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Professional Mechanic in the garage. Auto repair garage. Hands of car mechanic with wrench
Car mechanic at the garage

Vehicle servicing, repairs and wheel alignment

Have a question for Formula First? Below, we have compiled answers to the most frequent questions we are asked. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch with our dedicated team. You can reach our branch in Weston-super-Mare by calling 01934 644473. For those in Worle, please call 01934 519285.

Navy tyre marks

FAQs

  • What is the tyre law in the UK?
    The legal limit for the minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. For safety reasons, it is recommended that you replace your car tyres before the legal limit is reached. All tyres have a TWI marking on the sidewall, this stands for Tyre Wear Indicator. When the tread wears down to this marker the tyre should be changed.
  • How do I check if I got a valid MOT?
    Go to the DVSA’s MOT status checker, type in your vehicle’s reg, confirm the make and colour and it will show you if your MOT is still valid and its expiry date. On the same page, it also shows the date your vehicle tax expires.
  • How often do I need a MOT?
    Once your vehicle is 3 years old you will need to get it MOT’D once a year. An MOT lasts for a year and must be carried out prior to the renewal date.
  • What is the difference between an MOT and a service?
    Your vehicle’s MOT test is an assessment by a qualified MOT Tester to check whether your vehicle is road worthy enough to be allowed on the road. All MOT testing garages test the same components and structural parts of your vehicle. The MOT test exists to keep drivers, pedestrians, and any other road users safe. At Formula First Tyre Exhaust & Auto Centre Ltd, we provide Class 4 MOT testing in our Worle branch and Class 4 and 7 MOT testing in our Weston Super Mare branch. A service is designed to maintain the mechanical aspects of your vehicle and get it running at its best. A service is not compulsory by law, but we would recommend regular services to keep your vehicle in tip top condition. Most modern vehicles will prompt you with messages on your dash when it needs servicing. We would recommend once a year by a qualified mechanic. Formula First offer a full car service or interim car service. Please call to confirm what’s included in each or to help you choose which service is best for you.
  • How do I know if my brakes need changing?
    There are a number of signs that can tell you if your car brakes are not performing as effectively as they should be. One of them is a squeaking or grinding noise, If you feel your brakes are not responding it is essential that you have your brakes checked over by a specialist as your brakes are ultimately your vehicles safety system.
  • Do you offer car conditioning servicing?
    Yes, Formula First has a dedicated team of staff specialising in car air conditioning including air con re-gas, air conditioning repairs to most make and models. Most manufacturers recommend you service your car’s air con as a minimum every two years.
  • Why choose Formula First for garage repairs?
    At Formula First, we are Weston’s busiest independent garage offering fast and professional garage services, vehicle servicing, fast fit tyres, cambelts, exhausts, brakes, clutches and related services and repairs. We are proud to have been serving the local community in Weston and surrounding villages for more than 20 years. Over the years we have built our reputation on offering our customers the very best professional advice and services, reliability and competitive prices along with implementing a friendly welcoming environment.
Car mechanic running diagnostics with laptop and OBD software
tyre marks

Visit our Weston-Super-Mare or Worle branch for our garage services or call us on

cars being worked on in garage
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