ENGINE REBUILDS

At C.A.R.S. we can rebuild your engine completely, do performance enhancements as well as do cylinder head reconditioning.

The usual reasons for rebuilding an engine are loss of compression, excessive oil consumption, or excessive oil clearances. The symptoms of loss of compression are extended cranking (hard to start), lack of power, or a misfire (running rough). All of these symptoms can be caused by lack of compression, but they can also be caused by other things. This can be diagnosed by performing a compression or leak-down test.

Oil consumption is the loss of motor oil even though there are no significant external oil leaks. It can be caused by worn valve guides, dried valve guide seals, stuck oil control rings, or excessive cylinder to piston clearance. It also can be caused by a very inexpensive PCV valve.

The most common symptom of excessive oil clearances is an awful knock coming from the engine. Low oil pressure is also a symptom of excessive oil clearances but is less common (by the time the oil pressure goes low there’s usually an engine knock evident). Engine knock can be caused by worn rod bearings, main bearings, piston pins, pistons, and cam bearings. Sometimes some types of engine knock can be repaired with the engine in the car. The engine must be partially disassembled to know for sure.

If the engine overheated due to a partially clogged radiator and a new engine is installed without addressing this, the new engine will surely fail too. If your maintenance was spotty and you don’t change your habits, then the new engine will fail as well. There usually is a correctable reason for engine failure. Most of the engines we work on will last the life of the car without needing a rebuild – if you keep to your service schedule.

GEARBOX REPAIRS

If your gearbox is down, you need it up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. Repairing an existing gearbox can be a quick and cost effective way of bringing your process availability back to 100%, compared with a replacement unit.

Please note that we currently do not repair automatic/DSG gearboxes.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS & REPORTS

For the majority of cars that come in, our technicians will use a diagnostic tool to see if there are any recorded problems. They do this using specialized diagnostic software which accesses the car’s reporting and computer system where any problems are monitored and faults are logged.

Performing a diagnostic test can typically reveal a range of problems associated with the car’s transmission, exhaust system and various other components of the car, like ignition timing problems, issues with the vehicle engine, injector faults, firing of the ignition coils, engine RPM levels, air- and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position and throttle openings. Some vehicles have a number of units which control areas such as engine management, brakes, suspension and even the windscreen wipers.

Most, if not all modern cars, are fitted with computer processors, microchips and sensors which can be linked to a car diagnostic computer scanner at C.A.R.S. The problem diagnosis is therefore quicker and more accurate, and there can be cost savings as less time is required by our mechanics to identify a problem. Minor problems may be identified and fixed before they have a chance to escalate into big, expensive problems.

WHO WE ARE

This is a family-owned business that we started in January 2017 after running a workshop for nearly 5 years, under another name (HB Performance). Henk and Tammy was previously with A-Z Service Centre, but left in 2012, whereafter they started HB Performance.

Late last year we took a leap of faith and – as a family – started C.A.R.S. C.A.R.S. consists of 1 qualified technician – Red Seal/Section 13 (Henk), and 2x Level 2 Apprentices (Juan & Jean).

We are in the final stages of registering with RMI and Mibco/Merseta so that we can continue the apprenticeships for both of them. Our admin team consists of Tammy (married to Henk) & Madelein (married to Juan)

Henk has been in the motor industry for 37 Years, and Tammy for 30 years. Both are highly experienced in their respective fields. Juan worked at Action Ford as an apprentice, and Madelein as assistant group HR for the same company, were they also gained valuable experience in the corporate motor trade industry. Jean worked as apprentice at HB Performance, and under his father’s expertise, learned first-hand from the best. Together we make an awesome team whose main goal is to build our company to a strong, respected and reputable workshop.

We all have a passion for what we do and our whole aim is to provide the best prices and efficient yet quality work output.