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What is Wear and Tear?

Wear and tear is defined as when regular day-to-day driving results in the gradual deterioration of a vehicle. In other words, it’s damage caused to the vehicle that isn’t a result of an accident, negligence, or an unexpected failure. It’s reasonable for all motorists owning a car of high mileage to expect issues associated with wear and tear at some point during their vehicles’ lifespan.

 

What Are the Common Signs of Wear and Tear?

Many parts of your vehicle will likely be susceptible to wear and tear. The most common are:

 

  • Tyres
  • Batteries 
  • Brakes
  • Steering

 

Let’s take a look at each in a little more detail.

 

Tyres

Over time, constant friction between your tyres and the road will result in the tread of you tyres wearing away. The tread ensures proper traction and is responsible for ensuring your car stays gripped to the road.

By law, it’s required that tyres are replaced when the depth of the tread reaches 1.6mm or lower. In reality, motorists should be replacing their tyres far before this legal requirement. To keep safe, exchange your tyres when the wear and tear results in the tread reaching around 3.6mm.

 

Batteries

Batteries are responsible for providing power to your whole vehicle. Without a working battery, a vehicle will not start. Batteries work by storing energy when the car is in motion, then expending that energy to start the engine after the car has been idle.

Unfortunately, car batteries (like any other battery) are susceptible to wear and tear, and will lose their ability to properly store energy. Signs of a deteriorating battery include dimmer lights or a warning sign on your dashboard.

 

Brakes

Brakes are perhaps the most vital safety feature of your vehicle, so it’s important that we recognise the signs of wear and tear on them. Squeaking brakes, longer stopping distances and a spongy pedal can all be signs that your brakes are on their way out.

Signs of faulty brakes should be immediately investigated by a mechanic. If you’re driving and you believe your brakes are no longer working as intended, pull over when it is safe to do so and contact your breakdown cover provider.

 

Steering

Many cars on the road these days make use of power steering. Power steering makes controlling a vehicle much easier, but can be subject to wear and tear. The fluid that aids power steering can leak into your steering system, resulting in unresponsive and janky steering.

 

Keep On Top of Wear and Tear with German Car Specialists

If you vehicle has any of the above symptoms, or you’re suspecting it may be showing the signs of wear and tear, we can help. Our experts will diagnose the issue and get it sorted with transparency and at a competitive price.

If you’d like to book in or find out more, give us a call on 0161 476 4422, or, alternatively, fill in a quick and easy contact form and we’ll be in touch very soon!

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