Twickenham
Twickenham, located in the southwest of London, is a charming suburban town known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. With a population of approximately 20,000, it offers a close-knit community feel within the bustling city of London.
The most popular cars in Twickenham
When it comes to car ownership in Twickenham, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. Topping the list as the most popular car in the town is the Volkswagen Golf, a favorite among Twickenham residents. Following closely behind are the Ford Fiesta, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, and the Mercedes A-Class.
In addition to the aforementioned information, it is worth noting that Twickenham residents often prefer compact and efficient cars that are well-suited for navigating the town's narrow streets and limited parking spaces. This preference aligns with the town's emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly transportation options.
Vehicle numbers in Twickenham
Twickenham boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 15,000 cars registered in the town. This reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Twickenham
Twickenham is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include TW1 (Twickenham, St Margarets, and Strawberry Hill), TW2 (Whitton, Hounslow, and Isleworth), TWickenham3 (Teddington, Hampton Wick, and Fulwell), and TW4 (Hounslow West, Heston, and Cranford). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Twickenham.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Twickenham residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Twickenham'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.