Education
Is your car stuck in park? Here’s what to do.
/ - 3 mins readYou’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 […]
Read more »Why won’t my car turn off?
/ - 3 mins readIt’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 […]
Read more »My car’s engine keeps stalling. Help!
/ - 3 mins readIs 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 […]
Read more »Electrical gremlins after a battery change? Here’s what you need to know
/ - 3 mins readI 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 […]
Read more »Why isn’t my cruise control working?
/ - 3 mins readCruise 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 […]
Read more »I think my car is leaking coolant. What can I do?
/ - 3 mins readAs 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 […]
Read more »Why your car won’t start in the cold (and what to do about it)
/ - 4 mins readWinter 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 […]
Read more »I smell gas. Should I be concerned?
/ - 4 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »My windows won’t go up or down. What’s up?
/ - 3 mins readAs 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 […]
Read more »What to do when your window gets stuck.
/ - 3 mins readWe’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 […]
Read more »My car struggles to accelerate, especially uphill. What’s causing this?
/ - 3 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »What’s that rotten egg smell coming from my car?
/ - 4 mins readHave 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. […]
Read more »My car shakes when braking. What’s causing this?
/ - 4 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »What’s causing my car to pull to the side?
/ - 4 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »Why is my car making a rattling noise?
/ - 4 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »Why is my car shaking? Here’s what you need to know.
/ - 3 mins readIs 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 […]
Read more »What makes a car go into limp mode?
/ - 4 mins readHave 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 […]
Read more »Is your car burning oil? Here’s what you need to know.
- 3 mins readIf 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 […]
Read more »My car failed its smog check – now what?
- 3 mins readIt’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 […]
Read more »What to do when your car door won’t shut
/ - 3 mins readAs 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 […]
Read more »Why is my car defroster not working?
/ - 3 mins readIs 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 […]
Read more »Common dash warning lights
- 3 mins readCritical Warning Lights (Red) These indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention: Check Engine Light: This indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system. It could be caused by a loose gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, a catalytic converter issue, or more serious engine problems. Stop driving and have it diagnosed as […]
Read more »Why won’t my battery jumpstart?
- 4 mins readWe’ve all been there – you go to start your car, and nothing happens. The engine won’t crank, the lights won’t come on, and you realise your battery is dead. You call a friend or flag down a kind stranger to give you a jump, but even after connecting the cables and letting it charge […]
Read more »My brake lights have stopped working.
- 3 mins readUh oh, looks like my brake lights have decided to take a break! This is not only annoying, but it’s also a serious safety hazard. I need to get this sorted ASAP before I get pulled over or worse, cause an accident. Symptoms of faulty brake lights The most obvious symptom is that my brake […]
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