4 Things to Look For When Searching for a New Mechanic

  • High turnover: while you don’t want to see screaming customers running in and out of the place, a revolving rotation of cars in good condition is a good sign that cars and clients are coming in, getting serviced, and going home again.
  • Start small: having to find a trustworthy mechanic who specialises in diesel engines after your car has had a meltdown is not a position you want to be in. If you’re considering a quick health check, testing out a new service provider with a small job is an excellent way to build a relationship with a team who can be there when you need it.
  • Let them come to you: let’s face it. Dropping your car off at a foreign location, taking public transport to work, and then coming back to discover your car is still not ready for the drive home is terrible. To ease the burden, look for an automotive team that can offer mobile services. Their team can come to your preferred location, service your car on site, and minimise your time spent on the bus.
  • Cost quote guarantee: want to spend your hard earned dollars on things other than car bills? Instead of waiting around to ‘find out’ how much a repair will be, look for a shop that can cost quote the services needed ahead of time. (Even better if they provide a cost quote guarantee!)

Have you been considering a tune up? Maybe you’ve been sitting in holiday traffic and are starting to notice a little shake, rattle, and roll. We’ve all been there. Our team at Auto King can offer same day services and will always provide you with a clear cost quote that will never be exceeded.

Want a diesel specialist to take a look at your investment before it’s too late? Call Auto King today – we can have you back on the road in no time.

 

Diesel Destruction: 4 Signs Your Engine is Breaking Down

 Homes, cars, that blue suit you had to fork over $800 for to wear to your brother’s wedding – most of us buy investment pieces expecting them to last. We also understand that life happens. Engines fail, homes need maintenance and that suit? Well, threads fray. We admit that we’re a little biased, but, here at Auto King we believe that a little preventive care can take your diesel engine a long way. And the first thing that can keep your car on the road and out of the service station? Knowing what causes an engine to break down in the first place.

 

Using the wrong petrol, water contamination, and long-term idling are some of the most common factors that can impact the life of your engine. And, hey, we live on the Gold Coast. Heavy rainfall and city traffic might be unavoidable, but following even a few simple tips can have a profound impact on your car’s lifeline. Why, you ask?

 

Fueling up with gasoline instead of diesel may seem like a simple slip when you’re at the pump. Rush hour traffic, thinking about the work day ahead – we’re only human. The problem is that since 2007 diesel engines have built in emission control components that can go on the fritz when filled the wrong type of fuel. For older models without the same emission systems, mistaking gas for diesel can lead to reduced engine power and a whole lot of noise. (Which means you’ll most likely end up at the shop anyway.)

 

Like many locals will know, water contamination can, unfortunately, come from and in many forms when living on the Coast. From saltwater corrosion to heavy rainfalls (read: flooded engine) that seaside view is countered by increased condensation and rust. Breathing in the salty air might be a treat on that early morning run but too much H₂0 can ruin gaskets.

 

Finally, for the city slickers who believe keeping their travel within the inner city limits is a good idea, the reality is that long-term idling (read: traffic) can speed up an engine’s wear and tear. Most cars take a while to heat up to a temperature that allows the system’s condensation to evaporate. This means that by never driving more than a couple of kilometres, your car will rarely heat up to a point that gets rid of that salt water goodness. Furthermore, the heavy system usage required of a stop-and-go drive can result in engine leaks and lead to diluted fuel.

 

Starting to reconsider your driving habits? Fear not – you won’t have to resort to a PT commute just yet. If you’re a proud diesel owner, and would like to uphold that title, you can book in with your local mechanic for a quick check up, or, keep an eye out for the following concerns. Already recognise a few of the warnings signs below? That’s a pretty good indicator something is amiss. Call your mechanic and stop the problem while you’re ahead. Your wallet will thank you.

 

4 Signs of Diesel Engine Break Down

 

  1. Acceleration problems: when you’re not up to speed

You’re in the car, traffic is clear, and you can see the freeway up ahead. But wait – transitioning from a cozy 70 km/h up to 100 clicks isn’t happening. You test your peddle pressure – is it beginning to feel like your car can’t pull its own weight? Having trouble going from zero to a hundred? Acceleration problems can be a sign there is trouble in paradise.

  1. Rough idling: you shouldn’t be shaking

The car has started – that’s a good sign. You’re out of the driveway and on the way to work but now that first red light isn’t the only reason for concern. Is your car shaking like a small terrier while waiting to Pass Go? While most idling diesel has a little rumble under the belt, being tossed around in the driver’s seat is not the feeling you’re after.

  1. Black smoke: leaving a trail behind you

Mid-road trip. You’re 100 kilometres out into country Queensland driving with nothing but clear skies and empty trails. Until that is, you notice that clear blue sky isn’t as sunny out your rearview. Starting to see black smoke coming out from behind you? From a faulty injector to a damaged EGR valve, most mechanical meltdowns that result in smoke are not optimal fuel mileage friendly. Road trip = cut short.

 

  1. Power loss: never a good sign

Short of being in Park, an empty petrol tank, or a dead battery, a car that does not move as nature intended is never a good sign. From fuel pump problems to clogged air filters, full power loss is the car equivalent of an ambulance siren that something is wrong. Get to a diesel specialist – now. (Or, you know, call a tow truck – because that car ain’t moving.)

 

Starting to recognise a few of the above? Or maybe you’re already on the lookout for a mechanic who specialises in diesel maintenance and repair? If life has already cut off your mode of transportation, the last thing you need is some guy in overalls taking you for all you’ve got. Here are some of the best traits to look out for when approaching a new mechanic (so you can rest assured that your baby is in the best hands on the Gold Coast.)

 

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