Education

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 […]

If your engine is revving high while idling, it can be a frustrating and potentially worrying experience. I know how important it is to have a car that runs smoothly and safely, so let’s dive into what might be causing this issue and how to get it fixed. Symptoms of a high idling engine When […]

Picture this – you’re cruising along the motorway, belting out your favourite tunes, when suddenly your radio cuts out. Silence. You fiddle with the buttons and dials, but no luck. Your radio is dead. So what could be causing this frustrating problem? Symptoms and causes There are a few common reasons why your car radio […]

The other day, I was driving to work when a car suddenly pulled out in front of me. I went to honk my horn to alert them, but to my surprise, nothing happened! I quickly swerved to avoid a collision, but it was a close call. It was then that I realized just how important […]

It’s a sinking feeling – you walk up to your car and notice a puddle of mysterious liquid underneath. Fluid leaks are one of the most common issues that plague vehicles, and they can range from minor annoyances to serious problems. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of fluid leaks, what’s involved […]

I recently replaced my car’s battery, thinking it would solve some starting issues I was having. But now I’m facing a new problem – my engine keeps stalling, especially when I slow down or stop. It’s frustrating and a bit scary, especially in traffic. I did some research to understand what might be causing this […]

If you’re hearing a ticking noise coming from your engine, it can be a bit concerning. Don’t worry though, you’re not alone. As a mechanic, I hear this question all the time. Let’s dive into what could be causing that ticking sound and what you can do about it. Symptoms and causes There are a […]