Shelly Beach Mechanical FAQs
What is a log book service?
A log book service is a series of scheduled services that are recommended by the vehicle manufacturer at a particular time or when your car has done a certain number of kilometres. It will help to ensure that your car continues to run smoothly and efficiently as well as helping you to identify minor issues before they escalate to become major, costly repairs.
Some services are more major than others, depending on the kilometres that your car has done.
The mechanics at Shelly Beach Mechanical will ensure all systems are checked, tuned and serviced in line with your vehicles log book and will stamp and date it for your service records.
What is included in a log book service?
All safety checks are carried out in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer. Different manufacturers require different services to be carried out, however there are common services for every log book service.
Can any mechanic service my new car?
Despite what you may hear from new car dealers, any authorised qualified mechanic can perform your log book service to maintain your new car warranty.
Shelly Beach Service Centre is an authorised log book servicing provider on the Central Coast and will stay on top of your services, ensuring your vehicle not only runs smoothly and efficiently, but your new car warranty will be upheld should something go wrong.
How do I know when my brakes are worn?
You should not leave repairs and replacement of your brakes to the last minute. Some symptoms that may occur in your vehicle as a result of worn brakes include:
- Squeaking or squealing coming from brakes
- Grinding sound when braking
- Vibration when braking
- Taking longer to stop
- Brake pad indicator light comes on
- Your brake pads appear to be thinner
- Pulling to the side when braking
If you notice any of these symptoms in your vehicle, contact us to book your car in for a service and/or repair on your brakes. Our experienced mechanics can replace or repair your brake pads and brake discs to ensure your vehicle safety.
How do I know when my suspension is worn?
Your car suspension connects the body of the vehicle to the wheels and gives the driver the ability to steer and move the car.
The suspension is made up of tires, tire air, springs, links and struts/shocks absorbers.
Signs and symptoms are broken into two categories: bad shocks and bad struts.
Signs of bad struts
- Clunking noises when hitting bumps
- Bumpy ride
- Hovering front end
- Irregular tire wear
Signs of bad shocks
- Noticeable vibrations while driving
- Erratic braking
- Fluid leakage
- Irregular tire wear
What can carbon build-up result in?
Carbon build-up in your engine reduces the level of efficiency in your vehicle due to the high levels of carbon deposits accumulated in the fuel injection system, intake valves, combustion chambers, oxygen sensor and catalytic converter.
Carbon build-up can result in:
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine pinging
- Poor acceleration
- Lack of power
- Repeated stalling or poor performance when cold
- Rough idle and hesitation
When your engine is contaminated with carbon, your vehicle is compromised. If you notice any of these carbon deposit symptoms in your vehicle contact Shelly Beach Service Centre. We will have your vehicle running efficiently in no time.
What is included in a carbon cleaning service?
Our carbon cleaning services include the following:
- Cleaning fuel injectors
- Clean throttle body air intake
- Clean ISC/ ASC motor, when needed
- Pressure test fuel pump
- Visually inspect fuel lines and fuel rail
- Test and visually inspect fuel pump, pressure regulator, vacuum line and connections
- Decarbonize intake manifold
- Decarbonize intake and exhaust valves
- Decarbonize combustion chamber and pistons
- Test exhaust emission
Once this service is complete you will notice a marked improvement in the efficiency of your vehicle including restored fuel economy and lower emissions, plus a nicer driving experience.
What are vehicle diagnostics?
Vehicle diagnostics is a digital analysis of your vehicles computer systems and components to ensure the system is running correctly. Modern cars have a complex digital system that monitors various features and creates reports that can be analysed during the vehicle diagnostics testing.
This test will scan your vehicles components and systems to check for any issues with the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle and many more components of your vehicles system.
Our team will perform these diagnostics to look for any issues with your vehicles system and to ensure the engine is running as normal.
What is tested in vehicle diagnostics?
Vehicle diagnostic tests can check multiple components of your vehicle. In this test we check the engine, exhaust system, brakes and transmission. We can also find performance issues with the fuel injector, ignition coils, airflow and coolant and throttle. These are all critical components of your vehicles operating system that need to be working correctly in order for your car to run smoothly and efficiently.
What are the signs that I may need a vehicle diagnostics test?
Because most vehicles now have computers that control the function of the car, there are certain signs and symptoms that you will notice.
- Your vehicle isn’t performing as it should be
- Check engine light is on, blinking or coming on intermittently
- Other lights on the dash such as battery light
- Vehicle is underperforming or running rough
- Vehicle is using a lot of fuel or you are smelling burnt fuel or seeing smoke from the exhaust
What are the benefits of vehicle diagnostics?
Vehicle diagnostics are extremely valuable for a variety of reasons.
- They help to detect errors before they become major problems that can cost you a lot of money in repairs.
- Vehicle diagnostics can check for safety issues such as brakes. Catching any errors before they become major could potentially save your life or others.
- Vehicle diagnostics check your vehicles on board computer system for any manufacturers notifications or information. This helps our mechanics to provide the best repairs possible for your vehicle.
If you think your vehicle is in need of a vehicle diagnostics test, contact the team at Shelly Beach Service Centre right away. Don’t wait until the issue becomes more major.
What is a pink slip?
A pink slip is a safety inspection report that we issue as an authorised mechanic to prove that your vehicle has passed the required roadworthy requirements for registration renewal in NSW. Vehicles that are more than 5 years old require a safety inspection as a condition of registration renewal.
What does an e-Safety inspection (pink slip) involve?
In order for us to deem your vehicle roadworthy there are multiple areas that we have to inspect thoroughly. these include:
Engine Condition and Functioning
Exhaust System
Seatbelts
Lights
Brakes and Brake Fluid
Fluid Containers
Vehicle Exterior
Tyres
If all aspects of these areas are in good working order, your vehicle should pass the inspection with flying colours.
What can I do at home to ensure my vehicle passes its e-Safety inspection?
Before you bring your car in for your e-safety inspection there are multiple things that you can check yourself. We have included our Pink Slip checklist for you to follow to increase your chances of your vehicle passing the inspection.
- Ensure that all seatbelts are functioning properly– this is one of the most important parts of the vehicle to protect all occupants in case of a car crash.
- Make sure your lights are well lit with no blown globes
- Vehicle body should be in decent condition– if you have any rust or dents you need to get this taking care of as quickly as possible
- Engine Checklist– ensure that the engine is working properly, no leaking fuel, not overheating and not expelling excess harmful smoke.
- Check Fluid Levels – The levels of fluids including oils and lubricants should be maintained properly.
- Ensure exhaust system functioning– Make sure your exhaust system is functions properly
- Tyre Condition– check your tyre condition and make sure you have no bald tread.
- Windshield Cracks– any cracks that could become dangerous especially if it is over 7cm long will need to be repaired. Windscreen wipers need to be in full working order also.
- The Horn– this is one of the most important safety features of the car. Test your horn to make sure it is working correctly.
What are the common issues with air conditioning systems?
If you are experiencing any issues with your A/C contact us today to book your car in for an A/C service.
The 6 most common reasons for your car A/C to not be working include:
Blocked Condensor
This is responsible for re-cooling hot refrigerant, which is done by using the airflow that comes through your car while you are driving. The condenser can become blocked from debris and because of this it will be unable to cool your vehicle and will most likely lead to the car blowing hot air.
Compressor
The compressor is the major component of your A/C system and without it you will not get any cold air.
No Gas
Your vehicles A/C system needs refrigerant gas in order to make the cold air. If you have run out of gas the A/C system will lose the ability to to cool the air. We recommend that you get your car A/C re-gassed every one to two years to avoid running out of gas.
Refrigerant Leak
An A/C relay is responsible for supplying power to the A/C systems compressor and without a working relay, your A/C unit will not function or may be less consistent in calling your vehicle down.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems in your vehicles A/C unit can be difficult to diagnose when your A/C system is faulty. Our technicians are highly trained to diagnose and repair these electrical components.
If you are experiencing any issues with your A/C contact us today to book your car in for an A/C service.
