RH Auto Engineering Blog

Helpful car care guides.

Practical advice from our technicians, written for local drivers.

4 min read

When Is My MOT Due? How to Check and Book In Oldbury

MOT due but not sure when? Learn the 3-year rule, how to check via DVLA, and what happens if yours is overdue.

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How Often Should I Service My Car? Interim, Full, and Major Service Explained

Unsure when to service? We explain interim, full, and major services and how to know which one your car needs.

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Your Engine Warning Light Is On — What It Means and What to Do

Is your check engine light on? Learn the difference between solid and flashing, and why a diagnostic is your first step.

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Why Is My Car Making a Grinding Noise When I Brake? Causes and Fixes

Grinding or metal-on-metal noise when braking? Learn what it means and why you should get it fixed quickly.

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Why Won't My Car Start? Battery, Engine, and Quick-Fix Guide

Car will not turn over or cranks but will not fire? Troubleshoot the most common causes and when to call a mechanic.

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Why Is My Car Pulling to One Side? Alignment, Brakes, and Tyres

Steering drifting left or right? Learn what causes pulling and why a wheel alignment check is often the fix.

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MOT Prep — Top Tips to Avoid Failure and Retests

Preparing for your MOT? We share insider tips from our Oldbury workshop to help you pass first time.

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Timing Belt Replacement — When, Why, and Why It Matters

Timing belt due but unsure? Learn the cost of ignoring it and why this is one job you should not skip.

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The Most Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

Lights, tyres, brakes and suspension cause most MOT fails. Here is what the examiner looks for and what you can check at home first.

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DPF Light On? Why Short Journeys Block Your Diesel Particulate Filter

A DPF warning light usually means the filter cannot regenerate. We explain why short trips cause it, what to try, and when to get it checked.

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Is My Clutch Slipping? Signs, Causes and What to Do

Revs rising but the car not speeding up? That is classic clutch slip. Learn the warning signs and why leaving it only makes the bill bigger.

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Wet Timing Belts Explained: What Ford EcoBoost and PureTech Owners Should Know

Some modern petrol engines run their timing belt in oil. Here is why that matters, the warning signs of belt breakdown and how to protect your engine.

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Car Air Con Not Blowing Cold? Common Causes and Fixes

Air con blowing warm air? It could be low gas, a leak or a failed component. Here is how we find the fault and get it cold again.

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Winter Car Checks: How to Get Your Car Ready for the Cold

Cold mornings find every weakness. Our winter checklist covers batteries, antifreeze, tyres, wipers and lights to keep you moving.

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Summer Road Trip Checks: Get Your Car Ready Before You Go

Heading off on holiday by car? Run through these checks on tyres, oil, coolant and air con before you load up and hit the motorway.

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Tyre Tread Depth: The UK Legal Limit and How to Check Yours

The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but is that safe? Learn how to check your tread, what the MOT looks for and when to replace your tyres.

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Oil Warning Light On? What It Means and What to Do Straight Away

An oil warning light can mean low pressure or low level. Learn the difference, why red means stop, and how to check your oil safely.

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Head Gasket Failure: Symptoms, Causes and What Happens Next

White smoke, losing coolant or overheating? These can be signs of a blown head gasket. Here is how to spot it and why acting fast matters.

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Signs Your Turbo Is Failing and How to Make It Last

Loss of power, whistling, blue smoke or limp mode can all point to turbo trouble. Learn the warning signs and simple habits that protect it.

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What Does an MOT Advisory Mean? Advisories, Minors, Majors and Dangerous Defects

Passed with advisories? We explain the MOT defect categories, what each one means for you, and which advisories to deal with first.

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Is It Worth Repairing an Older Car? How to Decide

Big repair bill on an older car? We share how we help customers weigh up repair versus replace, with honest advice and no pressure either way.

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EGR Valve Problems: Symptoms, Causes and Fixes

Rough idle, lack of power or an engine light? A sticking EGR valve is a common cause, especially on diesels. Here is what to look for.

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Full Service vs Interim Service: What Is the Difference?

Not sure whether you need an interim or full service? We explain what each covers, who each suits, and how to keep your service history strong.

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Knocking Noise Over Bumps? Common Suspension Problems Explained

Clunks and knocks over speed bumps usually mean worn suspension parts. We explain the common causes and why they matter for safety and your MOT.

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Why Change Brake Fluid? The Brake Job Most People Forget

Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which can make your brakes less effective. Learn why it needs changing and how often.

Common Ford Focus Problems (2011–2018) and What They Mean for Your Wallet

The Mk3 Focus is a great car to drive, but the 1.0 EcoBoost, PowerShift automatic and TDCi diesels each have faults worth knowing about.

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VW Golf Mk7 Known Faults: What to Watch For on a 2013–2020 Golf

The Mk7 Golf is well built, but coolant leaks, 2.0 TDI EGR faults and DSG servicing catch owners out. Here is what to look for.

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DSG Gearbox Service: Why It Matters and What Happens If You Skip It

Dual-clutch DSG gearboxes change gear brilliantly, but the 6-speed version needs its oil changed on time. Here is why, and how to tell which you have.

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BMW 320d Timing Chain Rattle: Is Your N47 Engine at Risk?

Many 2007–2014 BMW diesels use the N47 engine, known for timing chain wear. Here is how to recognise the rattle and why you should not ignore it.

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Nissan Qashqai Common Problems: DPF, CVT and 1.2 DIG-T Explained

The Qashqai is one of the most popular cars in Oldbury. Here are the faults we see most on the J10 and J11, and how to avoid them.

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Vauxhall Corsa Common Problems: Corsa D, E and F Faults to Know

Timing chains on the Corsa D and E, the PureTech wet belt on the Corsa F. Here is what goes wrong on each and how to spot it early.