Professional MOT Checks

 Trust our skilled technicians for your MOT Newport. From lights to brakes and emissions, we ensure your car meets essential safety and performance standards.

visit: www.tradepricetyres.co.uk/mot-test

A Comprehensive Guide For Proper Maintenance Of Your Car Ac System

Your car is available with several components that are essential for road safety and performance. Moreover, some components are important for driving comfort. Your car AC is included in the components that ensure proper driving comfort. Experienced drivers are familiar with the importance of car AC system during the summer months.

Air Conditioning Newport in a vehicle keeps the cabin cool when the temperature is at higher levels. Sometimes car AC suddenly starts to blow hot air due to mechanical faults. You have to maintain your car AC effectively to avoid such conditions.

In this handy guide, we will talk about proper car AC maintenance.

How Does Car Air Conditioning Work?

Your car air conditioning system does not have an ice machine but it depends on a specific mechanism to cool down your car's cabin. A car AC blows cool air with the help of a process that involves multiple steps.

When you use your vehicle's air conditioner, the compressor compresses the refrigerant and increases its temperature and pressure. In the next phase of the cooling process, the refrigerant loses heat while it flows through the condenser. During this process, The Dryer also plays a vital role in helping the refrigerant remove moisture and contaminants.

After this phase, the refrigerant goes into the evaporator to lose pressure and temperature. As a result, the evaporator becomes extremely cold and blows cold and dry air to cool the passenger compartment.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Car Ac?

There is no set rule for the inspection of your car's air conditioning system. If your AC is cooling the passenger compartment appropriately, you do not have the inspection of AC on your To-Do list.

On the other hand, changing the behavior of your air conditioning system should motivate you to check this vital component instantly.

When Your Car's Ac System Needs A Recharge

Nowadays, vehicles come with an extremely efficient AC system that does not need a recharge for a long time. However, the time will come when your AC shows some warning signs including refrigerant leaks, smells, and hot air coming from the vents. When you see, these red signals, you may call your mechanic to check your car's AC.

Common Parts Of Car Ac System

Common parts of a car AC system include:

Compressor:

The compressor is a primary part of a car AC system. This vital part is responsible for compressing the refrigerant to raise its pressure and temperature.

Condenser:

You will find a condenser in front of the vehicle's radiator. This component of the car AC system cools down the refrigerant. Because of this component, the refrigerant changes its start from gas to liquid.

Expansion valve:

This crucial component is responsible for the regulated flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator. The expansion valve reduces the pressure to let the refrigerant expand quickly.

Evaporator:

The evaporator cools the passenger compartment and absorbs heat with the help of liquid refrigerant.

Your car AC does not perform efficiently if any of these components do not perform their functions because of several issues.

Generally, the car AC system faces the following mechanical issues:

Compressor problems:

As a common issue, the compressor may fail to perform its common functions. This component is prone to wear and tear. Moreover, clutch issues and leakage problems may occur in this component.

Leakage problem in the refrigerant:

Sometimes, AC does not cool the car's cabin due to leakage of refrigerant. This condition may reduce the efficiency of car's AC system and cause damage in other parts.

Issues in condenser:

Debris and accidents may damage the condenser because of its presence at the front of the vehicle. Damages in the condenser may affect the overall efficiency of the car AC system.

Issues With The Blower Motor:

The blower motor blows air into the cabin. Weak airflow is a common result of problems in this part of the car AC system.

Blocked vents:

Dust and debris may block the vents to affect the airflow. Low cooling capacity of the car AC system is a common result of this fault.

Electrical problems:

Electrical issues may take place in the AC system because of blown fuses, faulty switches, and issues in the wiring.

Problems In The Evaporator:

Issues like blockage and leakage may decrease the efficiency of your car's AC system. As a result, you may observe reduced cooling in the vehicle's cabin.

As you see, there are a lot of issues that may affect the efficiency of your car AC. You can maintain your AC with the assistance of a mechanic. Some steps are easy to take and you can observe some warning signs as well.

Let us have a look at common steps to maintain your car's AC

Checking fuses

You can start checking your car's AC by checking fuses. Check your user manual to learn about the place and functions of the fuse box. Change blown or damaged fuses.

Examinee Refrigerant level

Insufficient refrigerant level is a common issue that may occur in the AC system. Therefore, you must include checking refrigerant levels in your checklist.

Check AC components:

A car AC has many components and the health of every part is vital for proper cooling in your vehicle's cabin. Therefore, you have to check parts of your car's AC system including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Check these parts for issues like damage and leakage.

If you cannot check the car AC on your own, see your mechanic to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Does the MOT test include car AC?

This is a common question that people generally ask.

No, car AC is not a part of MOT Test Newport. However, issues in this component will be high uncomfortable during the summer months. Therefore, you must keep your car AC in good condition.

 

15 The Biggest Problem With Winter Tyre, And How You Can Fix It .

 Winter tyres are becoming increasingly popular in colder climates, and with good reason. They offer superior grip, safety and performance over regular road tyres when temperatures drop below 7°C. However, despite their advantages, there are some problems associated with winter tyres that can’t be ignored. In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the biggest issues you need to be aware of before investing in winter tyres for your vehicle.

1. Cost: Winter tyres tend to be more expensive than regular road tyres due to the additional materials used in their construction and design. If you’re looking for a budget option, you may want to consider all-season or snow tires instead.

2. Lack of Availability: Depending on where you live, winter tyres may not be readily available. Not all tyre stores stock these specialised products, and ordering online is an option too but can take longer to arrive.

3. Short Lifespan: Winter tyres tend to have a shorter lifespan than regular road Tyres Thornhill; they are designed for short-term use in cold weather conditions and need to be replaced more often.

4. Poor Performance in Warm Weather: Winter tyres perform poorly in warm weather because the rubber compound used becomes soft and mushy when temperatures rise above 7°C, resulting in reduced grip, braking performance and handling capabilities.

5. Increased Noise Level: The softer rubber compound found in winter tyres is known for being noisier than regular road tyres, especially on wet roads.

6. Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The increased rolling resistance of winter tyres can cause a decrease in fuel economy.

7. Difficulty Mounting and Balancing: Winter tyres require specialised mounting and balancing equipment due to their unique construction, which can be difficult to find at some tyre shops.

8. Poor Handling in Snow: Although winter tyres are designed for driving in snow, they don’t always offer the same level of grip and performance as dedicated snow tires or all-season tires.

9. Increased Stopping Distance: Winter Tyres Thornhill tend to have increased stopping distances due to the softer rubber compound used in their construction; this is especially true on dry surfaces where the softer rubber has less grip.

10. Losing Speed on Ice: The soft compound in winter tyres is not ideal for driving on icy roads, as it causes the tyres to lose speed and traction more quickly.

11. Lack of Variety: Not all winter tyres are created equal and there’s a limited range available compared to regular road tyres. This can make it difficult to find the perfect tyre for your needs.

12. Poor Tread Wear: Winter tyres tend to have poor tread wear due to their softer compound; this means they need to be replaced more frequently than road tyres and can become expensive over time.

13. Difficulty Fitting: Depending on your vehicle, fitting winter tyres can be difficult due to the size of the tyres. Some vehicles require specialised rims or wheels that can fit winter tyres, so it’s important to check this before purchasing them.

14. Risk of Damage: Driving on dry roads with winter Car Tyres Newport can cause damage to the tyre as they are not designed for those conditions; it’s important to switch back to regular road tyres when temperatures rise above 7°C.

15. Unnecessary Wear and Tear: Winter tyres should only be used when temperatures drop below 7°C; if you use them in warmer weather, you risk unnecessary wear and tear which can shorten their lifespan even further.

Overall, winter tyres are a great option for colder climates, but it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons before investing in winter tyres for your vehicle.

Conclusion

Winter tyres are a great choice for cold weather conditions, but they come with some drawbacks that should be carefully considered before investing in them. It’s important to note that winter tyres may not always be readily available, have a shorter lifespan than regular road tyres, and can cause increased noise levels and reduced fuel efficiency when used. They also require specialised mounting and balancing equipment, as well as more frequent replacements due to poor tread wear. Additionally, winter tyres may not perform as well on icy roads or provide the same level of grip in warm weather conditions. Taking all of these factors into account will help you make an informed decision about whether or not winter tyres are right for your vehicle.

Your Diesel Car is Most likely to Fail its MOT

Has your car fallen victim to the newly introduced Dangerous or Major categorisation and failed its MoT? Diesel car MoT failures have become nearly four times for substandard emissions. So considering the statistics and the drastic changes introduced in nearly 60-year history of MOT, your diesel car is at a higher risk of failing the MOT.

The most common causes of MoT failures under the new regime are:

- Leakage from the brake valve in hydraulic fluid

- Issues in the brake disc, missing drum/brake lining/pad

- Improper mounting of the brake pads

- Tampered/missing DPF

- Wheels with loose/missing wheel nut, bolt or stud

- Distorted or worn out tyres

- Dripping steering box

- Contaminated brake fluid

Most vehicles are failing the test because of the DPFs. They are used to trap and store the exhaust soot to cut down emissions from diesel cars. It is tested for signs of removal and tampering. In case of any such detection, your car will fall within the Major defect category. If your diesel car has a tampered diesel particulate filter (DPF), then it will be given a Major defect and thereby, fail the MoT test. Any car with a re-welded or cut DPF canister may be refused a check until the owner gives a valid reason for it (such as filter cleaning). It will also be failed if it emits “visible smoke of any colour” during the metered checks. In this case, it is better to ignore your instincts to remove the DPF filter because as per the recent MOT orders, even cars that have had the filter removed will be failed.

Tougher test regime may even scar your MOT certificate, with a Pass “with defects” warning to urge owners to get “repair as soon as possible”. Among the other checks being carried out under the new regime, under-inflated tyres, fluid leaks, and flawed reverse lights on vehicles that are bought after September 2009 are failing most diesel vehicles. However, if your diesel car has DPF older than 2005-06, it will not be evaluated on any new emission-related parameters.

You can maintain your car’s DPF in two ways:

a) Passive Regeneration: This occurs when the car runs at the motorway speeds for more than thirty minutes. It is done to increase the exhaust temperature enough to start the process of burning off the excess clogged soot.

b) Active Regeneration: This is done by automatically injecting extra fuel at the time of vehicle's ECU. It is done to increase the exhaust temperature and burn off the stored soot when the filter reaches a stipulated limit.

The best solution in case your vehicle is detected with dangerous faults is to not drive away from the garage. Ensure you get MOT Newport from a garage which can fix all the faults right away, like Trade Price Tyres. Don’t let MOT be a nasty experience any more, because this garage has all the services from 24X7 mobile tyre-fitting to vehicle servicing.

4 Tips to Keep Your Car’s Brakes Working for Longer Without Spending a Dime

The only thing that stands between you and a mishap on the road is your car’s brakes. Everyone knows how essential brakes are, but most car owners do not pay close attention to its maintenance unless it becomes absolutely necessary. Now don’t get it wrong, periodic brake repair is an absolute necessity, but that dead period between a worn-out component and repairs is when you become the most vulnerable.

Today, an average 4-wheeler brake pad lasts approximately 37,000 to 93,000 miles, but it also depends on multiple other factors, including your driving style. It is an expensive part, costing on average £148, excluding the fitting and service charge. It is always good to know some tips and tricks to extend the life of your car’s brakes; if it is in poor condition your vehicle will not even clear an Tyres Cwmbran or anywhere else in the UK. It plays a vital role in keeping you as well as other people on the road safe, and just a little care can save you a lot of money from recurrent repair charges.

1. Clean the Dust – As the brake pedals come into contact with the rotors, friction causes it to heat up and wear out. The brake pad material wears out as fine dust particles that start to accumulate around its callipers, rims, and between rotor discs.

Clean this brake dust every once in a while to maintain its maximum effectiveness. Use a rag or a can of pressurized air to remove it.

2. Maintain Your Car’s Speed – The number one cause of premature brake wear is coming to a stop from high speeds. For example, an average car’s brakes dissipate 33% less energy when you stop it from 50 mph instead of 65 mph.

Driving within the speed limit will drastically increase your car brakes lifespan. It would help if you also practice coasting your car to decrease its speed before applying brakes. Friction is your friend here.

3. Stop Overloading Your Car – A heavier moving body will take a lot more energy to come to a dead stop. Overloading your vehicle puts severe strain on its brakes as it needs to dissipate a lot more energy to decrease its speed. Automobile experts always advise keeping within the recommended weight limit of a vehicle. It also helps upkeep other components like the suspension, tyres, transmission and power train, etc.

4. Flush It Every Two Years – Flush the brake fluids and the hydraulic fluids every two years to maintain its quality and performance. These fluids are hydrophilic, but water molecules decrease its efficiency, bring down the boiling point, and cause rust inside the cylinder. These can cause severe malfunctions, you can lose brake pressure, fluid reservoir can rupture, or the brake lines may get clogged and stop working.

Keeping in mind these simple tips will help you avoid a severe accident during your daily commute. Also, remember to take your car to a good service station every other year for a complete inspection of its brakes and ABS. Garages like Trade Price Tyres offer services such as Brake Repair in Newport at affordable prices, so you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket for scheduled maintenance.

Understanding Various Aspects of Brake and Exhaust Maintenance

Of the many essential components that aid in the smooth operation of a car, two of the longest lasting ones are the exhaust and the brakes. Both of these are designed to last the life of a car. Even so, equipping yourself with the knowledge of a few essential aspects of these parts can help you in the event that something does go wrong uncharacteristically.

Exhaust

Most car owners may not realise it, but the exhaust system of their car is one of the most complicated parts of their vehicle. It has the vital job of filtering the dangerous fumes your car engine generates. It helps reduce your car’s emission and keeps the pollution in check.

A faulty exhaust can prove to be a critical issue. Not only do you run the risk of venting harmful fumes inside your car cabin, but you will also fail the MOT test and might have to pay a hefty fine for not abiding by the law.

Why is It so Important?

Vehicle emission is one of the largest benefactors to air pollution. Your car exhaust filters harmful gases like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, and hydrocarbons. The result is water vapour and CO₂ coming out of your car’s tailpipe, which is much less harmful than what comes out of the engine initially.

Is There a Chance of Malfunction?

Yes, plenty. Your car exhaust with stands immense heat which can form tiny fissures in its body. Fumes can leak from those leaks and make your car unsafe to drive.

Also, the constant vibration of your car can loosen up its exhaust manifold. If the unit bumps against something while you are driving, it can cause dents and cracks, effectively reducing its performance.

What is the solution?

There are no magic solutions that’ll prevent exhaust malfunction completely. However, you can exercise reasonable caution while driving which can reduce the chances of exhaust trouble-

1. Avoid accelerating/decelerating aggressively.

2. Let the car warm up for 5-10 minutes before taking it out for the first time.

3. Clean the exhaust at least once a month.

4. Ask your garage technician to include an exhaust check while performing Vehicle Servicing in Newport.

While there’s no certainty that doing these will eradicate exhaust issues, they’ll certainly reduce the probability. If the problems still persist, drive your car to a reliable service station like Trade Price Tyres. Their technicians will check, repair, or even replace the parts malfunctioning.

Brakes

Brakes are another part of the car essential for its smooth and safe operation. It is a sophisticated mechanism that uses friction to slow down a car. Any malfunction in the brakes can potentially prove fatal for you.

Is There a Chance of Malfunction?

Brake failures are rare these days but not completely off the books. Brakes comprise of brake pad, brake lines, rotors, all connected to a master cylinder that disperses brake fluid. All these parts, except the master cylinder, are prone to wearing out. Sometimes there might be a leak that drains the brake fluid completely.

What is the Solution?

As with the exhaust, there’s no definite way to prevent brake malfunction. However, you may reduce its chances by following these guidelines-

1. Try coasting before applying brakes.

2. Check the brake fluid level once a month.

3. Avoid braking at high speeds. Shift down and then apply the brakes.

If you notice that your brakes are behaving erratically even after these, take it to a garage for Brake Repair in Newport without delay.

Three Reasons Why Pirelli is Still the Rockstar in the Global Tyre Market

Milan, the centre point of the European Renaissance, has given us another work of art in the form of Pirelli. Established in 1872, Pirelli has consistently been providing with products whose quality any other brand can hardly match. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking, it has given us tyres like P Zero, Cinturato, and Scorpion. 

After global leaders like Bridgestone, Michelin, and Continental, Pirelli is one of the largest producers of tyres. It operates commercially in 160 countries and has production units across 13 nations. Apart from this, it has connections with thousands of retailers and distributors who deal in these models, which are very popular new car tyres in Newport.

Remember watching advertisements for Pirelli across billboards and on banners? It indicates the popularity of the brand. It is also a sign that many in the corporate world endorse Pirelli as their sponsor.

So, Here Are Some Examples Of Their Sponsorships:

Many of us remember Pirelli’s name printed on the shirts of the famous Italian football club Inter Milan.

Since then it has sponsored clubs from countries like Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. The year 2009 saw them reach the distant shores of China. It was during this time that they became the title sponsor for Chinese Super League.

But, hang on. You must have seen Pirelli’s name other than at a football field, right? That’s because Pirelli always believes in increasing their presence wherever possible and that led them to sponsor F1 teams. Being associated with the Formula One was the final frontier that they had to cross.

It has even started to venture in new directions like the one mentioned below.

What Does a Tyre Manufacturer Have To Do With Audio Systems?

Pirelli has recently ventured into manufacturing audio systems in the shape of tyres. It is one of the latest developments engineered by Pirelli, and the relation is nothing more than that of the structural design. 

Pirelli launched this product in July 2018, but it doesn’t mean it has any intention of abandoning their original task – to produce tyres of the highest possible quality.

So, now that we are clear about that, let’s get into the details of this fascinating product. Pirelli designed it in the form of a Formula One tyre and named it P ZERO Sound. 

Following are some of its features:

·         The speaker has a diameter of around 13 inches

·         Weighs roughly 21 pounds

·         Consists of a 100-watt amplifier, 25mm tweeter and also a 100mm midwoofer

·         The most amazing feature is probably the availability of Bluetooth 4.0 with AptX which gives you excellent wireless connectivity.

Recent Innovations

Tyres from Pirelli have given us some memorable driving experience. But, this time they have decided to create something different; something that will be of great use to the bikers of the world! And thus, they have decided to extend their reach to e-bikes. 

It comes in five different styles, and its official name is Cycle-e. The GranTurismo variant of this range is the best fit for you if high performance is all you desire. Users of the product say it has the potential of taking sports rides to the next level.

To get a better idea about these products, you must visit at Trade Price Tyres Newport. They always have a massive stack of Pirelli tyres at their facility.