Every Car Breaks Eventually — But Some Break the Same Way
Whether you’re commuting across Dundee, making deliveries, or just battling those potholes on Tannadice Street (we see you), things wear out. And while every car is different, we see a few repair jobs again and again.
This guide breaks down the top 10 most common repairs we carry out at Tannadice Motors, what causes them, how urgent they are — and how much they usually cost.
1. Brake Pad Replacement
Symptoms: Squealing, grinding, longer stopping distance
Urgency: 🚨 HIGH
Typical Cost: £90–£160 (per axle)
Brakes are safety-critical. Pads wear down over time — and if you leave them too long, you’ll be replacing discs too (which costs more). We always use quality parts and will inspect the whole system before fitting anything.
2. Diagnostic Checks & Warning Lights
Symptoms: Dashboard lights (engine, ABS, airbag, etc.)
Urgency: ⚠️ Varies
Typical Cost: £45–£70 (initial diagnostic)
That little orange engine light doesn’t always mean disaster — but it does mean something’s off. We use pro-level diagnostic tools to read fault codes, find the issue fast, and advise on the next steps.
3. Battery Replacement
Symptoms: Car struggling to start, clicking noise, dim lights
Urgency: 🚨 HIGH
Typical Cost: £80–£150 (including fitting)
Batteries don’t last forever, especially in winter. If your car sounds like it’s wheezing to life in the mornings, it might be time. We’ll test it properly and fit a reliable replacement if needed.
4. Exhaust Repairs & Replacements
Symptoms: Louder engine noise, rattling, failed emissions
Urgency: ⚠️ Medium to high
Typical Cost: £120–£350 (depending on part)
From blown back boxes to worn-out catalytic converters, exhaust issues can affect performance, emissions, and MOT results. We can inspect, repair, or replace — without charging you full dealer prices.
5. Tyre Replacement & Tracking
Symptoms: Worn tread, poor grip, uneven wear, pulling to one side
Urgency: 🚨 HIGH
Typical Cost: £60–£150 per tyre + £40–£60 for tracking
We check tread depth, tyre condition, and wheel alignment. We’ll never upsell you a full set unless you actually need it — promise.
Suspension & Steering Issues
Symptoms: Clunks over bumps, uneven ride, pulling to one side
Urgency: ⚠️ Medium
Typical Cost: £120–£400+ (depends on parts)
Worn shocks, bushes, or control arms are common — especially on Dundee roads. We’ll assess it thoroughly and give you a clear quote before doing anything.
7. Bulb Replacement
Symptoms: Headlight or brake light out
Urgency: ⚠️ Low (but can fail an MOT)
Typical Cost: £10–£25
A quick fix, but important. Especially if it’s affecting your visibility or if you’ve got an MOT coming up.
8. Air Con Regas
Symptoms: No cold air, musty smell
Urgency: ❄️ Low
Typical Cost: £60–£90
Not urgent, but nobody wants a sweaty car in summer. We’ll check for leaks, re-gas your system, and get you breathing icy-fresh air again.
9. Windscreen Wiper & Washer Fixes
Symptoms: Smearing, squeaking, no washer fluid spray
Urgency: ⚠️ Low–medium (MOT fail if washer not working)
Typical Cost: £15–£45
Cheap but essential. We’ll fit quality blades and sort the pump if needed. Great to tick off during a service.
10. Clutch Repairs
Symptoms: Slipping gears, burning smell, heavy pedal
Urgency: 🚨 HIGH
Typical Cost: £400–£800 (vehicle dependent)
Clutches take a beating. If it’s on its way out, you’ll know — and you do not want it to go mid-roundabout. We’ll inspect, diagnose, and advise the best fix.
Bonus: Fleet Repairs & Business Vehicles
We don’t just fix daily drivers. If you’ve got vans or light commercials, we offer:
- Quick turnaround for urgent jobs
- Consistent pricing
- Flexible bookings to reduce downtime
- Ongoing service & repair plans
📞 Get in touch for fleet support
Why Choose Tannadice Motors for Car Repairs in Dundee?
We’re a local, independent garage trusted by drivers and businesses across Dundee. Why?
- ✅ Honest, transparent pricing
- ✅ DVSA-qualified technicians
- ✅ Cars, vans, light commercials
- ✅ Fast turnaround
- ✅ Friendly, straight-talking advice
- ✅ No unnecessary work — ever
Need a Repair? Not Sure What’s Wrong?
Pop in or send us a quick message with symptoms. We’ll run diagnostics, explain everything clearly, and get you back on the road without the drama.
