tasked with collecting the mud picked up by their dog post-walk. They were sent kits from Jeep that included a dust sheet, a brush, and a form to fill out. The mud collected was sent to the lab at the Hutton Institute to be evaluated.

Paw-fect Peggy

All samples were treated anonymously, and the sample number was used in any analysis or evaluation to avoid any potential bias. In the information pack, owners disclosed their dog’s weight so that the lab could analyse the amount of mud brought back relative to the weight and coat type of the dog.

A sample of 30 dogs from around the UK took part in the challenge, from small breeds including Chihuahuas to canine giants such as Great Danes and ‘wildcard’ mixed breeds, from the well-known Cockapoo to a more unknown Lhasa Apso Cross.

The first-of-its-kind study revealed the muddiest and most explorative adventures can come in all shapes and sizes, with Ollie Mo the Yorkshire Terrier taking acclaim as the ‘Paw X Paw’ Muddiest Dog of the Year. Ollie collected a greater proportion of soil compared to his own body weight than any other dog. Gathering 14g of dirt on his walk – 0.29% of his own weight – he was followed in second place by Evie, a Bearded Collie, who collected 0.15% of her weight.

Meanwhile, Houndslow, a Saint Bernard, picked up the most amount of soil, 42g – 0.05% of his weight.

To celebrate the muddy dogs that took part in the study, Jeep has created a muddy dog’s calendar, which can be downloaded for free here: https://www.jeep.co.uk/news/muddy-dogs

For the time being, if your four-legged friend’s dirty habits are messing up your car, we have a host of professional cleaning products to help. Or we can recommend SCC Valeting if you wish for a day-off cleaning.

The post Some paws-itive news about dogs appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Did you know we’re in the middle of “pothole season”? https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/did-you-know-were-in-the-middle-of-pothole-season/ Mon, 14 Feb 2022 08:19:01 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1563 Have you noticed there’s a new pothole locally? That’s because we’re currently in “pothole season”. There is nothing more irritating […]

The post Did you know we’re in the middle of “pothole season”? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Have you noticed there’s a new pothole locally? That’s because we’re currently in “pothole season”.

There is nothing more irritating than trying to avoid potholes while driving down the road. The only thing that could be worse would be driving in a heavy downpour while swerving to avoid them.

Fortunately, the weather this year is freakishly mild, but the up and down of the thermometer during day and night makes it the perfect environment for potholes to grow.

When temperatures drop below zero, water freezes in small cracks and holes in the road. As it freezes, it expands and breaks the surface, then melts in the daytime and repeats the process the following night in a cycle that allows craters to get bigger and bigger.

Aside from the harsh and fluctuating winter weather conditions causing havoc on the roads, drivers, too, play a part by driving our cars every day, even while lamenting the state of the roads.

The drivers’ experience reflects the latest ALARM report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance, highlighting that a one-off spend of more than £11 billion is needed to bring the network back up to scratch. That’s a little less than the Government has proposed for its five-year pothole fund of £2.5bn.

Despite all this politics, we drivers end up picking up the bill for our cars as driving into potholes affects tyres, suspension, and steering.

If you have any concerns over potential damage to your car from hitting a pothole, feel free to come and visit us at Mr T Autos for a closer inspection.

Sadly, the only way to avoid damaging your car is to be on the lookout. If you do spot a pothole on your route and around your home, you can report it here www.gov.uk/report-pothole

In the meantime, take care on the roads during pothole season.

Did you know…?

Potholes have been around since the dawn of time, and the name has been in use for centuries. The name stems from the roads created during the Roman Empire’s reign. Pottery producers in the 1400s and 1500s in England took advantage of the ruts carved into roadways by wagon and coach wheels. They would dig further into these deep ruts to uncover clay deposits beneath in their search for a cost-effective source of raw materials for crafting clay pots.’

Did you also know…?

There is a National Pothole Day – on January 15. It was established to bring attention to the ever-increasing pothole menace on our roads.

Guess how it was celebrated this year…

The post Did you know we’re in the middle of “pothole season”? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Do you know about the changes to the Highway Code? https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/do-you-know-about-the-changes-to-the-highway-code/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:14:12 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1527 To be honest, many of us won’t have read the Highway Code for years, but there is a change happening, […]

The post Do you know about the changes to the Highway Code? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
To be honest, many of us won’t have read the Highway Code for years, but there is a change happening, and it starts this weekend (Saturday, 29 January). Unfortunately, much of this week’s news is all about how the PM partied during the lockdowns, so these changes are not really being appropriately communicated right now. So, here at Mr T Autos, we want to explain the new ‘rules’.

We are all aware that the rules in the updated Highway Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules, you are committing a criminal offence.

You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, or disqualified from driving.

The new rules bring change and stricter powers which mean the Highway Code can now be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability.

At its simplest interpretation: those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others – that’s people walking, cyclists and horse riders.

The onus is also on vulnerable road users, like cyclists and horse riders, who are responsible for reducing the danger to people walking.

So, basically, the responsibility is for ALL road users, that’s including people walking, cycling or riding a horse, not just drivers, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.

To follow is how the Highway Code has changed so that we can look out for each other.

Pedestrians have the right of way

The changes to The Highway Code are extensive. Previously, the Highway Code had guided all road users to be considerate towards each other, applying this principle equally to pedestrians and drivers.

From Saturday, there is a new hierarchy of road users’ which now places those who can do the greatest harm with the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.

So now pedestrian priorities at junctions’ change. From Saturday, if you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to stop and give way.

The new Rule H2 of the revised Code prioritises pedestrians waiting to cross the road, not just the ones already stepping out. Therefore, if you are looking to turn into a road and see a pedestrian waiting to cross, you must now give way and wait.

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions

The new Rule H3 is designed to protect cyclists. It sets out that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers must check for the presence of other users and wait. They should not commit to manoeuvring and cutting across the path of any other road user.

Safe Passing Distances

Rule 163 now prescribes safe passing distances when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles.

This includes guiding on at least a 1.5-metre space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More space is expected when overtaking at speeds more than 30mph.

When passing a pedestrian who is walking on the road, drivers are expected to allow at least two metres of space and to maintain a low speed.

The guidance also sets out that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet the clearances set out.

In addition to setting out safe passing distances, the new Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane to ensure that they remain visible.

Rule 213 has also been changed to confirm that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane, and drivers should allow them to do so for their safety to ensure they can see and be seen.

The ‘Dutch Reach’

Rule 67 provides guidance for cyclists on the safe distance to pass parked vehicles; it now suggests leaving a door’s width or one metre when doing so.

Rule 239 has also been updated to include what is often known as the ‘Dutch Reach’ for drivers opening the doors of their parked cars.

It sounds like a complicated dance move, but the idea is that if you open your car door using the opposite hand, it forces you to turn your body and your head, to enable better checking over your shoulder and your blind spot. So, you reduce the chance of opening the door into someone’s path.

Changes at a glance

  • Giving people walking across and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
  • Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph gives them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
  • Passing people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
  • Allowing at least 2 metres of space and keeping to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road
  • Encouraging people driving vehicles to open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder behind them to see people cycling or walking nearby
  • People cycling may ride in the centre of the road or two abreast for their own safety whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Do you know about the changes to the Highway Code? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Be safe, be seen this winter? https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/be-safe-be-seen-this-winter/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 08:28:54 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1504 With the Met Office issuing warnings for ice and snow and the threat of flooding from the Environment Agency, 2022 […]

The post Be safe, be seen this winter? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
With the Met Office issuing warnings for ice and snow and the threat of flooding from the Environment Agency, 2022 is already starting with challenging driving conditions on the roads.

My guys have some bright ideas for ensuring your car will get you from A to B safely.

The 20p coin safety check

To make sure you can get going, check your tyres regularly to reduce the risk of an incident while out on the road.

You can check your tyres’ tread depth with a 20p piece. The outer rim of the 20p is approximately 2.6mm, so drivers can insert the coin into the tyre’s tread and gauge how much of the border remains exposed. If the coin is entirely hidden, tread depth is likely to be above the legal limit; if any more than the slightest amount of the coin’s rim is visible, my guys can check this professionally for free.

The shape of tyres

You should also check that all tyres are inflated correctly for optimum performance and safety. The correct tyre pressures can usually be found on a sticker in your car’s door shut, filler cap or in the manual.

Use an accurate pressure gauge to ensure they are suitable for the load as part of your pre-journey planning.

You should check the condition of all tyres for signs of anything out of the ordinary: check for bulges, cracks, cuts, and embedded objects. At Mr T Autos, we can help advise you on what to do next and help remove objects caught between grooves in the tread.

Why tyre health is important

Adequate tread depth is essential, especially when there is significant standing water. Tread clears water between the road surface and the tyre – as much as a bucket full every seven seconds on a new tyre.

The lower the tread, the less water it can clear, increasing ‘aquaplaning’ chances.

Also known as ‘hydroplaning’, aquaplaning is caused when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tyres and the road’s surface. When this happens, tyres are not effective in contact with the road, making any attempts by the driver to steer, brake or accelerate ineffective – in other words; they’re out of control.

To help avoid aquaplaning, you should adjust your driving style to suit road conditions. If there is lots of standing water, you slow down and leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front. Should you find yourself aquaplaning, gently lift your foot from the accelerator and allow the vehicle’s speed to reduce naturally. This action will allow the tyres to regain a grip on the road.

Poor visibility and dull drivers

You may notice at night that there are out there a few drivers using vehicles with defective headlights. They may not know because they haven’t checked. But driving with one headlight working causes a significant risk to themselves and others on dark days and wintry nights. One working headlight means other drivers have only 50 per cent of the light they should have, and the missing light risks confusing other road users who may think there’s a motorbike approaching.

Parking and slow speed manoeuvring are also riskier, as the absence of light impacts parked vehicles, walls, posts, and trees are much more likely.

Be safe and considerate

Lights are not only for illuminating the road ahead in the dark at this time of year. Switch your dipped headlights on for gloomy winter days so that you are safely visible to other road users.

It would be best to use dipped headlights on every journey during winter and not assume that a car’s automatic light settings would guarantee safety and visibility.

At a glance highlight for your headlights

  • Carefully check your lights before setting off to ensure they’re free from dirt and ice and ensure they’re working correctly.
  • Dirt, ice, snow, and frost reduce the effectiveness of your car’s lights, and it’s an offence to drive with obscured lights.
  • Get any defective bulbs replaced immediately; my guys can help. A bulb failure on your car compromises your safety and increases the risk to other road users.
  • See and be seen. Look after your vehicle’s lights, and you will be helping to make the roads safer.
  • Use dipped headlights for every journey at this time of year. Don’t rely on daytime running lights, as they won’t brighten the road ahead for you, and you may find you have no rear lights showing at all.


My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Be safe, be seen this winter? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Is your car suffering with ‘mayonnaise on the oil cap’ or ‘spongy brakes’? https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/is-your-car-suffering-with-mayonnaise-on-the-oil-cap-or-spongy-brakes/ Wed, 12 Jan 2022 08:42:14 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1478 Continuous personal development is often top of the mind at this time of year, so make 2022 the year when […]

The post Is your car suffering with ‘mayonnaise on the oil cap’ or ‘spongy brakes’? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Continuous personal development is often top of the mind at this time of year, so make 2022 the year when you learn “mechanic jargon”.

My guys and I have come up with seven of the top jargon terms and have helpfully translated their meanings.

Jargon term Meaning
Your big end has gone Your ‘big end’ is not in reference to too much Christmas snacking, it is a large bearing (the semi-circular sleeve of metal inside the engine) that has worn out and failed. Loss in this part can result in further damage to other parts of the engine. That is what that loud knocking noise is, especially when you accelerate.
Excessive play Sadly, this meaning is not as fun as it first sounds. The mechanic is referencing the steering or suspension parts. ‘The play’ typically means excessive movement of a part. A part that could be moving more than it should or moving when it should not be moving at all.
Diagnostic check/ charge The technician may plug a diagnostics system into your car to assess any faults; this sounds technical, and mechanics can use it to mask the cost of an hour’s labour, but it usually entails no more than plugging a laptop into the car, taking minutes.
Your bushes on the wishbone are going This is not a reference to the long-forgotten Christmas turkey. The bushes are the little rubber flexible parts. They help when you drive over bumpy roads, and the bushes attach to suspension parts, including the triangular components called wishbones. The little rubber parts can easily perish and wear out. They are not an expensive fix, however.
You’ve got mayonnaise under your oil cap If water or condensation under the oil cap mixes with engine oil, it creates thick, white-coloured gunk that collects there; this could indicate that there is an issue with the head gasket, which is quite a severe problem.
Spongy brakes There is truly little resistance when the brake pedal is depressed, indicating that the brakes are not working properly, usually due to a lack of brake fluid
I need to access your CAN-bus The mechanic is asking to access the electronics system or the brain of your car. This system allows the vehicle’s engine management computer to ‘talk’ to other parts of the car.

If there is something wrong with your car, visit us and we will take a free look.

We promise we will not lose you in translation as we will use plain English, and we are very transparent with the work that needs doing and more importantly, you can trust our pricing.

MRT Autos is here to help

We are here for you and open as normal for MOT bookings or advice on battery maintenance, or to arrange a winter health check. For this check, we will report on the health of a vehicle’s battery and other vital factors for winter driving, such as tyre condition, coolant/antifreeze, lights, wiper blades and screen wash.

My guys wear face masks, safe distance, and hand sanitise. Let me reassure; we take every precaution not to cross-contaminate or re-contaminate anyone’s vehicle. All equipment is either disposed of or sanitised between other bookings. And, before returning, we will have given your car’s surfaces a sanitising cleanse.

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Is your car suffering with ‘mayonnaise on the oil cap’ or ‘spongy brakes’? appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Looking after your car when working from home https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/looking-after-your-car-when-working-from-home/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:33:08 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1430 Leaving your vehicle unused for long periods can lead to several unexpected issues. These car problems are more likely to […]

The post Looking after your car when working from home appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Leaving your vehicle unused for long periods can lead to several unexpected issues. These car problems are more likely to happen in these challenging times of government enforcement to protect people rightfully from the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

My guys provide some top tips for leaving your car static while working from home.

Will a parked car lose battery power?

Yes – car batteries will drain, even when parked. This problem happens because the battery still has work to do while parked, including monitoring car alarms and other sensors.

It will help if you keep your car’s batteries levels up. Otherwise, things like theft alarms will not be able to function, leaving your car vulnerable.

A car battery should keep its charge for about two weeks before it needs recharging. We recommend you start your car up every two weeks and take it for a 15-minute drive to help your battery charge back up.

How long can I leave my car static?

You can leave your car parked for as long as you need. But it is always best to take it out for short trips to keep the engine, brakes, and battery.

Be cautious of your brakes; they may seize up if left parked for a long time. Regular trips can help avoid any larger maintenance problems in the future and make your car safer on the road.

How should I store my vehicle?

Not all of us have a garage. Parking your car outside means that we need to take a few extra steps to keep the vehicle healthy.
We recommend giving your car a good clean before leaving it. This action will prevent damage to the paint and reduce the chance of rust. Why not buy a car cover to prevent dust and water from touching the car?

Secure your car by locking the wheel or putting blocks behind the wheels so you can take your car out of a neutral gear to prevent any rolling while it is static.

If you are not driving your car for a while, you can also make a ‘Statutory Off-Road Notification’ (SORN). This application means you could claim a refund for your car tax. However, your vehicle must be parked on a driveway, in a garage, or on private land. If you park your car on any public road, you will not be able to make a SORN.

What about electric vehicles?

Electric and hybrid vehicles have similar needs. They all have the same 12-volt battery. Equally, they can lose their charge. However, electric and hybrid cars charge in different ways.

To start the charging system, you need to press the start button. It would help if you did this once per week for about 10 minutes to keep the battery. Other electric vehicles can continually charge if plugged into the main charger. However, you should always check your handbook to ensure that you look after your electric car in the best way possible.

How can I get back on the road?

If you are looking to visit family and friends over Christmas, there are a few things you should do and consider before hitting the road.

  • Make sure your vehicle has had a recent MOT and is taxed.
  • Check your fluid levels and if you need your oil changed. This change is usually after 5,000 to 7,500 miles or after six months
  • Test your brakes for seizing
  • Check your tyre pressure
  • Make sure that your car has no damage under the bonnet or on the undercarriage

MRT Autos is here to help

We are here for you and open as normal for MOT bookings or advice on battery maintenance, or to arrange a winter health check. For this check, we will report on the health of a vehicle’s battery and other vital factors for winter driving, such as tyre condition, coolant/antifreeze, lights, wiper blades and screen wash.

My guys wear face masks, safe distance, and hand sanitise. Let me reassure; we take every precaution not to cross-contaminate or re-contaminate anyone’s vehicle. All equipment is either disposed of or sanitised between other bookings. And, before returning, we will have given your car’s surfaces a sanitising cleanse.

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Looking after your car when working from home appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Don’t ignore the risks of sharing the road if your car is ‘braking bad’ https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/dont-ignore-the-risks-of-sharing-the-road-if-your-car-is-braking-bad/ Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:05:55 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1414 We all rely on our cars to go from A to B. We also rely on our brakes to stop […]

The post Don’t ignore the risks of sharing the road if your car is ‘braking bad’ appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
We all rely on our cars to go from A to B. We also rely on our brakes to stop the minute there is a hazard ahead. So, how is your brake system now the winter weather is setting in?

You may not be aware you have a ‘braking bad’ problem; however, the symptoms of brake problems include:

  • A grinding, squeaking noise when pushing the brake pedals – this sound results from worn pads that need replacing.
  • The car pulling to one side under braking – could be a component sticking.
  • The brake pedal feeling spongy – could be due to air in the hydraulic system.

If you have a brake warning light on the dashboard, don’t ignore it. Along with tyres, a car’s brakes are the most crucial system in keeping a car safe on the road. Don’t wait to check your braking system during the annual MOT.

New brake pads on the left. Worn out brake pads on the right

Get a winter health check

It is a relatively quick and straightforward job to check the condition of a car’s brakes. Using a flashlight to get a good look at the brake pad will help determine its thickness. A worn-out brake pad is thin and will need replacing. But any motorist who doesn’t know how to, or would like an expert opinion, can visit my guys for a free check.

We can establish the cause of any problems and advise whether repairs are needed – and it’s not as expensive as you may think.

Examples of ‘dangerous defects’ include:

  • Leaking hydraulic fluid – leaks from a brake value such that brake functionality is affected.
  • Brake problems – brake disc or drum missing, or the brake lining or pad is missing or incorrectly mounted.
  • Dangerous wheels – a wheel with more than one loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud or the wheel is distorted or worn to the extent it is likely to become detached.

A vehicle will be recorded as “no longer road legal” if it fails its MOT due to a dangerous fault. If you drive the car, you could be fined £2,500, be banned from driving, and incur three points on your licence.

It is vital that drivers can stop their car as quickly as possible in an emergency, and anyone suffering braking bad symptoms may have their safety compromised as a result.

At MRT Autos we can check your brakes

As winter weather becomes harsher, we would urge anyone experiencing these warning signs to get their brake system checked as soon as possible.

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Don’t ignore the risks of sharing the road if your car is ‘braking bad’ appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Tips for driving in the twilight zone https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/tips-for-driving-in-the-twilight-zone/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:35:41 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1366 It’s that time of the year where our daily commute is all done in the dark; remember, your headlights will […]

The post Tips for driving in the twilight zone appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
It’s that time of the year where our daily commute is all done in the dark; remember, your headlights will be your lifeline. Here are some tips for driving in the twilight zone.

It is important to make sure you can see and always be seen, so keep all lights working correctly and use them when needed.

Faulty lights are one of the most common reasons for cars failing their MOTs. But we would urge drivers not to leave it until the MOT to check all their lights are working or rely on others to point it out to them.

Lots of cars now have dashboard warning lights to let you know of a bulb failure. However, you should still check your lights manually regularly. If any bulbs need replacing, change them beforehand to reduce the risk of any road incidents. Changing a bulb on a modern car is often a garage-only job, so get it done before the police stop you and issue a ticket or repair notice.

The Darkside of driving

It is incredible how different a road looks at night. Familiar routes can pose extra challenges in the dark, so make sure you are wide awake and looking out for pedestrians and cyclists in the gloom.

The limit of your vision at night is often the limit of your headlight beam, which is where you must be able to stop.

If you’re travelling through a rural area at night, a herd of deer can suddenly cross the road, so those signs warning you of wild animals you’ll have previously passed will abruptly make sense.

In poor weather, remember that you still need to see things like large pools of water or fallen trees in the dark – so adjust your driving to suit all the conditions combined.

Judging the speed of oncoming vehicles is more demanding in the dark – reduce your speed and watch out for dazzle on dark sections of the motorway.

Squeaky clean windows

Visibility is poor in the dark so clear your outside windows of any ice or mist to help you see what is going on around you, before setting on your journey.

It’s easy to forget the inside of the windows but keeping them clean helps prevent them from misting up.

Please switch it on

Dipped headlights can be used during any time of the day and should be switched on in poor weather conditions.

If you cannot see beyond 100 metres when it’s misty, switch on your fog lights. It’s illegal to drive with fog lights on in clear visibility, so don’t forget to turn them off.

Use your full beam lights only when you’re driving on an unlit road and where there is no vehicle in sight ahead of you. However, when you meet oncoming road users, remember to switch back to your dipped headlights to avoid dazzling other drivers, including pedestrians and cyclists.

If an approaching car forgets to dip its lights, look beyond the lights to their left to avoid being dazzled as much.

Use hazard warning lights when your vehicle is stationary to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. However, please don’t use them while you’re driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard.

Follow the leader, but keep your distance

Use the headlights of the car you are following to show you what is coming up further ahead. Don’t look at the lights themselves, but at what they show.

Reflective road signs and motorway studs will help you drive in poor light and let you know the direction of the road and where there are known problems ahead.

See and be seen is the golden rule for driving in the dark. If you need help fixing the bulbs on your car, my guys will happily help to make your driving safe.

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Tips for driving in the twilight zone appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Helping you stay safe on the road and save the planet https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/helping-you-stay-safe-on-the-road-and-save-the-planet/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:54:58 +0000 https://www.mrtautos.co.uk/?p=1264 Well maintained tyres play a vital role in road safety, as they’re the only things keeping your vehicle on the […]

The post Helping you stay safe on the road and save the planet appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>
Well maintained tyres play a vital role in road safety, as they’re the only things keeping your vehicle on the road. Neglecting them can result in reduced handling and grip or even rapid deflation, a considerable safety risk. Thankfully though, with just a few regular checks, you can ensure your tyres will help to keep you safe.

Here are three essential tyre inspections you can do at home before setting off on your journey.

  1. Check your tyres air pressures when they are cold (i.e., travelled less than two miles) against the vehicle manufacturers recommended settings.
  2. The condition of your tyres should be carefully inspected, looking out for any cuts, lumps, or bulges in the tyre. You should also check the tread for any signs of uneven wear and remove any embedded objects.
  3. The tread depth is the final area of the tyre to check. Just grab a 20p to use as a guide. The border of a 20p is 2.6mm, so when inserted into a tyre’s grooves, you can quickly assess if a tyre is close to the limit by checking if that border remains visible. If you can see it at various points across the tyre’s circumference, then you should come and speak to us. We will be able to help you make an informed decision about your next set of tyres.

Did you know all tyres will soon carry labelling for efficiency, wet grip, and noise?

A new EU regulation mandates the use of newly designed tyre labels – it will be like those found on energy-consuming household appliances – that already set out the product’s rankings for performance and efficiency.

The legislation on updating labelling will be in UK law soon. But here’s an overview, the label will feature a new five-stage classification system (from A to E) for rolling resistance and wet grip, three classes (A to C) for exterior noise, and additional symbols that signify whether the tyre is suitable for snow or ice conditions.

We already provide a tyre knowledgeable service, but the new labelling will help you make more informed choices with a QR code for customer reviews.

Given that tyres account for up to 20 per cent of a car’s CO2 emissions, we can help enable you to make informed choices that will help reduce your vehicle’s environmental impact.

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

The post Helping you stay safe on the road and save the planet appeared first on MRT Autos.

]]>