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When getting a car serviced in Canberra a major cost difference will depend on whether you choose OEM, aftermarket or genuine auto parts. However, the parts differ more than just the price. So here is a quick handy guide to help you save money at your local, Canberra mechanic. 

OEM

OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are built by the same company that initially made the parts for the auto manufacturer. The OEM parts that mechanics carry are identical to the parts that came with your car. However, they do not carry the manufacturer’s logo. 

Pros: 

1. OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value. 
2. If you request a particular part at a dealership, you will receive the one that matches your vehicle. This means no comparison-shopping!
3. The OEM parts are guaranteed to be 100% identically to the one it’s replacing. Plus you will still receive a one-year part and labour warranty as well.

Cons:

1. OEM parts can cost as much as 60% more than aftermarket parts, but with independent auto-shops become more and more popular, this price gap is closing.
2. OEM often need to be ordered into the mechanic, which can significantly increase the time it takes to be serviced.

Aftermarket

An aftermarket part is a part that has been built by anyone other than the car’s original manufacturer. And although the parts do not always look like the original parts, however, they don not void the cars warrentee (despite popular myth). The parts perform the function needed to operate the car and are the most cost-effective choice. 

Pros: 

1. You often save a lot when choosing aftermarket parts, but this could be because of low quality, so double-check with your mechanic. 
2. Aftermarket sometimes solves original weaknesses of the original parts as they are made through a process of reverse-engineering. 
3. Aftermarket parts are available at your choice of an independent shop meaning your repairs can be completed as quickly as possible.  Yet this depends on whether you trust your Canberra mechanic.

Cons: 

1. Because there are so many versions of each part, each of varying quality and price, you may feel overwhelmed with choices. This is where a trustworthy, technician is key, they can help narrow down the options so to find you the right aftermarket part. 
2. Not all aftermarket parts come with a warranty. Again, ask you trusted car mechanic to help you find the right part. 

Genuine Auto Parts

A genuine part is 100% the same as the auto-part component that was originally installed in your vehicle when it was first manufactured. Genuine parts are the most expensive of auto parts because they carry the company logo. Keep in mind, that genuine parts are not necessarily better than OEM or aftermarket parts, but they do continue to preserve the value of the car. This makes it particularly important to use the genuine or similar quality car so to preserve to authenticity and quality of your vehicle, keeping it in the best possible condition. 

Pros: 

1. The quality and performance are assured. 
2. Genuine parts are guaranteed to be compatible with your car. 

Cons: 

1. The major con of genuine parts is the cost, as the quality guarantee, warranty and manufactures logo all add up.

Over the past few years, electric cars have grown more and mar in popularity. Especially in Canberra, electric cars seem to be everywhere. This brings up the question, where do you go in Canberra to get you electric car fixed. And what do you need to know before heading to your Canberra car mechanic. So here are a few things to keep in mind when before you buy caring for your electric vehicle or EV, but also what do you need to know before buying your electric car.

Overall Cost

The number of electric cars in Australia is only going to grow over the next years. According to a report by Queensland Government, EV’s are more expensive to purchase than a traditional fossil fuel vehicle, however, the operating costs of EV are much lower. Because Australia now has a larger number of somewhat affordable and luxury electric vehicles available in Australia, or at least there will be by the end of 2019. Similarly, their driving range, too, is better than ever thanks to the new Kia e-Niro which have been able to travel around 600km on a single charge. This will only get easier as the Australian Government recently boosted an initiative with a $6 million injection of funds to help ensure a charging station at least every 200km. High-speed charging stations can now also be found in some shopping centres, hotels, airports, tourist attractions and places of business.

How do I choose an electric vehicle?

Although this seems obvious it is important to choose a vehicle that best suits your needs. Ask yourself things like: 

• The distance you travel each day 
• Whether your route is flat or hilly, city or suburbs 
• How many people you will be carrying? 
• Will you need to recharge an electric SUV or sedan?

Driving through city traffic is actually an advantage in an electric vehicle with the energy harvested from hard braking used to regenerate the battery. The electric cars available in Australia, generally have a real-world range in excess of 200km so you should manage most of the working week without a recharge.

Maintenance Checklist

• Look after the battery and don’t overcharge (Nissan recommends charging to 80%)
• Take care of the brakes and get them serviced as per the logbook
• Make sure your tyres are aligned and balanced by your mechanic during servicing
• Check and top up engine fluids like coolant and brake fluid
• Double-check your manufacturer’s warranty and understand the servicing fine print
• Speak to the dealership or manufacturer about battery replacement costs
• Always use a certified mechanic who has experience with electric cars

What else should you know about maintenance:

Electric vehicles have less moving parts and require fewer consumables (like oil and spark plugs). This results in resulting in lower maintenance costs. Most of what you’ll find under the hood of an electric car is battery. The array of power cells that makes an electric car run is large, heavy and complex. It doesn’t require much day-to-day maintenance, but as anybody with a laptop computer can tell you, the battery will gradually lose its ability to hold a charge. The longer you own an electric car, the shorter its driving range will become, which will ultimately need to be replaced. The minimal maintenance and low car servicing costs justifies the overall cost of purchasing non-luxury EVs. More exciting news, EVs are projected to will cost the same as equivalent fossil fuel vehicles by 2025.

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Imagine; It’s Monday morning, you are about to get into your car to head to work, but it won’t start. Now you’re running late, and it’s too late to catch public transport, and anyway, you need the car today. You need it so you drive to an out office meeting, or to pick up groceries, or do one of the million things you need a car to do. Luckily, there are plenty of mobile mechanics in Canberra who can help you out. 

Mobile mechanics save you the additional cost of bringing the car to the mechanic. Yet there are still some sceptics, so here is a comparison between traditional auto shops and mobile mechanics. 

Do they offer the same services?

Traditional mechanics can offer a much wider array of services, however, mobile services can still provide most major and minor services, some even offer vehicle repairs in case of emergency. Most Canberra mobile mechanics will provide: 

• Fluid levels topped
• Inspection of hoses and belts
• Analysis of the cooling system, battery, and charging system
• Inspection of oil levels and transmission
• Engine oiling
• Premium oil filter
• Fuel filter
• Spark plugs
• Diagnostic scan tool to check on the engine management system
• Brake replacement
• Battery replacement
• Shock absorber replacement
• Engine sensor replacement
• Drive belt replacement
• Air filter
• Carburettor cleaning or throttle body
• Gasket replacement
• Engine diagnosis
• Coolant change
• Cooling system service
• Radiator replacement
• Timing belt replacement
• Sump plug washer
• Brake adjustment
• Brake and clutch repair
• Suspension and steering repairs
• Starter motor and alternator repairs
  

Of course, each mobile service might be a bit different so make sure to check when booking your mobile mechanic.

Do they cost the same?

Much like different mechanics shops, mobile mechanics also charge different rates. However, you won’t have to pay for towing fees or garaging fees. So make sure you do your research on Canberra’s mechanics and Canberra’s car services ahead of time. Similarly, mobile mechanics may have different payment methods, so always double-check if you planning on paying with card payments. 

What do else is different?

Mobile mechanics need to know more information ahead of time as they have to transport any parts. So make sure your mechanic know the correct model and make of your car as misinformation will lead to more delays. You will also need to ensure your phone is nearby in case your mechanic needs to contact you last minute. Also because there is no workshop, so your car will need to be parked on a hard, flat surface for the mechanic to do his job well, and safely. Finally, keep track of the weather, because the mechanic may not be able to work in rainy and stormy.