Services

Throughout the Point-S network many of our depots offer a range of ancilliary services. Contact your local depot for details.

Brakes

The braking system is probably the most important safety system in all vehicles. Therefore, the brake system, for your safety, should be checked regularly!

The wear of the brakes does not happen overnight, but usually develops over a longer period causing a greater braking distance or ‘pulling’ to one side when braking.

Also, as brake fluid attracts moisture, if the water content is greater than 3% bubbles can form, which can lead to a catastrophic total failure of the braking system.

Exhausts

Your exhaust is to channel emissions away from the front of your car, as well as maintaining good fuel efficiency and reduced engine noise.

At some point, you’ll most likely need to replace part or all of your exhaust system. Point S recommend that you have your exhaust system checked at least once a year.

MOT

Many of our centres offer MOT testing.

Don’t drive outside of the law. Not all people are aware that you can book your MOT a month before it expires without the expiry date moving forward.

Nitrogen Inflation

It is claimed* that tyre inflation with Nitrogen has the following benefits

Reduced corrosion – because unlike air there’s no moisture in pure nitrogen
Slower rate of pressure loss – because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules (which make up 21% of compressed air)

*Source: http://www.theaa.com

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is important for the health of your vehicle. A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the direction and angles of the wheels. Correct wheel alignment to the specification required by your vehicle maximizes tyre life and your vehicle will track straight and true when driving along a straight and level road.

Incorrect wheel alignment can result in rapid irregular tyre wear that can affect the handling and safety of your vehicle.

Wheel alignment can be affected by hitting a massive pothole in the road, driving against a kerb or by excessive wear to suspension or steering components.

Wheel alignment involves measurements often described as toe in, toe out, positive camber or negative camber. These measurements have standards that a technician uses to get as close as they can to the right measurement.

Different types of vehicles need different “toe” settings, to do with if the front of the tyres are nearer further apart than the rear of the tyres, to allow for the way the wheels pull either towards each other or apart.

The “Camber”, the inward or outward tilt of a tyre, is set by the vehicle manufacturer, and can be affected by potholes in the road and may need to be adjusted periodically.

Incorrect camber settings could cause premature wear on the inside or outside shoulder of your tyres, which is something worth keeping an eye on.

You should have your wheels checked after an impact with a kerb, a pothole or stone, when a tyre looks abnormal or every 10,000 miles.

Wheel Balancing

If your steering wheel wobbles above a certain speed, this could be a sign that your wheels are not balanced correctly.

Everyday driving can affect the balance of your tyres and incorrect balancing not only causes vibration in the steering wheel and dashboard making it uncomfortable to drive, but also causes premature wear of tyres, rapid wear of suspension parts, affects the performance of your vehicle’s road holding & handling and fuel efficiency.

You may not always sense an imbalance at the steering wheel. It could be present but dampened by the vehicle weight. This is why balancing is equally important for both front and rear wheels.

Wheels are balanced on a wheel balancing machine which rotates the tyre and wheel assembly to automatically calculate the weight and location of the balance counter weight. After wheel balancing, you should notice a smoother ride and better wear from your tyres.

You should have your wheels checked or balanced after an impact with a kerb, stone or pothole in the road, if a tyre looks abnormal or every 10,000 miles.

Suspension

Shock absorbers help ensure your safety and greater driving comfort, because they ensure the permanent contact of your tyres to the road.

Defective shock absorbers are an a security risk and can cause costly damage. Defective shock absorbers increase the risk of aquaplaning and can cause tyres to wear unevenly. Defective shock absorbers also impair the function of ABS (anti-lock braking system) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

Shock absorbers should therefore be checked regularly – every 20,000 miles.