Garage-Vehicle Repairs Alcester
Vehicle Servicing
Vehicle Body And Paint Repairs Alcester
Alcester Crash Damage: Body Repairs for Vehicle
Metamorism can be a problem with matching custom paintwork: The paint may look an identical match in daylight but completely different in artificial light
Minor surface damage including key scratches to the Vehicle laquer or paint finish and Vehicle bumper scuffs may be repaired quite easily
If your Vehicle has been involved in a minor collision then some body panels may need to be repaired or replaced depending upon the severity and location of the impact
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Many minor surface dents can be removed without needing to paint the affected panel unless the paint surface is damaged or starts to delaminate from the substrate
When a Vehicle has been custom painted and needs a paint touch up or partial respray then it's important to use the original paint or it may be necessary to carry out a more extensive respray than seems necessary due to differences in surface colour under different light sources or time of day
Most Vehicle replacement body panels can be refinished to match the original Vehicle paint colour and avoid a full respray
Vehicle Alcester Bodyshop: Panel Repairs & Spray Paint
Vehicle Collision Damage Repairs Alcester Replacement Bumpers & Panels Painted to Match
Vehicle Clutches
Vehicle clutch repairs Alcester - Checking for leaks and repairing-replacing the clutch master-slave cylinder and fitting a new Vehicle Clutch kit
Vehicle Oil Change & Filters Replaced
Vehicle Air filters, pollen filters; oil filter & fuel filter replaced, engine oil changed - Multigrade or Synthetic oils
Vehicle Tyres
Steel wheels, alloy wheels and tyres repaired and replaced with cheap tyres, run-flat tyres or low profile & performance tyres depending upon your budget and driving requirements. Part-Worn tyres may be available for your Vehicle model
Vehicle Gearboxes
Vehicle Manual & Automatic gearbox servicing & repair - Fitting a new or reconditioned Vehicle gearbox
Vehicle Cooling System
Replacement Vehicle radiators fitted, cooling system pipework inspected for leaks and cooling fluid replaced to keep your Vehicle engine at its optimal operating temperature
Vehicle Timing Belt - Vehicle Cambelt
Vehicle Timing Belts replaced as part of a planned Vehicle service or if the Timing Belt on your Vehicle has snapped then a full engine inspection for valve & piston damage
Vehicle Suspension System
Vehicle replacement shock absorbers & springs fitted for front or rear suspension problems, broken springs. Custom suspension systems installed, lowering springs fitted
Vehicle Fuel Pumps
Often replaced at a milestone service if the fuel pump is operated by the Timing belt
Vehicle Starter Motors
Replacement Vehicle Starter motors installed
Vehicle Brakes
Routine Vehicle servicing, replacement Vehicle brake pads & discs fitted, Vehicle hydraulic pipework and joints inspected, repaired or replaced for a complete braking system overhaul
Vehicle Alternators
Replacement Vehicle alternators fitted
Vehicle Engines
Vehicle Engine repairs, cylinder head skimming, valves & pistons
Vehicle Performance Spares
OEM Vehicle parts fitted or replaced with alternative performance parts
Vehicle Paint Resprays
Paint resprays for minor scratch damage to the Vehicle paint surface or coating; Custom paintwork to make your Vehicle different using metallic paints, pearlescent pigments or company colours.
Vehicle EGR Valves
Replacement Vehicle EGR valves - ensure the exhaust gas recirculation system is functioning correctly on your Vehicle - The EGR valve helps your Vehicle burn fuel more efficiently by recirculating a portion the exhaust gas through combustion chamber and helps reduce Vehicle engine emissions; a broke or sticking EGR valve can be the cause of an MOT failure due to excessive emissions
Vehicle Exhausts
Vehicle Engine manifolds, Front box, Back box, catalytic converter and exhaust pipes for Vehicle Exhausts fitted & welded
Vehicle Body Panels
Replacement Vehicle panels fitted & sprayed to match - Light Vehicle Panel damage repairs
Vehicle Autoelectrics
Vehicle electrical faults diagnosed - OBD fault finding - Vehicle engine fault codes checked & service lights reset - ECU problems, key coding and CANBUS systems checked
Vehicle Electrical Components
Vehicle electrical faults repaired using Vehicle OEM components - Vehicle sensors checked e.g. Lambda sensors, air flow meters etc
Alcester Brake Fitting - New Disc Brakes & Pads
Modern Vehicle braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power
Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure
Vehicle brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service
The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc
The brake pedal controls the Master Cylinder (a fluid filled hydraulic piston) that transfers stopping power to the brakes
The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle
Vehicle Disc Brakes and Drum Brake Systems
Hydraulic braking pressure forces a brake calliper to press the brake pads against the disc to apply the necessary stopping force
Drum Brakes, if fitted, are usually found on Vehicle rear wheels
In hydraulic braking systems, braking pressure operates a slave cylinder
Drum Brakes are an older system than Vehicle disc brakes and use two half moon shaped brake shoes that move outwards during use to apply a frictional stopping force against the inside of a brake drum
Vehicle disc brakes have a pair of high friction brake pads mounted either side of a brake disc
Vehicle Brakes - Vehicle Brake Servicing and Maintenance
if the Vehicle brakes overheat and are allowed to cool with pressure still applied for m the brake pads/shoes then it is possible for the disc to warp.
Vehicle brake discs will wear and need replacing eventually and should be inspected for pitting
The brake pads on your Vehicle should wear first
If the Vehicle brake discs warp then they should be replaced immediately
Vehicle Brakes will safely function correctly without the need for replacement for many thousands of miles
Vehicle Brake Servicing & Inspection Alcester
Replace Brake Fluid if necessary
Brake calliper operation
Clean and remove brake dust and loose corrosion and dirt from drums
Auxiliary handbrake shoes where appropriate
ABS warning light operation
Correct brake pad movement and level of wear
General brake disc condition
Brake pipe Condition
Hand brake linkage condition
Adjust handbrake
Hydraulic brake pipe fittings and joints for corrosion and leaking
Wheel cylinder condition
Brake drum condition
Top Up Brake and Clutch Fluid Levels or
And carry out the following maintenance of your Vehicle braking system:-
Lubricate Hand Brake Linkages
Handbrake function and travel
Vehicle Steering System
The tyre tread is rapidly removed from the inner or outer tyre edge of your front tyres
Common symptoms of Vehicle steering alignment problems include:-
Vehicle Drift - Your Vehicle tends to pull left or right when travelling in a straight line
Modern Power steering and Drive by Wire Systems do not have the same mechanical linkages between the steering column and drive wheels making it difficult to 'feel' how the steering is performing.
The tyres will need to be replaced much sooner than necessary until the steering rack is adjusted to bring your wheels into correct alignment
One of the first signs of a potential problem with your Vehicle steering system is uneven tyre wear
Vehicle Steering, Wheels & Tyres:-
Tyre Condition - inc Spare
Steering Linkages for wear and corrosion
Steering Rack Gaiter condition
Correct wheel nut torque to manufacturer's recommendations
Correct Tyre Pressure - inc Spare
Correct wheel balance, including spare
Wheel Bearings for wear - play or noise
Power Steering Reservoir Levels and Top Up
Steering Condition
Vehicle Tyre wear and wheel alignment
Vehicle Services: Brakes Servicing and Repair
The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc.
Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure.
The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service.
Modern braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power.
The brake pedal is attached the Master Cylinder; a fluid filled hydraulic piston.
Vehicle Replacement Timing Belt or Cambelt Alcester
The toothed belt connecting the engine crankshaft to the camshaft is known as the Cambelt or Timing belt
Since Vehicle Timing Belts are hidden inside the engine they tend to be forgotten when purchasing a used Vehicle
If the timing belt snaps it will most probably cause serious engine damage. The camshaft stops turning with some of the valves left in the open position. In a Free Running Engine there is enough clearance between a fully open valve and the piston head to avoid serious damage. In an Interference Engine there is no clearance and the engine relies upon accurate timing to keep the valves and piston head separated. With a broken timing belt; the inertia helps the crankshaft to rotate freely forcing the pistons to strike the open valves resulting in damaged valves, pistons, and possibly even damage to the cylinder head
High compression diesel engines are normally interference engines
Timing belts must be replaced at a specified manufacturer's interval. The timing belt should also be inspected regularly and replaced immediately if there is any evidence of cracking or fraying cuts or excessive wear
Generally Vehicle belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or less. So, if you have just bought a secondhand Vehicle that has 40,000 to 80,000 miles then it is important to know if the timing belt has been replaced or needs replacing. Check the Vehicle Owner's manual for your model for the recommended changing frequency
Often it is prudent to replace a combination of items associated with the timing system. Most of the needed Vehicle parts can be obtained as timing kits containing the appropriate timing components; such as: Vehicle timing belt
timing belt tensioners
timing belt tensioner idler roller
front lower crank shaft seal
water pump gasket
The Timing Belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position ensuring the valves open and close at the correct time in relation to the piston. Some vehicles use a cam chain in place of the belt or a timing gear system instead
Vehicle Clutch Fitting Alcester
The Vehicle clutch disc is, not surprisingly, a disc with each side covered in a high friction material. It is designed to engage with the high-friction surfaces of the pressure plate and flywheel. It is also designed to transmit power to theVehicle transmission system
Engaging the clutch forces the clutch against the flywheel transmitting power from the crankshaft to the transmission shaft
Disengaging the clutch acts on heavy-duty release springs to isolate the pressure plate so that the disc is no longer pressed against the flywheel
When the clutch is dis-engaged the clamping force is removed so the clutch disc spins with the flywheel and no power is transmitted
The pressure plate comprises heavy-duty release springs, a metal pressure ring acting as a high friction surface to interact with the clutch disc, a thrust ring (or thrust fingers) for the release bearing, and release levers
Vehicle Clutch failure often occurs when one or more of the high friction surface materials wears out on the disc. Even when the pressure plate is engaged and a clamping force is applied, there is no longer sufficient friction to transmit power without the clutch slipping. Normally the Vehicle clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. Replacing the Vehicle Clutch is a major operation and it is sometimes advisable to replace a number of items, often supplied as a Vehicle Clutch kit:-
Vehicle clutch disc
pressure plate
release bearing
pilot bearing - bushing (when required)
internal Vehicle clutch slave cylinder
The centre of the clutch disc has a spline pattern that matches splines on the power input shaft of the transmission system
Vehicle Engine Efficiency - Fuel Injection
EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection
The Vehicle fuel injection system is controlled by a mini-computer or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that assimilates data from a series of temperature sensors and oxygen or lambda sensors providing feedback to help optimise fuel efficiency and power under a variety of conditions
LPG Petrol or Diesel Metering
Fuel Injection systems have replaced carburetors for the accurate mixing and delivering of petrol, lpg or diesel fuel in modern Vehicle vehicles
Vehicle Engine Mapping
The Vehicle ECU controlling engine performance is pre-programmed with software containing embedded data on engine performance for different combinations of engine speed and acceleration
Vehicle Re-Mapping Alcester
The Vehicle ECU can be replaced with a programmable ECU or re-mapped to electronically alter the engine performance characteristics
Vehicle Fuel Injection
Fuel injection systems mix fuel with just the right amount of air for optimal combustion & energy release in an internal combustion engine
Vehicle Engine Oil Change
Oil Change Masterclass
Keep a small amount of the engine oil used in your next oil change in a sealed container; then when you check your oil level with the dipstick you can compare the lubricity or lubricating properties of the oil against your fresh oil:- If the oil on the dipstick seems thin compared to your reference oil sample; it may be time to get an oil change to keep your Vehicle running smoothly
Oil Composition
Engine Lubricating Oil is composed of hundreds of chemicals; some can interact chemically, polymerise, oxidise and break down with the extreme conditions of temperature & shear forces pulling the oil molecules apart in your Vehicle engine thus, changing the lubrication properties.
Synthetic Oil Change - Alcester
Modern synthetic oils can last longer than old petroleum based multigrades because they are more inert with a laboratory designed molecular structure and fewer natural catalytic impurities that increase oil breakdown compared to the cheaper engine oils
Moisture Scavengers - Detergents - Acidity Regulators
Moisture scavengers, detergents and acidity regulators prevent all kinds of contaminants degrading and abrading the internal moving surfaces of your Vehicle engine minimising the effects that water, particles, and fuel combustion residus can have on Vehicle performance
Once they have absorbed the maximum amount of water and other contaminants; the risk of corrosion and failure in your in your Vehicle engine increases
Anti Oxidants
Preventing internal engine oxidation in your Vehicle motor is the job of sacrificial anti-oxidants present in the lubricating oil; Anti oxidants are sacrificed to protect your engine and will eventually be depleted making it necessary to change your oil regularly
Oil Change Frequency
The mechanics rule of thumb with traditional multigrade engine oils used to be "change the oil every 3000 miles" but many vehicle manufacturers indicate 5000 to 7000 miles. Initially, follow the Vehicle recommended oil change guidelines to ensure you validate your warranty.
Oil & Filter Change
A new Vehicle oil filter and oil change shouldn't need a specialist Vehicle engineer and is minimal compared to the cost of an Engine Rebuild; with regular maintenance and routine servicing working out cheaper than disaster recover when your Vehicle engine fails
Vehicle Replacement Exhausts Alcester
The exhaust pipework helps muffle and deaden the noise from the fuel combustion process
Corroded exhaust pipes allow fumes and noise to escape; increasing the risk of poisonous carbon monoxide entering the cabin and significantly increasing noise making detection an easy task
The Vehicle exhaust system allows poisonous gases from the fuel combustionto vent into the atmoshpere away from the driver and cabin
Explosions from the instantaneous ignition of the compressed fuel and air igniting in the combustion chamber creat a lot of noise that needs to be silenced in the urban environment