Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that commercial vehicle maintenance can raise many questions. Here you'll find answers to common queries about our repair services, turnaround times, and what to expect when bringing your truck to BasicTips.

We work with a wide range of commercial vehicles, including rigid trucks up to 32 tonnes, articulated lorries, delivery vans, refrigerated units, and specialist vehicles such as tippers and flatbeds. Our technicians have experience with major manufacturers including DAF, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Volvo, MAN, and Iveco.

Each vehicle type requires specific knowledge and equipment. Our workshop is equipped with heavy-duty lifts capable of handling vehicles up to 44 tonnes, diagnostic tools compatible with all major brands, and a comprehensive parts inventory to minimize downtime.

A standard preventive maintenance service typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on the vehicle size and specific requirements. This includes oil and filter changes, brake inspection, fluid top-ups, and a comprehensive safety check covering 47 points.

More extensive work varies: brake system overhauls usually require 6-8 hours, gearbox repairs can take 2-3 days, and engine rebuilds may need 5-7 working days. We provide accurate time estimates after initial diagnostics and keep you informed throughout the process. For urgent repairs, we offer priority service to get your vehicle back on the road faster.

Yes, we operate a 24-hour breakdown recovery service covering London and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius. Our recovery vehicles can handle trucks up to 44 tonnes and are equipped to safely transport damaged or immobilized vehicles to our workshop.

Response times average 45-90 minutes depending on location and traffic conditions. Our recovery team includes qualified technicians who can often perform roadside diagnostics and minor repairs on site, potentially saving you a full recovery. Call our emergency line at +44 20 3481 9275 for immediate assistance.

All our repair work comes with a 12-month or 20,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. This covers both parts and labor for the specific repair carried out. Genuine manufacturer parts typically carry their own warranty of 24 months, which we pass directly to you.

The warranty covers defects in workmanship and component failure under normal operating conditions. It does not extend to wear and tear, damage from accidents, or issues arising from improper vehicle use. We maintain detailed records of all work performed, making warranty claims straightforward and hassle-free.

We specialize in fleet maintenance programs for businesses operating 5 or more commercial vehicles. Our contracts include scheduled servicing, priority booking, discounted labor rates, and dedicated account management. We currently maintain fleets ranging from 8 to 150 vehicles across various industries.

Fleet contracts can be customized to include preventive maintenance schedules, emergency repair coverage, detailed reporting for compliance purposes, and parts procurement at wholesale rates. We work with your operational schedule to minimize vehicle downtime and can arrange out-of-hours servicing when needed.

We stock both genuine manufacturer parts and premium aftermarket alternatives. For critical components such as engine parts, braking systems, and safety equipment, we recommend genuine parts to ensure optimal performance and maintain manufacturer warranties on newer vehicles.

For older vehicles or when budget is a primary concern, we offer high-quality aftermarket parts from reputable suppliers that meet or exceed OEM specifications. We always discuss options with you before proceeding, explaining the differences in cost, warranty coverage, and expected lifespan. All parts, regardless of source, are covered by our workmanship warranty.

Our workshop is equipped with manufacturer-level diagnostic tools including Jaltest, Texa, and brand-specific systems for DAF, Mercedes, Scania, and Volvo. These tools allow us to read fault codes, perform live data analysis, run component tests, and carry out software updates and calibrations.

We also use advanced testing equipment such as diesel injection test benches, brake rollers, emission analyzers, and electronic component testers. This comprehensive diagnostic capability means we can accurately identify issues quickly, reducing guesswork and preventing unnecessary part replacements. All diagnostics are documented and explained in plain language.

Brake repair costs vary significantly based on the specific issue and vehicle type. A standard brake pad and disc replacement for one axle typically ranges from £450 to £850, including parts and labor. Complete brake system overhauls, including calipers, air system components, and adjusters, can range from £1,200 to £3,500 depending on the vehicle.

We always provide a detailed written estimate before starting work. The estimate breaks down parts costs, labor hours, and any additional work discovered during inspection. Emergency brake repairs may incur a small premium for priority service, but we never proceed with work beyond the initial safety assessment without your approval.

While we don't conduct official MOT tests ourselves, we offer comprehensive pre-MOT inspections that check all testable items according to current DVSA standards. This service costs £95 and includes a detailed report identifying any issues that would result in an MOT failure.

We can then carry out all necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle passes first time. Our pre-MOT inspection typically takes 90 minutes and covers brakes, lights, steering, suspension, emissions, and all safety-critical systems. We work with several nearby authorized testing stations and can arrange your MOT appointment as part of the service.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and cash payments. For business customers, we offer 30-day payment terms subject to credit approval. Fleet contract customers can arrange monthly consolidated billing for all vehicles in their fleet.

All invoices are itemized showing parts, labor, and any additional charges separately. We provide digital invoices via email and can integrate with your accounting systems for easier processing. For larger unexpected repairs, we can discuss payment plans to help manage costs while keeping your vehicle operational.

We maintain a small fleet of courtesy vehicles available to business customers during extended repairs. These include 3.5-tonne vans and 7.5-tonne trucks, subject to availability and driver license requirements. There is a daily charge of £45-£85 depending on vehicle size, which covers insurance and basic fuel.

Courtesy vehicles must be booked in advance and are prioritized for fleet contract customers and urgent business needs. All drivers must be over 25, hold the appropriate license category, and provide proof of business insurance. For planned maintenance, we recommend booking courtesy vehicles at least one week ahead.

Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 12 months or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, vehicles operating in demanding conditions such as constant urban stop-start driving, heavy loads, or extreme temperatures may benefit from more frequent servicing every 20,000 miles or 9 months.

Regular servicing extends vehicle lifespan, maintains fuel efficiency, and helps prevent costly breakdowns. We create customized maintenance schedules based on your specific usage patterns, operating environment, and manufacturer recommendations. Keeping to a regular schedule also maintains warranty coverage and helps with resale value.

First, safely move to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area if possible. Turn on hazard lights, exit the vehicle from the passenger side away from traffic, and move behind the barrier. Call our emergency line immediately at +44 20 3481 9275 with your location and vehicle details.

Do not attempt repairs on the motorway. Our recovery team will coordinate with Highways England and arrange safe recovery. If you're unable to reach the hard shoulder, stay in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened and call 999. We work closely with motorway recovery services and can take over once your vehicle reaches a safe location.

Yes, we have two technicians with F-Gas certification who specialize in refrigeration systems from manufacturers including Carrier, Thermo King, and Frigoblock. We can diagnose and repair compressor issues, refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, and temperature control problems.

Services include annual refrigeration system inspections, gas top-ups, component replacement, and full system overhauls. We maintain stock of common refrigeration parts and can source specialist components within 24-48 hours. All refrigeration work complies with current F-Gas regulations and is documented for your compliance records.

All our technicians hold NVQ Level 3 in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair as a minimum. Our senior technicians have manufacturer-specific certifications from brands including DAF, Mercedes-Benz, and Scania. Two technicians are IRTEC certified, and we have F-Gas certified specialists for refrigeration work.

We invest in ongoing training to keep pace with evolving vehicle technology, particularly in areas such as electronic systems, emissions control, and advanced diagnostics. Our team collectively has over 85 years of experience working with commercial vehicles, and each technician participates in at least 40 hours of professional development annually.

You can book by calling us on +44 20 3481 9275 during business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00), emailing [email protected], or visiting our workshop at 32 Elm Park Road, London, SW3 6EU. We typically need vehicle registration, make, model, and a description of the issue or service required.

For routine servicing, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance. Emergency repairs are accommodated same-day or next-day depending on workshop capacity. When booking, let us know if you need a courtesy vehicle or have specific time constraints, and we'll do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Our mobile repair service covers Greater London and surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius of our workshop in SW3. We can perform many common repairs on-site including battery replacement, starter motor issues, minor electrical faults, brake adjustments, and fluid leaks.

Mobile service calls are charged at £85 for the first hour plus travel costs, then £65 per additional hour. Parts are charged separately at the same rates as workshop repairs. This service is particularly useful for minor issues that don't require workshop equipment, saving you recovery costs and minimizing downtime. We aim to reach most London locations within 90 minutes of your call.

About BasicTips

Delivering reliable truck repair solutions across London since our establishment

Truck repair workshop

Our Foundation

BasicTips started as a modest workshop in London, focused on addressing the growing demand for dependable commercial vehicle maintenance. Our founders recognized that fleet operators needed a partner who understood the balance between vehicle uptime and cost management.

What began with a team of three certified technicians has grown into a comprehensive service facility. We expanded our capabilities gradually, adding diagnostic equipment and training staff in multiple truck systems. Each piece of equipment was selected based on the actual needs we encountered daily.

Today, we operate from a 4,500 square foot facility at 32 Elm Park Road, equipped with six service bays and computerized diagnostic stations. Our workshop handles everything from routine maintenance to complex engine rebuilds, serving operators throughout the London area.

Professional truck maintenance

Mission and Approach

We exist to keep commercial vehicles operational through accurate diagnostics and effective repairs. Our approach centers on transparent communication with fleet managers and owner-operators about what their vehicles actually need.

Rather than pursuing expansion for its own sake, we focus on maintaining the expertise required for modern truck systems. Our technicians complete manufacturer training programs and hold certifications in diesel mechanics, air brake systems, and electronic diagnostics.

We handle brands including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Scania, DAF, and MAN. Each technician specializes in specific systems, whether that's fuel injection, transmission work, or electrical troubleshooting. This specialization allows us to resolve issues efficiently without unnecessary exploratory work.

Experience and Capabilities

Our workshop has processed over 12,000 service appointments since opening. We maintain detailed service records for regular clients, tracking maintenance history and identifying patterns that help prevent breakdowns.

The facility includes alignment equipment accurate to 0.5 degrees, brake testing stations meeting DVSA standards, and emissions testing for compliance verification. We stock common wear parts and maintain supplier relationships for next-day delivery of specialized components.

Our diagnostic capabilities cover modern CAN bus systems, SCR emissions equipment, and electronic stability control. When issues require manufacturer-specific tools, we have invested in the necessary interfaces rather than referring work elsewhere.

Core Values

Technical Accuracy

We use diagnostic data and manufacturer specifications to identify root causes. Repairs are performed according to documented procedures, not guesswork.

Clear Communication

Before work begins, we provide written estimates detailing parts, labor hours, and completion timeframes. Clients receive updates if diagnostics reveal additional issues.

Continuous Training

Our team completes 40 hours of technical training annually. As truck systems evolve, our knowledge base expands to match current technology.

8 Certified Technicians
6 Service Bays
12K+ Vehicles Serviced
98% First-Time Fix Rate