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Common FAQs
There are many reasons for an engine light to illuminate on the dash. Some of these could include an oxygen sensor failure; malfunctioning catalytic converter, spark plug and ignition coil failures; EGR valve malfunction etc. When the engine light comes on, it is best not to drive your vehicle where possible until the vehicle can be checked and scanned to determine the possible cause.
The most common reason for noisy brakes is due to worn out brake pads or discs/rotors. Over time, brake pads wear down and lose their effectiveness in gripping the rotors. This causes the rotor to become uneven and can cause the brakes to vibrate, leading to noisy brakes, or pulling to the side under braking. It is important to have your brakes inspected or changed when these noises occur. Worn out brakes will affect your vehicle's ability to slow down and can be dangerous to drive.
Air pressure is often measured by pounds per square inch or PSI. You should follow manufacturers guidelines for the correct PSI. These guidelines can either be found on the tyre pressure label stuck to one of the door jams or inside the fuel flap. However, we recommend that you set these to the manufactures guideline and to check your tyre pressures a minimum of once per month.
Your vehicle has a complex cooling system with many parts that can malfunction or fail. The engine may overheat due to water pump failure, leaks in the radiator or hoses, heater core failure, or on rare occasions the engines drive belt has failed. If your engine is overheating, we suggest pulling over in a safe place and calling the AA for a tow.
This question entirely depends on a range of different factors. Like, what sort of driving do you do, carrying heavy loads, town driving, highway driving or a combination of both.
There are several things you can do to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy for example:
- Keep up with routine maintenance and repairs,
- Don’t let your car idle for too long,
- Replace your engine air filter if you frequently drive in dusty conditions,
- Use cruise control on the freeway,
- Have your spark plugs inspected and changed as needed,
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Accelerate gradually and coast to stops
Yes, electric cars typically require less maintenance than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This is due to several factors:
- Simpler Drivetrains: Electric vehicles (EVs) have simpler drivetrains. They don’t have engines with many moving parts, nor do they have complex transmissions. Instead, they have electric motors with fewer moving parts, which are less prone to wear and tear.
- Regenerative Braking: EVs use regenerative braking, which not only helps recharge the battery but also reduces the wear on the brake pads and discs. As a result, brake systems in EVs often have a longer lifespan.
- No Oil Changes: EVs do not require oil changes, which is one of the most common maintenance tasks for ICE vehicles. There’s no engine oil to change, nor are there any exhaust systems, starter motors, fuel injection systems, or radiators, which all typically require regular maintenance.
- Battery Maintenance: While electric cars are generally low-maintenance, the battery pack is a critical component that may require attention over time. However, most EV batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle and come with warranties that can cover 8 years or more.
- Cooling System: EVs still require a cooling system to keep the battery pack at an optimal temperature, but these systems tend to be less complex than the cooling systems in ICE vehicles.
- Fewer Fluids: Aside from brake fluid and the coolant for the battery system, electric cars use fewer fluids than ICE vehicles, meaning there are fewer fluids to change or top up.
However, it’s important to note that while routine maintenance may be less frequent and less costly for electric cars, repairing them – particularly anything related to the electrical system or battery pack – can be more expensive due to the specialised technology and expertise required. Moreover, as the EV market is still developing, finding a mechanic familiar with electric vehicles may be more challenging than for ICE vehicles, potentially impacting maintenance costs.
Despite this, the consensus is clear that the overall maintenance requirements and costs for electric vehicles tend to be lower than those for traditional petrol or diesel cars.
Yes, we do. We offer fellow FIA member club’s members Reciprocal membership service’s including 24/7 roadservice
The vehicle needs to go to an entry certifier/compliance centre for an in-depth inspection (more in depth than a WOF) to determine the condition of the vehicle.
You can reach the AA Battery Service team for assistance with batteries, including replacements, charging, and troubleshooting. Call them at 0800 500 222 and select option 2, or fill out an inquiry form on their website at https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/maintenance/batteries/
For any questions or queries regarding your AA Membership, please call our Membership service team at 0800 500 444. You can also use your online account for services such as renewing and cancelling your membership.
For questions about an AA Insurance policy, please visit the AA Insurance website: https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/contact
When you take your car in for repairs, you are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). This law ensures that the work performed must be agreed upon in advance and done within a reasonable timeframe, at a fair price, and with a level of care and skill.
It is crucial to obtain a written quote before any work is done on your vehicle, as this serves as a contract. Any additional work or charges that fall outside the original quote should be discussed with you beforehand.
For more information on your rights as a consumer, please visit the following website: https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/assets/PDFs/booklet-your-consumer-rights-car-repairs.pdf
The Ask an Expert team at the AA does not provide legal advice for settling disputes. If you need free legal assistance, whether it's about resolving issues with repairers or understanding your rights, we recommend contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau or a Community Law Centre.
Vehicles may have different service intervals depending on the make and model. We recommend consulting your local dealer for guidance on the recommended service interval for your vehicle. Generally, the AA recommends servicing your car every six months or 10,000 km, whichever comes first.
For more information and to book an AA service, visit the website below: https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/maintenance/auto-centre/service/
While petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles rely on internal combustion engines that require regular oil changes, electric vehicles (EVs) do not necessitate such maintenance. However, EVs still require a regular service schedule to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Visit the following links to find out what’s included in the following service options:
Electric vehicles: https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/maintenance/auto-centre/services/ev/
Petrol, diesel, and hybrids: https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/maintenance/auto-centre/services/