SRM Performance works as a Ford mechanic for Gibraltar, about 2 km over the frontier in La Línea. That covers a wide spread of cars: Fiesta and Focus ST hot hatches, the Focus RS, the occasional Mustang, and the Ranger pickups and Transit vans that do the heavy lifting.
Ford's ST and RS cars have a loyal following, and they reward owners who know their weak spots. The Mk3 Focus RS has a head gasket issue on early cars; the 1.6 EcoBoost Fiesta ST can suffer coolant problems; and plenty of everyday Fords with the 1.0 EcoBoost use a timing belt that runs in oil. None of those are reasons to avoid the car, but they're all reasons to have it looked at by someone who knows what to check.
For working vehicles the angle is different: you need the Ranger or Transit back quickly and fixed once. Send the reg and the symptom on WhatsApp and we'll give you a realistic time when we quote. If you'd rather not wait at the workshop, we can drop you back at the frontier. We accept pounds sterling, though euros are preferred.
≈ 5 min
by car from the frontier
≈ 35 min
on foot from the frontier
Driving over from Gibraltar
The workshop is about 2 km past the frontier, roughly 5 minutes by road. Without the car, the walk back takes 35 minutes. You can drive straight over.
Ford jobs we see
Focus RS Mk3 head gasket
Early 2.3 EcoBoost RS engines are known for head gasket failure. White smoke on start-up or a falling coolant level need checking quickly.
1.0 EcoBoost wet belt
The timing belt runs in oil and can break down over time, blocking the oil pickup. Change intervals and oil spec matter on these engines.
Fiesta ST and Focus ST remaps
The 1.6 and 1.5 Fiesta ST and 2.0 or 2.3 Focus ST respond well to software and a custom exhaust, built to your spec. MOT and ITV legality stays with the owner.
PowerShift gearbox judder
The dual-clutch PowerShift in some Focus and Fiesta models is known for judder and slipping. A diagnosis tells you whether it's software, clutches or the control unit.
Ranger and Transit servicing
Clutches, dual-mass flywheels, injectors and servicing on the 2.2 and 3.2 TDCi Ranger and the Transit Custom.
Models we see
- Ford Fiesta ST
- Ford Focus ST
- Ford Focus RS
- Ford Puma ST
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Transit Custom
- Ford Kuga
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mk3 Focus RS head gasket problem on every car?
No. It's associated mainly with earlier cars. We can check for the signs and tell you honestly where yours stands.
How often should a 1.0 EcoBoost belt be changed?
Ford has revised the interval over the years, and the right oil matters as much as the mileage. Send us the reg and we'll check what applies to your car.
Do you work on Gibraltar-registered vans?
Yes. We work on Gibraltar, Spanish and UK registered vehicles, cars and vans alike.
Can I get an invoice in English for my business?
Yes. Our invoices are itemised and can be in English.