From the Workshop
Car maintenance tips and practical advice from Jens Ottesen, Tauranga's trusted mobile mechanic.
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection: What Tauranga Buyers Need to Know
A pre-purchase inspection costs $150-$250 and can save you thousands. Here is what gets checked and why it matters before buying a used car.
Read More →Mobile Mechanic vs Workshop: Which Is Better?
Mobile mechanics save time, eliminate workshop markup, and come to your home. An honest comparison of both options for Tauranga drivers.
Read More →WOF Inspection Checklist: What Gets Checked
Over 60 checkpoints including tyres, brakes, lights, structure, and emissions. Exactly what NZTA inspectors look at and how to prepare.
Read More →Car Battery Replacement: Signs and Costs in Tauranga
Batteries last 3-5 years in the Bay of Plenty. Warning signs, replacement costs, and why summer is the biggest battery killer.
Read More →Brake Pads: When to Replace Them
Brake pads last 30,000-70,000 km depending on driving style. The warning signs, costs, and why Tauranga's hills wear brakes faster.
Read More →Cambelt Replacement: The One Service You Can't Skip
A cambelt replacement costs $600-$1,200. Skipping it risks catastrophic engine damage costing $3,000-$8,000. Here is when yours is due.
Read More →Car Overheating? Common Causes and What to Do
Pull over immediately. Common causes include coolant leaks, failed thermostats, and radiator problems. What to do and what it costs to fix.
Read More →Diesel vs Petrol Servicing: What's Different
Diesel engines need different oil, more frequent fuel filter changes, and DPF maintenance. The key differences every vehicle owner should know.
Read More →Summer Car Maintenance Checklist for NZ Drivers
10-point checklist covering cooling, battery, tyres, brakes, and AC. Everything to inspect before the heat hits and the road trips start.
Read More →7 Signs Your Car Needs a Service
Dashboard lights, strange noises, fluid leaks — your car tells you when something's wrong. Here's what to watch for before a small problem becomes a big bill.
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