What is included in a free exhaust check?

Our trusted mechanics will carry out an efficient exhaust inspection, involving thorough checks of the exhaust pipes, silencer, catalytic converter and more. If you do need an exhaust replacement or repair, the mechanic will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote upfront.

DS

DS is the premium automobile marque of the Groupe PSA. First announced in 2009 by Citroën as its premium sub-brand; it was suggested to be an abbreviation of different spirit or distinctive series. However, in French, the name is considered a play on words, as the translation of déesse becomes goddess in English.

How popular is DS in the United Kingdom?

As a newcomer to the UK market in its own right, there were around 35k DS cars on the roads in the UK by the end of 2018. Whether those figures will continue to rise at the same rate shown since their introduction in 2015, only time will tell.

Looking to provide a standalone marque to initially compete with brands such as Volkswagen and Audi, PSA decided that neither Citroën nor Peugeot would be able to carry the brand strength that would be able to make a serious threat in the market with an elevated price-point at the level of quality and luxury they set out to achieve.

DS: Establishing a new range of upmarket models

To compete with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, DS introduced a range of hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs but it’s undoubtedly their supermini city car that is proving the most popular.

The DS3, sold as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible, is available in countless customisation options and also as the subcompact luxury crossover SUV DS3 Crossback. The DS3 was voted Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, and first place supermini four times in a row in the JD Power Satisfaction UK Survey.

DS: Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just a one trick pony

At the other end of the range you’ll find the DS7 Crossback. Here’s a large SUV designed to compete directly with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC; that’s quite a jump for a car that’s built by Citroën.

The models that you’ll find between the DS3 and the DS7 are created with the same style for the market in mind. The DS4, a mixture of hatchback and SUV, and the DS5, a bigger hatchback priced and pitched against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class saloons.

What does a car exhaust do?

Your car exhaust is responsible for transporting gases away from your engine, cleaning them and finally expelling them from your car. Your exhaust also improves the performance and fuel efficiency of your car. Problems with your exhaust can therefore be disastrous for your engine’s performance, your wallet and the environment!

How do I know if my car exhaust needs replacing?

Some common signs that your exhaust may need replacing are:

• Loud, roaring noises

• Bad fumes

• Reduced fuel efficiency

• Rattling or hissing noises

• Holes or cracks in your exhaust

• Rust or corrosion

How long do exhausts last?

Major exhaust components are designed to last a long time, sometimes even the life of the vehicle, however there's no way to predict their true lifespan. Because exhausts are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations they can often experience issues and can begin to fail over time.

We recommend having your exhaust checked at least once every 10,000 miles, or once a year, whichever comes around first. So if you think yours is due a check, schedule a free exhaust check and one of our top-rated mechanics will be happy to take a look.

Can I drive with a bad exhaust?

Technically you can drive with a broken exhaust, however it's neither safe nor legal and could cause a number of problems when you're out on the road. In the UK, laws and guidelines regarding vehicle emissions are very strict, therefore if your exhaust is causing excessive amounts of harmful gases to be released, you could face a fine and an MOT fail. A bad exhaust will also prevent your engine from running as efficiently resulting in further problems and poor fuel economy.