If your MOT is due soon, get booked in early and save yourself the last minute rush.

Top tip: book your service at the same time as your MOT. It’s the easiest way to keep your car safe, reliable, and ready for the months ahead.

Need a slot? Message us or call to book in.

With wet cambelts, it’s not only about “5W-30 vs 0W-20”.

What really matters is the manufacturer’s exact oil specification/approval. Using the wrong spec (or poor-quality oil) can accelerate wet belt wear — even if the viscosity looks “about right”.

If your engine uses a wet belt, correct oil isn’t a nice-to-have… it’s protection and ESSENTIAL!

We take great care and precision when looking after your vehicle and using the correct components for the job, including the right quality oil.

Not sure what oil spec your car should be on — or whether it even has a wet belt? Contact us and we’ll advise.

Babbacombe Garage – Bosch Car Service (Torquay)

01803 324445 | babbacombegarage@gmail.com

Some popular engines use wet cambelts (belt-in-oil designs) — including certain Ford EcoBoost engines and some PSA/Peugeot-Citroën “PureTech” variants.

But it’s not as simple as “all of them do” — it can vary by engine code, year, and model. That’s why guessing (or relying on a quick Google search) can lead you down the wrong path.

Want a straight answer? Contact us and we’ll confirm what timing system your vehicle uses and what that means for maintenance.

Babbacombe Garage – Bosch Car Service, 55 Babbacombe Road, Torquay

Call 01803 324445 | Email babbacombegarage@gmail.com

Your air con feels like a luxury—until it stops working mid-heatwave. But it’s more than comfort; it’s about safety and your engine’s health.

Why air con matters:
✓ Keeps you alert and focused on the road
✓ Reduces cabin humidity (prevents fogging, improves visibility)
✓ Keeps the system pressurised, preventing compressor wear from running dry

What happens when it breaks down:
✗ Mould and bacteria build up in the system
✗ Compressor damage from lack of lubrication
✗ Engine strain from increased cooling demands
✗ Expensive repairs

A broken air con doesn’t just ruin your summer—it can damage your engine and wallet. Regular servicing keeps it running smoothly and extends its lifespan.

Don’t sweat it—let us handle it. 🔧

Wet belts were introduced to help engines run quieter and more efficiently. By reducing friction and noise, the idea was to cut fuel consumption, potentially lower emissions, and allow for more compact engine designs.

Sounds great — but here’s the catch: because the belt runs in oil, servicing matters even more than many drivers realise. The wrong oil spec, stretched service intervals, or poor maintenance can speed up wear.

If you’re unsure whether your car uses a wet belt — or you want advice on the right service plan — send us your reg and we’ll check it properly.

Babbacombe Garage – Bosch Car Service (Torquay)

01803 324445 | babbacombegarage@gmail.com

You’ve probably heard the term “wet cambelt” (also called a wet belt or cambelt-in-oil) — but what does it actually mean?

A wet cambelt is a timing belt that runs inside the engine and is lubricated by engine oil. That’s different to a traditional dry cambelt (which runs outside the engine) and also different to a timing chain (a metal chain designed to be lifetime).

Because it lives in oil, the belt’s condition can be affected by things like oil quality, oil specification, and servicing history — so it’s worth knowing what your vehicle uses.

Not sure what your car has? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Babbacombe Garage – Bosch Car Service, Torquay

Call: 01803 324445 | Email: babbacombegarage@gmail.com

“Don’t miss your service” (maintenance = prevention)

Don’t miss your service — it’s the cheapest way to avoid expensive surprises.

A routine service isn’t just an oil change. It’s a chance to spot wear early, keep your engine protected, and make sure everything’s working as it should—especially before summer trips.

Regular servicing helps with:

• Engine protection & longevity
• Catching issues early (before they become breakdowns)
• Keeping your service history strong and your families safety at the top of the list

If you’re due (or overdue), get booked in and drive with confidence.

Summer’s here — and it’s not the time to skip your car maintenance.

Hot weather, longer journeys and holiday miles can put extra strain on your vehicle, so a quick check now can save a lot of hassle later.

Before you set off, it’s worth checking:
– Tyres (tread + pressures)
– Oil & fluids (especially coolant)
– Air con (comfort + clear windows)
– Battery (heat can weaken older batteries)
– Brakes (for safe stopping in busy summer traffic)

Book with us for a Vehicle Health Check before you go for peace of mind — and enjoy the journey knowing your car’s ready for the miles ahead.

Keeping families on the road is what we do — and today we’re giving a shout-out to the dads who do the same.
If your car needs a service, MOT, tyres or a quick check, we’re here to help.

When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to put car maintenance off for “another month.”

But the small things you delay now can quietly turn into bigger, more expensive problems later — and that’s before you even factor in safety.

You don’t have to do everything at once, but it’s worth keeping on top of the essentials so your car stays reliable, efficient, and safe.

If you’re unsure what’s urgent vs what can wait, speak to us for advice — we’ll help you prioritise and keep things sensible.

Air con isn’t just a “nice to have” — it helps keep you comfortable, alert, and your windows clear when they start to mist up.

What many drivers don’t realise is that air con gas naturally reduces over time. That’s why it’s recommended to have your air conditioning serviced every 2 years.

The tricky part? You often won’t get a warning light.

And by the time the gas drops to a certain level, you’ll really notice it — weaker cooling, longer to demist, and the system has to work harder than it should.

If your air con isn’t as cold as it used to be (or you just want to stay ahead of it), speak to us about an air con service and we’ll get it checked and running as it should.

British weather’s unpredictable – one minute it’s sunshine, the next you’re battling downpours and cold snaps.

Your car needs to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

From checking your antifreeze levels to ensuring your battery’s in top condition, preparing your vehicle for all weathers is crucial. Don’t wait for the breakdown – get ahead of it.

Whether you have an MOT or service due, or you just need a vehicle health check to see you through the seasons, our team can help you prepare your car for whatever the weather brings. Give us a call today to book your weather-ready service check. Your car (and your peace of mind) will thank you. 🚗

Spring Maintenance: More Than Just a Valet 🔧

Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your car look nice. It’s about maintaining the mechanical systems that keep you safe on the road.

Why This Matters:
Winter’s harsh on your car. Salt, cold temperatures, and rough roads take their toll on mechanical parts. Spring’s the perfect time to catch problems before they become expensive repairs.

The Difference:
A valet makes your car look good. Maintenance keeps it running safely and reliably. Both matter, but maintenance is what prevents breakdowns.

Don’t just wash your car this spring—maintain it. Book with us for all of your maintenance needs!

Pollen Season Affecting Your Air Filter? Here’s Why 🌼

Spring’s beautiful, but pollen season is brutal on your car’s air filter. If you’ve noticed your air con isn’t as effective or your engine sounds a bit rough, a clogged air filter might be the culprit.

How Pollen Damages Your Air Filter:
✓ Pollen clogs the filter, restricting airflow
✓ Reduced airflow = engine works harder
✓ Your A/C struggles to cool effectively
✓ Fuel efficiency drops
✓ Engine performance suffers

Don’t let pollen ruin your spring driving. Book your service check today! 🚗

Engine Oil: Summer vs Winter—What You Need to Know 🛢️

Think engine oil is just engine oil? Think again. Temperature changes mean your oil needs to work harder in summer, and understanding why matters for your engine’s health.

Summer Heat & Your Oil:
✓ Heat thins out oil, reducing its protective layer
✓ Thinner oil = more friction and engine wear
✓ Your engine has to work harder to stay cool
✓ Oil breaks down faster in high temperatures

Pro Tip: Regular oil changes keep your engine running smoothly all year round. Summer heat makes this even more critical.

Don’t delay – Book your service today!