Car mechanics is a huge business and a powerful branch of the economy, in which garages, spare parts manufacturers, car services or tool manufacturers generate a lion’s share of Polish GDP. The real rarity, however, is the mechanics of heavy goods vehicles (lorries). Car mechanics can be found almost everywhere, they are in every town. Meanwhile, a good truck mechanic is not only difficult to find, there are simply very few of them. Hence, both the margins and the earnings of mechanical workshops are huge, but there are also considerable costs that must be incurred to equip the workshop.

Professional equipment for trucks

Trucks are a challenge for any mechanical workshop. Servicing a car that weighs 7 tons compared to a car that weighs 1.5 tons is a significant difference both in terms of logistics and mechanics. Hence, the equipment for servicing trucks is significantly different from that for servicing passenger cars. Both the tools themselves and the mechanical equipment are extremely different and much more expensive.

Lifts for lorries (lorries) – a real challenge

The real challenge for trucks is the lifts. In this case, the lift must support a car whose weight exceeds 20 tons more than once. Due to the difficult lifting of the tractor in trucks, access to many mechanical elements is possible after tilting the driver’s cabin. Nevertheless, both the running elements as well as the suspension or chassis require the tractor to be raised to a certain height. Hence, truck lifts are indispensable. Most often these are lifts with a massive structure – columnar. They must be highly efficient. Truck lifts have additional security features:

• special sensors that protect against even minimal changes in the position of the actuator;
• reinforced lifting and supporting structure;
• stabilizers that ensure that the columns are perfectly perpendicular after assembly;
• securing the actuators against damage, e.g. accidental impact.

Specialist equipment for servicing trucks is expensive, but allows you to compete in a much less dense market with huge demand.

Interests of truck and agricultural machinery lifts

It is known, if we are talking about lifts for passenger cars or trucks, their place is in a professional car repair shop to repair these vehicles. However, for several years, the trend of applicants has been systematically changing with a growing tendency, from owners of vehicle repair workshops to transport companies and to farmers who cultivate their own farm, who also need lifts for minor repairs of their vehicles or agricultural machines. Why is the trend changing? We do not have to look for favorable arguments for a new clientele for a long time, which is expensive time, looking from the perspective of even just a few years of using truck lifts for our own needs.

Oil plays a very important role in internal combustion engines. It is a key fluid in our passenger car engines. Despite the fact that we know, as drivers and car users, how important it is, we often do not realize what it is made of, how it was produced, its service life and what limitations. We will try to write a little about car oils and their types in the article below.

Engine oil functions

By car oils, we most often mean engine oils. Meanwhile, there are several other types of oils in cars, they are:

• gear oils,
• oils in power steering mechanisms,
• the above-mentioned engine oils.

The most important task is, of course, engine oils. The engine has high temperatures, very high rotational and feed speeds, as well as high overloads resulting from the diversified use of the vehicle. Hence, most of the time should be devoted to engine oil.

Its function is crucial, it is designed to:

• lubricate individual elements working in the drive unit,
• reduce the level of friction by lubrication,
• reduce the temperature of individual components of the drive unit.

Engine oil therefore lubricates vital engine components such as pistons, rings, cylinders and bearings. Engine oil is also an excellent sealant that increases the tightness between the individual components of the drive unit.

Types of engine oils

There are three types of engine oils:

• mineral based on refining crude oil and supplementing it with additives,
• semi-synthetic, which are partly refined from crude oil and half as a result of the synthesis of petroleum derivatives or other raw materials,
• synthetic, which are the result of the synthesis of secondary raw materials, such as gasoline, oil or chemicals.

The use of a particular type of engine oil depends on the mileage, specifics and use of the engine. Synthetic oils are oils that certainly have a higher viscosity coefficient, hence they are used in engines with higher mileage. Mineral oils, on the other hand, are more fluid, so they are used in engines with lower mileage.

Owning a new car is very convenient, because you don’t have to worry about breakdowns or ongoing repairs. However, there is one thing that keeps the owner of such a car sleeping. It is the manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty that can be lost if the car is not operated or serviced in accordance with the provisions of this warranty. For years, there was a conviction that a new car under warranty should be serviced at an authorized service station in order not to lose it. Meanwhile, the EU GVO directive abolished the monopoly of authorized services. Despite the directive, car manufacturers have certain options related to the requirements for car servicing.

Is there a GVO directive and what does it refer to

The EU GVO directive has existed since 2010 and has taken legal force since then. It regulates and thus removes the monopoly of car manufacturers as to imposing on them a company that performs service inspections. Despite this directive, there is a belief among drivers and car owners that the car should be serviced only at an authorized service center, so as not to lose the warranty. This is a misconception, however, when servicing the car on a site that is not an ASO, you should take care of the technical and financial documentation.

Servicing the car under warranty outside the authorized service station

A car manufacturer, like any other manufacturer, is able to void the warranty of a given vehicle if its use, maintenance and repair were not in accordance with the warranty, and moreover, the provisions accepted when buying the car were violated.

Therefore, when servicing a car during the warranty period, it is worth taking care of the basic rules related to carrying out the necessary repairs, maintenance and service elements. It is about:

• the use of spare parts only authorized and recognized by the manufacturer,
• writing down and proper documentation of the repairs carried out,
• collecting an appropriate invoice or bill for repairs,
• entering the necessary repairs and work performed.

With the documentation prepared in this way, we can service the car without major problems outside the authorized service station, and the car warranty will not be lost.

Engine oil exchange and filter

Engine oil is one of the most important, if not the most important, fluid that is found in virtually all motor vehicles, not only cars. The oil is designed to lubricate critical engine parts that work under enormous loads at very high rotational and feed speeds. Engine oil is designed to “wrap” engine components in order to protect them from damage, in addition, it plays a very important role, which is engine cooling. As a fluid, it is essential for the life and proper operation of the engine and the entire vehicle.

The important role played by the engine oil requires its regular replacement. During use, the oil becomes contaminated, impurities from the air that have not been caught by the filters get into it, its structure and density change, hence the oil change is not so much advisable as necessary and it is worth doing it in accordance with the instruction manual presented by vehicle manufacturer.

Along with changing the oil, it is worth replacing the oil filter

The engine oil should be changed in accordance with the operating instructions. Along with changing the oil itself, it is also worth replacing the oil filter. It is a very simple piece of car equipment, the cost of which usually does not exceed PLN 60, while the filter is responsible for:

• filtering air pollutants that have been “passed” through the air filter,
• filtering the impurities of the oil itself, resulting from the discharge of exhaust gases, engine operation,
• filtering any impurities larger than 1/50 mm.

The oil filter is an element made of special paper that is resistant to oil dissolution. The filter cartridge allows for effective catching of impurities larger than 1/50 mm. The oil filter thus cleans the engine oil itself as it is sucked from the sump directly into the engine compartment.

What is engine oil and how to change oil and filters

Motor oil is a fluid whose density, molecular structure and composition depend on its type. The use of a specific oil is, in a way, recommended by the car manufacturer and depends on the mileage and the type of fuel, because often a slightly different oil is used with “gassed” cars. The engine oil consists of a base, mineral or synthetic oil and numerous additives. Mineral oil is produced directly from crude oil, synthetic, it is produced in the process of hydrocarbon synthesis.

Changing the oil as well as the oil filter is relatively simple, although nowadays manufacturers are trying to make it a bit more difficult. However, in most cars, you can do it yourself by unscrewing the oil drain plug, draining all the old oil, and also unscrewing the oil filter with a special wrench. Then, after lubricating the oil seals with sealing grease, screw in a new filter, tighten the drain plug and gradually add oil, checking its condition on the oil dipstick.

Remember that changing the oil and oil filter is not expensive, and if performed regularly, it significantly extends the life of the engine and the car itself.

Professional replacement of the ignition coil

The ignition coil is an essential component of the car’s ignition system. The ignition system, by generating a high voltage current spark and passing it to the spark plug, starts the process of burning the fuel, in this case it is gasoline or diesel. The combustion of fuel takes place in the engine cylinder and in a way determines its proper operation.

Proper engine operation therefore depends on proper ignition.

How an ignition coil works and why it is important

The ignition coil is essential for the so-called engine starting. The 12 V current supplied to it, accumulated in the battery, is converted into an instantaneous voltage of up to several thousand V. This processed current must be sufficient to generate a spark in the spark plug, and a malfunctioning coil has a very negative impact on engine start-up and thus on its service life. In many cases, damaged high-voltage cables or a damaged coil result in the engine not using all cylinders.

Replacing the ignition coil – when and where

The ignition coil consists of many copper windings that can tarnish or burn out over time. Then such a coil should be replaced in order to eliminate:

• incorrect engine start,
  
• work unfavorable for the engine not on all cylinders,
  
• further damage to cables or candles,
  
• possible damage to the entire ignition system.

There is no specific time limit regarding the service life of the ignition coil. It depends on many factors, both regularly replaced candles or even parking the car.

When it comes to replacing the coil, the process itself, although it looks simple, requires certain conditions. Any contact of the coil with water or excessive humidity will negatively affect the new coil. When replacing it, it is also worth replacing other components of the ignition system.

By performing a service such as replacement of an ignition coil in our company, you can be sure that the process will take place in the right conditions and with the use of professional tools.

Thermostat replacement

Professional thermostat replacement

The thermostat in the so-called large engine cooling system plays a key role. It is also a part that wears or becomes damaged relatively often.

The engine cooling system is actually two separate systems – one called large and the other called small. However, a small cooling system turns into a large cooling system as soon as the engine is at the right temperature, the fluid then goes to the radiator, preventing it from overheating.

Thermostat failure – what is the risk

The thermostat is the part that “turns a small cooling system into a large cooling system” and vice versa. Thus, the thermostat is the controller that controls the fluid flow and switches the circuit from high to low and vice versa. A failure of the thermostat in the vehicle causes the entire system to malfunction, which may result in the engine overheating or underheating. A defective thermostat can therefore cause a very serious failure, including failure related to the failure of the entire engine.

Thermostat replacement – only in a professional service

Although it seems trivial, replacing the thermostat is not like that. First of all, it involves opening the entire cooling system, i.e. draining the coolant and its subsequent disposal. Then the damaged thermostat is removed from the housing and a new one is screwed in. The key to the exchange are:

• drain all the fluid,
  
• correct tightening of the thermostat with the gasket,
  
• filling the system with fluid,
  
• thermostat operation check.

Only a professional service, such as ours, guarantees that the replacement of the thermostat will be effective and will ensure the proper operation of the entire cooling system. The replacement in our service center is primarily a full inspection after the entire process, checking for leaks or leaks and a warranty that we provide for parts and fluid. Thanks to this service, you can be sure of the proper operation of the entire cooling system in the car.

Professional muffler replacement

The car’s muffler belongs to the so-called vehicle exhaust system. Unfortunately, for many people the exhaust system is “of little importance”, so the vehicle has problems with exhaust gas, pollutes the air and works very loudly. A faulty muffler causes a significant reduction in driving comfort, and in addition, not taking into account repairs – we simply break the law, because we pollute the environment and exceed noise standards.

The muffler consists of front, middle and end parts, and its replacement, although not difficult, requires appropriate experience and the use of appropriate equipment.

How does a muffler work and when to replace it

A car’s muffler is an essential part of the exhaust and sound-damping system. It therefore acts as an exhaust gas duct and a component responsible for reducing noise. There are several types of car mufflers, including:

• absorption silencers,
• reflective silencers,
• interference suppressors,
• combined silencers.

The car’s exhaust system and the muffler located in it are designed to reduce the noise generated during combustion of the fuel mixture. This noise is the result of the exhaust gas escaping from the combustion chamber, where it creates a huge overpressure generating a loud noise.

The silencer itself, creating the exhaust system, is an extremely important element of the vehicle and guarantees driving comfort and the elimination of many harmful particles, for which:

• catalysts,
• particulate filters.

When and where to replace the muffler

The exhaust system and silencer should be replaced when:

• car operation becomes louder,
• the lights on the quality of exhaust gases discharged into the atmosphere come on
• the technical inspection revealed irregularities in the exhaust fumes.

The exhaust system in most cars is replaced in batches, it is rarely necessary to replace it completely. The front muffler and the end muffler are most often exposed to damage and wear. The middle part usually contains catalysts and filters, wears slower and less often, although it also requires replacement during the life of the vehicle.

The correct operation of the entire exhaust system guarantees driving comfort and proper exhaust gas discharge. All the more, it is worth choosing us as a professional service for checking the technical condition and replacing the exhaust gas system.

The procedure of deleting the inspection

Each new car has a light that, after a specified time or after driving a certain number of kilometers, reminds us to make:

• technical inspection of the car,
• oil changes,
• exchange of car fluids,
• filter replacement.

The so-called inspection control is one of the key car controls. Operating all the time, it lights up when the time or number of kilometers set by the manufacturer indicate that it is time to perform routine inspection and change of oils, filters and some fluids. After checking and replacing, such a control must be deleted so that the time and kilometers counting can be carried out again.

Technical review and deleting inspections

Technical inspection of the car can take place:

• at the diagnostic station, this is the so-called inspection of the technical condition of the car, carried out by a car diagnostician,
• in a mechanical workshop and it is a technical inspection of the car, carried out every specific number of kilometers or a certain time. It is assumed that for a car over 3 years old, it should be carried out every 10,000 km or every 6 months.

We will describe the technical review carried out in the car workshop. This review aims to:

• general checking of the technical condition by a mechanic,
• exchange of fluids, oils and filters,
• replacing bulbs,
• performing basic repairs.

Car manufacturers strictly specify the time of subsequent inspections and replacements of fluids and oils. The car signals such a need with an inspection indicator. At this point, the car owner goes to the workshop, where the procedure is carried out, then the mechanic cancels the inspection, which counts the next kilometers or time until the next inspection.

By choosing our car service, you choose a professionally made technical inspection of the car, along with the replacement of all necessary oils, fluids and filters. Our experience and knowledge make us well know both the shortcomings and strengths of individual car models, thus being able to perform more efficient work during routine mechanical inspections.

Professional replacement of brake discs

The car’s braking system is a critical safety system for any motor vehicle. This is how specialists and constructors determine the most important systems in vehicles. Thus, each manufacturer strictly defines the needs of inspection and replacement of braking system components, and individual technical reviews subject to strict assessment the technical condition of that system.

One of the elements of the braking system are the brake discs. As the name suggests, the discs resemble flat discs made of steel that has undergone specialized machining and then mounted on the axles of a vehicle. The discs are replaced when they are very worn, why replace them with us? See for yourself.

How can you tell if your brake disc wear is?

The wear of the brake discs can be seen by several very pronounced symptoms, these are:

• difficult braking, resulting from less friction between the brake pad lining and the disc,
• possible “beating” of the wheel when braking, pulling to one side,
• sharp edge of the disc with a convex shape,
• shuffling and excessive squeaking when braking.

Theoretically, identifying brake disc wear appears very easy, just as replacing them seems trivial. Is this really the case?

As studies show, in over 60% of cars, the discs are worn too much, while the owners decide to replace them after a periodic review. Unfortunately it is too late. Such a critical system as the braking system is responsible for safety, health and life on the road, and neglecting the efficiency of the braking system can lead to liability of the vehicle owner or driver.

Replace the shield in a professional service

Replacing brake discs is a task that requires:

• using appropriate tools,
• choosing the right parts,
• checking the entire system and quality control.

That is why it is not worth risking and order a disc replacement service at the first car service center. However, it is worth choosing our service, which offers professional replacement of discs and other components of the braking system.

Camshaft replacement in passenger cars

Car timing is nothing more than a mechanism consisting of a timing belt or timing chain, several rollers as well as bearings and rollers. The timing belt is responsible in the car for:

• coordination of piston and engine valves movement,
• propelling the crankshaft, i.e. as if it were not propelling the car,
• fuel mixture and exhaust gas control.

Timing is nothing but the heart of the car, and although it looks inconspicuous, it plays a key role.

Camshaft replacement – every how many kilometers or every how many years?

Mechanics threaten their customers with a car timing failure. Is it really scary? For us, as professionals, this is nothing but one of the key mechanical components of the car. Therefore, by carrying out inspections on our website you can be sure that we control the technical condition of the valve. Despite this check, we recommend that you observe the time intervals for replacing this mechanism. These intervals are varied and depend primarily on the car manufacturer and model. If the manufacturer recommends replacing the timing every 80,000 km or every 5 years, let’s stick to this period. Do not panic and change the timing more often or after driving half the recommended distance. You should stick to the manufacturer’s instructions, which we also recommend as a professional service.

Timing replacement – why to trust us?

Probably the key question you are asking yourself is why is it worth replacing the timing on our website? There are several reasons for this:

• we are a professional service providing warranty on components and labor,
• we use only professional tools, both for disassembly and subsequent assembly, which eliminates the risk of damage to other components,
• spare parts that we use have been checked and tested by us for years, thanks to which we are sure of their quality,
• every implementation and its completion is subject to strict quality control,
  we complete everything on time – which is important for this type of time-consuming work,
• we are very flexible in relation to customer needs, and our price is certainly attractive, taking into account the granted warranty and timeliness.

Regular timing replacement every few years is certainly a manifestation of the high awareness of each of you, thanks to which you can enjoy a longer car, which is in good technical condition.