Our Blog
An ongoing series of informative entries
⛓⛓⛓WHAT IS A TIMING CHAIN?⛓⛓⛓
A timing chain is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft so that the engines valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinders intake and exhaust strokes.
❓HOW DO YOU KNOW A TIMING CHAIN IS WORN?❓
- Engine feeling sluggish
- Starting Problems
- Low on power
- Excessive noise
💲HOW MUCH💲
Timing chain replacements can vary, on average around $1,000-$1,800. This is no small job and there is a lot of labour involved.
⚠️WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU IGNORE IT⚠️
Ignoring a worn timing chain can be catastrophic to your vehicles engine. If it breaks while driving in an interference engine, the piston and valve will collide. The result will be cylinder head, valve, piston, cylinder and/or camshaft damage. It will cause your vehicles engine to immediately stop running and turn off.
🔧HOW CAN I PREVENT TIMING CHAIN PROBLEMS🔧
Very regular & on-time servicing is ESSENTIAL for maintaining timing chains. If you do not regularly service your vehicle, the oil will become too thick and this will cause excessive strain on the timing chain responsible for driving moving components. This excessive strain with cause the timing chain to stretch and wear – eventually it will break. At the first sign of any irregular noises – get your vehicle checked by a mechanic.
Here at Speedy Spanners we want to help you get the most out of your vehicle and save you those big costly repairs!
If you are interested in a quote or booking, please contact us at:
(08) 9525 3686
or send us a message on facebook!
🗒Tips to keep your ATV in good shape!🗒
Purchasing an ATV (including quads) is not always a cheap exercise, but is often a worthwhile investment. Making sure you get the most out of your money is important. On average, an ATV should last for 20 years, providing that you keep it well maintained. To ensure that your ATV lasts this long, we recommend that you regularly service your ATV in order to spot any potential issues and have them addressed before they become long-term or expensive issues.
Some tips to keep your ATV in great shape are:
1️⃣ Breaking in your ATV. It can take time to get it running the way you want it. Your ATV will come with instructions for breaking the vehicle in. Following user manual instructions can make a big difference in how your ATV runs and how long it lasts.
2️⃣ Pay attention to your oil & regular servicing. Oil requires checking more often than the oil in other vehicles. The oil in ATV’s should be changed every 1-2 months or 50 hours of use, whatever comes first.
3️⃣ Wash your ATV. Many people drive their ATV’s through a wide variety of conditions leaving the ATV very dirty. Mud and filth that get onto the ATV can cause a lot of problems in the long run, it leads to issues associated with rust. Keeping the ATV clean will go a long way.
4️⃣ Pay attention to the air filters. To operate correctly, the engine needs correct amounts of air, fuel and a spark. If the air filter is neglected, the inside of your ATV will be clogged and no air will make it into the engine and your ATV will not run. Check the filter after each long ride and long periods of storage. Air filters are great for nesting and eating by rodents – another reason to regularly check the air filter.
5️⃣ Tyre pressures should be observed and checked often. When your tyres are not inflated to the correct pressure it can cause excessive wear and tear, and negatively affect your fuel consumption. ATV’s tyres require less pressure, when that pressure is reduced the changes of more serious problems such as popped tyres is increased, which could lead to accidents.
If you would be interested in a quote or booking to service your ATV, contact us at:
(08) 98525 3686
📒Did you know that your regular and Log Book servicing requirements may alter if your vehicles is subject to adverse conditions? This is especially important if your vehicle is new and still under manufacturer warranty. Adverse conditions are when your vehicle is subjected to conditions that are tougher than normal on your vehicle.
Adverse conditions can include but are not limited to conditions like;
🚘City driving
🚗Stop/Start driving
🚘Uber/Taxi driving
🚗Cold conditions
🚘Hot conditions
🚗Dusty conditions
🚘Driving on unsealed roads
🚗Regular Towing
🚘Some Garaging Circumstances
Some Log Books require interim services if your vehicle is subject to adverse conditions to maintain manufacturer warranty. If you are driving in adverse conditions, or you are unsure speak to your mechanic to find out about your vehicles servicing needs.
Would you like to chat to us or making a booking?
Contact us at:
(08) 9525 3686
🗒🔍Pre-purchase Vehicle Inspections🔍🗒
If you have bought or considered buying a second-hand vehicle, how do you know the vehicle is in good condition or if it has any expensive fixes due in the near future? Most experts agree that used cars should be inspected by a qualifies specialist before the final negotiation of purchase. Even if mechanically savvy, a professional inspection can tell the state of condition of the vehicle you are considering to purchase.
Many mechanics offer pre-purchase vehicle inspection services. Having a trusted & qualified mechanic perform a vehicle inspection can bring your attention to any immediate safety issues or costly repairs.
Most sellers will let you take the car for an inspection or agree to have a mobile inspection performed at their home or place of business. If the seller hesitates, you might wonder what they’re hiding and consider walking away from the deal.
These types of vehicle inspections aren’t just limited to pre-purchase. It can be a good idea to have these inspections;
🔍Prior to commencing long road trips
🔍 If your vehicle goes through regularly adverse conditions
🔍 If you have already bought a second hand vehicle and would like in-depth reports
🔍 If you would just like a good check up on your vehicle
Below is an example of our vehicle inspection and what we inspect when performing these services.
#speedyspannersblog
💧🕗Timing Belt Kits & Water Pumps🕗💧
💲Why does it cost so much to have my timing belt kit replaced?
Replacing a timing belt, pulleys, tensioners is one of the more intensive and expensive services your vehicle will go through. However, it is a necessary cost and extremely important preventative maintenance. If this job is avoided, and the timing belt stretches, deteriorates or breaks it is likely it can cost you a new engine!
⌚️Why does it take so long to fix?
A timing belt or chain synchronises the camshafts rotation with the engine valves, allowing them to operate at the correct timings during air intake & exhaust strokes. The labour times can vary from 3 to 8 hours for this task alone if all goes well – it is not a simple or basic task that should be left to trusted and qualified mechanics. In most cases, the mechanic will need to;
- Strip the front of the engine
- Check and/or replace the seals, pulleys and water pump
- Change the belt & its components
- Set the camshaft/valve timing
- Test it all to ensure all timing is correct and everything is operating correctly
⚙️Trust us to do you timing belt kit;
- We have the specialised tools & equipment
- We have experience mechanics
- We allocate enough time to do the job to a very high standard so nothing is rushed
- We will give you accurate quotes so you can budget accordingly and be prepared for the cost
Upon requesting a quote, you may be asked if you want to include the water pump. We recommend replacing the water pump as it is often included in some of the timing belt kit options provided by our suppliers at a very good price, it is common practice for affective preventative maintenance and will save you labour costs in the future – for when your water pump would eventually fail.
❓Why you should change your water pump upon the timing belt kit;
- You lower the risk of your water pump failing and causing the engine to over heat – potentially causing extreme damage to the engine
- All water pumps require replacement at some point – by doing it upon the timing belt kit you share some of the labour, so take advantage of the opportunity while the engine is stripped to change your water pump and save of those labour costs
- It is recommended by most vehicle manufacturers to replace the water pump upon replacing the timing belt kit
If you are unsure of when your vehicle should have its timing belt kit changed, you can give our friendly office staff a call and we can look it up for you – and organise a quote if the time is near so you can be financially prepared.
Contact us:
(08) 9525 3686
Speedy Spanners
Why Do I Need to Change My Brake Pads?
❗️❗️❗️The Importance of Brake Pads❗️❗️❗️
When your braking system isn’t good, you are putting your life, your passenger’s life and other on the road at risk. It is unsafe to drive when your vehicles braking systems aren’t up to scratch. There’s a lot on the line.
You can cause damage to your car and brake rotors, costing you more than needed in the long run if they are correctly serviced.
❓What Happens when your Brake Pads Wear Down❓
Brake pads are design to be consumed. They are a serviceable part on the vehicle. Every time you engage your vehicles brakes, minute amounts of the brake pads are consumed through wear and tear. This friction causes small amounts of protective coating to wear away from the brake pad. Over time the brake pad will get thinner until it gets to the point where they should be replaced.
Every time Speedy Spanners does a service on your car, we do a visual inspection of your brake pads.
Common Signs of Brakes that Need Replacing
⚠️ They look worn
⚠️ Mechanic has noted they are low
⚠️ Squealing or screeching noises
⚠️ Vibrating/Pulsating Brake Pedal
⚠️ Wearing Unevenly
Speedy Spanners offers free brake checks in our Serpentine workshop for your safety. Always better safe than sorry when it comes to your vehicle so call us up to book in!
08 9525 3686
🔧🔴Common Issues with Lawn Mowers Breaking🔴🔧
🌱Unfortunately a common issue we see come into our workshops are lawn mowers breaking due to an attempt to cut grass that is too high or use the mower on uneven ground.
🌱Trying to cut grass that is overgrown down to its desired height in one pass will clog your mower up and cause severe stress – quite often this causes parts of the mower to break, snap or cause the mower to stall and shut down.
🌱In order to prevent this from happening, take the bulk of the grass off with a whipper snipper or scythe, let your grass recover for a few days, trim again if needed or start your mowing! It is recommended not to cut more than 1/3rd of the length of your grass at a time or you may damage your lawns health.
🌱When you’re finished with your mower, make sure you clean off the mowers deck so grass clippings don’t work their way under the deck cover – or they can cause more issues with your mower!
🌱Make sure you have the right mower for the job…
-2 stroke petrol mowers are good for small to medium areas
-4 stroke mowers are more reliable, easier to start and can handle much bigger lawns
-Ride of mowers are best for big areas such as paddocks and ovals
-There is also further specialized mowing equipment for larger areas of lawn that may be more suitable
🌱Follow the manufacturers guidelines for service and care to ensure your mower remains in good condition.
Contact us to book in your mower, ride on mowers, whipper snippers, edger’s, chainsaws & more for servicing at;
(08) 9525 3686
Why should I bring my vehicle to a mechanic for services❓
📒 Maintain your Log Book and Warranty with a Registered Mechanic
💲 Get the most value for your vehicle when you sell it
⏱ Get the service done faster with access to specialized tools and equipment
⚠️In-depth safety checks conducted with a trained eye
📑 Reports and advisories on any issues presenting on your vehicle that mechanic come across
❓ Have a chance to discuss concerns and issues with a mechanic about the vehicle
🚗 Road tested by a trained mechanic to monitor for potential faults
✅ High quality parts and fluids used
♻️ Waste parts & fluids is responsible disposed of
🧰Going to same mechanic allows to become familiar with vehicle to monitor
😃 Enjoyable customer service experience
Consider Speedy Spanners for your next vehicle service and contact our office for a quote!
(08) 9525 3686
⚡️⚡️Why do I need a good battery?⚡️⚡️
Vehicle batteries that are losing their charge can affect more than just starting your vehicle. Some vehicles can experience seemingly unrelated issues to deteriorating battery health (Speedy Spanners owner Lisa Gale can tell you this from experience after having Air-Con problems on her Citroën due to deteriorated battery health!) Your vehicles battery prime function is for starting your vehicle.
🧰Our Battery Test🧰
Upon every regular service we complete on a vehicle, we conduct a test on your battery to determine its condition. We bring it to your attention when the battery test is at 80% or below- as from this health level and below some vehicles can start to present issues.
Depending on several factors, some batteries will hold and accept charge to produce close to its rated amperage output, and some will not. Battery quality and age has large impact on this.
A vehicle battery can be drained for a number of reasons, including;
💡 Leaving headlights on
💡 The vehicle hasn’t been driven enough to keep the battery fully charged
💡 The vehicle has been sitting for long periods of time
💡 Problems with charging system or alternator
💡 Electrical problems draining power from the battery when the car is off
🛠When should you replace your battery?🛠
Most car batteries only last about 4 to 5 years, so if your battery is 4 or more years old and not holding a charge (keeps running down) it might be time to consider a replacement. Some additional signs of a battery requiring replacement or running down can be;
⚠️ Unusual power fluctuations
⚠️ Trouble turning the engine on or long turn-over time
⚠️ Headlights are dimmer than usual
⚠️ Illuminated check engine light
⚠️ Bloated, misshaped battery case
Consider extreme hot and cold weather as well, hot weather can de-hydrate your battery and cold weather puts more strain on your battery lowering its performance.
Why do we stock Exide Batteries?
Here at Speedy Spanners Mechanics, we supply and stock Exide Batteries. Exide batteries are excellent quality, and are manufactured in the USA with very good warranty periods.
Have any questions? Call or message us!
☎️08 9525 3686
⛱Getting a case of itchy feet and wanting to go for a trip with your vehicle soon?⛱
If you are going travelling with a vehicle, it always pays to check that your vehicles;
• Servicing is up-to-date
• Tyre quality and tyre tread depth
• Brakes are in good condition
• Lights and horn are functioning correctly
• Spare wheel and wheel changing equipment is in good condition
• Battery health
• Windscreen wiper blades
⚠️⚠️By completing these checks, you are taking steps to ensure your and your passengers safety on the roads.⚠️⚠️
Some supplies you may want to consider taking on your next trip to get out of a sticky situation include;
- Jumper Leads
- Water
- Basic tool-kit
- First aid kit
Upon regular servicing, Speedy Spanners completes a safety check on your vehicle and will advise you of anything we see that may need addressing.
If you are interested in a quote or booking, contact our office at:
☎(08) 9525 3686
‼️ About Misfuelling ‼️
What is Misfuelling?
Misfuelling is when you put the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle. Most of the time, people accidentally put petrol into a diesel car because of the nozzle sizes.
The damaged cause by petrol running through a diesel engine can be quite significant, and potentially cost thousands to repair. Some cases can result in complete engine failure. We have listed some of the main issues that occur when petrol runs through the system.
⚠️Fuel pump – diesel fuel lubricates the fuel pump as it passes through it. Running petrol through a diesel pump is a little like running an engine without oil. There’s a lot of friction and metal fragments can be ground off, which may then travel into the fuel system.
⚠️Fuel lines – if you drive off in your petrol-filled diesel car, the petrol will travel from the fuel tank along fuel lines towards the engine. These will need flushing or worst case, replacing.
⚠️Fuel filter – the fuel filter prevents contamination in your engine. If petrol has found its way to the filter, that will need replacing too.
⚠️Fuel injectors – if metal fragments have been produced by the damaged fuel tank and they enter the fuel injectors, it can get very expensive. The injectors have tiny holes which if blocked, would essentially ruin the system. Now you’re looking at thousands.
😱😱WHAT TO DO IF YOU PUT WRONG FUEL IN CAR😱😱
1️⃣If you realised you made a mistake at the pump, do not start your car or turn ignition on!
2️⃣If you have already driven away, find a safe place to pull over ASAP and turn off the ignition
3️⃣Check your car insurance policy to see if they cover misfuelling – some do!
4️⃣If you have breakdown cover, call for assistance. Your cover may include the cost of towing, draining and cleaning.
5️⃣If you do not have breakdown cover, you can get your vehicle towed to a mechanics to rectify the issue, contact your local mechanic, or there are even specific companies that help you with this issue!
Did you find this article helpful? Share it or our page!
Speedy Spanners
For all other enquiries contact;
☎️(08) 9525 3686
Why Do I Need to Change My Brake Pads?
❗️❗️❗️The Importance of Brake Pads❗️❗️❗️
When your braking system isn’t good, you are putting your life, your passenger’s life and other on the road at risk. It is unsafe to drive when your vehicles braking systems aren’t up to scratch. There’s a lot on the line.
You can cause damage to your car and brake rotors, costing you more than needed in the long run if they are correctly serviced.
❓What Happens when your Brake Pads Wear Down❓
Brake pads are design to be consumed. They are a serviceable part on the vehicle. Every time you engage your vehicles brakes, minute amounts of the brake pads are consumed through wear and tear. This friction causes small amounts of protective coating to wear away from the brake pad. Over time the brake pad will get thinner until it gets to the point where they should be replaced.
Every time Speedy Spanners does a service on your car, we do a visual inspection of your brake pads.
Common Signs of Brakes that Need Replacing
⚠️ They look worn
⚠️ Mechanic has noted they are low
⚠️ Squealing or screeching noises
⚠️ Vibrating/Pulsating Brake Pedal
⚠️ Wearing Unevenly
Speedy Spanners offers free brake checks in our Serpentine workshop for your safety. Always better safe than sorry when it comes to your vehicle so call us up to book in!
08 9525 3686
Why Does my Trailer , Boat Trailer and Horse Float Need Servicing?
🔥🔥🔥FIRES!🔥🔥🔥
In our Australian Summer, many fires are unfortunately caused by poorly maintained trailer wheel bearings. This includes caravans, horse floats and trailers. Worn out wheel bearings prevent your wheels from turning freely, adding unnecessary friction that quickly turn to heat. From that heat, tyres can catch fire. Pair that with a dry Australian summer wind and you very quickly have a trailer and surroundings on fire. Wheel bearings should be serviced every 10000km or 12 months (which ever comes first).
🛠🛠
🤔❓Early signs of wheel bearing problems
• Abnormal or uneven tyre wear on one wheel.
• Hub cap is too hot to touch.
• Wheel vibration, wobble or noise.
• Decreased braking power.
• Pulling to the side during moderate or heavy braking
• Wheel lock-up or skidding
🛠🛠
Potential causes of wheel bearing failure
1. Inadequate or poor-quality lubrication from not servicing your trailer frequently enough
2. Overloading, causing excessive forces on the bearing
3. A faulty bearing, causing mechanical failure
4. Excessive end play in bearing adjustment
5. Excessive pre-load due to the axle nut being too tight
🛠🛠
What is included in a trailer service?
• ☑️Safety Checks
• ☑️Strip & Repack of wheel bearings
• ☑️Checks on braking, electric and light systems
• ☑️Lubrication of all joints
• ☑️Lubrication of suspension when applicable
• ☑️Check and adjust tyre pressures
Contact us for a quote, don't forget we can do these services mobile, anywhere from Armadale to Pinjarra!
☎️08 9525 3686