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    <title>Fix My Groups Mobile Mechanics — Car Advice Blog</title>
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    <description>Practical guides on brake safety, car diagnostics, mobile servicing, and more from Fix My Groups Mobile Mechanics — serving Brighton, East Sussex and West Sussex.</description>
    <language>en-gb</language>
    <copyright>Copyright 2026, Mechanics On Tap Ltd</copyright>
    <managingEditor>repairs@fixmygroups.co.uk (Fix My Groups Mobile Mechanics)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>repairs@fixmygroups.co.uk (Fix My Groups Mobile Mechanics)</webMaster>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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      <title>Fix My Groups Mobile Mechanics</title>
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      <title>Mobile Car Servicing in Brighton &amp; Sussex: Everything You Need to Know</title>
      <link>https://fixmygroups.co.uk/blog/mobile-mechanic-brighton-sussex-guide</link>
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      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Local Guide</category>
      <description>Looking for a mobile mechanic in Brighton, East Sussex, or West Sussex? Everything you need to know about mobile car servicing — what it covers, how to book, and the areas we serve.</description>
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        <h1>Mobile Car Servicing in Brighton &amp; Sussex: Everything You Need to Know</h1>
        <p>If you've searched 'mobile mechanic near me' and landed here, you're in the right place. This guide covers everything about mobile car servicing across Brighton &amp; Hove and the wider Sussex area — what jobs can be done at your door, how to book, what to expect, and the towns and areas we cover.</p>
        <h2>What is mobile car servicing?</h2>
        <p>Mobile car servicing means a fully trained mechanic drives to your location — your home, workplace, or anywhere with safe access — and carries out maintenance or repairs on-site. You don't arrange a lift, you don't lose a day dropping off a car, and you don't pay for workshop overhead.</p>
        <h2>Services available across Brighton &amp; Sussex</h2>
        <ul>
          <li>Brake pad and disc replacement</li>
          <li>Full vehicle diagnostics (all control modules)</li>
          <li>Oil and filter service</li>
          <li>Battery replacement and electrical testing</li>
          <li>Clutch replacement</li>
          <li>Starter motor and alternator</li>
          <li>Suspension and steering</li>
          <li>Pre-purchase vehicle inspections</li>
        </ul>
        <h2>Areas we cover</h2>
        <p>Brighton &amp; Hove, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Newhaven, Seaford, Eastbourne, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Crawley, Horsham.</p>
        <h2>Our guarantee</h2>
        <p>All work is guaranteed for 12 months on parts and labour. Call 01273 978949 or book online.</p>
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    <item>
      <title>What Does a Car Diagnostic Check Actually Tell You?</title>
      <link>https://fixmygroups.co.uk/blog/what-does-a-car-diagnostic-check-show</link>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Diagnostics</category>
      <description>Dashboard warning light on? A car diagnostic check reads fault codes from your car's computer. Here's what it tells you — and what it doesn't.</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[
        <h1>What Does a Car Diagnostic Check Actually Tell You?</h1>
        <p>A dashboard warning light is your car trying to tell you something. But 'something' could mean dozens of different things — and reading the code is only the starting point.</p>
        <h2>What is a car diagnostic check?</h2>
        <p>Since the mid-1990s, every car sold in the UK has been fitted with an OBD-II port. A diagnostic scanner plugs into this port and reads data from the car's ECU and other control modules. When a sensor detects a reading outside its expected range, it logs a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).</p>
        <h2>What warning lights trigger a diagnostic scan?</h2>
        <ul>
          <li>Engine management light (EML) — most common</li>
          <li>ABS warning light</li>
          <li>Airbag / SRS warning light</li>
          <li>DPF warning light (diesel)</li>
          <li>Traction control / stability control</li>
          <li>TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring)</li>
        </ul>
        <h2>What does a fault code tell you — and what doesn't it?</h2>
        <p>A fault code tells you which system or circuit logged an unexpected reading — not exactly what to replace. Proper diagnosis involves reading the code, checking live sensor data, running guided tests, and combining that with physical inspection.</p>
        <h2>FAQ</h2>
        <p><strong>Can a mobile mechanic carry out a full diagnostic check?</strong> Yes. Fix My Groups uses professional-grade equipment and covers Brighton and Sussex.</p>
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    <item>
      <title>Mobile Mechanic vs Garage: Which Is Better for Your Car?</title>
      <link>https://fixmygroups.co.uk/blog/mobile-mechanic-vs-garage</link>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Advice</category>
      <description>Unsure whether to book a mobile mechanic or take your car to a garage? We compare cost, convenience, quality, and the situations where each option makes the most sense.</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[
        <h1>Mobile Mechanic vs Garage: Which Is Better for Your Car?</h1>
        <p>Mobile mechanics have become increasingly popular — but they're not right for every job, and neither is the traditional garage. Here's an honest comparison.</p>
        <h2>What a mobile mechanic can do</h2>
        <p>Brake pad and disc replacement, oil and filter services, diagnostics, clutch replacement, starter motor and alternator, suspension, pre-purchase inspections — the majority of everyday repairs.</p>
        <h2>When a traditional garage is the better choice</h2>
        <ul>
          <li>MOT testing (requires an authorised testing station)</li>
          <li>Air-conditioning regas</li>
          <li>Wheel alignment</li>
          <li>Major structural or accident damage</li>
          <li>Tyre fitting and balancing</li>
        </ul>
        <h2>Cost comparison</h2>
        <p>Mobile mechanics are often cheaper than main dealers and franchised garages because they have no workshop overhead. That saving passes to the customer.</p>
        <h2>Our guarantee</h2>
        <p>Fix My Groups provides a 12-month guarantee on all parts and labour. Call 01273 978949 or book online.</p>
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    <item>
      <title>My Car Won't Start – What to Check Before Calling a Mechanic</title>
      <link>https://fixmygroups.co.uk/blog/car-wont-start-what-to-do</link>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Diagnostics</category>
      <description>Car won't start? Work through this step-by-step checklist before you call out a mechanic — you might be able to fix it yourself in minutes.</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[
        <h1>My Car Won't Start – What to Check Before Calling a Mechanic</h1>
        <p>Run through this checklist before you call anyone — some causes can be ruled out in under two minutes.</p>
        <h2>Step 1: What does the car actually do?</h2>
        <ul>
          <li>Nothing at all — electrical issue, flat battery, loose terminal</li>
          <li>Single loud click — failing starter motor or very flat battery</li>
          <li>Rapid clicking — classic sign of a flat battery</li>
          <li>Engine cranks but won't fire — fuel, spark, or ignition problem</li>
          <li>Starts then immediately stalls — idle control, fuel pressure, or ECU fault</li>
        </ul>
        <h2>Step 2: Check electrical causes</h2>
        <p>Check battery terminals for corrosion. Interior lights dim or flickering suggests low charge. Left something on overnight? You need a jump start.</p>
        <h2>Step 3: Check fuel level</h2>
        <p>Confirm you have fuel. A faulty fuel gauge is more common than you'd think.</p>
        <h2>Step 4: Check the key fob</h2>
        <p>Replace the key fob battery (CR2032). Hold the key closer to the start button. Try the spare key.</p>
        <h2>Step 5: When to call a mechanic</h2>
        <p>If the battery, terminals, fuel, and key fob are fine, the fault requires diagnostic equipment. Fix My Groups can diagnose and often repair at your location across Brighton and Sussex.</p>
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    <item>
      <title>How to Tell When Your Brake Pads Need Replacing</title>
      <link>https://fixmygroups.co.uk/blog/when-do-brake-pads-need-replacing</link>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <category>Brakes</category>
      <description>Squealing, grinding or a soft brake pedal? Learn the clear warning signs that your brake pads need replacing — and why you should never delay.</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[
        <h1>How to Tell When Your Brake Pads Need Replacing</h1>
        <p>Your brakes are the single most important safety system on your car. Here's exactly what to check, and when to act.</p>
        <h2>Warning signs your pads need replacing</h2>
        <ul>
          <li>Squealing or squeaking when braking — wear indicator contacting the disc</li>
          <li>Grinding or metallic scraping — urgent, metal-on-metal contact</li>
          <li>Vibration or pulsing through the pedal — warped disc</li>
          <li>Soft or spongy brake pedal — hydraulic system affected</li>
          <li>Car pulling to one side when braking — uneven wear or sticking calliper</li>
          <li>Visual inspection shows less than 3 mm of friction material</li>
        </ul>
        <h2>How long do brake pads last?</h2>
        <p>Typically 25,000–70,000 miles depending on driving style. Have brakes inspected every 12 months or 12,000 miles.</p>
        <h2>What happens if you ignore worn brake pads?</h2>
        <p>Scored discs turn a simple pad change into a far more expensive repair. In extreme cases, brake failure is possible.</p>
        <h2>FAQ</h2>
        <p><strong>Can a mobile mechanic replace brake pads at my home?</strong> Yes — it's one of the most common jobs Fix My Groups carries out across Brighton and Sussex.</p>
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