Today save 15% OFF the price of Continental tyres. Use the promotion code FLASH15 at the basket. Or, save 10% OFF the price of Hankook tyres. Use the promotion code FLASH10 at the basket.
Don't miss out. Offers end at 07:59 on 30/04/2024.
We're thrilled to provide a Lifetime Guarantee that covers all tyre brands. Peace of mind, at no extra cost.
When you are selecting your garage, you will see the different additional services that they also provide.
Once you select a fitting date for your tyre fitting, they will be available for you to select from the available additional services at the basket stage.
The time required for additional services varies, your garage will confirm pickup time when you drop off your vehicle.
Select your new tyres from the wide range of options available to buy from the Blackcircles.com catalogue.
Choose a fitting centre, time and date from one of the 2,200 tyre fitting centres on our nationwide network.
Once you reach the basket, you will be presented with the additional services available to book at the fitting centre.
Your new tyres are paid for at the time of your order. However, garage services are separate from your order with Blackcircles.com. You will therefore need to pay for your additional service option at the garage - on the day of your appointment.
When buying your new tyres from Blackcircles.com, you can also book garage services with many of the fitting partners on the garage network.
Where possible, our fitting partners provide a variety of vehicle services - which you can book to take place at the same time and day as your tyre fitting. Helping to greatly simplify the process of scheduling both your time and your car maintenance requirements.
Any additional garage services that are offered by a fitting partner will be displayed on their garage listing. The most common vehicle services provided are listed below.
2 Wheel Tracking
4 Wheel Alignment
AdBlue top up
Air Con Recharge
Brake Fluid Change
Clutch repair/replacement
MOT & Service Offer
Nitrogen inflation
Vehicle Servicing
TPMS Valve Replacement
Vehicle Diagnostics
Vehicle Health Check
Wiper replacement
This additional service ensures that the wheels on a vehicle are attuned to the original specification as set by the manufacturer. When we are talking about Wheel Tracking, we are referring to the alignment of the front two wheels only.
2-wheel alignment, also called front end alignment, is the process of adjusting the angles on the front wheels to make sure they are both parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road. This is to improve the steering and tyre wear of the vehicle.
4-wheel alignment involves adjusting each of the four wheels on a car, while 2-wheel alignment focuses only on the front two wheels. 4-wheel alignment is considered by many to be a more comprehensive service.
This will depend on your vehicle type and your driving style – as well as the driving conditions you usually experience. If you are unsure, consult a local mechanic or tyre fitter for a recommendation.
Prices vary depending on the company you use and the area of the country you live in.
A 2-wheel alignment will usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and any adjustments needed.
Wheel alignment is a very important to the overall maintenance of a car. It ensures that the vehicle’s wheels are capable of delivering top performance levels in fuel economy, comfort and handling.
Yes, a 4-wheel alignment is a very good process for maintaining the performance of your vehicle and the longevity of your tyres. It ensures that all four wheels are correctly aligned, preventing uneven tyre wear, improving handling and even helping to enhance your fuel efficiency.
A 4-wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of all four wheels on your vehicle (the camber, caster, and toe). By completing this task, and correctly aligning your wheel, it ensures that the wheels are parallel and perpendicular to the road - maximising stability and safety.
On average you can expect a 4-wheel alignment to take in the region of 1 to 2 hours. However, this can vary based on your vehicle's make and model, as well as the level of alignment adjustment that is required.
The choice between a 2 wheel front-end alignment and a 4-wheel alignment depends on your vehicle's alignment issues. Some vehicles only require a front-end alignment, while others would fully benefit from the adjustment provided by a 4-wheel alignment.
Performing a 4-wheel alignment requires special equipment and expertise. Therefore, it is a task that is best left to a professional mechanic. This is so the precise adjustments are made correctly for optimal performance.
AdBlue is a non-toxic solution which is made up of mixture of urea and deionized water. This solution is sprayed into a diesel engine’s exhaust system to help lower the nitrous oxide emissions of the vehicle.
Yes, it is possible for you to top up AdBlue yourself. It's a simple process that helps maintain your vehicle's emissions control system.
The frequency of AdBlue top-up will vary. On average you can expect to require a top up at 3,000 to 6,000 miles - depending on the rate at which your vehicle uses the AdBlue.
Yes, many petrol stations in the UK provide AdBlue at their pumps. This can make it convenient for drivers to refill their AdBlue tanks during fuel stops.
Technically, you can, but it's not advisable. Running a diesel vehicle without AdBlue may lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to your emissions control system.
Yes, topping up AdBlue is often included as part of routine vehicle servicing, ensuring your vehicle complies with emissions regulations.
Maintain your vehicle’s air conditioning unit with a recharge, as over time the gases vital to the function of the air condition unit, can leak and deplete – causing the system to become inefficient.
This additional service involves the replenishment of the system’s refrigerant gas and lubricant reapplied.
Air conditioning recharge typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, but it can vary depending on the system's capacity and any additional issues that need addressing.
A well-maintained system may not require recharging for several years. If your AC is losing refrigerant frequently, it's best to have it inspected for leaks.
Yes, an air condition recharge is worth it - especially if your AC isn't cooling properly. A recharge of your AC can help to optimise and restore cooling performance - leading to greater comfort. However, it is important to note that you should have the unit checked for any underlying issues if refrigerant loss is frequent.
It is not recommended to regas your system yourself. As regassing involves adding refrigerant to your AC system - it should be performed by a qualified mechanic to make sure that it is done both safely and effectively.
Typically, a regas will take around 30 to 45 minutes, but the time can vary based on the system's requirements.
When selecting this service, fully trained mechanics will remove your car's current brake fluid, before refilling with a new one - following the correct specification as set out by your car's manufacturer.
Brake fluid should be changed approximately every 2 years, although you should follow the specific recommendations in your vehicle's handbook.
If you do not change your brake fluid, this can lead to a decrease in the braking performance, reduced responsiveness and even damage to crucial brake components.
Brake fluid replacement is a specialised task that requires proper equipment and expertise. It's recommended to have a trained mechanic complete this service to ensure it's done correctly.
Signs include warning lights on your dashboard, spongy or unresponsive brakes and brake fluid that appears discoloured or contaminated.
While a general guideline is every 2 years, the lifespan of brake fluid can vary. Refer to your vehicle's handbook for manufacturer-specific recommendations.
As the clutch is a very important component of the car, ignoring any of these could be very dangerous. Book a clutch check and the garage will conduct a comprehensive check the clutch system.
Yes, if you are having issues or your clutch is damaged and can’t be repaired, then replacing a worn or slipping clutch is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient driving. If you ignore clutch issues, this can lead to more significant and costly problems down the road.
Replacing a clutch is a complex task that involves significant amount of know-how and expertise. It's best handled by professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge.
Driving with a failing clutch is not recommended, as it can result in further damage to your vehicle's transmission and compromised safety on the road.
Common signs include clutch slipping, difficulty shifting gears, a burning smell or unusual noises when engaging the clutch pedal.
Car insurance typically does not cover the replacement of a clutch, as it's considered a wear-and-tear issue rather than a result of an accident or covered event.
Book in with a VOSA approved MOT test centre for your car's annual test of safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions. Official information about the MOT test can be found on the gov.uk website.
An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a mandatory inspection in the UK that ensures that a vehicle meets the safety and environmental standards required by law. It assesses various aspects such as the brakes, lights, emissions, tyres and more.
The MOT test requirements have and will change over time. However, the common areas include stricter emission standards and updated safety criteria. If you want to check all the areas of the inspection, the best source is the official list on the Government’s website.
You can face fines and penalties if you drive without a valid MOT certificate. It's illegal to use your vehicle on the road without a current MOT, except when driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
Driving with an overdue MOT can result in fines, penalty points and your vehicle may be deemed unfit for the road. It's crucial to keep your MOT up to date.
You can typically book an MOT up to one month (minus a day) before your current certificate expires.
As well as booking in for your car's annual MOT test some of the garages on the Blackcircles.com provide a service before the MOT - helping to ensure any potential issues are discovered prior to the test.
This often comes as combo deal.
The cost of an MOT and service will vary depending on the vehicle type, location and garage running the offer. On average, it can range from £150 to £300+.
There are times when combining an MOT and service may offer cost savings. This is because some garages offer package deals. For fitters on our network who offer this package, check their centre’s listing for the latest pricing they are offering.
No, an MOT and service can be done separately. However, some prefer combining them for convenience and any potential savings.
An MOT is an inspection to ensure your vehicle meets legal standards. A service is a maintenance process that can include oil change, safety checks and component replacements. Each has its own benefits.
Typically, a combined MOT and service can take between 2 to 3 hours, but this will vary depending on the vehicle's condition and any if there is any additional work required.
Inflate your tyres with Nitrogen for less rapid pressure loss and corrosion. Garages who provide this service will fill your tyres with Nitrogen, rather than the standard oxygen.
Nitrogen tyre inflation involves filling tyres with nearly pure nitrogen - instead of regular air. It's used to maintain tyre pressure more consistently.
Nitrogen inflation can be beneficial for specific applications like racing or maintaining consistent tyre pressure.
Nitrogen maintains tyre pressure better than regular air, reducing pressure loss over time. It can also result in slightly better fuel efficiency and tyre life.
Nitrogen can remain stable in tyres for several months to a year. However, tyres can naturally lose pressure over time, so regular pressure checks are still necessary.
While it's possible to fill regular tyres with nitrogen, it's typically reserved for specialty applications. For everyday driving, regular air is more than sufficient.
Since 2014, newly produced vehicles come with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard. This service means your vehicle will receive a new specialised replacement valves, fitted with a sensor.
It is important to ensure that TPMS sensors are regularly maintained. As a broken TPMS sensor can result in an MOT failure.
TPMS valve replacement costs will vary on the vehicle and the garage.
Yes, you can replace TPMS valves individually - without the need to replace the entire sensor. This is the case if the sensor is still functional.
While it is possible, it is highly recommended that you have the TPMS sensors installed by a professional. This is to make sure they are installed correctly, with the right calibrations.
Yes, it's typically illegal to replace a TPMS sensor with a regular valve stem in regions where TPMS is mandatory. This is due to safety and environmental regulations. Since November 2014, TPMS has been a legal requirement for new passenger vehicles in the UK.
Yes, TPMS sensors usually require programming or syncing to your vehicle's system. This is to ensure that they are able to accurately monitor the tyre’s pressure. This should be done by a qualified mechanic.
This consists of a full check of the computer’s computer to spot potential mechanical issues. Using specialised software and equipment, a trained specialist can find out key information from your car and then carry out the required work – removing the guesswork for many issues.
The cost of a car diagnostic test will vary on the vehicle, centre carrying out the test and the thoroughness of the test. However, a diagnostic test can range anywhere between £35 to £150.
A vehicle diagnostic involves the use of specialised tools and software to identify and analyse issues within a car's systems. It can be useful for pinpointing problems in the engine, issues with transmission, problems with brakes and much more.
A car diagnostic can provide specific error codes and data about the vehicle's systems. This will tell a mechanics what the issue is and helps them to understand what needs fixed. This can include problems such as engine misfires or sensor malfunctions.
Car diagnostics will usually take around 30 minutes to an hour. However, complex issues may require additional time for a thorough diagnosis.
A scan typically retrieves error codes from the vehicle's computer helping to indicate any problems. Whilst a diagnostic involves the in-depth analysis needed to identify the root cause of an issue, helping mechanics understand exactly what is needed to fix it.
This is a comprehensive health check on your vehicle. Carried out by a team of expert technicians. The key components of your vehicle are checked over, to ensure there is no obvious faults. The check consists of a visual check, carried out by an expert, looking at items such as warning lights, headlight, electrical system and more.
A vehicle health check includes an inspection of key components like brakes, tyres, fluid levels, lights, and other critical systems.
The cost of a vehicle health check varies but generally ranges from £35 to £75, depending on the garage and the level inspection.
It's not typically free, but some service centres may offer complimentary basic health checks. Comprehensive inspections often come at a cost.
Yes, a vehicle health check is worth it. It helps to identify potential issues early, ensuring your car's safety and reliability.
A standard vehicle health check usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Regular car servicing can extend the lifespan of a car - each service booking is completed by expert technicians, who will complete the work to the highest standards.
A full car service will usually include an oil change, filter replacements, checks of various systems (brakes, suspension, fluids, etc.), and adjustments as needed.
Car service costs vary depending on your location, the type of service (basic or full), and the make and model of your vehicle. On average, it can range from £90 to £250+.
Most cars should be serviced every 6,000 to 12,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months - whichever comes first. Refer to your vehicle’s handbook for specific recommendations from the manufacturer.
Not necessarily. The type of service required can vary. Some years, a basic service may suffice, while a full service should be performed every 2 years or as recommended by your manufacturer.
Your vehicle's service schedule outlined in the handbook will set out how often a full service is due. On top of this, unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in performance may indicate the need for a service.
Have your wiper blades begun to show signs that they need replacing? It is recommended that wiper blades are replaced at least once every 12 months - to make sure you have full visibility throughout the year.
Yes, replacing worn wiper blades is very important for safe driving - especially during seasons that experience a lot of rain or snow. Old blades can leave streaks which impair visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
No, it is not legal to drive with broken windscreen wipers. Properly functioning wipers are a legal requirement as they ensure clear vision whilst driving.
Failing to replace wiper blades can lead to reduced visibility during adverse weather conditions – this in turn compromises the safety of both you and other road users. It can also result in scratched windshields and more significant repair expenses.
Wiper blade lifespan varies, but they typically last around 6 months to a year. However, harsh weather conditions can shorten this duration.
Signs include streaking, smearing, skipping or chattering during operation. If your wipers are noisy or not clearing your windshield effectively, it's time for a replacement.