Frequently Asked Questions

Must I get air conditioning serviced?

Regular servicing is important for health and to maintain the system working effectively. Up to 15% of the refrigerant gas will be lost annually.

What are the advantages of synthetic oils?

Synthetics and semi-synthetics give improved performance at high temperatures and support extended standard drain intervals. They are the preferred choice for high perfomance cars or for drivers who value long life/durability.

How long should a catalytic converter last?

Catalysts often last 10 years, but actual life depends on mileage and engine tune. 50,000 miles is a more reasonable benchmark, and you can generally expect to replace the catalytic converter once during the life of a vehicle.

If failure occurs early, it’s important to find and fix the cause of the problem before fitting a new CAT otherwise the replacement can be expected to fail prematurely too.

When should the cambelt be renewed?

There’s not a standard change interval for cambelts.

Depending on the model and the manufacturer, the recommended interval can be anywhere between 30,000 miles and 100,000 miles. There will often be a time-based interval specified too e.g. 60,000 miles or five years, whichever is the sooner.
Sometimes the manufacturer will revise the recommended interval during the life of the vehicle so it’s best to check with a franchise dealer as they will have the most up-to-date information. They will need to know the make, model, engine number and model year.
In most cases cambelt failure results in serious damage to many other components in the engine – a major rebuild or even replacement engine will be required!

Do I have to get my car serviced by a main dealer?

You are not obliged (since October 2003) to get the car serviced by a franchise dealer during the warranty period.
You must though get it serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and criteria using only manufacturer approved parts.

What does that light mean and what should you do?

As cars have become more complex, the number of different dashboard warning lights has grown significantly. Modern electronic systems like airbags or stability control are constantly self-testing and it’s important for you to know whether a warning light requires immediate attention or whether you can continue your journey and get a garage to investigate later.
If a warning light comes on (or fails to extinguish after you’ve started the engine) you should stop as soon as possible in a safe place.
Many warning lights are specific to the car make or even the model – the vehicle handbook should give you a detailed explanation of their meaning and the action to take.

What Causes Flat Batteries?

A flat battery is most commonly caused by;

A lack of use or vehicle only used for short journeys
Something has been left on (lights) or a faulty component is draining the battery
A fault with the vehicle’s charging system
A fault with the battery itself

FAQs