General Car Repairs at Stedmans Garage

We recommend servicing your car at least once a year or every 10,000–12,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular servicing helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your vehicle running smoothly.

Signs of worn brakes include squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy brake pedal, longer stopping distances, or a dashboard warning light. If you notice any of these issues, book a brake inspection immediately.

Most car batteries last 3–5 years. Signs of a failing battery include slow engine starts, dim headlights, or the need for frequent jump-starts.

Common signs include excessive bouncing, uneven tyre wear, knocking noises when driving over bumps, or difficulty steering. If your ride feels rough, it’s time to get your suspension checked.

If your car pulls to one side, the steering wheel is off-center, or your tyres are wearing unevenly, you may need a wheel alignment.

Check for a tread depth below 1.6mm (the legal minimum), visible damage like cracks or bulges, or frequent loss of air pressure. If in doubt, bring your car in for a tyre check.

Advised to replace at 3mm. 

A worn or broken timing belt can cause severe engine damage. Follow your manufacturer’s replacement schedule (usually every 60,000–100,000 miles) to avoid costly repairs.

Symptoms include difficulty changing gears, clutch slipping (engine revs increase without speed), a burning smell, or unusual noises when pressing the clutch pedal.

Signs include grinding or clunking noises, difficulty shifting gears, delayed responses in automatic transmissions, or leaking transmission fluid.

Electrical problems can include non-functioning lights, dashboard warning lights, a failing alternator, battery issues, or problems with sensors and wiring.

Look out for loud or unusual noises, reduced fuel efficiency, visible rust or cracks, or increased emissions. A failed emissions test is also a key indicator.

Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, prolongs your car’s life, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures safety by addressing minor issues before they become major problems.

The time depends on the type of repair. Minor fixes like brake replacements or tyre changes can take a few hours, while major repairs like gearbox or clutch replacements may take a day or more. We’ll always provide an estimated timeframe.

At Stedmans Garage, we use high-quality, manufacturer-approved parts or premium aftermarket components to ensure durability and reliability.

Yes, we specialise in servicing and repairing hybrid and electric vehicles, including battery diagnostics, brake repairs, and general maintenance.

Signs include difficulty turning the wheel, excessive play in the steering, or vibrations while driving. Knocking or clunking noises during turns can also indicate an issue.

Our diagnostics involve scanning your car’s onboard systems to identify faults in components like the engine, gearbox, battery, sensors, and electrical systems.

While you may be able to drive with a damaged exhaust, it’s unsafe and may lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and even engine damage. It’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible.

While we accept walk-ins when possible, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure availability and minimise your waiting time.

Proper wheel alignment, regular tyre rotations, maintaining correct tyre pressure, and avoiding harsh braking or acceleration can all extend the life of your tyres.

An MOT is a legal requirement to ensure your car meets safety and environmental standards, while a service is a maintenance check to keep your car running smoothly. Both are essential but serve different purposes.

If your car breaks down, ensure you’re in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and call for roadside assistance. Once safe, arrange to have your car towed to our garage for repairs.