Glasgow
Glasgow, situated in the west central lowlands of Scotland, is a bustling city renowned for its vibrant culture and industrial heritage. With a population of over 600,000, it stands as the largest city in Scotland and the third most populous in the United Kingdom.
The most popular cars in Glasgow
Delving into the car ownership trends in Glasgow, we uncover fascinating insights from the data collected over the years. At the top of the popularity charts is the Ford Focus, a beloved choice among Glasgow residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
It is worth mentioning that Glasgow showcases a preference for compact and efficient cars, reflecting the city's urban landscape and the need for maneuverability in its bustling streets. These popular models align with the city's practicality and style-conscious nature.
Vehicle numbers in Glasgow
Glasgow boasts a substantial number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 400,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This significant figure highlights the city's reliance on private transportation and the demand for reliable car maintenance services to keep its roads running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Glasgow
Glasgow is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct character. Some notable areas include G1 (City Centre, Merchant City, and Trongate), G11 (Partick, Thornwood, and Broomhill), G41 (Pollokshields, Shawlands, and Strathbungo), and G52 (Hillington, Cardonald, and Penilee). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Glasgow.
As a car maintenance platform dedicated to serving the needs of Glasgow residents, we understand the importance of providing exceptional services to keep their cherished vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of Glasgow's unique automotive requirements.
What does an alternator do?
The alternator is the device responsible for generating electricity to charge the battery. It’s coupled with the engine drive, which means whenever the car is running, the battery is being charged. Without a charged battery there is no delivery of power to the electrical components or to generate the sparks used to combust the fuel in the engine.
How often should an alternator need replacing?
An alternator typically lasts around 7 years or between 100k and 150k miles.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
Without a correctly functioning alternator, your car is unlikely to hold enough charge in the battery to drive for any purposeful length of time. Having said that, the alternator won’t be tested during an MOT, so as long as the battery has enough charge for the engine and other electrical components to run for the duration of the examination, then it can still achieve a pass.
We do not recommend this in any circumstance. If there is a problem with your alternator, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
What happens when we replace your alternator?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test the voltage output of the alternator, inspect the car’s electrical systems and all alternator ancillaries (drive belts, cables, etc.).
Wherever necessary, the alternator will be replaced, and you will be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the faulty alternator has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.
What causes an alternator to stop working correctly?
An alternator might break down due to a bearing failure, preventing the rotor from spinning freely. Fluid leaks or a too tight belt (or a loose belt slipping) can also cause damage and premature wearing.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator
When the battery is flat
If your battery is flat and refuses to accept charge through normal driving, then your alternator could be the problem.
The lights aren’t as bright as normal
If your headlamps aren’t as bright as normal or the function of other electrical components is weak, your alternator may not be supplying as much charge to the battery as it needs.
The battery warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
All warning lights are an indicator that a sensor has detected a failed component or poor operation. A battery warning light could be connected to your alternator performance.