Autoking Servicing & Autocare

Tips for buying your first car

wezsmith — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:33:56 +0000

Tips for Buying your First Car

Are You Buying Your First Car?

When you are ready to buy your first car, it can be a daunting experience but don’t worry, this post will give you some great tips for buying your first car.

It’s not easy to buy a car but this blog post will help you get started with the basics of what to consider when buying your first vehicle. There are many different types of cars that come in various shapes and sizes, so there are many things to consider before settling on one type or brand. Our goal is to provide helpful information that will make the process easier for you as you purchase your very own set of wheels!

Should I Buy a New or Used Car?

Many people would love a new car to be their first car. However, this isn’t an option for most people and for many others, it is simply inadvisable. No matter how careful of a driver you are, we all make mistakes from time to time, be it grinding a gear, clipping a curb or something more serious. We advise you to use a used car for a couple of years and develop your confidence as a driver before entering the world of new cars. Additionally, used vehicles can be considerably cheaper than new cars. For this reason, you can often get more for your money when buying used vehicles. Be this a larger car or one with more technology. Finally, you may be surprised by the great used car deal you will find.

How Much Will Insurance Cost?

Many people, when learning to drive, overlook the cost of insuring their first car. It may seem insignificant at the time; however, your insurance can be the same price as your first car itself in some cases. When you are looking for your first car, be sure to consider the insurance cost and take this into account when you are making your decision. Additionally, considering building your no claims bonus from day one, this can be a great way to help reduce your insurance cost as quickly as possible.

How Long Will You Have The Car?

When choosing your first car, many people plan to keep it for a long time. In reality, it can be beneficial to change your vehicle after a couple of years. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly by changing your car after a couple of years, you may be able to afford a more expensive car which can help to reduce your insurance costs. Secondly, after a couple of years, you will be a significantly more confident driver than just after you pass your test. This confidence will help ensure that your next car will not be bumped and kept looking its best.

What Do You Need?

You must understand what you will need before purchasing your first car. It can be a complex process when you have not done it before. Firstly, we recommend arranging quotes for everything and where possible, having multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best deal. These quotes should include Insurance, Tax, Breakdown Cover, Estimated Fuel Costs. This will help to avoid any surprises when you get your car. Secondly, when you pick up your vehicle, ensure you have all the relevant documentation, such as your driver’s license, a letter with your address and any other documents requested by the deal. Finally, whether your agreement has driven away insurance or you have a range of insurance yourself, make sure you are insured to drive your new car home.

Is The Car Ready To Drive?

If you are getting your first car from a deal, it will likely have just had its service and MOT; however, if you buy privately, you must understand if these need to be done before agreeing on the sale. When you purchase a car, it is very important that you fully understand the history of the car’s servicing and repair work. If you are in any doubt, you are well within your rights to arrange a local independent mechanic to look the car over before agreeing to anything or paying a deposit.

How Do I Know How Much A Car Will Cost To Run?

When purchasing your first car, the running cost may be very vague and difficult to plan for. The easiest way to prepare for these expenses is to estimate the maximum number of miles you will drive in a month. Then you can calculate the fuel cost to travel this distance; you can do this yourself or use an online fuel calculator. Additionally, check your mileage allowance agreed with your insurance and going over this may void your insurance.

You’ve made it this far and hopefully, you found our article helpful. If you have any questions about what we discussed today or would like to learn more about how Autoking can help with your car buying process, contact us! We will be happy to answer all of your questions and guide you through the complicated world of cars without a hitch. Don’t forget that there’s nothing wrong with taking some time before making an important decision, such as purchasing new wheels for yourself, but don’t wait too long because prices are constantly changing!

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Are your tyres ready for the rain

wezsmith — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:33:15 +0000

Are Your Tyres Ready for the Rain

Rain Proof your Tyres

Are you ready for the rain? The weather is getting colder, and that means it’s time to check your tyres. Here are some tips on how to prepare your car for winter driving conditions.

Tyre safety is essential because there could be problems when driving during wet or icy weather conditions if they aren’t in good condition. Ensure that you have wiper blades in good working order so that visibility isn’t impaired whilst driving through rain or snow. If water can seep into the windshield cracks, then other drivers won’t see any hazards ahead of them either. It’s also helpful to clear out all other windows on your vehicle before taking a journey too!

Why Does the Rain Make a Difference?

When driving, we all notice the difference the weather can make and rain is no exception. Coursing both standing water and wet surfaces, rain can be far more dangerous than people think. Additionally, when roads are wet, this will conceal any other liquid such as oil or grease, both of which can be extremely dangerous. Finally, rain can have a vast impact on your visibility. Heavy rain can reduce visibility to only a few metres in a matter of seconds and this can be made even worse on motorways where the spray from other vehicles can impact, even after the rain has passed.

Tyre Tread

One of the most important things to check on your tyre when driving in the rain is your tread. Many people think the tread is insignificant; however, your tyre’s tread is designed to funnel any water away from your wheel and allow the tyre to maintain contact with the road. When you have little or no tread, you can aquaplane, which is further explained in this article. The legal limit for your tyre tread is 1.6mm, allowing your wheel tread to drop below this could result in a fine of up to £2,500.

Tyre Pressure

Your tyre pressure is just as crucial as your tyre tread. Anyone who has experienced a flat tyre understands that driving on a flat tyre is almost impossible. Having an over or under-inflated tyre also dramatically impacts both the level of control you have and the efficiency of your vehicle. You must check your tyre pressure regularly. Additionally, your tyre pressure can change dramatically between the summer and winter months due to the temperature change.

What is Aquaplaning?

Many people assume that aquaplaning is something that can only happen to fast sports cars. Although faster cars are more likely to aquaplane, all vehicles are at risk during wet weather. Aquaplaning is when your tyres cannot move the water out from under your wheel quickly enough, allowing your tyre to ride on a thin layer of water. The layer of water offers almost no friction and so very little if any control. There are a few key factors that determine how likely aquaplaning is. Firstly, if you have little or no tread on your tyres, you are significantly more likely to aquaplane. Secondly, the wider your tyre, the more water your wheel encounters and the more likely you are to ride up onto a layer of water. Finally, the faster you travel, the easier it is for your tyres to be overwhelmed by water and aquaplanes.

Consider your Stopping Distance

One of the most significant causes of accidents during wet weather is people being unable to stop due to standing water in the road. For this reason, it is vital that during wet conditions, you allow for the additional distance required to stop. The highway code recommends that you allow double the normal stopping distance during wet conditions and reduce your speed to allow for the reduction in visibility. Finally, it is important that you only drive when you feel comfortable and if weather conditions become too extreme you should find a safe location to pull over and wait for the weather to pass while ensuring that you’re not a danger to other motorists.

Other Winter Checks

There are many things you should bear in mind when driving in the winter months. Some of these are easily done yourself, such as checking your fluid levels and ensuring you have enough fuel. While you can also arrange winter health checks for your vehicle. Finally consider keeping a winter weather kit in your car, this could include a phone charger and thermal blanket.

We all know that good tyres are essential for our safety on the road. But what about when it starts raining? If you have a set of new tyres fitted, they should be ready to go in any weather condition. However, if your car has been driving around with an old and worn-down tyre, then there is a chance this will not perform as well during wet conditions – so it’s worth checking whether or not yours need replacing before winter sets in!

Autoking offers competitive prices on both new and used tyres from brands like Michelin, Continental and Pirelli, who provide everything from budget-priced pneumatic to high-performance sports models – we can help find the perfect one for you!

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Middlesbrough’s answer to tyres mots and servicing

wezsmith — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:32:40 +0000

Middlesbrough’s answer to Tyres MOTs and Servicing

It’s time to get your car checked. Whether you need a tyre MOT, service or some new tyres in Middlesbrough, Auto King is the place for you. With prices starting at just £39 and with free parking on-site it’s easier than ever to take care of your vehicle. Come visit us today! With an unbeatable price and range of services, Autoking is your best option in Middlesbrough.

Our Services

Thanks to our years of experience we are proud to offer a wide range of services, so whatever you require we are here to help. With unrivalled expertise and outstanding customer service, you will not be disappointed. So for all your vehicle requirements in Middlesbrough, Auto King has all you need.

Tyres

When the time comes to arrange new tyres for your vehicle Autoking has an unbeatable range at any price point. Our expert staff are here to advise based on your needs to ensure you get the right tyre for your vehicle. If you find yourself with a puncture our team has the knowledge and equipment needed to repair your tyre when possible.

Type of tyres

Regardless of what tyres you are looking for, we will have something for you in our extensive range of tyres. Our range includes winter and summer tyres as well as run-flat and energy-saving types. In addition, following many years of experience in the industry, we are perfectly positioned to offer you advice around what tyres are best suited for you and your vehicle.

Your MOT

We know that your MOT is unavoidable. Also being without your car can be very inconvenient but is an inevitable part of owning a car. Here at Autoking we provide fast and simple MOTs at an affordable price, and even if your car does need work, we will arrange the work for a convenient time and at an affordable price. You can relax with the peace of mind your car is in safe hands with Auto King.

Why your MOT is important

We all know that MOTs are required by law, however, you should overlook how important they are. You MOT ensure that your car is maintained and safe to drive. You must ensure that the car passes its MOT each year. It is also best practice to have any advisory work done before the following years MOT is due to avoid failing that MOT.

Servicing

Servicing your car is equally as important as your MOT, ensuring that your car is running as cleanly as possible. Regular servicing helps to extend the life of not only your car but also the most-used components of your car. Having your car serviced regularly can also help to identify any work that will need to be done in the future, rather than it coming as a surprise. Additionally having an up to date history of your vehicle’s services can help increase the value of your car when you come to sell or part exchange.

When and why do you need a Service?

Having your vehicle serviced is just as important as your MOT, many people choose to have the MOT and service done at the same time. However, it is also common for people to offset the MOT and service by six months, this not only offsets the cost but also means that you have two opportunities each year to identify potential problems. It is also often advised to have your vehicle serviced before winter each year. This can help to prevent any undue wear during the colder weather.

Why Choose Auto King

Here at Auto King, we are committed to providing our customers with unbeatable service and thanks to our years of experience we are your best choice for tyres, MOTs and Services in the Middlesbrough area. So whatever work you require for your vehicle, why not speak to one of our friendly team who will be happy to help with your query. With the fast-paced nature of today’s society, it can be hard to find time for everything.

That includes getting your car serviced or MOTed when you need them done quickly and efficiently. But with Middlesbrough’s answer to Tyres MOTs and Servicing, Auto King, this is no longer an issue! Whether you live in Middlesbrough or not, we offer a wide range of services including servicing, repair work and tyres at competitive prices. We also have free WiFi throughout our premises if you want to wait while your vehicle undergoes its check-up – so why go anywhere else? Contact us now for more information about how we can.

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Whats included in an mot?

wezsmith — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:32:05 +0000

Whats Included in an MOT?

Would your car pass its MOT? Unsure what’s involved? Then do not worry, Autoking have put together all the checks that are covered in your MOT. This way you know what main elements are checked and tested during an MOT so you can make sure to fix anything before it becomes a problem on the road! From brake fluid leakages to tire wear-and-tear, from headlights to seat belts – there isn’t much that doesn’t get checked over when getting an auto assessed for safety purposes! So be mindful of any potential issues with your vehicle now while they’re easy fixes rather than dealing with them later down the line.

MOT Test – Checks and Testing

Did you know that nearly half of all faults in an MOT could be avoided by simply maintaining and checking your car? This means that by checking items like your: lights, wiper blades, tyres and brakes; you can save yourself the cost of failing an MOT. So something as simple as regularly inspecting specific parts on your vehicle will not only give you peace of mind but also help to prolong its life! It takes less than 10 minutes each week for these checks so it’s really worth doing them before anything goes wrong with anyone part – saving time (and money) at least once every two months would make things easier down the line if ever there were problems costing more or causing delays

Lights

An auto inspection will test the condition, operating and security of your current lights. The front, rear brake fog indicator registration plate and headlamps are checked to ensure they are all functioning correctly in good condition with correct colouration at an MOT. Your headlight will also be checked to see if they are aimed correctly.

Vehicle Identification Number

The VIN number is a unique code that has been stamped onto your vehicle. The MOT test verifies the presence and readability of this crucial identifying information on your car, so make sure it’s present and totally readable before you come in!

Registration Plate

A registration plate must be fitted to both the front and rear of your vehicle. Each registration plate should have a reflective finish, with easy-to-read letters that are no more than 12 inches high in size. The lettering on each side also needs to be spaced out properly for increased visibility as well!

Steering and Suspension

Driving with faulty steering or suspension components means that your whole car is at risk of failing an MOT test. Have a professional mechanic take care of these problems before the big day!

Windscreen

Cracks and other damage on your windscreen can decrease visibility while driving, which is why it’s important to ensure the surface of your windshield remains crystal clear. A comprehensive inspection will be performed to check for any cracks or issues with your window in order that we may find potential problems before they become unsafe. Furthermore, there should not be a crack more than 10mm long directly in front of the driver nor any larger than 40 mm anywhere else on the glass; these could impair vision if left unchecked!

Wipers and Washer Bottle

Your wipers will be checked over to ensure that there has been no damage and work correctly. Prior to your MOT, make sure you check the condition of your wipers, as well as check if they need any new screenwash topping upon them.

Horn

The horn should be able to emit a continuous note and have enough volume for others on the road. It will also need to sound loud and clear, so it’s tested by measuring how much noise is transmitted when in use.

Seat Belts

The seat belts in your car are part of a safety system that could save you and others’ lives. All seats within the vehicle will be examined for type, condition, security and proper operation to ensure they meet those standards before it passes inspection. Your belt must pass these tests or else there is potential risk involved with life-changing consequences if not fixed immediately.

Seats

The MOT test ensures the safety of all passengers. Your front seats will be checked to make sure they’re safe and secure for your loved ones as well!

Doors

The MOT tester will check to see that the doors can be opened and closed properly, as well as make sure they have a secure latch. This is important because both front doors need to function from inside or outside of the car–or else you won’t get very far on your trip!

Bodywork

The examination of the vehicle during an MOT test will ensure that there is no excessive corrosion or damage. When you have reached your inspection, be sure to check for any sharp edges on bodywork that could cause failure and get it fixed before coming in again!

Fuel System

Your vehicle’s fuel system will be checked and analysed for any leaks or problems and to ensure the tank cap seals properly.

Emissions

All cars have to pass the MOT, or they could be taken off of the roads. A gas analyser probe will test your car’s exhaust smoke and carbon monoxide levels while it is running. If those are above legal limits, you won’t get an acceptance from this tester!

Mirrors

The mirrors in and out of your car will be checked to ensure there are no cracks, smashes or problems with the current condition of the mirror. This can affect both safeties for you as well as others on the road if they cannot see what is coming up behind them easily.

Wheels and Tyres

A common failure in an MOT is the type of tyres. This can be caused by having your tyre treads below a minimum level, currently at 1.6mm. Ensure you are well within this measurement before taking your car for its MOT test! You can do so with a 20p coin to check how deep into the rubber it goes – both wheels and tires will also be checked during inspection to ensure they have no lumps or bulges that could indicate damage.

Brakes

Your brakes will be checked to ensure that they are working as efficiently and effectively as possible. This is done through a series of tests where you brake performance, your pedals’ functionality, the condition of levers controlling them, and what warning lights may light up on your car’s dashboard during these checkups.

Book Your MOT with Autoking Today!

Book your MOT with AutoKing today for a full assessment of the health and safety of your car. We can inspect all major systems, including brakes, steering and suspension. If we find any potential problems that need attention right away, our team will be happy to give you an estimate before proceeding with repairs. When it comes time to book your maintenance appointment, don’t forget about us! Contact our mechanics today!

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What to do if your car fails its mot

andy@motasoft.co.uk — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:04:31 +0000

What to Do If Your Car Fails its MOT

At some point in your driving career, you may have to put up with the inconvenience of a car that fails its annual MOT. This can be for any number of reasons; from faulty brakes to unscrupulous mechanics tampering with something they shouldn’t. In this blog post, we’ll outline what you should do if your car fails its annual test and is not deemed roadworthy by the government.

Your Cars Failed its MOT? Here’s what to do Next

If you find yourself with a car that has failed its MOT, we will issue you with the VT30 form. This is something to take note of because it includes your vehicle’s information as well as the test number and reasons for failing in order to inform future inspections. You are not allowed by law (since May 2018) to operate any vehicles if they have dangerous faults; this could land up costing £2500 or banning from driving altogether! The new legislation means people can be fined or banned from operating their own cars when there are serious safety concerns about them – don’t risk it and save money now before anything happens worse than what might happen on an unfavourable inspection.

Re-Test

When you go to retest your vehicle, there are two options for how it will be tested. The first option is that the car can stay at an approved test centre and have any issues fixed within ten days of when they were found. Or the second option would be if those repairs cannot happen in time then a partial retest could occur where only these specific parts on this VT30 form need checking. Before you can get your car re-tested, all things with regards to why it failed must either been resolved or addressed before being able to continue moving forward. There are really just three different ways one’s vehicle may come back after failing;

1. Leave it to be fixed: you can leave your vehicle at the approved test centre to have the issues fixed if repairs are carried out within 10 working days, a partial retest can be completed, this is where only the issues listed on the VT30 will be retested.

2. Bring it back within 10 working days: you can, of course, take your vehicle elsewhere to have the repairs carried out, and a partial retest can be completed as long as the vehicle is returned to the initial test centre within 10 working days.

3. After 10 working days: should you return your vehicle to the initial test centre after 10 working days, a full MOT will be charged.

You Can Appeal a Failed MOT

If you think your car has unfairly failed its MOT, there are steps to take. Discuss the reasons for failure with the test centre first though- and do not carry out any repairs or modifications while waiting on a decision! If after talking it over with them, still believe their verdict is wrong, fill out Complain about an MOT form which must be sent in within 14 days of the original date. An alternative appointment to test your vehicle will be arranged within 5 days. You may have the chance of being refunded if you are able to successfully appeal this charge, so it’s worth a try!

Contact AutoKing

If you’ve been told that your car needs more than just an annual MOT, don’t worry! The team at AutoKing is here to help. We can inspect the damage and give you a quote on any repairs needed in order for your vehicle to pass its next MOT test with flying colours. Give us a call today if you are unsure of what issues may be causing failure or need assistance getting back into compliance with UK law.

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