‘I’m a mechanic - garages don’t want you to know this one tip’

Top car mechanic Scotty Kilmer has unveiled a secret tip he claims garages “don’t want” drivers to know. The leading motoring expert said loose car batteries could be responsible for many problems with petrol and diesel models including vehicles which stop working completely.

Usually, road users will call up their garage to take a look and be forced into paying costly bills. However, Scotty stressed that simply opening the bonnet and tightening the component could help drivers get back on the road. He issued the advice on his YouTube channel where he provides almost daily tips to vehicle owners.

Speaking on YouTube, Scotty said: “Today I’m going to show you how you might be able to fix a car that runs poorly by just tightening something up.

“This [car] idles poorly and sometimes cuts out while you’re driving. But, there’s no check engine light on and the scan tool shows no codes.

“Now I went to jumpstart the car but when I grab the negative terminal look, it wiggles all over the place. A loose battery connection can actually cause all of those problems and when you don't have a code trip.

“Here’s a fix, tighten it up, it doesn't wiggle now. It starts up and idles perfectly, what a cheap fix.”

Underneath the video, Scotty added that the tip was one “mechanics don't want you to know”.

Diagnostics checks will usually cost drivers between £30 and £100 at garages in the UK with the average around £50.

Motorists quickly took to social media to praise Scotty for his advice with many suggesting the simple tip had helped them save money.

YouTube viewer @johnpolez4089 said: “Happened to me just the other day leaving work. Dead battery!! Nope just a loose terminal. Thanks Scotty.”

@jakeprentice4830 added: “This happened to my wife’s 2012 equinox. Replaced the terminal connector myself. Avoided hundreds in mechanical fees.”

@JoeWolf remarked: “Literally happened to me this week except it was a loose positive terminal. Was preparing to jump the car when I reconnected the terminal sufficiently and noticed the dome light come back on.”

Another road user posted: “Scotty's right last year I just had [the] same thing car dead out waiting for light. Just clean and tight the battery terminal.”

@Macadamia923 said: “Thanks Scotty you’ve saved me hundreds of dollars in repairs so far!”