Education

As 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 […]

As a car owner, seeing the engine temperature warning light illuminate on your dashboard can be a stressful experience. This little light, often represented by a thermometer symbol or the word “TEMP”, is your car’s way of telling you that the engine is running too hot. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious engine damage, […]

As a car owner, it’s important to pay attention to your vehicle’s warning lights. One light that you definitely don’t want to ignore is the coolant level warning light. If this light comes on, it means your engine coolant level is low, which can lead to some serious problems if not addressed promptly. Symptoms and […]

As a car owner, seeing a warning light illuminate on your dashboard can be a stressful experience, especially when it’s the brake warning light. Your vehicle’s brakes are its most critical safety system, responsible for slowing and stopping your car. If the brake warning light comes on and stays on, it’s crucial to take action […]

There’s nothing more frustrating than flicking on your windshield wipers during a rainstorm, only to find them not working properly. Whether they’re leaving streaks, chattering across the windshield, or not moving at all, malfunctioning wipers are not only annoying – they’re downright dangerous, as they impair your visibility while driving. So what causes windshield wipers […]

We’ve all been there – you’re driving along and suddenly realise your windshield is covered in dirt, dust, or bugs. You go to spray your windshield washer fluid and… nothing happens. Your windshield washer has stopped working, leaving you with an obstructed view of the road ahead. Don’t panic! In this post, I’ll walk you […]

If you’ve ever stepped on the gas pedal only to have your engine rev without the car accelerating, you know the frustration of a slipping transmission. It’s a common problem that can leave you worried about a hefty repair bill. But what exactly causes a transmission to slip out of gear? Symptoms of a slipping […]

If you’ve ever experienced a spongy or soft brake pedal, you know how unsettling it can be. Instead of the firm, responsive feel you expect when pressing the brakes, the pedal sinks to the floor with little resistance. This is a clear sign that something is wrong with your braking system and needs immediate attention. […]

If you’ve ever been driving along and suddenly noticed your speedometer needle drop to zero, you know how unsettling it can be. A broken speedometer makes it difficult to know how fast you’re going, putting you at risk of a speeding ticket or even an accident. But don’t panic – there are a few common […]

As a car owner, seeing smoke billowing out from your exhaust pipe can be a worrying sight. It’s not just unsightly, but it’s also a clear sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. In this post, I’ll break down what the different colours of exhaust smoke mean and what you should do about it. […]

If you’ve noticed that one of your tyres keeps losing air pressure, you likely have a slow leak. This can be frustrating, as it requires frequent trips to the air pump to keep your tyre properly inflated. But more importantly, driving on an underinflated tyre is dangerous – it can lead to poor handling, increased […]

If your car’s engine is running rough, lacking power, or stalling frequently, it could be a sign of a vacuum leak. Vacuum leaks are a common problem that can cause all sorts of engine issues. In this post, I’ll explain what vacuum leaks are, the symptoms to watch out for, and what’s involved in getting […]

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing more frustrating than hopping into your car on a frosty morning, only to find your rear defroster isn’t working. You know, that handy grid of thin lines on the back window that usually clears up the fog and ice, giving you a clear view of the road […]

If you’ve ever had your car battery die or get disconnected, you may have been surprised to find your radio locked and asking for a code the next time you started up. It’s an annoying problem, but don’t worry – I’m here to walk you through how to get your tunes playing again. Why is […]

If your car’s radiator fan isn’t working, you could be in for a world of trouble. The radiator is a key part of your vehicle’s cooling system, which removes the excess heat produced by the combustion process in your engine. If the radiator fails and isn’t repaired right away, your engine could overheat, leading to […]

If you’ve ever had to steer your car with a dead power steering system, you know how much of a workout it can be! Suddenly, even the slightest turn requires Hulk-like strength. Power steering is one of those car features you don’t truly appreciate until it’s gone. So what causes power steering to fail, and […]

It’s a heart-stopping moment. You’re ready to head home after a long day, but when you try to turn the key in the ignition, it won’t budge. Your key is stuck fast and no matter how much you wiggle it, it just won’t turn. Don’t panic though – a stuck key is a common problem […]

If you’re hearing an annoying squealing sound every time you hit the brakes, you’re not alone. Squeaky brakes are a common issue that many drivers face, but it’s important not to ignore this warning sign. In this post, I’ll break down the potential causes of brake squealing and what you can do to fix the […]

It’s a frustrating feeling when you press the button on your car key fob and nothing happens. Your doors won’t unlock, your car won’t start, and you’re left wondering what to do next. As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic business, I’ve seen this problem countless times. In this post, […]

If you’ve ever parked on a hill and felt that sinking feeling as your car starts to roll, you know how important a functioning park brake (also known as a handbrake or emergency brake) is. When your park brake fails to keep your car stationary, it’s not only annoying but also a serious safety hazard. […]

As a car owner, it’s important to keep an eye on your tyres. They’re the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, so making sure they’re in good condition is crucial for safety and performance. But how do you know when it’s time to replace them? In this blog post, I’ll go […]

Have you ever noticed a sweet, syrupy smell wafting from your car? It might be pleasant at first, but don’t be fooled – this could be a sign of a serious problem with your vehicle. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the causes of that sweet smell and what you should do about it. […]

If you’re hearing a hissing, popping or chugging noise coming from your exhaust, it’s definitely cause for concern. Those sounds are telling you something is wrong with your exhaust system and it needs attention ASAP. Continuing to drive a car with exhaust issues can lead to decreased performance, increased pollution, and potentially dangerous fumes entering […]

If you’re hearing a grinding or rattling noise when you hit the brakes, it’s definitely cause for concern. Your car’s braking system is critical for your safety on the road, so any unusual noises should be investigated right away. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of noisy brakes, what’s involved in getting […]