Kiwis Autos

Quality Car Maintenance in Penrose

A man is working on the engine of a car with the hood open.

Keep Your Car Happy

Simple Maintenance Tips

Your car's not asking for much - just a bit of TLC to keep it running sweet. Here are the basics that'll save you money and keep you on the road. Nothing fancy, just the stuff that actually matters.



Most of this you can do yourself in the driveway. For the trickier bits, that's what we're here for.

The Basics That Make A Difference

Check Your Oil - It's Like Giving Your Engine a Drink

Your engine's working hard, especially in Auckland traffic. Check the oil every month or so - if it's black and gunky, time for a change. If it's low, top it up. Your engine will thank you by not seizing up on the motorway.

How often: Every 10,000-15,000km, or when it looks like black treacle

Keep Your Tyres Happy

Flat tyres don't just look sad - they cost you money. Under-inflated tyres wear out faster and drink more petrol. Check them monthly, including your spare (you'll thank us when you need it).

Quick check: If you can see the tyre walls bulging, they need air

Your Brakes - Kind of Important

Squealing when you brake? That's your car asking for help, not trying to embarrass you at traffic lights. Get them checked before you're doing the Fred Flintstone stop.

Warning signs: Squealing, grinding, or pedal feels spongy

Battery TLC

Car batteries hate being ignored. Keep the terminals clean (white fuzzy stuff = bad) and if your car's slow to start, don't wait until you're stranded at the supermarket.

Pro tip: Get it tested if it's over 3 years old

Wiper Blades - See Where You're Going

Streaky windscreen in Auckland rain? Not ideal. New wiper blades cost less than a tank of gas and might save you from becoming very familiar with a power pole.

Replace when: They leave streaks or sound like fingernails on a blackboard

Fluids - Your Car's Got Needs

Oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid - they all need checking. Most have minimum marks on the bottles. Below minimum = time to top up or get it looked at.

Monthly check: Pop the bonnet and have a quick look

FAQ - The Stuff People Actually Ask

At Kiwis Autos, we understand that car maintenance can be confusing. Here are some common questions we receive from our customers, along with helpful answers to keep your vehicle in top shape.

  • How often should I service my car?

    Every 10,000-15,000km or once a year - whichever comes first. Think of it like a health check-up, but for your car. Catch the small stuff before it becomes expensive stuff.


  • My air conditioning's not cold - what's up?

    AC systems lose gas over time - it's normal. We reckon get it checked every couple of years, especially before summer hits. Nothing worse than being stuck in traffic with no aircon.


  • How do I know my car needs attention?

    Your car will tell you - warning lights, weird noises, or just not feeling right. Don't ignore it and hope it goes away. Cars are pretty honest about when they need help.


  • How can I save petrol?

    • Keep tyres properly inflated - soft tyres = thirsty car
    • Drive like you're not in a hurry - aggressive driving burns fuel like crazy
    • Clear the junk out - extra weight = extra fuel
    • Service regularly - a well-maintained car can use 20% less fuel

    Bonus tip: Planning your trips saves more fuel than most fancy gadgets


When to Call the Experts

Some stuff you can handle, some stuff you can't. Here's when to give us a call:


  • Warning lights that stay on
  • Weird noises that aren't the radio
  • Anything involving brakes - seriously, don't mess about
  • If you're not sure - better safe than sorry


The Reality Check

Look, we could tell you to check 47 different things every week, but let's be honest - you've got a life.


Focus on the basics: oil, tyres, brakes, and listen to your car when it's trying to tell you something.


Most important tip:

Find a mechanic you trust and stick with them. Someone who knows your car and won't try to sell you a new flux capacitor.

Car Tips from People Who Actually Fix Them

Not your typical car blog full of fluff and sales pitches. Just honest advice from mechanics who've seen it all - what really works, what's worth your money, and what you can skip.



We write about the stuff that comes up every day in our workshop. Real problems, practical solutions, and the occasional rant about why you shouldn't ignore that weird noise.

What You'll Find Here

We cut through the marketing speak and tell you what really matters. If something's not worth doing, we'll say so.

No-Nonsense Advice

What we see every day - the good, the bad, and the "how did that even happen?" moments from our Penrose workshop.

Real Workshop Stories

How to avoid getting ripped off, what you can do yourself, and when it's worth paying for professional help.

Money-Saving Tips

Auckland-specific advice - like how our weather affects your car and what problems we see most around here.

Local Knowledge

Popular Topics

🔧 DIY Car Care

What you can handle vs what needs a pro

đź’° Avoiding Costly Repairs

Spot problems before they get expensive

đźš— Buying Used Cars

Red flags and what to look for

⚡ Modern Car Tech

Understanding all those warning lights

🛣️ Auckland Driving

How local conditions affect your car

Car Tips from Kiwis Autos

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Got a Question?


Something you'd like us to write about? Drop us a line - if it's something we hear a lot in the workshop, chances are it'll make a good blog post.

No topic too basic,

no question too silly.

Need a Hand?

Pop in for a chat if you're not sure about any of this stuff. We're always happy to show you where things are under the bonnet or just check everything's looking good.

No obligation, no hard sell - just honest advice about keeping your car on the road.