1. **Engine Longevity**: Oil lubricates the engine and prevents wear by reducing friction between moving parts. As oil degrades over time, it becomes less effective, leading to increased engine wear, which can reduce the lifespan of your car.

2. **Oil Contamination**: Even with synthetic oils, contaminants like dirt, metal particles, and combustion byproducts accumulate in the oil over time. These can harm the engine if not removed regularly. More frequent oil changes ensure that these contaminants don’t have time to cause damage.

3. **Driving Conditions**: The recommended interval of 30,000 km often assumes ideal driving conditions—consistent speeds, mild weather, and minimal stop-and-go traffic. However, most drivers experience more demanding conditions, such as short trips, frequent cold starts, or heavy loads, which accelerate oil degradation and make more frequent oil changes necessary.

4. **Turbocharged Engines**: Many newer cars are equipped with turbocharged engines, which operate at higher temperatures and pressures. These engines place greater demands on the oil, making it crucial to change the oil more frequently to prevent turbocharger and engine damage.

5. **Warranty Compliance**: If your car is still under warranty, following a shorter oil change interval may be required to keep the warranty valid. Failing to adhere to recommended maintenance can void your warranty.

6. **Resale Value**: Keeping a strict maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, can help maintain your car’s resale value. Prospective buyers or dealers often view a well-documented maintenance history as a sign that the car has been well cared for.

While 30,000 km might be acceptable under specific conditions, many experts and mechanics recommend more frequent oil changes, typically every 10,000 to 15,000 km, depending on the car and driving habits. This ensures the engine stays well-lubricated, clean, and efficient, ultimately saving you money on repairs and extending the life of your vehicle.

The post The Importance of Regular Oil Service appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

The European Commission has recently announced a five-year extension to the MVBER, which was set to expire in 2023. This means that car manufacturers can continue to use selective distribution systems, and car owners can continue to choose where they take their vehicles for repairs and maintenance. The extension also includes some changes to the regulation, such as requirements for more access to technical information for independent repairers.

What does this mean for drivers?

For drivers, the MVBER means that they have the freedom to choose where to take their car for servicing and repairs. They can choose to take their vehicle to an authorised dealership or an independent repairer, which may be more convenient or cost-effective. This can help to lower the cost of repairs and increase competition in the market, which can ultimately benefit drivers.

In addition, the MVBER helps to ensure that drivers have access to high-quality repairs and maintenance services. The regulation requires that both authorized dealerships and independent repairers have access to the technical information and spare parts needed to carry out repairs and maintenance on vehicles. This means that drivers can be confident that their car will be serviced and repaired to a high standard, regardless of where they choose to take it.

Overall, the MVBER provides drivers with more choice and ensures that they have access to high-quality repair and maintenance services, which can help to lower costs and increase competition in the market.

The post Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation – Five Year Extension appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

• Cork – Little Island
• Cork – Blarney
• Northpoint 1 & 2, Dublin
• Deansgrange, Dublin
• Fonthill, Dublin
• Galway
• Limerick              
• Waterford
• Letterkenny
• Athlone
• Ballina
• Naas
• Drogheda
• Derrybeg

To enable the re-opening of centres the NCTS has put detailed measures in place, in each test centre, to mitigate against the spread of COVID19 and to protect both customers and staff, more information on what you should expect are outlined in our FAQ.

You may have some questions regarding the resumption of service and your NCT Certificate validity, more information can be found here

The reopening is subject to the Government’s approval of the start of phase 2 of the Road Map to ease Covid19 restrictions. NCTS intend to open the remaining NCT centres on a phased basis during June and July, this reopening will be aligned with the Governments Roadmap for reopening Society and Business.

Please continue to check the NCTS website for further updates.

The post COVID 19 Update: NCTS to reopen the NCT service on a phased basis from the 8 June 2020 appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

1. Why are NCT certificates being extended?

The measure is in place because of the suspension of car testing from 28 March due to COVID-19 restrictions.  The measures are part of the State’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 virus and recognise that car owners have not been able to undertake NCTs as a consequence of the suspension of car testing from 28 March 2020.

2. Why are cars with a due date prior to 28 March 2020 not being extended?
The NCT testing system was suspended on 28 March 2020 as part of the Government response to COVID 19. All cars with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020 are being extended by 4 months.  The RSA has been advised that, legally, the Regulations extending the due dates could only be applied from the date of suspension of testing i.e. 28 March 2020 and could not be applied retrospectively.  Therefore, due dates prior to this date could not be extended.

3. Will I get a new NCT Certificate?
No, a new certificate will not be issued.  An Garda Síochána will be aware that all NCT certificates with an expiry date on or after 28 March 2020 are valid for 4 months after the expiry date printed on the windscreen disc.

4. Do I need to apply for the extension?
No, the extension will be applied automatically to all cars that are eligible for the extension.

5. Does the extension apply for all subsequent test due dates? 
Yes, the date is being permanently reset and will be your car’s new test due date in the future.

6. My test due date was in the middle of March.  I booked a test but there was no availability until April and then the NCTS closed on March 28 2020.  What is my position?
The extension of NCT due dates applies only to vehicles with a test due date of 28 March 2020 or later and therefore does not apply to your case. The Minister has advised that An Garda Síochána are aware of the issues and a pragmatic approach will be taken at this time, given that it is not possible to have these vehicle tests done.  Please retain the confirmation of booking received to produce to a member of An Garda Síochána, if required. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates in relation to resumption of services.  RSA is exploring with the NCTS contractor, possible options for emergency tests based on HSE guidance and instructions on social distancing and other requirements. Remember that it is the owner’s obligation to ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy at all times when used on a public road.

7. My NCT due date was in early March.  I had the car tested in mid-March but it failed.  I had the retest booked for 2 April.  What is my position?
The extension of NCT due dates applies only to vehicles with a test due date of 28 March 2020 or later and therefore does not apply to your case. The Minister has advised that An Garda Síochána are aware of the issues and a pragmatic approach will be taken at this time, given that it is not possible to have these vehicle tests done. Please retain the confirmation of booking received to produce to a member of An Garda Síochána, if required. You should also continue to carry the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) you received on the day of the test. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates in relation to resumption of services. Remember that it is the owner’s obligation to ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy at all times when used on a public road.

8. My NCT certificate is due to expire.  Will it be extended now that I cannot get my car tested?

The NCT for all cars with a due date on or after 28 March 2020 is being extended by 4 months i.e. a vehicle with a test due date of 2 April will be extended to 2 August. If a vehicle held a valid NCT on 28 March 2020, the test due date will be extended.

9. My test due date has moved from May 2020 to September 2020 – when should I present my car for testing?
Your new test due date is now in September and your car should be presented for NCT based on that date. Please refer to NCTS for all booking information.

10. My NCT expired in the middle of March and is not being extended, I need my car to get to work, can I use it?
There is no change to the rules regarding the obligation to have a vehicle tested by the test due date. RSA is exploring with the NCTS, possible options for emergency tests having regard to Government and HSE guidance.  Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates. 

11. My NCT certificate is out of date 6 months and I cannot get my car tested in order to become compliant; what do I do?
The extension of NCT due dates applies only to vehicles with a test due date of 28 March or later and therefore does not apply to your case. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates in relation to resumption of services. RSA is exploring with the NCTS contractor, possible options for emergency tests based on HSE guidance and instructions on social distancing and other requirements.

12. My vehicle was first registered on 1 August 2016 and will be due its first NCT on 1 August 2020, am I eligible for the extension?
No, the date of first registration generally sets the initial test due date for cars and subsequent tests are due on the anniversary of that date. Cars first registered on or after 1 August 2016 are not eligible for the 4 month extension. It is expected that the NCT service will have resumed testing by July and therefore tests will be available from that date.

13. My NCT certificate expired in December 2019.  Will it be extended? 

No, only those cars with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020 will be extended.

14. My NCT certificate has expired since February but because of the lifts issue, I had a partial test only, no underbody inspection was carried out.  What is my position?
You should continue to carry the Vehicle Inspection Report showing an incomplete test, with you in the car to present to a member of An Garda Síochána, if required.  This Report has been amended to show clearly that the NCT is incomplete due to the lifts issue.

15. Will the failure to conduct NCT inspections result in dangerous vehicles on our roads?
All vehicle owners are reminded that the roadworthiness of their vehicle is always their responsibility

16. Should I retain my expired NCT disc and continue to display it on the windscreen? 
Yes.

17. Will all lifts be working when NCTS resumes?
While the lifts in the larger centres have been repaired, due to the travel restrictions the repair programme has been suspended.  However, NCTS will keep this under review and any updates will be published on the website. 

18. I didn’t attend for my NCT in March due to concerns about COVID 19 as I am in a vulnerable category.  My test due date was prior to 28 March.  What is my position?
There is no change to the rules regarding the obligation to have a vehicle tested by the test due date. RSA is exploring with the NCTS, possible options for emergency tests having regard to Government and HSE guidance. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

19. I drive a Taxi, that needs a current NCT to renew my licence, what should I do? 
The National Transport Association has advised that all licences due for renewal will be extended. Please refer to the NTA for further information.

20. I have completed my initial inspection and was due to return for a retest that requires the use of equipment. If I go outside the 30 days retest deadline will I have to undergo a full NCT inspection again? 
Yes, where it is more than 30 days since the initial test it will be necessary to undergo the full NCT again.  This is considered necessary in the interests of road safety as additional fail items may have developed in the car in the intervening period.

21. I have completed my initial inspection and was due to return for a visual retest. If I go outside the 30 days retest deadline will I have to undergo a full NCT inspection again?
Yes, where it is more than 30 days since the initial test it will be necessary to undergo the full NCT again.  This is considered necessary in the interests of road safety as additional fail items may have developed in the car in the intervening period.

22. I was due an underbody inspection as I only had a partial inspection due to the lifts issue, and now have to undergo a full test again, will I have to pay a full test fee?
No.  No fee will be payable for the full test, however, if a retest is required using other test equipment (outside of a lift inspection), a retest fee of €28 will be payable.

23. Where can I check my new test due date? 
For eligible cars, you will be able to check your new test due date on the NCTS website.

The extension of NCT due dates applies only to vehicles with a test due date of 28 March 2020 or later . 

24. Will not having a completed NCT impact on my car insurance? 
As the public restrictions prevent customers from undergoing an NCT, we understand the insurance industry has taken a pragmatic position.  In respect of vehicles that have their NCT certs extended, Insurance Ireland has said that “Insurance Ireland members are happy to be supportive and treat such licence and NCT/CRWs as valid when people are renewing their motor insurance or taking out new motor insurance policies.”  However, insurance companies are private firms and the Government has no power to issue directions to them regarding this matter.  You should therefore contact your insurance provider or broker for further details.

25. Will I receive fines and penalty points for not having a valid NCT disc?.
An Garda Síochána are aware that the expiry dates for NCTs due on or after 28 March 2020 are being extended by 4 months and that new NCT certificates and discs are not being issued.  You should continue to display your current disc on your windscreen.

26. Will the NCTS contact centre be open to answer any queries I have? 
The entire NCTS service is suspended. The full service will reopen when permitted to do so by the Government and NCTS customers should continue to check the NCTS website for updates. 

27. I am a garage owner and need to have an NCT on the vehicle to sell it, what should I do?
NCT testing is suspended until further notice in order to comply with the COVID 19 restrictions.  Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

28. My NCT certificate is being extended from April 2020 to August 2020, what happens in August if the NCTS is still not operational?
The position will continue to be monitored in light of Government and HSE advice relating to COVID 19.

29. My car was declared off the road for tax purposes and the NCT certificate expired when it was off the road. Does the 4-month extension apply?  If so, is the 4 months added to the end of the period which applied to the off the road declaration or the expiry date of the NCT certificate? 
No, it does not apply – assuming that the test due date of the car was before 28 March 2020.

30. When does the extension cease?
Based on Regulations adopted by the Minister this is a single extension of 4 months for cars that were registered before 1 August 2016 (1 August 2019 for SPSVs) and have a test due date on or after 28 March 2020.

31. Does the extension apply to the current testing cycle only and will future test due dates revert to the anniversary of first registration?  
The date is being permanently reset and anniversaries of the new date will be your car’s test due date going forward e.g. a vehicle with a test due date of 2 April 2020 will change to a test due date of 2 August 2020 and 2 August will be the car’s test due date in future.

32. Is there a possibility that the period of 4 months could be extended?
This will be kept under review in light of Government and HSE advice relating to COVID 19.

33. I have purchased a car with an expired NCT. Can I drive it?
The law requiring cars to have a valid NCT certificate has not changed. NCT testing is suspended until further notice in order to comply with the COVID 19 restrictions.  Please check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

34. My car is due its first test in April 2020, do I present the vehicle for its test due date in April or is the test due date extended to August 2020?  
For a car falling due its first test in the period April – July 2020, the due date has been extended by 4 months i.e. a car previously due its first NCT in April will now have a test due date in August 2020.

35. I have misplaced my NCT certificate, can I apply for a replacement?  
The NCTS service is closed and is not in a position to process applications at present. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

36. My NCT certificate is currently on hold as I did not have ID with me on the day of the test.  As the test centre concerned closed I am unable to present my ID how do I get the NCT certificate released? 
The NCTS service is closed and is not in a position to issue certificates.  Your certificate may be issued at any test centre when the service resumes by presenting the vehicle with the ID.  Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

37. My vehicle was issued with a pass pending recheck before testing was suspended but has not been issued with a NCT certificate. Can I arrange to have the recheck completed?
The NCTS service is closed and is not in a position to issue certificates.  Your certificate may be issued at any test centre when the service resumes by presenting the vehicle with the relevant items repaired. Please continue to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

38. I have imported a vehicle and it requires an NCT, what should I do?
NCT and VRT testing is suspended until further notice in order to comply with the COVID 19 restrictions. Please refer to item 7 on the Revenue website in relation to importing a vehicle. Please check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

39. I have an NCT appointment currently scheduled what should I do? 
NCTS has cancelled your appointment; you don’t need to do anything at this point. When the service resumes you will need to book a new appointment.

40. I have tried to book an NCT online but there is no availability.
The NCTS booking system is closed and will remain so until the service resumes.

41. How will I know my NCT is cancelled and that I will not incur a cancellation fee?
NCTS has issued an SMS to all vehicle owners scheduled for an NCT, confirming that their appointment is cancelled. All cancellation fees have been removed.  However, if for any reason a cancellation fee still applies please contact NCTS when the service resumes and the fee will be removed/refunded. 

42. I didn’t receive a SMS from NCTS cancelling my appointment, do I still turn up for the test?
No, all NCT test centres are closed.  All appointments have been cancelled.  NCTS endeavoured to contact all vehicle owners for whom they have contact details. If you did not receive an SMS this may be because NCTS do not have a mobile number for you.  

43. If I already had an appointment, do I need to rebook my NCT?
Yes, when the service resumes, you will need to rebook a test.  The booking system is currently closed so it is not possible to book now. Please check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

44. Will NCT contact me with an appointment when the service resumes?
NCTS will issue notifications to as many customers as possible to advise them when to book a test but it would be advisable to check the NCTS and RSA websites for updates.

The full service will reopen when instructed to do so by the Irish Government

The post NCT Four Month Extension FAQ appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

You have the right to use any professional car repair garage of your choice that undertake to carry out the works to the manufacturer’s specifications.

You are free to choose who will carry out the work on your vehicle, regardless of whether it is branded by the manufacturer of your car or an independent professional garage that undertake to carry out the work to the manufacturer’s specification.

What About My Warranty?

Vehicle manufacturers may not make their warranties subject to you having your car serviced within their network, or on the exclusive use of their own branded spare parts.

Every professional garage whether franchise or Independent, is subject to the same statutory liability to you in the event of any negligent work or use of defective parts.

According to the EU Commission, Consumers have the right to use any professional garage that undertake to carry out the work to the manufacturer’s specifications for non warranty work, even during the warranty period.

Which Parts Can Be Used?

You may choose either “Original Spare Parts” or “Parts of matching quality” to ensure that your warranty is not affected

As a car owner you have freedom of choice about where you can get your car serviced. This is laid down as your right under EU Competition Law.

Our Commitment To You

1. As an SIMI Member Garage we have committed to using only suitably qualified technicians who are trained to the required level of service your car to the manufacturer’s specifications
2. We have also committed to use on “Original Spare Parts or “Parts of matching quality”

The post Do You Know Your Car’s Rights? appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

” I am a customer of Baldoyle Auto Centre and wish to make the following comments on my most recent visit when I left my car in for a full service.  Sometime this can cause some anxiety as my car is 18 years old and I am a senior citizen! But the welcoming atmosphere in Baldoyle Auto put me at ease from the start, and I knew my car was in the hands of honest friendly staff who care about their customers.

I appreciated how John explained the work that had been carried out and the supportive advice I received on the upcoming NCT.  The entire visit was very pleasant and the final touch of a free car wash was much appreciated.  Kindness and caring was part of the service in Baldoyle Auto Centre, it made all the difference.  Mary Vincent

The post Customer Review: Toyota Yaris Service appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

Sometimes when we take our car to a garage for repair, the mechanic will tell us that the ball joint of the car is in bad shape.  A lot of people do not know what a ball joint is and they just pay for the repairs.  So it is important to have necessary knowledge about something for which you are paying for.

A Ball Joint

To connect the steering knuckle and the control arm, fundamentally helping as the central part between suspension  and wheels.  A spherical bearing is used which is also knows as a ball joint, this spherical bearing is comprised of a socket and stud walled in a casing.  The ball joint is basically used to permit the movement through which you can have a relaxed drive on uneven surfaces.

As the ball joint provides control to the wheels, it can prove to be extremely dangerous if in bad shape because if the ball joint is in bad shape it can cause poor handling or in some cases complete loss of control.  To check the condition of the ball joints listen to the rattling or knocking in your cars suspension.  This can be an indication your ball joint is worn. Because your cars ball joints and also all parts of your suspension play a crucial roll in the safety of your car.  Try to have them checked at your local garage every couple of months.  This may only take a couple of minutes and could prevent a serious or fatal accident.

You might also be interested in How do I know when I need a new clutch

If you have any questions or would like to make a booking contact Baldoyle Auto Centre at 0183210145 or if you would like to request a quote please use the form on our homepage

Directions to us
Turn into Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Take a left and then a right, half way down the road on the left you will see Kane Kitchens & Heat Merchants, take this left turn and we are located in the second last building on your left.

The post What is a Ball Joint appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

Minister Denis Naughten introduced new tyre regulations on October 1^st 2017 which include the operation of a tyre compliance scheme. Repak ELT has been approved to run the scheme to carry out all regulatory functions on behalf of its tyre members.

New tyre regulations came into effect on 1st October 2017 which introduced a visible Environmental Management Cost (vEMC) as a statutory contribution towards the recycling and recovery of end of life tyres.

The vEMC for passenger car tyres is €2.80 (€3.44 including Vat) and motorcyle tyres €1.50 (€1.85 including Vat)

Baldoyle Auto Centre joined Repak ELT to be compliant with these Regulations and to ensure the sound environmental management of your waste tyres

You might also be interested in Buying Second Hand Tyres Am I Saving Money

The post We are a Repak ELT Member appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

We require a 2nd or 3rd year Panel Beater/Spray Painter.

Must be willing to work in panel preparation, paint and refinish

You’ll ideally be self-motivated, highly organised and driven, with a good personality and an enthusiastic team player. You’ll be passionate about the industry, your career and committed to producing high quality work.

To apply email CV to martina@baldoyleautocentre.ie

The post We’re Hiring Panel Beater/Spray Painter appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.

Saturday 23rd December – Closed 

Sunday 24th December – Closed

Monday 25th December – Closed 

Tuesday 26th December – Closed 

Wednesday 27th December – Closed 

Thursday 28th December – Closed 

Friday 29th December – Closed 

Saturday 30th December – Closed

Sunday 31st December – Closed 

Monday 1st January – Closed 

Tuesday 2nd January – Open 

The post Christmas & New Year 2017/2018 Holiday Closing Arrangements appeared first on Dublin Auto Body Repair Shop.