Richmond
Richmond, a bustling city located in the heart of London, is renowned for its vibrant culture and historical significance. With a population of over 190,000, it stands as one of the most populous areas in the capital.
The most popular cars in Richmond
When it comes to car ownership in Richmond, the data collected reveals some fascinating insights. Taking the lead as the most popular car in the city is the BMW 3 Series, a favorite among Richmond residents. Following closely behind are the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes C-Class, and the Ford Focus.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth noting that Richmond showcases a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, with a significant number of hybrid and electric cars on its roads. This aligns with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Vehicle numbers in Richmond
Richmond boasts a substantial number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Richmond
Richmond is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include TW9 (Richmond, Kew, and North Sheen), TW10 (Ham, Petersham, and Richmond Hill), TW1 (Twickenham, St Margarets, and Strawberry Hill), and TW2 (Whitton, Hounslow, and Twickenham). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Richmond.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Richmond 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 Richmond's automotive landscape.
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.