At The Choice Garage LTD we really care about what we do. All of our staff are qualified technicians equipped with exceptional knowledge and great passion for cars. This is why everytime you visit us, you can be sure that your car is being well looked after.
Timing belts, often referred to as cambelts, play a vital role in your engine’s operation. They synchronize the movements of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring they operate at the proper speeds.
To provide context, the camshaft regulates the flow of fuel in and out of the engine, while the crankshaft moves the pistons up and down simultaneously. The timing belt ensures these components remain aligned, which is essential because even a minor misalignment can result in engine damage.
Detecting a faulty timing belt can pose a challenge since it’s an internal engine component. However, there are several signs and symptoms that can assist you in recognizing a faulty timing belt:
It is recommended to replace your timing belt anywhere between 40,000 to 100,000 miles. This timeline depends on various factors, including the timing belt’s age, wear and tear, and the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle. Concerned that your timing belt might be faulty? At Halfords, we provide a complimentary cam belt check to offer you peace of mind. We’ll assess its performance and condition to ensure the proper functioning of your engine.
In addition to brakes and shocks, the clutch plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s operation. It’s vital to be attentive to early indications of clutch issues, as neglecting them could lead to significant problems down the line. Clutch repairs can incur substantial costs, underscoring the importance of relying on a reputable and certified service center.
At The Choice Garage , our team of clutch specialist technicians is ready to assess and advise on any necessary clutch repairs or replacements. We pride ourselves on offering competitive prices and delivering dealership-quality service from start to finish.
A clutch comprises two metal plates located within the engine. When you depress the clutch pedal, these plates disengage, separating the engine from the drive wheels, enabling you to shift gears. Releasing the pedal re-engages the plates, linking the engine back to the drive wheels. Since the car’s engine operates continuously, the clutch is essential for disengaging the engine from the drive wheels when the car comes to a stop. This action occurs when you depress the clutch just before stopping, preventing the car from stalling.
While the clutch is a vital component for driving, recognizing when it requires replacement or repair isn’t always straightforward. Clutch issues manifest in various ways, ranging from unusual sounds and diminished performance to mechanical malfunctions. Depending on driving habits and vehicle type, clutches typically endure between 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Here are common signs suggesting the need for a new clutch:
These problems can stem from minor components like bushes, pilot bearings, springs, or screws, as well as major parts such as the clutch disc, flywheel, pressure plate, or release bearing. Issues may also originate from the drivetrain or chassis. Recognizing these signs indicates the need for either a new clutch or proficient clutch repairs.
The cost of clutch replacement varies based on the issue’s complexity and the vehicle’s make and model. At The Choice Garage, our skilled clutch fitters exclusively utilize manufacturer-recommended original parts. They will provide a comprehensive assessment of necessary repairs and associated costs before commencing any work. Feel uncertain about your clutch’s condition? Visit any of our centers for a complimentary clutch check and expert advice from our clutch specialists.
If you own a diesel vehicle, chances are it’s equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Over time, these filters, designed to remove soot, can become clogged, necessitating periodic cleaning to prevent expensive repairs.
Our DPF Deep Clean service is a professional workshop treatment specifically formulated to cleanse partially blocked DPFs with accumulated soot. It includes a comprehensive inspection of your DPF to identify the root cause of the blockage, a thorough flush of the filter, and a test drive lasting at least 20 minutes.
Schedule your appointment today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your DPF is clean, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in costly DPF repairs.
With most vehicles the DPF warning light will illuminate to notify you that the unit is becoming blocked and requires regeneration.
When conditions are met for regeneration, it will attempt to burn off the built up soot using either an active, or passive regeneration.
If the regeneration is unable to occur or fails you may be treated to an additional warning light on your dash. This usually occurs when the DPF is blocked beyond the point at which a normal regeneration will clear it and indicates a garage visit is required.
Our mechanics in Tunbridge Wells are equipped to handle turbo replacements regardless of the issue with the turbo. Common problems they can address include exhaust blockage, black exhaust gas, and contaminated oil. They conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle and turbocharger to precisely pinpoint the source of the issue and resolve it effectively. Utilizing appropriate spare tools and parts tailored to your car’s brand, they meticulously carry out each turbo replacement. Post-replacement, they conduct rigorous testing to guarantee high-quality workmanship and ensure the turbo operates reliably.
Signs that your turbocharger may need replacement include decreased engine performance, excessive smoke from the exhaust, unusual noises such as whining or grinding, and visible damage or oil leaks around the turbocharger.
Common signs of a failing turbocharger include loss of power or acceleration, increased fuel consumption, black or blue smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises such as whistling or grinding.
The time required for turbocharger replacement can vary depending on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, accessibility of the turbocharger, and the extent of any additional repairs needed. On average, turbocharger replacement can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day of labor.
