If your vehicle is hard to start My Auto Shop can get it sorted with an Engine Inspection. Simply leave as many details about the issue as you can and we will contact local MTA approved mechanics in Taranaki that are qualified to fix the underlying issue. We'll email you quotes for an inspection within 2 working days, and where possible provide an indication as to the likely underlying issue(s) and cost to fix. You can book directly on the My Auto Shop platform in minutes.

How a Engine Inspection works with My Auto Shop:

Our qualified mechanic will look to complete a thorough inspection of your vehicle's engine using the information or symptoms you have provided via the My Auto Shop platform. To complete this the mechanic will usually start by plugging into your OBDII port and completing a complete diagnostic scan. This will highlight any error or warning codes your vehicle has and will provide the mechanic with information they. need to fix your problem.

Depending on the symptoms the mechanic will take a good look at your vehicles:
- Drive & timing belts (cambelt, serpentine belts);
- Camshaft & crankshaft;
- Spark plugs; or
- Oil pan.

Before completing any repairs the mechanic will complete a quote and look for your approval.

When your vehicle is hard to start its often as a result of a:

• Bad Starter motor
• Bad Relay Wiring
• Low or Dead Battery
• Failing Solenoid
• Failing Ignition Switch
• Defective Fuel Pump
• Fouled Plugs
• Clogged Fuel Filter
• Contaminated Fuel

Popular services linked to a Engine Inspection:

Head gasket replacement

Nearly all modern engines have a separate engine block and head assembly. Despite not being connected, they have to be bolted together to house the valve train, camshaft, and manage air coming in and exhaust going out. The fluids that keep the camshaft and valves lubricated and cooled aren’t meant to get into the combustion chamber.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement

Due to modern environmental concerns, car manufacturers have brought a raft of measures to help lower carbon footprint - namely emissions. This is where the oxygen sensor comes in. This is a sensor that is connected to your exhaust manifold which detects the level of oxygen in your exhaust gas. This helps ensure that the car is running with the exact air/fuel ratio it needs for peak performance – in both power and efficiency.

Cambelt Replacement

Also known as a “timing belt” the cambelt ensures the engine values open and close at the correct time by ensuring the camshaft and crankshaft in the engine remain aligned. The belt, made from reinforced rubber, is tensioned between a series of pulleys and tensioners, making sure that the belt does not slip and that it remains aligned, for optimum engine performance. Some vehicles have a timing chain that replaces the cambelt. Timing chains are more reliable and therefore need replacing less often, but are more complicated to replace if they become damaged.

Water Pump Replacement

When your engine is running it can get very hot. To prevent the engine overheating, the water pump does what its name suggests. Pumping water around the engine and then carrying the hot water to the radiator where it is cooled and then pumped back through the engine.