In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricacies of large vehicle breakdowns, the challenges they present, and the specialised recovery processes involved. Additionally, we provide actionable steps for drivers to follow in the event of a breakdown, ensuring safety and efficiency. Read on to discover everything you need to know. Causes of Large Vehicle Breakdowns There are several reasons for a vehicle to break down, however, recognising these can aid in prevention and prompt response. Below, you can discover some examples of what can cause a vehicle breakdown. Tyre Problems A blown tyre will stop the vehicle from moving, and can be incredibly problematic if a heavy vehicle is travelling at high speeds. Factors like improper tyre pressure, worn treads and road hazards can also increase the chance of breakdowns related to tyres. Brake System Failures As a result of the weight of HGVs, their brakes are often under a significant amount of stress. If the brakes in a large vehicle fail, it can be incredibly difficult to stop the vehicle safely, often resulting in serious crashes. Engine Problems As the centre of a vehicle’s power, engines are incredibly important and can therefore have significant impacts if there are problems. Overheating, oil leaks, and component-specific issues can cause vehicles to break down, and will require a trained technician to repair. Suspension Issues As large vehicles often consistently carry heavy loads, the combination of cargo weight and rough roads can take an undeniable toll on the vehicle’s suspension system. The instability can often result in problems, as the failure of the suspension can make it harder to control your vehicle and therefore increase your likelihood of a crash. The Challenges of Large Vehicle Breakdowns While car breakdowns can be highly inconvenient, large vehicle recoveries can add extra challenges. In this section, you can explore some of the additional factors that can influence the ease of your large vehicle breakdown recovery. Size and Weight HGVs and other large vehicles are not typically light or compact. Should one of these vehicles unexpectedly break down, it’s highly unlikely that a tow truck designed for cars and small vans will be able to support it. This means, therefore, that many breakdown recovery services won’t be suited to them. Location and Accessibility If your large vehicle has broken down on a small road or an area that is challenging to get to, this can add further difficulty in recovery. It’s not often easy to manoeuvre large vehicles, so removing one that has broken down for repairs will require an expert hand. Cargo Many large vehicles are often transporting goods to new locations, which can become an issue in themselves during a breakdown. This is especially true for materials that need certain conditions, such as food products, or especially unwieldy cargo like smaller vehicles. Time Pressure Thanks to their large size, if a HGV breaks down across a road, it has a greater chance of blocking other road users from getting past. This can create significant traffic delays, problems, and tension between road users. How Specialist HGV Breakdown Services Can Help When a large vehicle breaks down, the recovery process can be far more complex than with a standard car. The size, weight, and mechanical intricacies of HGVs, lorries, and other large commercial vehicles require a specialist approach to ensure a safe and efficient recovery. By hiring professional truck recovery services, you can minimise downtime, prevent further damage to the vehicle, and ensure the safety of the driver and other road users. Learn more about them below. Specialised Equipment One of the key reasons to opt for specialist HGV breakdown services is their specialist equipment. These experts are readily equipped with the tools they will need, including heavy-duty recovery trucks and cranes, which allow them to easily recover large vehicles. Expertise and Training As mentioned, HGVs can be complex and incredibly heavy, making it difficult to recover them. Luckily, specialist recovery teams are fully-trained in these recovery processes. They have the knowledge and skills needed to understand the intricacies of a large vehicle, from its heavy-duty suspension to its complex transmission. Additionally, specialist technicians are trained in how to recover a vehicle safely, ensuring proper handling techniques are used and any lifting is carried out correctly. What to Do If You Break Down Breakdowns can be unpleasant to experience, either as a result of an accident or simply because of any issue with your vehicle. To help guide you through the recovery process, here are the key steps to follow if you have broken down in your large vehicle. Keep Calm Getting into any accident can be a shock to the system, leaving you feeling numb or upset. The most important thing to do is to stay calm, as panicking can prevent you from being able to manage the situation.   If people have been injured, or there is continued risk of injury, you will need to contact the emergency services. Do this as soon as possible, as it will help those in need of emergency services to get help as quickly as possible. It’s important to avoid moving any injured persons, unless they are in immediate danger, in an unsafe environment, experiencing difficulties with breathing or circulation, or they need CPR. Always follow the guidance of the emergency services in these situations, as they will be able to advise on your situation best. Move Your Lorry If Possible If it's safe and possible, it’s worth relocating the vehicle to a secure location, such as the hard shoulder, to avoid obstructing traffic. This ensures the flow of other vehicles and minimises the risk of further accidents. Utilise Your Hazard Lights If moving the vehicle isn’t an option or you’re positioned on the hard shoulder, you should activate your hazard lights immediately to alert other road users to your presence and reduce the risk of an accident. Stay Safe If it is safe to do so, it’s vital to leave your vehicle if it has broken down as soon as possible. You should stand away from your vehicle and out of traffic, but do stay close enough that you’re available when the recovery team arrives. Contact a Specialist Breakdown Service Once you have confirmed that you, your passengers and any other road users are safe or receiving help, you can organise a recovery. Companies that specialise in HGV breakdown recovery will have the necessary equipment and expertise to assist you efficiently, helping you to get your vehicle moving as soon as possible. Keep Your Team Informed Whether you’re delivering goods or returning from a trip when you break down, it’s important to keep the rest of your team notified about your location and your expected recovery time. This can help them to organise other deliveries or contact other staff members for assistance, helping everything to stay on track as much as possible while you get back on the road. Why Choose Euroroute Recovery Euroroute Recovery stands out as a premier provider of large vehicle recovery services across Scotland. We have a range of depots , helping us to get to breakdown sites easily.  Our comprehensive range of services includes breakdown recovery and vehicle towing for various vehicle types, including cars , vans , LGVs  and HGVs . This extensive service offering makes us a reliable choice for any type of vehicle recovery situation, whether as a result of a breakdown or an accident . Please visit the Euroroute Recovery website to discover more about us or contact us  directly for further support. Trust Euroroute Recovery for reliable, professional, and fast large vehicle breakdown rescue and truck towing services.

Experiencing a car breakdown can be both frustrating and costly. At Euroroute Recovery, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in optimal condition. Drawing from our extensive experience in roadside assistance across Scotland and Northern England, we've identified three frequent causes of car breakdowns and provided practical tips to help you avoid them. Flat or Faulty Battery A flat or failing battery is one of the most common reasons for car breakdowns. Batteries typically last between three to five years, but factors like extreme temperatures, short trips, and leaving electrical components on can shorten their lifespan. To prevent a battery breakdown, it’s important to regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are tightly connected. You should also turn off all electrical components, including lights and air conditioning, before switching off the engine. If your vehicle is used for short trips, consider taking it for a longer drive weekly to allow the battery to recharge fully. Damaged or Worn-Out Tyres Tyre issues, such as punctures, blowouts, or worn tread, are frequent causes of breakdowns. Driving on underinflated or damaged tyres can lead to loss of control and accidents. To prevent tyre-related breakdowns, check your tyre pressure monthly and before embarking on any long journeys. Inspect your tyres for signs of wear, such as low tread depth or visible damage, and replace any tyres that are worn out or damaged. This will ensure safe driving conditions and reduce the risk of an unexpected tyre failure. Fuel System Issues Running out of fuel, using the wrong type of fuel, or having a clogged fuel filter can cause engine stalling and breakdowns. To avoid fuel system problems, keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full to prevent sediment from clogging the fuel filter. Always ensure that you are using the correct type of fuel as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Additionally, replacing the fuel filter at the recommended intervals will ensure proper fuel flow and help prevent engine stalling. How We Can Help at Euroroute Recovery Regular vehicle servicing and proactive maintenance are essential for preventing roadside breakdowns. At Euroroute Recovery, we are committed to providing prompt and professional breakdown assistance across Scotland and Northern England. Should you find yourself in need, our breakdown company is ready to get you back on the road swiftly and safely.   We offer comprehensive breakdown services  and vehicle inspections  designed to keep you safe on the road. Our team of skilled professionals is also ready to assist with a thorough inspection of your vehicle, identifying potential issues before they become major problems. Visit our website or contact us  today to schedule a vehicle inspection or to learn more about our breakdown services.

We depend on our vehicles to keep us safe on the road, where cars, vans and motorcycles are all built to transport us across both long and short distances on a daily basis. Whether we’re filling the car boot with our weekly shop, packing up the motorhome for a mini break or giving a lift to a friend, these vehicles are the backbone of our everyday lives, and as such we hope that they won’t let us down. Unfortunately, vehicles of all kinds can and do break down, often when we least expect it. According to recent statistics from roadside services, an average of 7000 vehicles break down every day in the UK, where this can be caused by something small like a flat tyre or a much more serious problem with the vehicle’s engine.  When the worst does happen, it is important to stay calm and proceed logically, where safety should always be the top priority. Read on to find out more about how to respond if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Immediate Steps Vehicle breakdowns can happen anywhere and to anyone. Although properly maintaining your vehicle and driving carefully can help to reduce your chances of experiencing a problem, sometimes mechanical failures are unavoidable. As such it is important to always be prepared. The following roadmap sets out what you should do immediately following a breakdown, where your safety and the safety of those in the vehicle should always be prioritised. Stay Calm  - Although breakdowns can be stressful and scary, it is important to remain calm during this kind of emergency situation. Maintaining a clear head can allow you to preserve the safety of yourself and those around you. Steer Away From Traffic  - Before your vehicle comes to a halt, you should do your best to direct it away from the flow of traffic. This may mean pulling onto the hard shoulder or tucking into a layby.  Turn On Lights  - It is then essential to alert other drivers to your presence, where putting on your hazard or emergency lights is usually the best way to do this if possible. Find A Safe Place  - Assess whether it is safe for you to leave your car, where you should look for a place to wait out of the path of oncoming traffic. Sometimes it is safer to remain inside the vehicle if it isn’t damaged. Call For Help  - You should then contact a roadside recovery service, where you can call for help regardless of whether you have breakdown cover in place. If you’re in immediate danger then your first call should be to the emergency services. Dangerous Contexts Ideally, a breakdown would occur on a quiet road where there is space to move the vehicle out of the path of oncoming traffic. Unfortunately this is not always the case, where more dangerous situations demand a slightly different response from the driver. The above roadmap should still be followed to some degree, but with adaptations made for the context at hand: Motorway Breakdowns Experiencing a breakdown on a busy road or motorway can be stressful, where it is important to proceed with the utmost caution. You should strongly consider whether it is safe to exit your vehicle once you’ve pulled onto the hard shoulder. If your engine is smoking or the car feels hot, then you should make your exit immediately, putting on a high visibility jacket if you have one to hand. Try to stand behind the highway barriers at a considerable distance from oncoming traffic and phone for help immediately. If you are unable to pull onto the hard shoulder then you should put on your hazard lights, keep your seatbelt on and call the emergency services immediately. Poorly Lit Roads If you break down on a poorly lit road such as a country lane, then you could also be in danger, even if the flow of traffic remains at a minimum. Always turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible and exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so.  You may also be in possession of a reflective warning triangle, where these should be positioned at least 50 metres from your vehicle to alert other drivers of your presence. These triangles should not be used on the motorway, but can come in handy on quieter roads. Bad Weather Conditions Another factor that can have a big impact on your breakdown response is the weather, where unfavourable conditions can complicate the recovery process. As with any breakdown situation, it is vital that you turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible, especially in dark, wet or windy conditions.  As snow, ice and rain can slow down recovery times, it can be helpful to make sure that you have an emergency kit stowed away in your vehicle. This is especially important if you regularly make long journeys or if your passengers include young children. Consider packing emergency supplies such as high visibility jackets, a warning triangle, a mobile power bank and a torch. Additional resources such as adequate water provisions, non perishable spare food and a first aid kit can also make a breakdown in bad weather a little less stressful. Getting Help Once you and your passengers are safe, it is then time to call for help. An important part of this is working out where you are, which should be easy if you have access to your phone’s GPS. You can also provide a more exact location with an app such as What 3 Words. Alternatively, emergency phones on the motorway will alert the person you call to your location. In most cases, your first call will be to your breakdown provider, where you may pay a standard fee to have this service covered at no extra cost. If you don’t have breakdown cover in place, you can still call a recovery service provider and sign up with them at that time.  If you’re in immediate danger, then this initial phone call should be to the emergency services. This may be the case if you’re unable to move your vehicle out of the path of oncoming traffic, or if your vehicle looks in danger of igniting. Roadside Assistance & Repairs Once your breakdown recovery team has arrived, they will then be able to provide a roadside assistance service in an effort to get you back on the road. If you have a flat tyre for instance, then this is usually something that can be resolved quickly. However if the problem is more serious, then your vehicle will have to be towed by the recovery team, where it will be taken to a garage for further repairs. Breakdown cover is usually something that you will pay for on top of your car insurance, where you may also take out a car warranty to cover you up to a set amount for potential repair costs. If you’ve experienced an accident or a collision, then you will be able to contact your insurance provider for further support. Euroroute Recovery: Comprehensive Car Breakdown & Truck Towing Services At Euroroute Recovery, we’re here to help if your car, van or truck breaks down unexpectedly. We aim to provide car breakdown recovery  within an average of 40 minutes, so you won’t be stranded on the side of the road for long. Our broad range of services include car jump starts, puncture repairs, and car towing, where we can also assist you if you’ve filled your vehicle with the wrong fuel type. Whether you’re driving a small car, a motorcycle or a motorhome , we’re here to take care of your vehicle. Speak to our team  today to find out more about how we can help.

Running into an unexpected breakdown or accident isn’t exactly anybody’s idea of a great day. Not only is finding yourself stranded on the side of the road frustrating, but can also be incredibly dangerous in a high-traffic area. Fortunately, this is where the services of a reliable vehicle recovery company come into play; if you are struggling with a breakdown or the aftermath of an accident, a breakdown company is often just a phone call away.   However, with so many companies to choose from, how do you know you’re choosing the right one? After all, you don’t want to contact someone who has the potential to make an already stressful situation worse. To avoid this, we’ve put together this list of key factors to consider when choosing a trustworthy accident recovery company, ensuring that you make the right choice in times of need. The Importance of Choosing a the Right Breakdown Company Swift Response Times One of the most important factors in vehicle recovery is the company's response time. A reliable breakdown company will understand the urgency of your situation and strive to reach you as quickly as possible. When weighing up different companies, you should make sure to ask about their average response times and choose one that can guarantee prompt assistance when you’re in a bind. 24/7 Availability Of course, breakdowns and accidents don't adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and sometimes you’ll find yourself stuck at anti-social hours. An exceptional recovery company operates around the clock, seven days a week. This guarantees that, regardless of when you find yourself in distress, help is just a phone call away. Confirm the company's availability before making a decision to avoid any unpleasant surprises during an emergency. Diverse Service Offerings A comprehensive breakdown and recovery company should offer a range of services beyond simple tow assistance. Look for a company that provides accident recovery, vehicle delivery, towing and garage services, amongst other things. This level of versatility means that you can rely on your chosen company for a variety of issues, making them a one-stop solution for your roadside assistance needs. What to Look for in a Reliable Vehicle Recovery Company Check Customer Reviews One of the great things about the Internet is that business information is readily at our fingertips. Take advantage of this by researching and reading customer reviews. Genuine feedback from other drivers who have used the services of a particular breakdown company can provide valuable insights into their reliability, professionalism and overall customer satisfaction. Verify Licensing & Certification A trustworthy breakdown recovery company should be licensed and certified by the relevant authorities. These credentials will be indicative of the company's commitment to meeting industry standards and regulations. Before you finalise your decision, confirm the company's licensing and certification to make sure that they adhere to the necessary guidelines. Some businesses will have this information available on their website, but you can also always contact them for verbal confirmation. Transparent Pricing Cost often tends to be a big concern when seeking recovery services. A reliable breakdown company should be transparent about its pricing structure to help you be aware of the costs upfront. Try to avoid companies that provide vague or unclear pricing information, as this may lead to unexpected charges down the line. Instead, opt for a company that offers competitive and reasonable rates for their services. Area Coverage When choosing a breakdown recovery company, think about the areas they cover. Opt for a company with a broad service area to ensure that, no matter where you are, assistance is readily available. You don’t want to run into trouble, only to find out that your chosen company can’t reach you. A company with a wide coverage network will have a larger fleet and is therefore better equipped to reach you quickly, especially if you frequently travel across different parts of the country. State-of-the-Art Equipment The effectiveness of a breakdown recovery service heavily relies on the quality of their equipment. A reputable company invests in state-of-the-art tow trucks and recovery vehicles to assure that your vehicle is handled with the utmost care. Ask about the company's fleet and equipment to gauge their commitment to providing premium recovery services. Clear Communication Channels During an emergency, being able to contact your chosen company as quickly as possible is crucial. As such, choose a breakdown recovery company that maintains open and efficient communication channels. This includes easy-to-reach customer support, a user-friendly website and a well-organised dispatch system. Companies that value communication are much more likely to keep you informed and provide a smoother overall experience. What Services Does Euroroute Recovery Offer? Now that you’re up to speed with what to look for in a reliable breakdown company, it’s time to take a look at what makes Euroroute Recovery the best choice for customers in Scotland. Here’s a rundown of the comprehensive car breakdown and recovery services we offer. Vehicle Recovery Breaking down is no joke. Whether you’re stuck on the hard shoulder, alone on a dark country road at night or you haven’t even made it off your driveway, the experience can be extremely stressful, frustrating and inconvenient. At Euroroute Recovery, we take pride in our super fast vehicle recovery response times throughout all areas of South Scotland, the Borders and the Central Belt. In fact, our average time to attend is within 40 minutes.   We are capable of performing breakdown or accident recovery on a wide variety of vehicle types, including:   ●      Cars ●      Motorcycles ●      Motorhomes ●      Vans ●      Trucks ●      LGVs ●      HGVs Reliable and Safe No matter what the occasion, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the vehicle in question - when you need your vehicle taken from A to B, you want to know it will be loaded, transported and unloaded with the utmost care and attention to safety. At Euroroute Recovery, that’s exactly what we deliver. From classic cars to sports cars, motorbikes, vans, coaches and trucks - we’ll collect on time and deliver to the chosen location in a responsible and reliable manner. Garage & MOT Services At Euroroute Recovery we don’t just service and repair vehicles, we also have two dedicated MOT testing centres providing Cass 4 and Class 7 MOTs. Our trained staff and workshop in Dumfries are equipped to provide Class 4, 5 and 7 MOTs, covering most vehicles under 3500 kg in weight. From our workshop in St Boswells, we can provide Class 4 MOTs.   We use best-in-class Hunter Alignment equipment to provide advanced, super accurate 3D wheel alignment services. Sales In addition to being one of the leading recovery specialists in Dumfries and the wider region, Euroroute Recovery is also a great choice for those looking to find affordable used 4x4s, cars and farm vehicles. All of the vehicles and machines we have in stock have been carefully checked, are well-presented, and are ready to drive away. You can find out more about the vehicles we currently have available here .   Count On Us For Your Vehicle Recovery Needs  For all of your car breakdown and recovery needs in Scotland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Euroroute Recovery. Our 24/7 services, swift response times, and state-of-the-art equipment make us the ideal choice for all your breakdown and recovery needs . With an average response time of 40 minutes, we’re sure to have you back on the road again in no time!

If you own a vehicle, then you will have likely had to arrange an MOT test for it before - if not, then we’re sure you’ve at least heard of MOT testing. MOT testing is important for all vehicles. We’ll take a closer look at why in this blog. What is an MOT Test? Before we dive in, let us first discuss what an MOT test actually is. MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, which was the governing department that was responsible for checking the roadworthiness of vehicles when the test was introduced back in 1960. The test itself is an inspection of your vehicle, ensuring it meets the necessary environmental and road safety standards. A vehicle’s first MOT test takes place in the third year after its registration, after which the test becomes an annual requirement. What an MOT Test Checks for An MOT test checks a wide range or your car’s elements, including: Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension Body, structure and attachments Steering Brakes Brake fluid contamination Brake pads warning light Fuel system Exhaust emissions Diesel particulate filter (DPF)  Fluid leaks (other than coolant and Adblue) Lights, battery and electrical wiring Daytime running lights Reversing lights Horn Number plates Seatbelts Speedometer Visibility It’s important to note that an MOT test doesn’t check the condition of your car’s engine, gearbox or clutch. Why Book an MOT Test? Legal Compliance The first reason why it’s important to book your annual MOT test is because this is a legal requirement. Unless your vehicle is less than three years old or on the exemption list , then it’s illegal to drive a vehicle with an expired or failed MOT (unless you’re driving it to a pre-booked MOT test or you’re driving to get it repaired following a failed MOT inspection). If you are caught driving with an expired or failed MOT certificate, then you could be fined up to £1,000. If your vehicle was classed as ‘dangerous’ at its last MOT test, then this penalty could rise up to £2,500 and you may even receive three points on your licence. Peace of Mind Not only do you want to arrange your annual MOT test for legal compliance and to avoid the repercussions of not doing so, but it’s also in your best interest for your own safety and peace of mind. By arranging your MOT test, you will have peace of mind that your vehicle is safe to drive, ensuring you and any passengers won’t be put at risk that could otherwise be avoided. If it turns out that your vehicle is unsafe to drive and thus fails its MOT, then you will be glad to have booked it in the first place, rather than risking an accident that very much could otherwise have happened. Car MOT Booking with Euroroute Recovery Is your vehicle due for an MOT test? Place your booking with us here at Euroroute Recovery. Based at our recovery depots in Dumfries and St Boswells, we offer MOT services  for class 4, 5 and 7 vehicles, as well as a range of other garage services, including vehicle servicing and diagnostics, tyre changes and 3D wheel alignment. Get in touch  with us today to arrange for your vehicle to be seen.

A breakdown is an inconvenience that many, if not most drivers worry about, yet is one of those things that is extremely uncommon and often unavoidable. When it comes to motorways, however, this not only turns into an inconvenient situation but a dangerous one. With vehicles driving along the carriageway at an average speed of 70mph, experiencing a car breakdown and becoming stationary makes you incredibly vulnerable. As such, it’s important that you know the correct action to take in such a situation. Read on to see what you should do in the event that you break down on the motorway. Get onto the Hard Shoulder If your car is showing you signs that it’s about to break down - i.e. warning lights on the dashboard, smoke coming from the bonnet or your car not driving properly and starting to slow down - then it’s important that you leave the motorway. If it’s not possible for your car to make it to the nearest service station, then you should instead pull onto the hard shoulder. Use your left indicator and move over to the left lane (if you aren’t in it already) when it’s safe to do so, then pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as you can (leaving enough space to open the passenger door). You should then put your hazard lights on - regardless of whether it’s daytime or nighttime. Locate an Emergency Telephone Once you’re on the hard shoulder, exit your vehicle on the passenger side of your car, staying far away from the carriageway. Make sure you have any essential items with you, such as your mobile phone, a hi-vis vest/jacket, water and any medication you take. If there is a safety barrier and it’s safe to do so, then get behind this for extra protection. You should then locate an emergency telephone. These are located approximately a mile apart along the motorway and are coloured orange. There will be various posts at every 100-metres along the hard shoulder that will show an arrow indicating where the nearest emergency telephone is - follow the direction of these until you reach one. Once you reach the telephone, you will then be connected to the Highways Agency or the police, who you should inform of your situation. They will then give you further advice and assistance based on your circumstances. Wait for Breakdown Rescue After phoning the Highways Agency, return to where your vehicle is located - staying as far away from the carriageway as possible - you can then call us here at Euroroute Recovery for further assistance. Once we’re on the way, then simply sit tight and wait for our help to arrive! We cover all areas of South Scotland, the Borders and the Central Belt and boast an impressive average attendance time of 40 minutes. For car breakdown and recovery services  in Scotland that you can rely on, remember to call us on 03 300 300 100 . Alternatively, get in touch  with us today to learn more about the range of services that we offer.

If you’re a vehicle owner, then you’ll understand the pain and hassle of something going wrong with it - not to mention the associated costs! Prevention is the way to go when it comes to managing vehicle health, with issues being much simpler (and cheaper!) to resolve the earlier they are detected. As such, it’s important that you find a garage that you can trust to offer you the essential services you need to keep your vehicle in running order. But, what exactly are the services a garage can offer you, and how can these benefit you in the long-run? Keep reading to find out. What Does a Garage Do? If you run into an issue with your vehicle, then there are often two options available to you: Take it to a chain car dealership Take it to a local garage Unless you’re required to take it to a dealership (i.e. under the conditions of a lease), the majority of motorists prefer to take theirs to a garage. Garages, as we affectionately refer to them, act as your one-stop shop for automotive repairs. They can offer a range of services from servicing and preventative maintenance to repairs and the replacements of faulty parts. At a garage, your car will be in the care of a fully-trained and knowledgeable mechanic - assuming the garage in question is a reliable one, of course. A large majority of mechanics will not only have the necessary knowledge required to oversee your vehicle, but will have extensive hands-on experience working with vehicles of all kinds, offering you peace of mind that your vehicle is in safe hands. Garage Services: From Car Wheel Alignment to Vehicle Servicing The services that may be offered to you can differ from garage to garage, but you can expect to see the services below from our garages here at Euroroute Recovery. Wheel Alignment There are certain factors that can occur whilst driving that can subsequently have an impact on your car’s wheel alignment. This relates to how the wheels connect to your vehicle, which is otherwise known as suspension. Alignment then, is simply adjusting the angles of suspension to ensure optimal tyre contact with the road. One of the most common issues that can impact alignment is if your wheel experiences some kind of impact whilst driving. For example, if you’re driving and hit a pothole, go too fast over a speed bump or bump into the kerb, this can be enough disturbance to misalign your wheels - even slightly. If you find that your vehicle keeps pulling to one side, your tyres are wearing down rapidly or your steering wheel is crooked when you’re driving straight or feels unresponsive, these are all signs that you could have poor wheel alignment. A garage will be able to assess any issues with your steering and suspension, realigning your wheels so that your vehicle steers properly again. Tyre Changes Tyres, of course, are essential components of your vehicle - if something is wrong with them, then it’s essential to have them checked out for peace of mind that you can continue to drive safely on the road. There are various reasons why you may require a tyre change. One common issue is that they have worn down over time. The legal limit for the tread depth your tyres can have is 1.6mm, any less than this and you may be at more risk of skidding, which could cause a road accident. If your tyres have worn below this depth, then they will need to be replaced. Punctures are another common issue that require a tyre change. Sometimes a puncture is obvious and instant, however other times you may have what’s known as a slow puncture. This is when a sharp object causes a tiny hole in your tyre, resulting in air escaping gradually from it over time. If you notice uneven tyre wear and a change in comfort when driving, this could indicate that you may have a slow puncture. It’s important to take your vehicle into a garage to be seen in such an instance, where they can repair or replace the damaged tyre. The longer you continue to drive on a slow puncture, the more damage that can occur to your vehicle - compromising your safety on the road. Vehicle Servicing & Diagnostics Whilst a vehicle service is not a legal requirement, it’s highly recommended to get between MOTs. It's recommended to have an interim service every six months and a full service every year. This is where a mechanic will carry out a vehicle inspection based on the guidelines provided by your vehicle manufacturer. There are various checks that are carried out during a vehicle service, including but not limited to: Oil check and change Oil filter check and replacement Coolant check and top-up Windscreen wash check and top-up Windscreen wipers check Brake check Exhaust check Battery check Tyre tread and pressure check Steering check Suspension check Light check During a service, the mechanic will also have the opportunity to perform diagnostics. This is where they can identify any issues that are wrong with your vehicle that you otherwise did not know about or where there were no obvious signs of damage, advising you on the next steps to take in order to rectify any identified issues. MOT Testing An MOT test is a legal requirement that all vehicles must undertake every year (other than brand new vehicles, which don’t require their first MOT test until three years after their registration). As a vehicle owner, we’re sure you know this (at least we hope so!). The purpose of an MOT test is to determine whether your vehicle is road safe, or whether it requires work/repairs in order to make it so. An MOT test will look at the following areas of your vehicle: Lights Horn Steering and suspension Windscreen Wipers/washers Brakes Tyres, wheels and TPMS Bonnet Body / vehicle structure Battery and electrical wiring Seats Seat belts / SRS Fuel system Exhaust system and emissions Registration plates When booking your vehicle in for its MOT, it’s important that you do so with an approved provider. All garages that are approved to conduct MOT tests will have the ‘three triangles’ symbol displayed at their stations. There are also different classes of MOT tests, with not all garages being able to provide testing services for every class. Here at Euroroute Recovery, we are equipped to provide class 4, 5 and 7 MOTs, which covers most vehicles under 3,500kg in weight. Benefits of Regular Vehicle Maintenance Checks Enhanced Long-Term Savings Now that you know all the services that a garage could offer you, you may be wondering what the actual benefits are of undertaking such regular vehicle maintenance checks. Well, for one, you’ll save yourself more money in the long run. The worse any issues or damage to your vehicle get, the more expensive they will be to repair. As such, by paying for regular services and maintenance, any issues will be identified and rectified early on, before they get too costly. As such, you will ultimately be saving more money down the line than if you were to avoid regular maintenance and have to pay for costly repairs. By booking your car in with a local garage for said maintenance, there is potential to save even more money; independent garages are known for having better deals on their services compared to the prices offered by dealerships. You can rest assured that, with a reputable garage, you’ll be paying a reasonable price that covers the exact repairs your vehicle needs, rather than being charged for any unnecessary services on top of this. Legal Compliance As well as having your vehicle registered with the DVLA and having a valid MOT certificate, it’s a legal requirement for your vehicle to be roadworthy - if you’re pulled over and it isn’t deemed road worthy, then you could find yourself being faced with a fine and/or points on your licence. This includes (but isn’t limited to) having: Clean mirrors and number plates Working lights Working brakes Enough engine oil Correct tyre depth Booking your vehicle in for regular servicing and maintenance and being proactive when you notice any issues with your vehicle helps ensure each of these factors, keeping you on the right side of the law. Extended Vehicle Lifetime By regularly maintaining your vehicle’s health through the use of garage services, you will be extending your vehicle's lifetime. Regularly changing fluids and filters and checking key components to keep it in smooth and safe running order ultimately helps to keep it running for longer and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. Maintenance & MOT Booking with Euroroute Recovery Are you looking for a reliable garage that can offer you comprehensive services for your vehicle? If so, then look no further than us here at Euroroute Recovery. Whether you require our garage services and MOT testing or require vehicle recovery, we’ve got you covered. With bases in Dumfries and St. Boswells, we’re a local and friendly garage you can rely on. Get in touch with us today to book your vehicle in to be looked at.