What Car Repairs Can Mobile Mechanics Do?

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Louanne

Have you been in a situation where you needed to go to a garage to have your car repaired but didn’t have the time? Or maybe you were unable to drive the car at all? Mobile mechanics are extremely convenient since they come straight to you and are trained to fix a variety of car problems mobile.

Although certain car repairs require the vehicle to be on a ramp, most repairs can be done mobile as long as the vehicle is in a safe position and on solid ground.

Here are some popular repairs that can be carried out by mechanics right on your driveway:

Braking

Most brake-related repairs can be done mobile including brake pads and discs, brake shoes, brake caliper replacement and brake hydraulic fluid change.

Servicing

Mobile mechanics can also perform routine maintenance such as an oil change, an interim service, a full service or even a full-fledged major service.

Electrics

Some jobs relating to the electrics of the car can also be done without the need of going into a workshop. Common repairs include battery replacement, alternator replacement and starter motor replacement.

Engine

Even engine related jobs can be carried out mobile like timing belt replacements or fan belt replacements. Jobs such as head gasket replacements and draining and replacing of the coolant or antifreeze can also be done on your driveway.

Steering & Suspension

Some common steering and suspension mobile repairs include coil spring replacement,
power steering pump replacement and the replacing the steering rack.

So the next time you need your car fixed, you could actually have it repaired right outside your door with the help of ClickMechanic’s vast network of highly skilled mobile mechanics. And don’t worry, if the repair cannot be done mobile, we also offer free collection and delivery if the vehicle is driveable.

Simply enter your postcode and vehicle details to get an instant price for the service. A vetted mechanic can carry out the work at a location convenient to you and at a date and time of your choice.

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ClickMechanic selected as finalist in National Technology Awards 2021

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Louanne

ClickMechanic is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted as finalists for Tech Growth Business of the Year at the National Technology Awards 2021. The National Technology Awards are the most comprehensive celebration of technology in the year, organised by National Technology News.

The National Technology Awards are the most comprehensive celebration of technology in the year, organised by National Technology News. Previous winners include the likes of Vodafone, Xero, Darktrace and Barclays. The awards are scheduled to take place on 29 September 2021.

We’re honoured to be judged by a distinguished panel of judges which include Nimisha Brahmbhatt, Founder and CEO, Quantum Global Consultants, David Price of Scala Advisors and Ed Turner, Chief Information Officer, Asendia UK.

“We’re really pleased to be finalists at the National Technology Awards this year. Despite the challenges of 2020, we’ve been able to grow from strength to strength and this would not have been possible without the perseverance of the entire team here at ClickMechanic,” said Andrew Jervis, CEO and co-founder of ClickMechanic.

Some of the other shortlisted companies in the category include Adverttu, BCN Group, Brightpearl, Bulb Energy, Coderus, Genba Digital, Huboo Technologies, Seccl and Tradeteq.

View the shortlist here.

Top 5 Easy Car Cleaning Hacks You Need To Know

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Louanne

Owning a car is an investment and besides the money spent on fuel and maintenance, we often forget to give our vehicles the love and attention it deserves. Regular upkeep of your car is key to maintaining its value. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend a fortune.

We’ve tested simple household items that can double up as brilliant cleaning hacks for your car:

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes can be used in multiple ways to keep your car clean. They are gentle and are great for cleaning the dashboard and the glovebox. Baby wipes are great to clean bugs off the car windows and windscreen too. They’re super cheap too – you can get a pack for about 50p each. However, avoid using this on sensitive surfaces such as infotainment and display screens.

Slime

It can be really hard to clean nooks and crannies just by vacuuming. One way to clean those hard-to-reach places is using the hugely popular kids toy product called ‘slime’ – the weird gooey substance that kids are so fascinated with. You can roll the slime through crevices of the interior where dust and dirt accumulate. If you don’t have this at home, there are loads of different options available online and in stores, including dedicated cleaning gel versions.

Cotton Buds

Cotton buds are a handy tool for cleaning and picking up built-up dirt and dust in crevices. For example, you can use cotton buds to clean out crevices around the dashboard or gear stick. They’re also great to clean the dashboard air vents – you’ll be surprised at how much dust and dirt can accumulate!

Vinegar

If your car has cloth seats, a DIY vinegar and water solution can be a life-saver! Mixing equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle can help to get rid of stains and dirt.

Car Trash Can

This is more of a preventative measure, but we thought this product deserved a special mention. There are small car trash cans on the market, designed to fit perfectly in your cup holder. It’s super handy and makes keeping your car clean of random food wrappers, receipts, and other small pieces of trash a lot easier! A wide variety of options are available on places like Amazon or eBay.

Do you have any cleaning hacks that you use to clean your car? Let us know @ClickMechanic and maybe we can do a part 2 on car cleaning hacks!

If you ever need help with your car, ClickMechanic provides repairs and servicing with a 1-year warranty on parts and repairs. All you need to do is tell us about your car and a vetted mechanic can carry out the work at a location convenient to you and at a date and time of your choice.

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The Dangers Of Driving With An Expired MOT

Posted on August 26, 2021 by Louanne

More than 5.5m car owners deferred their MOT last year as part of the 6-month MOT extension scheme introduced at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. This means that we will see a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles that will need an MOT test in the coming months and in particular during ‘Super September’.

Some regions will be more affected than others, however, advice is to get your vehicle booked in ahead of time to beat the rush expected in the next couple of months.

The Dangers Of Driving With An Expired MOT

Not only is the MOT a vital safety check to ensure your car is safe and ready to drive, but you are also expected to have a valid MOT when using your car. Remember, when you drive without a valid MOT you risk:

A fine of up to £1000
Being banned from driving
Receiving 6-8 penalty points
Your car insurance may become invalid

To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you book your MOT well in advance. At ClickMechanic, we offer MOTs with home collection and delivery. You can book your MOT for only £25 when you book a service at the same time!

We also have a helpful guide that can help you pass your MOT the first time.

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Driving in the EU: what has changed post-Brexit?

Posted on August 10, 2021 by Louanne

Recently, the government announced new changes to the quarantine rules for fully vaccinated passengers coming into the UK from Europe and has also just made further changes to the green, red and amber list countries. Since travel conditions differ from country to country, gov.uk has the most current information and essential guidance for travel to Europe.

If you’re planning to drive on your next trip to Europe, it’s worth keeping in mind that some of the rules for driving in Europe have changed since Brexit came into effect earlier this year.

What are the rules for driving in the EU post-Brexit?

Are UK driving licenses still valid in the EU?

Most UK drivers can use their normal driving license to drive in EU countries. There are some exceptions where the driver might need an International Driving Permit. An IDP can be bought at Post Offices for £5.50.

Individuals with only a paper license, not a photocard license, may need an IDP. Drivers whose licenses were issued from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man may also need an IDP. Up-to-date guidance on driving abroad and IDPs can be found here.
What car insurance is required?

Although it was a requirement post-Brexit, as of 2 August 2021, UK motorists no longer need to obtain an insurance green card before taking their car to EU countries (green cards provide a minimum level of third-party cover in case you get into an accident).

All UK car insurance policies should provide minimum third-party cover to drive in other EU countries. However, check the details with your car insurer as the level of cover may differ from the cover provided in the UK. For example, many policies will have a limit on the number of days that you’re covered to drive in the EU.

Do I need to display the GB sticker?

If your number plate includes the GB identifier with the Union flag, you do not need a GB sticker. If your number plate has any of the following, you must display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle:

– a Euro symbol
– a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
– numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier

If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a GB sticker no matter what is on your number plate. In addition to this, ensure you carry your V5C logbook with you if you own the car. You will need a VE103 form (Vehicle-on-Hire-Certificate) if you are taking a leased or rented car outside of the UK.

Our Vehicle Health Check (or Vehicle Safety Check) is a 28-point visual check of your car and can help identify issues on your vehicle prior to a long trip. A vetted mechanic can carry out the work at a location convenient to you and at a date and time of your choice.

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UK’s Best Service Stations

Posted on August 2, 2021 by Louanne

With the warm weather (sometimes!) and school holidays in full swing, the UK is witnessing a staycation boom with people taking to the roads to explore Britain in the summer. This also means that for those travelling by car or coach, stopping at service stations will be an inevitable part of the journey.

Following a survey by consumer publication Which? of the best and worst motorway service stations, we checked out what the top three service stations in the UK have to offer in more detail to help you on your way. Here’s what we found:

Gloucester Services: M5, Brookthorpe, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 0DN

Gloucester Services is almost too good to be called a service station. A second-generation family business, the food is home-cooked and made with ingredients that are locally sourced. If you’re heading to and from Cornwall and Devon, or even visiting the Cotswolds, Gloucester Services seems like a great place to stop by to get a feel of the local community.
Tebay Services: Westmorland Place, Orton, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3SB
If you’re travelling north on the M6, Tebay Services is a service stop (which is also a gorgeous farm) located in the Cumbrian hills. In addition to a farm shop that sells local produce, the website menu outlines an array of hearty meals and fresh salads that is sure to make one appreciate home-cooked meals over fast food joints.
Cairn Lodge Services: Douglas, Lanarkshire, ML11 0RJ
Further up north in Scotland, Cairn Lodge Services is located on M74 between Junctions 11 and 12. Voted as the 3rd best service station in the UK, the family-run filling station is currently open 24 hours for toilets, showers, hot drinks, food and snacks. The service station also houses a farm shop with locally grown produce and homemade cakes.

Do you have a favourite service station? Or have you come across a service station you were particularly impressed with? We’d love to hear about it! Tweet to us @ClickMechanic

If you’re going to hit the road for a long road trip, a Vehicle Health Check is a great way to ensure your vehicle is in good condition. With ClickMechanic a vetted mechanic can carry out a service at a date and time of your choice at a location that suits you.

Book a Vehicle Health Check

What are the most common issues with used cars?

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Louanne

Did you know that according to Auto Trader, used car prices have risen by a record 11% in June 2021? With used car prices expected to rise further, it’s even more important to ensure you’re making the right investment. A pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic can help identify issues on a vehicle by checking a range of working aspects of a used car.

In fact, when we looked at our data for pre-purchase inspections, we found that 50% of used cars will score poorly in at least one category during a pre-purchase inspection. Seeing the price increase means it’s all the more reason to get a vehicle thoroughly checked before buying!

Although different models and makes of cars can have unique problems, here are some of the most common problems you should look out for when buying a used car:

Electricals

According to our data, issues with controls and electrical components of the vehicles were a common factor that led to 23% of the vehicle scoring poorly on inspection.

As obvious as this may seem, it’s wise to check that headlights and other indicators are functioning properly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check other features like the warning lights on the dashboard, the power windows, and the central locking.

Suspension and brakes

Our data found that 12% of used cars scored poorly on suspension and braking systems. If you want to check for potential suspension problems, take it on a drive on different types of road surfaces such as speed bumps and rough surfaces. If you hear rattles or strange knocking sounds, it could mean that the suspension needs attention. However, the best way to ensure there are no issues with the suspension and braking is to have a trusted mechanic do a thorough inspection of the vehicle.

Battery

With cars being left unused for prolonged periods of time during the last 18 months, it is likely that battery health has suffered leading to battery problems. Batteries do not like being left uncharged as the cells inside disintegrate and lose their capacity. The battery may recharge to 12.8v but the actual power is significantly reduced.

Wheels and Tyres

We found that 23% of used cars scored poorly with regards to wheels and tyres during the inspection. Issues such as alloy wheel damage and uneven tyre tread are things to look out for and maybe costly to put right.

GETTING A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

ClickMechanic can help with a Pre-Purchase Inspection, with three different levels of inspection to suit your needs, starting from £53.68. During a pre-purchase inspection, the technician will conduct a thorough, unbiased review of the vehicle’s condition which can help give you an understanding of whether you’re getting good value for money. A pre-purchase inspection report will be sent to you which thoroughly outlines the condition of the car from exterior parts to crucial components of the engine and exhaust system so you can be confident you’re making the right purchase.

Book an inspection

Is Your Car’s Air Conditioning Ready For Summer?

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Louanne

With summer 2021 truly here chances are you’re going to reach out to turn on the air conditioning more often while driving. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or even a routine grocery haul, we recommend checking your car’s air conditioning so you don’t get caught out struggling behind the wheel on a hot summer day.

To help keep you cool while driving during the summer months, we have launched a range of new air conditioning jobs. If you haven’t had your air conditioning checked this year, then now is probably the time.

Remember, most car manufacturers recommend that the air-con system is regassed (also known as a recharge) every 2 years. A regas can help ensure the system can perform optimally and can even help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Why carry out an air conditioning anti-bacterial clean & health check?

Factors such as moisture, dust and other impurities in air-conditioning systems can encourage bacteria. Foul smells and poor air quality can aggravate allergies and infections. Doing an anti-bacterial clean of the air-conditioning system regularly not only reduces bad odours but also protects the health of your vehicle.
Do I need an air conditioning regas / recharge?

A tell-tale sign your car needs an air-con regas is if the air from the vents is blowing warm air or is not as cool as it used to be. Even if you don’t use it as often, air-con systems need regular servicing and maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend an aircon regas is carried out every two years, so if you can’t remember the last time you did it, it’s worth getting it regassed. Ultimately this can help improve the performance of the air-con system and can contribute to improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
How much does an air conditioning regas / recharge cost?

ClickMechanic offers air conditioning regassing across the UK at a fixed price, which depends on whether your vehicle takes R134a refrigerant gas or the R1234yf refrigerant gas found on newer vehicles:
- R134a regas: £69.99
- R1234yf regas: £134.99

It’s super easy to book with ClickMechanic. Just tell us about your car, input your postcode and pick a time, date and location. You’ll get an instant fair price to book an air conditioning regas service by a vetted mechanic.

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Most Googled questions about catalytic converter thefts

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Louanne

Did you know that catalytic converter thefts now account for 3-in-10 thefts from private vehicles in the UK? You might have noticed the spike in these thefts in recent local news updates. The thefts are generally due to the steep rise in prices of metals such as rhodium and palladium used in the production of catalytic converters.

ClickMechanic’s Mechanic in Residence team answers some of the most Googled questions by car owners about catalytic converter thefts:

Most Googled questions about catalytic converter thefts

What should I do if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
- The first thing you should do is register the crime with the police, either via calling 101 or the online service. It’s also worth informing your insurance provider about the theft as it may be covered depending on the insurance policy. After that, if possible, take photos of the underside of the vehicle and the damage that has been caused during the theft.
- Secondly, it can be that one or two exhaust sensors (known as Lambda sensors) have been stolen with the catalytic converter. These are screwed into the unit and these will need to be replaced as well. Make a note of any wires that are hanging down and relay this information to whoever you request a quote from.
- In most cases, the repairs can be carried out by mobile mechanics, who, due to the volume of these thefts, are adept at carrying the work out “in situ”. Alternatively, you may need to arrange and pay for the recovery of the vehicle to a garage if you do not have cover for this in place so this cost needs to be taken into account.
Can you drive if the catalytic converter is stolen?

The simple answer is no, you cannot. The catalytic converter is in front of the exhaust silencer, so the noise inside the car is not only deafening but also a major distraction to the driver.The other consideration is that the driver is knowingly using a vehicle on a public highway that would fail the emissions test (and the police can stop you, test this and fine you) and you may even get penalty points for driving a vehicle that emits a noise over 74db.
What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Any vehicle that has an underbody catalytic converter is at risk of theft. Cars such as the Honda Jazz, CR-V and Accord are particularly vulnerable along with some older BMW models and Toyota’s Prius and Auris.
Can you protect cars from catalytic converter theft?

Whilst there are theft deterrent parts that can be applied to the vehicle, the majority of these only slow the thieves down by a short period of time, they can often lead to further damage repair work required on the vehicle. There is advice about parking in well-lit areas, areas with CCTV etc, however, the thieves expect this and are not put off by it. One thing that deters thieves is parking the car on a slope! This might sound a bit left field, but thieves do not like jacking a car up that is on an incline as it can easily move and come off the jack, trapping them underneath.

If you’re looking to book a repair, ClickMechanic can help. To place a booking, head to our website and a trusted mechanic can carry out any work at a date and time of your choice.

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Braking

Servicing

Electrics

Engine

Steering & Suspension

Baby Wipes

Slime

Cotton Buds

Vinegar

Car Trash Can

‘I am losing water from the cooling system”

“I have an oil leak”

“My engine is over-revving when I accelerate”

The Dangers Of Driving With An Expired MOT

Are UK driving licenses still valid in the EU?

What car insurance is required?

Do I need to display the GB sticker?

Suspension and brakes

Why carry out an air conditioning anti-bacterial clean & health check?

Do I need an air conditioning regas / recharge?

How much does an air conditioning regas / recharge cost?

Most Googled questions about catalytic converter thefts

What should I do if my catalytic converter has been stolen?

Can you drive if the catalytic converter is stolen?

What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Can you protect cars from catalytic converter theft?