Tips & Tricks
Brake tips:
- When braking, some noises indicate potential problems with the discs or brake pads; these include grinding, clicking or a loud squeal.
- Brake pull or pulsing can be caused by warped brake discs, contaminated brake pads or faulty brake calipers; this can be remedied by replacing brake pads, discs or calipers.
- Brake noise or vibration can indicate worn out brake pads, faulty brake calipers or poor condition of discs; replacing these parts will remedy the problem.
- A spongy brake pedal can indicate problems with the hydraulic system or poor brake fluid condition; this can be solved by replacing brake fluid, bleeding the hydraulic system or diagnosing the faulty component.
Shock absorber and tyre tips:
- Defective shock absorbers extend the braking distance and the tyres wear more quickly; it is advisable to have your shock absorbers checked regularly.
- The legal requirement for tyre tread is 1.6mm; it is recommended that you replace your tyres before reaching this limit.
- Tyre wear is affected by driving habit, alignment settings, tyre pressure, worn suspension and worn shock absorbers.
Light and visibility tips:
- Visibility is crucial to safety, regularly checking the performance of your wiper blades is important.
- Cracks, ridges or tears in the rubber can cause streaking and haze formation; if this happens, get your blades replaced.
- Change your wiper blades at least once a year.
- Driving with dipped headlights at all times enables cars to see you sooner and reduces accidents.
Inspection and oil service tips:
- Seasonal checks improve safety all year round.
- Briggate Garage can change your engine oil and fit a new oil filter.
Recommended checklist of items to keep in your car in case of a roadside emergency:
- Jump Leads
- Inflated spare tyre
- Pen and paper
- Jack
- Emergency contacts
- Torch and extra batteries
- Reflective devices
- Ice scraper
- First aid kit
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Windscreen washer liquid
- Blanket
- bottled drinking water
- Copies of relevant documents and insurance details
- Paper towels
- Disposable camera
- Mobile phone