TOUCH OF FROST

November 17, 2023

Welcome to the winter edition of JLife’s motoring column.

The winter months are fast approaching. Is your car winter ready? Here are a few helpful tips to help more reliable motoring through the colder months.

Be sure to check that your headlights and rear lights are working properly and able to give good visibility during the gloomier weather. Another essential for good visibility is ensuring that your wiper blades in tip top order, both front and rear. Ensure you replace them if they are smearing or becoming noisy.

Get a full winter service, including anti-freeze! Always use quality screen wash as well. Never fall for the trick of using washing up liquid. It blocks the washer jets terribly.

With PMB Car Care Centre,

Whitefield

Tyres are also hugely important, especially in winter. Make sure to check the treads! Repair punctures and check general condition and pressures. Remember, the maximum recommended change period is 10 years!

Get a de-icer aerosol and a quality scraper inside the car for the daily morning frost removal and never use hot water, as the rapid change in temperature can crack windshields.

Now is the time to check that your home start and relay recovery memberships are up to date. Don’t forget to shop around for the best deal. No reason to pay more than you have to.

Wishing you all the very best from the PMB Car Centre team – Paul, Rachel, and Tom.

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LEASE VEHICLE SERVICING

By Elliot Landy • March 31, 2025

Many of us have chosen to lease our current vehicles. In this case what happens with vehicle maintenance? Most lease companies offer a service plan when you order your vehicle which includes a main agent service plan. This is because your vehicle is under manufacturer warranty and a main agent service plan means the vehicle value will be better at the end of your lease. So, what options do you have? You can use a local garage and save money on labour but always contact your lease company prior to non-main dealer service plans being undertaken. Vehicle manufacturers and warranty terms can be questioned for non-genuine services, even though block exemption rules apply (a European law which allows you to service anywhere you wish). Check with the local garage and book in only on the provision that genuine parts and lubricants are supplied in line with the lease company requirements, keeping your vehicle under manufacturer warranty and compliance with your lease company. To simplify the service situation always check with the lease company first.

TYRE CONCERNS

August 20, 2024

Dealing with punctures is a frequent challenge for today's drivers, requiring a thoughtful decision on whether to repair or replace the affected tyre. When opting for a repair, a common method involves the application of a bonded rubber plug to the interior of the tyre, seamlessly extending up to the tread area. It is crucial to exercise caution, limiting repairs to no more than two or three, depending on the puncture's location. Run flat tyres, designed with a specific molecular structure strength during manufacturing, should not undergo repairs, as it could compromise their strength and reliability. While the cost of puncture repairs may vary, a properly executed fix typically demands around 30 minutes of your time. However, strict guidelines dictate safe repair areas, emphasizing the importance of seeking advice from a tyre specialist. Certain regions on the tyre should not undergo repair, and an attached guide can aid in understanding these restrictions. In instances where the puncture is deemed non-repairable, the only choice is to invest in a new tyre. Punctures are not a swift, makeshift resolution; they require meticulous attention and must be approached with patience when consulting with a tyre specialist.