Diagnosis

Clutch Slip

If you believe you have clutch slip, travel at a slow speed but place the car in a high gear. If when you try to accelerate the RPM does rise but the speed does not increase relative to the revs, your clutch is slipping.

Clutch not engaging or disengaging

If when the clutch pedal is depressed it’s difficult or impossible to get the car in gear this could well be an issue with the clutch. Topping up your clutch fluid (if depleted) is only a temporary fix, you will need to get your vehicle in for an inspection to ensure you do not have a leak.

Unfamiliar noises

If your vehicle makes squealing or growling noises when the clutch is being engaged or disengaged this could be a sign of a worn or seized release bearing.

Please contact us immediately if you are experiencing any of the above.

Spongy brake pedal

If your brake pedal feels spongy or mushy this would indicate that there is air in your brake lines, you may find that your stopping distance is extended and more pressure has to be used to come to a stop. If this is the case check your brake fluid, if low this would indicate that you have a leak.

Low brake fluid but the brake pedal does not feel spongy

This would indicate that your brake pads are worn and replaced.

Steering wheel shaking under heavy braking

If when you are applying the brakes with force, for example pulling off of a motorway, you experience the steering wheel shaking this suggests your brake discs are worn and warped.

Squealing/Grinding noise coming from the brakes

This could mean the brakes pads are almost at the end of their life or completely worn out. Check the brake discs for scoring or obvious grooves. This will require attention immediately.

Vehicle heavily pulling to one side under acceleration or deceleration

You may find one of your tyres are low on pressure. Find your nearest air pump and check the pressures are all uniform. If you still have your original service book your ideal tyre pressure should be stated in there.

Lack of traction

If you notice unnatural wheel spin or skidding when driving normally this would indicate your tyres are low on tread or completely worn. Simply kneel down on the floor and check your wear markers, if your tread is at the same height as your wear markers your tyres need to be changed immediately.

Engine Oil

If your oil level is low the amount of noise emitted from your engine will increase. This may be a ticking noise or even a knocking noise. Check your oil level by removing your dipstick in the engine bay, wipe clean, insert it back into it’s original position and then remove. This should show if your oil is low or full depending on where the oil sits against the markers on the dipstick. If your engine is knocking loudly this may mean your engine requires a rebuild or replacement.

Coolant

If you notice your vehicle temperature gauge rising pull over immediately. This could be that your waterpump has failed or your thermostat has seized but a common issue is low coolant. There should be clear markings on your coolant overflow/reservoir which will indicate if you are low on coolant. Your coolant level will naturally decrease a very small amount over a large period of time however if your level is very low you could have a leak. This will require attention immediately.

Power Steering

If your power steering fluid level is low you will need to put in more effort to turn the wheel, which may be jerky and feel unnatural. A whining noise may also occur when turning the wheel.

Brake Fluid

If you notice your brakes are spongy you may have air in your system and most likely a leak. Check your brake fluid in the reservoir, even with a top up your more than likely going to need to your brakes bled. Please contact us straight away.