Desira Service Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Desira Service Opening Hours?

- Desira Service is open at all branches: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 12.30pm. If you need any assistance call 01603 397725 for outside of these hours help please contact customerservices@desiragroup.com and we will reply as soon as possible.

Do you Accept Cash?

- No unfortunately not, all branches accept Cashless payments only.

How long will it take to order parts?

- We keep over a £1 Million worth of Group Parts Stock. Any parts not stocked are usually available to order next day. For immediate assistance Call 01379 647222 or e-mail parts@desiragroup.com

Does my vehicle have a timing belt or chain fitted?

- Depends on the model, please provide us with your registration number; we can confirm this along with the servicing schedules.

Why do I need to change my cam belt? (see above question)

- The cambelt is a critical part of the engine, certain parts need to move at the same time or different time to others. The toothed cam belt makes sure the engine is timed correctly. If the cam belt fails it can cause significant engine damage or possibly result in the engine having to be replaced.

Why do manufacturers recommend a 2 year brake fluid change?

- Most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid change every two years as brake fluid has hygroscopic properties – meaning that it absorbs moisture through the pipes, hoses and joints that it lubricates. As the water content in the brake fluid increases, the temperature the liquid boils at decreases from when the brake fluid is ‘dry’ (ie no water content when new) to when it is ‘wet’ (contaminated with water).

Why do I need my Coolant/ Antifreeze changed?

- Antifreeze contains chemicals which stop the liquid freezing at normal freezing temperatures. This degrades over time and is also diluted when topped up with water. The time its due for change is not always specified but at service we do tests to check the strength of the antifreeze and also acidity. Weak antifreeze will not stop ice forming at cold temperatures which could cause damage to your engine system. A high acidity can also cause damage due to corrosion.

What is the legal limit of a tyre?

- 1.6mm is the legal limit but we recommend changing at 3mm as the stopping distance is increased dramatically.

How many days before MOT expiry date can I have my MOT carried out?

- An MOT test can be post dated for up to 28 days.

What does a pollen filter do?

- A fully functioning pollen filter reduces air pollution, assists allergy sufferers, reduces unpleasant odours. It keeps the air in the cabin clean and should be changed annually.

What is “AdBlue”?

- AdBlue is a diesel particulate filter (DPF) additive that is injected into the exhaust system to aid reducing emissions. This fluid is used every time you drive and should last approximately 6000 miles. You can purchase a top up from Desira Group or at any Garage or visit us and we will top up the system for you. (There will be a small charge for this service and the cost of the AdBlue)

Do you price match?

- Yes, we do ask for written proof and the product or service we are matching must be “like for like” and use genuine parts is required.

Why do I need to have genuine parts?

- Genuine parts are manufactured specifically for your vehicle and fit right first time. We also are able to guarantee genuine parts.

How do I obtain my radio code?

- Contact our aftersales department with your proof of ownership of your vehicle and we can help you obtain your radio code

How do I get a replacement car key?

- Contact our aftersales department with your proof of ownership of the vehicle. Keys need to be ordered and are cut to order.

I need a new number plate what should I do?

- Contact our parts department with proof of ownership and we will be happy to print you a new plate. We can also fit your new number plate for you too.

Can I budget for my service and MOT’s?

- Yes, Desira offer a service plan starting from only £9.99, these can include services and MOTs. The total price is broken down into interest free monthly payments allowing you to budget for your service like you would a gas or electricity bill.

Can you provide a Service History for my Car/Van?

- Yes we can provide a Service History if we have seen your Car or Van before and it has been Serviced or Repaired with us. Please Note: we can only provide history of Servicing with Desira Group Plc, we are unable to see Service History with another company.

- If you are an existing Desira Customer and purchased the car from us and use us for your servicing, or have brought the car elsewhere but then have the vehicle serviced with us, this service is Free of Charge. If you require a Book and Stamp there will just be a charge for the Book only. Please ask for a Service Book Quotation?

- If you have brought the Car elsewhere and are not a Desira Service Customer, or for any Dealer or Trade Requests, there is a £25 Charge for Service History/Information Requests whether just providing the information over the phone or for a digital copy. Proof of ownership would be necessary. If you require a Book and Stamp it is just the Cost of the Book + £25. Please ask for a Service Book Quotation?

- If you have purchased the vehicle elsewhere but wish to become a Desira Service Customer, once you are booked in and have paid a diagnostic charge or paid for work booked in we would then be happy to supply this Free of Charge on collection of your vehicle. If you require a Book and Stamp it is just the Cost of the Book. Please call 01603 397725 or e-mail: customerservices@desiragroup.com

Do you provide Courtesy Cars?

Yes we do have Courtesy cars available to book if your vehicle is with us for Service, MOT, Repairs, etc. Due to availability they are best to add on at the time of booking your appointment. As demand is high they are booked quickly in advance. They can be added to the booking at a later date if available, but we may need to alter the date of your appointment to facilitate this.

Is there a Charge for Courtesy Cars?

We do not charge for the use of our Courtesy Cars, their is a Loan Vehicle Insurance cost of £15 per day with Day Insure and this excludes any Fuel used, the Vehicle must be returned with the Same Amount of Fuel as provided please. Unfortunately we are unable to add Courtesy Cars onto any other Insurance policy than Day Insure.

What are the Terms and Conditions for Courtesy Cars?

The Insurance Excess if you are Over 25 is £250. If you are aged between 18-24 the Insurance Excess is £500.

On the day of your Appointment, please bring your Driving License with you, as it must be seen and confirmed during check in prior to handover of the Courtesy Car.

Below you will find the Checklist to ensure we can approve you, on the Loan Vehicle Insurance prior to your Visit.

If any of these Terms below do not apply to you, please contact us ASAP to discuss, as unfortunately Day Insure may not be able to insure you.

  • You Must Hold a Full Current Valid UK or EEA Driving License and have done so for at least 12 Months?
  • You must be Aged 18 or over?
  • You Must Not Have Been involved in any Motoring Offence involving Alcohol, Drugs, Careless, Dangerous or Reckless Driving or taking a Vehicle without Consent in the last 3 Years?
  • You Must Not Have Been Disqualified from Driving During the Last 3 Years?
  • You Must Not Have Been Involved in more than 2 at Fault Accidents or Claims in the last 3 Years?
  • You Must Not Have Been convicted of any Road Traffic Offence or Series of Offences where the Penalty Points Accumulation is 9 Points or more?
  • You Must Not Have Been convicted in the last 5 Years of any Criminal Offence relating to Fraud, Robbery, Theft or Handling Stolen Goods?
  • You Do Not have any Medical Conditions where Terms have been imposed on your Driving License by DVLA?
  • You Are Not Employed as a Professional Entertainer or as a Professional / Semi-Professional Sportsperson?

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or to discuss the above on 01603 397725.