Engine Inspection
Also called engine checking
An engine inspection assesses the mechanical health of the engine rather than chasing a single fault. It covers cold start behaviour, idle quality, compression across the cylinders, oil and coolant condition, visible leaks, belt and mount condition, and exhaust smoke. It tells you the state the engine is in and what it will need. It is an assessment, not a repair, and it does not include gearbox, suspension or body condition.
Signs you need this
- Engine noise you want identified before it gets worse
- Blue, white or black smoke from the exhaust
- Oil level dropping between services
- Rough idle or power that is not what it was
- You are considering buying the car and want the engine assessed
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Cold start observation for noise, smoke and how quickly it settles
- Compression or relative cylinder test to compare cylinder health
- Inspection of oil and coolant for contamination or mixing
- Check for oil, coolant and fuel leaks around the engine
- Scan of engine fault codes and live data at idle and under load
How we do it
Observe from cold
Cold start tells us the most: tapping, rattling, smoke colour and how long the engine takes to settle.
Test the cylinders
Compression or a relative cylinder test shows whether the cylinders are even, which points at rings or valves.
Inspect fluids and leaks
Oil and coolant are examined for mixing or contamination, and the engine checked for leaks and wet seals.
Read live data
Fuel trims, sensor values and misfire counters at idle and under load fill in what the mechanical checks cannot show.
Report the condition
You get a plain description of the engine's state, what needs doing now and what can be watched.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book engine inspection
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.