Richard Wafer

You’re ready to head out, but your car won’t budge from park. Don’t panic, though! As the saying goes, knowledge is power. In this post, I’ll walk you through the common causes of a car getting stuck in park, and what you can do about it. Symptoms of a car stuck in park If your […]

It’s a strange and unsettling feeling when you turn the key to shut off your car, but the engine just keeps on running. You’re not alone if this has happened to you – it’s a problem that can occur for a variety of reasons. In this post, I’ll explore some of the most common causes […]

Is your car’s engine stalling frequently, leaving you stranded and frustrated? As a driver, there’s nothing more unsettling than your vehicle suddenly losing power, especially in the middle of traffic. But don’t panic! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the common causes of engine stalling and what you can do to get your […]

I recently changed my car battery and now I’m experiencing all sorts of weird electrical issues. The clock has reset, my radio presets are gone, and even my power seats aren’t working right. What’s going on? Is this connected to the battery replacement? As it turns out, yes, these problems are likely related to disconnecting […]

Cruise control is one of those modern car features that’s easy to take for granted – until it stops working. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of cruise control and suddenly find it not engaging, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Don’t worry, I’m here to help explain the possible causes and what to do […]

As a car owner, one of the most alarming things to discover is a puddle of liquid under your vehicle. If that liquid is green, orange, or yellow and has a sweet smell, it’s likely coolant. A coolant leak is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly to avoid costly engine damage. Symptoms […]

Winter weather can be tough on our cars. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your freezing vehicle on a chilly morning, turning the key, and finding that it won’t start. As the largest mobile mechanic service in New Zealand, we’ve seen our fair share of cars that won’t cooperate in the cold. In this […]

If you’ve noticed a strong gasoline smell in or around your car, it’s natural to feel concerned. A persistent gas odour can indicate a serious issue that needs immediate attention. In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of gas smells, what repairs might be needed, and why bringing your car to My Auto Shop […]

As a car owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than hopping in your ride, ready to hit the road, only to find out your windows have a mind of their own. You press the switch, expecting that satisfying whir of the glass gliding up or down, but instead… nothing. Nada. Zilch. Your windows are stuck, and […]

We’ve all been there – you’re cruising down the road, enjoying the breeze, when suddenly your car window gets stuck. Whether it’s stuck open or closed, a malfunctioning window can be a real pain. But don’t panic! In this post, I’ll walk you through what to do when your window won’t budge. Symptoms of a […]

If your car is struggling to accelerate, especially when going uphill, it can be a frustrating and even scary experience. You step on the gas pedal, expecting your car to zip forward, but instead, it feels like it’s barely crawling. What’s going on? Symptoms of poor acceleration When your car has trouble accelerating, you might […]

Have you ever gotten into your car and been hit with a nasty, rotten egg smell? It’s not pleasant, and it can be a sign of some serious issues with your vehicle. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of that sulfuric stench and what you can do to get rid of it. […]

If you’ve ever felt your car shaking or vibrating when you hit the brakes, you know it can be an unsettling experience. You might feel the vibration in the brake pedal, steering wheel, or even the whole car. Not only is it annoying, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem with […]

If you’ve ever been driving down the road and felt your car veering to the left or right, you know how annoying and potentially dangerous it can be. As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic business, I’ve seen this issue countless times. In this post, I’ll break down the common […]

If you’re like me, you probably cringe every time you hear an unusual rattle coming from your car. That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as you wonder, “How much is this going to cost me?” Trust me, I’ve been there. As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic […]

Is your car shaking like a leaf in the wind? It’s an unsettling feeling, isn’t it? As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic business, I’ve seen my fair share of vibrating vehicles. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of car shaking and what you can do about […]

Have you ever been driving along and suddenly your car loses power, the check engine light comes on, and you can barely accelerate? Chances are, your car has entered “limp mode.” This can be a scary experience, especially if you’re far from home or in heavy traffic. But don’t panic! I’m here to explain what […]

If you’ve noticed that your car is burning through oil faster than usual, it’s a cause for concern. While some oil consumption is normal, excessive oil burning can lead to serious engine problems if left unchecked. In this post, I’ll break down the symptoms and causes of oil burning, what’s involved in repairing it, and […]

It’s a sinking feeling – you take your car in for its regular smog check, only to have it fail. Now you’re left wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, you’ve got options! Let’s break down what a failed smog check means and how to get your car back on the road. Symptoms and causes […]

As a car owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than a car door that won’t close properly. It’s not only annoying but also a safety hazard. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll walk you through the common causes of a car door that won’t shut and what […]

Is your car defroster not working properly? You’re not alone. As a mobile mechanic, I see this issue all the time, especially during the colder months. A malfunctioning defroster is not only annoying, but it can also be a safety hazard if it impairs your visibility while driving. In this post, I’ll break down the […]

What the camshaft does. The camshaft is the conductor of your engine’s valvetrain orchestra. Its precisely shaped lobes open and close the valves in perfect sync with the pistons, letting air and fuel in and exhaust out at just the right moments. Without the camshaft, your engine would just be a chunky paperweight. How to tell […]

What the balance shaft does. If you’ve got a four-cylinder engine, chances are it has a balance shaft inside. This clever bit of engineering helps cancel out some of the vibrations that are inherent to a four-cylinder design, making for a smoother-running engine. How to tell if the balance shaft is faulty. A bad balance […]

What does the air filter in diesel engines do? Diesel engines are a bit different than gas engines, and so are their air filters. Diesel engines need a lot more air to run than gas engines, so their filters are usually bigger and beefier to handle the extra flow. How to tell if the air […]