Inverness

Inverness, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is a bustling city known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. With a population of approximately 70,000, it is the largest city in the Highlands region.

The most popular cars in Inverness

When it comes to car ownership in Inverness, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. The Ford Focus takes the top spot as the most popular car in the city, favored by Inverness residents for its reliability and practicality. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A3, and BMW 3 Series.

It is worth noting that Inverness, surrounded by stunning countryside and rugged terrain, sees a higher demand for SUVs and off-road vehicles. This preference aligns with the city's outdoor lifestyle and the need for vehicles capable of navigating the challenging Highland roads.

Vehicle numbers in Inverness

Inverness boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 50,000 cars registered in the city. This reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the importance of maintaining a well-functioning vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Postcodes and suburbs in Inverness

Inverness is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include IV1 (City Centre, Crown, and Raigmore), IV2 (Smithton, Culloden, and Balloch), IV3 (Muir of Ord, Beauly, and Kiltarlity), and IV63 (Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, and Fort Augustus). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Inverness.

As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Inverness residents, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient services to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, tire replacements, or engine repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Inverness' unique terrain and weather conditions.

At our platform, we prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to ensure that every car owner in Inverness receives the highest quality of service. With our extensive network of skilled mechanics and garages, we aim to make car maintenance a hassle-free experience, allowing residents to enjoy their journeys through the stunning Scottish Highlands with peace of mind.

What does a clutch do? And what is a clutch kit?

The clutch is a solid metal disc that couples the crankshaft and flywheel to the gearbox’s clutch shaft. The clutch is located between the engine and transmission to temporarily disconnect the engine drive from the gearbox.

A clutch kit usually contains all the elements to replace and rejuvenate your clutch and its performance: usually a clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel and a throw race or release bearings. A clutch kit will contain the correct parts for a particular make and model of car and is often cheaper than buying the components individually.

How often should a clutch need replacing?

There isn’t a typical time or set mileage suggested to replace a clutch kit, as it can depend on both the car and your driving style. Most clutches are designed to last approximately 60k miles, yet they can have a healthy life covering mileages anywhere between 30k and 100k.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A damaged or broken clutch will affect your car’s driving ability to the point where it could fail its MOT. Testing doesn’t include an examination of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so if it appears to be working adequately, then it shouldn’t affect the test result.

What happens when we replace your clutch kit?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test your clutch for damage and function.

• Wherever necessary your clutch will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated issues arising from the process.

• 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 clutch kit has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct operation and make any adjustments required for premium performance.

What causes a clutch to stop working correctly?

A clutch will wear out over time through continual use. The disc thickness reduces, which affects the amount of force the pressure plate can apply to the clutch disc against the flywheel. Incorrect use over extended periods will impact the lifespan and cause unnecessary problems. Slippage can also be caused by reduced tension in the pressure plate’s springs.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning clutch

The clutch slips while driving

If you feel a loss or inappropriate delivery of power when using the accelerator, it could be due to a damaged or worn clutch.

Changing gears is a problem

If you can’t change gears or it feels like there is unusual grinding and friction when trying, your clutch isn’t separating the engine drive from the gearbox sufficiently.

The car doesn’t move

If there is no delivery of power to the engine from the accelerator, then your clutch could be the problem.

Your gearbox makes unusual and unhealthy noises

If the transmission makes unhealthy grinding noises when you try to use the clutch to engage or disengage the engine, there’s a strong chance that your clutch isn’t operating as it should.