vehicle-servicing-made-simple

LEASE VEHICLE SERVICING

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:29:16 GMT

Many of us have chosen to lease our current vehicles.

In this case what happens with vehicle maintenance?

Most lease companies offer a service plan when you order your vehicle which includes a main agent service plan. This is because your vehicle is under manufacturer warranty and a main agent service plan means the vehicle value will be better at the end of your lease.

So, what options do you have? You can use a local garage and save money on labour but always contact your lease company prior to non-main dealer service plans being undertaken.

Vehicle manufacturers and warranty terms can be questioned for non-genuine services, even though block exemption rules apply (a European law which allows you to service anywhere you wish).

Check with the local garage and book in only on the provision that genuine parts and lubricants are supplied in line with the lease company requirements, keeping your vehicle under manufacturer warranty and compliance with your lease company.

To simplify the service situation always check with the lease company first.

TYRE CONCERNS

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:09:19 GMT

Dealing with punctures is a frequent challenge for today's drivers, requiring a thoughtful decision on whether to repair or replace the affected tyre. When opting for a repair, a common method involves the application of a bonded rubber plug to the interior of the tyre, seamlessly extending up to the tread area.

It is crucial to exercise caution, limiting repairs to no more than two or three, depending on the puncture's location. Run flat tyres, designed with a specific molecular structure strength during manufacturing, should not undergo repairs, as it could compromise their strength and reliability.

While the cost of puncture repairs may vary, a properly executed fix typically demands around 30 minutes of your time. However, strict guidelines dictate safe repair areas, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a tyre specialist. Certain regions on the tyre should not undergo repair, and an attached guide can aid in understanding these restrictions.

In instances where the puncture is deemed non-repairable, the only choice is to invest in a new tyre. Punctures are not a swift, makeshift resolution; they require meticulous attention and must be approached with patience when consulting with a tyre specialist.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

TAKE A BREAK

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:10:07 GMT

In this edition we’re going to discuss brakes on your vehicle and how and when to maintain or replace them.

Brakes obviously wear with mileage. But low mileage vehicles may also suffer from brake issues. Low mileage or minimum use cars may suffer from corrosion to the brake discs due to the brakes not being cleaned when driving and applying the brakes. This may cause surface corrosion to occur to the inner and outer disc faces.

Reputable garages generally offer free brake inspections to the pads and discs and will always measure the brake discs with specific equipment. If the discs need replacing then it’s always advisable to also replace the brake pads at this point.

A bedding in period once the new parts are fitted is standard to enable the new parts to settle. Squeaks are common in this period.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

There are a multitude of brake makes available. Choosing a quality brake set is the best option along with a better warranty on the parts. Ask also for brake fluid to be checked at this time. This often gets missed and moisture within the brake fluid could be present.

Happy motoring!

TOUCH OF FROST

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:10:05 GMT

Welcome to the winter edition of JLife’s motoring column.

The winter months are fast approaching. Is your car winter ready? Here are a few helpful tips to help more reliable motoring through the colder months.

Be sure to check that your headlights and rear lights are working properly and able to give good visibility during the gloomier weather. Another essential for good visibility is ensuring that your wiper blades in tip top order, both front and rear. Ensure you replace them if they are smearing or becoming noisy.

Get a full winter service, including anti-freeze! Always use quality screen wash as well. Never fall for the trick of using washing up liquid. It blocks the washer jets terribly.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

Tyres are also hugely important, especially in winter. Make sure to check the treads! Repair punctures and check general condition and pressures. Remember, the maximum recommended change period is 10 years!

Get a de-icer aerosol and a quality scraper inside the car for the daily morning frost removal and never use hot water, as the rapid change in temperature can crack windshields.

Now is the time to check that your home start and relay recovery memberships are up to date. Don’t forget to shop around for the best deal. No reason to pay more than you have to.

Wishing you all the very best from the PMB Car Centre team – Paul, Rachel, and Tom.

SOUND ADVICE

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:08:17 GMT

Cold Weather Strain

With our motoring column over the year we’ll help and advise you how and when maintain your vehicles. We will be discussing everything from services to tyres to MOT testing and all general tips to understanding your vehicle and money saving.

To start with, be aware that cold weather puts strain on car batteries at this time of year. Free battery checks are available! If your battery needs to be replaced, always check the new battery is compatible for your vehicle, and ensure it carries an excellent warranty! Cheap batteries often disappoint and can be false economy to fit.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

Free brake checks are also available, if you’re concerned over your vehicle’s braking ability. Brakes can show problems due to corrosion for low mileage users, along with significant wear to high mileage users. Check them to ensure peace of mind and safety.

Level checks on anti-freeze, oil, screen wash, and brake fluid are also available from your local garage free of charge. Often this will include a check on your trye pressure and safety.

MOT testing prices will vary from garage to garage. Generally, they are set around the £35 mark in the area. The recommended retail price is around £55 from DVSA, so many motorists are saving money here.

Having a service done at your local garage is often a lower hourly labour rate than at the main agents. Warranty compliant services on new vehicles is a great way to save money from the main agent, but ensure the following:

Genuine parts and oils must be used.

All part codes must be proven.

Your service book must be genuinely stamped.

This will validate your warranty and will save money on the labour. Beware, motorists are often told that services using non-genuine parts are protected under warranty, but the truth of the matter is main agents are very strict on this and will reject any warranty claims if guidelines are not followed.

Wishing you a fantastic 2023 from Paul and Rachel and staff at Whitefield’s local PMB Car Care.

COOL IT

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:02:37 GMT

Welcome to JLife’s summer motoring column!

Air conditioning? Is yours cold and up to speed in our increasing temperatures? An air conditioning service is a simple repair, a re-gas is a common necessity and also a full system check prior.

This checks for leaks ensuring the re-gas system is leak free. The system check is important because if there is a leak you will lose the new gas provided.

There are many companies who will visit you at home to re-gas with minimal inconvenience to you! Prices vary between £50 to £80. Also air conditioning sanitiser kills odours and renders the system fresh and smelling great, and as a bonus, it’s relatively cheap too.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

Services should be done for summer driving, including coolant change and full inspection if you are using the vehicle for holidays or longer travel, tyres are very important!

For our readers travelling this summer, ensure your breakdown cover is correct, and we always advise you get home relay cover.

Long traffic jams are common in summer, but it’s made a lot easier with peace of mind that the vehicle is working well and a breakdown company is at hand, so take note and enjoy the warm weather with confidence

All the best from Paul, Rachel, and Tom at PMB Whitefield!