MOT

Definition of an MOT: (in the UK) a compulsory annual test for safety and exhaust emissions of motor vehicles of more than a specified age.

Our highly trained experienced mechanics will carry out the thorough MOT test to ensure you vehicle is kept roadworthy, safe and meets emission regulations.

The MOT test is mandatory on all vehicles annually once it is 3 years old.

MOT price

£40 and if your car fails, our Re-tests are FREE if carried out within 10 working days.

The BTMA only condones tyre repairs which are carried out in accordance with the recommendations in the prevailing issue of British Standard BS AU 159. Before commencement consumers are advised to confirm with the repairer that all  work will be carried out in accordance with these BSI guidelines.

In summary, we only repair tyres which are condoned by the BS AU 159

Brake Pads

Brakes are the means by which the driver is able to slow the car down or bring it to a complete stop. Each wheel has its own brake, and there are two main types of car brakes – disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brakes work via sets of callipers and brake pads, which apply friction to the outside of the brake discs to stop it spinning.

Drum brakes work on the same basic principle but utilise brake shoes within a cylinder to provide their stopping power.

Brake Discs

A major component of your car’s braking system, the brake disc sits on the wheel hub and slows the vehicle down when the brakes are applied through the use of friction. Your vehicle’s brake pads ‘grab’ onto either side of the brake discs through the application of a hydraulic piston. This reduces the speed of the vehicle and allows it to come to a safe stop.

Although made of high tensile steel, brake discs for any make and model of car can become worn or pitted over time, and will eventually need replacing. Worn brake discs can produce inefficient braking results, so it is important to check your discs regularly and only use high quality brake discs and pads.

Servicing

We take care for your vehicle

Servicing your car has a number of benefits such as increased driving safety, boost performance and enhanced fuel economy.  In addition it also extends the life span of your car and increases the price when you decide to sell it. Here at Victoria Motors we have a variety of servicing packages we can offer to our customers.  Please see the list below for more information.

Oil and Filter Change 

As part of regular maintenance oil changes are necessary to keep your vehicle running smoothly and economically, as oil can lose its heat absorbing properties potentially causing damage internally, as the engine attempts to run more smoothly.  Oil can be lost through a leak or from being burned off.

Oil changes help to keep the internal moving parts of your engine clean and lubricated allowing for a smoother, quieter ride.  This will result in less wear on your engine, increasing fuel efficiency, extending the life of your vehicle and catch minor issues before they turn into major ones. Oil changes therefore produce better engine performance.

As part of our oil & filter change we will also check and adjust your lights, as well as topping up where necessary your brake fluid, screen wash levels and tyre pressures.

Full service

This service includes an inspection of all the key mechanical and safety items, replacement oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, cabin pollen filter and spark plugs to the correct standard to ensure maximum engine protection and economy.  Screen wash replenishment, removal of all wheels to strip and clean brakes and adjust the handbrake where required.

Note: All of the above depend on the vehicle type e.g. petrol or diesel. If your car does not require a specific product then we will not fit it and you will not be charged.

Diagnostics

We can fine-tune your car

Normally your Engine Management Light (Also known as the “EML”) would appear in your dash display to alert you to a problem before more serious damage occurs.

Conducting a vehicle diagnostic can expose a number of problems connected with; the engine, oil viscosity, ignition system fuel tank, exhaust system and other vital components of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are all designed with computer processors, microchips and sensors that can be linked to a car’s computer system (often described as the car’s brain or ECU) which will scan to locate where the problem exists.

The car diagnostic can tell you some very important facts about the vehicle, for example: ignition timing issues, level of carbon build-up in the engine, fuel injector performance, whether the ignition has a misfire, engine rpm levels, air and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position and the throttle opening. After the car diagnostic is performed, the computer will tag each data point to reveal what needs to be corrected and stores this code so that the mechanic can look in a specific area for the problem.

Here at LM Autos in Dunston Gateshead we use state of the art Snap-on diagnostic equipment for vehicle diagnostics which can read the engine fault codes in your ECU’s memory. Please feel free to email or call a member of the team for further advice or assistance.

Ever wondered when to replace your worn car tires? The performance of your tyres is critical to the safety, performance and efficiency of your vehicle; the N.H.T.S.A. estimates that about 400 fatalities annually may have been attributed to tyre failures. Most tyres are designed to provide similar performance throughout their lives. However, at some point they start to lose performance in terms of their traction and braking ability. It is also paramount to ensure that the correct speed rated tyre is fitted to your car,  a lesser speed rating can not only invalided your insurance but also be dangerous.