1. Regular Fluid Checks:

Older cars tend to be more particular about the fluids they consume. Regularly check and top up engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to ensure optimal performance.

2. Mindful Driving Habits:

Gentle acceleration and braking can help prolong the life of your older car’s components. Avoid sudden starts and stops to reduce unnecessary wear and tear.

3. Comprehensive Inspections:

Schedule routine inspections at NMT Garage Services to catch potential issues early. Our expert technicians are adept at identifying and addressing concerns specific to older vehicles.

4. Embrace Preventive Maintenance:

Stay ahead of problems by adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

5. Opt for High-Quality Parts:

When replacement parts are necessary, opt for high-quality, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. These are designed specifically for your vehicle and ensure optimal performance.

6. Mind the Rust:

Older cars are more susceptible to rust, especially in humid climates. Regularly inspect the body, undercarriage, and wheel wells for signs of corrosion. Promptly address any rust spots to prevent further damage.

7. Pay Attention to Electrical Systems:

Older cars may experience electrical issues over time. Check lights, fuses, and wiring periodically. If you notice any anomalies, have them addressed promptly to avoid more significant problems.

8. Stay on Top of Tire Care:

Proper tire inflation and regular rotation can significantly extend the lifespan of your tires. Additionally, check for signs of uneven wear, which may indicate alignment issues.

9. Keep It Clean:

Regular washing and waxing not only preserve your car’s aesthetics but also protect the paint and prevent rust.

10. Preserve the Interior:

Treat leather or fabric upholstery with care. Use specialised products to clean and condition seats and trim, helping maintain their original appearance.

Contact Us Today

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your older car remains a reliable and cherished companion for years to come. At NMT Garage Services in Bedford, we understand the unique needs of older vehicles and are dedicated to providing top-notch care. Trust our experienced technicians to keep your classic car in prime condition. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive inspection and maintenance session. Your cherished classic deserves nothing but the best!

The post Tips for Maintaining Your Older Car: A Guide by NMT Garage Services appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

So what difference does it make to change to certain types of tyres? In this blog, we are going to discuss the seasonal tyres you can purchase for your car, how they affect the car’s performance, and why it is that garages recommend tyres specifically for weather conditions.

Summer Tyres

Fixing your car with summer tyres in the warmer months of the year will mean your vehicle will have high grip levels on both wet and dry roads, and the stability around corners will also be increased. Summer tyres tend to be made with special tread bars which work to prevent your car from aquaplaning when driving over wet surfaces. It is advised that summer tyres should be fitted when temperatures are regularly above seven degrees celsius.

Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are designed to perform better in cold conditions, including wet and dry cold roads as well as snowy and icy conditions. Much like the optimum temperature for summer tyres is above seven degrees celsius, winter tyres are advised to be fitted when the temperature drops below seven degrees. Winter tyres are built with a large number of small grooves which grips with snow, ice and slush to give your vehicle the best control in adverse weather conditions.

All-Weather Tyres

If you would prefer to fit your car with tyres that provide adequate performance all year round, there are all-weather tyres available to you. All-weather tyres have shared properties with both summer and winter tyres in order to work sufficiently in a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures. Although these tyres may seem like the most convenient, they cannot match the performance of summer and winter tyres in their favoured road conditions, so obtaining seasonal tyres may still be your preferred option if you want the top-level performance possible.

Contact NMT Garage Services

If you are interested in replacing the tyres on your vehicle or would like to ask us for advice, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us today. You can get in touch by filling out our online contact form, or by giving us a call on 01234 355 888.

The post Should I Change My Tyres For The Weather? appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

In this blog we are going to talk about some of the things that you can look out for yourself, to be able to spot when your tyres need replacing, allowing you to fit new ones before it’s too late.

Tread Depth

Looking at your tyre’s tread depth can be one of the simplest and easiest ways of checking the condition of a vehicle’s tyres. The tread depth of a new tyre will be 7mm and the legal minimum you are allowed to drive with is just 1.6mm, so there is quite a big difference between the depths, making it relatively easy to spot and measure. Most mechanics advise that your tyre should be replaced if the depth decreases to around 3mm.

Low tread depth can be hazardous to the driver’s safety, as they become more susceptible to aquaplaning, as there is less depth to allow for water dispersion.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Uneven tyre wear can not only be a good indicator that your vehicle requires new tyres to be fitted, but can also be a telling sign for wider issues with the car. If you spot patches of tyre wear, located irregularly in the centre or the edges of the tyres, it could mean that your vehicle has poor wheel balance, the suspension needs adjusting or the car’s transmission needs looking at by a mechanic.

If you notice uneven tyre wear in your car, it is advisable that you should have a mechanic take a deeper look at your vehicle to make sure there are no underlying issues that have gone unnoticed.

Tyre Damage

Mechanics suggest that your tyres should be checked for damage as often as once a week. This would be to catch any damage early so that sudden blowouts can be avoided.

Examples of tyre damage can vary from being easy to spot to being more difficult to notice. Obvious damage includes excessive wear and punctures while less obvious blemishes include blisters, bulges, splits and cracks – which can be caused by a multitude of reasons, from aging to weather.

Contact NMT Garages

We hope that this blog was useful to you and gave you more of an idea as to what to look out for when it comes to tyres and when they need replacing. If you have a vehicle that is in need of new tyres, or any kind of servicing, feel free to get in touch with NMT Garages by filling out our online form or by calling us on 01234 355 888.

The post How To Know When Your Tyres Need Changing appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

Why do cars / vehicles fail their MOT?

Most vehicles fail their MOT due to simple things like faulty bulbs or too little tyre tread, or even due to an empty windscreen washer container. But this is easily fixed. You can identify any easy fixes that need to be done before an MOT is due. When you make these quick changes, you are more likely to have your car pass its MOT test the first time around.

What things can you check before you take your car in for an MOT?

1. Making sure headlights and indicators are working properly
2. That your number plate is clean and legible
3. Your wheels and tyres are undamaged. This includes checking the legal tyre tread depth which is 1.6mm
4. All seatbelts should be in good working order and the driver’s seat should be able to adjust forwards and backwards
5. The windscreen should be clean and free from any damage over 40mm
6. The windscreen wipers should be clean and not have any tears or holes in the rubber
7. The screenwash should be topped up as an empty container can cause an MOT fail
8. Check the horn to make sure it’s in good working order
9. Before taking your car in for an MOT you must make sure that there are sufficient fuel and engine oil

Checking when your car MOT is due

If you need to check when your vehicle MOT is due or check the status of a vehicle you can do so via the government’s website.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status

Contact

If you’d like to find out more about brake fluid or you think your car needs servicing, repairs or new tyres, get in touch with the team at NMT Garage Services. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 01234 355 888.

The post Why Do Vehicle MOTs Fail? appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

What happens if the brake fluid is low?

Typically, when brake fluid is low this triggers a light to come on in your vehicle. There are two key things this can cause for your vehicle. When you apply your brakes and have low brake fluid, this can cause a spongy feeling when you step on the pedal. Also, if there is a brake fluid leak this is serious as it provides little to no stopping power while driving.

What does brake fluid do? 

When you hit the brakes and expect the vehicle to stop, this process is achieved through the brake fluid. The pressure on the brake pedal travels through the brake clippers and it is transferred to the brake pads, then onto the brake discs, which makes the car stop.

Alongside this, the brake fluid contains corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitors prevent any of the metal components within the braking system from rusting.

Why do you need to change the brake fluid?

The main reason you need to change brake fluid is that it can absorb water over time and this will directly affect the boiling point. Brake fluid can get very hot during use, and especially when you brake hard. If any water gets into the brake fluid and this starts to boil then the effectiveness of the brakes is compromised.

It is important to check, top-up or change the brake fluid regularly as this helps reduce the risk of water infiltrating the system.

How often do I need to change my brake fluid?

It is recommended that you change your brake fluid every two years, however, it is worth checking the manufacturer’s recommendation too as this may be different. Some state that they need to be changed every 20,000 miles, or every two years; sometimes this depends on which comes first.

Brake fluid, if it is contained within a sealed system, can last for years. However, moisture from outside air can work its way through different parts of the brake system. This means that regular upkeep is important.

Contact NMT Garages

If you’d like to find out more about brake fluid or you think your car needs servicing, repairs, or new tyres get in touch with the team at NMT Garage Services. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 01234 355 888.

The post How Often Should You Change Brake Fluid? appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

What are the most common car exhaust system problems?

• Rust
• Faulty oxygen sensor
• Exhaust leaks
• Clogged muffler
• Broken hangers
• Vibrations
• Increased engine noise
• Exhaust smoke

Rust

Rust is very dangerous for the exhaust system. If you’re frequently taking short trips and car journeys then this lets water collect in the exhaust system, but it never heats up enough to burn off. Over time this condensation builds up and turns into rust that corrodes your exhaust from the inside out.

Faulty oxygen sensor

Modern cars have several oxygen sensors and if it malfunctions or becomes faulty this can cause the engine’s computer to not be able to create a correctly balanced air-fuel mixture. This could lead to the vehicle being low on air and high on gas, creating a blend that’s hotter than intended. This can cause a clog in your catalytic converter.

Exhaust leaks

When driving on roads that have rough conditions regularly this can be difficult for vehicles to handle and cause an exhaust system to not last as long as it should. Driving in these conditions can lead to weak areas, such as causing joints to crack and leak poisonous fumes into the vehicle.

Clogged Muffler

One other car exhaust problem that arises from rough road conditions is a clogged muffler where small internal parts can become loose.

Broken hangers

The purpose of hangers is to protect your exhaust system from banging around when you hit a bump. When a hanger breaks or falls off this causes the exhaust pipes to loosen and move around. This loose movement can lead to dents, cracks, or in some cases, break off.

Contact

If you suspect that your vehicle has an exhaust system issue, then our highly trained mechanics can help. We provide effective solutions at affordable prices, call us today on 01234 355 888, or fill out our online contact form and we’ll be in touch.

The post Common Car Exhaust Problems appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

Car MOT during the coronavirus lockdown

The exemption operates on a rolling basis; for example, if your MOT runs out in April, it is now due for renewal in October. This means that if you are at home comply with government advice and guidance during the lockdown period, or self-isolating, or suffering with symptoms then you do not need to worry about your MOT until this is over.

Car servicing

Garages have been classified as ‘essential’ businesses, which means that key workers’ vehicles can still have vital repairs carried out. If you are a key worker and need repair work, or car servicing, local garages, if they’re still open, will be able to provide this.

Can you go for a drive during lockdown?

Driving has not been banned during the lockdown, however, your car is only to be used for essential journeys’ such as trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, or to and from work if you are a key worker. Simply driving for pleasure is not advisable; if you breakdown then someone has to recover you, or if you have an accident you could be taken to hospital where the chances of infection are higher.

How can I stay safe when filling up my car?

Many of us will have noticed that the price of fuel has significantly decreased because of the coronavirus pandemic. For the time being, there are no plans to close petrol stations and they remain open. However, refuelling at a petrol station comes with high risk. 

The fuel pump handles have been identified as high-risk touchpoints. This means that customers using them have been advised to fill their car up using gloves. Then wash their hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and dispose of the gloves as they could carry bacteria and spread infection.

Contact NMT Garages

When lockdown ends, no matter what your vehicle’s problem, our highly trained, professional mechanics will be on hand to provide you with effective solutions at affordable prices. Call us today on 01234 355 888, or fill out our online contact form and we’ll be in touch.

The post Car MOTs During the Coronavirus Lockdown appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

Now that (most likely) you won’t be completing your daily commute, your car may feel a bit lonely and unused.  But by following these steps you can keep it secure and in good working order.

How to keep your car running during lockdown:

Park it inside

If you have a garage or enclosed area, clearing out the plant pots, your childhood comic collection (that’s reading material for the lockdown sorted), and other detritus will allow you to lock away your car, protecting it from the elements, as well as opportunistic individuals. 

Tip: Also take the opportunity to clear any perishables from the car, no one wants mould being cultured for what could turn out to be a long time.

Fill her up

I know it sounds counter-productive when you won’t be using the car, but one of the issues with leaving a car for a long period of time is that the fuel tank can become rusted.  Filling it with fuel will help avoid this. Make sure the cap is tight to stop moisture entering the container.

Remove the Battery

Keeping the battery out of the car can make it last longer, and put some petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on the connecting wires to prevent rust.

Check the Tyre Pressure

Make sure your tyres are fully inflated, having tires at the correct pressure can prevent flat spots and sidewall cracking.

Need Garage Services in Bedford?

When the lockdown ends, you may notice there is something not quite right with your vehicle, or you may even notice during.  Phone NMT Garage Services on 01234 355 888, or fill out our online enquiry form – whether you need new tires fitting or your MOT has run its course, we will be happy to help.

The post Keeping your car running in the lockdown appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

No matter how well you look after your car, there are a few payments in every vehicle’s life that are just inevitable. Obviously, you’ll need to fork out every year on insurance, car tax, and an MOT, but other one-off payments become more likely to crop up as your car gets older.

Here, NMT Garage Services takes a look at three common car payments that every vehicle owner should be aware of. We’ll also explain why the work is necessary and do our best to provide an estimate of costs.

Brake pads

The brakes are, arguably, the most important part of your car. That’s a massive statement and has probably got mechanics up and down the country screaming at their screens, but once you’re moving you definitely need to be able to stop.

Brake pads protect the rotor, helping to evenly distribute the heat caused by braking friction. Without the pads, you run the risk of seriously damaging the rotor and, in turn, the whole braking system. If you’re particularly unlucky (or negligent), you could also damage the brake calipers – that is not only extremely dangerous, but replacing the calipers will likely set you back more than £400.

Braking less aggressively can help you to significantly delay any work on your brake pads, but replacing them isn’t generally too expensive. £150 per pad is a conservative estimate, although that could obviously vary significantly depending on the car you own. One thing’s for sure, new brake pads cost significantly less than an entire braking system … and you simply cannot put a price on your personal safety.

Cambelt

Ah, the cambelt. So easy to put off, and yet potentially so disastrous if left to its own devices. The cambelt is a crucial part of most cars’ internal workings, tasked with keeping everything in sync in the engine.

Unfortunately, cambelts do not last forever. They need to be replaced every so often, as undetected problems in that area can cause serious – and sometimes irreversible – damage to your engine. We would recommend that you have your cambelt checked annually, but every car is different. Some manufacturers would advise that the cambelt be changed every 40,000 miles, while others would put that figure at closer to 70,000.

Do your research to find out how frequently your car’s cambelt requires changing, as it’s worth it in the long run. The cost of replacement does vary case by case, but you won’t typically be looking at more than a three-figure bill. Compare that to the cost of a new engine, and it’s easy to see why paying attention to your cambelt is worth it in the long run.

Clutch

It’s always better to be prepared for life’s inevitabilities, and your clutch wearing out is certain one of them. Just as cambelts don’t last forever, clutches need replacing every so often. Thankfully, the potential ramifications of missing a clutch change are not as disastrous as an unattended cambelt – presumably, though, you’d rather not break down and have the nasty shock of a hefty bill.

Being aware of your clutch’s state can help you to plan everything properly and avoid a messy few days. Planning can also save you money, as labour time should be reduced for a clutch that isn’t completely ruined. It’s quite easy to tell when your clutch is on the way out; a higher biting point, grinding noises, and difficulty when changing gears are all identifiable signs.

Typically, you’ll be looking at around £400-1,000 for a clutch replacement. It’s not a cheap job, but if you want your car to move then you’ll need a clutch!

NMT Garage Services

We could go on for pages and pages.There is a whole host of other necessary jobs that every car needs doing, so it’s absolutely essential that you have your vehicle serviced at least once a year. All mechanics worth their salt will be able to pick up on any problems your car has (or is likely to have in the immediate future), so taking the time to have your vehicle serviced will prove beneficial in both the short and the long run.

Car payments don’t have to spell panic, either. Garages will be happy to explain what’s going on with your vehicle, and an understanding of why certain jobs are required will help you see those pesky mechanics in a slightly better light!

Get in touch with NMT Garage Services if you’re in need of a reputable garage in Bedford, Milton Keynes, Northampton, or any of the surrounding areas. You can call us on 01234 355 888 or fill out one of our online contact forms.

The post 3 Car Payments Every Vehicle Owner Should Prepare For appeared first on NMT Garage Services.

Independent Car Repair Garage or a Dealership?

When things go wrong with our cars, it can cause a lot of inconvenience to our lives. You will want your issue to be dealt with as soon as possible and you will want your car in the hands of someone reliable, trustworthy and someone that won’t charge you a fortune. Whether your overdue a service, you have a warning light that flags up, or you’re after a new car, NMT Garage Services explain the benefits of taking your car into an independent car repair garage over a corporate dealership.

Here at NMT Garage Services, we are passionate about encouraging and promoting independent car repair garages and these are our reasons:

Supporting Your Local Business

Visiting a local, independent car repair garage is a great way to support your local business, which has many benefits within itself. More money will be put back into the economy (50% to be precise) in comparison to you going to a bigger dealership, where only 10% of that money will be put back into our economy. Going to a local company helps to generate or uphold jobs and encourage entrepreneurs.

The Pricing

Taking your car to an independent car repair garage would be a lot cheaper. Independent businesses are renowned for being a lot cheaper than taking your car to a bigger company. This could be helped by the fact that independent business owners and mechanics are more likely to reason and be open to offers, unlike a more corporate dealership.

Local and Trustworthy

Independent car repair garages have a lot of exposure for reviews, recommendations and ratings that you can easily differentiate from bigger companies. Choosing an independent garage makes the experience more personal and you tend to get better customer service in comparison to other car dealerships. NMT Garage Services pride ourselves in being a local independent business, located in the heart of Bedfordshire, putting everyone in easy-reach of access for those who live near and locally.

Friendlier Staff

If you were to choose an independent car garage for your maintenance needs, the service tends to be more bespoke, personal and generally more friendly than going to a corporate car repair garage. Main car dealerships tend to be busier, less personal and unlikely to give you as much personal attention.

Contact

If you have any further questions about NMT Garage Services, or the other services we provide, please fill out an online enquiry form today or give us a call on 01234 355 888.

The post Benefits of Choosing an Independent Car Repair Garage Over a Dealership appeared first on NMT Garage Services.