FAQs

Winter tyres provide superior traction and control in cold conditions, especially when temperatures drop below 7°C. They have deeper tread patterns and softer rubber compounds, which allow them to perform better on snow, ice, and wet roads. All-season tyres, while versatile and convenient, don’t match the specialised performance of winter tyres in extreme winter conditions, but they are a good option for milder climates where extreme cold is less common.

A Class 4 MOT checks various components of your vehicle to ensure it meets the UK’s safety and environmental standards. The test includes an inspection of the brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, emissions, and more. If any of these components do not meet the legal requirements, your vehicle will fail the test, and you’ll need to have repairs done before re-testing. Ensuring these components are regularly maintained will help you pass the MOT without any issues.

Common issues include wear and tear on brakes, tyres with insufficient tread depth, and electrical faults. Suspension and steering systems are also frequent areas requiring attention, especially in off-road or older model cars, including Land Rovers. Elite Garages Pulborough can address these issues efficiently with their skilled technicians and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Delaying your car MOT is not recommended, as driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can lead to fines. Plus, regular MOTs help identify early signs of wear or damage, preventing more expensive repairs later. We highly recommend not delaying your MOT as there may be serious consequences.

You can save on car maintenance by sticking to essential services like oil changes, tyre checks, wheel alignment and brake inspections, while avoiding unnecessary add-ons. By doing regular checks, and choosing trusted local garages like Elite Garages, you can help keep your vehicle safe without overspending.

If your cambelt snaps while driving, it can cause severe engine damage — especially in interference engines where the pistons and valves can collide. This often results in bent valves, damaged pistons, and even a ruined cylinder head. In many cases, the engine will stop suddenly, and repairs can be extremely costly.

The most serious dashboard warning lights are typically red and indicate issues that could put your safety—or your engine—at risk. These include the brake system warning light, engine oil pressure warning, coolant temperature warning, and the airbag or SRS warning. If any of these lights appear while driving, you should stop the car as soon as it’s safe and seek professional assistance. Ignoring them can lead to breakdowns, serious damage, or compromised safety systems.

Yes, avoiding routine maintenance can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Skipping things like oil changes, brake checks, or vehicle diagnostics allows minor issues to develop into major faults; many of which could’ve been caught early and fixed at a more reasonable price.