AP Autocare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AP Autocare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who are AP Autocare?

AP Autocare is a local serving garage operating in the Bristol area. Established in 1976, we have grown to become one of the most reputable independent city centre MOT and Service Centres in Bristol. We provide courtesy car facilities or will try to accommodate your needs – if you require a lift to work/home or collection and delivery please ask our service advisors. Our reputation between our customers and ourselves is very important to us, and so you can expect to receive an honest, friendly and professional service at a competitive rate without the costs associated with manufacturer main dealers. AP Autocare are capable of working on all types of vehicles of any age and size from small city cars to Class 7 commercial vehicles, with the ability to accommodate for motorhomes and campers as well. If you are trying to find a garage in Bristol that you can trust, AP Autocare is your top choice!

What services do you offer?

AP Autocare acts as one of Bristol’s top car shops so it’s important for us to cater to our customers. This is why we offer a variety of services so that we are able to provide reliable services to our customers. From car servicing, MOT’s, tyres & exhausts to vehicle air conditioning, AP Autocare are able to cater to your every need. Find a full list of our services below:

  • Servicing
  • MOT Check
  • Vehicle Diagnostics
  • Air Conditioning
  • Tyres & Exhausts
  • Brakes & Clutches
  • ECU Remapping
  • Bodywork & Paint Repairs
  • Corrosion Repairs
  • Suspension & Steering
  • Four Wheel Alignment

What makes of car do you service?

The team at AP Autocare are trained to service and work on all types, brands and manufacturers of vehicles. We will work on any brand of car within or outside of the manufacturer’s warranty. Not only that, we also service vans & commercial vehicles up to class 7. We also offer MOTs and repairs. If you can’t see anything related to your specific make of car on our website, call our team today to get a bespoke quotation.

What is a MOT test/check?

A MOT is a test/check is a test carried out to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. MOT’s last for a year but only confirm the condition of the vehicle on the date of the test. The MOT check and the criteria within the test are regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (formerly VOSA). It is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT and you won’t be able to renew your insurance unless you have a valid MOT. If your MOT renewal date is coming up soon why not come to AP Autocare? We offer free re-tests if the re-test is carried out within 10 working days of the original test.

What Happens In A MOT Test?

When you book your car in for a MOT check, your vehicle is inspected to evaluate the safety of the vehicle as it is being driven on the road. The structural integrity of the vehicle is inspected as well as the mechanical soundness of the safety systems like your brakes, tires as well as seatbelts. All safety features are inspected, as these are fundamental to the driver’s safety during normal use as well as in a traffic collision. A common misconception is that a MOT is like a car service. Whilst this type of service can be arranged with AP Autocare, a MOT test strictly tests basic functions as well as the safety features of the car whereas a service will encompass things like oil changes & spark plugs which are not essential for the safety of the vehicle.

What happens if I fail my MOT test?

In general, regularly serviced vehicles are more likely to pass their yearly MOT test. Investing in regular vehicle care is important as the constant use is going to degrade the condition of the vehicle. Making sure your vehicle is properly serviced is important as you rack up the miles, as things like your filters, oil, spark or glow plugs are going to degrade. In the case of a failed MOT, if your vehicle has failed its test, AP Autocare can offer you a free retest if your retest is scheduled within 10 days of the original test. This gives you more than a week to sort the faults with your vehicle so that you can get back on the road!

When do I need to book an MOT test?

If you have purchased a brand new car, your first MOT will be due 3 years from the date it was originally registered. After that first MOT, your car will have to successfully pass a MOT on an annual basis. You can bring your vehicle into a verified MOT station four weeks before your current MOT expires. An easy way to make sure you don’t forget your MOT is by booking a yearly service at the same time as your MOT, making sure you get your car regularly serviced as well as having your MOT renewed.

Can I book a service or MOT online?

We now offer an online booking service so that you are able to submit your details to the team (car registration, service required, preferred dates etc.) so that they can reply to your submission with information regarding your booking. This is a great tool for convenience if you are in the Bristol area looking for a car service. You can also enquire by calling the team at AP Autocare to book any one of the services that we offer.

Can I book a service or MOT online?

AP Autocare have a fully trained team of body shop specialists so we are able to fix most types of damage that you can find on a vehicle! Whether you have a few small scratches or a huge dent in your bumper, AP Autocare can accommodate for most cases! We offer a wide variety of services from scratch & dent repair to full body resprays so enquire today and speak to our team so we can further discuss your requirements.

I have a large scratch/dent/damaged bodywork/on my car, can I fix it?

If your car has been scratched, bumped or dented then a body shop is one of your only ways of restoring your car and repairing the damage faithfully. DIY methods like paint pens and dent repair usually make the damage look worse, as these techniques are often boiled down and skewed methods that professionals use. If you have been in a vehicle collision then it’s very important to find a body shop that has your best interests in mind. Illicit body shops are almost too easy to find and they will scam insurance companies, downplay claims and minimise the cost they put into your body repair. AP Autocare strives for excellence and does not partake or condone any of these illicit practices, only offering top quality service to you, the customer.

Why should I get my vehicle regularly serviced?

Even though servicing your car isn’t a legal requirement, it’s often a good idea to have a regular annual service booked in with your local garage since there are huge benefits to having a looked after car. Regular servicing will improve the safety of the vehicle since any worn or broken parts will be spotted before it’s too late, letting you know before something catastrophic breaks leaving you stranded on the side of a road. This is also going to save you money since you aren’t going to have to pay expensive towing fees in the event you break down.

Annual servicing is also going to give you longevity when it comes to the lifespan of your vehicle since everything is going to be running in prime condition, leaving less strain on individual components that may wear out over time. Regular servicing is also going to help you retain value when it comes to selling your car since a full-service history is going to bode well when it comes to selling the vehicle, letting the next owner know that the vehicle hasn’t been neglected and has been looked after.

If you are looking for any of the services in our range then please contact us on 0117 963 8916 or book online here or visit our page on: Services to find more information today!

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