Skip to main content

Why Is It Important to Check MOT History and Service History of a Car Before Buying It?

 

Exploring a car's service history will reveal any major or small concerns, as well as the vehicle's mileage. Finding out a vehicle's mileage will likely offer you an idea of how many more years it has left in it, as well as which car parts may need to be replaced soon.

Some brake pads, for example, should be replaced every 20,000 miles, whereas brake discs should be replaced every 40,000 miles. These fees may quickly add up, so monitoring a car's mileage is critical to avoid any unexpected charges down the road.

Aside from a service book, it's a good idea to examine other confirmation that your possible new vehicle has been well-maintained and check MOT status to ensure it has a valid MOT certificate. While service book stamps may be faked, invoices and service sheets are irreplaceable, and the more documentation you can gather to show the value of your car, the better.

When Buying a Used Vehicle, Watch Out forThese Red Signs

Now that you've learned how to see the signs that a car is worth buying, it's time to learn how to spot the red flags that indicate a vehicle isn't up to par. These are only a few:

1.      Advisories not being repaired - If specific faults with a car are found during a MOT test (such as poor tyre tread), you may be able to verify yourself whether the seller has addressed these concerns, and if they haven't, this is a tip to stay away. If minor faults haven't been resolved, there's no way of knowing what other essential issues have been overlooked, so it's best to steer clear of caution and keep looking.

2.      Complicated history - Being able to check MOT history of the car is great, but if it's packed with failures and repairs, it may be a hint that your vehicle isn't worth the money. After all, a vehicle that is prone to difficulties is likely to incur a slew of unanticipated charges down the road, so it can be worth spending a little extra up front to buy a car that operates more smoothly.

3.      Missing or questionable stamps - A completely stamped service book indicates that a pre-owned vehicle was carefully cared for by its previous owner, while missing stamps may indicate a lack of thoroughness in upkeep. Similarly, if the stamps seem dubious, they may have been forged to inflate the value of a car, and if you suspect this, the transaction should be avoided at all costs. A faked service book indicates that the vehicle has been neglected in the past, and it is also unethical. So, to guarantee you acquire the vehicle of your dreams, look for a reputable seller who can offer all of the necessary documents. You can also request a car garage in Reading to complete a pre-purchase inspection for a small fee if the seller agrees to this.

When Searching for Garages in Reading, How Do I Choose the Right One?

Review our top 5 suggestions to help you choose the best garage for your needs:

1.      Check to see whether the garage is a member of any respectable industry associations. We support the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which accredits properly educated technicians, as well as the Trading Requirements-approved code Motor Codes, which garages join and agree to follow their set of rules and operating standards.

2.      Be satisfied with the description of what work is required: it is usually beneficial if the team and car mechanics provide excellent customer service and assist you in diagnosing and understanding the problem. If they can't offer you a set price for a certain job, make sure they explain the problem and provide you a thorough breakdown of the components and labour costs.

3.      If you are looking for garages in Reading and take your vehicle to an independent garage while it is still under warranty, be sure that original manufacturer components are used and that the garage can ensure that your warranty is preserved. Even if your vehicle isn’t covered by a guarantee, you might be curious about the quality of the parts utilised.

4.      If you haven't used the garage before, look for reviews or testimonials from past customers to offer you piece of mind.

5.      For many individuals, their vehicle is a necessity in their daily lives. If you rely on your car to travel to and from work or the school run, make sure you inquire about the time it will take to complete the job. Whether they are unable to offer you with a firm response, inquire if a courtesy car may be provided while your vehicle is being fixed. Many car services in Reading garages offer a courtesy car but even better, offer a free collection and delivery service.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Symptoms That Your Exhaust Flexi Pipe Is Leaking and Why You Should Visit a Car Garage in Reading for Repairs

  If you're experiencing issues with your car's exhaust system, it could be due to a leaking flexi pipe. The flexi pipe is a crucial component of the exhaust system, and it's important to keep an eye out for signs that it's failing. In this article, we'll take a look at the symptoms of a leaking flexi pipe and why it's important to have it fixed. If you're in the Reading area and need a car garage, we recommend visiting a reliable car garage in Reading to get your car checked out. 1.     Loud Engine Noise One of the most noticeable symptoms of a leaking flexi pipe is a loud engine noise. If your engine sounds louder than usual, especially when you start it up or accelerate, it could be due to a leak in the flexi pipe. This noise is caused by the air escaping from the hole in the pipe, and it can be quite loud and distracting. It's important to get this fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your car. 2.     Reduced Engine Per...

Signs of a Faulty Water Pump: Function, Location, and Importance of Checking MOT History

  A water pump is an essential component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to maintain proper operating temperature. Over time, wear and tear can cause the water pump to malfunction, which can result in serious engine damage. In this article, we will discuss the signs of a faulty water pump, its function, and location. Function of a Water Pump The primary function of a water pump is to circulate coolant through the engine to remove heat. The engine produces a significant amount of heat during operation, and if it is not removed, it can cause damage to the engine. Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze, which absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator. The water pump is responsible for moving the coolant through the engine and the radiator. Location of a Water Pump The location of the water pump varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. In most cases, the water pump is located nea...

Signs of a Faulty Clutch: How to Identify and Fix the Issue

  The clutch is one of the most important components of a manual transmission system. It is responsible for engaging and disengaging the engine from the transmission to allow for smooth gear changes. A faulty clutch can result in poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and even complete failure of the transmission system. Therefore, it is crucial to know the signs of a faulty clutch to identify and fix the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. In this article, we will discuss the most common signs of a faulty clutch. Difficulty Shifting Gears The most obvious sign of a faulty clutch is difficulty shifting gears. If you notice that it is hard to shift gears or the gears grind when you try to shift, it is likely due to a faulty clutch. This is caused by worn out clutch plates or a damaged clutch release bearing. It is important to address this issue as soon as possible as it can lead to damage to the transmission. Search for car services and book an appointment now. ...