Frequently
Asked Questions |
When
does my car need an MOT?
The MOT was originally called the Ministry of Transportation
test and it is a thorough annual examination of a vehicle
which is 3 years old or more. The MOT tests the safety
of your vehicle and the level of emissions in the exhaust.
The Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is responsible
for licencing or accrediting both the testing station
and the individual tester, according to strict criteria.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle
is tested every year. Having a current MOT certificate
is a legal requirement in the UK and without it you will
be unable to renew your road tax and your car may be uninsured.
If you have your car tested at Sheaf Motors we will send
you a reminder each year when your test is due, and you
can book your vehicle in for its test up to 28 days in
advance of its due date.
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How
do I book in for an MOT Test?
At Sheaf Motors we have 3 different Testing Stations as
follows:
Sheffield Road, Dronfield. Tel 01246 291777
Callywhite Lane, Dronfield. Tel no 01246 290100 (Where
we can test Class VII vehicles)
Dyche Lane, Coal Aston. Tel no 01246 414753
Just choose the place most convenient for you and give
us a ring to book your appointment. We can usually fit
you in on the day you ring up. Or you can book
on line And don’t forget we now open
late on Wednesdays until 7pm at Sheffield Road Dronfield,
so fitting in your car’s MOT has never been easier!
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How
long does the MOT test take?
Each MOT test takes about 45 minutes. You are welcome
to wait in our comfortable reception area where we can
also offer free Wi-Fi.
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What
are Advisory items?
The MOT test assesses the condition of your vehicle on
that day. The tester will separately list and inform you
of any items which have passed the test but will require
attention in the near future.
At Sheaf Motors we can offer you reminders when these
items would be due for renewal.
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What
if my car fails the MOT test?
If your car fails its MOT test it does not meet legal
requirements and must be repaired to comply with MOT test
standards. Some websites suggest that if your vehicle
fails its test you may still drive on its existing test
if that has not expired. However this seems to be a grey
area and Sheaf Motors’ advice would be that if the
car has failed its test it is deemed unroadworthy. Therefore
you should only drive it directly to and from the garage
which carries out the repairs, otherwise your insurance
may be invalidated.
You can leave your vehicle with us for the necessary repairs
to be carried out or you can book an appointment for another
day. Or you can take the vehicle away and have it repaired
elsewhere. Providing you bring your vehicle back for a
re-test within 10 working days Sheaf Motors will carry
out the retest free of charge.
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Do
I have to get my car serviced by a Main Dealer to protect
my Manufacturers’ Warranty?
Since October 2003 all servicing ties have been removed
from new car warranties. At Sheaf Motors we use genuine
manufacturers’ parts meaning your warranty is unaffected.
You must follow the makers’ recommended schedule
and we will stamp your service book to show you have done
this.
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How
do I get a quote?
Simply give us a call and we will be happy to discuss
your requirements over the phone or Click
here to email us with your enquiry and we
will get back to you a soon as possible
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Does
my car need servicing every year?
Vehicles are serviced at different mileage and usage intervals
– please check your manufacturers handbook for your
car’s requirements. If you are still unsure what
you need give us a call and we will be able to check for
you.
However, Sheaf Motors have been in the business of servicing
vehicles for over 60 years and we would strongly recommend
you have your car serviced every 12 months. This will
address any small issues which need attention such as
checking fluids, before they result in major problems.
Most people don’t realise that not only does your
car use oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluids, but that
these fluids age, meaning they are not doing their job
effectively. This in turn can cause wear and tear to the
engine, cooling systems and transmission systems, all
of which can end up as major repair costs. Regular servicing
should help prevent this.
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Why
do you put flushes in?
Sheaf Motors are members of the Good Garage Scheme which
uses Forte flushes. These are available for all our services
and the benefits are as follows:
Diesel and Petrol Treatment restores injector spray patterns,
improves cold starting, reduces carbon deposits, improves
all round driveability and helps restore performance amongst
many other things.
Engine Flush and Protector cleans all oil ways, removes
sludge and carbon deposits from the crankcase, and frees
off piston rings and sticking hydraulic lifters. The protector
is added to optimise oil performance, prevent oil burning
and maintain oil stability.
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How
long will the service take?
This will vary depending on which service your car needs
– our receptionist will be able to give you an estimate
of how long the work will take when you book your car
in.
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What
is the difference between an interim service and a full
service?
An interim service is recommended every 6000 miles or
6 months and helps keep your car safe and roadworthy between
full services. It is ideal for vehicles used mainly for
short urban journeys or for those who wish to service
vehicles doing very high mileage more regularly. Please
ask at reception for more details and what is included.
A full service is ideal for an annual maintenance programme
and is recommended every 12000 miles or 12 months. Please
check your handbook and follow the manufacturers’
recommendations. If you are unsure what your vehicle requires
please give us a call and we will be happy to assist.
In addition Sheaf Motors offer a range of services, including
seasonal checks – please check with our reception
for details of all our latest offers.
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What
if my car needs extra work other than the service?
If your car needs any additional work we will contact
you with a new quote. You choose whether to authorise
the extra work or not. Rest assured that Sheaf Motors
will not carry out any work without your approval.
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I
don’t need a service but I am going away –
should I have my car checked?
Sheaf Motors offers a seasonal check – please ask
our reception staff for details.
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Must
I get the air conditioning serviced?
Up to 15% of your car’s refrigerant gas is lost
each year. Running your air conditioning system at least
once a week throughout the year helps but it is important
to carry out servicing every 30,000 miles or every 2 years.
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How
do I pay?
Sheaf Motors accept payment by Cash, Debit or Credit card.
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What
is the Good Garage Scheme?
The Good Garage Scheme was set up as a point of contact
and a source of information for consumers who want to
locate a reliable garage in their area. The aim of the
scheme is to improve the standards of the garage repair
industry and in turn ensure that the consumer gets a fair
deal. All registered members of The Good Garage Scheme
abide by a code of conduct and are committed to giving
a value for money service to their customers when having
their car serviced or repaired. Members are visited regularly
to ensure they carry out and abide by all codes of conduct
set out by the scheme.
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 Sheaf
Motors - Dronfield
Tel: 01246 291777
Fax: 01246 410700
Sheaf
Motors - Coal Aston
Tel: 01246 414753
Fax: 01246 290438
Sheaf Motors - Callywhite Lane
Tel: 01246 290100
service@sheafmotors.co.uk |
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