South Hams
South Hams, located in the picturesque county of Devon, is a charming region known for its stunning coastline and rolling countryside. With a population of approximately 85,000, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The most popular cars in South Hams
When it comes to car ownership in South Hams, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. Topping the list as the most popular car in the region is the Ford Focus, a reliable and practical choice for South Hams residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, BMW 3 Series, and the Nissan Qashqai.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth noting that South Hams residents also show a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, with a growing number of hybrid and electric cars on the roads. This reflects the region's commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Vehicle numbers in South Hams
South Hams boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 60,000 cars registered in the region. This high number reflects the reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in South Hams
South Hams is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique character. Some of the notable areas include TQ9 (Totnes, Dartington, and Harbertonford), TQ7 (Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and Thurlestone), TQ6 (Dartmouth, Stoke Fleming, and Strete), and TQ8 (Kingswear, Brixham, and Churston Ferrers). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of South Hams.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of South Hams residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch 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 South Hams' automotive landscape.
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.