Car Advice
Practical advice for car owners
Plain-English guides and quick answers about common car problems and servicing. Something else going on with your car? Call us on 02 9000 0000.
Articles
Dashboard warning lights: pull over now, or book in soon?
Which warning lights mean stop driving straight away, and which can wait for a booking.
4 min readPink slips in NSW: what's checked, when you need one, and what if it fails
A plain-English guide to the safety inspection you need before renewing rego on an older car in NSW.
3 min readLogbook servicing and your new-car warranty: why an independent workshop won't void it
What the ACCC says about servicing a new car away from the dealer, and how to keep your warranty safe.
3 min readBrake warning signs: squealing, grinding, pulling and a soft pedal
What common brake noises and feelings usually mean, and when to stop driving.
3 min readCar won't start: flat battery, starter motor or alternator?
How to tell the most common causes apart from what you hear and see when you try to start the car.
3 min readTyres: legal tread depth, pressures, rotation and when to replace
How to check your tyres, what the legal minimum tread is, and the signs it's time for new ones.
3 min read
Quick answers
My check engine light is on. Can I keep driving?
If it's on steadily and the car drives normally, you're usually OK to drive, but book in soon so we can read the fault code before a small problem becomes an expensive one. If it's flashing, or the car is overheating, losing power or showing low oil pressure, pull over safely and call us.
What does it cost to ignore a warning light?
Often a lot more than fixing it early. A faulty sensor or misfire left alone can damage the catalytic converter, engine or transmission. A quick diagnostic scan tells you what's wrong before you spend anything on repairs.
My car won't start. What's the usual cause?
Most often it's the battery, especially if it's over three or four years old or the car clicks when you turn the key. Other common causes are the starter motor, alternator, fuel supply or the key/immobiliser. Don't keep cranking it; call us on 02 9000 0000.
Should I go to the dealer or an independent mechanic?
You can use either. Under Australian Consumer Law, servicing with an independent mechanic doesn't void your new-car warranty, as long as the manufacturer's schedule is followed with suitable parts and fluids. Independents are often cheaper and you usually deal directly with the person working on your car.
How often should my car be serviced?
Follow your logbook. Most cars need a service every 10,000 to 15,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Short trips, towing and stop-start traffic are harder on a car, so it may need servicing more often.
Why isn't my air conditioning blowing cold?
Usually it's low refrigerant from a small leak. It can also be a failing compressor, a faulty fan or a blocked cabin filter. A proper check finds the cause, so you're not just re-gassing a leak.
My brakes are squealing or grinding. Is that serious?
A light squeal can mean the pads are getting low. Grinding usually means they're worn through and metal is hitting metal, which damages the rotors quickly. If you hear grinding, or the pedal feels soft or the car pulls to one side, get it checked straight away.
My car is overheating. What should I do?
Pull over safely and turn the engine off. Don't open the radiator cap while it's hot. Common causes are low coolant, a leak, a faulty thermostat or a failed fan. Driving while overheating can wreck the engine, so call us on 02 9000 0000 before going further.