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Our answers
The lifetime of the timing belt depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits. Every car manufacturer will recommend a different age and mileage to replace the timing belt. As a very general rule, you can expect to change the timing belt every 5 years at the latest. If you are a high mileage driver, you may find your timing belt needs to be replaced betweek 70,000-100,000 miles, which you might reach quicker.
Any damage to the timing belt could of course mean that you need to replace it sooner.
In any case, you should check your maintenance or handbook for the recommended replacement interval for your vehicle. If you’re not sure, come in and see us.
Your car’s engine is a complex piece of machinery containing a number of moving parts. Most of these components are metal, some of which need to rub against each other. For example, pistons move up and down inside cylinders, rubbing against the interior wall.
Engine oil lubricates this process, making it more ‘slippery’. Despite this, friction still occurs, creating microparticles of metal and dirt, which are carried away by the oil.
During this lubrication and cleaning process, oil is slowly burned off. Over time this means your oil level drops and needs to be replaced or topped up.
Xenon lights are a relatively new development in modern cars. They emit light that’s closer to daylight than halogen lights. This also means they are much more powerful and last much longer than traditional lights.
When they do need replacing, xenon lights use a particular type of bulb. These contain xenon gas, drawing 20,000 volts (compared to 12 volts for a traditional bulb).
One of our technicians will be able to help you replace your xenon bulbs.
Drum brakes use pads and shoes inside a casing (the drum) to slow your vehicle down. The pads are pushed outwards, causing friction. Disc brakes on the other hand are arranged differently; a disc mounted to the wheel is gripped on both sides by brakes pads. Again this causes friction and slos the vehicle down.
Disc brakes generally provide more braking power and most cars will have these mounted at the front of the vehicle. Some will still have drum brakes mounted at the back, which are required to do less braking.
Both types of braking system use the same principal of applying friction in order to slow down your vehicle, so both will wear out over time.
If the battery warning light is showing on your dashboard, it could be that the battery is failing to charge. It’s possible that the alternator isn’t working correctly or the battery itself may need changing.
In either case, it’s important to have your battery checked by one of our technicians. If the battery fails completely, you won’t be able to start your car.
Your questions
The lifetime of the timing belt depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits. Every car manufacturer will recommend a different age and mileage to replace the timing belt. As a very general rule, you can expect to change the timing belt every 5 years at the latest. If you are a high mileage driver, you may find your timing belt needs to be replaced betweek 70,000-100,000 miles, which you might reach quicker.
Any damage to the timing belt could of course mean that you need to replace it sooner.
In any case, you should check your maintenance or handbook for the recommended replacement interval for your vehicle. If you’re not sure, come in and see us.
Your car’s engine is a complex piece of machinery containing a number of moving parts. Most of these components are metal, some of which need to rub against each other. For example, pistons move up and down inside cylinders, rubbing against the interior wall.
Engine oil lubricates this process, making it more ‘slippery’. Despite this, friction still occurs, creating microparticles of metal and dirt, which are carried away by the oil.
During this lubrication and cleaning process, oil is slowly burned off. Over time this means your oil level drops and needs to be replaced or topped up.
Xenon lights are a relatively new development in modern cars. They emit light that’s closer to daylight than halogen lights. This also means they are much more powerful and last much longer than traditional lights.
When they do need replacing, xenon lights use a particular type of bulb. These contain xenon gas, drawing 20,000 volts (compared to 12 volts for a traditional bulb).
One of our technicians will be able to help you replace your xenon bulbs.
Drum brakes use pads and shoes inside a casing (the drum) to slow your vehicle down. The pads are pushed outwards, causing friction. Disc brakes on the other hand are arranged differently; a disc mounted to the wheel is gripped on both sides by brakes pads. Again this causes friction and slos the vehicle down.
Disc brakes generally provide more braking power and most cars will have these mounted at the front of the vehicle. Some will still have drum brakes mounted at the back, which are required to do less braking.
Both types of braking system use the same principal of applying friction in order to slow down your vehicle, so both will wear out over time.
If the battery warning light is showing on your dashboard, it could be that the battery is failing to charge. It’s possible that the alternator isn’t working correctly or the battery itself may need changing.
In either case, it’s important to have your battery checked by one of our technicians. If the battery fails completely, you won’t be able to start your car.