A Day in the Life of a Mobile Mechanic
Ever wondered what a mobile mechanic’s day looks like? It’s not all grease and spanners—it’s a mix of problem-solving, trial and error, and making the most of unpredictable weather. Here’s a glimpse into one such day.
Tackling High Emissions with a Ford Transit Custom
First on the list was a Ford Transit Custom showing high emissions. It was time to clean the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (DPF) to bring those emission numbers down. This is often caused by blockages from soot buildup, a common issue with vehicles running on ad blue additives.
One handy feature of the Transit is easy access to the DPF sensor, making it straightforward to flush and clean. However, problems can still crop up, like blockages in the metal curved pipe or the DPF itself. Using a cleaning fluid application system and a reliable compressor, the aim was to clear things up and get the emissions to an acceptable level.
The weather wasn’t cooperating—rain poured down—but testing equipment durability in these conditions is always useful. The DeWalt compressor proved reliable despite being left outside, outperforming the Milwaukee model that failed in similar conditions.
A Battle with the AdBlue Tank on a Vauxhall Insignia
Next was a Vauxhall Insignia suffering from an error in its AdBlue pump circuit. The solution? Replacing the entire AdBlue tank. While diagnostics tools like the Launch Euro Tab 3 helped spot issues such as reductant pressure and temperature sensor faults, the real test came after fitting the new parts.
After the replacement, a quick test drive confirmed success. With pressure levels now reading five bar (compared to none before) and no fault codes showing, it was a job well done.
Renault Traffics and Persistent Faults
Renault Traffics—or Vauxhall Vivaro models in some cases—seem to come with their fair share of challenges. One van had blockage issues in the upstream pressure pipe, glow plugs, and the DPF. Another struggled with a faulty coolant heater module (AKA a thermal plunger), but finding the part proved impossible without sourcing it directly from the dealership.
Using cleaning fluids and keeping an eye on key metrics like soot levels and system pressures, the plan was to work through each fault systematically. For instance, with the DPF, the target was to reduce pressure and soot levels significantly. If the numbers didn’t come down enough, it could spell more severe problems like ash buildup or a damaged DPF.
The Realities of Outdoor Work
Most of this work happened outdoors. Whether it’s pouring rain or a muddy driveway, outdoor mechanics face extra challenges compared to those working in a fixed unit. For example, DPF cleaning generates noticeable smoke (or steam if wet fluids are involved). This makes working outside unavoidable, as there’s no ventilation system to disperse it in a closed garage setting.
The lack of a proper workspace makes storage and accessibility a challenge too. Comparing the setups of two work vans highlighted this—keeping tools, compressors, and other gear organised can make a significant difference in day-to-day convenience.
Putting the Finishing Touches on a Long Day
The final stretches involved clearing DPFs, monitoring pressures, and test-driving to confirm fixes. While not everything went smoothly—like the persistent low-pressure readings on some vehicles or parts unavailable for immediate repair—progress was made across the board.
Sometimes, no matter how thorough the cleaning or repairs, a vehicle might need a long test drive or repeated attention to fully resolve issues. At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do before it’s down to driving and time.
Conclusion
From emissions problems to faulty sensors and blocked pipes, every day brings a new challenge for mobile mechanics. Rain or shine, the work doesn’t stop—diagnosing, fixing, and testing vehicles keeps them on their toes.
While some jobs require creativity and improvisation, others rely on solid tools and keeping up with ever-evolving tech. And in the process, every mechanic learns something new, whether it’s about the vehicles they work on, the tools they trust, or simply how to deal with a soggy workday.
For those curious about the life of a mobile mechanic, it’s a mix of grit, ingenuity, and grease—not to mention an occasional cuppa to keep things moving!