My Auto Shop Info Hub

Could a diesel pass its WoF and still need important engine maintenance? Yes. A WoF checks roadworthiness, but it doesn’t assess things like engine…

A big repair bill doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to replace your car. To decide whether to keep your old car, compare its likely repair and…

Start by putting your complaint to the garage in writing, explaining what went wrong and what you want it to do. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act…

For what to look for when buying a used Mazda CX-5, start with clear service records, a careful check of the engine and tyres, and a drive that tests…

A bad alternator can turn a short trip into a roadside breakdown. How far you can drive on a bad alternator varies, but a car may run for anywhere…

The cheaper choice isn’t always the one with the smaller bill today. A cost-benefit analysis of fixing versus replacing a car in NZ compares the…

A Honda Fit Hybrid battery may last around 6 to 10 years, but its age alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The Honda Fit hybrid battery life…

A long trip is unsafe with a confirmed bad wheel bearing. Keep driving to a minimum: the recommended limit is no more than a few miles. Driving with…

Don’t assume you have to pay for damage caused during a repair. In New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act requires professional mechanics to carry…

A used Corolla can hide faults in its electrical system, suspension or cooling system, so a tidy exterior isn’t enough to judge its condition. Treat…