Car Maintenance Tips

Does my car need a CV Joint Replacement?

The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• a clicking noise is heard when
• accelerating or turning
• vibration in the steering wheel
• a split CV boot
• grease or oil stains on driveway

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• failing your next WOF check
• a roadside breakdown
• causing extensive driveline damage

What does a CV Joint Replacement involve?

Our CV Joint Replacement Service includes the following:

• check CV joints
• remove CV joint
• clean and inspect axle spline

How will a CV Joint Replacement improve my motoring?

Apart from eliminating the problems and future risks, you will enjoy:

• smoother acceleration
• smoother cornering

How much does a CV Joint Replacement cost?

For a standard four-cylinder, petrol-powered car (includes manual or automatic, but excludes 4WDs and
turbo-powered vehicles), a CV joint replacement will cost $75 including GST per side, plus parts (between $65 and $220 including GST).

For most other cars (diesels, 4WDs; turbo-powered vehicles; six and eight cylinders), a CV joint replacement will cost $140 including GST per side, plus parts (between $65 and $220 including GST).

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need a Clutch Replacement?

This service only applies to manual transmission vehicles. The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• difficult or impossible to change gears
• a noise (rumbling or squealing) is heard when using the clutch
• a burning smell emanates from the engine
• clutch pedal is unusually high or low
• high fuel consumption
• slow to move off, slipping sensation

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• total inability to changes gears, leading to a roadside breakdown
• causing extensive damage to flywheel, costing hundreds of dollars to repair
• transmission wear and damage
• possible damage to your gearbox

What does a Clutch Replacement involve?

Our Clutch Replacement includes:

• check CV or universal joint
• check engine mounts
• change gearbox oil
• check condition of flywheel (and grind if required)
• check oil seals
• align and replace clutch plate
• align and replace pressure plate
• replace release bearing
• check spigot bearing (and replace if required)
• check clutch hydraulics or cable
• check and adjust clutch clearance

How will a Clutch Replacement improve my motoring?

Once we have finished the job you will enjoy:

• easier gear changes
• increased fuel efficiency
• smoother, quieter take off

How much does a Clutch Replacement cost?

For a standard petrol-powered vehicle (four, six or eight cylinder), the labour-only cost of a clutch replacement is $450 (6 hours) including GST. The cost of the clutch parts (extra) vary from vehicle to vehicle, but generally range between $250 and $500 including GST.

For other cars (diesels, 4WDs and turbo-powered vehicles), the labour-only cost of a clutch replacement would be between $450 and $650 including GST. The cost of the clutch parts (extra) vary from vehicle to vehicle, but generally range between $250 and $500 including GST.

Please note: the grinding of the flywheel (if required) may involve an additional charge (usually around $67.50 including GST) for some vehicles.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need the Cam Belt Replaced?

The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• noisy engine
• warning light appears on dash
• over 50,000 kms since cam belt last
• replaced
• difficulty starting car
• high fuel consumption

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• a roadside breakdown causing extensive engine damage, costing you thousands of dollars to repair

What does a Cam Belt Replacement involve?

Our Cam Belt Replacement includes the following:

• check power-steering belt
• check air-conditioning belt
• check alternator belt
• check auto tensioner
• check cam belt idlers
• check external condition of water pump
• check oil seals
• check and replace cam belt*
• check and adjust cam timing
• check engine mount
  *cost of belt is extra
• sometimes manufactures recomend replacing tensioners, idlers, oil seals and water pump

How will replacing the Cam Belt improve my motoring?

Once we have finished the job you will enjoy:

• reduced engine wear and damage
• increased fuel efficiency
• quieter engine
• improved engine performance
• greater engine reliability
• easier engine starting

How much does a Cam Belt Replacement cost?

For a standard four-cylinder, petrol-powered car (manual or automatic), the labour-only cost for a cam belt replacement is $300 including GST. The cost of the belt varies, depending on the vehicle. A cam belt for a standard four-cylinder, petrol-powered car is usually between $50 and $80 including GST. We can confirm the exact amount upon enquiry.

For most other cars (diesels; high performance vehicles; six and eight cylinders), the labour-only cost for a cam belt replacement can cost $320 upwards. The cost of the belt varies, depending on the vehicle. The belts for these sorts of cars cost anything from $120 upwards. We can confirm the exact amount upon enquiry.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

This page deals with replacing disc brakes only – not drum brakes. So let’s establish what sort of brakes you have on your vehicle. If you look through the wheel hub and see a shiny round plate behind it, you’ve almost certainly got disc brakes on that wheel. If not, you’ve probably got drum brakes. You’ll need to check front and back wheels as it’s possible to have both.

Does my car need a Disc Brake Replacement?

The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• a grinding or squealing noise from the wheels (especially when braking)
• brake pedal pumps up and down more freely than usual
• brakes do not perform properly

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• failing your next WOF check
• a total brake failure leading to a
• possible roadside breakdown
• causing extensive damage to brake discs and brake system which could cost you hundreds of dollars to repair

What does a Disc Brake Replacement involve?

Our Disc Brake Replacement includes the following:

• check and lubricate brake caliper slides
• check brake caliper pistons
• check brake pipes & hoses
• replace disc pads
• check and adjust handbrake cables (rear brakes usually)
• check for oil leaks

How will a Disc Brake Replacement improve my motoring?

Once your disc pads are replaced you will enjoy:

• improved performance of your brakes
• safer motoring
• increased fuel efficiency
• quieter motoring

How much does a Disc Brake Replacement cost?

Replacing a set of disc brakes (front or back) costs $85 per set including GST, plus parts.

Parts usually cost between $50 and $100 including GST.

Please note: we only use quality parts for our brake replacements (this is important when comparing costs with our competitors).

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need a Transmission Flush?

A transmission flush is only relevant for automatic transmissions. The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• difficult or impossible to select gears
• slipping occurs during gear shifts
• frequently missing gear shifts
• discoloured transmission oil ie. a dark brown colour (in most cases it should be red)
• transmission oil smells burnt
• over 30,000 kms since last transmission flush

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• a total inability to select gears,
• leading to a possible roadside
• breakdown
• causing extensive damage to transmission, costing you thousands of dollars to repair

What does a Transmission Flush involve?

Our Transmission Flush includes the following:

• check transmission pipes and hoses
• replace transmission oil
• circulate and filter transmission oil
• check operation of transmission

How will a Transmission Flush improve my motoring?

Once we have finished the job you will enjoy:

• smoother gear changes
• extended life of your transmission

How much does a Transmission Flush cost?

For most vehicles, a transmission flush will cost $85 including GST, plus parts and oil. Certain vehicles require a special grade of oil; higher levels of oil than most cars; or filter kits (around $50 including GST).
We can advise you of any likely extras when you bring your vehicle in.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need a Full Lube Service?

The most common warning signs (from most revealing to least revealing) are:

• over 10,000 kms since last lube
• oil leaks on driveway
• smoky exhaust fumes
• carbon build-up on exhaust
• dirty oil

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• complete ignition failure
• a seized engine
• a blown head gasket
• loss of steering control

What does a Full Lube Service involve?

Our Full Lube Service includes the following:

• drain and replace oil
• install new oil filter
• complete chassis lubrication
• check battery
• check and fill transmission fluid
• check differential
• check air filter
• check power steering fluid
• check brake fluid
• check tyre pressures
• check coolant level
• check wiper blades
• check windscreen washer level

How will a Full Lube Service improve my motoring?

Apart from eliminating the problems and future risks, you will enjoy:

• reduced engine wear
• increased fuel efficiency
• quieter engine

How much does a Full Lube Service cost?

For a standard four-cylinder, petrol-powered car (manual or automatic), a Full Lube Service will cost $130 including GST.
This includes oil and filter.

For most other cars (4WDs; high performance vehicles; 6 and 8 cylinders), a Full Lube Service will cost $170.00 including GST.
This includes oil and filter.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need a Cooling System Service?

Your car needs a Cooling System Service (from most urgent to least urgent) if:

• you find water leaks on your driveway
• it emits smoky exhaust fumes
• it is overheating or there is steam under the bonnet
• there is a noise coming from the engine
• there is a burning smell coming from the engine
• the heater or air conditioning doesn’t work properly
• the temperature light comes on or stays on
• the engine temperature rises quickly
• it has been over 10,000 kms or 12 months since its last service
• it uses a lot of fuel
• the radiator water is brown or rustcoloured (it should be green, yellow or orange)

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• a blown head gasket
• damage to the cooling system and engine, costing thousands of dollars to repair
• a complete engine failure or roadside breakdown

What does a Cooling System Service involve?

Our Cooling System Service includes:

• flush the cooling system
• add anti-freeze coolant
• pressure-test the cooling system
• check for leaks
• check for perished hoses and leaks
• check for signs of corrosion
• check condition of radiator core
• provide report and quote for repairs (if any)

If the check reveals that repairs are required, it might include the following:

• replace worn or split clips and hoses
• replace radiator
• replace water pump
• replace head gasket
• replace radiator cap
• replace thermostat

It is our practice to inform our customers before undertaking these repairs, unless they instruct us otherwise. Please let us know your requirements.

How will a Cooling System Service improve my motoring?

Apart from eliminating the problems and future risks, you will enjoy:

• reduced engine wear
• increased fuel efficiency
• quieter engine
• smoother motoring

How much does a Cooling System Service cost?

A Cooling System Service will cost $80 including GST. This includes the cost of replacing your car’s anti-freeze coolant.

If the check reveals that repairs are required, an extra cost for parts and labour will apply. These costs will depend on the repairs involved. We are happy to provide a no-obligation quote for this work, if requested.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!

Does my car need a Shock Absorber Replacement?

Your car is likely to need a Shock Absorber Replacement if (from most concerning to least concerning):

• your steering wheel vibrates uncomfortably
• your vehicle rocks and rolls a lot over uneven surfaces
• the bonnet of your vehicle dips down when you brake or slow down
• your vehicle takes longer to stop
• your vehicle doesn’t handle properly around corners
• your tyres are wearing unevenly
• your vehicle “stabilises” after one bounce
• your shock absorbers show signs of leakage
• it has been six years or 60,000 kilometres since you last replaced your shock absorbers

What could happen if I just ignore the problem?

You face the risk of:

• increased passenger discomfort, especially when traveling on long journeys or over bumpy roads or rough terrain
• loss of steering control
• unnecessary wear of your tyres
• failing your next Warrant of Fitness check
• loss of braking performance

Warning:
Tests have shown that if just one shock absorber is worn, a vehicle may need an extra 2.6 metres to stop. That will often mean the difference between stopping safely and crashing – or injury and death.

Two Types of Shock Absorbers

It is important to know what type of shock absorber is on your vehicle, as this determines the amount of work and expense involved.

The two types of shock absorbers are:
1. Standard: these are shocks that have springs that are separate from the shock absorber unit
2. McPherson Strut absorbers: these are shocks that have the springs integrated within the shock absorber unit

If you call us or bring your vehicle in, we can easily identify what type of shock absorbers you have.

What does a Shock Absorber Replacement involve?

Our Shock Absorber Replacement Service includes:

• check condition of existing shocks
• remove existing shocks (if worn)
• install new shocks
• perform height clearance check
• perform road test

Plus, if you have a McPherson Strut shock absorber, the service will include the following:

• strip the shock
• clean the unit housing
• replace the cartridge
• re-assemble the unit

How will a Shock Absorber Replacement improve my motoring?

Apart from eliminating the problems and future risks, you will enjoy:

• reduced wear on your tyres
• increased fuel efficiency
• safer motoring
• increased comfort
• improved handling and control

How much does a Shock Absorber Replacement cost?

Standard Shocks: A standard Shock Absorber Replacement will cost $70.

McPherson Strut Shocks: A McPherson Strut Shock Absorber Replacement will cost $150.

These costs include GST and are for replacing both sides. We always recommend replacing both sides at the same time.

Parts will cost extra – usually between $50 and $150.

If you contact us with details of your vehicle, we will gladly provide you with a free estimate or quote.

What should I do now?

We suggest you:

• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 to book your car in; or
• Bring your car in for a FREE 5 minute appraisal and quote (Yes! We provide FREE written WINZ quotes); or
• Phone us on (04) 388 1888 for more information – we’re more than happy to advise you!