Marks Auto Care » Car Hints and Tips

Most Dangerous Brakes Ever

mark — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 03:37:41 +0000

My youngest child’s Kindergarten teacher suggested we check her brakes, she said, ‘they don’t feel quite right”, after a 10 meter drive, I was astonished to find the car pulling violently to one side, I thought to myself ‘how has anyone been driving this vehicle’ its is so dangerous.

Upon inspection, we could hardly believe our eyes discovering the brake disc rotor in 2 pieces and become completely detached from the centre securing section, this may have caused serious injury to the driver or some poor unsuspecting pedestrian or passenger.

Don’t take chances with the vehicles braking system, if you feel anything different or hear unusual sounds when braking, allow a professional to check the vehicle, this repair cost 4 times the amount it would have should the vehicle have been repaired when first alerted to a fault.

What is this white substance on my car battery?

mark — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 06:33:37 +0000

Car batteries sometimes emit a white or blue crystallisation around the posts as a result of the battery acid leaking to the atmoshere. This in itself is not always an immediate problem, but over time will corroded the post clamps and wiring and eventually may cause starting problems. The quick solution is to pour boiling water over this area dissolving the contaminant, apply and little grease or Vaseline and keep a regular check to see if it returns.

If the problem persists, it may be worth considering a replacement battery.

Used Car Warranty? No Thanks,

mark — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:00:36 +0000

Buying a used vehicle? you may have considered a Used Vehicle Warranty as ‘Piece of Mind’ BEWARE, its a costly purchase, look closely at the fine print as its NOTHING like a manufacturers ‘New Car Warranty’

Firstly, the salesperson and the dealer will receive commission, no prizes for who pays that, so you want to get your moneys worth, right?

Recently our workshop experienced a scenario I felt compelled to share, our clients disappointing experience making a claim, on this occasion with Sentinel Used Car Warranty was disappointing.

A leaking radiator on the 2006 Volkswagon Golf would indeed qualify for claim, however, he was informed only a USED replacement radiator, value $132.00 and 2 hours labour at $88.00 per hour would be payable, total claim payable, $308.00, this client was out of pocket for over $300.00.

One look at this picture and you understand 2 hours labour

is massively insufficient to cover repair times, more importantly why would anyone fit a used radiator, its just bad practice, likely to cause further problems,

Most warranties will cost around $1000, so maybe consider this as another option, spend $220.00 on a full Pre Purchase Inspection, whatever faults are found, seek a reduction from the purchase price to cover the cost, at that point you have a vehicle without faults, then use the $700.00 remaining to put towards any further costs, which may not ever occur.

Brake Fluid Change, Why Should I ?

mark — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 07:14:12 +0000

Brake fluid in your motor vehicle should be flushed and totally renewed every 2 years, regardless of how far you travel. This fluid absorbs moisture from the air (Hygroscopic) and will effect your vehicle’s braking in emergency situations.

This is not just an ‘add on’ , it is very important it be performed to ensure your vehicle and family stay safe.

The picture on the left shows how dirty the fluid becomes in comparison with the new fluid above, we all rely on it to stop our vehicles with our families inside, don’t take the chance…

Windscreen Wipers Noisy ?

mark — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 06:46:11 +0000

If your wiper blades are in good condition but squeak and groan or just don’t clean the screen properly, follow this simple but effective tip. Clean the wiper blade contact surface and windscreen glass with newspaper and a mixture of … Continue reading →

Changing Engine Oil Regularly is Crucial, Why?

mark — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:54 +0000

Recently a client called to say the oil light had just illuminated on their Toyota Kluger, initially we thought the pressure switch may be faulty as the customer indicated the vehicle had a regular service history.

Having replaced the switch the light came back on, so with a pressure gauge it soon became clear there was no oil pressure.

We strongly suspected a blocked oil pick up filter, having seen the mess inside the rocker cover through the oil filler tube. Once the sump had been removed, suspicions where confirmed as the image displays, the gauze filter completely blocked with solidified carbon, a result of oil starvation.

This problem had been magnified by a few oil leaks resulting in less and less oil working harder and harder until oil solidification occurred .

Only by repetitive flushing and numerous oil and filter changes did we manage to restore oil supply to the engine. This engine has been damaged beyond repair and its future is not too positive, i strongly suspect a $5000 replacement is around the corner, so $100 for an oil change doesn’t seem such a costly purchase any more, does it?