My Auto Shop Info Hub

As 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. […]

If 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 […]

If your car’s engine is running rough, lacking power, or stalling frequently, it could be a sign of a vacuum leak. Vacuum leaks are a common problem that can cause all sorts of engine issues. In this post, I’ll explain what vacuum leaks are, the symptoms to watch out for, and what’s involved in getting […]

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing more frustrating than hopping into your car on a frosty morning, only to find your rear defroster isn’t working. You know, that handy grid of thin lines on the back window that usually clears up the fog and ice, giving you a clear view of the road […]

If you’ve ever had your car battery die or get disconnected, you may have been surprised to find your radio locked and asking for a code the next time you started up. It’s an annoying problem, but don’t worry – I’m here to walk you through how to get your tunes playing again. Why is […]

If your car’s radiator fan isn’t working, you could be in for a world of trouble. The radiator is a key part of your vehicle’s cooling system, which removes the excess heat produced by the combustion process in your engine. If the radiator fails and isn’t repaired right away, your engine could overheat, leading to […]

If you’ve ever had to steer your car with a dead power steering system, you know how much of a workout it can be! Suddenly, even the slightest turn requires Hulk-like strength. Power steering is one of those car features you don’t truly appreciate until it’s gone. So what causes power steering to fail, and […]

It’s a heart-stopping moment. You’re ready to head home after a long day, but when you try to turn the key in the ignition, it won’t budge. Your key is stuck fast and no matter how much you wiggle it, it just won’t turn. Don’t panic though – a stuck key is a common problem […]

If you’re hearing an annoying squealing sound every time you hit the brakes, you’re not alone. Squeaky brakes are a common issue that many drivers face, but it’s important not to ignore this warning sign. In this post, I’ll break down the potential causes of brake squealing and what you can do to fix the […]

It’s a frustrating feeling when you press the button on your car key fob and nothing happens. Your doors won’t unlock, your car won’t start, and you’re left wondering what to do next. As the owner of My Auto Shop, New Zealand’s largest mobile mechanic business, I’ve seen this problem countless times. In this post, […]