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 a trailing arm do?
A trailing arm is part of a vehicle’s trailing-arm suspension system. The trailing arm is the piece of the suspension system that connects the vehicle’s axle to its chassis. It’s job is to act as a pivot point and stop the rear axle or rear spindle from moving forward or rearward during operation of the vehicle.
In addition to the trailing arm itself are the trailing arm bushings. These are rubber or polyurethane components that act as cushions and reduce friction between the suspension parts.
How often should a trailing arm need replacing?
A trailing arm should be replaced if it gets damaged or if the bushings become worn. Because the trailing arm bushings are made from rubber they will deteriorate over time and will eventually have to be replaced.
Because the arm and bushings form a crucial part of your vehicle’s suspension system, they should be replaced as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
The trailing arm and the bushes are important parts of the suspension. Wear to these bushes usually takes place slowly, often you only find out that you have worn bushes after an MOT test. Deteriorated bushes are in fact one of the most frequent MOT advisories.
Symptoms of worn suspension bushes include a bumpy ride and unstable feel to the car. It’s important to get an issue like this fixed fast to ensure the safety of your car for you and your passengers.
What happens when we do a trailing arm replacement on your car?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect your suspension system, including the trailing arm.
If the trailing arm is cracked or damaged they will fit a replacement.
They will advise if any related parts need to be replaced.
They will check that all parts have been fitted correctly and test drive the car.
What causes a trailing arm to break?
A trailing arm will begin to fail if the bushes become worn out. The brushes act as cushions and reduce friction between the suspension parts, therefore if they’re cracked or worn the suspension system will not operate properly. Driving over large bumps or on uneven road surfaces often may also damage your suspension system over time.
When should a trailing arm be replaced?
A trailing arm should be replaced if it gets damaged or if the bushings become worn. Because the trailing arm bushings are made from rubber they will deteriorate over time and will eventually have to be replaced.
What are the signs of a bad trailing arm?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
Clunking noises from the back of your car
Vehicle won’t stay in a straight line or sways to one side when driving
Your rear tyres are wearing unevenly and excessively
Loose steering when turning corners
What happens during a trailing arm replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect your suspension system, including the trailing arm.
If the trailing arm is cracked or damaged they will fit a replacement.
They will advise if any related parts need to be replaced.
They will check that all parts have been fitted correctly and test drive the car.
Can you drive with a broken trailing arm?
You should not drive with a bad trailing arm. Failing to repair a broken or cracked trailing arm could lead to separation of that side of the axle. Continuing to drive is dangerous for you, your passengers and other road users as it’s only a matter of time before further, more serious damage occurs.
What happens if you don't change a bad trailing arm?
Failing to repair a broken or cracked trailing arm could lead to separation of that side of the axle. It could also result in other parts of your vehicle’s suspension system becoming more damaged meaning more costly repairs down the line.