When your car speaks in a foreign language…

For those of us who aren’t trained mechanics, it can be confusing and difficult to understand the inner workings of a vehicle. Gone are the days of lifting the hood and doing a bit of tinkering when things go wrong. In fact, most people don’t realise they have a problem until the car begins to run badly or the dreaded engine warning light turns on. The modern car is a complex engineering system that requires the skills of a qualified professional to diagnose and restore.

The modern car features an engine control unit (ECU). This closed-loop control system performs millions of calculations each second and is responsible for everything from deciding on the best spark plug timing to determining how long the fuel injector is open. It gathers data from dozens of sensors, manages emissions and fuel economy, and even knows coolant temperature and the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. When something goes awry with this intricate control system, your car may experience some of the following:

• difficulty starting
• loss of performance
• poor fuel efficiency
• engine misfires or overheating
• illumination of the ‘check engine’ light.

While these are the visible signs that something is amiss, your car’s ECU has probably been trying to communicate these warning signals for some time in what is known as engine code – the language of your vehicle diagnostics system. Don’t speak engine code? Don’t worry; when it comes to vehicle diagnostics, the team at Steve Sorensen Mechanical has you covered.

Steve Sorensen Mechanical offers full electronic vehicle diagnostics among its comprehensive suite of vehicle maintenance services. Their technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment and scan tools to provide real-time diagnostics and troubleshooting data. This specialised equipment listens directly to you car in its own language which is then translated by the expert technicians who will talk back to the on-board computer and adjust the programming. This allows the team to narrow down potential causes for problems and offer the best and most cost-effective solutions to ensure you get back on the road sooner.

To stay ahead of the game when it comes to the latest in vehicle maintenance services, the team at Steve Sorensen Mechanical frequently attends specialised training programs. This means you’ll always receive the most cutting edge service available to your vehicle, no matter the make or model.

If your car is acting strangely, running rough, making unusual sounds or just not driving the way it felt before, leave vehicle diagnostics to the experts. Chat to the team at Steve Sorensen Mechanical today.

Finding the right mechanic is the key to staying on the road

In an era when few people understand their vehicle’s workings, it pays to know how to find the right local auto repair shop to keep you up and running.

With more than 30 years experience in the business, Browns Plains auto shop owner Steve Sorensen knows that finding the right mechanic can be as important as finding the right doctor. Steve, who runs Steve Sorensen Mechanical, has gained a reputation as an honest and hard-working tradesman and businessman. He knows what it takes to win customers and keep them coming back.

So, what sets local auto repair workshops like Steve’s apart from the rest? And when should you call upon your local mechanic? It’s a good idea to start looking around for an auto shop before you actually need one. You are more likely to make reasonable and sound decisions when not faced with the stressful situation of a broken down car in need of urgent repairs.

Check the phone directory for a listing of local auto repair shops and ask family and friends for recommendations. A business bustling through word-of-mouth recommendations usually has a sterling reputation for a reason. Don’t be afraid to visit the workshop and chat to the staff about the business and what it offers. Is the workshop clean and orderly? What equipment is available and how up-to-date is the technology? Are the mechanics willing to take the time to answer questions and talk to you about your car and any repairs in terms you will understand?

Ask about parts. Some mechanics only use factory parts, others use aftermarket parts. Both come with a different price tag, so ask the mechanic their preference and why. While you’re at it, ask about warranty? A great mechanic has no problem backing up their work with a warranty or guarantee.

Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as awards and ratings, as well as evidence of qualified technicians in the form of certificates and diplomas.

Test drive the local auto repair shop you’re leaning towards. Bring your car in for something minor such as an oil change or tyre rotation before you commit to a complete overhaul. This will help you gain a better feel for the quality of the shop’s work and how staff treat their customers.

Finally, reward good service with repeat business. Your local auto repair shop will appreciate the feedback and you will both reap the rewards of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between mechanic and customer.