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Car Steering & Suspension Repairs & Maintenance

One of the most overlooked areas in today’s motor car is the steering and suspension. And yet the handling is so critical in safety and braking. If the suspension in your car is not functioning to meet the demands of the roads that you are driving on, then you are at risk of an under-performing car.

If your car is under-performing, then you do not have any control under dangerous conditions (you can be the greatest race car driver in the world but if your car does not handle, then no skill can save you – as in the tragic death of the great Ayrton Senna).

The main emphasis on steering and suspension is to continually keep the tyre on the road. This gives traction. Once the tyre loses contact with the road the steering and braking will under-perform.

One problem owner drivers have with their cars is that they get used the deteriorating function of their cars. This is why it is critically important to get your car serviced every 10,000 km.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs we test drive your vehicle, listen to any knocks, creaks , squeals.

1. Check the condition of your tyres and check tyre pressures.
2. Check suspension under load.
3. Check all steering arms.
4. Check sway bar and connecting components.
5. Check spring and ride height.
6. Check shock absorber and macpherson struts.
7. Check suspension bushes for wear and deterioration.
8. Check steering box or rack & pinon for damage or oil leaks.

 

car-steering-suspension-repairs-maintenance-2-medium
Here we have a left rear shock absorber leaking oil. That requires immediate replacement. This was picked up in a 75,000 km service.

car-steering-suspension-repairs-maintenance-3-medium

Here we have the centre of a main load suspension bush completely broken – the result was a car that was wandering over the road at high speed. To make this worse the owner was a unsuspecting mother of three young children.

car-steering-suspension-repairs-maintenance-4-medium

In this picture Ricky is replacing the springs on a 2010 Ford using a heavy duty spring compressor.

Here at Manny’s Mechanical Repairs we focus on customer safety and specializing in mechanical excellence to keep our customers safe and ensuring your vehicle is in roadworthy condition at all times.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Pre Purchase Inspections – Secondhand Car

Purchasing a secondhand car can be stressful. Also it can possibly be one of the biggest purchases apart from a home or business.

  • A poor choice of vehicle can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs!
  • If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.

Due diligence is required with a set of measures and checks especially with the car log book servicing recordings. A car log book should be with the car and have a history of all service recorded. Things like timing belts and gearbox oil replacements can be the difference of thousands of dollars when purchasing a car… so how do you get the knowledge?

The first step is do your own homework on the type of car you want to buy – how much is the same model selling for – you can find this out on Car Sales and Gumtree, to name a few.

The second step is to find a good mechanic.

Here is a list of steps that should be done:

  • Walk around the vehicle, note any panel damage or window/windscreen cracks or damage.
  • Test drive (with radio off)
  • Check steering while driving (does it drive straight?), test brakes under light and heavy conditions, test handbrake – report any defects or noises.
  • Scan computer-check for any faults with lights or warning lights, test battery and alternator.
  • Check interior of car, check seatbelts.
  • Check under bonnet.
  • Check fluid, brake coolant, check cooling system and note condition.
  • Check brake and clutch master cylinders for leaks. Check for engine oil leaks.
  • Lift vehicle – check tyres, suspension, steering components, note any defects.
  • Check brakes – report condition.
  • Life vehicle – check engine, gearbox and differential mountings.
  • Check shock absorbers for leakage and damage.
  • Check condition and security of exhaust system – check for leakages.
  • Check chassis and sub frame for any damage.

Make a complete list of all relevant faults or pending faults. Also be wary of cars that have been over-serviced but under repaired – meaning the car is miles ahead in their service times by getting their services done prematurely but resist on getting the big repairs like timing belts and in-tank fuel filters replaced… all show no go!

The goal when buying a secondhand car should be, when you finish a busy week you should be able to jump in your car and drive to one of our beautiful beaches and enjoy yourself and the car, without problems and pending costs.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs we use not only the above systematic checks and measures but we wish to continue servicing and looking after your vehicle even after the purchase to ensure peace of mind motoring.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Tyres – The Critical Components of Car Performance & Safety

The tyre is probably the most important component of the modern car, which requires constant inspection and reviewing.

The tyre has the most important job of transferring driver demands to the road. The tyre’s ability to grip have a direct relationship to braking and handling of your car’s performance.

Major tyre companies spend millions of dollars in research and development to produce tyres to handle various conditions.

Before you buy your next set of tyres, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Do I only do highway driving?
  2. Do I drive over dirt roads in the country?
  3. Do I go off road driving in rugged terrain?
  4. Do I drive up mountainous country where it rains a lot?

The life span of a tyre can vary from 25,000KM-75,000KM, all depending on driving characteristics and the condition of your car’s steering and suspension.

To this day a tyre company has not been able to design a tyre that can handle wet conditions and give you excellent mileage. The reason is that different tyres require different rubber compound for different conditions. That is why in motor racing cars hurriedly come into the pits (and change tyres) when weather changes.

A soft (rubber) compound gives good grip in the wet but low mileage in the dry. A hard (rubber) compound gives poor grip in the wet but good mileage in the dry.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs we constantly inspect your tyres when your vehicle comes in for a service. We rotate your tyres, check your tyre pressure, check your suspension and steering and give you a report on any defects to ensure peace of mind motoring.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Car Electrical Repairs – Enoggera

We now live in the computer/information age and electrics is in every facet of the car. The electrics is the life blood of the working system and must be monitored at all times.

The heart and soul of the electrics is the battery.

The battery is a pressure pump which pumps electrons to every working area of the car. Relevant information (data) is given to the computer (the brains). The computer then activates various actuators to work different components of the car… Simple right!

Well…er…yeah… When everything is going well… but like with any computer, glitches and faults can happen. Also cars are subjected to extreme amount of heat and vibration.

I get asked the question, `DO YOU HAVE THE LATEST DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT?’ The truth is the latest diagnostic equipment does not fix the problem, it only gives you a reference point. Only a complete understanding of procedures and systematized method is the way to accurately overcome electrical problems.

At Manny’s Mechanical Repairs Enoggera, we not only spend thousands of dollars on diagnostic scanning equipment and the fastest computer based lab scope to get more accurate data, but we are constantly developing better diagnostic SKILLS, understanding relevant data and developing faster core competencies to solve more complex electrical problems.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Excessive Engine Noise

Excessive engine noise, exhaust smell, car losing power, weird car noises.

A faulty car exhaust system can lead to many problems with car performance – but a rusted out car exhaust muffler like the one pictured can cause drowsiness, loss of consciousness possibly leading to death (this is really serious stuff) especially on cold days or nights.

Manny’s Mechanical Repairs (as part of our comprehensive service) inspect and report any faults with exhaust systems, and repair to ensure safety, performance and good fuel economy.

FAULTY CAR EXHAUST CAN BE A SILENT KILLER

The majority of car owners very rarely drive more than one car. What can happen is the owner can become accustom to different sounds and performance (or lack thereof) when the exhaust becomes faulty. Many times when I question the owner about the exhaust fault they say in return, “I did not notice”. This is why it is critical to constantly have regular car servicing at Manny’s Mechanical Repairs, so you can systematically keep on top of any safety issues ensuring peace of mind in regards to your car.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Car Engine Running Rough – Mechanic Enoggera

Todays vehicle computers rely on correct and accurate data from electronic sensors (inputs).

The critical sensors measure air (air coming into the engine) and load (throttle position) at different conditions… ie going up or down hills, power mode like overtaking or start, stop city driving. This data is fed to the computer. The computer looks up the appropriate tables and then activates the fuel injectors to correspond to the required conditions in milliseconds (outputs). The fuel is delivered from a high pressure fuel pump – through the opening of the injectors which are then rapidly closed. The comparison of when a fuel injector is turned on as to when it is turned off is known as a duty cycle.

The computer also activates the ignition coils which generate high voltage spark to ignite the fuel mixture in the engine. The computer can control the spark timing to be more advanced or retarded according to engine load.


The exhaust gases are also measured by the computer via an oxygen sensor situation in the exhaust. This information fed back to the computer is known as a closed loop system.

This closed loop system working correctly minimises emissions, when an engine light comes on, this means that there is a fault and emissions are above the correct settings – this must be rectified immediately.

At Mannys Mechanical Repairs we are constantly training to keep up with this technology and possible faults that can occur. We spend thousands of dollars in the latest equipment and training.

• We check battery condition – which is vital to computer reference.
• We check alternator charge rate, diode testing for any spikes.
• We perform cylinder balance testing and perform electronic compression tests when required.
• Check fuel trim operations and evaluate the information the fuel trim gives which also leads to oxygen sensor performance testing.
• Perform full electronic scan on engine, transmission, body modules, antilock braking systems.
• Check for any generic OBD2 (on board diagnostics 2) faults.

The art of tuning is done within the computer. But at Mannys Mechanical we have the skill and the equipment to analyse and check that your vehicle is running to optimum performance.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

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.

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Yes! We Can Still Service Your New Car and Still Not Lose Your Warranty!

manny1108

There has been much confusion on whether servicing new cars other than by Dealerships may possibly cause loss of warranty.

The following extracts (highlighted) stated by the ACCC prove this to be incorrect.

Each new vehicle has a log book supplied, which details what requires to be done at each service interval. Providing these maintenance requirements are carried out in accordance to the logbook by a professional repairer within the set time, then the car manufacturer has no choice but to honour their warranty.

There is a fallacy out there that car dealerships are superior. Perhaps this theory would have carried some weight, until I went to a couple of major car dealership liquidation auctions.

I was appalled to see the run down condition of the equipment, also that the electronic scanning equipment was hardly touched. What makes things worse is the ridiculous, over-the-top charges these Dealerships were charging and for what?

The problem Dealerships have – as do Franchise workshops – is their huge overheads and fees, so therefore they must pass that on to the customer. What this causes is the business core value is on making profit regardless.

As a customer you should ask yourself…

1/ Is my car being serviced by a professional?

2/ Do I know who is servicing my car?

3/ Is my Mechanic a qualified A Grade Mechanic?

4/ Can I actually talk to the person who has worked on my car or will I get some smooth talking service advisor who gives me a headache?

5/ Can my Mechanic advise me on future problems?

6/ DOES MY MECHANIC CARE ABOUT ME AND MY CAR?

7/ Does my mechanic have excellent diagnostic skills and equipment with up-to0date relevant information?

Here at Mannys Mechanical Repairs we focus on the customer’s needs and solving their automotive problems.

We constantly develop and sustain more skills and equipment to match the technology demands of todays’ sophisticated cars.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

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.

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Manny’s Mechanical Repairs Can Service Your New Car or Vehicle Under Warranty

In this newsletter from the ACCC, it dismisses some of the myths around new car warranties and non-dealer mechanics.

Car need a service? 

It’s time to service your car. Where do you turn? Someone has told you that if you don’t return to either the business where you bought the car or an authorised agent of that business, your warranty will be void. Is that true? Can you get your car serviced by someone other than the business or an authorised agent of the business that sold the car without voiding the warranty? The short answer is ‘yes’. 

New and used vehicle servicing in relation to general servicing, motor vehicle dealers are entitled to insist that any servicing performed on cars they sell is carried out by qualified staff, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and using genuine or appropriate quality parts where required. Provided these conditions are met, regardless of where you choose to get your car serviced, your warranty will remain intact.

Qualified staff is a party or parties, other than an ‘authorised dealer’, who is capable of performing car servicing.

Genuine or appropriate quality parts 

The issue here is not who manufactured the part/s, it is whether the part/s are fit or appropriate for the purpose intended. If a part is non-genuine, but is interchangeable with the genuine part, it could be seen as being fit or appropriate for the purpose and would therefore not void the manufacturer’s warranty. 

Thus, provided consumers do research and ensure that wherever they take a vehicle for servicing, the staff are qualified and all other provisions above are met, the warranty will be safely intact for the warranty period. 

You should expect your new car to run smoothly for some time without requiring any repairs. If, however, your new car has a manufacturing fault, then under your statutory warranty, you should expect the problem to be fixed by the supplier or manufacturer free of charge

Dealers are not permitted to limit their obligations under the warranty and refund provisions of the TPA or fair trading legislation, or make any representations to this effect, e.g. that the warranty is void if the vehicle is not serviced by the dealer or its agent. 

Click here to view the ACCC Newsletter

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

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.

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Buying or Selling a Car – The Correct Procedure

The process of buying and selling a car can be a very stressful time, especially when you do not have a clue. But there are correct procedures and steps to take when you know how.

Step 1. When selling a car your first step is to get a safety certificate/roadworthy. And this is where 80% of problems occur.

A safety certificate inspection is a focussed inspection at a set time and place by a qualified examiner at a qualified examiner site.

“Never, ever, ever assume!!” a car service is an inspection or that a safety inspection is a mere formality, or just a write out, or a mere 5 minute wait. The vehicle is professionally inspected in accordance to the Queensland Department of Transport standards and car braking efficiency is recorded.

Step 2. After obtaining the safety certificate, a blue sheet will also be given. This has the details of the examination and pass and is to be attached to the rear window of the car with the for sale sign.

Signs like “Interested?” are illegal.

A car can only be sold two ways. a) With a safety certificate b) Unregistered.

A registered vehicle cannot change hands/owners even as a gift unless a current safety certificate is issued with the vehicle.

Step 3. After the vehicle has been sold, an immediate bill of sale is to be drawn up. The time and date of the sale is to be written down with all details of the actual sale from both parties – buyer and seller (bill of sale forms can be downloaded).

Step 4. The next form to be filled is the transfer of registration form (this too can be downloaded from the Queensland Transport website) where identification is produced, generally driver’s licence. This too is to be filled by both the buyer and the seller, accompanied with the safety certificate and bill of sale… and that’s it.

Where the process gets complicated is when these steps are not followed – especially when a sale has somehow been made and the roadworthy inspection is done a the last moment, only to fail, requiring repair and cost that has not been budgeted for.

This comes down to not following a process or poor advice.

I hope this has helped.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.

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Never Ignore Air Bag Warning Lights

Recent developments in the Japanese sector of the car industry has seen a world-wide recall on air bags on many makes. The problem has been revealed that in the event of an accident, the air bags do not deploy correctly and also send metal fragments into the face of the driver or passenger. In other words, it’s like having a shot gun pointed at you ready to go off when you have an accident.

This is really serious stuff! There is a reluctance in many car owners who come in for a service – with an air bag light on – to get it fixed! I have had many occasions where a customer has come in to get a roadworthy with an air bag light on, only to be told the vehicle has failed roadworthy standards immediately. Let me repeat that… an air bag light on   immediately makes your vehicle un-roadworthy! Here is why…

In the case of a serious accident, the insurance company will want to know what caused the accident. 1/environment, 2/human error or 3/ mechanical factors. If the occupants are injured or killed and it was found the air bag did not deploy, which may have saved their lives, the insurance company may deem that this vehicle was faulty at the time of the accident. This could alter the payout, but more importantly, the unnecessary loss of life!

One only has to look at the recent 2011 floods to see how the insurance companies will do anything to weasel their way out of paying insurance claims through technical crap.

We as mechanics have a duty of care to inform our customers of the conditions and faults of their cars. We strongly advise customers keep their cars well maintained and in a roadworthy condition at all times and for customers to get on the internet and constantly check for recalls.

I hope this has helped.

– Manny, 0411 496 621
To serve, to perform, to guide.

 

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.