This blog is about giving a bit of guidance & control to car owners.
While your car can give you enjoyment under constant use, it does need periodic maintenance. (Even Hybrids & Electric cars need constant maintenance).
Attitude
This one is a biggie, your car should be looked at as an investment:
- You want the best reliable parts fitted to your car.
- You want to use the very best oil & lubrication & filtration components.
- You want & should demand that your car be constantly in Safety Certificate standards at all times.
- RELIABILITY.
You see, with a little knowledge goes a long way, BUT only for those who are interested.
If you are trying to get the cheapest service possible or something for next to nothing (Then have a good look at the pretty young girl in the photo- would you like That to be your Daughter – This is what happens if you are cheap or use gimmick servicing)
Time
Always make adequate time for servicing & more time if your car has a fault-(we offer courtesy cars). Thorough repairs can take time.
TIME & PROBLEMS
Some problems require to be replicated. This can take quite a while. Please remember that for the problem to be conquered- it must be exposed, the data has to be recorded- then a solution or repair be carried time.
There is no magic wand, accurate diagnostics take a logical approach until the goal is achieved. Please note a scanner diagnostic machine will not give you the solution to your problem, most of the time a scanner will give you the EFFECT not the CAUSE & in some cases the scanner will give you nothing- here it takes skill- This, my friend, takes years of experience & this I have earned.
Please note, if you have a problem with the running of your car, do not assume a service will automatically fix your problem.
This brings us to a sticky point on who you use.
I would only use:
- A Tyre shop for tyres,
- A Muffler shop for Mufflers
I would only use a highly specialised well-equipped experienced diagnostic/tuning shop for the running of my car. I would not cross the genres thinking a tyre shop can fix a tune issue.
Generally these workshops do not spend the money on the right equipment to diagnose – their point of sale is to only sell tyres first or mufflers.
Avoid Saturday Morning Repairs
Except for tyres & Mufflers,
Do not make the excuse you have not got the time. Your car is worth it. Make the time through the week.
Here is why you should avoid Saturday Repairs:
Most Mechanics who work on Saturdays have already worked a 40-hour week. They are tired and fatigued. Also spare parts from dealerships are either closed nor deliver, so what does this mean? A recipe for problems, shoddy workmanship & a rushed job.
Is that what you want?
Petrol
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Have petrol in your car!
Budgeting Money
- 0-7year old cars under 100,000 km: I would budget $25-$30 a week. The biggest out lay should be tyres & brakes around every 25,000 km to every 40,000 km this is what Franchise/ Dealership capped price service focus on Churn `em out take the money & run.
- 8-12year old cars 100,000 km & over :With these cars I would budget around $50- $75 a Week – providing all the maintenance up to this point has been done. Here we start seeing issues & far more expensive maintenance, e.g. Spark plugs that require intake manifolds to be removed, timing belts, water pumps, In-tank fuel filters & fuel pumps. It’s here I would recommend a new radiator & coolant hoses. Strongly recommend fuel injectors to be removed & serviced.
- 13 years & over ($75-$125 + a week): At this stage problems can occur such as Engine repairs, burnt out clutches, failed transmissions, axle bearings- repairs to automatic transmission can be very high- expensive items such as Electrical issues, catalytic converters & diesel particulate filters can cost many thousands of dollars which can make the car not worth the repair.
Summary
Please do not hold me to exact time or costing on what I have written, this is only a generic broad spectrum. Different models & different makes have their own characteristics & costing but this is a general costing & also to prepare- do a little research- look at websites, Facebook, Instagram. Get some idea who you are going to deal with & are they capable & have the adequate skills to look after you & fix your car to be running in tip-top condition.
So there you have it- Attitude, Time, Time & problems, Saturday Morning Repairs, Budgeting Money for different aged cars not bad eh!.
Oh, avoid gimmicks, cost-cutting specials- you get what you pay for fixing cars is a life- long discipline there are no shortcuts.
I hope this has helped,
Keep Safe – Manny
At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs you are in good hands, our main services include, Safety Certificates, Logbook Service, Free Pickup & Delivery, and Car Cooling System Repairs.
We have the latest diagnostic equipment and my work van is fitted out with an industrial air compressor. This enables me to perform heavy duty work and give you – the customer – the best service at any place and at any time.
For Bookings and enquiries, please contact us on 0411 496 621, email us at agrade@mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au or visit our site www.mannysmechanicalrepairs.com.au.