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The oil in a car is a key element when it comes to maintaining a healthy and reliable engine - helping to maintain temperatures, lubricate components, and even affect the efficiency of your car.
Over time, however, engine oil can lose its effectiveness. Sludge and dirt can build up in the system, and the oil becomes polluted with contaminants. Oil filters are there to help keep the oil as pure as possible, but the filters also begin to degrade over time - becoming clogged, and making the cleaning process for the oil less effective.
No matter how well looked after your car and engine are, dirt and other deposits will form and contaminate the oil, which is why changing your oil and oil filter is such an important part of car maintenance. How often you should do so depends on the type of car that you drive, and your driving habits - although on average, every 10,000 miles or during your annual service is a good benchmark. In addition, we recommend checking monthly or before a long journey. For information on engine oil changes for your specific model, check out your handbook, or take a look at some of our tips for identifying when your car may need an oil change.
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing people to be spending more time at home, and with many businesses being temporarily closed, it’s only natural that people have been turning to DIY fixes for some of their common maintenance problems. But should changing your car oil fall into that category?
Should you change your oil and filter yourself?
Changing your engine oil can be a messy job, and require some tools and equipment to get started. Because of this, it can be a good idea to leave engine oil changes to the professionals - or build them into your annual car servicing plans.
Often, you may find that in order to access the oil pan, you have to jack the car up to get underneath it. Not only might you not own one, but it can be dangerous to get underneath a car which is only supported by a jack. For safety reasons, axle stands and wheel blocks should be used to hold the weight of the raised car.
Aside from safely raising your vehicle, dealing with the oil itself can be problematic. In order to change the oil, you’ll need a bucket or pan to collect the dirty oil, and then be able to dispose of it in an environmentally responsible way. You’ll also need to have the right amount and type of new engine oil ready to refill the oil pan. There are lots of different types of oil on the market, so do some research or check out your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re using the oil that’s recommended for your make and model of car.
Book an Engine Oil and Filter Change
DIY car maintenance is a great way to help extend the lifespan of your vehicle and keep you safe on the roads, but this shouldn’t come at the expense of professional annual servicing. Check out our recent blog on DIY car maintenance you can do at home to help keep your car in tip-top condition between visits to a garage.
If you’re between services at the moment, or have concerns about your engine oil, take a look at our engine oil change service, with oil filter replacement - where we conduct a full car oil change, including a replacement sump plug washer and replacement oil filter. We’ll also do some additional checks, like looking at gauges and warning lights, exterior lights and lamps, and a visual brake check.
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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This is the only appointment time available on this day. To continue with your booking, please select "Reserve Your Appointment" below.
Please note:
Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.