Leonard Fitzpatrick board

All comments & posts, starting from most recent posts

Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
I've got a 2014 Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6 and recently it's started shaking pretty badly when I'm sitting at a red light with the transmission in drive. If I shift into neutral or park, the vibration almost completely disappears. The car drives fine otherwise, no clunks or weird noises when accelerating. A friend who's more mechanically inclined took a quick look and said the engine moves way too much when I rev it, so he thinks the rubber in the mounts has probably collapsed after all these years and the heat we get here. I've been looking into Professional Engine Mount Abu Dhabi replacement because I don't want some general shop using cheap aftermarket parts that will fail again in a year. Has anyone here replaced mounts on a JK and seen a huge improvement in idle smoothness? Also wondering if I should do the transmission mount at the same time even if it looks okay. I'm in the Mussafah area pretty often so any shop recommendations from people who've had this done would be great. Just trying to figure out if this is a weekend job or if I should leave it to the pros.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Just got back from a weekend trip to Jebel Hafeet and my 2011 328i started blowing white smoke like crazy after I parked. Coolant level dropped fast and there's this sweet smell coming from the exhaust. I'm honestly terrified it's the head gasket. A colleague at work said I should just sell the car as is, but I've had it for seven years and I really want to fix it properly if it's not too late. Been calling around Sharjah and Abu Dhabi and some places quoted me for a full engine swap while others mentioned using a High-Quality Gasket Abu Dhabi service that focuses on just replacing the gasket without pulling the whole motor out if the block isn't warped. Has anyone actually done that successfully on an N52? I know it's still expensive but way less than a used engine. Just trying to figure out if I'm wasting money trying to save it or if there's a real chance it'll run fine afterwards. Also any tips on what to ask the shop to check before they start tearing things apart would be amazing.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Found a guy on Facebook Marketplace selling a used water ibc tank for what seems like a fair price, but honestly I have no clue what to look for when I go see it tomorrow. The listing says it only held olive oil before being rinsed out a couple times, which sounds promising because no nasty chemicals, but I'm still nervous about cracks in the cage or the liner being damaged in a way I can't see. Should I try filling it on the spot to check for leaks? That feels like it would be awkward in someone's driveway. Also wondering about the valve threads and whether the cap on top seals properly since I plan to use it for storing rainwater at my allotment. Anyone been burned by a bad secondhand buy and learned some red flags the hard way? Would really appreciate a checklist if you've got one.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Drove down to Al Ain last weekend to visit a friend and on the highway back towards Abu Dhabi my 2016 Charger R/T started ticking noticeably louder from the passenger side cylinder bank, I've always had the classic Hemi tick at startup but this one didn't fade when the engine warmed up and now I'm sitting in a fuel station near Mussafah afraid to push it further, called my Dubai guy and he admitted he doesn't do internal engine work on Hemis and suggested I find a proper Dodge specialist here in the capital before I risk a wiped cam lobe, but scrolling through map results is just giving me generic garages that claim they work on everything. I'm desperately looking for an expert Dodge repair service Abu Dhabi that actually understands these 5.7 engine quirks like lifter failures and cam wear, someone who won't just tell me to replace the whole top end if it's still salvageable, if anyone's had a tick or knock properly diagnosed in AD on a Charger or Challenger I'd really appreciate a name or even a rough location before I call a tow truck to haul this thing home.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
I picked up a used 2015 Cooper S a few months ago and I genuinely can't tell if the absolutely punishing ride over every little road ripple is just how these cars are meant to feel or if my shocks are completely toast, my wife refuses to drink anything in the passenger seat because it ends up all over her and I'm starting to think the previous owner just ignored the suspension completely. I started hunting around for a Mini Cooper Shock Absorber Service Dubai that actually understands these cars instead of just treating them like regular hatchbacks, because I've read that run-flat tires and worn strut mounts can combine to make things feel way worse than they actually are, but I'd really just like someone to tell me honestly if what I'm feeling is normal or if a shock replacement would actually soften the edges without ruining the go-kart handling. Anyone else gone through this same dilemma with their Mini and what made you finally pull the trigger on new shocks?
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
This one really threw me off. A couple weeks ago I noticed my 2017 A6 was shifting a little rough between 2nd and 3rd gear – nothing terrible, just not as smooth as usual. I was about to take it to a transmission shop when suddenly the car wouldn't start one morning. Got a jump, drove straight to a garage, and they said the battery was completely shot. They replaced it, coded it, and to my surprise the transmission started shifting perfectly again. The mechanic explained that modern Audis have so many electronic modules that when the battery voltage drops, the transmission control module can start acting weird because it's not getting clean power. I had no idea that was even possible. I've been telling everyone about this because I almost spent a fortune on transmission work. When I was looking for a shop to do the battery, I specifically searched for Audi Battery Replacement Service Dubai because I wanted someone who understood these quirks. Has anyone else experienced weird behavior like rough shifts, dim lights, or glitchy screens that turned out to be just a bad battery? Would love to hear other stories so I don't feel like I'm crazy.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
I'm a bit frustrated today and just need to vent a little but also hoping someone might have some advice. I run a small operation out of Ajman where we deliver locally and honestly everything goes fine until it's time to actually get packages into customers' hands. That final stage is where everything seems to fall apart drivers can't find addresses, customers aren't home, packages get left in weird spots, and I feel like I spend half my day just playing phone tag trying to coordinate deliveries that should have been simple. I've been trying to discover better ways to manage final-mile logistics because clearly the system I've cobbled together isn't working anymore now that order volumes have picked up. I came across an article that talked about how smarter packaging can actually make the last-mile stage smoother because it makes packages easier to handle, stack, and organize in delivery vehicles, which means drivers spend less time rummaging around and more time actually delivering. I hadn't really thought about packaging affecting the delivery side that way but it makes sense when I think about it. I'm curious if anyone here has found that changes in packaging actually helped their delivery efficiency, or if I should be focusing my energy elsewhere like better route planning or delivery software. Feels like I need to fix something soon before I lose more customers to delivery headaches.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
I've been running a small electronics assembly business in Ajman for about three years now, and I'm starting to realize that the way I handle shipping is probably the biggest bottleneck I haven't addressed. Every order feels like a production I'm digging through mismatched boxes, cutting foam padding by hand, taping everything up with a cheap dispenser that keeps jamming, and then making multiple trips to the courier because I can never get everything ready at once. I know I'm losing hours every week that I could be spending on actual production, and I'm probably overpaying for shipping materials by buying in small quantities whenever I run out. I've been researching efficient ways to organize and transport goods because I'm finally ready to admit that my makeshift approach isn't sustainable now that orders are picking up. I'm hoping to find someone in Ajman who can help me set up a proper packing station, recommend the right crates and materials for my specific products, and maybe even suggest better relationships with shipping carriers. If anyone has made the transition from chaotic shipping to something that actually runs smoothly, I'd love to hear what changes made the biggest difference for you.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Well, it finally happened. I got the denial letter in the mail yesterday and I've been stewing on it ever since. I hurt my lower back about four months ago while moving equipment at work, and the insurance company is now claiming that my MRI shows degeneration that existed before the accident, so they're denying the whole claim. The thing is, yeah, I'm in my forties and I've had some stiffness over the years, but I was working full duty with no restrictions before that day I felt something pop while lifting. Now my own doctor is saying the acute injury definitely happened at work, but the insurance doctor is pointing at the MRI and saying it's all pre-existing. I feel like they're twisting the truth to get out of paying for something that clearly happened on the job. I've been trying to figure out what my next move is because I know I have a limited time to challenge this, and I'm pretty sure I need someone who handles these appeals. I found a New Paltz workers comp appeal attorney online that seems to deal with exactly this kind of situation where the insurance company tries to blame everything on prior issues. Has anyone here successfully appealed a denial based on the pre-existing condition argument? I'm trying to get a sense of what I'm up against before I commit to anything, because this whole process has already been exhausting enough without having to start over.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
, modified by Leonard Fitzpatrick on 1. Jun 2026

Just wanted to post an update because I was stressing about this for weeks and it turned out fine. My wife's Macan has been due for rear pads for a while and I kept putting it off because I was worried about finding somewhere that wouldn't mess up the electronics. You hear horror stories about people frying control modules or not resetting the service lights properly. I did a ton of research online and found a place that seemed to know what they were talking about, they even had a page specifically about Porsche brake pad repair service Dubai that explained the whole process including the electronic parking brake procedure. Booked it in, dropped it off on my way to work, and picked it up in the afternoon. They even sent me a video of the old pads so I could see they were actually worn out. Car feels great, no warning lights, no squeaks, and cost about half what the dealer wanted. If anyone else is putting this off because they're nervous about the tech side of things, honestly just find a specialist and get it done. These cars are solid but they need proper maintenance.

Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Just wanted to share something I came across while trying to figure out this whole battery situation. My car's been acting up lately and I knew I needed to replace it, but every time I went to a garage I got a different price and a different recommendation. Started to feel like they were just saying whatever would get me to spend more money, which is frustrating when you're not an expert. Spent some time online reading up on it and found this page beststartupstory.com/budget-vs-premium-car-batteries-uae that actually compares the options side by side without trying to sell you anything. It explained why some batteries cost double and whether the extra money actually buys you something useful or just a brand name. Made me realize that for my driving habits and the fact that I park outside, spending a bit more might actually save me money in the long run if it means not replacing it every year. Still haven't bought one yet but at least now I feel like I know what to ask for when I go back to the shop. Thought this might help someone else who's tired of guessing.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Had that horrible feeling today after a long shopping trip at Dubai Hills Mall. Came back to the car, turned the key, and absolutely nothing. Just clicks and silence. I was completely stuck and had no idea what to do. I started searching online for quick solutions for a vehicle that won't start and found a really helpful guide that explained the jump starting process step by step. A kind guy nearby had cables and offered to help, and I was able to guide him through the correct order to connect everything thanks to what I'd just read. We had the car running in five minutes. If you drive in this heat, it's worth knowing this stuff. You never know when you'll need it.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
I just moved to Abu Dhabi with my E Class and it's due for its first service here. I'm trying to figure out how to plan my day around it. I was reading a really detailed guide online at uaefetcher.com/mercedes-service-time-abu-dhabi that explained the difference between the basic Service A and the more detailed Service B. It said a standard service can take two to five hours, but a major one might take a full day, especially if parts aren't available. That's helpful to know, but I'm wondering about the real world experience here. For those of you who use the authorized dealerships, do they usually stick to the estimated time, or should I always expect it to take longer? Is it worth waiting around, or do you always arrange for a drop off and pickup?
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Hi everyone, my car air conditioner has suddenly stopped cooling properly and with the heat here in Sharjah it is becoming really uncomfortable to drive. I am not sure whether it is a gas refill issue or something more serious like the compressor. While searching for possible causes and repair steps, I found some useful explanations that helped me understand the basics, so if anyone else is facing the same issue you might want to read this article before visiting a workshop. I would still appreciate recommendations for reliable AC repair garages that are honest with pricing and diagnostics.
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Hi everyone, I ran into a scary issue yesterday where my car just refused to start and the engine would not crank at all. The lights and dashboard were coming on, but when I turned the key, nothing happened except a small clicking sound. I started searching online about what to do when your car engine stops turning because I had no idea if it was the battery, starter, or something more serious like a seized engine. I came across some helpful explanations that break down the possible causes and what steps to take before panicking, including checking the battery connections and making sure the engine is not locked up. Has anyone else dealt with this situation and what ended up being the real problem for you?
Leonard Fitzpatrick
Junior
16 posts
Proper airflow plays an important role in storing goods that require freshness and moisture control. Ventilated storage containers UAE are designed to allow air circulation while keeping products organized and protected. Commonly used for food items, agriculture, and logistics, these containers help maintain quality during storage and transport. By using ventilated storage containers UAE, businesses can support efficient operations and reduce the risk of spoilage or damage.
Are you a professional seller? Create an account
Non-logged user
Hello wave
Welcome! Sign in or register