tec-automotive

The COVID-19 Lockdown and Your Mercedes

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:00:35 GMT

The COVID-19 Lockdown And Your Mercedes

T he coronavirus pandemic is having a massive impact on pretty much everyone across the globe. Social distancing and self-isolation are slowing the spread and people are only leaving their homes for essential supplies and medical appointments. Unfortunately, many things, including basic vehicle maintenance are not considered essential, leaving many Mercedes owners feeling anxious about the proper care and maintenance of their vehicles.

Keeping that in mind, we are going to share some useful tips and advice that will help you maintain your Mercedes at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Let’s take a look:

Tips To Maintaining Your Mercedes During The COVID-19 Lockdown

Battery - During the lockdown, you might not be driving your Mercedes very often. This can cause the battery to slowly discharge over time as it is still powering facilities such as the alarm. To avoid this, start the engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes every two weeks.

Tyres And Brakes - If your car is not driven very often corrosion and dry rot can set in on your tyres and braking system. During the COVID-19 lockdown, be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly and remember that, after it has sat for a considerable amount of time, your brakes might make some noise when you begin driving it again, this is normal and will subside quickly.

Fuel - Your Mercedes’ fuel tank could begin to build up condensation if it isn’t driven for a considerable amount of time. This can lead to poor performance and a possible CEL. To avoid this, be sure to fully fill your fuel tank before storing your car.

MOT - If your car’s MOT is due on or after 30 March 2020, its expiry date will be extended by six months as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. You do, however, still need to keep your vehicle safe to drive.

Paint Protection – Most modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles are coated with a nano-particle paint designed to resist both grime and corrosion. However, it’s still a good idea to give it a clean regularly.

Contact TEC Automotive

To learn more about the COVID-19 lockdown and how you can properly maintain your Mercedes, contact TEC Automotive today. Our technicians can check and diagnose any issues your car might have and we have the specialised tools needed to repair it the right way.

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NO MOT for 3 Months! Yayyy! Or is it?

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:30:50 GMT

NO MOT for 3 Months! Yayyy! Or is it?

Y AY!! NO MOT for another 3 months!

But what else should you know?

Yes, an announcement has been made that MOTs due from 30th March 2020 are being granted a 6 month extension...

BUT... It’s not just about MOT Failures, you still need to make sure your car is roadworthy as it’s your responsibility...

What does that mean?

You car still needs to be SAFE and roadworthy to drive. If it is not, you will still be liable for the same penalties, corona or no corona.

BUT... how do you know?

This is not always obvious and easy to figure out, so please see below for more information on this. Please note that this information is not extensive and that you should always do your own research too.

https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security

For real peace of mind and to avoid fines; book your car in for a free health check and get a further 10% off our labour costs, should there be any advisories to fix.

Not only fines; often a car will show an engine management light if it has a fault. Without adequate checking, how do you know what the actual fault is? Surely you don’t want to find out the hard way on a carriage way or motorway.

NB: We are adhering to the government guidelines for social distancing whilst still keeping you safe on the road. Therefore, this service is for motorists who can't or don't feel confident enough to carry out these checks themselves.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

The TEC Team

Corona Virus COVID-19 Communication

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:25:47 GMT

Corona Virus COVID-19 Communication

T o all of our valued customers and followers,

We hope you are all well!

COVID -19 is affecting the whole world as well as the UK. This pandemic is also affecting the running of many businesses however big or small they may be.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-guidance-to-assist-professionals-in-advising-the-general-public/guidance-to-assist-professionals-in-advising-the-general-public

We are all taking necessary precautions as by advised by the government to reduce the spread of the virus.

Staff level is affected by this and/or other ill-health matters which means that some staff have to stay away as they are more vulnerable. The safety of our staff and all of our customers is paramount and we need to take this threat seriously.

The supply of parts is affected and everything else down the line of supply when repairing faults. There is also a huge reliance on human capacity to provide services and repairs.

We are therefore having to book work carefully, and priority will be given to services, MOTs and running faults. Primarily anything that keeps the car running from A to B safely. Given the circumstances we are in as a country, we are confident you will understand this and how crucial it may be for someone to get to a hospital, a loved one or to obtain medicine.

We will keep in regular communication and continue to update you with progress about your vehicle while it's here as well as when you are due in.

We are grateful to you for your support, patience & working with us to make this a smoother time and to provide the best service for you at this difficult time.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

The TEC Team

Cold Weather And The Dangers of Worn Tyres Cracking in Low Temperatures

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 21:08:13 GMT

Cold Weather & the Dangers of Worn Tyres Cracking in Low Temperatures

C old Weather and the Dangers of Worn Tyres Cracking in Low Temperatures

The cold weather is here with us again. Driving in wet or snowing conditions can be quite challenging. This is especially if you don't have the right tyres on your car. Rubber, the material used to make tires, is known to become rigid when exposed to very cold temperatures. This means that driving in freezing conditions can cause a few problems to your driving, especially if you drive with performance tyres that are made for warmer conditions.

What’s more is that if you drive using worn tyres in low temperatures, it’s even worse. Doing so means you face two main dangers:

i. Poor Grip and Loss of Traction

Worn tyres usually have reduced rolling resistance. When you drive in cold temperatures this rolling resistance is completely reduced. This reduces the efficiency of the tyres; which then slip, resulting in poor handling. In extreme conditions; you will discover that you can't brake as efficiently and sometimes cornering will need to be negotiated a lot slower to avoid skidding and potentially crashing.

This happens because when the rubber becomes rigid it reduces the tyre surface area that is in contact with the road. This reduces grip, increasing the chances of slipping/skidding on the road. Worn tyres usually have reduced tread surface, this reduces traction. This is made worse when you drive in cold weather because the tyres become rigid and this reduces the contact with the road even more.

ii. Risk of Damage to the Tyres

Even if you have new tires on your car, you can still run the risk of having them damaged when you drive in cold weather. Usually, cold temperatures make the rubber used to make the tires rigid. This makes the tire lose elasticity which makes it easy for your tires to crack. If you drive off-road or on a road with poor road surface, your tires will likely crack and become unsafe to drive on.

What should you do then?

Today many people buy performance tyres that are designed for driving in dry and warm conditions. If this is the case then the best solution for you is to go for all-season tyres that are designed to handle cold conditions better. If you already have these all seasons tyres but they are already worn out. Then you should definitely get newer tyres. This is because worn tyres are always a risk whether you are driving in cold conditions or not. Furthermore, whatever type of tyres you have always ensure they are not worn and are within the legal limit.

Contact TEC Automotive

For the best advice on the right tyres for your car based on your driving conditions contact TEC Automotive . We have experienced and highly trained technicians that will check your tyres for common issues, offer advice on the best tyres and perform all tyre related work to make sure that you always have a smooth and safe ride.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.

The Dangers of Driving with a Frozen Windscreen

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:52:33 GMT

Frozen Windscreens - Why Driving With A Frozen Windscreen Is Bad

D espite it being clear whether winter has gone or even come for us, the cold weather still means that we have suffered freezing cold temperatures, icy roads and slush covered paths to our cars in some areas throughout the UK. And, whether the snow will come or not, it’s still something that we have to be aware of and something that can slow us down when we are on our daily commute, or school run. So it’s best to know beforehand rather than as an afterthought.

So, assuming we do get snow, the saying, ‘Better safe than sorry’, does apply here and that means taking the extra time to clear snow and ice from our car’s windscreen, rear and side windows. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your lights and number plate are cleared of snow as well.

Why Driving With A Frozen Windscreen Is Bad

Why clear the snow when it is easier to get into our warm car and simply drive off? After all, the wind will clear the snow soon enough, right? For starters, driving with a frozen windscreen is incredibly dangerous and the lack of visibility could cause you to crash. Secondly, driving with snow on your windscreen or with the windscreen still frozen is illegal here in the UK and could lead to a fine or penalty. If those two reasons aren’t good enough for you, there’s another that many drivers don’t know about until it is too late.

If you are driving with a frozen windscreen and you are in an accident as a result, your insurance could be automatically voided. That means that the insurance company will not pay for the damages to your vehicle and this could cost you a lot of money for repairs, or damages to your own and other vehicles. Leaving in a rush without clearing your windscreen still worth it? We think not.

How To Quickly Defrost Windscreen With Your Mercedes’ AirCon

If you are in a hurry and you have already cleared the snow from your windscreen but it is still frozen, there is a way that you can defrost it quickly using your car’s aircon. Let’s take a look at some of the steps below:

Turn your heater on and set it to the highest temperature.
Press the A/C button. This will help dry the air in your vehicle quickly.
Turn air recirculation off. This will enable cold, dry winter air to enter the vehicle’s cabin.
Crack your windows. This step is designed to help exchange the humid air in your car with dryer outside air.
Defrost Windows. The above steps work to de-fog your windscreen and while that is happening, you should scrape any excess ice from your windscreen and windows.

Contact TEC Automotive

To learn more about why you should clear your Mercedes windscreen before driving off, contact TEC Automotive and speak with a professional Mercedes Benz technician today. Our technicians can check and diagnose your car might have and we have the specialised tools needed to repair it the right way.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.

Tips To Save Time And Have A Successful MOT

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 08:44:05 GMT

Tips To Save Time And Have A Successful MOT

I f your car is due for an MOT inspection, you might be feeling anxious and concerned as to whether or not your car will pass. Most Mercedes Benz owners typically have very little to worry about as long as they have had their vehicle professionally maintained by an authorised Mercedes Benz repair facility. Still, there are some factors that might need to be addressed as the MOT inspection is performed. While most are minor, they could still cost you time and money and delay your MOT inspection.

Many UK drivers dread the thought of having to get their MOT done, but it is still necessary if they are to drive their cars legally on the road. We want our MOT to be as simple as dropping off our car, running some errands and picking it up on the way home. For that to happen, we need to make sure that it will pass the MOT and be considered safe and legal to drive. Otherwise, if your car fails its MOT, you won’t be able to drive it and that could mean delays in getting to work or taking the kids to school. Additionally, if your car does fail the MOT, you are at the liberty of the garage as to when they can get you in to repair the car and then to retest it. This can sometimes take weeks.

With that being said, there are some things that you can do before your MOT inspection and, by fixing many of the following issues yourself, you can save a lot of time, reduce failures and ensure that your car passes the MOT test as being roadworthy and safe.

If you have an upcoming MOT inspection, here are some things that you can do to prepare your vehicle to ensure a quick and successful inspection:

Registration Plates: Be sure that both number plates are present and in good condition. They must also have the correct legal characters and spacing.

Tyres: For your safety and to pass your next MOT inspection, your tyres should be properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure and the tread depth should be at least 1.6mm evenly across the tyre.

Lights: Your front, rear and side indicators and head lights must be in good working order. If you have a light out, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to replace the bulb before your MOT inspection. Still unsure? We can replace them for you whilst you wait here at TEC Automotive. Just one of the things we do to try and take the stress out of motoring for you.

Windscreen/Wipers: Check your windscreen for any cracks or chips that could hinder your visibility and ensure that your wipers are in good working condition and replace as necessary.

Mirrors: Your vehicle’s mirrors should be clean and free of any chips, cracks or other damage that could prevent them from being used properly.

Exhaust: Check to ensure that your exhaust is not loose and that it does not have any leaks. If leaks are present, or you see exhaust components hanging down, bring your car to TEC for repair.

Fuel: Check you have sufficient fuel as well as the proper grade. Improper fuel in your car will cause it to run poorly and increase the amount of emissions it produces, causing it to fail the MOT. Also, ensure that your fuel cap fits correctly and is in good condition.

Oil Light: If your vehicle’s oil light is on, add the proper type of oil to the correct capacity per manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning Lights: if your car has any warning lights on during your MOT, it will result in an automatic failure. The government is creating stricter regulations regarding Emissions levels and the MOT was originally designed to help reduce vehicle emissions.

Save Time With TEC

TEC Automotive is a customer-focused, authorised Mercedes Benz repair shop and we offer a FREE Pre-MOT Health Check which can alert you to any problems that your car might have that could cause it to fail an MOT inspection. Our FREE Pre-MOT Health Check takes around half an hour and will save you a lot of time during your next MOT inspection.

Contact TEC Automotive

To learn more tips to save time and have a successful MOT, contact TEC Automotive today. Our technicians can check and diagnose any warning lights your car might have on the dash, which is an automatic MOT failure and we have the specialised tools needed to repair it the right way.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.

The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 22:47:37 GMT

The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts

The counterfeit car parts market is worth billions across the UK and Europe, and as a result, year-on-year more British motorists are put at risk. Commonly the end user (us motorists) are totally unaware of this growing problem and the dangers that are caused on the back of this illegal trade.

The most common counterfeit car parts are:

S ervice items such as:

Oil
Air & Fuel Filters
Spark Plugs
Pollen/Combination Filters
Brake Pads & Brake Discs

Suspension Items
Brake Lights
Wiring & Cables
Cylinders
Air Bags
Grills
Radiators

In this blog we are going to look at the dangers of fitted counterfeit car parts, and how to guarantee that the parts installed on your car are 100% genuine.

Counterfeit car parts have not undergone the same strenuous testing and approvals processes which are enforced on genuine manufacturers. Which means that it is impossible to guarantee their quality and integrity. This increases the risk of part failure and the consequences do not bear thinking about.

As this topic is of significant importance to safety, we have decided to share this helpful video from the Intellectual Property Office featuring our friends at BMW. It shows the difference in quality between genuine and counterfeit car parts.

https://youtu.be/FKPsN63dPIg

How Can I Avoid Fake Car Parts?

Fake car parts are everywhere, and to make things even more confusing, they are names, labelled, and packaged exactly the same as genuine parts. If you have ever attempted to source your own car parts, you will have noticed that online shopping websites such as eBay and Amazon are often the cheapest.

These online shopping websites only conduct basic checks on their sellers, so it is very easy for non-genuine businesses to list products which look to be genuine. Although it is not the cheapest option, our advice is to always seek the services of a professional garage or mechanic. It is also important to note that fitting fake car parts will invalidate your vehicle warranty should it be covered by one. Is it really worth the risk?

Here at TEC Automotive , we only use Mercedes Approved Parts, that is our promise to you, and we always discuss the work to be undertaken beforehand, so that you can rest assured that there will be no cost surprises when you come to pay for the repair. Here is why you should always use Mercedes Approved Parts:

Batteries

Your battery supplies power to your car’s electrics, even when the engine is turned off. Each battery has a service life which deteriorates over time which can be a risk considering they are relied on by modern safety features such as airbags and ABS.

Why you should use genuine Mercedes-Benz batteries:

They are more reliable and facilitate larger reserves starting power which help your car to start reliably during cold weather.
They are manufactured from materials of the highest quality, which means they will last longer.
They perform better as they are perfectly matched to the electrical requirements of your vehicle.

Brake Discs

Due to the fact that they help your vehicle to stop, brake disks are one of the most important components on your car. They wear during everyday use and must be replaced once they reach a minimum thickness.

Here’s why you should always obtain Mercedes Approved Brake Discs:

They are designed to match the weight of your vehicle; this has in impact on braking distances.
Mercedes approved brake discs also provide superior performance and a reconfigured to compliment your cars safety features such as ABS.
They go through stringent tests to ensure maximum safety and durability.

Shock Absorbers

Worn shock absorbers can seriously effect stopping distances and your vehicles stability on the road.

We would always advise using genuine Mercedes shock absorbers because:

They are manufactured with your specific vehicle in mind. They are specified to match your vehicle’s weight and the dynamics of your car.
They are tailored to work hand-in-hand with your ABS system aiding safety.
Mercedes designed shock absorbers are proven to last longer, saving you money in the long run!

Passenger Compartment Filters

This filter captures harmful substances from the air and provides a improved air quality and comfort.

Why buy a Mercedes Approved Passenger Compartment Filter?

They have to meet standards which are designed to protect your health. Mercedes’ design captures almost 100% of pollutants.
They are highly efficient, matching the air and ventilation systems on your car.
They actually save you money! They are manufactured so that 100% of the surface area is used meaning they do not need to be replaced as often.

Air Filters

An air filter prevents dust and debris from entering your engine and causing damage as a direct result. Over time you air filter may become blocked and a replacement may be needed.

Here’s why you should always choose a Mercedes Approved Air Filter:

They are manufactured using the finest materials, offering superior air quality.
They compliment your engine perfectly; this helps to improve efficiency.
Their shape and fit reduces engine noise.

Exhaust Systems

Counterfeit exhausts are becoming more and more popular. This is why you should opt for a genuine Mercedes Exhaust System:

They are proven to last longer. Through stringent testing Mercedes have identified the most durable materials and have incorporated them into the design and manufacture of their exhausts.
They ensure low emissions, optimum fuel consumption, and maximum performance.
They are fine tuned to your car which helps to reduce noise.

Fuel Filters

Your fuel filter captures contaminants are stops them from entering the fuel injection system.

You should ensure that Mercedes Approved Parts are fitted because:

They have been developed to capture the maximum amount of impurities guaranteeing fuel quality.
They maintain your engines performance.
They can prevent early deterioration of the filter, prolonging your fuel filters lifespan.

Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers are an important safety feature on your vehicle, helping you to see the road in front of you when the weather turns inclement. This is why you should avoid cheap, fake windscreen wipers:

Mercedes windscreen wipers are designed to exactly match the curve and shape of your windscreen. This vastly improved visibility.
They are manufactured with premium materials ensuring durability.
They are designed to be aerodynamically compatible with your car, reducing noise in the process.

Brake Pads

Another critically important part on your car is the brake pads. They are one of the hardest working parts of your braking system and when worn, your braking performance is seriously impacted.

Mercedes approved brake pads minimise stopping distances and increase your safety.
Provide superior performance as they compliment the rest of the braking system.
Are highly durable due to the high quality materials used in their manufacture.

Can I purchase My Own Parts and Ask A Mechanic to Fit Them?

Whilst we would always recommend using an approved garage, you can still purchase genuine parts online and from a third party. The IPO have written a helpful guide on how to spot cheap counterfeit parts, you can read it here.

However, it is important to remember that due to the risks involved, the garage or mechanic may refuse to fit parts bought online or from a third party, as they cannot guarantee that they are genuine.

Do you have an issue with your Mercedes-Benz, a warning light, or a change in how the car sounds or handles? Contact TEC Automotive and we will help you to diagnose the issue, before offering our recommendation on how to fix the problem.

Contact us:

Visit: https://www.tec-automotive.co.uk/

Call: 01474 333377 , or 01474 355538

Email: info@tec-automotive.co.uk

Top Reasons For Getting Your Mercedes’ Air Conditioning Serviced/Re-Gassed For The Winter

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 23:55:20 GMT

Top Reasons For Getting Your Mercedes’ Air Conditioning Serviced/Re-Gassed For The Winter

…Yes, You Read Correct! The Winter As Well The Summer. Read On Below To Find Out Why:

Y our Mercedes-Benz’s air con should be used all year long as it provides many benefits above and beyond cooling the interior air. During the hot summer months, your car’s air conditioner is your best friend.

It keeps your Mercedes’ interior cool and brings down the excessive humidity. During the cooler days of autumn and winter, your car’s AC system can reduce moisture in the car caused by outside air, or getting in the car when wet. The Air Con can be used with hot air in the winter months to de-mist the windows. In fact, it is recommended that you use your Mercedes air con system year-round since, the more you use it, the fewer problems you will have with it.

An air conditioner that isn’t operating properly can make things uncomfortable rather quickly. The AC system requires a re-gas every 2 years as well as a leak inspection, to ensure it will remain operational when you need it. Having your Mercedes-Benz professionally serviced and your AC system re-gassed by TEC Automotive will ensure that your AC system is operating properly and that the inside of your car is cool and comfortable.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should have your Mercedes’ air conditioning serviced and how every aspect of the service is important:

Dirty Filters: - Your car’s air conditioning system sucks in dirty air from the outside. Filters are needed to prevent dust and other pollutants from contaminating the interior of your car. The air conditioning unit will work hard this summer and a professional AC service will make sure that all of your car’s filters are replaced.

Re-Gas Refrigerant: - Your air conditioning system will need enough refrigerant this summer to properly cool the inside of your car. The system loses some refrigerant slowly and you need to top it up. If the air conditioning system doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it could make for an unpleasant drive during very hot and humid days.

A lack of refrigerant could also damage the compressor, which is the core part of any air conditioner and can be expensive to replace. As mentioned above, your Mercedes’ air con should be re-gassed every 2 years.

What are the symptoms of an air con system that requires a regas?

The temperature in the car is the same when the air con is switched on or off i.e. there is no difference.

The second tell-tale sign is that the air coming out of the vents when the air con system is on, isn’t as cold as it previously was.

Is the Air-con regas included as part of my service or MOT?

Whilst there are many benefits of having your Air Con regassed regularly, no it is not covered under either of these.

What else can happen if I don’t get my air-con system regassed regularly?

Aside from the points mentioned above, in the long run not getting your Mercedes’ air-con system regassed can lead to pipes or parts cracking and seizing due to lack of use. Our advice is to use it all year round.

Contact TEC Automotive

To learn more about why you should have your Mercedes AC system serviced or re-gassed for summer/winter, contact TEC Automotive today . Our technicians can check and diagnose any air con issues your car might have, and we have the specialist tools needed to repair it the right way.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.

tec-automotive

The COVID-19 Lockdown and Your Mercedes

The COVID-19 Lockdown And Your Mercedes

NO MOT for 3 Months! Yayyy! Or is it?

NO MOT for 3 Months! Yayyy! Or is it?

Corona Virus COVID-19 Communication

Corona Virus COVID-19 Communication

Cold Weather And The Dangers of Worn Tyres Cracking in Low Temperatures

Cold Weather & the Dangers of Worn Tyres Cracking in Low Temperatures

The Dangers of Driving with a Frozen Windscreen

Frozen Windscreens - Why Driving With A Frozen Windscreen Is Bad

Tips To Save Time And Have A Successful MOT

Tips To Save Time And Have A Successful MOT

The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts

The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts

Top Reasons For Getting Your Mercedes’ Air Conditioning Serviced/Re-Gassed For The Winter

Top Reasons For Getting Your Mercedes’ Air Conditioning Serviced/Re-Gassed For The Winter …Yes, You Read Correct! The Winter As Well The Summer. Read On Below To Find Out Why:

Top Reasons For Getting Your Mercedes’ Air Conditioning Serviced/Re-Gassed For The Winter

…Yes, You Read Correct! The Winter As Well The Summer. Read On Below To Find Out Why: