Car Repairs FAQ's
I have a service / MOT booked - can I leave my car in the car park the day before?
This will always be at the customer's own risk - we generally do not own the car parks and therefore have no control over CCTV / security.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes, all parts fitted at Halfords are guaranteed for a minimum of 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner.
Do you use OE parts?
Yes, we only use quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from approved suppliers.
Do you offer finance?
Yes, we offer several finance options. Click here to find out more.
How can I transfer my Brakes4Life to my new vehicle?
If you want to transfer your lifetime replacement to a new car, you must bring your new car into your local autocentre for a vehicle safety check within 30 days of buying it (please bring your V5 registration or bill of sale to show the date you bought the car and the change of ownership). To see our full terms and conditions, click here
How long do brake discs last?
You should have your brake discs checked every year or every 10,000 miles, but they will usually need replacing after 30,000 to 50,000 miles on average, although this will vary depending on factors such as the age of your car, the quality of the discs, and your driving habits. Whenever you replace your brake discs, you will also need to replace your brake pads.
You should always replace your brake discs in pairs across the axle to ensure your braking performance is even and consistent.
How long do brake pads last?
You should have your brake pads checked every year or every 10,000 miles, but they will usually need replacing after 20,000 to 40,000 miles on average. However, this will depend on the quality of your brake pads, your driving habits, and the condition of your other braking components like the brake rotors and callipers.
You should always replace your brake pads in pairs across the axle to ensure your braking performance is even and consistent.
How often should I replace brake fluid?
You should check your brake fluid every year, and replace it every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner. As part of our Brake Fluid Change service, our fully qualified technicians will drain the old fluid and safely dispose of it, then refill with new brake fluid to the correct specification. This is also a feature of our Major Service.
What does the air filter do in a car?
The air filter cleans the air that mixes with your fuel before it reaches the engine to prevent any debris from damaging your car’s engine or other internal parts.
If you need a new air filter, you can browse our huge range online at Halfords.com. We also have a step-by-step-guide on how to change your air filter at home.
What oil filter do I need?
You can find the right oil filter for your car with our easy parts selector. Just enter your registration number to see all the options available for your car, from leading brands like Bosch and Mann.
What is a fuel filter?
The fuel filter catches any debris in your fuel to prevent it from entering the combustion chamber and damaging your engine.
Does my Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) need to be replaced?
The following signs can indicate a problem with your Diesel Particulate Filter:
- DPF warning light is lit on your dashboard
- Consistent loss of power
- Start-stop system isn’t working
- Poor fuel economy
- Cooling fans run more than usual
In most cases, a DPF clean can rectify these problems, and you won’t need to replace your Diesel Particulate Filter. Click here to book a full DPF Flush.
What is a car suspension?
The suspension is made up of several components, with the role of absorbing energy from the tyres to keep the body of your car stable.
If you suspect a problem with your car’s suspension, or you’ve noticed a lack of stability when you drive, book a Free Suspension Check at your local Halfords garage.
What are spark plugs and how do I know when they need replacing?
Spark plugs are used in car petrol engines to ignite the fuel-air mix in the cylinders. Over time, they will wear out and must be replaced. Misfiring or problems starting the engine can indicate a problem with your car spark plugs, as well as slow acceleration and high fuel consumption.
The right spark plugs for your vehicle will depend on its make, model, and age. You can find the right spark plugs for your vehicle using our vehicle registration lookup tool here. If you need advice on how to change spark plugs yourself, follow our step-by-step guide here.
If you’d rather leave the work to us, just visit your local Halfords Autocentre and one of our team can order the right parts for your car and fit them.
What engine oil do I need?
There are several different types of engine oil, suitable for different vehicles. Motor oil is classified using a coding system that relates to the oil’s viscosity in warm and cold conditions.
You cand find the right oil for your car listed in your owner’s manual, or click here to enter your registration number and be shown the right engine oil for your vehicle.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a fuel additive for diesel engines, designed to reduce the pollutants emitted. If your AdBlue warning light has appeared on your dashboard, you can book our AdBlue Top-Up service here.
Can you recharge my air-con?
Yes, we offer a full Air Con Regas/Recharge service. Before we can carry out this service, we will need to check your system for faults with a Diagnostic Check.
Once we know that there are no leaks or faults, we can complete replace and recharge your lubricant and refrigerant levels according to your manufacturer’s recommendation. Click here to find out more.
Can you repair a windscreen chip?
Yes, we can repair windscreen chips at our Halfords stores and via Halfords Mobile Experts. There are a few guidelines as to whether a chip can be repaired:
- A chip smaller than 3mm (about the size of a matchstick head) does not usually need to be repaired
- A chip smaller than 25mm (about the size of a £2 coin) is repairable
- A chip over 25mm is usually non-repairable, and you’ll likely need a new windscreen