How You Can Keep Your Car Cool by Maintaining the AC

Car maintenance

The car AC is an often overlooked facet of car maintenance. And this summer is a great occasion to remember that you need a regular tune-up for your car AC. A car AC is not merely your own source of comfort. It is also indispensable for safety on the road. Moreover, a properly tuned-up AC is essential to ensure clear visibility on the road by preventing window fogging. This becomes an important issue during humid conditions. Hence, you need to reach out to a car maintenance company in Portslade to tune up your air conditioning system regularly.

Four indicators that your AC system requires attention

So, how would you know that it is time for a regular tune-up for your air conditioning system? Here, we have highlighted some potential clues that your car’s AC needs a tune-up.

Feeble airflow

Does the air that comes out of your vent lacks a punch? Does it feel weaker than usual? This could indicate an obstruction or other related issues in the vent.

Warm air

Do you feel that the air from the vents is not cool enough? This might be indicative of the need for a refrigerant recharge. This might as well prompt a compressor inspection or other necessary repairs.

Unpleasant odour

Unwanted smells from the AC vents are yet another sign of AC dysfunction. They could indicate mould or bacterial growth within the system.

Unusual sounds

Do you hear uncommon noises like rattling or hissing coming out from your AC? There might be a problem with the AC compressors or other components.

In-car air conditioning has two extremely important roles: temperature control and filtering. Both these functions are covered by our comprehensive list of checks and replacements in our car air conditioning service.

We can clear the clogged filter. We can also help in keeping out the pollen, airborne contaminants and unpleasant odours. In case of the cooling functionality, our skilled experts will not only carry out a car air conditioning recharge, they will also work through a number of tests to declare that the system is free of fault.

In case of filtering, our service includes replacing the disposable filter components. If you need any of these services along with car maintenance in Portslade, reach out to Rapid Auto Centre. We can help you with all kinds of repair and maintenance services.

Car Battery Dead or Discharged – Know From Professional Garage Services

Professional Garage Services

Does your car start after repeatedly trying? Often, the battery is the main culprit. However, is your battery dead or discharged? Understanding the difference is difficult, especially for novice car owners. Take your car to Hove’s professional garage services and check your batteries.

The mechanics will conduct a few tests on the battery to confirm its condition.

What are the signs of a discharged battery?

A battery gets discharged when it has very low power. If you have a discharged battery, you can easily get it repaired and recharged again. Sometimes, car owners leave the radio, AC, and lights of the car open for a long time, cutting off the power of the battery.

Here are a few signs that suggest that the battery has been discharged.

Slow engine crank sound

If you hear a cranking sound when starting the car, then the battery might have been discharged. During such times, the engine will struggle more than usual to get started. This is the initial sign that your battery has been discharged from its power supply.

Dimming of the lights

Suppose the car’s headlight or dashboard light is dimmer than the usual light. Then, the battery of the car might be experiencing a low power supply. These lights generally require fully charged batteries to operate.

Jumpstarting of cars

Does your car need to jumpstart often? If so, this is not a good sign. It is a positive sign that the car’s battery has been discharged and needs to be fixed.

What are the signs of a dead battery?

A discharged battery can be repaired; however, if your car’s battery is dead, then you need to replace it at the earliest to let your car function well on the road. Here are a few signs of a dead battery.

Car not restarting

Did you put the key on the ignition button without any success? If no lights or sound are coming out of the car’s engine, the battery is probably dead, and hence, the car is not restarting.

Old batteries

If your car’s batteries have become old, they will probably die. The average lifespan of old batteries is 3 to 5 years. So, if your battery is out, it’s time to replace it.

Swollen battery case

If the battery case has swollen up or become bloated under such conditions, the battery has become dead.

Rapid Auto Centre is a reputable garage service that provides top-quality car servicing for all car servicing needs. To learn more, get in touch with us.

Top Reasons Why Car Owners Book MOT and Servicing Together

MOT and Servicing Together

If you are a car owner based in the UK, you must have clear ideas about MOT Testing. It is more of an obligatory test directed by the Government to guarantee a safe drive. It is a proactive measure to take good care of the car to avoid further issues.

MOT and Servicing Explained:

An MOT Certificate remains valid for at least three years. This gives enough time for a car owner to take care of every crucial aspect of their vehicle. Some go the next mile by booking an MOT Test and car servicing routine together.

The Advantages of Performing MOT and Servicing Together:

Combining MOT Testing in Hove and car servicing is highly efficient to keep a car in its best condition. To learn more, you can take a look at the section below.

  • Vehicle Safety: By scheduling the MOT Testing and car servicing together, you can follow DVSA and the car manufacturer’s safety guidelines. A regular servicing routine retains the smooth performance of your car. On the other hand, MOT Tests have one sole purpose: to keep your vehicle fit for the road. A combination of both enhances the safety and efficiency of a car.
  • Keep Potential Issues at Bay: When you perform MOT Testing and servicing simultaneously, you can be at peace while driving. There are fewer chances that your car might break down on the way. Servicing helps identify and solve potential issues, which are then cleared by the MOT Tests. You can count on the overall health of your vehicle.
  • Retain Car’s Value Effectively: A car depreciates its value with increasing mileage and other factors. However, a comprehensive maintenance routine with records can help you get a full servicing history. This will help you retain the car’s value effectively. You would perform the MOT alongside the routine maintenance, which will help you fetch a greater value in future.
  • More Convenient Approach: Booking the dual services of MOT and car maintenance can help you save time and money. You can perform the two vital tasks within a single appointment. Therefore, you are not required to visit the garage again.

The convenience of scheduling MOT and servicing together cannot be understated. If you want proper assistance from a reliable team of technicians, come to Rapid Auto Centre. We are one of the premier sources offering MOT Testing in Hove. You can count on our team of technicians for top-grade servicing as well. For more information, visit our website today.

Car Muffler – Importance and Signs it Needs Immediate Servicing

Car Muffler – Importance and Signs it Needs Immediate Servicing

The term car muffler is unknown, especially to people who need a fair idea about a car and its parts. A car muffler is made of steel topped with aluminium and is at the back of the exhaust pipes. It creates a bridge that connects the pipe with the car’s engine.

Importance of car mufflers

A car muffler has two major functions. Firstly, they are responsible for dampening the sound of the exhaust system, and secondly, they are responsible for removing toxic gases from the exhaust system of the car. Hence, if your car muffle stops working, you must take your car for servicing immediately. For car service in Hove, take the car to a reputed garage that can help you with proper servicing needs.

Tell-tale signs that your muffler needs repairing

Frequent loud noises

If you start hearing noises in the exhaust system of your car, then it can be a matter of concern. If the noise keeps increasing in terms of pitch, volume, and tone, there’s surely some problem with the car’s muffler. A rusted muffler or a cracked exhaust can be a major reason behind the loud noises. Ignoring these noises for a long time can lead to problems in the car’s performance and reduce fuel efficiency.

Problems with the engine

When the muffler is damaged, you will encounter inconsistent rotations in the car’s engine. When you experience problems like engine power loss, it’s a sign of problems with the car’s muffler.

Rough experience during idling

Another common sign is unnecessary shaking or bouncing of the car while idling. This is a sign that the muffler is damaged, clogged or collapsed. A deteriorating muffler will result in a rough experience during the idling process.

Get smell of exhaust fumes

The function of the muffler in the car is to remove toxic fumes from the car’s exhaust system. However, when you start getting the smell of the toxic fumes inside the car, your muffler is probably not working anymore. If the muffler is damaged and leaks, the toxic fumes will enter the car, making the environment uncomfortable.

Contact Rapid Auto Centre for top-quality car services in Hove. If you’re facing problems with your car’s muffler, we are the name you can trust. Get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Undeniable Factors Stating the Importance of Periodic Car Servicing

Undeniable Factors Stating the Importance of Periodic Car Servicing

As a car owner, you cannot ignore the importance of regular servicing. It is a matter of improving the overall performance of your car. Additionally, you will come across different issues that only the professionals can identify.

Get Help from a Professional:

For periodic car servicing, you must visit a prominent garage near you. They should be able to provide you with the service of professionals related to car service in Hove for a longer time. It is a vital part of your car’s performance that you cannot afford to ignore.

The Importance of Periodic Car Servicing:

Regular checking and servicing of your car is important in its overall performance. To learn more, you can read the following section of this blog.

  • Better Fuel Efficiency: It is important to check the condition of its fuel and other lubricants for unmatched vehicular performance. This includes checking the engine oil, coolants and brake oil as well. A garage offering car servicing can guarantee you a proper inspection. They will be able to identify any issues regarding fuel efficiency and provide a complete solution.
  • Enhancing the Performance: Even minor internal issues can hamper the speed and overall driving experience. You can identify these problems based on the sounds and bumpy rides. If not treated properly, these problems will spiral on and affect the overall vehicular performance. To prevent the issues, you must contact a professional source for car servicing.
  • Offers Better Resale Value: If you have plans to sell the vehicle soon, it is advisable to take it to your nearby garage. This will ensure that the buyer will get the vehicle in a pristine condition. You will get proper information regarding the condition of the external and internal parts of the car. Remember, spending on car maintenance and care will help you fetch a higher amount during the sale.

These are a few important reasons to visit your car servicing centre regularly. If you want to collaborate with a professional source, get in touch with Rapid Auto Centre. We are a well-known name for periodic car service in Hove. To learn more about our range of services, you can visit our website today.

Reasons to Keep Regular Oil Change in Your Car Servicing Routine

Reasons to Keep Regular Oil Change in Your Car Servicing Routine

Having a car is inarguably the fulfilment of one of your cherished dreams in life. However, as an owner, you must take proper care to ensure the vehicle remains pristine. This would also enable you to use the vehicle for a longer period.

The Need for Regular Maintenance:

To make your cherished possession rule the highway even after years of buy, you must follow a proper maintenance routine. It includes various kinds of preventative maintenance, including inspection of the condition of the engine and wheels. A vital routine among them is checking the oil and lubricant levels in the car.

Why Change Engine Oil on a Frequent Basis?

On average, a car needs an oil check after every 4000 to 6000 miles. However, if you think you need to perform it earlier, you must not stop yourself. Visit a source offering car servicing in Hove today. The reasons for frequent oil checking and changing are mentioned below.

  • Removal of Debris: Oil collects different impurities, like dust and contaminants. This happens as the fluid circulates through the engine. Over time, it may thicken and create a harsh operating environment. As a result, it becomes hard for the car engine to perform well. In the long run, it may affect the fuel and power efficiency of the vehicle. The oil change process drains out the old oil and eliminates all the contaminants.
  • Proper Lubrication: This is another major cause for frequently changing the car oil and lubricant. Lubrication helps to move the vital parts of the car engine. Without a proper supply of car oil, the components would grind together, causing them to wear down and affect the working condition of the vehicle. Not changing the motor oil in time would make you replace the engine and cause other engine trouble.
  • Engine Temperature Regulation: The operating temperature of a car engine can be controlled effectively by the engine oil. They can reduce and absorb the heat caused by friction. When the oil ages, it won’t be able to perform this task. This puts the engine at risk of overheating. The cooling system can regulate the temperature, while the assistance of the oil prevents expenditure in engine damage.

These are a few major reasons to regularly check and change the engine oil. To get help from an expert garage, you must contact Rapid Auto Centre. We are a well-known name for car servicing in Hove that can provide you with a wide range of automobile repair and maintenance services. For more information, you can visit our website today.

Tips For Choosing the Perfect Garage For Mot Testing in Hove

Tips For Choosing the Perfect Garage For Mot Testing in Hove

MOT refers to Ministry of Transport Tests are important annual tests to check your car’s health and roadworthiness. You should have a current MOT to legally drive your car on the road. A new car doesn’t require MOT, but a car older than three years need to carry out MOT before driving. Choosing the best MOT testing centre in Hove is essential for your car, and here are some factors you should look into in a garage before taking your car there.

Factors to Find the Appropriate Garage For MOT Testing

Check whether they are approved for Carrying out Mot Testing: Look for a government-approved testing centre, as there are a lot of garages with all the relevant tools and equipment to conduct the test. However, their test results will not give you the best resell value.

Check whether their Services include a thorough Car Inspection: MOT testing includes checking all the vital car parts like lighting and signalling equipment, suspension, steering, seat belts, brakes, tyres & wheels, body structure, drivers road views, exhaust and fuel emissions, registration plates, bonnet, electrical wiring & battery, windscreen, wipers & washers, doors, and others. If any garage denies you for the examination of overall car parts, look for another.

Check Mechanics’ License and Certification: Before handing over your car, ask the mechanics who will handle it to show their certification and license. You can also pay a surprise visit to the garage to see their technical skills. This will help you to make a better decision for your car.

Additional Services: A qualified garage will also offer other services to meet their client’s requirements depending on the cars. 

Friendly Staff: No matter how well-skilled and experienced a car repair centre is, you can’t choose the one where the staffs are not friendly and responsive to your requirements. While entrusting your car to others’ hands, it is an important factor as you may have a bunch of questions about your car; you would not be able to ask those with rude staff.

We at Rapid Auto Centre are qualified to carry out any car or van test. Our advanced equipment and well-trained mechanics ensure clients’ satisfaction. We offer various garage services like brake repairs, full car servicing, professional tyre fitting service and others. Contact us today if you are looking for the best garage for MOT testing in Hove and the surrounding areas.

Car Service Basics: Top 3 Reasons Why Your Car’s Brake Pads Wear Out

Car Service Basics: Top 3 Reasons Why Your Car’s Brake Pads Wear Out

When you go out on the road with your ride, you should always ensure it’s in top condition. We are talking about more than just checking the condition of your engine or clutch. You should also take care of other technical components of your car, like the braking system.

Maintain the Brake Pads Regularly:

The brake pads have significant importance among all your vehicular units. A well-maintained brake pad can help to stop your car without a problem. The car manufacturer will tell you to maintain your brake pad after 70000 miles. However, it is better to hit a car service in Hove to check the brakes after every 25000 miles.

Why Do the Car Brake Pads Wear Out?

If you do not take your car for regular servicing, your brake pad may sustain heavy damage. We mention the reasons for these damages in the following section of the blog.

  • High-Speed Drive: If you tend to drive with a heavy foot, there’s a greater chance that the brake pads will wear out quickly. The pads experience more strain to put a speeding vehicle to a halt. When you drive at a medium or slow speed, it becomes easier for the pads to put your car to a halt. As a result, these have lesser chances of damage.
  • Overloaded Drive: You may be driving with an overloaded weight if your car has an additional trailer or excessive luggage. When you try to stop your car with a lot of weight, there’s a chance of damage to the brake pads. This, in turn, wears out the pads and significantly reduces the car braking system’s lifespan.
  • Not Driving in Lower Gears: When you apply lower gears, your car naturally goes on at a slow pace. If you tend to downshift the speed while driving in a higher gear, your brake pads will sustain serious damage. You can also try speed moderation in automatic and manual control vehicles. This will help you change between gears easily and control the speed when you drive downhill. As a result, your brakes will remain in perfect condition.

Taking care of the brake pads is an important requirement if you consider your car valuable. Try avoiding these mistakes to experience a smooth drive. To diagnose the problems of the car brake pads, you can consult a trustworthy source like Rapid Auto Centre. We are one of the prominent car services in Hove, where you can get quality work from trusted professionals. To learn more, you can visit our website.

5 Tips for Car Maintenance During Changing Seasons

5 Tips for Car Maintenance During Changing Seasons

Car maintenance is an important consideration and must be maintained throughout the year. However, problems with cars generally occur when the seasons are about to change. From extremely humid summers to the freezing winters, you’ll notice that the mileage and performance of the car go down. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, even when the seasons change, you can get expert maintenance tips for the professionals in the garage. They also provide services for car repairs in Hove.

How to take care of a car during changing seasons?

Check the condition of the tires 

Tyres are the most affected parts of the car, and tyres are the first part that gets affected whenever the seasons change. For instance, the tyres freeze during the winter, and during the summer, the tyres unfreeze again. Hence the rubber present in the tyre tends to expand and retract with the temperature changes. Hence whenever the season changes, you must get the tyres checked immediately. 

Check the level of fluids

You must check the level of fluids and refill the same as the weather conditions change. When the temperature drops, it is essential that you mix the antifreeze mixture in the fluid so that the fluids remain in normal condition. You must keep checking the level of fluids, so they don’t get out of level.

Inspect the brakes nicely

Ice and snow during the winter can result in the skidding of cars. Hence before winter arrives, you must get your brakes checked. Again when the ice melts, it adds excess moisture to the brake fluid. To present such issues with the brakes. It would be best to focus on checking your brakes whenever the seasons change. 

Take care of heating and conditioning

When the seasons change, the car’s air conditioner and heater are checked. This will allow you to stay comfortable in the car during extreme weather conditions. So during the winters, your heater must work well, while your air conditioner must be in its best condition during the summers. Thus, whenever the season changes, take your car to the mechanic for a thorough check-up of the car’s internal systems.

Have a look at the battery

It is easy to forget about the battery since it’s placed inside the car. Whenever the temperature changes from humid to cold freezing weather, ensure you get the battery checked by the mechanic. 

For a wide range of garage services and car repairs in Hove, approach Rapid Auto Centre. Bring your car to us for a complete car body checkup. To know more, check our website.

5 Things to Check Before Taking Your Car for MOT Testing in Hove

5 Things to Check Before Taking Your Car for MOT Testing in Hove

MOT testing is an annual safety checking process to ensure that the vehicle meets all the safety standards before you can drive the same out on the road. The test is mandatory for all cars, and during the test, a few specific parts of the car are checked. If the car passes the MOT test without any faults, then your car is completely ready for the road.

However, many times, the car might not pass the MOT test because of a minor problem present in the car. Under such circumstances, before taking the car for MOT testing in Hove, ensure you get the same checked by the local mechanics.

There are a few key things you’ll want to check first. Here are 5 of the most important car parts that should be checked before taking the car for the final MOT test.

What are the things to check before taking the car for the MOT test?

Tyre tread and pressure

Ensure your tires have enough tread and are inflated to the proper pressure. This will help ensure a smooth ride and good gas mileage. A minimum tyre tread needs to be maintained in the tyre. Ask the mechanic about the same.

Lights and reflectors

All of your car’s lights and reflectors should be in working order. This includes headlamps, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. It is unsafe to drive without these, but you could also fail your MOT test.

Windshield wipers

Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition and can effectively clear away rain, snow, or debris. Your car can’t pass the MOT test with defective windshield wipers as they help clear away the water and give the driver a clear view of the road ahead.

Horn

Your horn should be loud and clear. If it’s not working properly, you’ll need to fix it before your MOT test. For obvious reasons, a horn is an important part of the car. Horns alert cars and people walking on the road about the incoming vehicle. Hence without a proper functioning horn, your car will not get a clearance certificate from the MOT testing centres.

Oil level and condition

Check your car’s oil level and ensure it’s clean and debris-free. This is important for the longevity of your engine. This is an essential aspect that helps to pass the test.

Bring your car to Rapid Auto Centre. We are a class 4 MOT testing centre qualified to test regular cars for MOT with advanced equipment. To know more, check our website and book your dates.