James Livingston Automotive
About

Welcome to James Livingston Automotive - J.L.A.

A friendly, family run business.  As the senior technician I am a fully qualified, skilled and professional mobile mechanic and registered member of the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry).  I completed my apprenticeship with Volkswagen, before working for a Landrover specialist and have over 20 years experience.

J.L.A. offer a range of automotive services direct to your home or workplace for your convenience and giving unbeatable value for money.  For larger and more involved jobs, such as engine rebuilds, we have the use of workshop facilities.

Whether your clutch has failed and left you stranded or you just want a vehicle checked over before you decide to commit to a purchase, J.L.A. has you covered.  Click on the quote tab for a free, no obligation quote.

Years professional experience
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Services

A full range of services are offered for all makes and models of Cars, Van and 4x4s.

Routine servicing

Routine vehicle servicing is crucial for customers to prevent expensive breakdowns, ensure passenger safety, maximize fuel efficiency, and maintain high resale value. Skipping service leads to engine strain, premature component failure, and voided warranties, costing far more in the long run than regular, planned maintenance

  • Preventative vs. Emergency Repair: Routine maintenance identifies small issues (like a small leak) before they become major, costly failures (like a seized engine).
  • Reduced Breakdown Risk: Regular checks of belts, hoses, and fluids reduce the risk of being stranded, saving on towing fees and emergency repairs.
  • Better Fuel Efficiency: A well-serviced car with clean filters and fresh oil can improve fuel economy by up to 15%, reducing money spent at the pump.
  • Higher Resale Value: A vehicle with a full, documented service history can increase its resale value by 10%–20%, making it more attractive to buyers.
  • Extended Vehicle Life: Regular maintenance, particularly regular oil changes, significantly extends the engine’s life, allowing vehicles to reach 200,000+ miles.
  • Smoother Driving Experience: Servicing improves engine performance, reduces vibrations, and ensures smoother braking and handling.
Full Service

A major service, including a comprehensive vehicle inspection, full electronics diagnostic report and replacement of all regular service items:
Engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter
Fuel filter (Diesel) / Spark plugs (Petrol)

Interim Service

A minor service, including a comprehensive vehicle inspection and replacement of engine oil and oil filter

Lubrication Service

An oil service, including a visual safety check covering brakes and tyres, replacement of engine oil and oil filter

Services

Repairs and mot

Vehicles need mechanical repairs to a range of essential components.  Such as, engine, transmission, suspension and steering systems to ensure safety, reliability, and to avoid astronomical repair bills caused by ‘domino effect’ failures.  JLA have vast experience and specialist equipment to repair all aspects of classic, modern and commercial vehicles.

For older vehicles rust is a common issue.  Our mobile welding service will ensure any corrosion is removed and replaced with new metal, followed by a new protective layer of stonechip or underbody sealant.

Our pre-MOT checks remove the stress that putting your vehicle through its annual MOT can cause.  Any repairs that are needed can be carried out.  The most common repairs that arise from an MOT test include issues related to safety, emissions, and vehicle condition.

Services

Diagnostics and Electrical

Car diagnostics and electrical work are essential aspects of modern automotive repair, particularly as vehicles have become increasingly complex, with numerous electronic systems controlling everything from engine performance to safety features.

Autel diagnostic equipment

Diagnostic equipment is vital for modern vehicle repair because it enables fast, accurateidentification of complex electronic and mechanical faults, reducing troubleshooting time and preventing unnecessary parts replacement. These tools communicate with the vehicle's onboard computer to pinpoint issues, ensuring safety-critical systems are maintained and reducing overall repair costs

Key and immobiliser coding kit

If the immobilizer fails, it prevents the car from starting or causes the engine to stall. Key and immobiliser coding fixes this, restoring communication between the key and ECU. Key fobs can lose their coding due to flat car batteries or water damage. JLA has the up-to-date software to re-sync or repair these, eliminating "no-start" conditions.

Electrical and wiring fault finding

Electrical and wiring fault finding is crucial in vehicle repair to prevent safety hazards like fires, stalling, and brake failure. It ensures reliability by resolving issues that cause dead batteries, failed startups, and intermittent electrical component malfunctions. Early detection prevents costly repairs and keeps modern, complex, and "computers on wheels" operating efficiently.

Services

Breakdown

Breakdowns can happen for many reasons, from mechanical failures to electrical issues, they can be frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous.

Our 24 hour call out service will get you out of trouble and back on the road.

Our Service

Inspections and Modifications

Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections are an essential step when buying a used car because it helps you identify potential problems or hidden issues that could cost you money or affect the car’s safety, reliability, and performance.

Beside the day to day maintenance and repair work, JLA are experienced in making modifications to all types of vehicles.  Whether you need work lights on your van, a winch mounted on your Landrover, or an android display and subwoofers for your hatchback.

we will respond within 24 hours

request a quote

FAQs

We accept various payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, bank transfers and cash.

We have a hassle-free Warranty policy. If a new part we have sold and fitted for you fails within 12 months, we will replace the part free of charge.  Labour carries a 12 month warranty.

Our public liability insurance covers claims up to £1,000,000.

We have a hassle-free Warranty policy. If a part we have sold and fitted for you fails within 6 months, we will replace the part free of charge.

We have a hassle-free Warranty policy. If a part we have sold and fitted for you fails within 6 months, we will replace the part free of charge.

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