Education

Why does one workshop quote you a few hundred dollars while the next demands several thousand for the exact same car? It’s a frustrating reality for…

What if you could book a car service as easily as ordering a flat white, without the fear of a “surprise” invoice waiting for you at the end? Most…

A fresh Warrant of Fitness is not a guarantee that your next car is actually a safe investment. It’s a common trap for Kiwi buyers who assume a…

Choosing the cheapest oil change today could cost you NZ$3,400 in engine repairs before your next big road trip. While a quick check-over seems like…

The New Zealand car market is evolving, with new trends shaping the way Kiwis buy, drive, and maintain their vehicles. Whether you’re driving one of the country’s best-selling cars or considering an electric vehicle, keeping your car in top condition is essential. At My Auto Shop, we service all major brands, helping you stay on […]

New 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 […]

Keeping 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 […]

Keeping 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 […]

When 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 […]

As 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 […]

If 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 […]

When 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 […]

Is 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 […]

We’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 […]

Is 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 […]

If 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 […]

If 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 […]

If 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 […]

If 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 […]

Hey 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 […]

If 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 […]

If 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 […]

As 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 […]

As 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. […]