8 Important Mobile Mechanic Services Available for Austin Drivers (+ When to Get Them)
Here are the essential services you should ask your mobile mechanic for:
1. Cooling System Check
Your cooling system circulates coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. However, Austin’s intense summer temperatures make it harder for the radiator to dissipate heat, increasing coolant evaporation, and straining the water pump.
If there’s insufficient coolant (due to leaks or evaporation), your engine could overheat, which will be very expensive to repair. A mobile mechanic can check for leaks, locate any radiator blockage, and test the thermostat (among other things).
- Frequency: Every 30,000 to 80,000 miles
- Signs to watch out for: Engine overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke from under the hood or exhaust
2. Tire Inspection
Hot pavement can exacerbate tire wear due to increased friction and tire pressure. In addition, poor road quality (potholes, rough tarmac) in certain areas can quickly wear down tires.
So, get a mobile mechanic to regularly check for proper air pressure and tread depth to avoid blowouts.
- Frequency: Every month and before taking a long trip
- Signs to watch out for: Uneven tire wear or reduced tread depth (2/32 of an inch)
3. Battery Examination
In hotter temperatures, the water inside your battery starts evaporating, increasing the electrolyte concentration. Battery acid is more corrosive when heated, so your battery plates tend to wear faster.
A mobile mechanic can come to you to refill the water, check for corrosion, and rebalance the battery if necessary. They’ll also check if the alternator is working properly, as heat increases electrical resistance, which can strain related components.
- Frequency: Every 6 months or 6,000 miles
- Signs to watch out for: Dim headlights, slow engine crank, corrosion on battery terminals, or alternator issues
4. Fluid Levels Check
The Austin area is usually hot and sunny, but you must watch out for winter, too. Colder temperatures can thicken engine oil and affect other fluids (e.g., brake fluid), reducing their effectiveness.
Get a mobile auto repair mechanic to ensure all fluids are at an adequate level (top up if necessary), and consider using winter-grade options where applicable.
- Frequency: The duration varies for different fluid types; however, once a month is a good general rule.
- Signs to watch out for:
- Low engine oil: Abnormal engine noise and overheating
- Insufficient brake fluid: Spongy brake pedal or ineffective brakes
- Low transmission fluid: Slow gear shifts or burning smell from the transmission (under the engine bay)
5. Wiper Blade Replacement
High temperatures cause the rubber material in wiper blades to become brittle and crack. This brittleness can result in blades that squeak and fail to clean the windshield effectively.
Have an auto repair service replace any worn wiper blades and use appropriate washer fluid to maintain visibility, especially during rains.
- Frequency: Every six months
- Signs to watch out for: Squeaky noises when using wipers and streaks on the windshield
6. Emissions System Assessment
Every gasoline and diesel car owner in Austin must have their vehicles’ emissions systems tested annually from the vehicle’s second anniversary.
To avoid failing an emissions test, you should have a mobile mechanic inspect components like your catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
- Frequency: Once a year
- Signs to watch out for: Reduced fuel efficiency, poor performance, and strong fuel smell
7. Suspension Problems
Frequent temperature fluctuations in Austin affect the roads, leading to worn shock absorbers and damaged struts. These vehicle issues may cause a bumpy ride, reduced stability, and longer braking distances.
Driving with compromised suspension results in a loss of control and further damage to your vehicle. So, have a mobile mechanic come to you to fix it.
- Frequency: 50,000 to 100,000 miles
- Signs to watch out for: Car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, and a bumpy ride
8. Brake Wear
High temperatures break down the binding agents in brake pads, causing them to wear faster and lose effectiveness. In addition, excessive heat buildup may cause your brakes to fade.
So you should avoid aggressive braking, top up your brake fluid, inspect each brake pad and rotor for damage, and have a mobile service perform regular maintenance.
- Frequency: 5,000 to 7,000 miles
- Signs to watch out for: Brake noise (squealing), increased stopping distance, spongy brake pedal, and car pulling to one side
Transparent Estimates
Online Booking
Quality Service
Full Warranty
