Frequently Asked Questions

A mobile mechanic is a professional who travels to your location in a fully equipped van or truck. Whether your vehicle is broken down roadside, parked at home, or sitting in a car park, they bring the tools, parts, and expertise needed to inspect, diagnose, and repair your vehicle on the spot.

The best rule of thumb is to follow your vehicle’s logbook schedule. Staying up to date with logbook servicing keeps your warranty intact and helps maintain your car’s value if you decide to sell later on.

Even if you don’t use the dealership, you’re legally entitled to have your logbook services done by a qualified independent mechanic without voiding your warranty.

As a general guide, you should service your car at least every six months or every 10,000 km – whichever comes first. For older vehicles or cars with ongoing issues, consider servicing every three months or 5,000 km to stay ahead of wear and tear.

In addition to regular servicing, book your car in right away if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Pulling to one side when steering
• Unusual noises or vibrations
• Burning smells or other odd odours
• Squeaky or unresponsive brakes
• Air conditioning not cooling properly
• Trouble starting the engine
• Warning lights on the dash

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always safer (and often cheaper) to have it checked early rather than risk bigger problems down the track. If you’re unsure, just give us a call and we’ll walk you through what to do next.

We come to you in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast - at home, work, or wherever your car is.

We work on all makes and models, from small cars to SUVs, utes and light trucks.

Book a time and place. We bring the tools and handle the rest, right where you are.

Absolutely! You get a clear quote before we start – no hidden fees, ever.

Absolutely! Our mobile mechanics come to your location, whether that’s at home or in the office, to replace your alternator. 

In Brisbane, most mechanics charge between $30 and $100 or more per hour for labour. There is often an additional call-out fee, typically ranging from $50 to $100, to cover travel to your location. Keep in mind that these rates generally include labour only, so you’ll also need to allow for the cost of any replacement parts your vehicle may require.

Service costs can vary widely depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and whether it needs a minor or major service. As a general guide, routine servicing in Brisbane typically ranges from $188 to $349. This doesn’t include any replacement parts or extra repairs. For a precise quote, just give us a call - our team is always happy to explain what’s involved and provide an upfront estimate.

Yes – log book servicing by a qualified independent mechanic will not void your warranty. Under Australian law, you’re free to choose who services your vehicle, as long as they follow the manufacturer’s specifications. If you have any questions about warranty requirements or software updates, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help clarify the details.

It’s a common frustration. Many people have dealt with vague explanations or unexpected bills, which has given some mechanics a bad name. Unfortunately, some workshops go ahead with repairs without clearly discussing them first, leaving customers feeling blindsided.

We believe you deserve better. A good mechanic should always take the time to explain any issues, outline what’s urgent and what can wait, and answer your questions honestly.

At My Mechanic Qld, we make it a priority to keep you informed every step of the way. If we discover something during a service, we’ll always call you first to discuss your options – no surprises, no pressure. Our goal is for you to feel confident in your car and in the decisions you’re making about its care.

If your check engine light starts flashing, it usually means there’s a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Unlike a steady light, a flashing engine light often signals an engine misfire or other critical fault that can cause major damage if you keep driving.

The safest move is to pull over as soon as it’s safe and arrange for your vehicle to be checked. Driving with a flashing engine light can lead to costly, sometimes irreversible damage.

What causes an engine misfire?

An engine misfire happens when one or more cylinders stop working properly. This can be due to:

Worn ignition components: Over time, spark plugs and ignition coils wear out and need replacing.

Fuel mixture issues: If the fuel and air ratio isn’t right, you may notice poor acceleration, backfiring, or trouble starting. This often points to problems with injectors or fuel pumps.

Low compression: Leaks in valves, piston damage, a worn timing belt, or gasket failures can all reduce compression and cause a misfire.

If your engine light is flashing or if you’re unsure what a warning light means, call us straight away. We’ll guide you through what to do next to keep your vehicle safe and avoid expensive repairs.

There are a few common reasons your car might not start, and some initial steps you can take before calling for help:

1. Check the battery:

• Are the dashboard lights or interior lights dim or completely off?
• Does the engine click but not turn over?
• If so, your battery may be flat. Try jump-starting the car if you have jumper cables and know how to use them safely.

2. Make sure your vehicle is in park or neutral:

• Automatic transmissions need to be in park or neutral to start.

3. Listen for any unusual sounds:

• A clicking noise can indicate a dead battery or starter motor issue.
• A rapid clicking or no sound at all usually points to battery trouble.

4. Check fuel and immobiliser:

• Confirm you have fuel in the tank.
• Look for a flashing security light - some vehicles have immobilisers that prevent starting if there’s an issue with the key.

If you’ve checked these basics and your car still won’t start, it’s time to call a professional mechanic or roadside assistance. Avoid repeated attempts to crank the engine, as this can cause further damage the starter or battery.

If you’re stuck, give us a call – we can come to you, diagnose the problem on-site, and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

The main difference is where the work takes place. A mobile mechanic comes to you, bringing all the tools and equipment needed in a van or service truck to repair your vehicle on-site. In contrast, a workshop mechanic completes repairs and servicing at a dedicated workshop or garage, where you bring your car to them.