Good technicians don’t just repair vehicles — they follow processes, stay consistent, and pay attention to the small details that prevent major failures later on. Routine maintenance is one of the most important parts of keeping vehicles safe, reliable, and cost-effective for customers. A proper service inspection can help identify issues early before they turn into expensive repairs or breakdowns. I am currently building a startup training manuel for new comers to the automotive industry, the Manuel will have a comprehensive layout of common vehicle systems and some basics in how they work and diagnosing simple issues. Starlight out of the Manuel, I’ve put together this 20-point vehicle service checklist to help apprentices and technicians build strong servicing habits and maintain a professional, consistent workflow in the workshop. ✅ Follow processes✅ Build good habits✅ Improve vehicle reliability✅ Reduce missed items✅ Deliver better customer care A thorough check today prevents problems tomorrow 👨‍🔧🚗Download the PDF, it is free to use for any members of this group! P.S I’d love to hear any feedback regarding the layout and maybe any changes you’d recommend.

This 2016 Mitsubishi Triton came through the workshop with the customer concerned about multiple warning lights appearing on the dash. Customer complaint:⚠️ SRS Light On⚠️ ABS Light On⚠️ ASC Light On⚠️ Engine Light On With several systems affected at once, initial thoughts can quickly head toward module failures or major electrical issues. After carrying out diagnostic scans and beginning our inspections, we traced the faults back to something much simpler — but also something we see more often than people realise. Under the centre console, we discovered TWO wiring looms that had been chewed through by rodents. 🐭 Damaged wiring was causing communication and signal faults between multiple control systems, which explains why so many warning lights appeared at the same time. After repairing the damaged wiring, carrying out checks on the affected circuits, and clearing the fault codes, the vehicle was back operating correctly again. This is a good reminder that: Multiple warning lights don’t always mean multiple failed components Physical inspections are just as important as scan tools Rodent damage can create huge diagnostic headaches Always inspect the basics before jumping straight into replacing parts 👨‍🔧🔧 P.s check out the dog biscuits it had managed to pull underneath the console were the wiring was damaged!

Awesome job to come through the workshop, had a customer call, there vehicle having gone into limp mode. Booked in and towed to the workshop, Scan check returned a p0234 map sensor correlation DTC. Upon diagnosis we found a failure of bank 2 intake manifold and throttle body housing causing a boost leak. Customer was happy to proceed with the replacement of both manifolds and the throttle body, upgrading to an alloy intake rather than the factory plastic ones. We proceeded with adding a camber kit and water pump as was due by kms for its second replacement, happily this customer was not concerned about the price more so that the job was done properly. First time for our workshop with this fault but uncle google came in handy to show how common it was and lead to finding improved parts to ensure a better outcome for the customer. Never be afraid to call around and do a little research during the repair to find information that’s outside local knowledge 👍🏼👍🏼

1. What “oil grade” means Engine oil grade tells you how thick or thin the oil is and how it behaves in different temperatures. Example:5W-30 - 5W = winter (cold start flow) - 30 = thickness when engine is hot So the oil has to: - Flow easily on cold start - Stay strong and protective when hot 2. Petrol engine oil (spark ignition engines) Petrol engines: - Run cleaner - Produce less soot - Usually run at higher RPM Typical oil characteristics: - Lower soot handling required - Less detergent needed - Often lighter oil grades Common grades: - 0W-20 - 5W-30 - 5W-40 Key idea: Petrol oils focus on fuel economy and smooth flow 3. Diesel engine oil (compression ignition engines) Diesel engines: - Produce more soot and carbon - Higher compression = more stress - Often run longer and heavier loads Oil must handle: - More soot contamination 🖤 - Higher pressure - More heat stress Common grades: - 5W-30 (diesel spec) - 5W-40 - 10W-40 (older engines) Key idea: Diesel oils are stronger and more detergent-heavy

🚨 Real Diagnosis Case Study – Mitsubishi 4D56 Engine Knock Customer complaint: Engine knock at idle that almost disappeared when the revs were brought up. At first inspection, we suspected possible lower-end engine damage. To confirm, we cut open the oil filter and found metallic contamination throughout the filter media — a strong sign of internal engine failure. After clear communication with the customer and discussing the likely repair costs and next steps, approval was given to remove the engine for further inspection. Once the sump was removed, the fault was confirmed: the crankshaft had completely cracked behind cylinder 1. At idle, the broken crank was allowing movement and creating the knock. As revs increased, the two sections would momentarily lock together, reducing the noise and allowing all cylinders to operate more smoothly. 💡 This is why correct diagnosis matters. Guesswork can cost thousands. Proper testing, customer care, and communication are just as important as turning spanners. Have you ever heard an engine knock that disappeared with revs? #Mitsubishi #4D56 #EngineFailure #MechanicLife #Diagnostics #DieselEngine #WorkshopRealities