Topic: Mobile mechanics

Going on a road trip requires some planning, but it’s not just the destinations and the budget you have to keep in mind. The most important aspect of a road trip is your ability to safely, efficiently travel, and your vehicle plays a big role in the comfort and quality of your trip. A simple pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist helps ensure a safe and stress-free holiday journey.

Here are the things you should be looking out for:

Check & Replenish Fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of any car. Service intervals on your cars essential fluids usually depend on mileage, so consider how far you’ve driven since your last service and check the following

• Brake fluid for reliable braking: In the case of a spongy pedal, you’ll need to bleed those air bubbles out of the lines. Otherwise, be sure to top off the brake fluid if necessary, and flush the system with fresh fluid every 24,000 miles.
• Engine oil: If your car’s due for an oil change, do it before leaving home. While you are at it, examine the transmission fluid level as well.
• Windshield fluid: Refill it full to wipe out dirt, grime, dust, insect impact, or unexpected rains.
• Coolant: Check for any leaks or discoloration that indicate the need for replacement.

Brake Pads

Brake pads provide the friction needed to slow and stop your car. They wear away with use, eventually becoming too thin to work effectively. Usually, it’s obvious when this happens due to the irritating screeching or squealing sound they make when there isn’t enough pad material left. Replacing the brake pads should fix the noise and more importantly, make your road trip safer.

Tires

Look for signs of tear, bulge, and wear. It might be a good time to replace your worn or old tires. More importantly, check each tire’s air pressure as the weather can inflate or deflate it. Check your tire pressures before you leave, and then roughly every 1000 miles as you travel.

Battery

How old is your car battery, and how long has it been running in your car without an inspection? If your battery has been keeping your car going for two or more years, it’s time to check on its status. Look at the terminals and cables to make sure they are attached. Check the fluid levels and for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or damage.

Belts and Hoses

Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system.

Lights

Fully functioning auto lights are a safety must-have for nighttime driving. Test your headlights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and tail lights in the garage. The light beam should reflect on the wall. To confirm if the lights are working properly, ask someone to stand in front and then behind the car as you operate the lights.

Wipers

Clean the blades before your scheduled trip. Consider replacing if they are six months or older.

Air Filter

Hold the air filters up to a light source, if the light does not shine through, change your air filter. Also, Your engine air filter should be replaced about once a year or roughly every 10,000 to 15,000 miles

Gas

Especially during long drives, a full gas tank is important. Imagine how troublesome it would be if you run out of fuel while you’re stuck in traffic or driving along the road where a gas station is nowhere in sight. So don’t forget to check your fuel level through the fuel gauge before you take your car out for a drive.

Emergency Kit

Keep a flashlight with batteries. Place jumper cables in the trunk. Have a first aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, etc.)

Tidy Up

If you’re going to be stuck in one vehicle for a long time, make sure it’s pleasant to be in there in the first place. Cleaning the interior should be a priority before you set off and give the exterior a good wash before you leave.

The checklist can grow longer as you factor in the length of your road trip. Your car works hard on a road trip, so give it what it needs to keep running. With a little prep, you can leave the road-trip stress at home and enjoy your holiday with family and friends.

The more use you get out of a car, the more it will wear out. A poorly maintained vehicle can cause a multitude of problems that can leave you feeling stressed and, in some instances, stranded.

Here are the reasons why you should frequently service your car

Increase Vehicle Performance

Regularly keeping an eye on your car’s fluids, oil, and internal mechanics ensures a decrease in the internal wear and increases overall car performance. A well-maintained car always provides a more responsive, smoother ride, allowing you to get the most out of your car.

Prevent Malfunctions

With a poorly serviced vehicle, roadside emergencies like this could happen at any time. What’s more, you may not have the tools or the expertise to fix it. The factor which increases the tension is related to the amount of unnecessary spending such as the costs of towing, hire a mechanic, and find a temporary car that gives you unwanted bills.

Take action to prevent vehicle malfunctions like this by servicing your car on a regular basis. Mechanics can find problems and fix them before they become bigger problems, saving you from roadside emergencies and accidents.

Prolong Your Car’s Life

Routine maintenance prevents malfunctions, increases performance and fuel efficiency, and lengthens the life of your car. It ensures that your car is in tip-top shape, and when your vehicle is in top condition it will last longer–adding years of use for you and less stress on your car.

Increase Vehicle Performance

Regularly keeping an eye on your car’s fluids, oil, and internal mechanics ensures a decrease in the internal wear and increases overall car performance. A well-maintained car always provides a more responsive, smoother ride, allowing you to get the most out of your car.

Ensure Fuel Efficiency

A great concern for vehicle owners is gas mileage and the amount of fuel their car uses. A car running which is low at fuel efficiency uses more fuel and more importantly money you used to pay for it. Regular servicing of your car along with changing the oil on a regular basis ensures that your car is somewhat saving your money.

Reduce Pollution

Your car is having a tremendous impact on the environment. Each time you drive a car you contribute some amount of CO2 and CO gases to the atmosphere. Improperly serviced cars produce poisonous emissions that contribute to pollution, smog, water particles, and acid rain harming the environment.

Lower the Cost of Operation

You may think that periodically servicing your car is an unnecessary expense. Think again. But, a well-maintained car actually lowers the cost of driving by avoiding major problems that end up costing a pretty penny.

What’s more, a breakdown car would ruin your plans for the day. And it will end up costing your valuable time in finding a mechanic and something new arrangement for yourself. Arranging service times on your schedule takes the pressure off of your finances and allows for flexible planning that won’t disrupt the rest of your schedule.

Increase Resale Value

Keeping your vehicle in the best possible shape is vital if you decide to sell. The most valuable aspect of a car that a buyer looks for is its condition and performance which can be proven through your maintenance record.

A well-maintained vehicle will not only sell for a higher price but also be easier to sell.

Create a Maintenance Record

A maintenance record helps to improve your regularly serviced car. It also ensures the resale value. Warranties many times require a certain amount of service checks to ensure the validity of your car. So scheduling maintenance visits is in your best interest.

Give Yourself Peace of Mind

Most importantly, regular servicing of your car helps to ease your mind in knowing there are no major problems waiting to happen in your car. Knowing your vehicle is running at peak capacity will release you from worries that can otherwise have adverse effects on your physical and mental health. You’ll be safe, less stressed, and your pocket will thank you.

Auto King Mobile Mechanics can come to you for any vehicle repair, service, and inspection needs. Book or Call for a free quote!

There is no way to tell exactly how long a tyre lasts. The lifespan and mileage of a tyre depend on a combination of factors: design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions, and the care that’s put into.

It’s always a good idea to perform regular inspections of your tires whenever you get a chance. Here are the kinds of things you’ll be looking for when you do:

Check the depth of the treads

By law, to be considered roadworthy in Australia your tyre’s tread depth must be at least 1.6mm deep.

Tread bars

Thread wear lines are provided for new tyres, with the extra convenience when it comes to checking for the tread depth. The thing is that while the tires are in acceptable condition, those lines (also known as thread wear indicating bars) stay either invisible or barely noticeable. As the treads wear off, those bars become more and more prominent, indicating the need for the new tires.

Examine the general condition

Even if your tires aren’t bald, they may feature other damages that deteriorate their safety and may lead to early replacement. Crack due to the heavy loads, different weather conditions, Troublemakers (rocks, nails, etc.), Damaged valve caps, and many other driving factors.

Air pressure

Air pressure is an important factor. It affects a tire’s performance and longevity. For instance, if there’s too much air in a tire, it will exhibit more wear in the middle of the tread. If there’s not enough air, the tire will wear down more on the outside edges. Try to check your tires’ air pressure once a month.

Pay attention to the sounds

The way your car feels and sounds when you drive it tells a lot about its condition. The unusual vibration your vehicle produces ‘on the go’ might be a sign of internal tire problems or improper tire alignment, especially if you notice that vibration or moderate shaky sounds while driving on smooth, bump-free roads.

Keep five years in mind. After five years or more in use, your tyres should be thoroughly inspected. If you noticed one or more of the above warning signs above get your tires checked and ask the mechanic if it’s time to replace them.

Maintaining your car is a very important step that every car owner must follow to increase the life of their car and make it look brand new like it just came from the dealer. Doing a weekly inspection to help you maintain your car can save you thousands of dollars. Preventive maintenance is the best way to start.

There are many tips and tricks which can be learned and used by everyone to keep your car in excellent condition. Here we have gathered a few car maintenance tips or the kinds of repairs that just about anyone can handle quickly and easily, with minimal expenses.

Air Filter

You need a new air filter for your car every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can pay a mechanic and give up your car for a day, or you can replace your air filter at home in about ten minutes.

1. First, find your filter under the hood of your car. It’s in a black rectangular box with metal clips on the side. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t see it as soon as you pop the hood.
2. Open up the casing, and check out how the air filter fits inside it. Make a note of which way the filter faces.
3. Remove the old air filter, and insert the new one exactly how the old one sat.
4. Remember to close the metal clips when you’re done.

That’s it. For extra savings, in the long run, you can extend the life of your new air filter by hitting it with some compressed air to clear out any debris.

Spark Plugs

If you notice that your engine is not working efficiently, then the reason could be the spark plugs. If not checked, they could wear out and be covered in a buildup. Most spark plugs need replacing after about 30,000 miles but check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle is any different.

1. You should be able to locate your spark plugs fairly easily because they’re attached to thick rubbery wires.
2. You’ll find either four, six, or eight plugs, depending on how many cylinders your car has.
3. Remove the wire to the first spark plug only. Do not remove all of the wires at once. Your spark plugs are installed in a certain order, which you need to maintain.
4. Use your spark plug socket and extension on your ratchet to remove the first spark plug.
5. Install the new spark plug, screwing it in by hand at first and then tightening it with a wrench for a snug fit. Do not over-tighten.
6. Re-attach the spark plug wire.

Windshield Wipers

A dirty windshield can prove to be a lot of hassle when you can’t see clearly. If they are not cleaned regularly they can cause visual impairments and can result in accidents at times. Wiper blade setup differs quite a bit from car to car, so you may have to follow a few different steps according to your owner’s manual.

1. Lift the blades, as if you were washing your windshield by hand, and remove the old blades.
2. Pay attention to how the old blades connect to the metal arms.
3. On most models, you’ll see a tab on the underside of the wiper. Push the tab to remove the old blade.
4. Attach the new blades, being careful not to bend the wiper arms, or scratch your windshield. Line everything up and make sure the new ones are secure and tight.

Car Battery

The key to keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently is a good battery connection. A simple visual check of the condition of your battery will tell you when you need to perform this process.

1. Remove your battery terminals, which should be a fairly straightforward process. Make sure you always remove the negative cable first. If they’re stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them loose.
2. Clean the posts by using a more professional product from your local auto parts store. Generously apply the fluid to the posts, and clean vigorously with your wire brush.
3. Rinse the cleaning fluid with a little water.
4. Dry the posts with rags.
5. Replace battery terminals.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Enhancing the life and performance of your engine is possible by replacing the fuel filters. The rule of thumb is to replace the fuel filters annually.

1. Relieve the pressure in the fuel line before disconnecting it. To do so, you have to disable the electric fuel pump before you start the engine
2. Look at the old filter and the new one before disconnecting anything. You should see an arrow stamped on both filters that show in which direction the fuel flows through it. If the new one doesn’t have an arrow on it, look to see in what direction the old filter is installed so that you can tell which end of the new filter goes where.
3. Remove whatever is holding the old filter in place and remove it.
4. Put the new filter on in the same position as the old filter.
5. Replace whatever holds the filter in place, and make sure it’s secure.
6. Replace the fuse for the fuel pump in the fuse box. Make sure that the parking brake is on and that the vehicle is in Park or Neutral, and then start the engine and check for leaks around the filter.

Brake Pads

If the brakes fail to work properly, it can be caused by some of the following: the rotors, the brake pads, the brake fluid, and the brake pedal. The most common reason would be the brake pads or a leak in the brake fluid. You’ll need to replace most brake pads around every 20,000 miles, but as always, check your owner’s manual for specifics about your model.

1. Jack up your car and rest it securely on jack stands.
2. Break the lugs on your tires before you do anything else.
3. Remove the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper so that the brake pads slide out through the top. The brake caliper should be at the 12 o’clock position, just above the lug bolts. On the back of the caliper, you’ll find a bolt-on on both sides. Remove the bolts and set them aside. Hold the caliper from the top and pull upwards. Give it a few taps if you need to, making sure not to disturb the brake line (a black hose). Don’t let the caliper hang from the brake line; find somewhere to set it securely. With the caliper out of the way, the old brake pads should slide right out.
5. Replace old pads with the new pads, securing them with the same retaining clips that held the old pads in place. If you have an older car, you might need to utilize your hammer here a little bit. Proceed gently!
6. Compress the brake piston. Get out your C-clamp and put the end with the screw on it against the piston with the other end on the back of the caliper assembly.
7. Tighten the clamp until the piston has moved far enough to where you can place the caliper assembly over the new pads.
8. Re-install the brake caliper (the opposite process of what you did when you removed it), and then simply put your wheel back on.

Maintaining your car is a good idea for your wallet, your time, and peace of mind. It might seem like a bother at times, but the effort is worth it over time. Just be sure that you know your experience level, and don’t try a DIY project that’s too big to handle. Don’t risk injury or take apart pieces that you can’t put back together. And, always follow the maintenance schedule for your car, so your car will always perform at its best.

Auto King mobile mechanics can come to you for any vehicle repair, service, and inspection needs. Book or Call for a free quote!

Cleaning the interior of your car is important for maintenance and value. It can extend the life of leather, vinyl, plastic, and other components. Doing it yourself can be surprisingly inexpensive and straightforward. Follow these simple steps on how to clean the inside of your car to make your driving a more pleasant experience.

Cleaning Materials needed:

• Vacuum Cleaner
• Cleaning Products
• Wiping and Polishing Materials

1. Take everything non-essential out of your vehicle.

Begin by removing any items in your car that will impede cleaning. Gather all the trash from the floorboards, cup holders, and door and seat pockets and recycle or dispose of it. Remove car seats, toys, and other items that have been left in the car.

2. Use a soft microfiber cloth and water with mild soap to clean vinyl, rubber, and plastic to clean your car front panel.

This includes your center console, doors, floors, dashboard, or other areas. To make yourself a specialized implement to clean the tightest spots and grooves on your console, simply wrap a cloth around the tip of a flat-head screwdriver. The key is to use the thinnest cloth possible

3. Vacuum everything you can

First, vacuum the carpet completely. Use the brush attachment and various nozzles of different shapes and sizes to clean crevices and areas around the seats. Second, remove the floor mats and vigorously shake the dirt loose. If a good shake is not enough, try loosening grime with a stiff brush. Clean between the grooves with your vacuum cleaner’s bare hose nozzle. Once all the mats are dirt-free, wash them out with a strong jet of water from your garden hose. Allow them to air-dry completely.

4. Clean your leather seats.

Use a clean rag and leather cleaner to wipe down all seating, then apply a leather conditioner (Allow a couple of hours for the leather to dry thoroughly) Most leather-cleaning compounds must be sprayed or applied to the seat, worked into the material by rubbing with a towel. If using a towel, make sure to flip it often so that you are constantly using the clean side. Once the cleaning process is complete, dry the seats with a microfiber cloth.

5. Clean all the windows from the inside and outside.

Dampen a microfibre towel with a window cleaner. Scrub the windows. Polish with a firm circular motion. *When cleaning windows and mirrors, spray the cleaner on the cloth (rather than on the glass itself) to reduce streaking. This will also avoid getting cleaner on other parts of your car that may be damaged by harsh chemicals.

6. Air out your car seats.

If you have used a lot of cleaning products in your seats, it is a good idea to air out the car.

7. Install an air freshener.

Lingering odors, especially those caused by cigarette smoke and pets, can be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are some great odor removal products on the market. If you like to use fragrances in your car, you can spray or install a new air freshener product. Finally, if your car still smells stale, sprinkle the carpet and cloth seats with dry baking soda. Let it remain overnight and then vacuum it away.

Keeping the interior in its best shape will help the car last longer and retain its value when you sell or trade it in.

Auto King mobile mechanics can come to you for any vehicle repair, service, and inspection needs. Book or Call for a free quote!

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has put considerable strain on families across Australia. New laws took effect on 31 March 2020 which requires people to remain at home unless they have a reasonable excuse such as traveling to work or shopping for food.

With many people staying at home during the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, what does that mean for the inspection and maintenance of your vehicle?

Auto services are still declared as an essential service, Auto King is a mobile mechanic service based in Queensland made some adjustments to the way we work in order to ensure your safety. No need to leave your house, You can remain inside of your own home while we work and conduct the safety inspection on your vehicle outside,

Auto King mobile mechanic is committed to helping our customers’ contact-free inspection through best hygiene practices, sanitising touchpoints before/after work, and tap and go payment. Customers are also encouraged to park their vehicles in a place where the mechanic can work on it, without them needing to move the car. AutoKing mechanics are friendly, considerate, courteous, and well aware of all distancing and isolation requirements, so you and your vehicle are in safe hands.

Contact Auto King mobile mechanic for a safe, reliable vehicle inspection that complies with all Covid-19 guidelines.

Auto King can come to you for any vehicle repair, service, and inspection needs. Book or Call for a free quote!

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car in the best condition possible is to change your motor oil and filter. Oil in a car is like blood in our bodies – it flows throughout the car’s engine and keeps everything running smoothly. Frequent oil and filter changes are essential in increasing the life of your car and its performance.

Here’s how to change oil and how to extend oil life:

Tools You Need:

• Container for used oil
• Engine oil
• Oil filter
• Oil filter gasket
• Wrench set

Step 1: Look under your car to find the drain plug

The drain plug is a large nut or plug located under the oil pan at the bottom of the engine.

Step 2: Place a container under the oil drain plug

You want this container to catch the oil, so make sure it’s big enough.

Step 3: Unscrew the oil drain plug

Protect your hand with a rag or some paper towels, and be ready to move your hand out of the way. The oil now drains out of your engine into the container.

Step 4: Remove the cap from the oil filler hole at the top of your engine and unscrew the oil filter

Use a wrench if you can’t do it by hand. To unscrew the filter, twist it counterclockwise.

Step 5: Empty the oil from the filter into a drain pan

After the filter is empty, wrap it in newspaper and set it aside to take to a recycling center with your old oil.

Step 6: Open a new bottle of oil and dip a finger into it

Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with some new motor oil.

Step 7: Screw the new filter into the engine where the old one was

Turn it gently by hand until it “seats” and then give it another three-quarter turn.

Step 8: Replace the oil drain plug and use an adjustable wrench to tighten it

If your vehicle uses an oil drain plug gasket, make sure the old one has been removed and lay a new gasket on the pan before you replace the plug.

Step 9: Use a funnel to pour all but 1 quart of the fresh oil into the oil filler hole

With a dip-stick, double check your oil level to be sure you’ve added enough.

Step 10: Replace the oil filler cap and run the engine for 30 to 60 seconds

Check for leaks from the oil drain plug and around the filter.

Step 11: Shut off the engine

Allow it to cool for 5 minutes to 10 minutes for the oil to settle into the oil pan, and then check the oil level again.

Step 12: Keep adding oil a little at a time

Check the stick after each addition until you reach the “Full” line on the dipstick.

Step 13: Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle

Let the oil settle down again for 5 to 10 minutes, then recheck the dipstick. If it’s still at “Full,” you’re good to go!

Having the correct tools and an understanding of how to perform the oil change. You should be able to do this DIY!
Auto King can come to you for any vehicle repair, service, and inspection needs. Book or Call for a free quote!

By Peter Hill

The question of how often you need to get your car serviced is one that attracts many differing opinions, says Gold Coast mechanic Auto King.

Some manufacturers recommend a major, comprehensive service every 12 months, many are recommended every six months and a number of service centres will ask you to bring your car in every three months for a minor service. So who do you listen to?

In general, it’s best to be guided by your Gold Coast mechanic and service log book or owner’s manual. These will set down clear service schedules based on the recommendations of the manufacturer of your car’s make and model. They are based on time frame or mileage, whichever occurs first.

There are, however, some very clear warning signs that indicate your car needs immediate attention, regardless of where you are in your service schedule and even if you are between regular services. Call a reputable Gold Coast mechanic right away if you experience any of the following:

● Smoke coming from underneath the bonnet This is a sign that the engine is over-heating and continuing to drive if overheating can damage the engine irreparably. Be aware of the temperature gauge on the dashboard. If the car is heating up, pull over until it cools, and call for assistance right away.

● Excessive exhaust smoke Indicates an oil leak. There may also be a black residue at the bumper area near the exhaust pipe. Ask your Gold Coast mechanic.

● Flashing “Check Engine” light This is indicative that something is amiss in the vehicle’s computer system – and flashing is a sign it is a major problem and requires urgent attention.

● Leaks Any leaks under the car need diagnosis by a Gold Coast mechanic quickly. In summer, water from air conditioners drips from under the front passenger side; this is normal. Abnormal leaks which need to be checked quickly include coolant (green), and transmission oil, brake fluid, and engine oil (brown/black or dark red).

● Changes to operation of the car Does the car feel strange to drive? Are there dramatic surges, or is there difficulty achieving speed? Does the engine cough, chug, vibrate or stall? Does it feel like it’s labouring? Get it checked promptly.

● Strange noises while driving These include droning or dragging from the wheels, grinding or squealing when braking, or other abnormal noises for your car.

Call Auto King – the Gold Coast mechanic specialists – to come to you for immediate or emergency servicing of your car, even if you’ve only recently had it serviced.

Addressing issues as soon as they arise is not only safer for you and everyone else on the road; it will cost you less in the long term.

To book an appointment with a Gold Coast mechanic at Auto King call 1300 09 29 49.