Wynnes Motors

Car servicing, Car maintenance, Car Insurance, Tyre fitting centre,

Cardiff Auto Shop

FUEL PRICES.... TOP TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR FUEL GO FURTHER

20/4/2015

 
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UK Fuel Trends - An infographic by the RAC’s Fuel Card team.
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We sponsor a car to raise money for local charity

12/9/2013

 
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​Wynnes Motors team is proud to be associated and supporting local support institutions for people of South Wales with special needs.
Sponsoring the car for fund raising car rally touring the Europe in five days to reach Venice for Motoscape 2013.

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​Caerphilly People First and Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre have been providing valuable support to people with high support needs & disabilities.

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​Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre provides first class special education for children from the age of 3 all the way up to young adults and is dedicated to helping young people with severe physical disabilities & complex learning difficulties.

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​Caerphilly People First is a self advocacy organisation in Caerphilly Borough, run by and for citizens with learning disabilities.

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Car Maintenance basics

26/7/2013

 
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When it comes to motoring, we always expect our cars to get us to our destination with the minimum of fuss. Jump in, start the engine and off you go, nice and simple.

Unfortunately, it is not always the case. With that in mind, many of us still don’t perform the routine car maintenance that helps ensure smooth journeys. 

​​​Carrying out regular checks not only helps to pave the way for trouble-free motoring, but it could save us money in car servicing and repairs. e.g. Batteries running flat
  • Tyre pressure dropping
  • Frozen washer reservoir
  • Thick oil
  • Tyres and wheels
  • Keys
  • Alternator
  • Starter motor
  • Fuel
  • Clutch cables
  • Spark plugs
  • ​HT leads
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The following guide is a basic check-list on necessary car maintenance, we should carry out before hitting the road. We also offer some suggestions for car tool-kit and in-car essentials, information on driving requirements, some tips to consider as the seasons change, and a guide to what are the most common dashboard warning lights mean.

It is always recommended that we refer to our car manufacturer’s handbook to find out how to perform each of these checks, and for any information relevant to a particular vehicle. If in doubt, it’s always worth contacting a professional mechanic (Wynnes Motors) for advice.

Check the Engine Oil Regularly: Our vehicle needs motor oil, which is available to buy at our garage, to lubricate its moving parts. Motor oil minimises friction, which can cause engine to overheat. It keeps the moving parts from grinding against each other causing wear and damage.

​The frequency of oil checks required will depend on how often we drive the car & recommended intervals in owner's manual. Without frequent oil changes, dirt and sludge can build up in the engine, and old, dirty oil won't lubricate the moving parts as well as new, fresh oil will. Dirty oil leads to serious damage, and if things get bad enough, there may be an engine replacement in the near future. We should always check oil before a long journey.

We stock various quality motor oils (Mineral oil, Synthetic blend oils & Fully synthetic oils).
It's best to consult us & owner's manual when choosing oil for car's engine. Remember to check for the API seals so that we know we're getting quality oil.

​Keep Water & Coolant / Antifreeze mixture topped up: Coolant is the liquid that, diluted with water, goes into our car’s radiator and prevents it from freezing in cold temperatures and overheating in hot temperatures.

We should consult our vehicle manufacturer’s specifications to establish the type to use in our car, as well as the water to coolant concentration, which may differ from season to season. If we live in a hard water area, then one should also consider diluting the concentrate with deionised or distilled water rather than tap water. Remember to only ever check coolant levels when engine is cold.

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Keep a Close Eye on Tyre Pressure & Tread:
Make sure that we regularly check tyre pressure and tread. It’s essential to consult vehicle manufacturer’s handbook to establish the correct air pressure, as over-inflated tyres are as unsafe as under-inflated tyres. Incorrect tyre pressure also causes them to wear out more quickly and can increase fuel consumption.

We have a legal obligation to ensure that tyre tread does not fall below the minimum limit of 1.6mm. Tyre tread is the part of the tyre that remains in continuous contact with the road. One should also regularly inspect tyres for cuts or damage, and have these seen to as a matter of urgency. Finally, don’t forget to check spare wheel for all of the above as well. We stock quality tyres and will professionally fit it for you.

Check Head Lights: Have a friend help you check your lights regularly to make sure the brake, indicator and fog lights are all still working. Also, keep an eye out for cracks and be sure to keep your lights clean.

​Keep an eye on your windscreen: Regular inspections for stone damage and minor chips on your windscreen can save you a lot of money in the long run. A small chip can grow into a crack if you don’t have it professionally repaired before it spreads. Also, to maintain good visibility in all weather conditions, make sure that your screen wash remains topped up and that your windscreen wipers are replaced when necessary. Keep your windscreen clean – both inside and out.So, you have your travel bag packed and itinerary planned. How much could you pay in APD? The rates and bands below apply to flights leaving England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland).
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​Watch your car’s bodywork: It’s always a good idea to have bumps and scrapes looked at sooner rather than later to avoid rust setting in. Rust may seem like a largely cosmetic issue, but if rust attacks your car’s structural integrity, it can pose a real risk. Surface rust can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Keeping your bodywork and alloys clean will help you maintain the structural integrity of your car and allow you to easily spot rust as it occurs.

Keep your car clean and tidy: As well as the bodywork, you’ll want to keep the rest of your car clean and tidy – both inside and under the hood (again, always reference your manufacturer’s handbook for the do’s and don’ts). A tidy, uncluttered car helps to eliminate distractions when you’re driving.
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Your tool kit & in-car essentials: A happy driver is a prepared driver. To help ensure you’re always prepared, we’ve included some suggestions for items that you might want to keep in your car all year round.
Many cars come with a small toolkit, usually hidden somewhere under the spare wheel. Make sure that you know where it is and what it contains. At a minimum, it should include a jack and wheel lock opener. If you can’t find these, then it’s time to invest in them.
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In-car travel essentials:
• Water
• Sunglasses – you can encounter glare in all types of weather
• Flashlight – a wind-up one is most reliable
• Hands-free set for your phone
• Multi-use car charger
• Small change or a phone card (in case you’re out of mobile range) 
• Up-to-date maps / GPS kit

Car care basics: 
 • Wheel lock opener
 • Jack
 • Jump leads
 • Multi-tool
 • Screen wash

Health and safety kit:
• First aid kit 
• Small fire extinguisher
• High visibility vest
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Dashboard Warning Lights Guide
As a general rule, if a warning light comes on, or does not go off after you've started your engine; you should stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Orange generally indicates that urgent attention is required, 
while red indicates that there is a serious issue and you should stop and call for assistance as soon as it is safe to do so. While many warning lights are specific to a car’s make and model – and you should refer to your manufacturer’s handbook for full detail regarding yours - there are a few fairly common warning lights that you may recognise from your car’s dashboard. Here’s a brief explanation of what each light means:
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​Battery charge: This light should go on when you switch on the ignition and go off when the engine starts. If it does not go on at all, or comes on while you are driving, this indicates that there is an issue with your battery charging system. You should get off the road and switch off your engine as soon as it is safe to do so and seek assistance.
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​Oil pressure: Again, this light should go on when you switch on the ignition and go off when the engine starts. If the light stays on after you start the car or switches on during the journey, it may indicate that you need to top up your oil level. If the light illuminates and you find that your oil level is correct, seek assistance.
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​Brake system:
This light should come on and stay on while the handbrake is engaged. If it stays on after you release the handbrake, this may indicate an issue with your brake fluid level.
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​Engine: If this light stays on after you’ve started the car, or comes on when the engine is running, it indicates an issue with the engine management system. Seek assistance as soon as possible.
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​ABS: This light should go on briefly when you switch on your ignition to indicate that your ABS system is working. If it comes on while you are driving, it shows that there is something wrong and you should seek assistance as soon as possible.
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Brake system and ABS: If these warning lights come on simultaneously while you are driving, you should gradually reduce your speed and move your car off the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Be careful when using the breaks and seek assistance. 
​Stay safe and legal: Ownership of a car comes with several legal obligations that you should be aware of, including:

MOT: The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is there to ensure that your car meets road safety and environmental standards. Most cars need an MOT test every year, once they are three years old. In some cases, this applies to one-year old vehicles.

Car Insurance: You are legally obliged to have valid insurance and to keep the details up to date. In order to qualify for a tax disk, you need both a car insurance policy and a valid MOT certificate.

Tax disc: Your vehicle also needs to be licensed. You require a current tax disk to legally drive or park your car on the road. 
Also, remember that if you don’t use your car or keep it on the road, but still keep it on your property, you will need to declare a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) to avoid penalties. A SORN lasts for 12 months at a time. 

Registration documents: You need to register your vehicle with the DVLA as soon as you buy, build, rebuild or import it, and will need up-to-date registration documents in order to legally sell your motor.
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Breakdown cover: Breakdown cover is not a legal requirement, it could help protect your car and may save you money in the long run. There are different levels of breakdown cover, with features ranging from a free recovery service to a mechanic within 10 miles of your breakdown, to transport of you and your vehicle to anywhere in the UK.
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Know your Vehicle (Basics)

8/6/2013

 
How it all fits together?
The automobile has been around for more than a hundred years. It has evolved from gas buggies built in the late 1800s by Daimler and Benz in Germany and by Henry Ford, Ransom Olds, and others in the United States to our present day automobiles composed of more than 15,000 individual parts.

The early era cars were, at their time, complex machines that could only be enjoyed by the wealthy and repaired by dedicated and trained personnel known as mechanics. The traditional mechanic no longer exists today and has been replaced by highly trained personnel known as technicians.
  • The chassis is the underlying structure (comprised of the passenger compartment, engine compartment, doors, fenders) on which all other parts are mounted, including the steering, suspension, and brake systems.
  • The engine is an internal combustion device that takes in air and fuel and converts the expansive force of the burning air and fuel into rotary motion used to supply power to the automobile.
  • The drivetrain consists of the transmission and other parts that transfer the power produced by the engine to propel the car.
​Technicians often specialize in a specific area of the automobile such as driveability/ diagnostics, electrical / electronic systems, drivetrain, transmission, suspension/ steering / brakes, and body systems.

This specialisation has been made necessary by the many complex electronic and computer systems found in today’s cars. The relatively recent advent of electronic systems on the modern car has transformed it into a self-diagnosing and, to an extent, self-adjusting machine.

When you look under the hood of today’s automobile, the maze of tubes, wires, hoses, belts, and other parts may seem intimidating. Don’t let this first view alarm you. You can become more comfortable with what you’re looking at by becoming familiar with your vehicle.
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​Note: The engine and drivetrain together comprise the powertrain. Sometimes the terms drivetrain and powertrain are used for one another, but they refer to different things.
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How to save on car insurance continued..

28/4/2013

 
Auto renewal quotes should be always challenged. Loyal customer discount for car insurance renewal is a myth, as there is a admin (renewal) fee often included specially if there are any modifications.

Car insurance are set by the so called financial experts who try to calculate risk and uncertainty based on information you provide.

The price depends on two things: (a) assessment of your particular risk focus based on factors you declare and (b) pricing model so that only low risk customers are offered best price.
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See the following factors which is used for risk assessment:
  1. European Court of Justice's gender equalisation ruling - December 2012. It means all things being equal, men and women must pay the same. all male drivers review if your premium is high.
  2. You must renew your driving license photo every 10 years - Check section 4b on the front of the card.
  3. Fit an approved alarm or immobilisers if not factory fitted for your car.
  4. Add a second responsible driver to your policy. Fronting is illegal - always name the main driver (registered car owner) correctly.
  5. Make realistic estimate your annual mileage and declare.
  6. Always declare change in circumstances. If you don't and then try to claim, even for an unrelated issue, your whole policy may be invalid.
  7. Do not modify your car in any way.  A modification is anything that isn't part of the standard vehicle specification, including factory-fitted optional extras such as alloy wheels.
  8. Policy Excess - small claims may cost more in later year insurances. Why not choose a large excess if affordable.
  9. Electronic sharing of data between various insurance and gov agency means you are risking a criminal prosecution by lying on your insurance form.
  10. Job descriptions matters - certain words indicate high risk. unemployed is not the same as home-maker (housewives /house-husbands), and barman, bar-staff are two job description. Work in a office - secretary, office assistant, PA to director are examples.
  11. Popular make & model of cars, small engine size and market value impacts car insurance positively.
  12. Protect your no-claims bonus if you have not claimed in last few years.
  13. Pay in full - instalments costs much more.
​Advise of young drivers how to reduce insurance costs:
  1. Learn on an automatic gear car first to gain confidence and car control then if you want to change and learn to drive on manual gear car makes it easy.
  2. Learn to drive when you are 17 years old and pass the exam (when 18) even if you are not likely to drive on a daily basis. Add yourself as a named driver on parents car and gain experience by driving with an experienced driver.
  3. .... after three years driving on full licence (hopefully with no accidents) get your own car and insurance as the main driver (add an experienced driver as additional on the policy).
  4. Perhaps have a Telematics (black-box) driving tracker/monitor installed. Following data may be taken from the black-box:
  • your location
  • how long you've been driving for
  • how rapid or measured your acceleration is
  • how harsh or smooth your braking is
  • your cornering speed & skill.
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The art of effective & speedy car Insurance quotes:
  • Fact: trial & error method is effective make the most
  • Use comparison sites (moneysupermarket, confused, tesco, gocompare etc) also Google car insurance search, Compare The Market & QuoteZone.
  • Get quotes from big insurers direct (AVIVA & Direct-Line) to verify results from comparison sites.
  • Some insurers provide excellent multi-car policy with additional names drivers on the policy
  • Use cash-back site like Quidco Moneyback, Top Cashback
  • Third party car insurance is not always the cheaper - always check fully comprehensive quotes.

Note: You may use a cash-back credit card to pay for your car insurance policy in full if you also pay the credit card in full by direct debit.

Policy Checks:
  • Double check all personal details.
  • Check if the cover is adequate to your needs.
  • Do you want extras if additional premium added?
  • courtesy car.
  • rescue cover.
  • loss of keys.
  • child car seat.
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Ten top tips saving on car insurance

7/2/2013

 
​Car insurance can take up quite a large chunk of our annual budget, so making sure we get the best deal is really important.

The difference between car insurance deals can sometimes be hundreds of pounds, so we can save ourselves some serious money by doing a little research. Here is our ten top tips for saving on car insurance costs:

1) Shop around
We may not be getting the best deal by simply renewing with our existing insurer. Comparison websites make it easy to see if we’re paying too much, but we should bear in mind that some companies are not registered with these sites so we shouldn't let our  search end there.
If we are happy with the customer service of existing insurer and would like to remain with them, however we find a cheaper quote somewhere else, we should contact them to see if they will match it. If we don’t ask, we don’t get!

2) Build  up a no claim discount
If oneself is a named driver on another person’s policy then we may not be able to build our own no claim discount, which could cost us money in the long run (compare on average of five years).

3) Don’t pay for what we don’t need
It’s tempting to sign up for additional services and offers, but this could all add to the price of our car insurance, so we should make sure anything we pay for is something that really will be useful to us.

4) Consider voluntary excess
Opting for a higher voluntary excess on our policy could save considerable amounts in the long term - and we might never need to pay it. But please make sure it will be affordable just in case we do have to make a claim.
5) Park our vehicle off the road
Parking our vehicle on a private driveway or, even better, in a garage will reduce the risk of our car becoming damaged and will therefore save us money on our car insurance. This is particularly effective for areas with a high car crime rate check.

6) Add an older driver
We can save considerably when insuring teenagers and younger drivers by adding an older person to the policy as a named driver. If our insurance covers us for driving other vehicles we might not think of insuring ourselves separately on our kids’ cars, but it could result in a saving as the risk is reduced if the young driver is not the only person driving the car.

7) Opt for a smaller engine
A smaller engine will reduce the risk of a high-speed accident and therefore the cost of our insurance, so we should bear that in mind when choosing our next car. 

 8) Don’t modify the car
"Modding" our car can increase our premium (depending on the nature of the modification, of course), so check how it will affect the
 cost of insurance before making any changes.

9) Keep speed down as per limit
Speeding convictions will result in a premium hike as we will be considered a less responsible driver by our insurer.

10) Pay policy in full
Once we have decided on the most suitable deal, we should opt to pay for policy in full if we can afford to. Many insurance companies charge interest, so the cost of insurance can be higher if we pay in monthly instalments.
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Car Care Advice & Maintenance Tips

2/1/2013

 
AWARENESS a starting point.....
If you want to save money and increase the reliability of your car, you should try to take an active role in its upkeep and maintenance. If you don't, you will eventually be forced to seek help for a major problem or breakdown. There are some simple things you can do to greatly reduce the chances of a major problem or breakdown. 

We assume that you are starting with little or no knowledge and that you want to learn what maintenance should be done for maximum dependability and economy. You will also learn what tools you will need.

Whatever your reasons for learning about your car, the first tool you need is an increased awareness of your car's maintenance and repair needs. Even if you don't want to become a full-fledged technician, you should try to learn what maintenance should be done regularly. Take a few minutes to read through your car owner's manual and note the recommended maintenance schedules.

Nothing thrives on neglect. Preventive maintenance can stop problems from occurring. With a small investment of time and interest, you can become aware of some of your car's needs and help to avoid expensive breakdowns. For example, there are two simple checks you can make as you walk toward your parked car:

1. Look at the tyres. Soft tires spell trouble. It pays to be sure that your car's tires are inflated properly, according to the car manufacturer's recommendations. After your tires are inflated, look at them carefully. It's more difficult to judge when radial tires are properly inflated because their side-walls always have a characteristic bulge. Even so, each time you approach the car, look at each of the tires and compare what you see with your mental image of properly filled tires. If you're in doubt, check them with a good-quality tyre pressure gauge. At the very least, you risk damage to expensive tyres by driving on them while they are under inflated. At worst, you are risking your life.
​2. Look for wet spots or puddles under or around the car. Puddles can spell trouble.
They can be:
  • Engine oil (brownish, oily).
  • Automatic transmission fluid (reddish, oily).
  • Power steering fluid (reddish or light brownish, oily).
  • Engine coolant (green, red, blue, or other watery, sticky liquid).
  • Brake fluid (clear to brownish, smells like ether).
  • Gasoline (clear, strong smelling, also a fire hazard).
  • Water (condensation from air conditioning system, no problem).
Under a front-wheel drive transaxle, or under a rear-wheel drive manual transmission or differential, there may be oil or grease spots. Inside the wheels, you might notice leaking brake fluid. Any of these signs could be warning you of trouble.

But don't jump to conclusions; spots or fluids on the ground could have been left by another vehicle. If you are in doubt, check further wherever you normally park your car. Place a large piece of cardboard or several sheets of newspaper under the area of the car where you found the spots. Leave it there overnight. If something is leaking, you will find a fresh puddle on top of the cardboard or paper the next morning. Also try to note the location of the leak relative to the car. It may help you determine where the leak is coming from. But remember that as you drive, air flowing past the car can push these fluids toward the rear of the vehicle before it drips off. Also the fluids will flow downward from the source of the leak. Just to be sure, you should check the fluid levels (refer to manual) to help determine which fluids may be leaking.

If you find brake fluid leaking onto the ground, you should have the car's brakes inspected by a professional technician as soon as possible. Brakes are your car's most important safety system. Fuel leaks are extremely dangerous as gasoline is very flammable. Don't start your car if you find a puddle of gasoline. Have the leak repaired immediately.

Just by checking regularly for tyre condition and for leaks, you have developed and used the first, most essential tool for effective car care - your awareness.
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Breakdown Prevention ....

2/1/2013

 
We encouraging motorists to carry out regular basic car maintenance checks. Being able to do some simple checks ourselves could not only save money but it could help to ensure our car remains roadworthy, ensuring we and our family are getting safely from A to B.

The importance of looking after our car is highlighted following various research. It reveals around 7.2 million (21%) motorists claim no-one performs any basic maintenance checks on a monthly basis.

We should consider looking after our cars in the same way as we would our homes, carrying out regular checks and keeping the car well maintained will prevent it from breaking down and potentially needing work when it goes for its MOT.

People whose car warranty may have expired need to take care and ensure they are carrying out regular checks themselves and organising regular servicing.

Even those driving under warranty should be vigilant as they still have a duty of care for their vehicle between servicing, failing to keep oil or coolant topped up could result in a breakdown and a bill they're required to foot themselves.

Worryingly, the findings highlight that the most neglected check to be undertaken, despite being a legal requirement, is ensuring your car's tyre tread depth is at a minimum of 1.6mm. The survey revealed that just two in five (38%) motorists carry out this essential check on a monthly basis. We stock a range of tyres and will be able to help you with a new one while you wait.

Although these checks are basic, they are fundamental to keeping a car in good working condition; running out of engine oil could, for example, seriously damage your engine and repairs could be very costly. You could also put you and your passengers safety at risk; not having the correct tyre tread depth could, for example, increase your car's stopping distance which could have potentially dangerous consequences if you need to brake suddenly or stop in an emergency.


Sainsbury’s Bank car insurance has compiled a useful video highlighting a few top tips from qualified mechanics on how to carry out some basic car maintenance checks.

If you're unsure about how to carry out car maintenance checks then you should consult your driver's manual if you have one. Alternatively contact us "Wynnes Motors" or your road side assistance provider who may also be able to give you guidance.
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With everyone on a tight budget these days, car repairs are sometimes unexpected and can come as a nasty surprise. 

The video below encourages you to carry out regular basic car maintenance checks.

If not sure please bring your car to us and we will give a health check
and advise so as to prevent further damage, big repair bills and keep you alll safe on the roads.
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Wynnes Motors

Tel: 029 2069 2206

5, Pantbach Place, Birchgrove, Cardiff, CF14 1UN

Opening hours: ​Mon-Fri 08:30 to 17:30 and Saturdays Closed
email:​contact@wynnesmotors.com

About us | Tyres | Car Servicing | MOT Testing | Tyre FAQ's | Car repair | Computer Diagnostics | Car Valeting | Air Conditioning | Contact us | After hours service | Darre'ns Blog

Opening Hours:

Mon 08:30 to 17:30
Tue 08:30 to 17:30
Wed 08:30 to 17:30
Thu 08:30 to 17:30
Fri 08:30 to 17:30
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

After hours service:

We are here early for drop off and we close off late for collections too.
Weekdays:   From 7:30 to 18:00
Saturdays:  Closed
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Special Offers:

  • All new tyres purchased from us come with free puncture repairs for life.
  • Various offers on winter car essentials, be prepared and keep safe.

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