Education
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The Rise of Used Electric Vehicles: Why More Drivers Are Making the Switch
- 3 mins readNew Zealand’s automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular. While new EV sales have been rising steadily, an equally interesting trend is happening in the used car market. More Kiwis are opting for pre-owned electric vehicles than ever before. Between mid-2022 and mid-2023, 39% of all light vehicles […]
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The Most Common Reasons for Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Failures in New Zealand
/ - 3 mins readKeeping your car roadworthy is not just a legal requirement in New Zealand, it’s also critical for safety. Unfortunately, many vehicles fail their Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspections due to common and often preventable issues. Using insights from NZTA data, we’ve compiled the top reasons for WoF failures and tips to address them. 1. Lighting […]
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Top Car Maintenance Trends in New Zealand for 2024
/ - 3 mins readKeeping up with car maintenance is essential for the safety, longevity, and efficiency of vehicles. In New Zealand, evolving trends in car maintenance reveal changing preferences and habits among car owners. Backed by statistics from the Ministry of Transport (MOT NZ), here are the top car maintenance trends for 2024. 1. Electric Vehicle (EV) Maintenance […]
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How Vehicle Age Affects Maintenance and What You Need to Know
- 4 mins readWhen it comes to maintaining your vehicle, its age plays a crucial role in how frequently it needs servicing and the types of repairs it may require. In New Zealand, vehicles are getting older, and this trend is something every driver should consider when looking at their car maintenance schedule. According to the New Zealand […]
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The Impact of Fuel Types on Vehicle Maintenance
/ - 3 mins readAs the vehicle fleet in New Zealand diversifies, the maintenance requirements of each fuel type vary significantly. Let’s explore what this means for different vehicle owners: Petrol Vehicles Petrol vehicles still make up the majority of New Zealand’s fleet, and while they are relatively easy to maintain, owners should still stay on top of regular […]
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Is that humming noise driving you crazy? Wheel bearing problems 101
/ - 3 mins readIf you’re hearing a strange noise coming from your wheels, it might be time to get your wheel bearings checked out. As a car owner, it’s important to know the signs of failing wheel bearings so you can catch the problem early and avoid more serious (and expensive) issues down the road. What are the […]
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What are the signs of a failing tie end rod?
/ - 3 mins readWhen it comes to car maintenance, the tie rod end oftentimes doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. It connects the steering rack to the wheel and plays a crucial role in making sure your car goes where you want it to go. But, what happens when it starts to fail? Let’s dive into it! Symptoms […]
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What are the signs of a failing throttle position sensor?
/ - 3 mins readIs your car acting up? Stalling, surging, or just not accelerating like it used to? It could be a problem with your throttle position sensor (TPS). In this post, we’ll dive into the symptoms of a bad TPS and what you can do about it. What is a throttle position sensor? The TPS is a […]
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Signs your starter motor is failing
/ - 3 mins readWe’ve all been there. You’re running late for work, you jump in the car, turn the key and… nothing. Your engine won’t start. Uh oh. Chances are, you’ve got a problem with your starter motor. The starter motor is a small but powerful electric motor that’s responsible for turning over your engine when you turn […]
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Signs your car’s PCV valve is failing
/ - 3 mins readIs your car making strange hissing or whistling noises from the engine? Noticing rough idling, poor acceleration, or decreased fuel economy? These could all be signs that your vehicle’s PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is failing. The PCV valve is a small but critical component in your engine. Its job is to regulate the airflow […]
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Signs your ignition coils are failing
/ - 3 mins readIf your car is running rough, misfiring, or just not starting like it used to, there’s a good chance your ignition coils are on their way out. Ignition coils are a critical part of your car’s ignition system, responsible for providing the high voltage needed to create a spark and ignite the fuel in the […]
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Signs your fuel pressure regulator is failing
/ - 3 mins readIf your car is running rough, misfiring, or just not performing like it used to, a failing fuel pressure regulator could be the culprit. The fuel pressure regulator is a critical component that maintains the proper fuel pressure needed for your engine to run smoothly. When it starts to go bad, a number of symptoms […]
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8 signs your EGR valve is failing (and what to do about it)
/ - 3 mins readIf you’re like most car owners, you probably don’t think much about your EGR valve – until it starts causing problems. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is a small but important component that helps reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency. However, over time, the EGR valve can become clogged or stuck, leading to a […]
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Signs your car’s distributor is failing
/ - 3 mins readIf your car is running rough, misfiring, or just not starting at all, it could be a sign that your distributor is on the way out. As a critical component of your ignition system, a failing distributor can cause all sorts of problems. In this post, I’ll break down the common symptoms of distributor issues […]
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Is your car struggling to start? It could be time for new spark plugs
/ - 3 mins readHey there, it’s your friendly neighbourhood mechanic here to talk about a crucial component of your car’s engine – the spark plugs. These little guys are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders, which powers your vehicle. When they start to fail, you might notice some tell-tale signs that it’s time for […]
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Is your catalytic converter failing? Here are the telltale signs
/ - 3 mins readIf your car is running rough, losing power, or smelling funky, it could be a sign that your catalytic converter is on its last legs. As a mobile mechanic who’s seen my fair share of faulty catalytic converters, I’m here to break down the symptoms, causes, and costs of this common car problem. What are […]
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Signs your steering rack bushes need replacing
/ - 3 mins readIf you’re experiencing strange noises or sensations while steering your vehicle, it could be a sign that your steering rack bushes are failing. These small but crucial components play a vital role in ensuring smooth, precise steering and a comfortable ride. In this post, we’ll explore the common symptoms of bad steering rack bushes and […]
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Is your car’s water pump failing? Here’s what to look for
/ - 4 mins readAs a car owner, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a failing water pump. The water pump is a crucial component of your vehicle’s cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. If it fails, it can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs. Symptoms of a […]
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Signs your car’s heater core is failing
/ - 3 mins readAs the colder months approach, there’s nothing worse than getting into your car, cranking up the heat, and being greeted by a blast of cold air. If your car heater isn’t working properly, it can make for an unpleasant and even dangerous driving experience. One common culprit behind heater issues is a failing heater core. […]
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What are the symptoms of a failing Fuel Pump?
/ - 3 mins readIs your car sputtering, stalling or struggling to start? It could be a sign of a failing fuel pump. As the heart of your vehicle’s fuel system, the fuel pump is responsible for delivering gasoline from the tank to the engine. When it starts to go bad, you may notice some telltale symptoms that shouldn’t […]
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Is your car acting up? It could be a failing alternator
/ - 3 mins readIf your car has been having trouble starting, the battery keeps dying, or the lights are dimming, you might have a failing alternator on your hands. The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle’s electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering all the electronics while the engine is running. When it […]
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Throttle control warning light: what it means and how to fix it
- 3 mins readAs a car owner, seeing a warning light pop up on your dashboard can be a stressful experience. One light that may catch you off guard is the throttle control warning light. If you’re not familiar with this warning, don’t worry – I’m here to break it down for you. What is the throttle control […]
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Why is my traction control warning light on?
/ - 4 mins readIf you’ve ever been driving and noticed a little light on your dashboard that looks like a car with squiggly lines behind it, that’s your traction control warning light. When this light comes on, it can be confusing and even a bit alarming. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you and […]
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Is your ABS light on? Here’s what it means and how to fix it
/ - 3 mins readAs a driver, it’s always unsettling when a warning light pops up on your dashboard. One of the most common and concerning is the ABS light. If you’re seeing this amber warning staring back at you, don’t panic. I’m here to break down what it means, what might be causing it, and how to get […]
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