What do we do during a Vehicle Health Check

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Even though we expect machines to be working as they should, at times they fail. Especially our vehicles which are exposed to the harsh weather and the road conditions which are not always ideal.

Exactly for this reason we need to be proactive. One service per year may not be enough, especially when the vehicle is getting a little older. Little things like a bulb failure cannot be prevented, other elements can though. For example, a small leakage detected early on can save us a lot of trouble down the line. The leak can be from any system carrying  fluids and can relate to the engine, the power steering, or even worse the braking system, which constitutes a vital element of the vehicle driving safety.

What we inspect during a Vehicle Health Check is based on manufacturers’ recommendations and our cumulative experience of 10,000s of cars that have passed through our workshop during the 18 years of our operations in Wandsworth Borough.

The Battery and the charging system. Everything depends on this system. Without it, nothing works. The bad news is that there is rarely an early warning of a failure to come. The good thing is that the health of the system can be measured and the risks can be mitigated. Certainly the battery can also be replaced regularly as per manufacturer’s recommendation however, is it only a part of the equation and there are always unforeseen circumstances that will affect its health.

tyre tread wearTyres and pressures. The only contact of the vehicle with the road surface. The condition of the tyres and a careful inspection of them can tell a lot of things about how a vehicle drives and behaves on the road. Signs of uneven wear and tear, low tyre tread depth, cracks on the rubber,  or even damaged areas can only be seen if the car is raised on the servicing ramp.

Brakes and suspension. They can only be properly inspected with the vehicle raised on the ramp. Condition of the brake pads, and the brake disks witness the life duration left in them. Close inspection of the suspension elements like the arms, the bushes and the joints is paramount to driving safety and even the most sophisticated ABS / Traction Control System depends on the good functionality of the basic elements of the vehicle suspension and its braking system.

Oil and fluid levels. There are multiple fluid containers under the bonnet which sometimes we do not even know they existed! Each one of them serves a particular system, like the braking system, the power steering, the windscreen wipers, the engine cooling system, the engine moving parts lubrication and cleaning. All of them require a regular inspection to make sure that the vehicle engine operates within manufacturer’s specifications.

Lights and wipers. There are elements like the lights in a vehicle, some of which are critical to safely driving the car and they need frequent inspection. In particular the light bulbs are so many and the chances are that one of them will have failed (exterior or interior). Of course there are indicators on the dashboard for the most critical ones, but even those working may still need to be replaced (eg dual filament bulbs). Last but not least the windscreen wipers, which even though constitute one of the most important safety features of the vehicle, we regularly tend to overlook them.

 

 

Suspension Repair – The case of a bad control arm

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The symptoms of a worn out (or at the end of its life) suspension control arm, can be any of the following:
  • Noises while driving over bumps – hear clunky noises
  • The car swerving towards one or both sides
  • Feeling vibrations in the car
  • Observe uneven tyre wear
A control arm connects the wheel hub and steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle. They are typically equipped with bushings on the frame side of the vehicle and a ball joint on the wheel side of the vehicle that allow flex and controlled movement according to road conditions and steering input from the driver.
It is evident that its role is very important and when the control arm malfunctions, it not only affects the driving experience but can also pose a serious threat to driving safety.
While there is no specific timeframe for how long one can drive with a bad control arm, it’s strongly recommended to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

How to prepare your car for a road trip

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The weather outlook is good, and a road trip to the countryside can be quite an attractive idea.  Preparing your car for the road trip ensures that you,  your friends and family travel safely and smoothly. Here are some steps to get ready:

  1. Check the fluids: Make sure your car has sufficient oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid. Top up or change them as necessary. All you need can be sourced from the nearest petrol station.
  2. Inspect the tyres: Look for proper tread depth, check for wear or damage, and ensure tyre pressure is at the recommended level. Don’t forget the spare tyre!
  3. Test your lights: Confirm that headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights are all functioning well. Changing bulbs can be tricky. Consult your nearest garage.
  4. Examine your brakes: Listen for unusual noises and check the brake pads with a torch. If they seem worn or squeaky, consider a professional inspection.
  5. Replace filters: Air and fuel filters can affect performance, so it’s a good idea to have them replaced if needed.
  6. Emergency essentials: Pack a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, a tyre repair kit, a warning triangle, a high visibility jacket, warm clothing and basic tools. It is a good practice to check and keep your roadside assistance contact information handy. 
  7. Check your battery: Ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. As a healthy battery depends on an alternator that is in good working order, it may be wise to visit your local garage prior to your journey.
  8. Clean your car: Both inside and out! A clean car is more comfortable, and washing it can improve visibility.
  9. Update your navigation tools: Whether you’re using a GPS device or an app, make sure it’s ready with the latest maps and traffic updates.
  10. Restock supplies: Snacks, water, and entertainment go a long way toward making the ride enjoyable.

Dashboard Warning Lights

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Dashboard Symbols and What They Mean

A car’s dashboard is a communication device that communicates important pieces of information to the driver. Your vehicle utilizes sensors and sophisticated equipment, to self-diagnose a wide range of issues. With the advancements in technology, the amount of information your dashboard may display has risen dramatically.
So let us go over some of the most common and universally used car warning lights, what they mean and how the driver should act upon. Please note that every car has its own individual set of specific dashboard warning lights and precise information relating to each one can be found in the vehicles users guide.

Seat Belt Reminder – it is active as long as the vehicle is moving and the belt remains unfastened. Fastening seat belt will switch off the light. In most vehicles this warning light is accompanied by an audible warning.

Front Airbag – It indicates a fault with the airbag system and disables the airbag function. Amber light informs the driver when a passenger air bag has been switched off manually. This requires an inspection by a qualified professional and it can affect the safety of the passengers in case of a collision.

Open Doors Indicator – this symbol is usually turned on just after the driver starts the engine and informs them that one or more doors are closed incorrectly. Please safely check that all doors are shut properly.

Bulb Failure – it indicates a problem with one or more of the vehicles bulbs. Pop in and we will gladly  replace the faulty bulb. Depending on the bulb, this can greatly affect the safety during driving and it is a condition for an MOT failure.

Low Fuel Notification – this indicator is switched on if the fuel level gets very low. Refuelling is urgently required. At this point, the mileage on the remaining fuel is usually less than 50 miles, depending on the driving conditions. Before refuelling please always check the type of the fuel that the vehicle requires.

Rear Window Defrost – this is turned on once the driver presses the rear window defrost button. When window is clear of the frost, this indicator is usually turned off automatically. In some vehicles there is additional defrost functionality for the front windscreen and the external mirrors.

Brake System Alert – this light indicates a low brake fluid level and professional help should be sought to rectify any issues. Leaks or low brake linings are a common cause. This light is sometimes used when a vehicle has an ABS fault.

Battery Warning – This means the vehicle has stopped charging the battery and will eventually go flat. Seek professional help to resolve the issue. Turning off the headlights or other elements of electricity consumption will increase the mileage of the vehicle in such a dire situation.

Oil Pressure Warning – this light will illuminate when the oil pressure sensor detects low oil pressure. The vehicle’s engine should be switched off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. Please check the oil level checked to ensure correct quantity in the engine.

ABS Warning Light – The light illuminates briefly on engine start up but switches off automatically. It indicates a fault in the ABS braking system; this will not result in losing your brakes but additional safety features will have been switched off by the control module.  Please seek professional help.

Tyre Pressure Monitor – consult your owner’s manual and re inflate the tyres to correct pressure, then reset the system to extinguish the light. In most vehicles, this warning indicator requires driving the vehicle for a certain distance before it is activated.

Temperature Warning Light – it warns the driver when the engine is overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle and seek attention to rectify the fault. Take extra care whilst checking the radiator coolant level; ensure that the engine has cooled down before opening the bonnet.

Traction Control Light – this light will illuminate along with the ABS light when the vehicle has a fault in the system. It will also flash when the system is operating to warn the driver of hazardous conditions.

Engine Management Light – this light illuminates when the vehicle detects a fault with the engine management system usually related to emissions or engine functions. It can cause the vehicle to go into limp home mode when illuminated with a loss of engine power. This light requires immediate professional attention to prevent any damage.

Cruise Control – this light is turned on if the cruise control system is activated; note that it may differ by brand and car model. Please check the manual of the vehicle for relevant functionality and controls.

High Beam Light – it is shown once the driver activates the high beam mode of the headlights; it should not be switched on when traffic is approaching from the opposite direction.

High quality used cars to serve our customers’ needs

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Looking for the right used car?  GSF Motorworks is the right place to start.

Gsf Car Sales , the car sales unit of GSF Motorworks Ltd, can provide the right car at the right price.

Our cars come with MOT, have been thoroughly checked by us both mechanically as well as in terms of their service history. This is guaranteed by our long term expertise in servicing cars like the ones on sale. We can also facilitate a part exchange, manage insurance claims procedure, even facilitate finance  in order to make sure that you have an experience as hassle free as possible.

 

Contact us to arrange a test drive today!

Visit our dedicated website : https://www.gsfmotorworks-cars.co.uk  for a currently available list of vehicles

Coronavirus outbreak

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GSF MOTORWORKS RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Dear valued customer,

The management of the company monitors the situation closely and deals with the matter very seriously. We are being constantly updated on the latest news and recommended practices.

– We are asking all staff who may have any flu like symptoms to work remotely or stay at home.

– We adopt the recommended hygiene practices in our premises and keep our offices and the workshop clean and well ventilated.

– Should the customer requires, we collect and deliver the serviced car at the customers’ place.

Please also inform us if you wish to use our services and suspect that you have got any relevant symptoms. We will inform our staff to act within issued guidelines.

Working together we will contain the spread of the virus and return soon to our normal routine.

Thank you very much for your attention and understanding,

On behalf of the team at GSF Motorworks Ltd

Yannis Papalexopoulos
General Manager