Services

Pit-Stop are proud to be one of the most comprehensive and thorough vehicle servicing garages in Welwyn Garden City and the surrounding areas.

MOT Testing

We are a fully accredited MOT Test Centre, our experienced technicians will take care of the test and any repair work. We can MOT your vehicle up to 30 days before the expiry of your existing MOT and you will retain the current due date. We have a waiting room where you can enjoy a coffee; watch TV and read a newspaper while you wait. Book a service at the same time as your MOT for further savings.

Servicing

We offer full servicing and repair on all make and models of vehicle at competitive prices with free collection and delivery in the local area. All of our servicing is guaranteed. We pride ourselves on honesty - we won’t carry out any work without checking with you first.

Tyres

The law states that your vehicle is fitted with the correct type and size of tyre for the vehicle you are driving. Laws are in place to govern all aspects of your tyres condition; most important is the minimum tread depth and your families safety when driving with children. The legal limit for the minimum depth of the tread is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tread going around the complete circumference of the tyre.

As your tyres are the only point of contact the vehicle has with the road it is vitally important that you select the right tyre for your vehicle and for the purpose it is being used. Here at Pit-Stop we think motorists must get into the habit of checking all four tyres and the spare every 2 weeks for pressures and general condition.

As vehicle technology has advanced over the years – tyres must cope with heavier faster cars with more advanced braking systems. Other parts of the world have extreme winters. These cold or winter tyres have been specially developed over many years and work best in temperatures under 7 degrees Celsius. They look like normal tyres but perform differently.

Diagnostics

When a warning light illuminates on your dashboard, an engine diagnostics check will identify the problem before more serious damage occurs.

Most modern vehicles today contain an on-board computer known as an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which continually monitors the performance of the vehicle. Sensors all around the vehicle report back to the ECU if there are problems such as low fluid levels or increased engine temperature. When an issue is identified the ECU generates an error code.

There are literally hundreds of potential error codes that can only be read by specialist vehicle diagnostic equipment. While a warning light may display on the dashboard alerting you to an issue, a diagnostics check is required to understand the full extent and cause of the problem.

At Pit-Stop we use state of the art diagnostic equipment which reads the engine fault codes in your ECU’s memory. Our trained technicians can then suggest any necessary repairs to get you back on the road and rectify the error. Next time a dashboard warning light appears in your car, don’t pay vehicle dealership prices for your diagnostics check, call into Pit-Stop for a low-cost diagnosis while you wait.

Air Con

Air Con re-gas, servicing and repairs undertaken.

Your air conditioning system not only keeps the temperature right for you and your passengers, it also filters out pollen, dust and fumes, and reduces condensation. Continuous use of your air conditioning helps to maintain the system’s optimum performance, but to keep your system operating at peak efficiency, the micro-filters should be maintained at regular intervals and the correct level of refrigerant gas should be checked and replaced.

USEFUL TIP: Switch your air-con during cold or winter months to stop the gas evaporating.

All things mechanical

Whatever maintenance you need, from a light bulb or windscreen wiper to head gasket or clutch repair, we aim to take care of it quickly and efficiently. We are very happy to diagnose free of charge (up to 20 minutes).

Brakes

How can you tell if your brakes need attention?

Signs to look out for when using your brakes include a grinding noise when you apply the brakes or a pull to the left or right. The grinding normally means that brake pads are excessively worn and need to be replaced along with the damaged brake discs. A pull to the left or right is normally indicative of a sticking or seized mechanical or hydraulic component. You may also feel a continuous “pulsating” from the pedal or a “spongy” feeling. This spongy feeling indicates that there is air in the hydraulic system due to a brake fluid leak. The “pulsating” feel is normally associated with a distorted brake disc or drum.Also an illuminated brake warning light on the instrument panel or if your handbrake is pulling up higher than it normally does – in modern cars, more than 6 to 8 clicks.

If you notice any of these symptoms it’s vital for your safety that your vehicle is inspected immediately. You can book an appointment online with us for a free brake check.

Exhausts

We fit exhausts across all cars and light commercial vehicles. No appointment necessary. We are here to help. Your exhaust emissions system is the only means of channelling away those noxious fumes, like the environmentally destructive gas carbon monoxide, generated by your engine. An exhaust that has failed can lead to noxious fumes being drawn into the vehicle cabin and prolonged exposure to exhaust fumes can make a vehicle occupant feel drowsy, which could lead to an even greater danger. A healthy exhaust system is critical for a quiet smooth running engine with optimum fuel efficiency. If you have any concerns about your vehicles exhaust system then please tell us and we will check it out for you. All our exhausts and catalytic converters carry a 1 year guarantee.

Tracking

Incorrect alignment can result in rapid tyre wear and can affect the handling and safety of the vehicle. Problems can be caused by hitting a kerb, driving into a pothole or by excessive wear to steering and suspension components. “Toe” refers to whether the front of the tyres are closer or further apart than the rear of the tyres. Different types of vehicles need different toe settings to allow for the way that wheels pull either towards each other or apart. It is important to get your wheel alignment checked annually to ensure you get the most out of your tyres. It will also prolong the life of your tyres by up to 12,000 miles and increase fuel efficiency due to the reduced rolling resistance with the road – saving you money on fuel.

Look out for unusual wear on your tyres, such as wear on the inside or outside shoulder of the tyre, which is a sign of incorrect alignment. Pit-Stop offers a free check.