Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about your car, our services or booking your vehicle in with us? We’ve answered some of the questions we’re asked most often below.
Our FAQs cover servicing, MOTs, repairs, tyres, warning lights and general vehicle maintenance. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, give JLE Autos a call on 01452 699044 or get in touch with us directly.
Yes. We recommend booking your MOT well in advance to ensure you get a convenient appointment. You can book your MOT up to one month before it expires without affecting your renewal date.
Absolutely. If your vehicle requires repairs following an MOT test, we'll explain exactly what's needed, provide a clear quotation and complete the work as quickly as possible with your approval. If we carry out any repairs necessary to pass the MOT test then your re-test will be free of charge.
Discounts on both the MOT fee and any necessary repair labour are available to all NHS staff, carers, armed forces, police & students - see our Special Offers page.
We repair, service and maintain most makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles, both petrol and diesel, including some hybrid vehicles. Please use our Enquiry form at the top of the page and we'll get back to you ASAP.
We offer a Free Health Check to all our customers. This includes:
- Brake & tyre check
- Fluid levels
- Windscreen wipers
- Lights
Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 12 months or after a specified mileage, whichever comes first. Regular servicing helps improve reliability, safety and fuel efficiency while reducing the risk of costly repairs.
One of the most important and cost-effective service items for ensuring the long-life of a diesel or petrol vehicle is a good quality oil & filter change. Here at JLE Autos we highly recommend carrying this out overy 6 months or 6,000 miles.
No. You are free to choose an independent garage like JLE Autos for servicing and repairs. We'll always provide you with the same high standard of workmanship and a more personal service with very competitive pricing.
An MOT usually takes around 45-60 minutes and you are welcome to watch progress from our waiting area. Servicing times vary depending on the type of service and any additional work required. We'll always give you an estimated completion time when you book.
Just because your car feels like it's running well doesn't necessarily mean everything is in good condition. Many parts wear gradually over time, so problems often develop long before you notice any changes in the way your vehicle drives.
Routine maintenance is designed to prevent issues before they become costly repairs. During a service, we'll inspect essential components such as the brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, battery, filters, belts and fluid levels, replacing worn parts where necessary and identifying any potential problems early.
At JLE Autos, we carry out honest, thorough servicing tailored to your vehicle's age, mileage and manufacturer recommendations. We'll only advise work that's genuinely needed, giving you complete peace of mind every time you visit us.
That depends on the type of repair and how serious the problem is. Some issues, such as worn brake pads or tyres approaching the legal limit, should be dealt with as soon as possible because they can affect your vehicle's safety and, in some cases, make it illegal to drive on the road.
Other faults may not require immediate attention but can worsen over time if left unresolved. A small oil leak, a worn suspension component or a noisy wheel bearing, for example, may seem minor at first but can lead to more extensive damage, higher repair costs or even a breakdown if ignored.
Our approach at JLE Autos is to give you honest, straightforward advice. We'll explain the condition we've found, whether the repair is urgent or can be safely planned for a later date, and the potential consequences of delaying the work. This allows you to make an informed decision without feeling under pressure.
If your engine management light (also known as the check engine light) comes on, it doesn't always mean there's a serious problem, but it should never be ignored. The warning light indicates that your vehicle's onboard computer has detected a fault with the engine, emissions system or another related component.
If the light is steady and your vehicle appears to be driving normally, you can usually continue your journey with care, but you should arrange to have the fault checked as soon as possible. Continuing to drive for long periods without diagnosing the issue could lead to reduced fuel economy, poor performance or more expensive repairs.
At JLE Autos, we use professional diagnostic equipment to read your vehicle's fault codes and identify the underlying cause of the warning light. Once we've diagnosed the problem, we'll explain what it means, recommend the most appropriate repair and provide a clear quotation before any work is carried out.
The sooner an engine management fault is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be a straightforward and cost-effective repair.
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle, so they should never be ignored. As a general rule, it's a good idea to have your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, ideally as part of your annual service. However, if you drive high mileages, regularly tow a trailer or caravan, or frequently drive in stop-start traffic, more frequent inspections may be advisable.
You should also arrange a brake check immediately if you notice any warning signs, such as:
- Squealing, grinding or unusual noises when braking.
- A vibration or pulsing through the brake pedal.
- The vehicle pulling to one side when braking.
- A brake warning light on the dashboard.
- Reduced braking performance or a spongy brake pedal.
At JLE Autos, we only use high-quality oils and filters that are suitable for your specific make, model and engine. We check your vehicle's manufacturer requirements before every service, ensuring the correct products are used every time.
If you're unsure which oil your vehicle needs, simply get in touch with us. We'll be happy to advise you and make sure your vehicle receives the right oil and filter to keep it running smoothly and reliably.
Yes. We supply and fit tyres for just about every make and model, including budget, mid-range and high-end brands. We can also advise on the best tyre options to suit your driving and budget.
JLE Autos is a friendly, family-run garage in Gloucester offering honest advice, quality workmanship and reliable vehicle repairs. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, fair pricing and treating every vehicle as if it were our own.
