Category Archives: Maintenance

The ABS is a computer controlled mechanism. Therefore the car is able to immediately tell if there is some kind of problem within this system, and will display the problem via the ABS error light on your dashboard. This should not affect the normal braking function of the car, which will allow the brakes to operate without the benefit of the ABS preventing locking in difficult conditions. The ABS sensor can be checked with a resistance meter to check the quality of the circuit within the part and this should show you whether or not to replace.

The oil sump is the part of your car that holds the oil for the engine. It’s that simple. You’ll notice that the sump is suffering from damage by one major tell-tale sign. Spots of oil will appear on the ground on which your vehicle has been parked. Over time these could even build up in your regular parking space as one large patch of oil.

Your car’s water pump performs an obvious yet essential function. There are a number of signs that can indicate that this part is on its way out. If you suspect your water pump is faulty then a piece of cardboard under the engine at night may well show up giveaway drip marks. Similarly a loose pulley around the water pump or a low pitched grinding noise are both symptoms of a faulty pump.

The throttle body is the part of the engine that mixes air with the fuel to allow combustion to take place. There are a number of symptoms that are often due to a failure in this part, including repeated stalling for no reason, problems with responsiveness of the acceleration pedal and stumbling or hesitation whilst accelerating.

Your car’s ignition holds a dual purpose. Firstly it allows you to start the engine. Secondly it forms a protective barrier so should a car thief force entry into your vehicle, they will not be able to simply drive it away.In recent years technology has given birth to a number of clever ignition systems including wireless keys that work on a rolling code protocols. However there are still a large number of vehicles that still rely on the classic key system, which uses basic mechanics and is therefore prone to fatigue and failure.

The distributor cap controls the ignition sequence in your engine. It ensures that each of the pistons fires at the right time to keep your car turning over. There are a number of signs that your distributor could be fatigued or degraded, and unsurprisingly most of these are linked with your car’s performance. These include shakes when the car is idling at a junction or red light, problems starting in the cold, stalling and backfiring, and trouble with the engine turning over.

All engines need air for the combustion process. Fuel injection systems have replaced the old style carburettors that previously mixed the fuel with the required oxygen and are now commonplace in most engines. There are a number of common signs that these small parts are becoming clogged or fatigued, including the detonation of petrol on the exhaust or the vehicle failing to start with a full fuel tank.

The flywheel is the part of your car that stores rotational motion whilst changing gear. As with all moving components in your engine it can degrade over time, and will eventually need replacing. Some of the key indicators that you’re having problems with your flywheel include vibration whilst allowing the engine to tick over, or a juddering feeling when starting the car. It is also common to hear a kind of cluttering noise whilst changing between gears.

Your car’s engine develops rotational energy. This rotational energy is delivered to the back axle via the driveshaft. Hence if this part fails, your car will simply not move. There are a number of signs that show your driveshaft could be in trouble. Continue reading →

This simple, effective guide from Sainsbury’s Bank will help keep you and your car safe on the road.

No matter how good you are at taking care of your vehicle, there are always going to be times when you need to replace its parts. This is where BreakerLink steps into the picture, putting you in touch with a network of breakers around the UK, who are able to find you the parts you need. Continue reading →