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Timing Belt: Knowing When to Replace It to Protect Your Engine

A timing belt is an essential component of your engine that ensures precise synchronization of piston movement and valve opening. However, like anything, it has a lifespan and can become worn down over time. If a timing belt breaks, your engine can fail, causing expensive repairs. So when should you replace it?Recommended Replacement Period.Generally, a timing belt needs to be replaced every 60,000 to 105,000 miles, according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s important to ...

Job Vacancy: Vehicle Technician

We have a vacancy for a qualified Vehicle Technician to start work at our busy garage in April.Job DescriptionPosition: Vehicle Technician. Qualified MOT tester is a bonus but not essential as training and qualification will be given.Full Time: 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 30 minute lunch and two 15 minute breaks.Salary: Open to discussion, subject to experience and qualifications.Start Date: April 2024To apply, please send your CV to Jacqui Winter at jacquiwinter@btinternet.com...

FREE Summer Health Check

As part of our continued support to our customers and community we are offering FREE Summer health check appointments to ensure your car is tip top for the months ahead. We will check; • Wiper Blades • Battery • Lights • Tyres • Oil • Fluids Call us on 01207 560274 to make an appointment....

Preparing your Vehicle for the Winter

We are currently offering a FREE multi point health check of your vehicle to get it ready for the winter months.If we find anything that requires attention we will inform you so you can decide if you'd like us to carry out any repairs. CONTACT US to make an appointment....

Job Vacancy

Job Vacancy at Corbridge Road Garage We have a vacancy for an Automotive Apprentice to start work at our busy garage and work towards their L3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) qualification. Hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm with a 30 minute lunch and two 15 minute breaks. Days: 4 days at Corbridge Road Garage and one day at Newcastle College. Duration: 36 Months Start date: ImmediateThe applicant will preferably hold a full UK driving license.For more information see the d...

How to change a wheel in ten steps

Advice & Tips Taken from the automyze.theaa.com If you get stopped in your tracks by a tyre puncture or buckled wheel you can always call your roadside assist technician to help you.  However with the right tools and equipment it is something you can do yourself. What you will need Manufacturer’s handbookLocking wheel nutWheel braceVehicle jackReplacement wheel What you should do Ensure your vehicle is not on a main road, but in a safe, flat level location.Apply the handbrake an...

Why getting your car serviced is so important

Car Service advice from AA Automize Regularly servicing your car can make the difference between it running smoothly and fuel efficiently, and the risk of it breaking down and incurring an expensive and unexpected repair. It can be a false economy to avoid regular car servicing, since expected wear and tear requiring minor maintenance, can fast become a costly major repair or replacement. The service schedule for your vehicle will depend on the manufacturer and also depend on the car’s mileage...

MOT Guidelines during Covid-19

Your MOT certificate will be extended by 6 months if it was due to expire on or after 30 March 2020 and your vehicle is a: carmotorcyclelight vanother light vehicle How the 6-month extension works Your vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be automatically extended by 6 months if it’s eligible. This will be done about 7 days before it’s due to expire. This means that: your vehicle will still have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 monthsyou can still tax your vehicle - you might need to wait ...

MOT Checklist – don’t fail your MOT

Taken from the AA Garage Guide Did you know, most cars fail their MOT due to minor issues that can be easily avoided by doing a few simple checks before your car goes in? Just follow our simple ten point checklist to ensure your vehicle has the best chance of passing. Headlights and indicators Are they all working? Check your headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights, indicators and number plates. If one of the bulbs are out head down to Corbridge Road Garage or...

When Does A New Car Need Its First MOT?

When driving your new car off the forecourt, its road-worthiness isn’t (and shouldn’t be) at the forefront of your mind. We all assume a new car’s safety – it’s a good reason to buy a new car.Your car is obliged to have its first MOT after three years. Before then, there is no legal obligation to undergo testing. Check when your vehicle was registered for the exact date you’ll be due a test. If your car is imported and you therefore don’t know the registration date, you’ll have t...

FREE Tyre Safety Checks

When the winter weather arrives, you know you will be dealing with ice, sleet and snow.  Winter tyres can be perfect for you when you live in a place that sees a lot of snow and cold. They are designed to give you better grip and braking when the temperatures are really low. While not made specifically to get you through the snow, they do give you better braking and let you handle your vehicle better in the ice and snow, which can be a big plus for you. FREE Tyre Safety Check Get your tyres...

Autumn Driving Tips

Autumn’s not just about blackberries and pretty coloured leaves – it brings changes to the roads, too. Watch out for Glare Glare when the sun’s low in the sky is more likely to be a problem at this time of year. To improve vision: Clean your windscreen, inside and out, removing the hazy film that builds up.Sort out glass scratches and chips – they can intensify the sun's glare.Replace your wiper blades if they’re worn, damaged, or more than a couple of years old.Use a screen ...

How to change your car wiper blades

Taken from the AA Garage Guide Wiper blades are fairly inexpensive items, but have a big effect on visibility and safety so it is advised that you replace them once a year for optimum performance. Before you start it is always best to consult your manufacturers handbook for any specialist tools or equipment required. There are two main types of wiper blades. The early ridged type wiper blade and the modern flexible type wiper blade. How to change a rigid wiper blade Lift the arm into t...

How To Jump Start Your Car

Taken from automyze.theaa.com If your car is turning over, but simply will not start it could mean your battery is flat. If you have a charged power pack to hand you can jump start your car on your own. However if you don’t, you will need another vehicle to feed the power from. Before you jump start your vehicle, consult the manufacturer’s handbook, as each vehicle will have its own unique procedure. Before jump starting Make sure all electrics and lights are switched off and ...

DIY Car Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance checks are a great way to keep your car in sound working order and can stop minor wear and tear turning into a much bigger and more costly repair. You don’t have to be a trained mechanic to carry out some basic car maintenance. We have outlined some simple steps you can follow below, and if you notice any warning signs you can always contact us for further investigation. Engine Oil Find the dipstick, which is usually a bright coloured circular piece of plasti...

How MOT Requirements For New Cars Could Change In 2018

Taken from the AA Garage Guide You know the drill. Your annual MOT test is coming up and that feeling of dread has hit the pit of your stomach. Will your motor make it through first time? Fingers crossed. You drop your motor off, and hope for the best. But prepare yourself for a shake-up, as the latest announcement from the Department for Transport has dropped a couple of potentially significant game changers in the nerve-wracking world of the MOT. Read on to find out how you might be affected&h...

When is my MOT due?

Automyze by the AA is a new free, innovative digital tool that manages everything to do with vehicle ownership for you in one secure online space. By using Automyze to take care of your vehicle, you'll generate a valuable digital record for your vehicle that adds real value. If you have forgotten when your MOT is due you can use this handy free service to find out! To find our when your MOT is due click here. MOT tests can be carried out on your car up to one month prior to the expiry ...

How to Keep Your Alloys At Their Best

Taken from AA Guide Advice and Tips One of the most important yet neglected aspects of car maintenance is the proper care of alloy wheels. The majority of cars in the 21st century will have alloys, and they do have certain benefits – they are lighter, they help your car’s performance, and they improve the quality of the ride. However, improper upkeep can leave them damaged beyond repair, which may lead to costly replacements. Here are some ways to preserve your alloy wheels and keep them rea...

What does a car service include?

Do you know exactly what a Service comprises of? After completing a survey the AA found that 92% of motorists don’t know what is included when their vehicle is serviced – not surprising, seeing as service checklists vary from garage to garage. To help give some clarity, we have defined our own service checklists for both Interim and Full Services with the help of leading industry experts at The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). AA Garage Guide Service Checklist ...