Oxford
Oxford, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling city renowned for its prestigious university and rich academic history. With a population of approximately 150,000, it stands as one of the most populous cities in the region.
The most popular cars in Oxford
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Oxford, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Oxford residents with its reliability and efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
It is worth mentioning that Oxford exhibits a notable preference for eco-friendly vehicles, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Electric and hybrid cars have gained popularity among Oxford's environmentally conscious population, contributing to a greener automotive landscape.
Vehicle numbers in Oxford
Oxford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This substantial figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the necessity for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Oxford
Oxford is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Notable areas include OX1 (City Centre, Jericho, and Osney), OX2 (North Oxford, Summertown, and Wolvercote), OX3 (Headington, Marston, and Risinghurst), and OX4 (Cowley, Iffley, and Littlemore). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Oxford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Oxford residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to ensure their cherished vehicles remain in optimal condition. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess a deep understanding of Oxford's unique automotive requirements.
What does an exhaust silencer do?
A car’s exhaust system is made up of several parts that channel gases from the engine’s cylinders back into the atmosphere.
The exhaust silencer is the final section, and its job is to reduce the amount of noise created by the engine gases being forced through the exhaust pipe.
How often should an exhaust silencer need replacing?
Your exhaust silencer’s lifespan is dependent on a range of outside factors—the main ones being the weather and driving conditions. Modern exhausts made from chrome or stainless steel are designed to last for the life of the car, whereas a high-quality non-stainless steel exhaust should last for around 5 years.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A hole in your exhaust will only fail an MOT if it is responsible for a major leak or it causes the car to fail its emissions test.
What happens when we replace your exhaust silencer?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect your exhaust.
If the exhaust silencer is damaged, cracked or rusted, it will be replaced, and you’ll 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 example, the exhaust gaskets, for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the exhaust silencer has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct operation and make any adjustments required for its best performance.
What causes an exhaust silencer to stop working correctly?
Because of their location, being mounted underneath the car, exhaust pipes are highly prone to damage, corrosion and wear. The weather plays a significant part in the corrosion and deterioration of the different exhaust pipe sections; rust being a major player in the appearance of holes throughout the system.
Damage to exhausts can be caused by raised road elements or extrusions from the road, such as curbs or speed bumps. Damage can also occur by driving too fast over the brow of a hill or through a dip where the suspension might bottom out and cause contact between the underside of the vehicle and the road surface.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning exhaust silencer
A noisy exhaust
If your exhaust makes more noise or is louder than normal, your exhaust silencer is probably damaged or improperly attached. A common sound of ‘blowing out’ is where holes have developed in the silencer.
There are holes in the exhaust
If you can see holes developing in your exhaust, through damage or deterioration, it’s time to get a new exhaust silencer.
A damaged exhaust pipe can affect your vehicle’s performance, and in some circumstances develop a vibration that wouldn’t occur under normal operation.
Failure of an emissions test
The exhaust is responsible for vehicle emissions, so if you fail a test, on inspection or at MOT, then you need to replace the malfunctioning component immediately.