Diagnostics & Complex Repairs
A fault code is a clue, not a diagnosis.
Plugging a car into a diagnostic tool is often only the beginning. Warning lights, running problems, electrical faults, strange noises and intermittent issues can all have more than one possible cause, and the obvious answer isn’t always the right one.
Fault Finding
Good diagnostics come first. Rather than jumping straight to replacing parts, we investigate the fault properly and work through the possible causes to find the most sensible solution.
That may mean electronic diagnostics, testing individual components, checking wiring or mechanical systems and, where necessary, narrowing the problem down through a process of elimination. Some faults give themselves away quickly. Others seem personally offended by the idea of being found.
Either way, we would rather spend the time understanding the problem than start replacing parts and hoping one of them fixes it.
Mechanical Repairs
Once we know what we’re dealing with, the workshop handles everything from everyday mechanical repairs to considerably more involved jobs.
That includes engine repairs and complete engine rebuilds, timing belts and timing chains, clutches and drivetrain repairs, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical faults and general mechanical repairs, as well as work identified during servicing or MOT testing.
If something else becomes apparent while we’re working on the vehicle, we’ll speak to you before adding any further work. Surprises are bad enough when they come from the car.
Brakes, Suspension & Steering
Not every problem comes with a warning light.
Knocks, pulling, vibration, uneven tyre wear, changes in steering or braking performance and unfamiliar noises can have various causes across the vehicle, so it’s important to identify the underlying fault rather than assume where the problem lies.
We inspect and repair braking, suspension and steering systems. Where steering or suspension work may affect wheel alignment, we’ll recommend having it checked and can arrange the alignment for you.
Tyres & Air Conditioning
We supply and fit both new and quality part-worn tyres, with options available to suit different vehicles and budgets.
Air conditioning demand can build up quickly as the warmer weather approaches. Over the past few years, even with three air conditioning machines in use, demand during the warmer months has been extremely high. We strongly recommend booking a few months before the warmer season starts to avoid disappointment.
If several things need attention at once, we can often deal with them during the same booking rather than turning your week into a tour of different garages.
New Parts, Used Parts & Sensible Options
We know that the most expensive option isn’t automatically the best one.
Where appropriate, we can offer both new and quality used parts. We’ll explain the options, the differences and what makes sense for the particular repair, then leave the decision with you.
That can make a considerable difference when dealing with older vehicles or an unexpected major repair where fitting brand-new parts throughout simply doesn’t make financial sense.
Diagnostics & Repairs Across Sussex
Based in Newhaven, we regularly work with customers from Peacehaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Brighton and Hove, as well as Worthing and other parts of West Sussex. Customers also travel to us from further afield, particularly for more involved diagnostic and mechanical work.
Sometimes you know something’s wrong simply because the car no longer feels the way it used to. It may have lost power, stopped pulling properly, or developed a change you can feel but can’t explain. You don’t need to diagnose it before bringing it to us. Tell us what changed. Working out what caused it is our job.
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