Car Care Advice
Expert Garage Advice
Honest, practical advice from the team at John Downes Garage — helping West Midlands drivers keep their cars safe, legal and running well since 1973.
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Read articleHow Much Does an MOT Cost in 2026?
MOT cost in 2026 is £54.85 max (DVSA). What's tested, common failures & how to pass. Book yours at John Downes Garage.
Read articleWhen Does My Car Need a Service? The Complete Guide
Most cars need servicing every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Here's the difference between interim and full services, and the warning signs to watch for.
Read article5 Signs Your Brakes Need Replacing
Squealing, grinding, pulling to one side, a soft pedal or vibration are the five clear signs your brakes need attention. Here's what each one means and what it costs.
Read articleHow Much Does an Air-Con Regas Cost?
A car air-con regas typically costs between £50 and £90 depending on the refrigerant your car uses. Here's what's involved, why air con stops blowing cold, and when a regas isn't enough.
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Read articleCar Servicing At John Downes Garage, Brierley Hill
A lot of people only half remember the name and type "car servicing downe" into Google. If that is how you found this page, you are in the right place. John Downes Garage has been servicing cars for drivers in Brierley Hill, Dudley and Stourbridge since 1973.
Car servicing is simply a planned set of checks and replacements that keeps a car safe and reliable between MOTs. Depending on the service level, that usually covers the oil and filter, air and fuel filters where they are due, spark plugs, brake pads and discs, tyres, lights, wipers, battery condition and the levels under the bonnet. If something looks worn rather than broken, we will tell you how long you have got on it so you can plan the work instead of being caught out.
If we spot a fault while the car is in, we can carry out diagnostics, brake and suspension work, engine and electrical repairs, air conditioning regas, tyres, batteries and exhausts in the same workshop, so the car does not need to go anywhere else.
How often should my car be serviced?
Most cars are serviced once a year or at the mileage set by the manufacturer, whichever comes first. High mileage drivers and cars used for short town journeys often benefit from an interim service in between. Check your handbook or ring us with the registration and we will tell you what that model needs.
Can you service the car and do the MOT together?
Yes, we carry out MOT testing and servicing at the same garage, so both can be booked for the same visit. It saves you a second trip and means anything the test picks up can be looked at while the car is already with us.
