How to Tell If Your Car Battery Is About to Die: Warning Signs

 

Your battery is what powers up your vehicle and keeps it running. It’s what powers your lights, radio, and wipers. It’s the centre of your starting system and, once the car is started, it’s the battery that protects against a dangerous surge in power going to the vehicle’s built-in computer. This is why any Earlwood mechanic will agree that drivers need to look after their batteries better. You can start by learning the warning signs that might indicate that your battery is going to die.

Warning Light

The battery shaped warning light on your dash should not be illuminated at any time. If this warning light comes on, it’s a signal that something is wrong with the battery, alternator or another component of the charging system. It’s crucial to get this looked at as soon as possible as ignoring it could end up costing you a lot of money.

Clicking Sound But No Start

Do you hear a clicking sound when turning the key in the ignition? Is your car not starting? This is a sign that there isn’t enough power in the battery to engage the starter motor and start the engine. Again, find an Earlwood mechanic if this is happening to you as there’s a risk that you’ll ware down other parts of the starting system that may be otherwise working fine.

Electrical Issues

A weak battery will struggle to keep the car’s computer and electronic components working optimally. Dimmed lights, slow wipers, flickering engine lights and malfunctioning electric windows are all signs that there’s a problem the battery.

Old Age 

Old batteries can cause a number of different reliability and safety issues. 3 years is the average lifespan for a healthy car battery. Anything that’s over 3-4 years should be deemed dangerous and unfit for use.

Slow Starting Engine

A slow starting engine could be a signal that your battery is about to go. The start should be instantaneous and you shouldn’t have to turn the key twice for the engine to crank up.

And there you have it - 5 warning signs that your battery is in need of replacement. We hope you’ve learned something new about the mechanics of your car’s starting system and we hope that you can save yourself some stress and money by knowing the signs to look out for.

Going on a Long NSW Roadtrip? Here’s a Car Servicing Checklist

 Summer time is made for roadtrips and NSW does not disappoint when it comes to things to see and do. From the beauty of the Grand Pacific Drive and the Blue Mountains to the charm of Hunter Valley and the Southern Highlands, we’re spoiled for choice in this part of Australia. If you plan to spend time on the great open road this summer, there are some things you need to do when it comes to prepping your car for the journey. Interested to find out more? The following are some car servicing jobs you should have on your inspection checklist!

Fluids 

Let’s get the obvious out of the way; checking your fluid levels should be top priority. First up are the coolant and engine oil levels. They should be at the recommended levels so top them up if necessary. Next, take a look at the brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid. If you’re not sure of the correct levels, it’s a good idea to call a car service Bexley mechanic and book your car in for a visit before you leave. Trust us when we say that this is one area that you do not want to forget about when prepping your car for the open road as the areas are vast and you will not find engine oil at every stop!

Brakes

There are two areas to pay attention to when it comes to brakes; one is the pads and the second is brake performance in general. Check the pads and see if they’re worn. If yes, call to see your local car service Bexley mechanic and get the pads replaced. In terms of performance, make sure the brakes respond quickly and make sure there are no funny noises coming from the area when you’re tapping the pedal. When pressed, the pedal should feel firm and responsive instead of feeling soft and spongy.

Battery 

Is your battery older than 2 years? If so, it might be time to get it replaced. Talk to your local mechanic and book an inspection so they can check for signs of corrosion and general signs of wear and tear.

Lights

Check that all brake lights, turn signals, fog lights and all other lights are working properly. If you need to replace bulbs or you feel like the focus or light beam levels are off, your local mechanic will be able to help you.

Your safety and that of your passengers and all other road users is paramount this summer so we urge you to make the above inspections before planning a trip in NSW.

Car Maintenance: When to Do It Yourself and When to Seek a Mechanic

One of the biggest benefits of owning a car is that we get the freedom to go anywhere we want, whenever we want to. Our vehicle easily gets us to work each day. Instead of having to deal with public transit rides and schedules, we simply get in the car and off we go. We also get the freedom to plan any number of fun outings with friends. Instead of having to beg for a ride, or call an expensive car share service, we can quickly get to the hot new restaurant, club or concert where we are meeting our friends.

As a car owner, we’re also aware that there are a lot of expenses when it comes to our car. To lower our on-going costs, one of the things we can do is to handle as many of our car maintenance tasks as we can ourselves. If you are handy, you may find that there are a number of car related projects you can tackle on your own. For those that go beyond your own ability or need a professional touch, you can turn to car service Earlwood to take care of the maintenance.

Maintenance Items You Can Take Care Of

If you take care of vehicle maintenance items yourself whenever possible, you’ll find that you can save a lot of money each year. Each time you choose the do it yourself approach, you will be putting money in your own pocket.

Some of the things to tackle on your own are replacing the engine and cabin air filters, installing new wiper blades and replacing bulbs that are no longer working. You can also save money by doing your own oil changes and replacing your own battery when it’s necessary. With some careful attention to detail, you may also be able to replace your serpentine belt or install new brake pads.

How Getting a Great Mechanic Can Save You Money

When you have car maintenance that is beyond your own abilities, you will need to take your vehicle in to a qualified mechanic. If you truly want to be taken care of, have peace of mind and save money too, you will want to be sure you have a great car service Earlwood.

A 5-star mechanic and automotive centre can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. They will quote you fair prices, and get the job done right. If you go to an unreliable mechanic, you will pay a lot of money for poor workmanship.

Maintenance Items for Your Mechanic

There are many maintenance items that are best handled by a professional mechanic with the appropriate training and experience. Examples include major brake system and transmission repairs.

If the work you need is engine related, it may be far better to go to a mechanic that has the appropriate diagnostic equipment and expertise to handle the job.

Tips for Jump-Starting Your Car

 It’s really wonderful when your car is running right, You have the freedom and enjoyment of coming out of your house or apartment, knowing you can go anywhere or do everything you need to do. You can have a quick breakfast, grab your cup of coffee and head out to join the morning commute. With your own vehicle, you can also handle any end of work day errands or set up a time to meet friends at your favourite restaurant. Your car opens up so many possibilities.

There are some times, though, that it’s not quite as easy as all that. If you’ve left an interior light on overnight in your vehicle, or forgot to turn your headlights off, you could come out in the morning and find that your car doesn’t turn over or start at all. When this happens, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to try jump-starting your car. If the car won’t turn over or start after that, then it’s best to set up an appointment with your Bexley mechanic so you can get your battery and car checked out.

Preparation for Jump-Starting Your Vehicle

With the help of another driver and a set of jumper cables, you can often jump-start your car and get it going again. It’s helpful to carry a set of jumper cables with you at all times, so you can jump your car or assist someone else who needs help.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to bring the engines of the working car and your car close. Once that is done, turn the engine on the working vehicle off. Make sure that none of the clamps are touching each other.

Process for Jump-Starting Your Car

First, attach one of the positive clamps to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery. The other positive clamp goes on the + terminal of the working battery. Then attach the other clamp for the working battery to the negative (-) terminal. The last clamp will be attached to unpainted metal on the dead battery car.

Start the running car and let it run for several minutes. After that, try starting the car with the dead battery. If it starts, you are in great shape. If not, you will probably need to take it in to your Bexley mechanic so they can get you running again.

Additional Options

If you do need a jump, a convenient way to get it done is to use a rechargeable battery jumper pack.

These devices come with a portable battery, plus cables, that can be used to jump your car.

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing: Keeping Your Vehicle Safe on Australian Roads

When you own a car, things are so much easier in life. You can grab your keys and jump in your vehicle and do whatever you want to do. Perhaps you want to go workout at the gym, or have a few important errands to run. When it comes time to go to work, you just hop in your car or truck and you are on your way. Everything is easy when you can go where you want to go, whenever you want to go.

A reliable car also makes life a lot more fun. After a hard day at work, you can head out to meet friends for dinner and a great get together. On weekends, it’s easy to plan short trips and meet loved ones and friends for a drive through the country, some wine tasting or an exploration of a great natural wonder or park. And during the warmer months, you can embark on epic road trips that will create lasting memories. Keeping your car running right makes all of these moments possible.

Take Care of Factory Recommended Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car in top shape is to make sure you follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule for your car. Each car or truck comes with a list of inspections or maintenance that should be done at selected intervals for your vehicle.

If you set up an appointment with your Earlwood mechanic, they’ll keep you on track with the scheduled maintenance that is due on your car. Typically, the maintenance list will be based on either time that has elapsed, or on kilometres driven.

Get Your Oil Changed Regularly

Getting regular oil changes helps keep your engine clean, and also boosts the performance of your vehicle. Over time sludge can build up in your engine oil, which makes the engine less effective. An oil change from your Earlwood mechanic can get things running right again.

When you keep up with regular oil changes, you can extend the life of your engine and your vehicle. You will get better gas mileage, and protect your engine from excessive wear and tear.

Have Your Car Inspected Before a Long Journey

If you are planning a long out of town trip, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your local automotive centre. Once there, your mechanic can inspect your car and make sure everything is in great shape for your planned adventure.

When you check things out ahead of time, you will have peace of mind knowing your car will be running smoothly during your extended travels.

Signs You Need to Car Service

 Owning your own car can bring you a sense of great freedom in life. You can just hop in your vehicle in the morning to head off to work, and can take care of any shopping you need to do quickly and effortlessly. With your own car, it’s easy to take off and meet friends for dinner or a night out on the town. And you’ll also be able to plan some incredible adventures and road trips whenever you want to. Whether you are travelling in town or across Australia, having a car makes everything easy and possible.

The key to getting the most out of your car is to keep it serviced and running right. There’s a lot that goes into the maintenance and upkeep of a vehicle, so you’ll have to be on top of things. One of the best steps you can do to keep your car going strong is to develop a relationship with your mechanic and automotive centre. When you are a customer of car service Kingsgrove, they can help you schedule any service you need and keep your car maintenance on track.

It's Time for an Oil Change

If you want to keep your car running well for years to come, you’ll want to get frequent oil changes. The exact time interval for each change will be noted the Owner’s Manual for your vehicle. Motor oil is designed to lubricate the inside of the engine, and can help lower the risk of abnormal wear. Older oil can let friction build up between the internal parts of your engine.

Without fresh oil, particles can build up within your engine. Those particles, when added to the loss of friction from old oil, can result in premature engine wear and lost fuel efficiency too.

Your Scheduled Maintenance Is Due

Every car comes with a checklist of factory recommended scheduled maintenance for your type of vehicle. The services and inspections will come due at specified intervals, usually based on time or kilometres driven.

When you work with your car service Kingsgrove, they can help you keep on track with any maintenance or inspections that are required.

Before You Leave for Vacation or a Road Trip

If you are planning a long road trip or a fun vacation out of town, it’s a good idea to take your car or truck into your mechanic for a pre-trip service check and inspection. They will be able to take a look at all of the systems in your vehicle, and make sure everything is running right.

They’ll also be able to check the fluid levels and top off any fluids that are low. With a quick check at the automotive centre, you will have peace of mind on your upcoming journey.

3 Things You Can Do to Get Your Car Ready for the Open Road

 The arrival of summer’s warmer temperatures gives us something to look forward to in life. The dark times of winter are far behind us, and instead we have long days and beautiful evenings to celebrate. It’s the perfect time for enjoy life, getting together with family and friends and plan some epic adventures on the open road. Many of us save our vacation time for the summer, so we can embark on exciting explorations and enjoy all that life has to offer.

If you have been thinking of heading out on a great road trip, it’s exciting to dream of all the great places you might go. You might plot out a couple of great sights to see, and then research the other fun things you could do along the way. There will be lots of great options for lodging or camping to choose from. And it’s always fun to find some great places to eat on your route too. You will also want to be sure to make an appointment with your Kingsgrove mechanic so your car is all set for your great adventure too.

1.         Get Your Oil Changed and Check Fluid Levels

One of the best things you can do for your car or truck is to get your oil changed on a regular basis. This simple step will help prolong the life of your car and help keep things running right for the future. Your Kingsgrove mechanic can advise you on the frequency of oil changes for your car or truck.

When you take your vehicle in for an oil change, they will also check the fluid levels too. They can top off any that are low.

2.         Take Care of Any Scheduled Maintenance

Another step you should take before setting out on any road trip is to take care of any scheduled maintenance that is due. Every car manufacturer publishes a schedule of recommended inspections and maintenance that is required for your vehicle.

The required maintenance might be based on time frame, or on the kilometres you’ve driven. If you are going to be driving a lot, be sure to take care of any scheduled maintenance that would come due while you are on your trip.

3.         Take Your Car in for a Pre-Road Trip Inspection

Even if you are up to date on your oil changes and scheduled maintenance, it’s a good idea to take you car in for a pre-road trip inspection before you head out on your great adventure.

Your automotive centre can give everything the once over, and take care of anything that needs to be done. When you take your vehicle in, let them know how far you are planning to drive and if there are any unique environmental conditions along the way.

 

The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist for New South Wales Explorers

 It’s a new year and the perfect time to hit the road for a big trip. Dream of ticking Hunter Valley off your bucketlist? Maybe The Riverina is more your vibe? We hear you and we want you to enjoy your trip without any car trouble. That said; our team of experts in car services in Bexley have compiled this checklist that’s especially for New South Wales Explorers that want to hit the open road this month;

Air Filters

Believe us when we say that you do not want to have any trouble with your air filters when you’re on the road. So what do you need to look out for? There are lots of signs that you need to watch out for. These include performance issues, a change in fuel consumption, a change in exhaust smoke colour, unusual engine noises and a smell of fuel in the inside of your vehicle. Small problems with air filters can become much bigger, more expensive issues to fix so it’s best to schedule a car service in Bexley and get a professional opinion.

Tyres

You don’t want tire problems on your great Aussie roadtrip so here’s what you need to do;

Pressure - Always check the pressure in the morning before driving as you’ll always get a more accurate reading this way. Once you get a reading, compare it with the manufacturers recommended pressure levels and take the necessary steps to ensure each tyre is safe to drive on.

Spare - Yes, you need a spare. You always need a spare. Before settling off, check the condition of the spare as you don’t want to discover you’ve been carrying a flat a few hundreds kilometres from home.

Thread - Tyre thread is more important than you think so get down to eye level with each one and inspect for damage. You need to look out for tears and uneven wear and tear. Keep an eye for nails or screws that may be lodged and be sure to check for sufficient threading.

Brakes

Next up are the brakes. When was the last time you got them checked? Do you know how to check and flush out the hydraulic fluid reservoir? Are your brakes making a shuddering noise every time you press the pedal? Maybe there’s a loud squealing noise that you’ve been ignoring? If so, it’s time to get your brakes checked by a professional mechanic. Fail to do this and you may be on your way back home much sooner than you had planned. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!