Something not quite right with your car? Is it running hot? Running rough? Or flat out refusing to start? Midas mechanics are your local experts in mechanical repairs for cars, SUVs and 4WDs. Our qualified team will get to the bottom of the issue and give you a detailed quote before we start any work.
What Mechanical Repairs Does Midas Carry Out?
From the engine bay to the tailpipe, our mechanics fix just about everything. Here are the mechanical repairs we see most:
- Engine and engine management faults: rough running, misfires or a warning light that won’t go away? We’ll start with a vehicle diagnostics scan to find out what’s going on.
- Cooling system and radiator repairs: from coolant leaks to tired thermostats, water pumps and radiators, our cooling system repairs keep your engine cool (so you can keep yours).
- Timing belt and engine belt replacement: a worn belt is a job best done before it snaps. Learn the signs your engine belt needs repair.
- Brake repairs: squealing, grinding or a soft pedal? Our brake repairs cover pads, rotors, calipers and brake fluid.
- Clutch and transmission repairs: slipping clutch or rough gear changes? See our clutch and transmission repairs.
- Steering and suspension repairs: worn shocks, tired bushes and loose steering parts, sorted. See our steering and suspension repairs.
- Exhaust and muffler repairs: rattles, leaks or a muffler that’s suddenly got loud? Our exhaust repairs have you covered.
- Batteries, starter motors and alternators: car won’t start, or keeps going flat? Start with car battery testing and replacement.
- 4WD repairs: built for tough Aussie conditions? So are our mechanics. See 4WD servicing and repairs.
What Are the Signs Your Car Needs Mechanical Repairs?
When your car sends you warning signs, it’s time to come to Midas. Here are the big ones, and what they usually mean.
Engine Running Hot
Temperature gauge creeping up? That usually points to the cooling system: a coolant leak, a stuck thermostat, a failing water pump or a blocked radiator. If the needle hits red, pull over when it’s safe. Driving on could turn a simple fix into a much bigger repair. Here’s what to do if your car overheats.
Engine Running Rough or Check Engine Light On
A shaky idle, hesitation when you accelerate or that dreaded check engine light usually means your engine isn’t running right. Worn spark plugs, a faulty ignition coil or a failed sensor are common culprits. We plug in a diagnostic scanner and read the fault codes. No guesswork. Find out why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.
Car Is Hard to Start
Turn the key and hear a slow crank or just a click? More often than not, it’s the battery. If not, the starter motor, alternator or fuel supply could be to blame. A quick test will tell us which one’s the troublemaker.
Knocking, Grinding or Squealing Noises
Cars are pretty good at telling you something’s wrong; you just have to listen. A squeal on start-up often means a worn engine belt. Grinding when you brake points to worn pads or rotors, and knocking over bumps usually means tired suspension parts. Knocking from the engine itself? Don’t turn up the radio to block out the noise, bring it in to get checked.
Smoke From the Exhaust or a Fuel Smell
The colour of the smoke is a big clue. Blue smoke usually means your engine is burning oil. Thick white smoke can mean coolant is getting where it shouldn’t, and black smoke means it’s burning too much fuel. Smell fuel? Don’t wait. Get it checked straight away.
Vibrations or Pulling to One Side
Feeling vibrations through the steering wheel or seat? Unbalanced wheels, worn suspension or steering parts, or soft engine mounts are the usual suspects. If your car keeps pulling to one side, it could be a wheel alignment issue or a sticking brake.
How Does Midas Diagnose a Mechanical Fault?
Our Midas mechanics dive deep into your car to find out what’s really going on before quoting any repairs. With years of experience behind them, there isn’t much they haven’t come across. Here’s how it works:
- Tell us what’s happening. When did it start? What does it sound or feel like? Every detail helps.
- We get to the bottom of it. Your mechanic runs a diagnostic scan, inspects your car and takes it for a road test if needed.
- You get a written report and quote. We’ll explain what’s wrong, what needs fixing and what it will cost.
- You call the shots. No work goes ahead until you’ve given us the green light.
- We fix it and double-check it. Every repair gets a strict safety check before you drive away, and you’ll get a detailed report of exactly what we did.
How Much Do Mechanical Repairs Cost?
The cost of a mechanical repair comes down to three things: the part that’s failed, how long it takes to get to and replace, and the car you drive. That’s why we diagnose the problem first and give you a written quote, so you know exactly what you’re paying before any work starts.
Here’s what affects the price:
- The part that needs repairing or replacing. Some parts cost more than others. For example, a sensor costs a lot less than a radiator or clutch kit.
- Labour time. Some parts are easy to reach while others are tucked behind half the engine. If you have multiple parts that need attention, you might see varying labour costs.
- Your vehicle. 4WDs, European and performance cars often need pricier parts and more time under the bonnet than a small hatchback.
- Anything else we spot. Other worn parts get flagged in your report and quoted separately. Nothing extra gets done without your OK.
Our mechanics’ tip? Catch any issues early, if you can. Fixing a coolant leak today costs far less than repairing an overheated engine tomorrow.
At Midas, you won’t find a push to upsell. We understand that unexpected car repair bills can be stressful. We’ll always tell you upfront what we’ve found, what’s urgent and what can wait, so you can decide what suits your car and your budget.
Want to spread the cost? Buy now, pay later options are available. It’s all part of the Midas Promise.
Mechanical Repair or Car Service: Which Do You Need?
Not sure whether you need a repair or a service? A car service is regular maintenance at a set interval. A mechanical repair fixes something that’s gone wrong. Showing any of the warning signs above? You need a repair, starting with a diagnosis. Running fine and simply due? You need a service.
Due for a regular service instead? Check out our automotive services, including logbook servicing to your manufacturer’s schedule.
Why Choose Midas for Mechanical Repairs?
At Midas, we pride ourselves on honest advice, quality work and fair prices. Here’s what that means for you:
- Work that’s guaranteed. Our repairs are backed by the Midas Nationwide Guarantee, so you’re covered at any Midas across Australia.
- A quote before any work. You’ll know the price upfront, with no surprises and no pressure.
- Your new car warranty stays intact. Midas mechanics carry out repairs to manufacturer specification. That means independent workshops like Midas can do the work without voiding your new car warranty, per ACCC guidance.
- Local experts, nationwide. With more than 80 Midas service centres across the country, there’s a Midas team close to you.
Book a Mechanical Repair at Midas
Don’t let a small problem turn into a big one. Book a mechanical repair online or find your nearest Midas, and our team will diagnose it, quote it and get you back on the road.
BOOK ONLINE NOW or Find Your Nearest Store
Mechanical Repair FAQs:
Most common repairs can be done on the same day, so you won’t be without your car for long. Bigger jobs, like a timing belt or clutch, might mean leaving it with us a bit longer. We’ll always let you know how long we expect the repair to take so you can plan.
If the light is steady, you can usually keep driving, but it’s worth booking in a check soon. If it’s flashing, pull over when it’s safe and get it looked at. A flashing light can mean a serious misfire that can damage your engine.
No. Under ACCC guidance, independent workshops like Midas can do the work without voiding your warranty, as long as it’s done to manufacturer specification by qualified mechanics using quality parts.
You bet. Our mechanics repair most makes and models, from everyday passenger cars to 4WDs, SUVs and European cars. Driving something a little more unusual? Give your local Midas a call to check before you book.
Yes. Midas offers Afterpay and other buy now, pay later options, so you can get your car fixed now and spread the cost over time.
