Finding the Right Mechanic Key to Staying on the Road

The modern vehicle is a complex machine. Gone are the days of tinkering under the hood yourself. Today’s engines are highly technological and require expert knowledge and attention, so it pays to know how to find the right mechanic to keep you up and running.

If you’re looking for a mechanic, Browns Plains offers one of the best. 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.

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical, you can trust your new or used vehicle will be in good hands. The clean and modern Browns Plains auto shop is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, with staff receiving ongoing training to ensure their skills are kept up to date with the latest industry developments. The fully qualified mechanics service most makes of cars, 4WDs and light commercial vehicles. They specialise in logbook servicing and general servicing and maintenance, as well as safety certificates, brake and clutch repairs, cooling system repairs, automatic transmission servicing, steering and suspension repairs, batteries and pre-purchase inspections. All parts and lubricants used meet or exceed OEM standards. If you live in Browns Plains, minor car service schedules, as well as major services, can easily be kept up-to-date – just ask the qualified mechanics to write a reminder in your logbook or place a sticker on your windscreen.

Steve Sorensen Mechanical can also lend a hand with pre-purchase inspections for those looking to buy a car. With their trained technicians running an eye over your potential purchase before giving you some open and honest feedback, they could save you from thousands of dollars of anguish.

If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy Browns Plains vehicle service, talk to Steve Sorensen Mechanical today.

Keep Your Brakes in Check

The most important part of a vehicle is its braking system. Whether it be disc brakes or drum brakes, they are vital for safety. Some brake problems require professional help from your local Logan car service mechanics, however there are some simple checks that every motorist can do to save repair costs. 

To check for brake problems, step on the pedal and press it down while paying attention to how the pedal feels under your foot. These simple steps will help you diagnose possible problems:

1.      Start the engine but keep it in ‘park’ with the handbrake on. With the vehicle at rest, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Does it feel spongy? If so, you may have air in your brake lines. Does the pedal stay firm or does it sink slowly to the floor? If it sinks, your master cylinder may be defective.

2.      Release the handbrake and drive around the block, stopping every now and then. Does it take a lot of effort to bring the vehicle to a stop? If your vehicle has power brakes and stopping seems to take excessive effort, you may need a new power booster.

3.      If you feel that your brakes are low, pump the pedal a couple of times as you drive around. If this makes the car stop when the pedal is higher up, you may need a brake adjustment or more brake fluid.

Never ignore anything that feels different than usual about your vehicle. If you’re unsure about what is normal and what isn’t, ask your local mechanic. They may suggest an auto brake service to be on the safe side. Some things to look out for include:

·        When driving around, does the vehicle travel too far before coming to a stop in city traffic? 

·        Does it pull to one side when you brake? Does your steering wheel shake when you brake, or does the brake pedal pulsate up and down? 

·        Do your brakes squeal or squeak when stopping, or do they make a grinding noise that you can feel through the pedal?

All of these symptoms can point to serious brake problems which may compromise your safety. If your brakes fail, you, your passengers and other people on the road could be in danger. Contact a mechanical shop that specialises in a car brake service immediately.

Learn to Love Your Log book

So you’ve bought a new car? This means it was delivered with a very important document – a logbook. Make this little booklet your best friend – it’s key to keeping you and your car on the road longer.

So what's the big deal with logbook servicing anyway and why is it so important? Think of your logbook as a maintenance schedule outlining the best way to keep your car in tip top shape. A logbook car service is carried out by a qualified mechanic to manufacturers’ specifications using parts and lubricants that meet or exceed OEM standards, allowing you to maintain your new car warranty. A car that has had its proper logbook servicing done on time will drive better, have better fuel efficiency and last longer. A proper logbook car service history also preserves your car’s warranty and improves its resale value.

A full logbook car service will include fluid level checks and/or changes depending on the system. Among other things, it will also pick up any potential cooling system issues and check on the condition of brake pads and battery condition. Many people are under the false impression that logbook servicing must be carried out at the dealership. While most dealerships would prefer you to return to their workshop for your car's regular minor or major services (and may even tell you that you will void the warranty if you don't), it's not a mandatory requirement and it won't affect your car's warranty. It's worth noting, however, that a vehicle manufacturer can refuse a warranty claim when you have not kept up the recommended maintenance (or not kept your receipts or log book as proof), or where inappropriate work has been carried out, or when a non-genuine replacement part has failed or caused damage to the vehicle. So no matter where you choose to have your car serviced, ensure that the business is licensed and that details of your service are recorded in the log book.

Service with a Smile at Steve Sorensen Mechanical

To the average motorist, modern vehicles are complex and confusing. The inner workings of today’s cars are far more advanced than their predecessors, so it pays to place your pride and joy in the hands of a trusted professional.

With more than three decades of experience in the business, Browns Plains auto shop owner Steve Sorensen has earned a reputation as an honest and hard-working tradesman and businessman. His award-winning family business, Steve Sorensen Mechanical, is regarded as one of the best in the region and for good reason. Reliable, trustworthy and professional workmanship combined with a strong customer focus has made this business the preferred choice for hundreds of local motorists.

The clean and modern workshop is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, with staff receiving ongoing training to ensure their skills are kept up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

The business is based on a strong foundation of “top quality work at reasonable price”, delivering professional workmanship and excellent customer service.

Staff service most makes of cars, four-wheel drives and light commercial vehicles, specialising in logbook and general servicing, maintenance, auto brake service and clutch repairs, safety certificates, cooling system repairs, and suspension repairs.

Using parts and lubricants which meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards to allow clients to maintain their new car warranty, both minor and major services can help to prolong the life of a car.

Minor services at Steve Sorensen Mechanical consist of an oil change and new oil filter, check and top-up of all fluids, a full safety inspection and road and battery tests. Major services also include new spark plugs, a tune check and brake inspection, clean and adjustment.

Inspections on the air, fuel and pollen filters, gear box, transfer and diff oil, wiper blades, bulbs and platinum and iridium spark plugs also form part of services, as do flushes and changes of the transmission fluid, clutch fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant.

Steve Sorensen Mechanical can also lend a hand with pre-purchase inspections for those looking to buy a car. With their trained technicians running an eye over your potential purchase before giving you some open and honest feedback, they could save you from thousands of dollars of anguish. The team strongly encourages you to undertake a pre-purchase vehicle inspection before agreeing to buy a car, reminding you that a current Safety Certificate only means a vehicle is safe to drive on the road; it does not tell you a vehicle’s service history or any upcoming costs.

For a Browns Plains auto shop where staffs are just as passionate about your car as you are, trust the professionals at Steve Sorensen Mechanical. Steve Sorensen Mechanical is located at Unit 1, 7 St Jude Court, Browns Plains. Phone 3809 2711.

How to protect your new car warranty

All new cars, and even some used cars bought at motor vehicle dealerships, come with a warranty. A vehicle warranty provides cover and protection in the event of a mechanical failure. It will usually cover the cost of having the vehicle repaired and other expenses incurred including towing and rental car hire. A warranty can be a car owner’s best friend, so it’s vital to keep that protective agreement intact. There are several things that can void a new car warranty, so it pays to read the contract thoroughly.

Logbook Servicing

It’s a common misperception that you need to have your new vehicle serviced by the dealer from whom you bought it. Most professional auto shops and mechanics offer a logbook car service. Providing the work is done by a qualified mechanic and according to the manufacturer’s specifications listed in the log book, you will not void your warranty. However, warranty may be voided if the mechanic is not licensed, if inappropriate parts are used, if the car is not serviced to manufacturer’s specifications, and if it is not serviced at the specified intervals.

Modifications

Many car enthusiasts enjoy spruiking up their car, however some modifications can void a vehicle warranty. Minor modifications are permitted as long as they are genuine accessories that are professionally fitted and conform to the manufacturer’s specifications. Some examples include engine immobilisers and tow bars. Other modifications that don’t comply with the manufacturer’s specifications or the Australian Design Rules can compromise safety and void both warranty and car insurance. These modifications may include non-original engines, exhaust systems, wide wheel rims, and spoilers.

Vehicle use and operation

Driving the vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner can result in mechanical failure that will not be covered by warranty. Warranty may also be voided if the vehicle is used for a purpose other than specified on the warranty or in the insurance policy.

Many of the circumstances which can void a car warranty can be easily avoided. Remember, when it’s time for your scheduled logbook car service, ensure the work is carried out by a professional who offers logbook servicing to manufacturer’s specifications. If planning on altering or modifying your car, remember to read the terms of your contract and warranty first. Being informed now could save you much pain and anguish in the future.

Play It Safe with a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection

Buying a car is a big purchase, so before you hand over your hard-earned cash make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Every used car comes with its own unique history so it’s important to do some homework before making a commitment to it. Don’t buy someone else’s problems – organise an auto pre-purchase inspection before signing any dotted lines.

If you don’t know enough about cars to tell a distributor cap from a wheel nut, getting a qualified mechanic to cast an expert eye over your intended purchase can save you both time and money. The team at Browns Plains auto shop Steve Sorensen Mechanical can assist with an auto pre-purchase inspection. Our qualified mechanics will go over the vehicle with a ‘fine tooth comb’, checking everything from the interior and body, right through to conducting a full mechanical inspection.

So why is it so important to arrange an auto pre-purchase inspection? Many vehicles are damaged in accidents, repaired and re-sold to unsuspecting buyers. While a car may look near-perfect to the untrained eye, only an expert inspection will detect often hard-to-miss structural and mechanical damage.

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical, our professional mechanics will look for things such as:

·         body repairs and rust

·         the condition of oil and water including any leaks

·         checking for a blown head gasket

·         smoke, noise and wear

·         the condition of the timing belt and water pump

·         functional safety feature warning lights

·         the electrical system

·         brake performance

·         the condition of tyres, locks and glass.

We’ll also perform a general under-car and under-bonnet visual inspection. Any faults picked up during the inspection can even give the buyer extra bargaining power to lower the sale price. If there a faults that are too costly or compromise the vehicle’s safety, the buyer can avoid the purchase and save a great deal of money and heartache.

An auto pre-purchase inspection is the only way to truly have confidence and peace of mind that the car you intend to buy is roadworthy and safe to drive. Whether buying privately or through a dealership, it always pays to organise an auto pre-purchase inspection to ensure you’re not unwillingly getting behind the wheel of a lemon and putting you or your family’s life at risk. Trust our Browns Plains auto shop team at Steve Sorensen Mechanical to help you with your next used car inspection.

The key to keeping Your Transmission Fine-Tuned

It’s one of the most critical parts of a vehicle, yet the transmission is often one of the most neglected. A car’s transmission is highly complicated and requires just as much care and attention as any other vehicle component. All those gears, bearings and actuators have the task of moving the weight of your vehicle at varying speeds in all kinds of environments. This puts tremendous stress on the lubricating fluids and also generates a large amount of heat due to all the friction. Transmission fluid is designed to absorb this heat, however over time it loses the ability to do this effectively. If left unchecked, the transmission can begin to wear and eventually fail, spelling disaster for you and your wallet.

Both manual and automatic transmissions require regular inspections to prolong their life. Browns Plains auto shop Steve Sorensen Mechanical offers both a manual and automatic transmission service, and manual and automatic transmission repair.

The leading problem with automatic transmission failure is fluid breakdown due to overheating. Many transmissions fail long before they realise their potential life expectancy because of heat. Fluid can also become contaminated with worn bits of the transmission and if these particles aren’t drained out, they will shorten the life of the transmission. In a manual transmission, it’s less about fluid degradation and more about fluid contamination. This contamination is the main culprit of transmission failure in a manual.

Without a regular manual or automatic transmission service where the fluid is changed on schedule, you will be lubricating your transmission with metal shavings and other nasty contaminants. Unfortunately, you may not hear any noises or have other clues that your transmission is low on fluid until it’s too late.

There are several other factors which can decrease the life of your transmission. Firstly, it’s recommended that you do not drive your vehicle before the engine is warm, especially during the winter months. It is important to let the fluid inside your transmission warm up to operating temperature (usually takes about 30 seconds). Secondly, rocking your vehicle when stuck can make your car’s transmission heat up quickly and can damage internal parts. Finally, shifting into reverse while your vehicle is still moving forward can grind the gears in your transmission, causing damage.

The team at Browns Plains auto shop Steve Sorensen Mechanical is well trained in manual and automatic transmission services. They can also assist with manual and automatic transmission repair if you’ve unfortunately left maintenance of your transmission too late! Talk to the qualified mechanics and let them help you get the best out of your vehicle today and well into the future.