We don’t keep tyres in stock — we source the correct tyre for your specific vehicle and order it in, usually the same day or within 1–2 days depending on brand and size availability. We can also order specific tyres on request if you have a preference.

We fit a wide range of brands to suit different budgets. For a budget-friendly option, we usually recommend Landsail, which we’ve found to be reliable. We don’t actively avoid any brands — we’ll do what we can on price and availability to suit your timeframe.

1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the full circumference. Many drivers replace tyres before they hit this limit, as grip noticeably reduces well before the legal minimum — especially in wet conditions.

Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is below or close to the legal limit and should be checked by a professional.

No — wheel alignment (tracking) is a separate service from tyre fitting. Due to the diagnostic system we use, even a check carries a charge of £75+VAT. We’re happy to book this in alongside your tyre fitting if you’d like it done at the same time.

It’s generally recommended to fit matching tyres on the same axle, and ideally all four the same, to maintain even grip and handling. Mixing brands or tread patterns front-to-back is sometimes acceptable but should be discussed with us first — it depends on your vehicle and the specific tyres involved.

Most tyres last around 20,000–40,000 miles, but this varies significantly based on driving style, road conditions, tyre quality and alignment. Tyres over 10 years old should be inspected even if the tread looks fine, as the rubber degrades with age.

Yes, in many cases. Whether a puncture can be repaired depends on its size, position and severity, assessed against standard industry safety guidelines on the day. Some punctures — such as those on the sidewall — can’t be safely repaired and will need a replacement tyre. Bring it in and we’ll take a look.

Fitting a full set of 4 takes around an hour once the tyres are with us and the workshop is available. Since we order tyres in rather than keeping stock, we generally ask customers to leave the car with us so we can complete the job as soon as everything’s ready, rather than waiting on-site.

R1234yf is fitted in most cars registered from 2017 onwards and is significantly more expensive than the older R134a refrigerant. Pricing is made up of a fixed service charge plus a per-gram cost for the refrigerant used.

As a realistic guide: most cars need between 300–500 grams to fully recharge (but this can vary depending on your model). At current refrigerant prices, a typical R1234yf recharge costs in the region of £150–£200 inc VAT. Some larger systems may need up to 800 grams, which would bring the cost higher.

We’ll always try to confirm the cost with you before any work begins — there are no surprises on the bill.

We diagnose first, every time. Before we touch the refrigerant, we check system pressure and run a leak test. If there’s a leak or underlying fault, we’ll tell you clearly before any money changes hands. Most cars with a warm air con just need a recharge — leaks and component faults are less common.

Typically 1 to 1.5 hours for a straightforward recharge. We recover the old refrigerant, vacuum the system, recharge to the exact manufacturer specification, and test the vent temperature to confirm it’s working correctly. If a repair is needed, we’ll advise on timing once we’ve diagnosed the fault.

Every 2–3 years as a general guide, even if the system seems to be working fine. Refrigerant naturally migrates out of the system over time — a small loss is normal. Keeping the charge topped up means the compressor isn’t working harder than it needs to, which extends component life.

R1234yf has a much lower global warming potential and is now required by law in all new cars. The trade-off is cost — R1234yf is significantly more expensive per kilogram than the older R134a. If your car was registered from 2017 onwards it most likely uses R1234yf. We’ll confirm the refrigerant type before any work begins so there are no surprises on the bill.

A musty or stale smell when the A/C runs is usually bacteria or mould growing inside the system, a blocked or overdue pollen filter, or both. We’ll check both when you bring the car in and advise what’s actually causing it before recommending anything.

Yes — we service the cab air conditioning on motorhomes and campervans. This is the driver cab system (the same as a car). Separate roof-mounted habitation air conditioning units are a different system and not something we cover.

DIY top-up kits are available but we’d caution against them. They don’t recover the old refrigerant before adding new, which degrades system performance over time. They also won’t detect leaks — so you might be topping up a system that will just lose refrigerant again. A proper recharge on professional equipment recovers, vacuums, and recharges correctly, and takes the same amount of time.

No. We no longer offer van hire services.

This depends on the condition of your brake discs. We will thoroughly inspect your discs for wear, scoring, or warping. If they are below the safe thickness or damaged, we will recommend replacing them along with the pads for optimal braking performance.

A standard brake pad replacement can often be completed within an hour, depending on the vehicle and complexity. More involved brake repairs, such as disc or calipre replacement, may take longer.

A typical brake pad replacement involves removing the old pads, inspecting the brake discs and calipers for wear or damage, fitting new, high-quality brake pads, and ensuring the braking system is functioning correctly.

While squeaking might seem minor, it can be a sign of worn brake pads that are close to needing replacement. Ignoring it can lead to more serious and costly damage to your brake discs and compromise your stopping power and safety.

Uneven wear can manifest as more wear on the inside or outside edges, or in the centre of the tyre. It can indicate issues with wheel alignment, tyre pressure, or suspension.

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

It’s recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journeys.

The ‘from’ prices we display for our car servicing are a guide to give you a rough guide. However, the actual price of your service can vary depending on several factors specific to your car, including its make, model, engine size, and its individual service history. To ensure you receive an accurate and fair quote that reflects your vehicle’s specific needs and avoids any unnecessary work, we prefer to have a brief discussion with you about your car’s history and the service you require. Please call us on 01953 602691 for a personalised quote.

A slipping clutch (high revs with little acceleration) or a high biting point often indicates a worn clutch that may need replacement.

These are signs of potential gearbox issues. It’s best to get it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and prevent further damage.

Our bank account information will be on your invoice provided when you collected your vehicle. Please call us if you’re unable to find them.

We will keep you informed of the progress of your repair. If you haven’t heard from us and would like an update, please call us on 01953 602691