Kingston
Kingston, a bustling city located in the heart of England, is renowned for its vibrant automotive scene. With a population of over 160,000, it stands as a hub for car enthusiasts and owners alike.
The most popular cars in Kingston
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Kingston, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the reliable Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Kingston residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Kingston exhibits a strong inclination towards SUVs and 4x4 vehicles. This preference can be attributed to the city's diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Kingston's residents seek sturdy and versatile cars that can navigate through any challenge, aligning perfectly with their adventurous spirit.
Vehicle numbers in Kingston
Kingston boasts a substantial number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This significant figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the demand for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Kingston
Kingston is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct charm. Notable areas include KT1 (Kingston upon Thames, Hampton Wick, and Norbiton), KT2 (Kingston Vale, Coombe, and Canbury), KT3 (New Malden, Old Malden, and Berrylands), and KT6 (Surbiton, Tolworth, and Long Ditton). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Kingston.
As a car maintenance platform dedicated to serving the needs of Kingston's residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to keep their cherished vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of Kingston's unique automotive requirements.
What does an oil pump do?
The purpose of the oil pump is to circulate oil under pressure from the oil pan into the car’s oil circuit. This oil is needed to lubricate parts like the rotating bearings, sliding pistons and camshaft where constant, fluid movement is essential.
Although primarily used for lubrication, pressurised oil also helps to cool parts of the engine where friction can be an issue. Because oil and lubrication are so important to the smooth running of your car, even the slightest dip in oil pressure can have a noticeable effect on the reliability of your car.
Malfunctioning oil pumps can be hard to detect, so you should always have your pump inspected as soon as possible when the low oil pressure light begins to flicker on your dashboard. Your oil pump is an integral part of your vehicle's engine performance, and if it fails it could cause serious damage to your car.
How often should an oil pump need replacing?
Like most car parts, your oil pump will experience wear and tear and will eventually have to be replaced. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
Additionally, there are numerous other reasons why an oil pump might fail and need to be replaced. The most obvious reason is general wear and tear over time. Low engine oil levels can also result in insufficient lubrication which causes issues for the pump. Infrequent oil changes and contaminated oil can also cause the pump to malfunction. Dirt and debris in the oil can wreak havoc on the engine and the oil pump.
Malfunctioning oil pumps can be hard to detect, so you should always have your pump inspected as soon as possible when the low oil pressure light begins to flicker on your dashboard. Your oil pump is an integral part of your vehicle's engine performance, and if it fails it could cause serious damage to your car.
What happens during an oil pump replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Safely raise your vehicle
Drain the oil from your engine and pump
Remove the oil sump pan
Replace the oil pump and re-assemble the other components
Add fresh engine oil and fit a new oil filter
They will run the engine check the oil pressure and inspect the engine for leaks
What causes an oil pump to break?
There are numerous reasons why an oil pump might fail. The most obvious reason is general wear and tear over time. Low engine oil levels can also result in insufficient lubrication which causes issues for the pump. Infrequent oil changes and contaminated oil can also cause the pump to malfunction. Dirt and debris in the oil can wreak havoc on the engine and the oil pump.
What are the symptoms of a bad oil pump?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
Low oil pressure (this could be indicated by your engine warning light)
Increased engine operating temperature
Tapping or pinging noises coming from the engine
How often should you replace your oil pump?
You should replace your oil pump if it starts showing signs of wear. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
What happens during an oil pump replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Safely raise your vehicle
Drain the oil from your engine and pump
Remove the oil sump pan
Replace the oil pump and re-assemble the other components
Add fresh engine oil and fit a new oil filter
They will run the engine check the oil pressure and inspect the engine for leaks
What is the average life of an oil pump?
In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
Can you drive with a broken oil pump?
You should avoid driving with a bad oil pump. If oil is not constantly being pumped to the parts of the engine that need lubrication, they will overheat and in extreme cases your whole engine could seize. To avoid serious and expensive damage to your engine you should have the oil pump looked at as soon as you notice an issue.
Do oil pumps deteriorate with age?
Like most car parts, your oil pump will experience wear and tear and will eventually have to be replaced. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
Your oil pump is not specifically checked as part of an MOT test, however if the car has low oil levels the tester may issue an advisory. For your safety (and your wallet!) it's best to regularly service your vehicle and have the oil pump checked if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.