Simon – SM Auto

From Kia to Mercedes: It’s All Just Physics Under the Hood

July 5, 2026SimonLeave a commentBlogCar repair, diagnostic, Kia, Mechanic, Mercedes, service

I choose to work on VW, Audi and Mercedes but that’s not all I do.

I CAN work on Kia, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Jeep etc.

Because as we know a lot of this stuff was built on global platforms from at least the early 2000’s.

I remember reading a piece about the MK 1 Ford Focus and how it was a breakthrough because it was a global platform.

So from Fiat wiring being in just about every Chrysler product to that Ecotec GM engine being in a lot of the Chevrolet or whatever else it appears in, I feel I’ve seen most of this stuff, and what I haven’t seen is quickly summed up by applying basic common theory.

3, 5, 6 ,8 or even 12 cylinders, they all need fuel, air, compression and a way of igniting before they can do anything.

My point being it doesn’t matter what you work on, if you apply the basics and do it right the rest is easy and it’s not a question of what badge it carries.

The driver experienced a knocking noise for a while and then one day the knocking stopped. They continued driving for several months until the car came in for scheduled maintenance. Don’t ignore noises. Cars don’t fix themselves — not yet anyway.

The knocking didn’t stop because the suspension magically healed. It stopped because the link completely separated from its ball joint. Once that happened there was nothing left to rattle.

ImageJune 2, 2026SimonLeave a commentBlog

Identifying a Forgotten Alfa Romeo Valve Clearance Tool

Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process

How to make an online booking

May 10, 2026SimonLeave a commentService

On-line booking system

April 29, 2026SimonLeave a commentBlog

I’ve recently upgraded the website with a direct online booking system that syncs in real-time with my workshop’s calendar. By connecting these systems, I can offer a more seamless experience for getting your vehicle serviced.

Now, you can view my live availability and choose a date that works best for your schedule. Once you book, the appointment is automatically added to my workflow, and you’ll receive an instant email confirmation.

Honda Parasitic Battery Drain

Volkswagen Golf with a weird misfire complaint

April 3, 2026SimonLeave a commentBlogignition, misfire, VW

This VW Golf 1.2 TSI is experiencing a definite misfire under load.

What’s the problem?

The customer reports that the ignition coil and spark plug leads have recently been replaced.

Curiously, the misfire seemed to decrease after the number four spark plug lead was swapped back to one of the original components.

Misfire no Codes – Suzuki Splash 1.2L Petrol K12B

September 7, 2022SimonBlogcoil on plug, diagnostic, misfire, oscilloscope, pico, Suzuki

What’s the problem?

This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I’d snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that’s the customer’s complaint confirmed. The next step was to connect a scan tool and check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

No codes?

Despite the misfire, no DTCs were stored. With no codes, a different diagnostic approach will be required to prove the fault. I’m suspicious of an ignition coil but I want to prove it to be sure.