Winter set to expose unserviced cars
There are a couple of phrases mechanics hear all too often. There’s ‘‘Oh, I had no idea,’’ which usually follows the observation a customer’s tyres are all but down to their wire thread, and, ‘‘But I just got a warrant of fitness!’’
The latter typically comes after a breakdown and reflects the amazement of drivers who, whether consciously or not, have treated their WOF tests as a substitute for maintenance.
Allan’s Tyre & Auto co-owner Dirk Koster says he sees it all the time.
‘‘People just want to drive, drive, drive. Then they wonder why something’s gone wrong. You can’t just skip servicings and expect everything to be fine.’’
Ensuring tyres grip the road, that suspension and steering work as they should and that lights are functioning properly is especially important as autumn moves from balmy to bitter.
Cold, wet roads and longer hours of darkness make it vitally important people drive to the conditions. However, cars also have to be maintained so they perform as expected. ‘‘It’s not something you should just assume,’’ Dirk says.
Servicing for all makes and models is available at Allan’s
Tyre & Auto, along with full mechanical repairs.
Located in Burnside just 100 metres off Memorial Ave, on Kendal Ave, the workshop is one of the most popular in Christchurch.
To keep up with demand, an expansion that will nearly double their workspace is currently underway. When completed in about a month, the workshop will have an additional hoist and new wheel alignment machine, leading to faster turnarounds for customers.
To keep things simple, warrant of fitness inspections can be coupled with a servicing.
‘‘Full servicing is a lot more than just a lube or oil change but if you keep on top of it you won’t get any nasty surprises down the road,’’ Dirk says.
‘‘We always try to be as thorough as we can. We also do free battery tests to make sure people have a battery that’s suited to their vehicle.’’
Ageing batteries have a notoriously tough time in winter as the cold reduces their output at the same time demand increases for lights and heating.
A digital battery tester at Allan’s Tyre & Auto provides printouts showing how much life a battery has left. If a replacement is required, a selection of high-grade Exide batteries is on hand with warranties of up to 36 months.
Dirk and his business partner, Mike Bell, took over Allan’s Tyre & Auto in 2013 after working together at a leading Mitsubishi dealership. Overnight, their move made Allan’s Tyre & Auto the region’s top independent Mitsubishi specialist.
With three qualified mechanics, an apprentice and dedicated office support, they regularly see motorists from across the city.
A loan car is available by arrangement, providing an easy way for customers to get back on the city’s arterial route before returning to collect their car, 4WD or light truck at the end of the day.
❚ Allan’s Tyre and Auto is open Monday to Friday 8am-5pm and Saturdays 8.30am-1pm at 164 Kendal Ave, Burnside. Phone 03 358 9399 or find them online at allansauto.co.nz.