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Average Review Score in the area
If you’re looking for a garage in Ongar for your car service, you can choose from 1 on BookMyGarage. We know how important it is to find a local garage you can trust and the star ratings from other car owners in Ongar will help you to choose the best one for you.
How do you choose a garage for your service?
What is the first thing you do when it’s time to choose a garage for your annual service? Do you just pick up the phone to the garage you’ve been using since you first drove a car - even if it’s miles out of Ongar - because that’s what you’ve always done? Do you ask friends for their recommendations? Or do you compare prices, speed and quality of service, and feedback for all the garages in and around Ongar? While this might seem the most systematic approach, it is also the most time-intensive. But BookMyGarage lets you do just that and book in your service with your chosen garage online at the same time.
When should you get your car serviced?
Not everyone is organised enough to know when an MOT is due, but what about a service? The make, age, mileage and average usage of your car all play a part in this question, but in general your car should undergo a Full Service every 12 months (or 12,000 miles) and a Major Service every two years (or 24,000 miles). Some helpful garages apply a sticker to the driver’s door noting the date when the next service is due, but the best thing is to check the owner’s manual which should detail the service history of the vehicle. When you buy a new car or sell your existing one, it’s important to have that service history filled out so that a potential buyer or dealer can see at a glance that the car’s been properly looked after. High mileage drivers who regularly travel outside Ongar should consider an Interim Service every 6 months (or 6,000 miles).
What are common car problems to look out for?
A common car problem which is worth taking action on fast is a faulty alternator. The alternator is a simple but key part in your car - as well as powering your headlights it gives your battery the power it needs to start the car, so it’s pretty important. There are a few signs to look out for if your alternator is starting to fail, from dimmed headlights when you’re driving around Ongar at night or a light appearing on the dashboard, to a growling sound or unusual smell coming from the engine. If you spot any of these, find a Ongar garage on BookMyGarage and get your car checked out. Prices for a replacement alternator can vary a lot depending on the make and model of your car, but are generally around £200-£300.
How to be a better driver
Whether you’re driving in Ongar or further afield, think about road user etiquette. Showing respect for other road users makes driving more pleasant for you and safer for everyone. For example, if you have to make a last minute change of lane, make your request to change clear to the driver who will need to let you in - and signal your thanks if they do. Be ready to abandon the change of lane if they won’t play ball - your safety (and that of other drivers and pedestrians) is more important than getting to your destination in the shortest time possible. When the position is reversed and a driver asks your permission to change lanes, allow them to as long as it is safe. If you get frustrated, avoid using your horn - it won’t improve matters and might make them considerably worse.