Galway car mechanic needed

JohnCleary

whitelightrider wrote: »

Folks, just wondering if anyone in Galway has the VAG COM? I need to get the rear brake pads changed on my 07 Passat and the garage cant do them. They said it needs a main dealer. Really dont want to have to fork out a fortune to Western Motors.

Is your brake light on? (i.e. brake pad sensor worn)

whitelightrider

JohnCleary wrote: »

Is your brake light on? (i.e. brake pad sensor worn)

Hi John,

No light on but I did have it in to Western Motors and they said theyre worn. I noticed a noise also when I press the brakes coming from the back of the car.

JohnCleary

whitelightrider wrote: »

Hi John,

No light on but I did have it in to Western Motors and they said theyre worn. I noticed a noise also when I press the brakes coming from the back of the car.

Don't see why you need to go to a main dealer then?

whitelightrider

JohnCleary wrote: »

Don't see why you need to go to a main dealer then?

Brought it to Mileage Tyres and was told that it has to be hooked up to a VAG COM as the software pulls the callipers back allowing them to change the pads.

tribesman78

I can't find anything on boards so here it goes. I am looking to get my car serviced in Galway City. Can anyone recommend someone that is honest and gives a good price?

lion_bar

I get mine serviced by the guy on Nun's Island opposite the bish.

Never have any problems with my car between services so that's good value imo.

snubbleste

Use the search button and narrow it to galway city.
big long thread on the topic

biko

Merged into the big local mechanics thread.

fifib

anyone got any recommendations for a mechanic who would be well used to working with Automatic transmissions and the electrics side of things rather than just the mechanical?
east of the city would be really handy but at this stage im not going to be too fussy...just want my car fixed! :rolleyes:

wet-paint

Hey folks,
My regular place to get my car tyres repaired, Renmore Motors, has doubled its price for repairs, so I'm looking for somewhere else.
Anyone know of somewhere in town that does cheap puncture repairs?

Curious Geroge

Galway tyre centre in liosban industrial estate

http://www.google.com/maps/place?cid=5440493415782345742&q=liosban+industrial+estate+%2B+galway+tyre+centre&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tyre+centre&hnear=Liosban+Industrial+Estate,+Galway,+Co.+Galway,+Ireland

apoeiguq3094y

Curious Geroge wrote: »

Galway tyre centre in liosban industrial estate

http://www.google.com/maps/place?cid=5440493415782345742&q=liosban+industrial+estate+%2B+galway+tyre+centre&fb=1&gl=us&hq=tyre+centre&hnear=Liosban+Industrial+Estate,+Galway,+Co.+Galway,+Ireland

how much?

TristanPeter

Twice in the past Kieran Farrell Tyres (Ballybane Industrial Estate) have repaired punctures for me for free. They basically told me when it comes to replacing my tyres give them the business...which I would do.

Shades

Hey

Im looking for a mechanic to take a look at an engine light issue , read the code , figure out whats wrong and perhaps fix it if possible. I am in the Rosscam area.

Cheers

biko

What light? What model car? Year etc? Some guys in the Motor forum have readers.
Galwaycarservice is in Doughiska so close to Roscam.
Fahy's Garage in Oranmore are very good but more expensive.

liamfoneill

Hi Guys. I have 2001 renault laguna II 1.6 petrol which wouldn't start the other day so I got my neighbour to give me a jump. Now when I try and start the car absolutely nothing happens (no noise from the starter motor). For a while there was a clicking noise from the fusebox (even with the key out of the ignition). This noise has now stopped.

The car is just sitting outside my house like a 2 tonne paperweight at the moment does anyone know of a mechanic/auto electrician who can come out and have a look at this for me? I think the car may need to be hooked up to diagnostics. I live in Rahoon.

biko

Before getting someone out - try to swap your battery with someone and see.
A five minute job that will save you money if it turns out a new battery was all you needed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYvAhVZVrOQ

Btw, if you search this thread for "mobile" a few suggestions will come up. But try a friend's battery first.

whatlliwear

liamfoneill wrote: »

Hi Guys. I have 2001 renault laguna II 1.6 petrol which wouldn't start the other day so I got my neighbour to give me a jump. Now when I try and start the car absolutely nothing happens (no noise from the starter motor). For a while there was a clicking noise from the fusebox (even with the key out of the ignition). This noise has now stopped.

The car is just sitting outside my house like a 2 tonne paperweight at the moment does anyone know of a mechanic/auto electrician who can come out and have a look at this for me? I think the car may need to be hooked up to diagnostics. I live in Rahoon.

Sorry to hi-jack your post but I am in dire need of a hand from a kind mechanic. I started my engine over the last few weeks but didn't actually move the car (I am learning & had no-one to bring me out).. so the feicing car is literally stuck.. The handbrake was stuck.. it is down now but the wheels are stuck. I called the garage in Woodquay but they said they cannot do call outs as they are too busy. I can't really afford to pay too much.. Any suggestions?

biko

Rocking the car back and forth (not sideways).
Is it on level ground? If so leave in neutral and handbrake off, then try pushing it back and forth. This should free the ice or whatever is holding it.
You can also try gently reversing car.
When free take it for a 30 min spin. First drive slow and listen for any new noises (it's highly unlikely that something broke though, it's ice versus metal...)

Btw, there is no point is starting the car unless you're taking it for a 30 min spin (to get it nice and hot) so you can just let it sit there and take it out in the weekends.
In winter don't leave it on handbrake, just in first gear (unless you're on a steep incline) as this will cause handbrake to stick if it gets too cold.
If on a slanted driveway you can leave it in gear with some blocks behind the wheels for comfort.

On a similar note, did you ever try to push start a car? Alone it's very very hard work. That's how difficult it is for the car to move when in gear and engine off.

Shades

biko wrote: »

What light? What model car? Year etc? Some guys in the Motor forum have readers.
Galwaycarservice is in Doughiska so close to Roscam.
Fahy's Garage in Oranmore are very good but more expensive.

Yellow check engine light , 00 Golf 1.4 petrol.

Ive had the car in the Galwaycarservice before , i personaly dont find them to be very good , spent alot of money with them already , told me they will charge 45e just to read the code. Before this there was a few weeks where the oil pressure light would come on when the car was on low revs , that one day stoped coming on.

The car is driving fine , should i just keep driving it until i feel something is really wrong ?

biko

Most will charge about 45-50 just to read the code. The instruments they use often cost 1000s of Euros and they want those Euros back
Maybe someone will do it for less, you can try ringing garages to get a quote.

The CEL light doesn't mean car is in immediate trouble but there is an issue that must be addressed, as soon as possible. CEL can mean a problem with one of several things, some more serious than others. Splash out on a code read, for peace of mind, even it means CEL was just on to indicate changing a sensor for 10 euro.

paraicr

Looking for a decent and reasonable mechanic to do the front passenger side wishbone on my BMW 318 in the next week or so.

Anyone recommend me someone? Westside if possible (not essential though).

Thanks in advance

JohnCleary

paraicr wrote: »

Looking for a decent and reasonable mechanic to do the front passenger side wishbone on my BMW 318 in the next week or so.

Anyone recommend me someone? Westside if possible (not essential though).

Thanks in advance

Do yourself a favour and have both changed.

Also replace the oil-filled bushes with poly ones, the oil-filled ones don't last p1ss time (Have to do my 2 front ones soon)

spiraleye

went to rescue u on the headford rd last week - very good , honest and wont charge you stupid prices. even went out of their way to get cheaper parts.

womandriver

Anyone know how much per hour labour Burbidge Motors (behind ulster bank in Liosban est.) charge?

How much would one expect to pay to have brakes cleaned in Galway?

biko

Brakes cleaned? Did you just replace something (pads/discs)? Do they squeal?

womandriver

Not actually looking for a mechanic so was hoping not to have this thread merged because the looking for a mechanic thread isn't really appropriate.

Had them cleaned in Burbidge today so not looking for advice or recommendations for mechanics. Job is already done.

Am wondering what they normally charge specifically in Burbidge per hour and also what would be the approx. price for cleaning brakes as I found them to be rather expensive.

Thanks.

Yeah they were squealing when pressed. Apparently just needed a clean.

biko

Cleaning brakes is sometimes done after replacing pads as grease or oil can get onto the discs.
This isn't something usually done by itself.
It mostly spraying brake cleaner on the disc, 1 min job per wheel.

Or it can be done occasionally if brakes have been sticking. Then it'd be 3-30 mins per stuck wheel, usually just one.

My guess, 20-50 euro.

I don't think they fleeced you bit if you can tell us more about the circumstances we can advise you better.

Edit, yeah for squealing it might help. Or sometimes they remove pads again and put more "anti-squealant" on them.

womandriver

Just recently bought the car, noticed noise coming from brakes over last few days. Thinking it might be the brake pads brought her to Burbidge who quoted €60 to supply and fit brake pads if needed.

Left her there. Went back to collect her when done and was told she didn't need pads (passed nct in March) brakes just needed a clean. Charged €55.

As this seemed on the expensive side considering supply and fitting of pads would only have been €5 more, I enquired as to the price of labour per hour as I hadn't required any parts.

Was told they 'usually' charge €45 per hour. Not sure why it would vary. He didn't specify.

So I asked if they had spent over an hour cleaning the brakes as he had charged me €50 for labour plus VAT and he said yes.

So having not used Burbidge before, I'm wondering what other customers have been charged there and also, if €55 seems reasonable for the job.


Thanks.

Mollie Breathna

I had a new catalytic converter fitted last year to my crock of a Renault to pass the NCT.
Problem now is that a hole of some sort has developed in the exhaust and the car sounds like a tank farting around.
Does anyone know of a cheap but effective operator in town who could patch it up for me? Really not looking to spend too much on it.
Any idea about price?
Heard of someone (Fahy?) in Ballindooley - any good?

Thanks in advance.

biko

Ballybrit Exhaust Centre spring to mind.
You can have a look through this general thread I merged your post with, it has many suggestions about mechanics and also about welding etc.

Looking for a mechanic to fix a few bits and pieces on a 96 Almera.

Any recommendations?

Kilduffs in nuns island I heard are decent, anyone been to them?

Galway service centre was a bit pricey when I was there before

biko

Previous posts in this thread have recommended them.

whatlliwear

I am learning to drive at the moment & have my eye on a nice used car.
Does anyone know any mechanics that do inspections for people before buying? I can't afford to buy from a dealer & this car seems like it's good value for meny but I really have no idea! Help!

biko

You could make an appointment with most garages and drive it straight there to have it checked.
If the seller is legit that shouldn't be a problem. You may have to leave something as security when you take the car, like your ID or drivers licence (don't leave money).
Do not trust anyone selling a car, for all you know they could sell a dodgy or even stolen car. Check the logbook for inconsistencies.

Ring AKAT Pitstop, Advance pitstop, Galway car service centre and other local garages and enquire.
There may be a fee for this work, get a few quotes and check what they'll inspect, it could vary.

I did a similar thing for a car from a guy in Gort trying to sell me an old Volvo.
Luckily - because I suspected it was a heap of **** and the garage confirmed it for me.

If something seems odd or wrong, just walk away. There's many cars out there and if you keep your wits about you it should work out fine.
Read this http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056198864

Last piece of advice, for the first car - buy something very cheap but wholesome.
If it breaks down in 6 months or a year you shouldn't be too much out of pocket.
Get something old you can practice fixing stuff on.

whatlliwear

Thanks Biko! Some good advice!

whiskey32

Looking for reasonable mechanic, car won't start, probably alternator, at worst, not charging the battery. In Renmore so looking for someone nearby.
Any thoughts on Billy Carr of Mervue?
My landlord gave me james connolly's number, I'm not local so I could do with some local insight, thanks.

Anima

There's one at Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Keenan's Autoelectric. <snip, google for number or PM>

bonzodog2

Also one behind DPL on the Dublin Rd, don't know the name.

kqcregg

bonzodog2 wrote: »

Also one behind DPL on the Dublin Rd, don't know the name.

Thats "Renmore Motors" behind DPL. Have used them the last few years and found them very good and reasonably priced. Contact details here http://www.renmoremotors.ie Tom Kelly is the owner.

No connection to them other than being a satisfied customer.

sgthighway

I use James Connolly to service my cars but Billy Carr lives in Mervue and is very honest. Billy is a small operator and nearby.
Give Billy a ring and if he cannot sort you revert to James.

whiskey32

Thanks for the help

spud65

billy carr has retired.

JohnCleary

When I saw the name 'Billy Carr' I thought he must be old by now... he was old when I was a baby :eek:

Sorry to hear he's retired, from what I remember he was a very genuine guy who knew what he was at

Winston79

Does anyone know of an auto spark in Galway? The fob on our car isn't opening the car and the key is setting the alarm off when we use it! Would be handy if anyone knew of a mobile mechanic too as we cant move the car.

biko

Initially check with your insurer, it might be covered under road assistance.

ladhrann

BTW I'd have to recommend Brendan Dowling, on St. Enda's Rd., Shantalla. He loves fixing older cars and doesn't mind if you turn up with your own parts. He's incredibly reasonable. Welded the underside of a 1997 Corsa together again for me for E200 (was quoted E1000) and did a head gasket on it for E400.

Hyperbullet

Can anyone recommend a decent garage to get an exhaust welded?

biko

Try Brendan that ladhrann recommended. If he wont do it then you have Ballybrit Exhaust centre.
Also Kilduff on Nun's Island is good.

Hyperbullet

biko wrote: »

Try Brendan that ladhrann recommended. If he wont do it then you have Ballybrit Exhaust centre.
Also Kilduff on Nun's Island is good.

Cheers Biko. The exhaust on the car snapped in half and is hanging off the car between the two front tyres.