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What are brake discs?

The brake disc is a metal plate mounted on the wheel hub that is clamped between 2 brake pads when braking is applied; this causes friction and slows the vehicle down.

Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes discs

Loud screeching or grinding noises from your brakes is an indication that there is a problem with either your brake discs or pads. You can also look through the wheel for a visual check.

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are a key component of any vehicle’s braking system. When you use your brakes, the pads hydraulically squeeze the brake discs, slowing your car down through friction and pressure.

Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes pads

A loud screeching or grinding noise when you apply the brakes or feeling your car vibrating under braking is a clear indicator that new pads are required.

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are a key component of any vehicle’s braking system. When you use your brakes, the pads hydraulically squeeze the brake discs, slowing your car down through friction and pressure.

Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes pads

A loud screeching or grinding noise when you apply the brakes or feeling your car vibrating under braking is a clear indicator that new pads are required.

What is a car service?

Usually, we recommend giving your car a full service every year or every 12,000 miles, whichever happens first.

What does a clutch do? And what is a clutch kit?

The clutch is located between the engine and transmission to temporarily disconnect the engine drive from the gearbox. A clutch kit usually contains all the elements to replace and rejuvenate your clutch.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning clutch

If you feel a loss or inappropriate delivery of power when using the accelerator, or if you can’t change gears or it feels like there is unusual grinding and friction when trying, it could be due to a damaged or worn clutch.

What does a compressor do?

The compressor is powered by your car’s engine and pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant through the air conditioning system, feeding cold air into your car.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning compressor

If the air conditioning in your car doesn’t function as it normally would, for example, if your air vents aren’t producing cool air, then it could be down to a faulty compressor.

What does an air conditioning condenser do?

It converts the refrigerant gas into a cold liquid to provide chilled air throughout your vehicle. It basically helps keep you and your passengers at a comfortable temperature on a hot day.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning condenser

If you notice that the air conditioning in your car isn’t providing the usual levels of cold air as normal (or if it isn’t working at all), then your condenser could have stopped working correctly.

What is a diagnostic inspection?

There are hundreds of potential error codes, which only specialist diagnostic equipment can read. So when a warning light flashes on the dashboard, a diagnostics check is needed to assess how bad the problem is, and what may have caused it.

What happens when my dashboard illuminates a warning light?

The warning light is just the beginning—it doesn’t give the whole picture. There are hundreds of parts in your engine, so the exact nature of the fault may not be immediately apparent.

What does an EGR Valve motor do?

The valve controlling your EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) controls the amount of nitrogen oxide emitted into the atmosphere by engines by recycling part of the exhaust gas back into the engine cylinders.

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning EGR Valve motor?

A rough idle when starting your vehicle or during brief stops (i.e. low engine speeds with a warmed-up engine) can be caused when the EGR is constantly open and a continuous flow of exhaust gases goes into the intake manifold. Poor performance can be caused when the valve is open or closed. The incorrect function of the EGR valve can cause the erratic performance of your vehicle.

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.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning exhaust silencer

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.

What is a front wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment (or tracking), is the process of ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are set to the optimum position, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

What are the symptoms of common wheel alignment problems?

Common symptoms include: excessive wear to steering or suspension components, hitting a kerb or driving into a pothole in the road.

What's an MOT?

The MOT test is how the government checks your vehicle meets national safety and environmental standards. At Fixter, we make the process hassle-free with our straightforward, no-nonsense UK-wide service.

What is an MOT & Service Bundle?

A service is recommended every 12-months and all vehicles after 3-years-old or more require an annual MOT test by law. Save yourself the extra effort, combine your MOT with a Full Service, and save yourself time and money.

• MOT
• All Legal Checks
• Full Service
• 71+ Maintenance checks

What does oil and oil filter do?

Your engine oil is designed to keep all the internal workings of your engine running smoothly and safe from harm. It protects moving parts by removing friction, and in doing so, prolongs their life. For a relatively small expense, your oil and filter change cost could add years to the life of your engine.

What are shock absorbers?

They are responsible for your vehicle’s smooth drive over bumpy or uneven roads and are an essential part of your suspension system.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning shock absorber

If your car is providing uncomfortable ride quality and is bouncing excessively, it could be that your shock absorbers aren’t operating correctly. Also, any puddles of oil-like fluid on the road around your wheels could be escaping from leaking shock absorbers.

What are shock absorbers?

They are responsible for your vehicle’s smooth drive over bumpy or uneven roads and are an essential part of your suspension system.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning shock absorber

If your car is providing uncomfortable ride quality and is bouncing excessively, it could be that your shock absorbers aren’t operating correctly. Also, any puddles of oil-like fluid on the road around your wheels could be escaping from leaking shock absorbers.

What do spark plugs do?

They convert electric current from the ignition coil into a spark that ignites the fuel and air mix inside the car engine. This combustion is what powers the engine and moves the car.

Symptoms of malfunctioning spark plugs

If your car struggles or fails to start, or if your engine cuts out after starting or during its usual operation, or if it fails to run smoothly or it vibrates excessively under normal use it could be down to faulty spark plugs.

What does a starter motor do?

The starter motor is the component responsible for turning over or ‘cranking’ the engine to start the car. Without a functioning starter motor, it’s not possible to start a car by using the ignition alone. The starter motor is a key component of a smooth running vehicle.

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning starter motor?

Below is the top 3 symptoms that could indicate you need to replace your starter motor: If the 'Check Engine' warning light is on. When trying to start the car you hear a ‘clicking noise’. When trying to start the car you hear a grinding or whirring noise this may signify issues with your starter motor.

What does a timing belt do?

It is a vital engine component with a key role to play in keeping your motor running smoothly. It ensures the top and bottom halves of your engine rotate precisely in time with each other.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning timing belt

Like most car parts, your timing belt will wear out eventually due to cracking, snapping or tearing. If a grinding or squeaking noise is being emitted from your engine, it could be a malfunctioning timing belt.

What does a water pump do?

Your car’s water pump is located in the engine bay and is usually powered from the engine drive belt. It is responsible for circulating the engine coolant around the cooling system.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning water pump

If there are patches or puddles of fluid on the floor beneath your engine, it could be a leaking water pump. It is imperative that your water pump operates correctly, as failure to pump coolant through your engine can cause engine overheating.