FAQ

Servicing and Maintenance

What is a minor or interim service?

Our interim includes an oil, oil filter and inspection service, which should be carried our in-between major services.

What is involved in a full or major service?

Our interim includes an oil, oil filter and inspection service, in addition to more rigorous checks. It also includes the replacement of additional parts such as air and pollen filters, plus adjustments to parts such as auxiliary belts.

What is an inspection service?

An inspection service involves a thorough check of your car’s mechanical and electrical systems to ascertain the safety an condition of each component.

If my car is serviced at Hampton Motors, will my manufacturer warranty remain valid?

Yes, absolutely. We use OEM parts and follow manufacturers service schedule so the warranty remains valid.

What happens if you find additional work during the service inspection?

In addition to providing a full 36 point health check and written report, we always photograph worn or problematic parts to make explanation easier.

What happens if you find additional work during the service inspection?

In addition to providing a full 36 point health check and written report, we always photograph worn or problematic parts to make explanation easier.

When does brake fluid need to be changed?

Generally speaking every two years, but this can differ depending on the age and type of your car. Check the handbook or call us to check. Not changing brake fluid leads to inadequate brake performance and premature wear to brake calipers, discs and pads.

Can I check my car before the MOT test?

Yes, we offer a range of services to ensure your car will pass the MOT.

When does a cam/timing belt need to be changed?

The cam-belt or timing belt is a hidden but vital part of your engine because it connects the top half of your engine (the cylinder head assembly) with the lower half (the crank shaft and pistons etc). Most cam belts are due every 40-60,000 miles or every 6 years. If they aren’t replaced to the specific manufacturer schedule they can snap and ruin your car’s engine.

Is servicing my car important?

The most valuable part of your car is the engine, so it’s vital to check the oil level and replace the oil and filter to ensure optimal efficiency. Likewise replacement of filters and serviceable parts such as spark plugs and other simple servicing task will ensure your car runs properly for longer. Simply checking your car tyre pressures is a great way to maintain fuel economy, tyre performance and tyre life.


Car Repairs

When does a cam/timing belt need to be changed?

The cam-belt or timing belt is a hidden but vital part of your engine because it connects the top half of your engine (the cylinder head assembly) with the lower half (the crank shaft and pistons etc). Most cam belts are due every 40-60,000 miles or every 6 years. If they aren’t replaced to the specific manufacturer schedule they can snap and ruin your car’s engine.

Do you fit tyres in Hampton?

While we don’t stock tyres, we have a very good relationship with a local trade supplier and can offer any tyre replacement at the time of MOT or servicing work. Please phone for a competitive quote.

Can you restore my classic car?

Yes, we have the facilities and more importantly time-served technicians to restore all aspects of your classic car. From bodywork repair, engine rebuilds to upholstery. Please call us for more information.


Quotes and Pricing

How do you calculate the price of a job?

We multiply our hourly rate by the recommended job time used by all garages. But unlike many garages, if a job takes less time that we’ve quoted, we’ll reduce the price.

What is your standard hourly rate?

Our standard hourly rate is £68+ vat per hour. For longer term projects, we can offer a reduced rate – Please call to discuss.

What is your standard hourly rate?

Our standard hourly rate is £70+ vat per hour. For longer-term projects, we can offer a reduced rate – Please call to discuss.

What is your standard hourly rate?

Our standard hourly rate starts at £70 + VAT, which is half that of the average main dealer. Also unlike many garages, we charge to the closest 1/2 hour. So if a job takes 30 minutes, that’s what you’ll pay.


Motoring Advice

What happens if my car needs additional work?

We never carry out additional work without your consent. Plus, we always photograph anything that we think you need to see to ensure your are completely aware of what we’re doing or future recommended work.

Can you repair my frosted headlamps?

Yes absolutely. Our resident valeter has many years experience in the detailing world – that is valeting for high-end cars such. This means that he is very skilled in polishing minor scratches or repairing frosted headlamps that can make a car look unsightly or at worst

How should I check my car before a long journey?

Firstly check the oil level, as it’s the lifeblood of your engine. Also top up the screen wash while you’re under the bonnet. Next, check the tyre pressures to ensure they are to manufacturer specifications – the recommend figures are usually mentioned in the handbook. Finally, we also recommend you checking all lights are operating correctly.

What is the best way to pump up my tyres to the correct tyre pressure?

You can buy a small compressor that plugs into your cigarette lighter, or visit a local petrol station. Make a note of the correct tyre pressure and use the machine to match them against the tyre pressures in your handbook.


Paint and Body Repairs

Do you offer smart paint repair or dent removal?

Small car body repairs can be repaired using modern smart repair techniques, often by technicians that come to your house. However, sometimes the quality of repair can vary widely. We have the experience to advise whether a more traditional repair method will offer a better or longer lasting repair, and we can mange the entire process for you from our workshops in Hampton.

Do you offer smart paint repair or dent removal?

Small car body repairs can be repaired using modern smart repair techniques, often by technicians that come to your house. However, sometimes the quality of repair can vary widely. We have the experience to advise whether a more traditional repair method will offer a better or longer lasting repair, and we can mange the entire process for you from our workshops in Hampton.

Can you repair my frosted headlamps?

Yes absolutely. Our resident valeter has many years experience in the detailing world – that is valeting for high-end cars such. This means that he is very skilled in polishing minor scratches or repairing frosted headlamps that can make a car look unsightly or at worst

Can you restore my classic car?

Yes, we have the facilities and more importantly time-served technicians to restore all aspects of your classic car. From bodywork repair, engine rebuilds to upholstery. Please call us for more information.


About Hampton Motors

What happens if you find something else wrong with my car?

During the inspection stage of our interim or major service, we always complete a written report of the condition of your car. We also photograph particular components to help explain wear or damage. If we find something else during the replacement of parts, we always telephone to gain your permission before continuing.

What kind of vehicles do you work on?

Our team are time-served technicians and are comfortable working on everything from classic Rolls Royce, to the latest Audi vehicles.

What kind of vehicles do you work on?

Our team are time-served engineers and are comfortable working on everything from a classic Mercedes to the latest Audi vehicles and everything inbeteween.

Is your work guaranteed?

Of course. Our car repairs are carried out to the highest standards by qualified technicians, using the correct equipment and OEM quality parts. All our work is covered for 12 months, or 12,000 miles, whichever is sooner.