Frequently Asked Questions

• The quality of workmanship, parts and service varies greatly depending on which mechanic in Hamilton you go to. So, what makes Marshall Automotive different from the rest?

• We’re a good bunch. We know that when you visit the mechanic, you’re putting your trust in our hands. We’ve heard too many stories of the elderly, mums and young people getting fleeced at the till with a list of parts or repairs they didn’t really need. We pride ourselves on working with integrity and maintaining trust with our customers. 

• We hire highly trained and experienced technicians who excel at what they do. Our Hamilton mechanics don't follow the "change a part and cross your fingers" way of doing things. They use the appropriate equipment and resources to diagnose the problem the first time.

• We've invested in equipment and diagnostic tools that help our technicians problem-solve more accurately than ever before. By equipping our mechanics with the tools and resources they need to do the job well, they can quickly and safely get you back on the road.

For the health of your vehicle, yes, we highly recommend changing your oil every 10 - 15,000 kilometres as per manufacturers recommendations. This is because when oil reaches high temperatures, the additive begins to degrade. Almost every time you drive, your engine reaches around 100℃ degrees. 

Remember too that your oil filter should be changed when you replace your engine oil. A filter can hold up to a litre of degraded engine oil, so if you don’t replace both, you’ll combine old and new oils. 

Winters in Hamilton can be unpredictable, as can the quality of our roads. So, before the winter weather sets in, we recommend our customers complete this quick checklist:

• Check your antifreeze. If yours is rust-coloured, it’s time to flush and refill the system. 

• Check your oil. If it hasn’t been replaced in the last 10,000kms, now is the time. 

• Check your battery. Call in and we can test this for you.

• Check your tyres. Worn tread can lead to accidents on wet winter roads.

• Check your A/C. Your A/C helps to defrost and demist foggy windows. 

• Brake inspection. Ensure your brakes are ready for wet and icy conditions.

The check engine light is one of your vehicle's most important warning features, but it’s also the most vague. The light is simply designed to warn you when the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system detects a potential problem. Whether the problem lies with the ignition, fuel injection, emission control, or something altogether different, the light informs you that a part of your vehicle isn’t performing efficiently. 

When a flashing light appears, avoid driving at high speeds and schedule an appointment to have your car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring your check engine light could cause serious damage to engine components, ultimately costing you more money.