Education

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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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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What causes a brake calliper to stick?
/ - 3 mins readIf you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side while driving or a burning smell coming from your wheels, you may have a stuck brake calliper. A sticking calliper can cause uneven braking, reduced fuel efficiency, and premature wear on your brake pads and rotors. But what exactly causes this pesky problem? Let’s take a […]
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My Bluetooth has stopped working!!
/ - 3 mins readAs a busy professional, my car’s Bluetooth connection to my phone is a lifeline. It allows me to safely make calls, listen to music and podcasts, and even get directions while I’m on the go. So when my Bluetooth suddenly stopped working, it was a major disruption to my daily routine. Diagnosing the problem The […]
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Why do I get battery problems over the summer?
/ - 3 mins readAs a mobile mechanic, I’ve seen my fair share of car battery issues. And while most people think winter is the toughest season for batteries, summer can actually be even more damaging. Those scorching temperatures and relentless sun can really take a toll on your car’s battery, leading to some frustrating problems. Symptoms of a […]
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My car is idling rough. Please explain why.
/ - 3 mins readHey there, it’s your friendly neighbourhood mechanic here to chat about that pesky rough idle your car’s been having. I know how frustrating it can be when your ride’s not running smoothly. But don’t worry, we’ll get to the bottom of this together! What’s causing my rough idle? There are a bunch of reasons why […]
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What to do if your car starts overheating.
/ - 3 mins readIs your car overheating? Here’s what to do and how to fix it. If you’ve ever experienced your car overheating, you know it can be a nerve-racking situation. Steam billowing from under the hood, the temperature gauge spiking into the red zone, and that sinking feeling that your engine might be in serious trouble. But […]
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