Tyres × Wheel Alignment × Suspension × ADAS
🔧 Noticed uneven wear on one edge of a tyre? It's often not really about the tyre at all. It usually comes down to wheel alignment or worn suspension components — TyreSafe notes this can shorten a tyre's life by up to 25%. On newer cars it can affect more than tyres too: ADAS cameras and sensors are calibrated assuming your wheels sit at a precise angle, so alignment or suspension work can throw that calibration out as well. Left unchecked, it doesn't just cost you tyres — it increases braking...
Tyre Safety Month: Why Your Tyres Are Connected to More of Your Car Than You Think
Every October, the UK road safety charity TyreSafe runs Tyre Safety Month, a campaign to get drivers thinking about the only part of their car that actually touches the road. We've been joining in on our social channels. This article brings those posts together in one place, with a bit more depth. The main message is that your tyres don't work on their own. They're tied to your wheel alignment, your suspension, your car's driver-assistance systems and even its ABS sensors. A tyre that's...
🚗 October is Tyre Safety Month
🚗 October is Tyre Safety Month — a UK-wide campaign run by TyreSafe, and we're getting involved. The numbers are worth knowing: TyreSafe reports over 6 million tyres on UK roads currently have illegal tread, and tyre defects cause more than 2 million MOT failures every year. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm — but grip drops off well before you hit that limit, especially in the wet, where worn tyres can significantly increase your stopping distance. Three things worth checking this month:...
👋 Ever wondered who’s actually working on your car when you drop it off at Harborne Garage?
We're a small, family-run team based right here in Selly Oak — not a faceless chain. That means you'll usually speak to the same friendly faces each time, and we take the time to explain what your car actually needs (and what it doesn't). No jargon, no pressure — just honest advice from people who genuinely care about keeping you safe on the road. Pop in and say hello next time you're passing, or give us a call on 0121 472 4300 — we're always happy to help.
Cambelt, the silent killer
A cam-belt often doesn’t warn you before it fails. 😟 It just goes — and the repair bill that follows is one nobody wants. Staying ahead of the replacement schedule is one of the most cost-effective things you can do for your engine. Most manufacturers recommend changing the cam-belt at a set mileage or age (whichever comes first) — and leaving it too long can risk serious engine damage. And if your car has a wet cam-belt (a belt that runs inside the engine oil), it’s even more important to...
ADAS calibration isn’t optional if your safety systems are going to work when it counts.
Modern cars rely on cameras and radar sensors to run features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and parking sensors. The catch? Those systems only work properly when the sensors are aligned exactly to the manufacturer’s spec — and even small changes can throw them off. That’s why after things like a windscreen replacement, suspension/steering repairs, wheel alignment, or any knock that affects the front end, your vehicle may...
Warning Light On?
At Harborne Garage in Birmingham, we use advanced diagnostic equipment to get past guesswork. We plug into your vehicle’s onboard systems to read fault codes, then go further by checking live sensor data and running targeted tests to confirm the cause — not just the symptom. Because a warning light can be triggered by multiple issues, proper diagnostics help us pinpoint what’s actually wrong before any parts are replaced. That means: - You get a clear explanation of what the car is reporting -...
🚗 MOT due soon?
Quick tip to avoid the last-minute panic: get it booked in early, so you can pick a slot that suits you (and avoid the rush). ✅ Clear communication ✅ Quotes before any additional work ✅ Friendly, family-run team in Selly Oak Call Harborne Garage Ltd on 0121 472 4300 or book online: https://harbornegarage.co.uk
🔧 When was your last service?
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. If it's old or low, it can lead to extra wear, poor performance, and expensive problems down the line. A few signs you might be overdue: ⚠️ Noisy engine ⚠️ Rough running ⚠️ Warning light on the dash ⚠️ You can't remember the last service (we've all been there!) Want peace of mind? Give Harborne Garage Ltd a call on 0121 472 4300 or book online: https://harbornegarage.co.uk
Why the Correct Engine Oil Matters
Most drivers think of engine oil as one product with one job: keeping things moving smoothly. In reality, “engine oil” is a catch-all term for dozens of different formulations, each engineered to a precise viscosity and chemical specification for a specific engine design. Pour in the wrong one, and nothing dramatic happens straight away. There's no bang, no smoke, no dashboard light flashing “you've made a mistake.” The damage is slow, cumulative, and often invisible — until it isn't. At...
🛣️ STEERING & SUSPENSION: Smooth Ride, Safe Control
Your steering and suspension systems work together to keep you safe, comfortable, and in control. When they wear, you feel it – and so does your wallet. What they do: ✓ Steering lets you control your car with precision and confidence ✓ Suspension absorbs bumps and keeps your tyres in contact with the road ✓ Together, they affect handling, comfort, and safety in every condition Warning signs of wear: ✓ Clunking or knocking sounds from underneath ✓ Pulling to one side (often suspension or...
🚓🚒🚑 Emergency Services Day
Today we’re saying a huge THANK YOU to everyone in the emergency services who keeps Birmingham safe, day in and day out. If you ever find yourself stuck at the roadside, we can help with vehicle recovery and getting you safely to our workshop for diagnosis and repair. What we can help with: ✓ Recovery to Harborne Garage Ltd ✓ Quick diagnosis once you’re here ✓ Honest advice and clear pricing before any work starts 📞 Call Harborne Garage Ltd on 0121 472 4300 🌐...
Will Servicing at an Independent Garage Affect Your Manufacturer’s Warranty?
This is one of the most common questions we get, especially with newer cars. The good news: You still maintain your manufacturer's warranty when your vehicle is looked after by Harborne Garage! What we do to protect your warranty: ✅ Service work completed to the correct schedule ✅ Quality parts and the right oils/fluids for your vehicle ✅ Clear paperwork and service records ✅ Honest advice if something needs attention now vs later Whether you're thinking of buying a new car this September or...
🍂 September Safety Check
As the mornings get darker and the roads get wetter, it’s worth doing a quick check on the basics. ✅ Tyre pressure + tread ✅ Brake performance ✅ All lights working ✅ Windscreen wipers ✅ Fluid levels (screen wash + coolant) If anything doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. A small issue now can turn into an expensive one later. 📞 Harborne Garage Ltd | 0121 472 4300 🌐 https://harbornegarage.co.uk
🛑 Does Your Car Stop as Well as it Should?
A few quick questions: ✓ Does it stop in a straight line? ✓ Any squealing or grinding? ✓ Any vibrations through the pedal or steering wheel? If you answered “no” to any of these, it’s worth getting your brakes checked as soon as possible. Brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your car, and leaving it too long can lead to bigger (and more expensive) repairs. At Harborne Garage Ltd we’ll inspect your brakes properly and give you clear, honest advice before any work is done. 📞...
🚐 CLASS 7 MOT & MOTORHOMES: Keeping Your Adventure Safe
If you own a motorhome or Class 7 vehicle, you know they're more than just transport – they're your freedom on the road. But they also need specialist care. Class 7 vehicles and motorhomes have unique requirements: ✓ Heavier weight means more stress on brakes, suspension, and tyres ✓ Complex systems (living facilities, water, gas, electrics) need regular checks ✓ MOT requirements are stricter for larger vehicles ✓ Specialist knowledge is essential – not all garages can handle them properly...
☀️ Happy Bank Holiday from all of us at Harborne Garage Ltd!
We hope you have a great day, whether you're heading out on the road or taking it easy at home. If you need us this week for an MOT, Service, Tyres, Diagnostics or Repairs, we're here to help with honest advice and main-dealer-level expertise. Call 0121 472 4300
We’re hiring! 🚗
Join our team at Harborne Garage Limited as a Parts Advisor. We're looking for someone friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable to help us keep things running smoothly. What you'll do: • Source and order parts • Maintain accurate stock records • Work as part of a close-knit team • Deliver great customer service What we're looking for: • Previous parts experience (desirable) • Strong product knowledge • Excellent communication skills • Organised and reliable We offer competitive salary, ongoing...
We’re hiring! 🚗
Join our team at Harborne Garage Limited as a Parts Advisor. We're looking for someone friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable to help us keep things running smoothly. What you'll do: • Source and order parts • Maintain accurate stock records • Work as part of a close-knit team • Deliver great customer service What we're looking for: • Previous parts experience (desirable) • Strong product knowledge • Excellent communication skills • Organised and reliable We offer competitive salary, ongoing...
⚙️ CAMBELT & WETBELT: The Heartbeat of Your Engine
Your cambelt (or timing belt) is one of the most critical components in your engine. It synchronises your engine's pistons and valves – if it fails, your engine fails. And a wetbelt (serpentine belt) keeps everything running smoothly. Here's why they matter: ✓ A broken cambelt can cause catastrophic engine damage ✓ Cambelts don't show obvious warning signs ✓ Wetbelts power your alternator, power steering, and air con – if they fail, you lose these systems Don't gamble with your engine. If your...
🔧 CLUTCHES & MAJOR REPAIRS: When Your Car Needs Serious Work
Sometimes a car needs more than routine maintenance. Clutch problems, major engine work, transmission issues – these are the repairs that can feel daunting and expensive. But they don't have to be a nightmare. Common major repairs we handle: ✓ Clutch replacement (worn clutches slip and struggle to engage) ✓ Gearbox repairs and rebuilds ✓ Engine overhauls and major repairs ✓ Transmission work ✓ Head gasket replacement ✓ Major electrical or electronic repairs Here's what makes us different: ✓ We...
Hot weather is hard on your cooling system
Hot weather is hard on your cooling systemWhen coolant is low or old, your engine can run hotter than it should, which can lead to:- Temperature gauge creeping up- Heater not as hot-Sweet smell under the bonnet If you've noticed any of the above, get it checked sooner rather than later.We can pressure test the system, check for leaks, and make sure your coolant is at the right strength and level.Contact us for all of your vehicle needs!
🛣️ August’s flying by. Don’t skip the health check.
Your car deserves a quick once-over before your next trip. FREE Vehicle Health Check = peace of mind on the road. 📞 Call 0121 472 4300 to book
We’re hiring! 🚗
Join our team at Harborne Garage Limited as a Parts Advisor. We're looking for someone friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable to help us keep things running smoothly. What you'll do: • Source and order parts • Maintain accurate stock records • Work as part of a close-knit team • Deliver great customer service What we're looking for: • Previous parts experience (desirable) • Strong product knowledge • Excellent communication skills • Organised and reliable We offer competitive salary, ongoing...
🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL RUSH IS COMING: Book Your Service Now
September means back-to-school chaos – school runs, packed schedules, and the last thing you need is a car breakdown. If your service is due, don't wait until the madness starts. A regular service keeps your car reliable when you need it most: ✓ Engine oil and filter change for optimal performance ✓ Fluid checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering) ✓ Brake inspection – critical for safety with kids in the car ✓ Battery health check before the colder months ✓ Early detection of any issues...
We’re hiring! 🚗
Join our team at Harborne Garage Limited as a Parts Advisor. We're looking for someone friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable to help us keep things running smoothly. What you'll do: • Source and order parts • Maintain accurate stock records • Work as part of a close-knit team • Deliver great customer service What we're looking for: • Previous parts experience (desirable) • Strong product knowledge • Excellent communication skills • Organised and reliable We offer competitive salary, ongoing...
🎥 ADAS CALIBRATION: Modern Safety Systems Need Precision
Your car's ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are incredible – lane-keeping assist, collision warning, automatic braking – they're designed to keep you safe. But here's the thing: if they're not perfectly calibrated, they won't work as intended. ADAS needs recalibration after: ✓ Windscreen replacement (sensors behind the glass need resetting) ✓ Collision or impact damage ✓ Suspension or steering work ✓ Wheel alignment adjustments ✓ Regular maintenance to ensure accuracy Without proper...
We’re hiring! 🚗
Join our team at Harborne Garage Limited as a Parts Advisor. We're looking for someone friendly, motivated, and knowledgeable to help us keep things running smoothly. What you'll do: • Source and order parts • Maintain accurate stock records • Work as part of a close-knit team • Deliver great customer service What we're looking for: • Previous parts experience (desirable) • Strong product knowledge • Excellent communication skills • Organised and reliable We offer competitive salary, ongoing...
🌞 End of summer? Don’t leave it to chance.
One last FREE Vehicle Health Check before September arrives. Travel safe, drive confidently. 📞 Call 0121 472 4300 to book
Wet cambelt (belt-in-oil) engines: the quick ‘need to know’ 👇
Some engines run the timing belt inside the engine, lubricated by oil (often called a “wet belt”). It can be quiet and efficient, but if the belt starts to break down it can contaminate the oil and cause serious engine damage. What to watch for: Oil warning light or low oil pressure warnings Rattling/ticking from the engine Rough running or loss of power Service history gaps (wrong oil or missed oil changes) Why oil changes matter so much:Wet belts rely on the correct oil spec and regular oil...