Case Studies
Below we have a few case studies from repair work and servicing we have carried out on cars in Poole & Bournemouth
Being a Toyota Specialist we have come across all the common faults, problems, and issues you may experience. Well use our years of experience and knowledge to find the issue, rectify the problem and ensure the correct fix or replacement is fitted.
MMT Transmission - Toyota Aygo
Toyota Aygo with Multi-Mode transmission (MMT) i.e. Automatic
We first saw this car last year when it needed a new clutch. The customer was directed to us from another garage as we have the technical capabilities to initiate the MMT system after a clutch replacement.
In recently for a Full Comprehensive Platinum Service and MOT.
Platinum includes Pollen Filter, check out the photo of the filter below, it was certainly due replacement.
The MOT highlighted a seized wheel cylinder, this can cause serious brake failure. So we ordered the relevant part and replaced all in the same day after gaining the go ahead from our customer.
Cat Lock - Prevent Theft of your Catalytic Converter
We've had quite a few customers come in over the past few months needing new catalytic converters as theirs were stolen. If you own a Toyota Prius they are one of the most commonly targeted vehicles for Cat Theft.
It can cost up to around £1300 to replace if you go direct to Toyota Bournemouth or Poole, our repair cost is of course much less than this.
But you can avoid this huge cost by having a 'Cat-Lock' fitted.
Due to the clever design, hardened steel, and fitting method it makes it much more difficult to use an angle grinder to cut off. The time needed and noise created to get one of these locks off should put off local theives.
The lock also leaves an imprint on the cat converter which is visible when stolen and should get picked up by the scrap dealers.
Toyota Camry Air Conditioning Fault
Did you know your Air Conditioning is just as important in the Winter months. To dry and dehumidify. It removes moisture in the air and helps keep windows and windscreen clear.
A Toyota Camry was booked in this week with a flashing A/C button and broken air con.
Using Toyota product knowledge and electrical testing our technician Tommy was able to pinpoint the issue.
The culprit of the fault was the 'Relay for the magnetic clutch on the air con compressor'
Fault diagnosed, part ordered, fitted and fully working to the satisfaction of our customer.
Especially as the total cost of the work carried out was nearly the same price as the Local Main Dealer quoted just to look at the car!
Exhaust Blowing on Toyota Rav4
Over years of driving in all weather conditions its very common for an exhaust to rust. This can often lead to a blowing exhaust, not only is this an MOT failure, its also very annoying for the driver.
This very rusty exhaust on a Toyota Rav4 was being driven around Poole by a local customer. We could hear her on arrival to the workshop due to the very loud blowing noise.
2 Days later we had sourced a replacement exhaust section and she was back on the road.
Broken Suspension Coil on Toyota Yaris
A broken rear suspension coil spring which had no other symptoms, knocking etc and the driver was completely unaware. Broken springs lead to the possibility of handling and stability issues whilst driving as well as the potential for the broken spring to puncture the tyre causing instant blow out! Both of which can be dangerous in that eventuality. We have the latest equipment to be able to safely and efficiently replace coil springs and shock absorbers. The suspension fault was rectified and another safe and satisfied customer.
Scraping Noise from Brakes on a Toyota Corolla
Many drivers are unaware of the condition of their brakes. Routine inspections such as an Mot or Service will highlight the brake problem, but are only undertaken annually.
We received a call from a gentleman in Poole as he had a loud scraping noise when he braked in his Toyota Corolla. We asked him to pop in for a FREE brake check from Carole's Motor Company.
A near catastrophe in a Toyota Corolla was avoided as it turned out the brake pads were completely worn out and the metal was touching the disks.
Using high quality parts from our same day delivery supplier we replaced the disks and pads the same day.
Toyota Auris Warranty Service
Mrs Higgins came to us in relation to her Toyota Auris service that was due and required ASAP in order to keep her vehicle warranty valid.
The main dealer price quoted to her was over £400.
Carole's Motor Company equivalent Service (Our Platinum Service) cost £200, saving our customer over 50%. She received the same level main dealer service as Tom is a Fully Qualified Master Technician trained by Toyota.
She of course also received a more personal and direct contact service with the technician who actually worked on the car.
Toyota Land Cruiser Brakes Sticking Symptoms
A customers Toyota Landcruiser was pulling to one side.
We were able to establish the common fault with brake callipers sticking. When one brake is stuck (particularly a front brake) the whole vehicle will pull in the direction of the bad brake. So if it is on the passenger side, your Land Cruiser will feel like it is steering in that direction.
We also carried out an annual warranty service at the same time as it was due and the customer found our enhanced service check list and price went beyond his previous garage provided.
Toyota Corolla Verso - Snapped Drive Shaft
It's never nice when your car breaks down, and a snapped Drive Shaft will certainly stop you in your tracks.
We helped with the recovery of this Toyota Corolla Verso back to our workshop in Poole. We were able to order a new drive shaft and replace the part quickly and efficiently so our customer was back on the road as quickly as possible.
This can be a common issue found on Corolla Verso models due to a rubber damper half way along the drive shaft allowing for water ingress. We have specialist knowledge in Toyota vehicles, but can undertake this type of repair across all makes and models.
Toyota Prius Hybrid - MOT & Service
Toyota Prius Hybrid MOT and Service undertaken at our Workshop in Poole. As part of our Standard Service we checked the air filter and it was found to be very dirty. After confirming with our client we upgraded to the Gold Service which includes Air and Cabin Filter change as well.
Parts fitted, battery checks, tyres replaced and final road test completed.
Toyota Rav 4 - Service, MOT and Repair
Toyota Rav 4 Serviced and MOT'ed for a regular customer who always looks after their vehicles.
The MOT highlighted a brake pipe leak so we quickly rectified the problem.
Some distance driving planned in the near future so a pair of new front tyres plus tracking aligned on all wheels.
Its now ready to go for another 12 months.
Battery Replacement on Toyota Yaris
A regular customer called us in regards to an intermittent fault with her electrics. Following a FREE battery test at our workshop in Poole, we were able to print off a report detailing a fault with the battery. The same day we were able to order and replace the battery at a competitive price.