Engine & repair guides
Clear answers to the questions drivers actually ask — costs, common faults, and how repairs work.
How much does an engine rebuild cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
In the UK, an engine rebuild typically costs less than a brand-new engine and varies with the engine, the extent of the wear, and parts prices — the only way to know your figure is a proper diagnosis and a fixed quote.
Reconditioned vs used vs new engine — which should you choose?
A reconditioned engine usually offers the best balance of cost and reliability: cheaper than new, more dependable than an unknown used unit, and backed by a warranty.
Wet belt failure explained (Ford EcoBoost & PureTech)
A wet belt is a timing belt that runs inside the engine, lubricated by oil — and on engines like the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost and PSA 1.2 PureTech it degrades early, shedding material that can block the oil pickup and starve the engine.
7 signs your timing belt needs replacing
The clearest sign a timing belt needs replacing is that it's due by age or mileage — but a ticking noise, rough idle, oil leaks around the covers, or difficulty starting are all warnings to get it checked before it snaps.
What happens in an engine rebuild? A step-by-step guide
An engine rebuild means stripping the engine to its component parts, inspecting and measuring everything, machining and renewing the worn parts to manufacturer tolerances, then reassembling and run-testing before it goes back in the car.
BMW N47 timing chain: symptoms, cost & repair
The BMW N47 timing chain typically fails with a distinctive rattle from the rear of the engine on cold start — and because the chain sits at the back, it's an engine-out repair best done properly with the full chain kit.
How the £25 MOT with a service works
When you book an MOT together with a service at Brilliant Motors Garage in Welling, the MOT is just £25 — book online for an instant price with no pre-payment.