Hi all,

Have just got my car back from it's MOT - it's a pass (thank god!) with 2 advisories, deterioration of both the exhaust back box/silencer (a mechanic friend is going to check it soon) and, more surprisingly, deterioration of the two front tyre valves.

Surprising because they should have been replaced on 13th March this year by F1 Autocentres along with the tyres. Considering the rear tyres and valves were replaced a year before (by ATS) and are fine, it seems almost implausible that the fronts could be deteriorating so soon? The tyres are in almost perfect condition and have barely worn.

The MOT tester reckoned that F1 didn't bother to replace the valves when they did the tyres (which wouldn't surprise me as I'm sure it came back with worse tracking once they'd finished with it), but before I complain can anyone think of any other reason why this would happen?

Thanks,

Andrew

You'd be surprised how often you are charged for new valves, but they dont replace them. Its a common way for making money with no out goings - how often do you check to see if you have had new valves when you have had new tyres in the past??

Definitely got new ones from ATS though from F1 I can't remember what they look liked before/after, and frankly I was more interested in making sure the tyres were OK because they completely screwed up ordering them (it took them nearly 2 weeks and a lot of intervention from head office to find second for the pair)

I'll never be using F1 Autocentres again, that's for sure.

I went to f1 once and won't be going back.

Re back box. I've had advisories on mine for a couple of years ( heat shield corroded) ,and my opinion is that it's back protection by tester. Not so long ago , I had back box problems. I thought that I'd need a new back box, but at local fast fit place ,it turned out that exhaust man was knew his stuff - the exhausts are double skinnd .Could that be the problem and MOT place is looking to make easy money .

Just had a look to see where you are .If Brum, then you're near /not far from me. Place I went to ( and find the cheapest/ best qualified etc) is Britannia Tyres .Cov/Hinckley/Nuneaton & Derby .

I've had advisories on my back box for 4 years and I've no doubt I will get one next year as well. If it ain't blowing it's alright.

I've had advisories on my back box for 4 years and I've no doubt I will get one next year as well. If it ain't blowing it's alright.

You'll get more till testers get flak jackets

Old proverb: Never get your tracking set by a tyre supplier- its too good for business!