Technical advice

Brakes are an integral safety feature. However, while you are enjoying life behind the wheel, the brakes in your car have to endure enormous forces and withstand temperatures of up to 800°C.

Over time these forces will take their toll on your brakes and can lead to them becoming worn or faulty, which can put the safety of you and your vehicle at risk. There are a number of signs you can look out for which can indicate you might have a problem with your brakes:

• You have to press hard on the brake pedal to brake (pedal is stiff) – this may be a problem with the assisted braking system (ABS)
• The car pulls to the left or right when you brake – it may be that a brake calliper has seized or that a tyre is underinflated
• The brakes lock-up even when they are applied gently – this may be a problem with the brake discs
• Braking is soft, the pedal is spongy or you have to pump the brakes to stop – this is a problem with the hydraulics
• The brake pedal, steering wheel and sometimes the car vibrates when braking – the brake discs are faulty or the suspension may be loose.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our Vauxhall MasterFit trained technicians can help. They are the experts when it comes to your Vauxhall and they will be able advise whether your brakes need repair or replacement and what the right brakes are for your vehicle.

Compatibility of the right brake pads and brake discs is vital and we always fit Vauxhall Genuine brake pads and discs to ensure the highest levels of quality, safety and performance.

Correct tyres are essential for getting the best out of your vehicle. What’s more, they are arguably the most important safety feature. Over 3.5 million British motorists are driving on illegal tyres and, as the sole point of contact between your car and the road, it is important to check your tyres regularly.

Even though the legal limit for your tread depth is 1.6mm, experts recommend that you change your tyres when the tread reaches 3mm. There is an 8m difference in stopping distance when travelling at 50mph in wet conditions between tyres with a 3mm tread and 1.6mm.

At Vauxhall MasterFit we have a large range of tyres in stock and no appointment is necessary for tyre changes and replacements. As part of our Tyre Price Promise we will not be beaten on price and will match any like-for-like quote. Our Vauxhall MasterFit trained technicians will fit your tyres to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Our Tyre Price Promise is only available on selected leading brands – Continental, Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin and Firestone – at participating Vauxhall MasterFit Retailers, subject to availability.

Driving doesn’t get any more enjoyable than when your Vauxhall is performing at its best. Part of achieving this performance is the oil you put in your vehicle – clean and correct oil is essential for your vehicle to function properly. The oil in your vehicle helps to reduce engine wear and tear, control engine temperature and collect and remove harmful contaminants and debris.

Over time your engine will consume a certain amount of oil as it deteriorates under the extreme temperatures it is exposed to. With such an important part to play in the proper and safe working of your Vauxhall it’s important to check your oil regularly.

When you do need to top up your oil, we recommend Vauxhall approved oils. Our approved oils are designed to give a smoother performance, low emissions and improved fuel efficiency – helping your engine perform better and for longer.

One of the latest oils to join our portfolio of approved oils is dexos2. dexos2 is suitable for both petrol and diesel engine requirements and is also compatible with alternative fuels (LPG, CNG and biodiesel). This versatile oil is compatible with different engine designs and improves fuel economy and reduces vehicle emissions.

Using our approved oils – such as dexos2 – can make all the difference to how well your Vauxhall performs. You can find the type of oil we recommend for your vehicle in your Vauxhall owner’s manual or service booklet.