Wirral
Wirral, located in the metropolitan county of Merseyside, is a picturesque peninsula situated on the west side of the River Mersey. With a population of approximately 320,000, it is a thriving area known for its stunning coastline and vibrant communities.
The most popular cars in Wirral
When it comes to car ownership in Wirral, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. Topping the list as the most popular car in the area is the Ford Focus, a reliable and versatile choice among Wirral residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Wirral residents also show a preference for SUVs and crossover vehicles, such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Range Rover Evoque. This reflects the desire for spacious and practical cars that can handle both urban and rural driving conditions.
Vehicle numbers in Wirral
Wirral boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 250,000 cars registered in the area. This high number reflects the reliance on private transportation and the need for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Wirral
Wirral is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some of the notable areas include CH41 (Birkenhead), CH60 (Heswall), CH63 (Bromborough), and CH48 (West Kirby). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Wirral.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Wirral residents, we understand the importance of providing top-quality services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Wirral's automotive landscape.
What does a knock sensor do?
The knock sensor is located on the outside of the engine block. Its job is to record knocking noise from the engine in order to prevent engine damage.
The knock sensor "listens out for" vibrations from the engine block and converts these into electrical signals. The signals are filtered and evaluated in the engine’s control unit. If the vibrations are determined to be outside of the predefined ‘normal’ limits, the engine management control unit will alter the ignition timing until it returns to within the correct limits.
How often should a knock sensor need replacing?
Replacing a knock sensor is not part of routine car maintenance so should only need to be fixed when it breaks or begins to fail. On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A fault with the knock sensor will often illuminate the Engine Management Light in your car. Your vehicle will fail its MOT if your Engine Management Light remains on when the engine has been started. Under the new MOT rules, it is now classed as a major fault so will need to be fixed before a mechanic can pass your car. Therefore it’s crucial that you keep an eye out for engine warning lights and have your car inspected by one of our vetted mechanics when necessary.
What happens when we do a knock sensor replacement on your car?
Our certified mechanics will:
Perform a diagnostic check to discover any fault codes coming from the knock sensor and other related parts of the engine.
Once they confirm that the knock sensor is faulty, they will fit a replacement knock sensor.
Once replaced, the mechanic will start the engine and recheck for fault codes.
When should a knock sensor be replaced?
You should have your knock sensor looked at as soon as you notice any of the related symptoms, such as an illuminated engine warning light, reduced engine power or poor fuel economy. Because your knock sensor plays a vital role in preventing engine damage and in the safe and efficient running of your car, it’s very important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
What are the signs of a bad knock sensor?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
Engine pre-detonation known as “pinking” or knocking
Engine warning light comes on
Reduced engine power
Increased fuel consumption
How often should you replace your knock sensor?
Replacing a knock sensor is not part of routine car maintenance so should only need to be fixed when it breaks or begins to fail. On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
What happens during a knock sensor replacement?
During the repair our certified mechanics will:
Perform a diagnostic check to discover any fault codes coming from the knock sensor and other related parts of the engine.
Once they confirm that the knock sensor is faulty, they will fit a replacement knock sensor.
Once replaced, the mechanic will start the engine and recheck for fault codes.
What is the average life of a knock sensor?
On most modern vehicles, the knock sensor should last over 150,000 miles or the lifetime of the vehicle.
Can you drive with a broken knock sensor?
You should not drive with a bad knock sensor. If you continue to drive with a failing sensor, serious damage could be done to your engine, causing an expensive repair or replacement. As well as this a bad knock sensor will greatly reduce your cars power and fuel economy. To save yourself time and money down the line we recommend refraining from driving and getting the issue fixed as soon as possible.