Education

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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Engine temp warning light on? Here’s what you need to know
/ - 4 mins readAs 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, […]
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What to do when your coolant level warning light comes on
/ - 3 mins readAs 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 […]
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What to do when your brake warning light comes on
/ - 3 mins readAs 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 […]
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What to do when your windshield wipers stop working
/ - 3 mins readThere’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 […]
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What to do when your windshield washer stops working
/ - 3 mins readWe’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 […]
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What is causing my transmission to slip out of gear?
/ - 3 mins readIf 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 […]
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My brakes feel spongy or soft. What can be done?
/ - 4 mins readIf 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. […]
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What to do if your speedo stops working?
/ - 3 mins readIf 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 […]
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What does smoke coming from your exhaust pipe mean?
/ - 3 mins readAs 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. […]
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How to repair a slow leak in your tyre
/ - 3 mins readIf 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 […]
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