Importance & Benefits of Vehicle Health Checks

Article written by Bush Tyres

The importance of Vehicle Health Checks

A Skoda Citigo was brought to Scunthorpe branch originally for a pair of new front tyres 165/70TR14 iLink L-Grip 66. The L-Grip 66 is a budget performance tyre designed for small passenger cars, offering a balance of grip, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

The old tyres showed signs of uneven wear, so the customer also chose to have an alignment check. This resulted in a minor adjustment to the front toe angles to make sure the new tyres will last as long as possible. This maximises efficiency, saving money on premature tyre wear and enhancing fuel economy.

During the visit the car was given a full Vehicle Health Check (VHC). The VHC is a series of visual checks on most common service items such as tyres, brakes and suspension. Battery health is also checked. Fluid levels such as Oil, coolant and screen wash are also checked.

It was during these checks that our technician noticed the front brake discs and pads were in very poor condition and at or near the end of their usable life. The discs themselves were heavily corroded and almost to a point their structure could be weakened.

The brakes pads would still most likely meet the minimum efficiency for the MOT test, if left they would eventually wear down to metal and that could have led to a potentially dangerous situation.

The parts were sourced for immediate delivery for this customer from our trusted supply partners, minimising downtime and the car was even returned the same day!

At Bush Tyres we only fit original equipment (OE) or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This ensures the standards of the parts and provides the customer with peace of mind along with a warranty.

Vehicle Health Check – FAQs

Do all garages carry out VHC? Most garages in the UK now offer a vehicle health check to assure road users that all vehicle components are in safe working order.

Are VHCs always FREE?

At Bush tyres our VHC is always free, if any additional checks or labour is required this will be explained before any additional checks or work is carried out.

When should you get a vehicle health check?

If you have any cause for concern with any of your vehicle’s safety components, we advise you to book your vehicle with us sooner rather than later. If you are visiting branch for any other reason a VHC will always be carried out to make sure there are no other safety issues with your vehicle.

Can I ask not to have a VHC done on my car?

The VHC is a complimentary check alongside any other service, MOT or repair. You can request for a VHC not to be carried. Would you not rather have the peace of mind your vehicle is safe to drive and performing at its best?

Is a VHC necessary? I only just had a service and MOT at another garage.

The free VHC is a part of our standard duty of care for all our customers. It is important for us to know your vehicle isn’t going to break down anytime soon and continue to keep you safe. While we would never comment on the standards of work carried out at other independent or even main dealer garages, we do take pride in our own high standards.

Any additional work if required, will always be advised and quoted to help you stay safe on the roads.

Do I have to have any work identified on VHC done straight away?

Our checks will identify any immediate issues and especially any “Dangerous faults” would be strongly advised to be completed before driving. (ie an illegal tyre would gain you a fine and points on your license). We will never force you to have work completed by us.

Advice will be given along with a price for any recommended jobs before any work begins. Any items identified as not an immediate safety concern, we will recommend you a suitable timescale to help spread out and plan the costs of your maintenance.

A Vehicle Health Check is an important part of vehicle maintenance. If this Skoda had gone to another garage for the tyres, they may not have found the issue with their brakes. This VHC has caught the problem in time and allowed the customer to have new brakes fitted without waiting until their next regular service or MOT. Saving them from receiving a bigger bill all at once and keeping them safe on the road.

Put your mind at rest

For a comprehensive Vehicle Health Check (VHC). You can visit any of our Bush Group locations for FREE checks on your suspension, lights, levels and pressures.

To find your nearest depot click on the button below to get your free vehicle health check and get some peace of mind.

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