Do you need to visit a mechanic? Are you considering which local mechanic you should visit? 

Before you lock in your appointment, it helps to know what red flags to look out for. This will help you to avoid paying for an expensive mechanic, or not getting the service you paid for. 

So, what are the red flags you need to know before visiting a mechanic? 

1. Reviews

Before arriving at the mechanic, there are things you can check which will help you decide on which mechanic to visit. 

One of the things you can check is their online reviews. You can find these on Google or on their Facebook page. If the mechanic has a reputation for poor work, people will generally want to write a review. If there are scattered bad reviews, you can often give the mechanic the benefit of the doubt. But if they are all bad, you may want to choose another mechanic. 

2. Empty parking lot

A good mechanic will have frequent customers and will have work to do. If no one is visiting the mechanic, this may be a sign that the mechanic does not do quality work. 

3. The behaviour of the staff

How do the staff behave around you? Do they come off as professional, or rude? This can often be a reflection of whether the mechanic actually cares about the customers, or they just care about getting your money. 

4. No quote

Before handing over your keys, you should know exactly what repairs the mechanic is going to do, and a quote on how much it is going to cost. If your mechanic gives you the bill afterwards, it can be a sign that they are going to charge extra for services that are cheaper elsewhere or are going to add on extra repairs you didn’t account for. 

5. Communication

A good mechanic will be easy to contact and will have communication with you throughout the repair process. A good mechanic will contact you to tell you about any unexpected repairs that need to be done, rather than just expecting you to pay for it once it’s completed. 

6. Qualified and experienced mechanics

Does your mechanic have the right qualifications? Do they have any experience? If you are hesitant, ask the mechanic for proof of their qualifications and experience. Any good mechanic will be more than happy to provide this information. If the mechanic is hesitant or angry in response to this request, it is a definite red flag.  

Remembering these red flags will help you to find the best mechanic possible, and ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Need to book an appointment with a mechanic? Contact Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanical today for a quote. 

A car breakdown is one of the things drivers dread the most, especially if you are in a rural area. 

Fortunately, there are signs you can look for that will help you avoid breaking down and needing to call a tow truck. 

So what are some of the common causes for your car breakdown? 

1. Flat battery

One of the most common causes for a car breakdown is a flat battery. 

Have you left your car lights on? Don’t take long journeys in your car very often? These can cause your battery to go flat. 

If you don’t use your car very often, you may wish to charge your battery in between uses. 

Otherwise, you may prefer to get your car serviced prior to going on a long roadtrip. 

2. Damaged tyres 

If you’re on a roadtrip and run over a sharp object or hit a pothole, you may end up damaging your tyres. 

Are your tyres under inflated? This can cause your car to overheat. Always make sure your car tyres remain at the correct pressure. If you find your tyres are struggling to keep the right pressure, there may be a problem with the tyres such as a puncture, and you may need to get new tyres. 

If you are going on a roadtrip, especially a rural roadtrip, you may wish to consider taking a spare tyre with you. 

3. Using the wrong fuel

When refuelling, always make sure you use the right type of fuel for your car. Filling your car with the wrong type of fuel can cause numerous mechanical problems, which can result in a car breakdown. 

If you are driving a rental car, make sure you double check what type of fuel it uses before you leave. 

4. Burnt out clutch cables

Whether accidentally or not, many people will end up overusing their clutch. As a result, burnt out clutch cables are one of the most common causes of car breakdowns. 

Have you noticed the feel of your clutch pedal has changed? This can be a sign that the clutch cables are damaged or burnt out. If you have any doubt, make sure to visit your local mechanic, who will be able to check the clutch cables for you. 

5. Oil leaks

Your car depends on oil to lubricate parts of the engine. Without oil, engine parts will grind together and damage the engine, causing a breakdown. If this happens, you may need to end up replacing the engine or parts of the engine. 

To avoid this occurring, make sure you routinely check the oil levels. You can do this by using a dipstick. This is particularly important if you have an older model of car, where the light on the dashboard may display with not enough time to reach the mechanic. 

Following these tips will ensure that you can avoid your car breaking down and enjoy your roadtrips. 

Do you need to get your car serviced? Make an appointment today with Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanical. 

Are you looking to get your 4WD serviced? Want to get the most for your money? It can often be helpful to know what to look for in regards to servicing and maintenance. 

Knowing everything you can about 4WD servicing and maintenance will help you to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money, aren’t getting ripped off, and your 4WD has been fully serviced. 

1. Make sure you’re getting serviced frequently

Servicing your 4WD can be an inconvenience. It is money that you would often want to spend elsewhere. 

However, making sure you are getting your 4WD serviced frequently enough can help to improve the longevity of your vehicle. 

Check your owner’s guide to see how frequently your car model should be serviced. 

2. What type of servicing your 4WD needs

Make sure you are booking your 4WD in for the right service. The range of services you will be offered include: 

• Major service: this is a comprehensive servicing, with major check-ups
• Minor service: this is a smaller, quicker version of the major service. This will be checking the major parts of the vehicle as well as oil and filter changes. 
• Manufacturer’s servicing: this can also be referred to as a book or logbook service. This type of service will vary depending on the type of vehicle. 

3. Fluids

Make sure the fluids in your 4WD are being regularly checked and replaced. 

Before you book in your 4WD for servicing, make sure you are aware of the last time you have had your fluids changed. 

Fluids you need to be aware of include:

• Engine oil
• Radiator coolant
• Automatic transmission fluid
• Windscreen wash fluid
• Brake fluid
• Clutch fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Battery electrolyte fluid

4. Tyres

When you have your 4WD serviced, the tyres will be inflated to ensure they have they correct pressure. This will help to reduce fuel consumption; saving you money in the long run. 

If necessary, your 4WD will also be tested for wheel alignment and balance. 

Make sure you rotate your wheels regularly to avoid uneven wear. 

5. Windscreen wipers

When was the last time you changed the blades of your 4WD? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to have them serviced and replaced. 

You should be getting your windscreen wipers replaced annually, so make sure this is a part of your 4WD servicing. 

6. Engine air filter

After you take your 4WD off road or on holidays, you may find the engine air filter will end up clogged with dust, and dirty air will be getting into the engine. This can negatively impact the performance of the engine. 

During your 4WD servicing and maintenance, your air filter will be checked and changed if necessary. 

7. Battery

Make sure you keep track of how old your 4WD’s batteries are, if they have enough fluids, and if there are any signs of corrosion. 

If you aren’t using your 4WD often, you may notice the battery will drain. 

Your battery may be changed during a routine service if need be. 

8. Cleaning

Cleaning your 4WD can be a pain, but it is something that should not be overlooked. This is particularly important if your car is parked outside, as it may be getting damaged from trees or from birds and bats. 

This checklist should help you to keep your car maintained between servicing, and knowing what to expect during your routine servicing. 

Need to book your 4WD servicing? Call Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanical today.

Are you looking to keep your car maintained in between those trips to the mechanic? Not entirely sure what you should be doing to keep your car in the best possible condition? 

Here are some DIY car maintenance tips that will help keep your car running smoothly.

1. Windshield Wipers

It is recommended that you replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Most people will tend to try and go longer than this. Doing this can put your windshield in danger of streaking. 

If you’re going to change the wiper blades by yourself, it is best to follow your owner’s manual, as the exact process varies from each car model. 

When removing the wiper blade, make sure you pay attention to how the old one connected – this will make the process easier when putting the new wiper blades in. Be sure to have a firm grip on the wiper arm when you’re replacing it, otherwise this may come loose and damage the screen. 

2. Battery Maintenance 

Can you see white powdery residue when looking at your car battery? This is a warning sign that your battery needs replacing. 

However, there are steps you can take to prolong the life of your battery. 

Simply remove the battery terminals, with the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. Unbolt the remaining bracket. You can then clean the posts, rinse the cleaning fluid with water, dry the posts, and replace the battery terminus. 

Make sure you disconnect the battery before starting any battery maintenance. 

3. Radiator Flush

Does it feel like your radiator isn’t working as it should? You need to ensure your radiator and cooling system is cleaned in order to work properly. Fortunately, a radiator flush is an easy way to avoid any wear and tear. 

Before undertaking the radiator flush, make sure to consult your owner’s manual. 

To do this, you will need a radiator flush solution, coolat, a funnel and receptacle. 

Make sure your car is completely cool before replacing the radiator. 

4. Spark Plugs

This can seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite an easy DIY task. 

Make sure to carefully replace one plug at a time. You will find you either have four, six or eight plugs, depending on the type of car you have. 

Remove one spark plug at a time; you need to maintain the order of the spark plugs, so avoid removing them all at once. Install the new spark plug and make sure it is tight enough. You can then re-attach the spark plug wire. 

5. Oil and Oil Filter

Before changing the oil and oil filter yourself, make sure to check your car’s warranty. Some car’s will require this to be done by an authorised repairer with certain equipment. 

If you are able to replace the oil yourself:

• Make sure the oil is not hot – let the engine cool before you start 
• Jack up the car
• Locate the oil pan
• Unscrew the drain plug and drain the oil
• Replace the drain plug
• Remove the old oil filter
• Fill the new oil filter two-thirds of the way
• Screw in the new oil filter 
• Fill the engine with new oil using a funnel

When you’re done, double check the oil level and discard the old oil filter. 

Following simple DIY tips can help save you money and keep your car performing better for longer. 

Need to book a mechanic appointment? Contact MDTM today to book an appointment.

Are you looking for a mechanic? It can sometimes be hard to know whether a mechanic is going to be good, or if you are going to be scammed and have problems with your car. 

So what are the signs you should look out for and avoid when you’re looking for a good mechanic? 

1. Recommendations

When you’re looking for a good mechanic, the best people to ask are your friends, family or coworkers. Have they been to the mechanic before, and have they had a good experience? You’re definitely going to avoid a mechanic if your friend tells you they’ve had a poor experience there. 

Keep in mind – when you’re listening to what people have to say, make sure you ask what they actually had done, what type of car they have and what their mechanic knowledge is like. Some people will give negative recommendations without actually making a booking, or will have a poor experience in one area of the business, but not another. 

2. Reviews

If your friends and family can’t recommend a good mechanic, don’t worry! You can simply look online and get the recommendations there. 

Look at Google reviews, or reviews left on review sites or social media. This will give you a good idea about the quality of the service. Make sure to look at the number of reviews. Having five stars is good, but not if it is just from a few reviews. 

3. Contact

So you’re interested in making an appointment or getting a quote from a mechanic. How easy is it to contact them? 

Good mechanics will have their phone number listed on their website or social websites. This should be able to be found easily. When called, you should either have someone answer your call, or someone return your call in a timely manner. If no one returns your missed call, this can be a red flag. 

Some mechanics will also have a contact form set up on their website, or an email address, as another method for contacting them. 

4. Get an estimate

Mechanics will generally be fine to look over your car and give you an estimate for how much the work will cost. If you request an estimate, make sure you get this in writing, rather than just in conversation. That way, you can make sure you won’t be overcharged once the work is complete, and you have proof of the initial estimate. 

5. Experience

How much experience does the mechanic you’re visiting have? Do they have experience in the type of vehicle you have? You don’t want to book a mechanic who has no experience, or who is not experienced in the right area. 

6. Qualifications

Much like experience, you want to make sure your mechanic is qualified. These qualifications are often displayed on their website, on social media sites or physically displayed in the mechanic shop. However, if this is not the case, do not hesitate to ask what qualifications the mechanic has. 

7. Friendliness

When you’re talking to the mechanic on the phone and in-person at the shop, were they friendly and approachable? Everyone has off days where they are not as friendly as usual, however, you do not want to deal with a mechanic who is constantly grumpy and rude. This could cause issues once the service is over. 

You want to make sure the mechanic is fine to answer any questions you have – even the ones that may seem like simple questions. 

Also note if your mechanic reaches out to contact you. If they discover there are more repairs which need to be made, you want a mechanic that is willing to tell you about it before they make the changes, rather than just charging you for the extra services at the end. 

Looking out for these signs will help you to find a good mechanic and get the best service possible. 

Looking for a good mechanic? Contact Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanic today.

Cars are renowned for being a depreciating asset, with their value plummeting as soon as you drive off the dealership lot. However, there are a number of strategies you can implement during your period of ownership to minimise the depreciation of your car. This article will outline six key activities you can implement today so that when it comes time to sell your car, you are getting maximum bang for your buck.

1. Regular Servicing

The most important way to maintain a car’s resale value is by maintaining a logbook. Undertaking regular servicing and documenting this will give the prospective buyer confidence that you have cared for the car and that it will be a good long term purchase. Minor changes during service like wheel alignment, oil changes and replacing brake pads can all extend the life of your vehicle, and consequently boost its resale value.

Most manufacturers recommend a servicing schedule, so it is important to follow this. Also, if you notice a minor defect before your scheduled service, it is much more effective to address this as soon as possible before it snowballs into a bigger issue. 

2. Buy a Reputable Brand

While it can be tempting to buy a bargain priced car at a dealership, purchasing a car from a reputable manufacturer can make all the difference come resale time. It is useful to do some research before you purchase your car. You should compare a car’s new price against its second hand price to see which brands have a significant drop in resale value.

Many car manufacturers produce quality vehicles, but when the time comes for servicing, they can be very slow to source replacement parts. You can read online about people’s experiences in sourcing parts from overseas to see what brands offer the best service. So in some cases, it may be worthwhile avoiding the cheapest car manufacturer if you find that it has a poor track record of sourcing replacement parts.

3. Choose a Protected Parking Spot

For the majority of your car’s life it will be parked, so picking a good spot to park it when not in use is essential. If possible, park undercover as this will protect your car from being damaged by the elements. Also, debris can fall from trees and other plants and this can cause minor to moderate cosmetic damage. While these dings in your car may not be very noticeable to you, when a prospective buyer is looking at your car they will inspect every square inch.

4. Be Conscious of Mileage

One of the key determining factors for a car’s resale price is its odometer reading. Even if your car is older, a low odometer reading suggests to the buyer that the car is ‘like new’ and likely to have strong, ongoing reliability. While all of us buy cars to make transport easier, avoiding unnecessarily long trips may pay off for you down the line.

5. Drive Responsibly

Driving aggressively can put unneeded stress on your car’s engine. It is recommended that you gradually apply pressure to the throttle or brakes rather than doing this quickly. Doing this will help prolong the life of your car’s components. 

6. Keep It Clean

Appearance matters a lot to prospective car buyers. Keeping your car clean can be a hassle but it can pay off when it comes time to sell your car. You can easily clean your car yourself by vacuuming and removing stains or take it to a professional detailer.

These six easy steps will help you ensure that you get the optimal price when selling your vehicle. Some of these steps may incur costs now, but they are likely to pay off in the long run. 

With fuel being a significant source of the cost of ownership for car owners, it is important to implement measures to improve fuel efficiency. These tips can be easy to put into practice, so for a comprehensive guide on how to improve fuel efficiency, check out the article below. 

1. Regularly Service Your Car

Ensuring your car is regularly serviced is a great way to save on fuel. Servicing ensures that all components of your car are working together efficiently. Some servicing will require you to take your car to a repair shop and some can be done yourself, such as changing your engine oil according to the manufacturer’s requirements. 

Ensuring your tyres are adequately inflated is also an important step to ensuring your vehicle is efficient as possible. Tyres that are under-inflated generate more friction and as a result, wear out faster and increase fuel consumption. Therefore, doing something as simple as checking and maintaining your tyre pressure significantly affects how much it costs to own your car. 

2. Drive Economically

Driving smoothly by easing the throttle will help lower a car’s fuel consumption. Gradually increasing with the pressure you apply to the throttle, you are putting the engine under less stress and therefore less fuel will be required. The same can be said for easing off the accelerator once you have reached your desired speed.

A more obvious fix is to avoid peak hour periods where your engine will be idling for a significant duration. While it is not always possible to avoid travelling during these times, it can be a significant money saver.

3. Adjust Your Car’s Weight

Many of us have driven our cars with something heavy in the boot that we are not currently intending on using. If possible, remove these bulky items from your vehicle as they are very detrimental to a car’s fuel economy.

Similarly, evidence suggests that it is more economical to only half fill up your car when visiting the petrol station. However, this strategy is only likely to be effective for those cars with very large fuel tanks, like Landcruisers. 

4. Use the Fuel Price Cycle to Your Advantage

While not strictly related to efficiency, you can get more bang for your buck by monitoring petrol price cycles online. Petrol retailers in Australia are known to adjust their prices based on a long term cycle where prices can sharply increase and then gradually decrease over a longer period of time. These price cycles are most prominent in capital cities, where there is a large consumer base and high levels of competition. Typically these price cycles last for over 30 days. You can monitor the pricing trends of your city and decide when is the best time to buy by looking at the ACCC’s website. 

5. Turn off the Air Conditioner

Research suggests that air conditioners are highly detrimental to a car’s fuel efficiency. This is especially evident in older cars, but whatever car you drive, you should avoid using the air conditioner where possible. It is much more efficient to open your windows and the beginning of your journey to cool your car. Even though this can impact a car’s aerodynamics, it is a quick and effective method of cooling your vehicle without putting strain on the engine. 

Servicing your car is an essential first step in ensuring your car is operating efficiently. At Moranbah Discount Tyre and Mechanical, we can ensure your car is performing at its best so you can lower your long-term cost of ownership. So get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.