M & R Auto Repairs

Ever wondered what actually happens during an air conditioning re-gas?

A lot of people think it’s simply a case of “adding more gas”, but there’s a bit more to it than that.

✔️ The existing refrigerant is safely recovered and measured
✔️ The system is tested under vacuum to check for leaks
✔️ Fresh refrigerant is added to the manufacturer's exact specification
✔️ System performance is tested to make sure it's cooling correctly

Over time, air conditioning systems naturally lose refrigerant, which means your A/C has to work harder and won't blow as cold as it should.

If your air con is taking longer to cool the cabin, isn't as cold as it used to be or has started blowing warm air, it could be time for a re-gas, give us a call 📞07743 209969

Nothing beats stepping into a cool car on a hot summer day!

If your timing belt snaps… it’s not a warning light situation.

It’s game over for the engine.

Here’s why it matters 👇

Your timing belt controls the precise movement of your engine’s internal components, keeping the crankshaft and camshaft perfectly in sync. That timing is everything.

When it fails:
⚠️ Valves and pistons collide at high speed
⚠️ Internal components bend, break or shatter
⚠️ In many cases, the engine is beyond economical repair

We’re not talking small bills, it’s usually thousands, not hundreds.

The scary part?

Timing belts don’t always give obvious warning signs before they go. No noise, no dashboard light… just failure.

That’s why manufacturers set replacement intervals, typically around 5 years or 60,000 miles (sometimes more depending on the vehicle). It’s preventative, not reactive.

Do you actually know when yours was last changed, or is it one of those “I think it’s been done” situations? 🤔
Get in touch today and we can get you booked in and take a look 📞07743 209969

Engine oil doesn’t get much attention… until it’s too late 👀

Your engine has thousands of moving parts working under heat and pressure every single time you drive.
And there’s only one thing keeping it all protected…

🛢️ Your oil.

Run it low, run it old or ignore it for too long and wear starts creeping in fast. Not always obvious at first… but it adds up.

Quick one…
Do you actually check your oil between services, or just rely on the warning light? 🤔

Better safe than sorry...book in with M&R and we will check it for you 📞07743 209969

Planning a summer road trip?

Windows down, music up, kids in the back… it’s what summer’s all about.

But here’s one thing most people don’t think about 👇
All those extra miles, heavier loads and long motorway runs put your brakes under serious pressure.

No one wants that moment where something doesn’t feel quite right halfway through a journey 😬

Quick question…
When was the last time you had your brakes checked?
Book in with us today 📞 07743 209969

What’s the highest mileage car you’ve ever owned? 👀

For context… the world record sits at a ridiculous 3.5 MILLION miles 🤯

So where do you fall?
🔧 120k and moved it on
🔧 180k and still going strong
🔧 250k+ and barely broken in
🔧 Or something properly serious?

Some cars just refuse to give up… and we know a few of you will have some stories 👀

Drop your highest mileage below 👇

Quick question… do you actually know what your car has for a puncture? 👀

A lot of modern cars no longer come with a full-size spare wheel.

The problem is many drivers don’t find this out until they’re stuck at the side of the road with a flat tyre.
It’s worth checking:

✅ Do you have a spare wheel?
✅ Is it inflated and usable?
✅ Do you know where the locking wheel nut is?
✅ Is your inflation kit still in date?

If you’re unsure, pop in and we’ll happily check and advise on your options

Most people blame winter when their battery finally gives up, but in reality, summer heat often does the damage first

High temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions inside a battery, increasing internal wear and causing fluid to evaporate faster. The battery weakens over time… then winter simply exposes the problem.

That’s why batteries often fail after hot weather, especially if they’re already a few years old.

Common warning signs include:
⚠️ Slow engine cranking
⚠️ Dim lights or electrical issues
⚠️ Stop/start not working properly
⚠️ Battery warning light
⚠️ Needing jump starts

The good news? A quick battery health check can often spot issues before you end up stranded.

We’re offering FREE battery health checks, just call in and we’ll test it for you

📞 07743 209969

☀️THE SUNS COMING!☀️

Incase you haven’t seen, the suns finally coming!

Is your AC working?

Same day, while you wait appointments!

Now is the time to get your air conditioning ready!

R134A & HFO-1234YF

Is your car due a service, brakes, cambelt, clutch, MOT or any other mechanical repairs?

Get in touch for a quote.
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📞 07743 209969
📧[email protected]
🌍www.mandrautorepairs.co.uk
📍 M & R Auto Repairs
Unit 10 The Forge
West End
Sherborne St John
Basingstoke
RG24 9LE
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* VAT registered
* Fully insured
* 5* Reviews
* OEM quality parts
* Cards accepted

That dashboard warning light isn’t there for decoration

Modern cars are packed with technology, with hundreds of sensors constantly monitoring everything from emissions and engine performance to braking systems and electrical components.

The problem is, a warning light doesn’t always tell you what’s actually wrong, it’s simply your car telling you something needs attention.

That’s where proper diagnostics matter.

At M&R Auto Repairs, we use diagnostic equipment to read fault codes, identify the underlying issue and explain clearly what’s happening with your vehicle; no guesswork, no unnecessary parts swapping.

Catching faults early can often prevent bigger and more expensive problems further down the line.

Got a warning light on? Get it checked before it becomes something more serious

📞 07743 209969

As temperatures rise, so does your tyre pressure

Most drivers think about tyres losing pressure in winter but warmer weather can increase tyre pressures surprisingly quickly. In fact, for roughly every 10°C increase in temperature, tyre pressure can rise by around 1 PSI.

That might not sound like much, but incorrect tyre pressures can affect:
🚗 Grip and handling
🚗 Braking performance
🚗 Tyre wear
🚗 Fuel economy
🚗 Overall driving comfort

Overinflated tyres can also wear unevenly and reduce the amount of tyre actually making contact with the road.

The good news? It only takes a couple of minutes to check.

Call in for a FREE tyre pressure check and we’ll make sure everything is set correctly for the warmer weather

📞 07743 209969