What if my car fails its MOT?
You get a written defect list and a quote before any repair. If we do the fail work, the retest is free within the DVSA period.
Read the guide →MOT, servicing and repair advice
Short answers from the workshop on Handcroft Road. MOT cost, service intervals, warning lights, brakes, clutch, DPF and the other questions we get every week.
MOT
How long does an MOT take?
Most Class 4 tests at Strand Motor Company take 45 to 60 minutes. You can wait, or drop the car and collect later.
Read the guide →How much does an MOT cost?
Class 4 MOT fees cannot go above the government cap of £54.85. We charge within that limit at Handcroft Road.
Read the guide →What is the difference between an MOT and a service?
An MOT is the legal minimum. A service is how you keep the car running. They are not the same job.
Read the guide →What does an MOT check?
Over 60 checks. Lights, brakes, tyres, steering, emissions. A written report at the end.
Read the guide →MOT advisories explained
An advisory is not a fail. It is a warning. We tell you what can wait and what will bite you next year.
Read the guide →Why do cars fail an MOT?
Lights, tyres, brakes and emissions top the fail list. Most are cheap if you catch them early.
Read the guide →Can I drive without an MOT?
Only to a pre-booked MOT, in most cases. Insurance often dies without a valid certificate.
Read the guide →How early can I get an MOT?
Up to one month early, and you keep the same expiry date. Useful if you need time for repairs.
Read the guide →When does a new car need an MOT?
Three years from the date it was first registered, then every year after that.
Read the guide →Can I get an MOT and service on the same day?
One drop-off. MOT and service together when the diary allows. Saves you a second trip.
Read the guide →How do I check my MOT status and history?
Free on GOV.UK. Expiry date, past passes, fails and advisories. All you need is the registration.
Read the guide →Servicing
How often should I service my car?
Interim every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Full every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Major every 24 months or 24,000 miles, unless your handbook says otherwise.
Read the guide →Full service vs interim service
Interim is the half-year check. Full is the annual job most drivers need. Handbook first if it says something else.
Read the guide →What is included in a full service?
Oil, filters, brakes measured, fluids, and a written look over. The annual service most cars need.
Read the guide →How often should I change my oil?
At least once a year, sooner if you do high miles. Oil and filter together. Handbook first.
Read the guide →How long does a car service take?
Interim: a couple of hours. Full: most of the day. Major: longer. We give you a realistic time when you book.
Read the guide →What is a major service?
The big one. Everything in a full service plus the longer-interval items like brake fluid and fuel filter.
Read the guide →Does using an independent garage void my warranty?
Not automatically. Keep invoices, follow the schedule, use quality parts. Block exemption rules still matter.
Read the guide →When should a cambelt be replaced?
Follow the handbook in years and miles, whichever comes first. A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Read the guide →Repairs
What does the engine management light mean?
Amber light: get it read. Flashing: ease off and ring us. Guessing from YouTube wastes money.
Read the guide →When should brake pads be replaced?
Squeal, grind, vibration, or the car pulling to one side. Get them measured. Do not wait for metal on metal.
Read the guide →Signs you need a new clutch
Slip in a high gear, biting point at the top of the pedal, or a burning smell. Get it checked before you are stuck.
Read the guide →When should a car battery be replaced?
Slow to start, especially when cold. We test it before we sell you a battery.
Read the guide →DPF problems and cleaning
Short trips block DPFs. The light is a warning. We diagnose before anyone talks about a clean or a new filter.
Read the guide →Exhaust repairs
Louder than usual, a rattle, or a fail on emissions. We look underneath and quote. No pressure to replace the whole system.
Read the guide →What is the legal tyre tread depth?
1.6mm across the central three-quarters. Below that is an MOT fail and a fine. 20p coin is a rough check.
Read the guide →When does a car need a tracking (wheel alignment)?
Car pulls, steering wheel sits off centre, or one tyre wears on the edge. Tracking is often the cause.
Read the guide →Why is my air con not blowing cold?
Warm air from the vents is often gas loss. We would rather find the leak than keep filling it.
Read the guide →What should I do if my car overheats?
Stop, let it cool, do not open the cap hot. Driving an overheating engine is how you pay for a head gasket.
Read the guide →Dashboard warning lights explained
Red: stop when safe. Amber: book in. Guessing from a picture on your phone is how people buy the wrong part.
Read the guide →How often should brake fluid be changed?
Usually every two years. Old fluid boils, and the pedal can go long. It is a cheap job compared with a crash.
Read the guide →What is a car diagnostic test?
We plug in, read the codes, then confirm the fault. A code is a starting point, not the whole job.
Read the guide →Need a price for your registration? Use the live quote tool on the booking page or call 020 8686 0868.