Common Car Repairs

Here are 14 of the most common car repairs Coles can help you with:

• Flat or worn tyres? Our extensive range of on and off brand tyres mean we won’t let you down, even if your tyres do! If you’ve got a puncture you may just need a simple repair, please call us and we’ll help. All tyre replacements come with free fitting, valves and balancing, find out more here.
• Worn clutch? The clutch commonly degrades with use, especially if you make lots of short stop-start journeys, or you tow frequently. Our mechanics are fully trained to solve any of your clutch issues, including replacement parts (drive plates, pressure plates and flywheel) if necessary. So, if your clutch feels spongy or your gears feel like they slip occasionally, or perhaps the pedal vibrates or feels loose, pop into Coles and we’ll take a look for you.
• Flashing warning lights? This may indicate the start of some major issues with your vehicle, or it could be temperamental electronics. Either way, we need to take a look under your bonnet as soon as we can. We pride ourselves on the very latest state-of-the-art diagnostic systems that are sure to quickly get to the root of the problem, before it escalates into something bigger. For more details of our diagnostic services see here.
• Dented or scratched bodywork? Our skilled body shop technicians are on call to remove any small dents or scratches to give your car back its perfect sheen. We also take great care of your vintage and classic cars.
• Worn brake pads and discs or squealing brakes? We source the best quality, guaranteed replacement brake pads and brake discs to make sure that your car is as safe as it possibly can be. We also offer a quick and thorough brake fluid replacement service, keeping your braking system in tip-top condition and keeping you and your family safe on the roads. If you are at all unsure about the health of your brakes pop in to see us for a free Coles brake check – your safety is our priority.
• Car overheating? This could be the sign of potential head gasket failure – very bad news for your engine and your pocket! Please call us if you see any signs of overheating, engine smoking or loss of power and we’ll take a look. A blown head gasket will cause major damage to the workings of your engine so repairs need to be carried out as soon as possible. For more details on signs of head gasket problems see here.
• Worn shock absorbers? Damaged shocks can seriously affect the way your car handles and make your ride less comfortable, but sometimes the wearing is so gradual it’s hard to notice. This can also cause problems with uneven tyre wear and swerving when braking so there is a real safety importance to keeping your shocks in good condition. Our technicians are fully qualified to give you a free shock absorber check-up and proceed with repairs if necessary. During a Coles Service we always check that your shock absorbers are in good condition.

• Faulty alternator? A well-functioning alternator is critical to the smooth operation of your vehicle and a good alternator check can save money on knock-on problems later on. At Coles we take great care when fitting alternators and make sure we’ve got to the root of any problems. We will always provide a detailed quote before carrying out the relevant repairs, and offer a free battery and alternator check on request.
• Are the temperatures rising? A simple thing like an air-con re-gas will make life much more comfortable! We have specialist Bosch machinery to provide an affordable re-gassing service to keep your air-con in healthy condition and you cool and composed during the summer months. We are also specialists at servicing your climate control system, making sure the air temperature in your car is ambient all year round.
• Faulty power steering? If your steering wheel has become stiff or unresponsive, or you can hear whining or squealing noises when turning or starting your car, it could be a sign of a failing power steering pump, loose drive belt or low fluid levels. Our technicians are here to solve these problems and replace your power steering pump with a new, guaranteed one if necessary.
• Ageing cambelt? Often it’s difficult to tell whether your cambelt needs replacing, but if left too late your cambelt can fail, often causing huge damage to the engine. If you’re not sure when your last cambelt replacement was, please give us a call and we’ll check when it is due, either in mileage or car age.
• Coolant changes. Engine coolant, a mixture of antifreeze and water, is responsible for preventing your engine from overheating in summer or freezing in the winter. As it degrades over time, it is important to regularly check the condition of your coolant to keep your engine in working order. This check is included in both full and interim services, and we offer a quick and affordable standalone coolant change to help save you from expensive repairs in the future.
• Battery replacements Over time, it is common for your battery to get worse and worse at recharging and storing electricity, meaning it’s more likely to let you down at inconvenient times. We offer replacement batteries for all types of vehicles, so pop in for a free battery check to make sure you don’t need a replacement.
• Exhaust repairs If your exhaust pipe is old or damaged it can seriously affect your car’s emissions, as well as creating a large amount of noise and increasing fuel consumption. We are able to carry out a number of repairs and replacements on all parts of the exhaust system, so please get in touch.