If you own a car with a manual transmission, you know how important your clutch is. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to change gears or stop without stalling your engine. Clutches are also commonly found in air conditioning and cooling systems, but we will be talking about the clutch in your gearbox.

Do you think your clutch might be on its way out? Find out more on how your clutch works and some common symptoms of a worn clutch.

What is a Clutch?

A car’s engine is always spinning, even when the wheels are not. If the engine was locked to the wheels, there would be no way to stop the car without stalling. That is where a clutch comes in. The clutch acts as a device that allows the driver to connect and disconnect the engine and the wheels whenever necessary. This includes when the car is coming to a stop and when the driver needs to change gears.

When your foot is off the clutch pedal, the pressure plate is pushed up against the clutch plate by springs, connecting it to the flywheel via friction and locking the engine to the wheels. When you push your foot on the clutch pedal, a hydraulic system or cable uses various mechanisms to pull the pressure plate from the clutch plate, allowing the engine to spin independently from the wheels.

Common Clutch Issues

1. A slipping clutch

Most clutches can last well over 100,000km depending on use, but like many parts of a car are a wear item. Eventually they will lose most of the friction material on the clutch plate that allows them to work. If you press the accelerator on your car and see the RPM’s but don’t accelerate as you should, then you may have a slipping clutch

2. DIfficulty Shifting Gears

Shifting gears can become difficult if your clutch is sticking. The engine isn’t able to properly disconnect from the wheels, causing for difficult shifting that can easily damage the gearbox. This is usually due to an issue with the hydraulic system or cable that engages/disengages the clutch.

3. Spongy, sticking, or loose clutch pedal

If you experience any of these clutch pedal issues, it is most likely due to a failure of the hydraulic system or cable that engages/disengages the clutch.

4. A rattling sound when you press the clutch

A rattling sound when your foot is off the clutch pedal is usually indicative of a worn throwout bearing. A throwout bearing is essential to disengaging the clutch, and if it fails you won’t be able to change gears. Other common symptoms of a bad throwout bearing include vibrating in the clutch pedal, grinding noise when changing gears and a heavy clutch pedal.

Time to service your clutch?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, it may be time to have your clutch serviced. At Australian Mechanical, we have qualified technicians and state-of-the-art workshop equipment to service, repair or replace your clutch and gearbox. Contact us today to book in for a service.

Check your oil and fluids

Oils and Fluids are important to check as an essential piece of the car. Check if your car fluids and oils need to be topped up or any leaks fixed. Australian Mechanical include this check as part of a regular service. If you haven’t had your car serviced recently this is a very important first check.

Check your air conditioner is working

On a hot summer’s day, in the deserted outback or on the quiet coast, losing your air conditioning is a frustrating issue to deal with, let alone fix. Checkout our blog – Why is my Car’s Air Conditioning not Working?

Check your tyre pressure

Tyre pressure is critical to the car’s performance on the road. Having your tyre pressure too high or too low can result in an uncomfortable bumpy ride or even damage components of the vehicle. To learn more about tyre pressure, read our blog – What PSI Should My Car Tyre Pressure Be?

Check the weather

When planning a road trip, it’s always a good idea to check the weather. During a Queensland summer, there is a greater chance of flooding rain or even cyclones. It makes sense to check road reports and make sure the roads you are travelling are open and safe to pass through. When travelling over large distances, always try to have enough food and water on board to keep everyone hydrated and fed, if you’re stuck on the road due to an accident or other event.

Before you leave home, check your windscreen wipers to ensure that you will have good visibility when driving through heavy rain.

Have your car serviced

Australian Mechanical offers servicing Monday to Friday, 6:00am – 5:00pm. We offer comprehensive servicing, mechanical repairs, air conditioning, auto electrical and tyre repair and replacement. We will ensure that your car is ready to fight the summer heat and the dry roads on your next road trip. Call us on 07 3356 1538 to book in for your service or fill out the contact form on our website.

Summer in Brisbane usually includes some very hot days with high humidity. Broken air conditioning in your car on a long trip through South East Queensland may be both sweaty and uncomfortable. A simple and easy fix may be all that is needed to make your car cool and comfortable again this summer.

How Does My Car’s Air Conditioner Work?

Just like a regular air conditioner, your car’s air conditioner system reduces the moisture content of ambient air and cools it on the way into your cabin. There are a number of different components that work together to perform this cooling operation, and a small issue such as a leak or blockage may be the cause of your air conditioning issues.

Common Cooling Issues

There are a number of common symptoms that can help you figure out exactly why your car’s air conditioner isn’t working correctly. Some of these include:

Your Car’s Air Conditioner Is Cool, But Not As Cold As It Used To Be

This may be caused by:

1. A clogged cabin filter. This filter cleans the air of any contaminants as it enters your car, and over time can get clogged up. A quick visual inspection should let you know if this is the case.
2. Your cooling fans aren’t turning on. This can be a simple electrical issue such as a loose wire. Try turning on your air conditioner and seeing if the fans spin.
3. Low refrigerant. Over time, refrigerant can escape due to leaky components. If you believe this is the case, it may be time to have your aircon regassed.

Your Car’s Air Conditioner Doesn’t Work At All

This may be caused by:

• A blown fuse. A fuse is used to protect components from unexpected power surges. From time to time, they can blow due to a once off power sure or deterioration from age. Check to see if any of your air conditioner fuses are blown, as a new fuse can cost as little as a few cents and can be easily replaced at home. If the fuse continually blows after it is replaced, it may be indicative of a greater electrical issue.
• A broken compressor. Your air conditioner’s compressor does most of the heavy work in the cooling process. It pushes air through all of the cooling components and into your cabin. If your compressor is broken, it will most likely need to be replaced or repaired by a mechanic.
• Low refrigerant. Over time, refrigerant can escape due to leaky components. If you believe this is the case, it may be time to have your aircon regassed.

How Do I Keep My Car’s Air Conditioner Working?

The best way to keep your car’s air conditioner in good working order is by having it regularly serviced. A good mechanic will always ensure that you are free of leaks and all components are in working order. If you would like to have your car’s air conditioner serviced by an experienced and friendly mechanic, contact Australian Mechanical today on 07 3356 1538.

Dashboard warnings can be a massive headache. Often times, these small lights don’t give you much information, and may be indicative of a serious problem. Learn how to interpret these symbols and know when it’s time to call a mechanic.

What Are Dashboard Warnings?

Dashboard warnings are your car’s way of indicating something to you, the driver. These aren’t necessarily always disastrous issues being displayed. For example, a warning is displayed when you have your high beam lights on and when your handbrake is engaged.

Often times the colour of a warning light can indicate the severity of its nature, especially in newer cars. These colors are usually:

Green/Blue: Green and blue indicate car systems that are currently engaged. Your high beam indicator will often be this color.
Yellow/Orange: This means the car should be serviced soon. To Book a service contact Australian Mechanical or book online
Red: There is a major issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Common Dashboard Warnings

1. Check Engine Light

The check engine light indicates that your cars on board diagnostic (OBD) system has detected an issue with one of your engine’s major systems. This issue could be anything small from a faulty spark plug or a loose sensor, up to a major issue such as a broken fuel pump. The check engine light should normally come on for a few seconds when starting your car, but it should turn off. If the light remains on or is blinking, this is indicative of a major issue. You should pull over immediately and call your mechanic.

Even smaller issues such as a faulty spark plug or loose sensor can lead to bigger issues. If you have the check engine light illuminated, you should book in a service without delay.

2. Oil Lamp Warning

If the oil lamp is orange, this indicates a low oil level or a high oil temperature. You should immediately pull over and check your oil level. If your oil is low, top it up with the correct oil for your vehicle or book in a service. If your oil level is okay, then this may indicate high temperature or a faulty sensor. Either way, you should book in a service with us immediately.

If the oil lamp is red, this usually indicates low oil pressure. Pull over immediately and check your oil level. If your oil level is very low, this could indicate a major oil leak. If your oil level is okay, it may indicate a broken oil pump, damaged oil feed line or a faulty sensor. In any of these cases, you should immediately stop and have your car towed to the nearest mechanic. Your car uses oil to cool and lubricate the engine. Without any oil, your engine is likely to overheat, warp and damage it’s internal components to the point where a new engine may be required.

3. Temperature Warning

Your car’s temperature warning light usually indicates one of two issues. Either your coolant is low and needs to be topped up or your engine is overheating. You should stop immediately and wait for your engine to cool down. Once your engine is cool, check your coolant level and look for any leaks. WARNING: do not check your coolant when your engine is hot. Hot engine coolant is pressurised and spraying coolant may cause serious burns. If your coolant level is correct, this may indicate a bigger issue such as a broken water pump. To stop your engine from being damaged, you should have your car towed to your mechanic. An overheating engine can warp, damaging its internal components and compromising its structural integrity.

If you’re experiencing any dashboard warning or think it’s time to have your car checked by a professional, book a service online or call Australian Mechanical on 07 3356 1538

With summer on its way in Brisbane, it’s time to turn some attention towards your car. Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road in the sweltering heat, so below are five easy ways to ensure you’re not left stranded this summer.

1. Check Your Fluids

Your car has a number of different fluids that help to cool and lubricate a variety of components. Periodically opening your bonnet and ensuring these fluids are at their appropriate levels is an easy way to prevent a roadside breakdown this summer.

The fluids you should regularly check include:
1. Engine oil
2. Engine coolant
3. Power steering fluid
4. Brake fluid

If any of these are a low, go ahead and fill them up with the correct replacement fluid. If you’re not sure what to use, book in with us and we’ll top them up for you.

2. Check Your Cooling System

Your cars cooling system is how your engine regulates its temperature. To prevent overheating, your cooling system should be flushed at regular intervals. Between flushes, it’s important to check the coolant level (as per step 1) and top up as required. Perform a visual inspection of any rubber and plastic cooling components (radiator connectors, including hoses and belts) as they are especially susceptible to wear. If you notice any cracking or leaking, it’s time to replace these components.

If you notice your car is running a little hotter than usual, or you haven’t recently had your cooling system flushed, give us a call and book in for a service.

3. Check Your Battery

Your battery is responsible for starting your car and running a number of its key components. To ensure your battery is in good condition, look out for any of these warning signs:

• A slow engine crank
  If your car is starting more slowly than usual, this may be a first sign of a dying battery.
• Your battery won’t charge
  A battery that continuously requires manually recharging usually means it needs to be replaced.
• A bloated battery
  If your car’s battery is swelling, it usually means it has overheated. This can cause the battery case to rupture, causing a leak.
• A rotten egg smell
  This smell can indicate a leaking battery.

If you notice any of these common issues, then it is most likely time for a new battery. Some other issues such as dim lights while driving and your car turning off at idle, could also be caused by a dead battery, but these may be signs of a larger issue. Logbook servicing usually involves an inspection of the battery and replacement if necessary.

For more information on batteries, check out our blog Should I Buy A Cheap Car Battery?

4. Check Your Tyres

Tyres are the only part of your vehicle actually in contact with the road. As time goes on and the kilometres add up, your tyres slowly but surely will wear out. Not only can worn tyres fetch you a ticket, they also severely compromise your car’s performance. Performing a visual inspection of your tyre tread is a quick and easy way to see if your tyres need to be replaced. To learn more about replacing tyres, read our blog When Should I Replace My Tyres?

Checking your tyres pressure level is also a great way to ensure your car’s handling is at its best. Your tyre pressure should be about 30-35 PSI, and should be checked regularly. Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can cause premature wear and and compromise your cars performance. If you notice a tyre with consistently less pressure than the others, you may have a leak. To learn how to check your tyre pressure and more related information, check out our blog What PSI Should My Tyre Pressure Be?

5. Book In For A Service

Have all of the above completed and more by booking in for a logbook service. The team at Australian Mechanical check over every important component on your car, replacing and servicing wherever necessary to get you ready for summer. Beat the heat without any hassle by booking a service online, or give us a call on 07 3356 1538

Tyres are one of the most important parts of your car. They’re the only piece of your vehicle which is actually coming into contact with the road. As time goes on and the kilometres add up, your tyres slowly but surely, will wear out. Worn out tyres can cause a number of issues, not to mention also being illegal. How do you know when it’s time to replace your rubber?

When Do I Need New Tyres?

The best way to tell if your tyres need replacing is to take a look at them. There are a few different parts of the tyre that you will need to look at:

1. Tyre tread: The tread is the chunky part of the tyre that forms a contact patch with the road. The tread is what gets worn down as part of normal use.
2. Wear indicators: The wear indicators are small sticks of rubber situated in grooves between the tread.

When the tread has been worn down flush with the tread wear indicators, it is time to replace the tyre. From this point on, your tyres performance will begin to degrade, becoming more and more dangerous. In Australia the required minimum tread depth is 1.5mm and once your tyres have worn down past this point they become illegal. To test tread depth, you can use a ruler to measure your tyre tread.

Why Replace Your Tyres?

Replacing your tyres is an important piece of car maintenance. Worn out tyres begin to degrade in performance, especially in the wet. As the tread becomes shallower, the tyre is less effective at providing grip while under acceleration. This can cause:

• wheel spin
• gripping while braking causing skidding
• loss of traction
  transferring steering forces leading to over or understeer.

All of these can very easily cause an accident.

In the wet, the tread is used to displace water from the road. If your tyres are unable to effectively displace this water, you will begin to lose grip and could slide across the road. This is commonly known as aquaplaning. This is very dangerous and is more likely to occur if your tyres are worn.

If safety alone isn’t a good enough reason to replace your tyres, then the fact that having worn tyres is illegal may be. As previously mentioned, a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm is required for your tyres to be legal. Failure to have legal tyres on your car can lead to fines and demerit points. In Queensland, bald tyres may cost you $220.00 in fines and three demerit points.

What Causes Premature Tyre Wear?

As you drive, your tyres naturally wear out over time. However, a number of different issues can cause your tyres to wear prematurely. Incorrect tyre pressure is a major cause of premature tyre wear. Over inflated tyres will prematurely wear the centre of the tyre, whilst under inflated tyres will wear the outer edges and side walls of the tyre. Click here to learn more about why tyre pressure matters. Poorly aligned wheels can also cause your tyres to wear out prematurely. Checking your wheel alignment is common component of log book servicing.

If you’d like to talk to a professional mechanic in regard to your tyres, contact Australian Mechanical today, or book an inspection/service online.

Along with a flat tyre, a dead battery is one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdowns. Your car depends on the battery to run just about all of its key electrical systems. Without a battery, you aren’t going anywhere! If you find yourself with a flat battery, you may need to buy a new one as batteries need to be replaced every few years. While it may be tempting to purchase a cheap battery, is it worth it?

How to tell if your battery is dying

A dying battery has some pretty telltale signs. These include:

• A slow engine crank
  If your car is starting more slowly than usual, this may be a first sign of a dying battery.
• Your battery won’t charge
  A battery that continuously requires recharging usually means it needs to be replaced.
• A bloated battery
  If you’re car’s battery is swelling, it usually means it has overheated. This can cause the battery case to rupture, causing a leak.
• A rotten egg smell
  This smell usually means a leaking battery.

If you notice any of these common issues, then it is most likely time for a new battery. Some other issues such as dim lights while driving and your car turning off at idle, could also be caused by a dead battery, but it may also be a sign of a larger issue. Logbook servicing usually involves an inspection of the battery and replacement if necessary.

Difference In Quality

Buying a cheaper battery is a very tempting option to get you back on the road with minimum expense. However, cheaper batteries are often made using lower grade components such as cheap cables, wires, metals and electrolytes. These components wear out much quicker than higher quality batteries. Some cheap batteries even user lower-grade casings, making them much more susceptible to leaking.

Most high quality batteries should live for 2-5 years depending on climate and use. A cheaper, & lower quality battery is likely to have a much shorter lifespan.

Other Issues

The thought that your cheap battery might not last long should be enough reason not to buy one, but it’s not the only possible issue. A more expensive issue commonly caused by a cheap battery is a broken alternator. By converting the engines rotational output into electrical energy, the alternator recharges the battery while you drive.

A cheaper battery with lower quality components may require more energy to be charged, over stressing the alternator. This causes it to wear out much quicker when compared to normal use. Once the alternator dies, replacing the battery won’t be able to fix your car’s issues and will require a replacement. The cost of replacing an alternator can easily rise past the $1000 mark, and usually requires purchasing a new battery.

As the main power supply for your vehicle, a high quality battery should be used.. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road due to a cheap battery. If you need to purchase a new car battery, or have any questions, call us today on 07 3356 1538 or get a quote online.

Brakes are an essential piece of equipment that allow your car to do arguably the most important thing; stop. But overtime, brakes are used up and require a level of maintenance that can be easily overlooked.

Why brakes are important to maintain

As one of the primary safety functions of a car, unexpected failure of your brakes could make for some dangerous situations. Brake maintenance and servicing is not just for your own safety but also your passengers and the others that you share the road with. If your brake pads are neglected it’s also possible that you will damage other components of the brake system such as the disc, which can increase repair costs. It’s also very important to make sure you regularly replace your tyres when they get too worn. If your tyres can’t grip the road when braking, you’re also in trouble. If you’d like to find out more about car tyres, check out our blog post ‘What Tyres Are Right For My Car?’.

How to check the condition of your brakes

Most cars have indicators of some description that can help you to check the condition of your brakes. The most obvious way of telling if your brakes need servicing is to listen out for any unusual noise, any pulling to one side or stuttering (not to be confused with the pumping of ABS) when they are engaged. Stuttering, pulling and squealing brakes are a sure sign that your brake pads may need some mechanical attention.

It’s also a good idea to occasionally perform a visual inspection. To visually inspect a disc brake, look out for any abnormal scratches on the rotor, uneven pad wear, rust or any other obvious defects. If you can reach it, jiggle the brake caliper to test for any movement. If you find any of these issues, it’s time to have your brakes serviced. If the brake pads are down to the steel backing plate (or close to it), they require replacing immediately before they damage the rotor. Some modern vehicles have a dashboard light that will illuminate when the brake pads are in need of replacing.

Prevent damage with servicing and inspections

Preventing damage to your brake system is important. Regularly checking your brakes and immediately fixing any issues prevents nasty surprises. A few alterations to your driving technique can also help to lengthen the lifespan of your brake pads. Erratic driving and quick stops can put excessive strain on your brake pads and rotors, unnecessarily wearing them. Ideally, you’ll be stopping as slowly and smoothly as possible to preserve your brakes.

Replacing your brake pads when they get low is an important piece of maintenance. Once your pads are worn away, the steel backing plate is exposed. The steel is much harder than your brake pad compound and can warp and scratch your rotors. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to having your rotors machined or replaced.

Brakes perform a vital function, keeping you and other drivers safe on the roads. Having your brakes regularly serviced and maintained can save you money in replacement parts or possible accidents.h If  your brakes require a service, or a check, give the team at Australian Mechanical a call on 07 3356 1538 or book online.

Fuel is a necessary evil that we all have to pay for. Increasing the efficiency of your fuel is a great way to extend times between fill-ups and save money at the pump. Here are a few easy ways that you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.

Check Your Tyre Pressure & Wheel Alignment

Regularly checking your tyre pressure and alignment is a great way to save money on fuel. Tyres slowly deflate over time even if they are in perfect condition. Deflated Tyres Makes it hard for your car to accelerate, using more fuel and costing you money. Click here to find out how tyre pressure can affect your car in other ways.

Wheel alignment slowly causes your tires to stop facing forward. This increases the amount of wear on your tyres and forces the engine to work harder to accelerate and maintain speed. Having your wheels aligned is a quick and easy way to save fuel.

Driver Technique

This is the trick that has the most potential to increase your fuel economy. Efficient driving technique can save up to 30% at the fuel pump. To put that in perspective, if you’re average fill up costs $65 a week, you would be saving just shy of $20. Aggressive driving, quick acceleration, speeding and heavy braking can lower your mileage by 30% on highways and around 20% in city areas.

Regular Maintenance

Having your car regular serviced ensures that it is always running at peak efficiency. All engines wear over time, and a poorly maintained engine can quickly become a fuel drinker. A clogged air filter means the engine isn’t getting enough air, so more fuel is used. Worn spark plugs can’t ignite the fuel and are mixture efficiently, reducing fuel economy. If your oil is dirty, it reduces the amount of lubrication in your engine. This increases wear and, you guessed it, fuel efficiency. If you’d like to learn more about regularly maintaining your car, click here.

Refuel in the morning, not in the afternoon.

This scientific trick could save you up to $10 a month on fuel. Petrol stations store their petroleum tanks underground and throughout the day the temperature rises. Cooler temperature makes petrol molecules denser, meaning more petrol can fit into your car. During the heat (10 am – 3 pm) is when the molecules are more spread, so filling up during the day means less fuel.

Check Your Petrol Cap

Petrol has a lower boiling point than water, which is great for running an engine. It allows the fuel to vaporise in the engine cylinder and create efficient power. However, this also means petrol can evaporate out of your car’s tank. Making sure your petrol cap is tight every time you finish filling up is an easy way to save fuel. Always make sure your petrol cap closes correctly and turned until it clicks 2 or three times. The rubber seal in the cap can wear out over time. If your petrol cap doesn’t work properly, consider replacing it.

Lower Drag And Reduce Weight

Reducing your car’s drag isn’t as technical as it sounds. Simply removing unnecessary items such as roof racks or bike racks can lower your cars weight and wind resistance, helping it glide through the air. Closing your windows when driving above 50km/h can reduces drag significantly. Driving at a high speed with the windows down allows the air to push back the inside of the car, making the engine work harder for the same speeds.

If you are unsure about tyre pressures, need to replace your current tyres or have any questions, give the team at Australian Mechanical a call on 07 3356 1538 or book online using our easy quote and booking form.