Is your vehicle due its next servicing? Or perhaps the expiration of the current MOT certificate is fast approaching. Don’t wait around, especially if your MOT is due – book a full service and/or MOT at our garage. Here at Trickett Welding, we excel at inspecting and optimising vehicles and performing the checks needed to keep the vehicle fully operational.
And we carry out the full range of MOT checks, from the suspension to the seatbelts and tyres. So, you can be confident that you’re receiving the best service when you choose us over our competitors. Call us on 01202 625050 for exceptional standards of workmanship at competitive prices.
Professional Servicing and MOT
Here at Trickett Welding, we offer a wide range of vehicle restoration and welding services. But did you know that we also carry out vehicle servicing and MOT inspections? A full service is vital if you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition.
If you are the proud owner of a classic vehicle, you are likely searching for a classic car specialist that’ll treat your vehicle with respect and care. Our team is passionate about vintage motors and has accumulated years of experience working on them. Whether your vehicle needs a full service or is due its MOT inspection, bring it to our garage.
Our expert team are here to help, and our talented employees will swiftly identify and repair any faults and ensure the safety of your vehicle. And we’ll do this for a fair price without any delays, getting you back on the road as quickly as possible. From Trickett Welding, you’ll receive a complete and professional service.
We get down to the nuts and bolts, checking each feature, from the exhaust and suspension to the body and tyres. And thanks to our excellent welding services, we can carry out any repair work needed as part of a full service or to pass the MOT inspection. Whether you bring us a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, a 1957 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, or a 1961 MG Midget MKI, you can count on our expertise.
We know our cars and bring more than 45 years of experience to the table. We’re confident you won’t find a company that offers better welding and restoration services, for which we’re renowned. Our servicing option will keep your vehicle running smoothly, lowering repair costs. And our MOT inspections will ensure that your vehicle is road legal.
To learn more about servicing and MOTs, keep reading. Or, to book your car into our garage, call our team today.
Benefits of Car Servicing
So far as an MOT inspection is concerned, you have no choice in the matter, as these are required by law. But regarding vehicle servicing, there is no legal requirement to have your car serviced – so should you even bother?
The short answer is – yes! An MOT inspection checks the basics, like your tyres, steering, and vehicle lights. It scratches the surface, but it is only a safety check to ensure that your vehicle meets the required safety standards to be out on the road. It doesn’t go much deeper than this, so there could still be many undetected issues.
A full service differs because it goes down to the nuts and bolts. We’re not just checking the vehicle for safety; we’re looking for underlying faults and ways to optimise the vehicle’s performance. Often issues start small and go undetected, only surfacing once they’ve worsened. At this point, they become costly to put right.
But a full service helps us spot these problems early, remedying them before they burn a hole in your wallet. And optimising your vehicle’s performance, from the inflation of your tyres to the replacement of your vehicle’s filters, can lower fuel consumption, saving you money at the pump.
So, as you can see, vehicle servicing, carried out annually, makes your vehicle more reliable, cheaper to run, less costly for repairs, and prolongs its lifespan.
And that’s not all! Other benefits of a full service include:
- Maintains Warranty
- Engine is Kept Healthy
- Safety Above All Else
- You Save Money
- Car’s Value is Protected
Maintains Warranty
Even classic cars come with warranties, especially when you consider that a classic vehicle will usually appreciate as the years tick by. Standard warranties will cover the vehicle for X miles, giving you complete peace of mind that you’re covered no matter what. That is so long as you keep up to date with your vehicle’s servicing.
This is often a stipulation if you read the small print of most warranty agreements. So long as your vehicle undergoes a full service at least once a year, your warranty is safe (the policy will usually stipulate the maximum interval). If you wait too long, you might invalidate the warranty, leaving you footing any future repair bills that come your way, even if it’s not your fault.
But what if I don’t know when the next schedule is due? Just check your vehicle’s handbook, as this will outline the schedule. And if you’re still unsure, book your vehicle in at the earliest convenience for a full service. Our team will ensure that your vehicle is fully checked, optimised, and kept compliant with the terms of the warranty.
Engine is Kept Healthy
The engine is undoubtedly the most important part of any vehicle. After all, if the engine is non-functional, you’re not going anywhere – simple as. When problems arise with the engine, they can often start small and may usually go unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to have these problems checked for, saving you from being left stranded by the roadside waiting for a tow.
Your car’s engine needs to be regularly serviced, much the same as your teeth need a regular check-up by the dentist, or you should undergo routine physicals at the GP surgery. Every engine, as with the other vehicle components, is designed with maintenance and servicing in mind, so if you neglect either, this will only end badly.
Without regular inspection, cleaning, repairs, and optimisations, your engine’s lifespan and reliability will be significantly reduced. And your safety will also be impacted.
It could be something as simple as an oil and filter change that keeps your engine healthy, preventing debris, dirt, and water from entering the internal workings. Even a minor issue that might not cause problems now could lead to irreparable damage. Worst-case scenario could see you needing a new engine fitted. So, why take the chance? Get your vehicle serviced at our garage, and we’ll address any underlying problems before they spiral out of hand.
Safety Above All Else
If you don’t book your vehicle for a full service for any other reason but one, make it about safety above all else. After all, your safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians are paramount. You’re operating more than a tonne’s worth of machine that can be fatal if mishandled or if a serious malfunction occurs.
From tyres that are underinflated or thread-bare to steering that’s misaligned or brakes that have nearly worn down to the metal. Any issue can arise with the potential to leave you facing a nasty accident with potentially serious consequences.
That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of vehicle servicing, as without addressing these problems, your vehicle likely won’t pass its next MOT inspection. A full service at our garage gets down deep, exploring for any potential niggles and addressing them before they become potentially catastrophic-accident-causing problems later on.
We make sure that the essential components of your vehicle, like your tyres, suspension, steering, engine, and brakes, are operating at peak efficiency, so they won’t let you down while out on the road. A full service gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is roadworthy, so you’re not left playing with your life and the lives of others every time you turn the key.
Remember that your car might feel okay, handle fine, and all might seem well. That doesn’t mean that everything is working as it should be. As the miles rack up, so too does wear and tear. Early deterioration signs aren’t always noticeable, and motorists likely won’t feel any change until it’s too late.
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security; get your vehicle serviced now at our garage and ensure your safety and the safety of others.
You Save Money
It might seem counterintuitive to pay for a full service if you’re looking to save money, but avoiding a service will likely leave you more out of pocket. That’s because vehicle servicing can save you money in all sorts of ways, and not just when it comes to selling your vehicle.
For instance, regular servicing will keep your car’s engine in excellent running order. It’ll run far more efficiently, consuming far less fuel. That means you spend a lot less at the pump – great news, with fuel prices the highest they’ve ever been.
Another area where you save money is your car’s tyres. If the tyres aren’t inflated to the correct pressure, they’ll create additional drag, increasing fuel consumption. Your tyres should also not be worn down so that they maintain a better grip on the road. Worn tyres increase braking distance which puts pressure on another critical area of the vehicle – the brakes.
And this leads to the last point, and that’s regular servicing not only addresses underlying issues but helps prevent issues from occurring. This keeps your repair costs down. For instance, ensuring your oil levels are where they should be keeps the engine lubricated, preventing it from seizing up, which could cost you thousands of pounds to put right.
Replacing oil and air filters stops debris, dirt, and water from entering the internal mechanisms, saving you an additional headache. And getting your tyres checked often reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel consumption.
So, the question you should be asking yourself is not, “Can I afford a vehicle service” but rather, “Can I afford to skip a vehicle service?”.
Car’s Value is Protected
Besides your home, your car is likely the second single most expensive investment you own, so it makes sense to protect said investment. A full service at our garage keeps your vehicle in tip-top shape throughout its lifespan. It’ll help preserve your vehicle in pristine condition for longer, ensuring you get a great resale price.
A full service makes a huge difference in this regard, whether you sell privately or through a dealership. Plus, the insurer is more likely to pay the amount you’re asking for even if a fault is present so long as they can see you’ve taken great care of your vehicle.
So, now that you’ve read about the fantastic benefits of vehicle servicing, it should be a no-brainer to get your vehicle serviced. Bring it along to Trickett Welding, and we’ll have your classic motor purring like a well-oiled machine in no time.
Next, let’s discuss MOTs and why an MOT inspection is a vital process and a legal obligation.
The Importance of MOTs
The principal difference between a full service and an MOT is that an MOT is a legal requirement. As of the 20th of May 2018, all classic cars built more than 40 years ago are exempt from MOT inspections. However, any classic car built later than 40 years ago must still undergo an MOT. There are also exemptions to bear in mind.
First, if a classic car has undergone substantial changes or modifications in the last 30 years that change how the vehicle works, it must still undergo an MOT. This rule also does not apply to classic cars that have been rebuilt to the criteria of the DVLA. Vehicles with a ‘Q’ prefix on the registration are not exempt as the age or identity of the car is in question.
Lastly, kit cars are also not exempt as this involves assembling a classic motor from an assortment of parts sourced yourself. This includes parts from different makes and models or adding new parts.
Even if your car is exempt, an MOT inspection is recommended as it certifies that your car is legally safe to be driven on the road. If your car requires an MOT inspection by law, a valid certificate must be held. This certificate is valid for one year and validates your insurance and road tax (if applicable).
Failure to present a valid certificate will void both, and you could face prosecution and be liable if an accident should occur. The good news is that you can book your MOT inspection up to one month before your current certificate expires, so make sure to schedule your inspection early. And if you own a modern car, you can bring that along, too, as we can MOT any vehicle, regardless of age, make, or model.
How Often Do You Need to Carry Out an MOT Test?
MOT inspections must be carried out by law once a year as an MOT certificate is only valid for so long. That’s because a lot can change in just a year, and while a vehicle might be road legal at the time of your current MOT inspection, it might not be a year from now. Of course, if your vehicle is exempt, you can choose to have your vehicle inspected whenever you like, though we still highly recommend booking one annually.
What’s Checked During an MOT?
Many customers enquire about what’s checked during an MOT, often out of curiosity and sometimes because they want to be sure we’re being thorough. Rest assured that all our MOT inspections follow a checklist set out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
We check all critical areas of the vehicle as a preventative measure to reduce accidents on the road. These areas include:
- Axles, Wheels, Tyres, and Suspension
- Battery, Lights, and Electrical Wiring
- Brakes
- Exhaust Emissions
- Steering
- Seatbelts
- Fuel System
As of 2018, extra checks were added to the MOT test, such as:
- Brake Fluid Contamination and Brake Pad Warning Lights
- Evidence of Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) Tampering
- Reversing Lamps
Reasons Cars Fail their MOT Tests
There are many reasons why your car might fail its MOT inspection. For instance, blown bulbs are one of the most common causes of MOT failures and are easily rectified. Britain’s many potholes and patchworked road surfaces can also give vehicle suspensions a serious workout.
It’s not uncommon to discover problems such as suspension failures which are a massive safety risk. If the suspension has failed or is failing, this is a big red mark against your vehicle’s MOT score. Two other vital areas are the brakes and tyres.
If braking distance is increased or the car begins to pull to the left or right, this is a sign the brakes are wearing. Worn brakes make any vehicle unsafe to drive, constituting an immediate MOT failure.
Likewise, your tyres must be in good condition as they’re regularly in contact with the road. If the tyres are worn, this decreases grip and increases braking distance. Use a 20p coin to check the tread depth of each of the tyres. If any part of the coin’s outer band is visible, your tyres could be under the legal limit.
Other MOT failure causes can include:
- Fuel Exhaust Emissions Exceeding Legal Levels
- Low Power Steering Fluid Levels
- Malfunctioning Seatbelts
- Missing Airbags or Warning Lights Activating Because of an Error
- Damage to the Bodywork
- Vehicle Plates That Are Either Missing or Not Legible
More Than Just Servicing and MOTs
In addition to vehicle servicing and MOT inspections, we at Trickett Welding offer other services here at our garage, including:
- Waxoyl Rustproofing
- Exhaust Repairs
- Car Sanitising
- Car Welding
- Classic Car Restorations
- Locking Wheel Nut Removal
Restoration Projects
We carry a stock of cars for customers to choose from, awaiting restoration or improvement to varying degrees. You choose the car you want, and we’ll restore it to your specifications. You select a base car, colour, and standard, and we’ll supply you with a written quote and timescale (usually six months to a year).
You’re also welcome to visit during the restoration to inspect the work and see your car take shape as the months tick by.
Why Choose Us?
Founded in 1977 by Graham Trickett, Trickett Welding has continued to go from strength to strength over the last four and a half decades. In that time, we’ve garnered a stellar reputation as the go-to garage for car restorations, welding, servicing, MOT inspections and more. We boast exceptional standards of workmanship at competitive prices, from minor repairs to full vehicle transformations.
Our reputation is such that we boast a large client base, and many customers wouldn’t hesitate to recommend our company to friends and family. We accept public and trade enquiries, so if your MOT is due or your vehicle needs servicing, we’ve got you covered.
We’re proud members of the Buy with Confidence scheme and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). So, you can trust us to handle a full service or MOT inspection of your vehicle. You can be assured of an honest assessment and a no-pressure, no-obligation quote.
It’s no wonder more people are coming to us for their vehicle servicing and MOT requirements.
Gallery
See our servicing and MOT specialists in action – from tyres to engines and headlights, we take care of every part of our customers’ vehicles. Click our gallery page to see what our team has accomplished previously. Hopefully, these high-definition images convince you that our garage is the one to visit for your next full service or MOT test.
Contact Us Today
So, look no further than Trickett Welding if you’re searching for a reputable garage that offers an affordable, reliable servicing and MOT testing service. We’re fully equipped to provide a full service, ensuring your vehicle operates at peak efficiency. And we’re an officially registered MOT testing station, so we are fully approved to complete your MOT test.
Our team is always delighted to discuss our servicing and MOT services and our excellent welding and restoration services. If you have any questions, you need only ask. We’ll be delighted to provide you with the answers you seek. Call 01202 625050, complete our online contact form or email info@trickettweldingltd.co.uk.
Call us today on 01202 625050 for your free no obligation inspection.