Getting regular car servicing is the best way to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently year-round. How often you require a car service will depend on your vehicle – if your car is old, has experienced significant wear and tear or is driven every day, you may need to get a car service more often than drivers with newer, lower kilometre vehicles.

As a general rule, getting your car serviced by a qualified car mechanic every six months or 10,000km is sufficient. However, you should be aware of how your vehicle is performing and book it in for a car service sooner if it isn’t behaving how you expect. 

How you use your car is also an important consideration for determining when you should get a car service. If your vehicle is used for towing large machinery – such as trailers, caravans or boats – it’s likely that you’ll require a car service more often than the general 10,000km or six-month rule. Vehicles that travel large distances and are used extremely regularly may also need to be serviced more often than the guidelines state. This is because your car is likely under more stress than a normal vehicle. 

Why should I service my car?

A regular car service is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to look after your vehicle. By getting regular car servicing, your mechanic will minimise the likelihood of (potentially costly) future problems arising. This not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures that you don’t have to go without a car for extended periods of time.

Increased longevity 

In addition, getting a car service by a qualified car mechanic helps to improve the life of your vehicle, meaning you’ll likely be able to drive it for many more years than a car that hasn’t been serviced regularly. Periodic maintenance minimises the chance of costly wear and tear that could cause your car to become unroadworthy, thereby keeping you on the road for longer. 

Higher resale

By keeping on top of your car servicing, you also help to increase the resale value of your car. Prospective owners will see that your car is in a good condition for its age and number of kilometres driven, putting you at a competitive edge to sell your car for a higher value than poorly looked after vehicles. 

Maintain manufacturer’s warranty

Regular car servicing will also help to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, which is both beneficial while you own the vehicle and when you’re looking to sell it. If your vehicle is under warranty, you will be able to fix parts and issues with the support of your vehicle’s manufacturer, keeping your car running smoothly year after year and benefiting you financially when it comes time to sell.

Keeping you safe

On top of all the other benefits, the most important reason to get a car service is to help keep you safe on the road. A serviced vehicle will work more efficiently and be able to handle more dangerous conditions, so that you have peace of mind knowing your car is as safe as possible every time you drive.

What types of car services are there?

There are several types of services that your car will receive over its lifespan. These include: 

• General service
• Logbook service
• Air conditioning service
• Auto electrical service
• Brakes & clutch service

Your car mechanic will be able to identify which service you need based on manufacturer’s guidelines or after a preliminary inspection of your car. As a general rule, new cars will require a logbook service whereas older cars require a general service, also known as the six-monthly or every 10,000km service.

For a logbook service, the qualified car mechanic will follow the service guidelines set out by your car manufacturer to ensure that the vehicle’s warranty is maintained. The logbook states when a mechanic is required to inspect and replace specific parts and fluids within the vehicle. By getting a regular logbook service, you will help maintain the high standard of your new car. 

When conducting a general car service, your mechanic will not follow a logbook. Instead, they will complete a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle and then diagnose and repair any issues within the scope of your service. In instances where your mechanic has discovered a larger problem, you will be involved in the decision making before any repairs occur.

Your local car service experts

If you think it’s time for your next car service, our expertly trained team at Highfields Mechanical is here to help. Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

It isn’t uncommon to hear a squeaking sound coming from your brakes from time to time. This can be due to a number of factors including dust being on the brake pads or general wear. When deciding whether your brakes need attention, it’s best to assess the situations in which they’re squeaking.

Firstly, it’s completely normal for your car’s brakes to squeak first thing in the morning. As the brake pads warm up, they’ll make a small amount of noise. If your car had been parked outside in the damp air overnight, your brakes may even need to grind off a thin layer of rust that has built up. This can also be the case if your car hasn’t been driven for many weeks or months.

If the squeaking continues long into your commute, you may need to pay more attention. The most likely explanation is that your brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan. Instead of letting them wear away to nothing, manufacturers install wear indicators in their pads. Wear indicators are small strips of metal specifically designed to screech in contact with the brake rotor and let you know it’s time for a replacement. If this is the case, it’s best to bring your vehicle to your mechanic for a brake replacement.

Another explanation for the squeaking may be if you’ve put your brakes under strain recently by braking for an extended period with a heavy vehicle or trailer. It’s possible your brake pads have overheated and “glazed”. This process, where your brake pads harden due to the heat stress, results in much less friction between the pad and the brake rotor. Your braking will be less forceful as a result, and you’ll notice that they start to squeak consistently.

Another possibility, the best-case scenario, is that a bit of debris from the road has made its way between the brake pad and the rotor. A small pebble or piece of grit is more than enough to disrupt their relationship and produce a squeaky brake. Luckily, just removing the brake pad to check for the issue may be enough to dislodge it.  

Is it safe to drive with squeaking brakes?  

As a general rule, it’s unwise to ignore a consistently squeaking brake for any length of time, as the sound is informing you that something is wrong or disrupted with one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Your brakes need to be dealt with before any damage takes place or you’re involved in a preventable accident.

For example, if you’ve ignored the squeaking sound of your brake pad’s wear indicator, eventually the brake pad will completely wear away and your brake will be pressing metal into metal to slow you down. At this point, your car is no longer roadworthy and is unsafe to drive. 

If you feel that your brakes have been squeaking consistently for a week or more, or your car isn’t braking in the way you expect it to, it’s smart to either look at them yourself and assess their state or take them to a professional for a thorough inspection.

Can I fix my own squeaky brakes?

The easiest way to fix your squeaking brakes is a brake pad replacement. Provided you have the right tools and consult your owner’s manual, brake repair is something anybody interested can manage. If you’re not comfortable fixing your own brakes and want to be sure that it’s done to the highest standard, taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic is your best option. 

Additionally, as your front two wheels take more of the braking impact, they will likely need replacing more frequently than the back two wheels. However, it’s recommended that you check each individual brake when replacing a problematic one, to ensure that they’re in good working order. You should also inspect the brake rotor as these need to be replaced when they show significant signs of wear (or roughly every 100,000km).

If you’ve been noticing a squeak every time you stop at a red light, it’s time to bring your car in to our expertly trained team at Highfields Mechanical, so we can send you home with the safest brakes possible.

Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch shortly.

When driving, it’s important that you always feel in control of your vehicle, especially at high speeds. A persistent shaking coming from your car’s steering wheel shouldn’t be ignored as it can be incredibly dangerous. This is why drivers benefit from understanding some of the issues’ most common causes. Being able to trust your car will react the way you expect it to will mean you’re more equipped to handle the problem and be less anxious on the road. 

There are three common culprits for a loose steering wheel: your wheels, brakes and your suspension.

Most often, the issue will stem from the wheels themselves. If you’ve jarred your car recently, by driving over a pothole or hitting a curb, it’s possible that you’ve accidentally knocked your tyres out of alignment. This can cause a whole host of issues if it isn’t dealt with quickly, with steering wheel vibration being one of the easiest indicators that something has gone wrong.

If alignment isn’t the issue, it’s also possible that your wheels are out of balance. This could mean that one or more of your tyres aren’t properly inflated, your treads are worn unevenly or something mechanical could be wrong further up your drivetrain. If you’re finding the shake is happening most noticeably around 80kph, then this could very well be your issue.

Brakes are the next logical culprit, especially if the shake occurs while you’re braking. The common issue will be with your brake rotors, a mechanical wheel that a brake pad physically clamps onto when you press the brake pedal, bringing your car to a stop. If this part wears out of shape, the clamp won’t apply evenly, and you’ll feel the wheel and pedal start to shake.

If your vehicle is older, then the components that make up your suspension could be worn down and loosened. This will cause a potentially severe shaking that you’ll feel in your wheel, and will need to be looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible, to prevent further damage to your car.

Is it safe to drive with a shaky steering wheel?  

It can sometimes be difficult to know just how worried you should be about your vehicle. Do you need to bring your car to a mechanic if your steering wheel starts shaking? Can you wait until the next service?

The short answer is that you should get it looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible. The longer you delay having them fixed or replaced by a professional mechanic, the worse the damage is going to be to your car and your wallet.

How do I fix my shaking steering wheel? 

Unfortunately, there’s no handy tip or quick fix for dealing with a shaking steering wheel. Whatever the cause may be, it will almost certainly require a mechanic to repair. As soon as you notice your steering wheel start to shake, take note of what conditions cause the vibration – your speed, the road condition, etc. All this information will be helpful to your mechanic when it comes time to diagnose what the problem is (if it isn’t something immediately obvious like the condition of your tyres).

Your mechanic will perform the necessary repair; a wheel alignment, wheel rebalancing, tyre or brake rotor replacement, and get you back on the road smoothly.

If you feel like your steering wheel has been vibrating a lot lately, our expertly trained team at Highfields Mechanical can perform all of these repairs and more. Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

In order to keep your vehicle moving in the same direction and keep you safe on the road, it’s important to get your wheel alignment checked every 10,000km or twice a year, whichever comes first.

A wheel alignment service involves manually adjusting the suspension of your vehicle to ensure each component in your system is in the correct position for optimal performance.

Each time your car receives a wheel alignment service by a qualified mechanic, you help to ensure that the wheels and axles of your vehicle are squared as set out by your car manufacturer. In addition to helping your car move in the correct direction, getting regular wheel repair and alignment services improves the overall handling of your vehicle and helps increase the lifespan of your tyres.

Signs your car needs a wheel alignment service

General wear and tear and simple driving mistakes like mounting the kerb or hitting a pothole can cause your wheels to become misaligned. To minimise the damage of general driving on your vehicle you should maintain the air pressure in your tyres, avoid driving through potholes and remove any heavy items from your car.

Even if you have gotten a checkup recently or you have taken as many steps as possible to prevent damage to your suspension, it is important to be aware of the signs your car may give off if it is in need of a wheel alignment service, such as:

Vehicle pulls left or right

If you can feel your vehicle pulling to the left or right whilst driving on a straight road, it’s very likely that your car is in need of a wheel alignment service. The wheels of your vehicle should be easy to control and you should not feel any resistance when trying to keep your car driving straight. If you do, it’s best to get your wheels checked over by a qualified mechanic.

Crooked and/or vibrating steering wheel

Another important sign that your car is due for a wheel alignment service is a crooked or vibrating steering wheel. When driving on a straight road, your steering wheel should be almost completely straight and centred. If this isn’t the case, you may be experiencing issues with your wheel alignment.

Uneven tyre wear

Uneven and rapid tyre wear is another telltale sign of wheel misalignment. Your tyres will wear out in different areas as they will be unable to evenly distribute the weight of your vehicle.

Wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment

Despite both wheel balancing and alignment services helping your vehicle drive more smoothly, there are noticeable differences in the service procedures of both.

In some instances where you expect you may need a wheel alignment service, it is possible that you’ll require a wheel balancing service instead. This means a qualified mechanic will correct any weight imbalances in each wheel individually, to ensure a smoother ride.

Your mechanic will be able to identify when a wheel balancing service is required over a wheel alignment service, as your tyres will have worn out significantly and there will be clear suspension and vibration issues with your vehicle.

Trust Us For Your Next Car Service

At Highfields Mechanical, we are experts in all things wheel alignment and wheel balancing. We’re here to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly year-round and to help keep you and your passengers as safe on the road as possible.

If you’ve noticed your car is steering differently, give our friendly and professional team a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

If you’ve made a car purchase recently, there’s a good chance it was an SUV. With the rise of these popular cars in the market, more Australians are buying four-wheel-drives more than ever before. Today’s 4WDs aren’t just for transport – they’re lifestyle vehicles, effortlessly blending traditional practicality with all the benefits of an off-road vehicle.

While 4WD models generally cost more than their two-wheel-drive counterparts, the added benefits are often worth the investment. A modern 4WD usually includes novice-friendly features and state-of-the-art technology that adapts to your terrain to help keep you safe.

The main point of difference is the power to the wheels. While 2WD vehicles are operated from the front or rear, in 4WD vehicles power is directed to all four wheels at the same time. This system is not only a major safety feature, but it also maximises road traction. This means you’re able to head on an off-road adventure to explore some of Australia’s best hidden tracks and natural wonders.

Want to join in on the 4WD revolution? Here are our favourite 4WD tips and tricks that could be helpful before you hit the roads.

4WDs can be safer – but be careful

While the 4WD systems have traditionally been found in large trucks and SUVS, recent improvements mean it can now be included in a wider variety of comfortable and luxurious car models. Though four-wheel-drive systems are generally better at handling diverse terrain, the overall safety level of a 4WD depends on the conditions of the roads and how the vehicle is driven.

As stated by Victorian regulations, all new passenger vehicles must be fitted with electronic stability control. In a 4WD, these systems stabilise the vehicle and help to provide greater traction than a two-wheel-drive vehicle when accelerating and cornering. This is a major benefit to 4WDs, especially when the road is wet or slippery. Other features such as Hill Descent Control allow for smooth and descent over rough terrain without requiring the driver to constantly touch the brake pedal.

One of the most important safety 4WD tips for beginners is to know your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. Before taking your 4WD off-roading, check under the car to identify its lowest point, approach angles and wading depth. Additionally, common sense planning can go a long way – simple things like checking the weather and planning your route can drastically increase your safety when four-wheel-driving and save you hassle in the long run.

4WD Beginner Tips

Gather supplies

Before you go off-road, make sure you load up on supplies. Consider bringing essentials with you on every trip, including:

• Tyre recovery gear
• Recovery tracks
• Snatch straps 
• Radio
• A first aid kit
• A shovel
• A starter kit
• Water

Packing the right supplies can help you avoid sticky situations – or get you out of one when the time comes.

Know your terrain

One of the best parts of owning a 4WD in Australia is the vastly different terrains you’ll encounter along your travels. Knowing whether the ground will be sandy, rocky, steep or muddy, and knowing when to engage different modes is a skill that all 4WD drivers will pick up over time.

Adjust your tyre pressure

Tyre pressure is one of the most important, yet overlooked 4WD tips for newbies. 4×4 experts state that a common mistake beginner drivers make is not adjusting their tyre pressure for a better grip on the road. Reducing the air pressure to suit your terrain will not only improve your vehicle’s performance, but also aid tyre lifespan, help prevent damage, and make your ride much safer.

Stay slow

While you might be tempted to go fast over obstacles, it’s important to pace yourself. The old adage of ‘slow and steady wins the race,’ rings true no matter the terrain you’re driving. This is because it’s easy for things to go wrong when driving over unfamiliar obstacles. Keeping calm and thinking first can help you stay safe.

The experienced team Highfields Mechanical are on hand to answer all your questions. For all your 4WD needs, give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, or simply want to go on a cross country adventure, offroading could be perfect for you. To get the most out of your first offroad adventure, it is important to be well prepared and pack appropriately. 

We’ve created a list of essential 4WD accessories that we recommend for your offroad survival kit.

Recovery gear

Your 4WD is designed to tackle a variety of terrains.

No matter how big of a beast your 4WD may be, you may still find yourself stuck in sand or mud. If you’re struggling to get your vehicle back in motion, you will need the assistance of 4WD recovery gear to get back on track.

For example, recovery gear may include tracks that help shovel dirt away from your tyres or recovery ropes that will help you drag your 4WD out of a mess.

First aid kit

Unfortunately, accidents can happen on the road. It’s extremely important that you have a well-equipped first aid kit at the ready should an unforeseen event occur. When packing your first aid kit be sure to pack: bandages, saline solution, one pair of tweezers or forceps, a rescue blanket, disposable gloves and an instant eye pack.

There are numerous places where you can order a pre-made complete first aid kit before you start your 4WD journey.

Suspension kit

4WDs require a specific level of suspension to ensure safety and improve riding comfort. 

In order to prepare your 4WD for cross country driving, be sure that you have the appropriate 4WD suspension kit installed. Australia has extremely varied terrain conditions, so a suspension kit will allow you to have better control of your 4×4 vehicle.

Cargo Barriers

Prior to taking your 4WD for a long haul trip, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is properly set up for the road with a 4WD cargo barrier.

Sometimes when on the track you may encounter instances that require sudden emergency braking or in rare circumstances, your vehicle may rollover. This can become extremely dangerous if you have loose cargo in your 4WD. Barriers help protect you and any passengers from any cargo that may be thrust forward during a sudden brake or collision.

Dual Battery

The last thing you want when far off the beaten track is to have a flat battery.

A 4WD dual battery is perfect for anyone who plans on taking their vehicle on long journeys. This battery will not only help to keep the vehicle powered for the trip, but will also power your appliances, such as a portable fridge.

Fridge or an esky

If you’re using your 4WD for a long haul drive you’re no doubt going to get hungry and thirsty.

Having a fridge or esky is a great way to keep your drinks cool and your food fresh. There are a variety of fridges and eskies available, and the type you need will depend on the length of your trip. If you’re travelling in remote areas where you are far away from help, you need to make sure that you have enough food and water to keep yourself healthy in case of an emergency.

Alternatively, eskies and iceboxes are a great power-free option to keep your food and drinks cool, simply with the aid of ice bags or blocks. Always make sure your fridge or esky has bottles of water if you don’t have other water storage containers with you.

Your Local 4WD Experts

Highfields are experts in 4WD care and maintenance.

If your 4WD needs a service or fitting with appropriate accessories for your long haul journey, give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780, or book an appointment online using our easy booking form below.

Four-wheel driving (4WD) is an enjoyable way to explore all the great places Australia has to offer. However, it’s no secret that off-roading does come with some safety risks. Being prepared for your 4×4 trip is the most important thing you can do to maximise the safety of your party and ensure that you have fun on the trail.

The following are some common 4WD mistakes that should be avoided in order to make your next adventure as smooth as possible.

Common 4WD Mistakes

Bringing the wrong accessories

Having the right 4WD recovery gear and accessories with you can be the difference between getting out of a tough situation and being stuck for hours. 

It’s important to do your research into the type of 4WD accessories that will best suit your vehicle and the rugged conditions you may face. Opting for the right 4WD accessories that are high quality will help you get out of any difficult situations you may find on your next adventure.

Not scoping out your route

One of the worst things you can do when off-roading is driving a completely unknown trail.

Having a good understanding of your route before you go off on your 4×4 adventure will allow you to maximise your safety and help ensure you know what you’ll be facing. 

Before you head out on your next trip, make sure to:

• Examine the off-roading track from higher ground.
• Thoroughly examine maps of your route
• Chat to someone who has driven it before.
• Walk the track to get a thorough picture of the terrain.

Off-roading alone

Going on a 4×4 adventure by yourself may seem appealing, but can be a dangerous pastime. Tackling an off-road adventure alone isn’t the best idea especially if you’re facing some difficult terrain.

Travelling with a friend means you have someone else around to help if something goes wrong. If you need, they’ll be there to call for help, or assist you in recovering your 4×4 vehicle from a tricky situation that would be even less manageable with one person. 

When off-roading, it’s also important to give a third party details about your trip, so that they know where to look if they can’t get in touch with you.

Overpacking

Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes when going on a 4WD adventure.

Every 4WD has a maximum payload. The maximum safe weight limit for a vehicle must be followed as there can be serious risks in overloading a vehicle when navigating tough roads.

If you have done any 4WD modifying, make note of the weight increase to your vehicle.

Passengers, camping gear, and luggage all contribute to the payload and may make your 4×4 vehicle more dangerous to drive.

Before packing, it’s best to make tough decisions on what you’ll need and what can stay home.

Not getting your 4×4 vehicle serviced

Getting a regular offroad vehicle service isn’t always the first priority of drivers – but it should be.

Regular servicing will help your 4WD run smoothly and put you in the best position to be safe out on the tracks. Following the guidelines set out by your manufacturer or professional 4×4 mechanic is a must before any off-road adventure.

At Highfields Mechanical our team are expert 4×4, caravan and campervan mechanics. 

Our team are dedicated to ensuring that your vehicle is in the best possible condition to keep you safe when offroad.

 Before your next offroad adventure, give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780, or book an appointment online using our easy booking form.

At Highfields Mechanical, it’s our job to pair offroad drivers with the best products for their adventures. The 2021 QLD Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo is the place to be for all things 4×4 and offroading, and we’re excited to be presenting there this year!

Showcasing the latest tools, accessories and car features, the QLD Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo gives guests every opportunity to learn about the best Flash Diesel services and CampBoss products for their vehicles. That way, guests can drive away knowing how to ensure their 4x4s are safe and ready for anything. 

As Queensland’s largest outdoor adventure expo, guests will have access to over 120 companies specialising in offroad adventures and find a huge range of caravans, camper trailers, hybrids, 4×4 vehicles and more. 

The expo has everything thrill seekers need to get on the road and off on their next adventure. Get involved today!

Flash Diesel & CampBoss Experts

At the QLD Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo, our team will tell you everything you need to know about Flash Diesel services and CampBoss products. The products, including recovery gear, and services that we endorse help to make offroad adventures safer for everyone. 

As your local CampBoss wholesalers, we know which products suit which occasions. Whether you’re keen to go camping by the side of your car, drive on dangerous 4WD tracks, or just want to make sure that you’ve got the right gear with you – we’re here to help. 

Our knowledgeable and experienced team are also the providers of Flash Diesel, the leading diesel tuning technology in Australia. As experts in diesel tuning, we can improve the performance of any 4×4 diesel engine by enhancing the power, torque and driveability of offroad vehicles. 

Get ready for your next adventure 

Visit the QLD Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo and get ready for your next offroad adventure!

We’ll be there to answer any of your questions and help adventure enthusiasts rest assured that they have the right tools and equipment to be safe offroad.

Once you know what you need to bring with you, have a chat with our team about getting an expert diesel tuning service and you’ll be offroad in no time!

To learn more, give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online booking form and we will be in touch.

Your safety during your offroad adventure comes down to three key factors – the driving conditions, the location and the gear you bring with you. 

Before you go offroading, touring or beach driving, it is important to consider which accessories you’re going to need during your trip. As some of Australia’s best offroading tracks are in extremely remote locations, it’s important to keep in mind your need for comfort and safety when offroading on your next 4×4 offroad adventure.

At Highfields Mechanical, we are your local 4×4 mechanic and experts in all things 4WD accessories, servicing and repairs.

Be prepared for your next offroad adventure

To be prepared for your next offroad adventure, you might need these four all4adventure accessories. This isn’t a complete list of what you should bring on your trip, but here are some of our favourites:

Bush Mechanic Bundle

The Bush Mechanic Bundle is here to help you get out of a sticky situation. In scenarios where your vehicle gets into trouble and you don’t have access to a mechanic, the bush mechanic bundle is a lifesaver.

It includes a CampBoss 4×4 tyre repair kit and a 4×4 multitool so that you can fix your tyres on the side of the dirt track. 

Repairing or changing your tyres requires some preexisting knowledge, so it’s important to make sure that you know how to change a tyre and use the Bush Mechanic Bundle before you leave for your 4×4 offroad adventure.

Premium Adventure Recovery System

The Premium Adventure Recovery System is likely what you’ll need in the midst of a serious bog or in a situation where your 4×4 vehicle is stuck in place. 

With safety in mind, offroad drivers will be able to winch or recover their car using high-quality straps, with the strap’s minimum breaking strength being anywhere between two to three times the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).

Including a Kinetic Recovery Rope, Winch Extension Rope, Soft Shackles and a Tree Protector, the Premium Adventure Recovery System is our go-to when getting out of tough situations. 

Boss Multi-Wrench

The Boss Multi-Wrench is your go-to tool to fix any little problems in your car or campsite. 

Featuring an adjustable pipe wrench and spanner, plus a saw, ruler, LED light and five-piece screwdriver set, the Boss Multi-Wrench can get you out of trouble if you know how to use it. 

Become familiar with your Boss Multi-Wrench and how to use it before you go on your trip, to avoid any dangerous and unknown situations. It is also vital that you get your 4WD serviced by a qualified 4×4 mechanic before you leave for any offroading adventure. 

Boss Camp Light

If you choose to camp overnight in between offroad adventures, the Boss Camp Light is a must for your visibility and comfort.

The light uses high-intensity LED technology in both bug-free yellow and white to light up an entire campsite, ensuring that you have much-needed light when you’ve parked up for the evening. 

Your local 4×4 accessories distributor

At Highfields Mechanical, we are the number one local distributor of all4adventure CampBoss products. As expert 4×4 mechanics, we know just how important it is to have the right equipment with you during your offroading adventure, and CampBoss products are just that. 

Before your next trip, contact our experienced team for expert advice and to check if your 4X4 is ready to keep you safe for a fun offroad trip. 

Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780, or book an appointment online using our easy booking form and we’ll get you ready for your next 4×4 trip.

Diesel Tuning

Diesel tuning, also known as flash tuning, involves reprogramming the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) within your car in order to modify how the engine within your diesel vehicle works. This is usually done to improve your vehicle’s performance.

As a standard within most vehicles, the ECU is set to limit your vehicle’s functionality. In 4WDs, the ECU acts as the brain of the car, controlling several different aspects from the operation of your turbocharger at specific RPMs, fuel control under acceleration and deceleration to advising you when you are due for service.   

Diesel tuning can impact various systems within your 4×4 vehicle including: 

• Your engine’s performance and output
• Automatic transmission system
• Ignition and timing systems
• Fuel system operation
• Valve timing operations

The ECU can be optimised specifically to suit how you intend to use your vehicle. Changing certain ECU settings will help improve your car’s performance when dealing with offroad adventures, touring, towing or just cruising. At Highfields Mechanical, our team of professional technicians are experts in customising the tuning of your diesel engine to suit your on-road and off-road needs. 

Benefits of Diesel Tuning

Flash tuning helps you get the most out of your diesel engine. By reprogramming the ECU within your vehicle, you ensure that your vehicle works the way you want it to, not limited to how the manufacturer intended. 

One way in which diesel engines can benefit from flash tuning is through an increase in torque for your vehicle. By increasing your vehicle’s torque, your vehicle will be better equipped to tow heavy objects, such as trailers. Additionally, diesel flash tuning improves the performance of your engine, as the parameters that the engine operates under are changed. This can increase the power of your engine and reduce turbo lag. When combined with greater torque, diesel tuning ensures that you can drive thousands of kilometres of Australia’s vast terrain with ease. An increase in torque and engine performance helps your 4WD not only navigate rugged terrain but sealed roads too.

Depending on your requirements, diesel tuning can also improve the fuel economy of your vehicle and save you money in the future. With the right diesel tuning, you will be able to travel greater distances using less fuel than you would in a vehicle that has not been optimised.

In short, diesel tuning has the potential to be extremely beneficial for your 4×4 vehicle and can be customised to suit your day-to-day driving requirements. 

Diesel Tuning Considerations

When done properly, diesel tuning is a great way to customise how your vehicle runs. However, if diesel tuning is not conducted by a professional, serious long-term damage could be done to your car. 

It is important to consider how complex the ECU system within your vehicle is before altering the default ECU settings. Simply playing around with the settings, maps and codes within your vehicle’s computer system may change the functionality beyond what your 4WD can handle, setting it up for failure in the future.

Before undergoing flash tuning, it’s best to ensure that your vehicle is working at its optimum performance by getting a diesel service or car maintenance. 

The team at Highfields Mechanical are experts in all things diesel and flash tuning.

Our dedicated mechanics have the experience to understand your diesel vehicle inside and out. To improve the functionality of your diesel vehicle, get in touch with our friendly team today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online booking form and we will be in touch.