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Summer Trailer Check: Key Towing Reminders for Northland Drivers

This time of the year brings a big jump in trailer use around northland with boats heading for the coast, farm trailers shifting gear, and general hauling between properties. Most locals are confident towers, but a quick seasonal refresher helps keep everything safe and compliant and avoids the common issues when you’re dusting off your trailer after the winter....

Springtime Allergy Tips

Spring’s a good time to enjoy the warmer weather, but it also brings more pollen, mould, dust and other allergens. You’ll find them at home and in your vehicle, so a few simple checks can help keep things comfortable....

91 v 95 v 98 Octane Petrol

In New Zealand you’ll usually find petrol in 91, 95 and 98 octane....

The New WoF Rules: A Guide for Northland Drivers

Most people have already heard that New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) system is shifting to a new inspection cycle from 1 November 2026. These updates come from the NZ Transport Agency’s review of light‑vehicle inspection rules, and aim to modernise the system, reduce unnecessary inspection costs, whilst maintaining safety standards. Our view is that the changes don't achieve this in practice. ...

Keeping Kids Safe: Choosing The Right Car Seat

When you’re travelling with children, the right car seat makes all the difference. Correct restraints dramatically reduce the risk of injury in a crash and are one of the most important safety features in any family vehicle....

Autumn Battery & Electrical Tips & Tips

Cooler temperatures in autumn can take a toll on your car battery and electrical system. Batteries lose efficiency in colder weather, so a quick check now can prevent a frustrating breakdown later. The team at Automotive Solutions Kauri can help you stay ahead of any issues before the real winter chill sets in....

Cabin air filters and your family’s health

Cabin air filters are fitted to most modern cars. They filter the outside air as it enters the passenger compartment when the air conditioning is running or the vents are open.If the filter isn’t changed, you’ll be breathing in the dirt, dust and spores that get trapped in the element. The picture above shows a soiled cabin filter next to a new one, which is what we often see during servicing.These filters should be replaced at least once a year, or more often if your car is doing higher kil...

Brake Fluid, Water & Corrosion

Brake fluid is part of your cars brake actuation system. It is basically the blood within your cars hydraulics, designed to be able to push brake components onto one another and create braking force that becomes heat. It is also designed to be able to get to high temperatures without boiling (which would create air and a spongy feel to the brake pedal)....

Cooling systems and anti-freeze

Most engines rely on a cooling system to move heat away from the engine and out through a radiator or cooling fins. In most cars, this happens by circulating coolant through pipes, pumps and hoses. Over time, this system can face issues such as electrolysis, which needs to be controlled with anodes and corrosion inhibitors.If the cooling system lacks anti-freeze (rust inhibitor), components can start to corrode. That corrosion leads to coolant leaks like the one pictured above. In this case, the...

Hikurangi Fire Brigade

As you know, the dedicated team at the Hikurangi Fire Brigade do fantastic service for everyone in our community.  This van is used for traffic control and other tasks when needed so it is with great pleasure that our team supports it. Last week it came in to Automotive Solutions Kauri for its sponsored annual WOF inspection and we fitted new tyres free of charge to help them out.  Keep up the great work guys, the community really appreciates it!...