The brakes on your car are arguably the most important safety feature, ensuring that you and your family have stopping control in an emergency situation. Common car brake issues can be dangerous for this reason, and it’s vital that you look after your brakes with regular servicing.

How to know you need a brake service

There are many signs you should be on the lookout for when driving your car that will let you know when it’s time to have your brakes examined. They include:

Dashboard warning lights

The clearest signal that you’re in need of a brake service will come from your car itself. A warning light will appear on your dashboard as soon as your car detects that there is an issue with the braking system. This will usually present in most models of car as a circle with a ‘!’ in the centre, and the word ‘BRAKE!’ written nearby (usually below or above). 

This can indicate a range of issues, from simply needing a mechanic to top up your brake fluid, or something more serious that needs fixing. Whatever the problem ends up being, it is considered unsafe to drive a car that is showing this brake warning, and it should be taken to a mechanic as quickly as possible.

Concerning noises while braking

By paying attention to the noises your car makes as you’re driving and braking, you may catch problems early. Listen carefully when you apply pressure to the brake pedal for anything out of the ordinary. This could be the common squeaky brakes that you may have experienced before, something more concerning like a squealing or screeching noise, or even a grinding, crunching sound coming from your brake disc.

As soon as you consistently hear something that’s out of the ordinary, get in touch with a mechanic so they can diagnose and fix the problem.

Brake response issues

Your brakes may also suffer when it comes to their actual performance. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle isn’t stopping as reliably as it used to, this can be a sign of a serious issue. A delay of less than a second in an emergency situation can be the difference between an accident and a near-miss. 

You might also experience a difference in how your brake pedal feels when applying pressure. If it is taking more pressure to push the pedal down, or it’s feeling more slack or ‘spongy’ under foot, then something is wrong and you’ll need to organise a brake check as soon as possible.

Shuddering when you brake

Similar to the pressure that you’ll feel from your brake pedal, it’s important to take note of any concerning shaking or vibrating coming from the pedal. This can often travel up the steering column and into the steering wheel, resulting in your wheel shaking while you brake. If you notice this, it’s vital that you seek a brake service immediately.

Burning smell

Another obvious sign to look out for is if you notice a sharp burning smell after you’ve applied your brakes or returned from a drive. Smells from your car are reasons for real concern, but can often be missed by drivers because they don’t make it into the cabin or can only be noticed once the car is parked. If you’ve noticed any other issues with the brake, make sure to assess whether there’s a concerning smell alongside it, and immediately ask a mechanic to take a look as well.

Even if you aren’t noticing any of these signs from your car, brake servicing is recommended every six months. This will ensure that your mechanic catches any potential problems early and may prevent a costly brake repair later on. 

Your local brake service experts

The team at Highfields Mechanical are experts at all things brake servicing, and will make sure that your car is safe for you and your family, and that your brakes will look after you when you need them most. To book in for a brake service, or any of our car services, get in touch on (07) 4646 1780, or fill out our online contact form.

Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming more common with each passing day, as internal combustion engines (ICE) become less standard and electric cars gradually become more popular. But for many people, how they actually work and how they need to be maintained is still a bit of a mystery.

The expert mechanics at Highfields Mechanical are here to help answer any questions you might have about electric vehicle servicing and what you need to know about maintaining an electric car.

What needs servicing in an electric car?

One question you might have is: do electric cars need mechanics at all? It can be easy to think your electric car would only need an auto electrician, but in reality, electric vehicles do need a professional mechanic, just like the car you grew up with. 

Your specially-trained electric vehicle mechanic will be able to perform all of the necessary checks and maintenance that your car needs to keep running smoothly. But what exactly makes an electric car service different from a standard service?

What’s different from a regular service?

The main and most obvious difference between maintenance on EV and ICE vehicles is that EVs don’t have an engine that needs to be serviced regularly. The electric motor itself is a fully enclosed unit that doesn’t require any internal maintenance like a traditional car might. In fact, most of these motors are expected to last between 15–20 years without needing to be replaced or even opened.

This means that there’s no need to swap out all of the small consumable parts that make up an internal combustion engine, such as the various belts, fans, spark plugs and filters that are part of a traditional mechanic’s checklist during a routine service. There are also no emissions-related systems like the muffler, exhaust pipes or catalytic converters – with an EV, they simply aren’t needed.

What’s the same as a regular service?

There are still quite a few components in an EV that would be familiar to a traditional mechanic and require the same or similar type of servicing. Most of these fall under the category of ‘auxiliary’ items that do something other than moving the car. They include:

• Monitoring safety systems, such as the traction control and airbags
• Checking the health of the 12V battery that runs the cars internal systems
• Inspecting and replacing windshield wipers and fluid as required
• Assessing the general condition and air pressure of the tyres

All of these are relatively standard operations that are no different in an EV but are still important to the safety and comfort of driving your car.

How to look after your electric car

As a driver, it’s also vital that you understand how best to maintain your EV so that you’re not putting any unnecessary stress on the car and to keep it running smoothly for as long as possible. There are a few simple things to keep in mind as you drive.

More than anything, you need to make sure that you’re looking after your battery. As batteries age, they’re able to hold less and less of a charge, meaning your vehicle will be unable to reach the same range as when it was new. The trick to EV battery maintenance is to keep it as close to 80% charged as often as you can; it’s actually bad for the battery’s health in the long term to be consistently charging it to full, due to its complex chemical makeup.

It’s also important that you regularly inspect your vehicle’s tyres – EVs are much heavier than traditional cars that are a similar size, as the batteries contribute a surprising amount of weight. This means that your EV will be harder on the tyres, and they may wear out sooner than you were expecting.

The best thing you can do to maintain your EV’s health is to find a qualified EV mechanic that will look after it properly and bring it in for its service at least once every 12 months, or every 10,000km (the same as a traditional car servicing schedule).

The electric car mechanic you can trust

If you have any questions about what it’s like to own an EV or how different they are to service, get in touch with the expert team at Highfields Mechanical today. Our staff have the right training to make sure that your electric vehicle is performing safely and at its best. 

Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form at any time.

When summer arrives, the last thing any driver wants is to find out their car isn’t prepared for Australia’s scorching heat. Protecting yourself from the most intense summer temperatures is about more than preparing for a hot steering wheel or seatbelts. A bit of car maintenance before December arrives can make all the difference between a comfortable drive and breaking down in the heat.

Summer car tips

Right before summer is a great time to have your annual car service, ensuring everything is perfect and ready for the warmer months ahead. Whether your vehicle needs its engine diagnostics checked or could use a car battery replacement, a car general service will get your vehicle working at its best again.

Beyond regular maintenance, the most effective ways to protect your vehicle from the summer heat include ensuring your air conditioner is working properly, keeping the coolant topped up and making use of a sunshade.

Get an air conditioner repair or service

Given that you aren’t likely to use your car’s air conditioner throughout winter, it can be easy to forget how crucial it is when spring and summer arrive. Many drivers underestimate the importance of a regas to keep their car’s air conditioning system running well and may find themselves with sub-optimal cooling when it is needed most. 

Depending on how frequently you use your air conditioning, it is recommended that you get a car air conditioning service completed every one to two years. This will include a regas and a check of the vents, filter and refrigerant hose.

Fill up the coolant

One of the more common issues faced by drivers in the summer is their car overheating unexpectedly. This generally occurs when there is not enough coolant, resulting in an urgent warning on the dashboard. If your engine is overheating, you need to stop driving immediately. 

In an emergency, you can use water instead of coolant, but it won’t be as effective at keeping your engine safe. It is essential to fill up your coolant as soon as possible to prevent major damage to your vehicle.

By keeping your coolant at the right levels, your cooling systems will be able to regulate the engine’s temperature, which keeps your vehicle working and you safe on the road. 

Make use of a sunshade

There are multiple benefits to using a sunshade to protect your car during the summer. Sunshades are best known for keeping the worst of the heat away, especially when it comes to the parts of your car that will become the hottest, such as the seatbelts, the steering wheel and the dash. 

However, another important benefit of a sunshade is that it protects the interior of your vehicle by reflecting UV rays. The increased UV exposure found in Australia can have a devastating impact on the materials within your car, especially if there is any leather present. If your car is not parked under cover on a hot day, it is best to be using a sunshade as often as possible.

Getting your vehicle ready for summer will make a huge difference when it comes to your comfort on the road. If you need a car service or some repairs to prepare for the summer heat, the team at Highfields Mechanical is here to help. Simply give our friendly team a call on (07) 4646 1780 or complete our contact form to hear back from us shortly, so you can be driving comfortably no matter the temperature outside.

Everything you need to know about engine oil

Engine oil is one of the most important liquids in your car. It is vital for smooth, everyday operation and the longevity of your engine. Its basic function is to protect the metal components of your engine from the extreme friction and heat that is produced when the machine is in operation. 

It accomplishes this by lubricating the metal and ensuring these components never actually touch while the engine is running. This keeps the components from warping and becoming damaged by the heat-stress, allowing the engine to operate over long periods of time (as long as the oil is maintained properly).

How often does engine oil need to be changed?

Over time, oil can become polluted with the dirt and grime that may be present within your engine. These particles thicken the oil, reducing its effectiveness as a lubricant. This will also put more strain on your engine, making it more difficult to move heat away from vulnerable components.

With no extra dirt present, even the best engine oil will eventually deteriorate from the amount of heat it is exposed to. It will begin to break down on a chemical level, become less capable of transferring extra heat, and will make your car more susceptible to wear and tear.

The general rule is that you should change your oil roughly every 7,000–15,000kms, but this will vary depending on how modern your car is and what driving conditions you regularly subject it to. 

Your car will benefit most from you regularly checking your oil (about once a month), keeping track of how much your engine is consuming, and topping it up as required. 

To check your oil, make sure your car has been turned off for at least five minutes (allowing the oil to settle) then unscrew the oil cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick back into the engine and remove it again to check where the oil levels are. Your dipstick will have an indicator mark on it, showing you how close to full the oil is.

Types of car engine oil

Depending on your car, you will require a specific oil that is designed to help your engine run smoothly. In general, there are three different types of engine oil that your vehicle might use. Consult your vehicle’s manual or speak with a professional mechanic if you aren’t sure which oil is right for your vehicle.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is the oldest type of engine oil. Nowadays, it is most commonly only used for older or vintage cars. This oil is generally viewed as inferior to the more modern options, due to its lower heat resistance. This means the oil must be replaced more frequently, closer to every 5,000kms on average.

Synthetic oil

The most common type of engine oil, it is more than likely this is the oil that has been designed for your vehicle. It has been carefully engineered to be highly heat-resistant, resulting in the best possible performance for your car.

Semi-synthetic oil

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, designed as a middle-ground between the two types. It provides better protection and performance for your engine than mineral oil alone, while being more affordable than a fully synthetic option.

Can you mix engine oils?

All engine oils are designed to be used by themselves, and will be far more efficient if used to the manufacturer’s specifications. That being said, if it is an emergency situation then mixing oils will be far less damaging to your vehicle’s engine than using too little oil, or no oil at all. 

Trust the oil experts

If you have any more questions about your car’s oil, or are curious about how to change engine oil for yourself, the expert mechanics at Highfields Mechanical are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional team on (07) 4646 1780, or fill out our online contact form.

Everything you need to know about engine oil

Engine oil is one of the most important liquids in your car. It is vital for smooth, everyday operation and the longevity of your engine. Its basic function is to protect the metal components of your engine from the extreme friction and heat that is produced when the machine is in operation. 

It accomplishes this by lubricating the metal and ensuring these components never actually touch while the engine is running. This keeps the components from warping and becoming damaged by the heat-stress, allowing the engine to operate over long periods of time (as long as the oil is maintained properly).

How often does engine oil need to be changed?

Over time, oil can become polluted with the dirt and grime that may be present within your engine. These particles thicken the oil, reducing its effectiveness as a lubricant. This will also put more strain on your engine, making it more difficult to move heat away from vulnerable components.

With no extra dirt present, even the best engine oil will eventually deteriorate from the amount of heat it is exposed to. It will begin to break down on a chemical level, become less capable of transferring extra heat, and will make your car more susceptible to wear and tear.

The general rule is that you should change your oil roughly every 7,000–15,000kms, but this will vary depending on how modern your car is and what driving conditions you regularly subject it to. 

Your car will benefit most from you regularly checking your oil (about once a month), keeping track of how much your engine is consuming, and topping it up as required. 

To check your oil, make sure your car has been turned off for at least five minutes (allowing the oil to settle) then unscrew the oil cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick back into the engine and remove it again to check where the oil levels are. Your dipstick will have an indicator mark on it, showing you how close to full the oil is.

Types of car engine oil

Depending on your car, you will require a specific oil that is designed to help your engine run smoothly. In general, there are three different types of engine oil that your vehicle might use. Consult your vehicle’s manual or speak with a professional mechanic if you aren’t sure which oil is right for your vehicle.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is the oldest type of engine oil. Nowadays, it is most commonly only used for older or vintage cars. This oil is generally viewed as inferior to the more modern options, due to its lower heat resistance. This means the oil must be replaced more frequently, closer to every 5,000kms on average.

Synthetic oil

The most common type of engine oil, it is more than likely this is the oil that has been designed for your vehicle. It has been carefully engineered to be highly heat-resistant, resulting in the best possible performance for your car.

Semi-synthetic oil

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, designed as a middle-ground between the two types. It provides better protection and performance for your engine than mineral oil alone, while being more affordable than a fully synthetic option.

Can you mix engine oils?

All engine oils are designed to be used by themselves, and will be far more efficient if used to the manufacturer’s specifications. That being said, if it is an emergency situation then mixing oils will be far less damaging to your vehicle’s engine than using too little oil, or no oil at all. 

Trust the oil experts

If you have any more questions about your car’s oil, or are curious about how to change engine oil for yourself, the expert mechanics at Highfields Mechanical are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional team on (07) 4646 1780, or fill out our online contact form.

Everything you need to know about engine oil

Engine oil is one of the most important liquids in your car. It is vital for smooth, everyday operation and the longevity of your engine. Its basic function is to protect the metal components of your engine from the extreme friction and heat that is produced when the machine is in operation. 

It accomplishes this by lubricating the metal and ensuring these components never actually touch while the engine is running. This keeps the components from warping and becoming damaged by the heat-stress, allowing the engine to operate over long periods of time (as long as the oil is maintained properly).

How often does engine oil need to be changed?

Over time, oil can become polluted with the dirt and grime that may be present within your engine. These particles thicken the oil, reducing its effectiveness as a lubricant. This will also put more strain on your engine, making it more difficult to move heat away from vulnerable components.

With no extra dirt present, even the best engine oil will eventually deteriorate from the amount of heat it is exposed to. It will begin to break down on a chemical level, become less capable of transferring extra heat, and will make your car more susceptible to wear and tear.

The general rule is that you should change your oil roughly every 7,000–15,000kms, but this will vary depending on how modern your car is and what driving conditions you regularly subject it to. 

Your car will benefit most from you regularly checking your oil (about once a month), keeping track of how much your engine is consuming, and topping it up as required. 

To check your oil, make sure your car has been turned off for at least five minutes (allowing the oil to settle) then unscrew the oil cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick back into the engine and remove it again to check where the oil levels are. Your dipstick will have an indicator mark on it, showing you how close to full the oil is.

Types of car engine oil

Depending on your car, you will require a specific oil that is designed to help your engine run smoothly. In general, there are three different types of engine oil that your vehicle might use. Consult your vehicle’s manual or speak with a professional mechanic if you aren’t sure which oil is right for your vehicle.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is the oldest type of engine oil. Nowadays, it is most commonly only used for older or vintage cars. This oil is generally viewed as inferior to the more modern options, due to its lower heat resistance. This means the oil must be replaced more frequently, closer to every 5,000kms on average.

Synthetic oil

The most common type of engine oil, it is more than likely this is the oil that has been designed for your vehicle. It has been carefully engineered to be highly heat-resistant, resulting in the best possible performance for your car.

Semi-synthetic oil

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils, designed as a middle-ground between the two types. It provides better protection and performance for your engine than mineral oil alone, while being more affordable than a fully synthetic option.

Can you mix engine oils?

All engine oils are designed to be used by themselves, and will be far more efficient if used to the manufacturer’s specifications. That being said, if it is an emergency situation then mixing oils will be far less damaging to your vehicle’s engine than using too little oil, or no oil at all. 

Trust the oil experts

If you have any more questions about your car’s oil, or are curious about how to change engine oil for yourself, the expert mechanics at Highfields Mechanical are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional team on (07) 4646 1780, or fill out our online contact form.

Heading out for a weekend of camping or a caravanning trip is, undoubtedly, a favourite Aussie holiday.

But caravanners and trailer-towers are getting caught out at a massive rate, with their vehicles found to be either overweight or their weight distribution uneven.

As reported by the ABC in June, a police blitz found this was the case for the majority of caravanners on the road – usually because vehicle owners added accessories to their vehicle and/or caravan without considering what it would to do the load weight.

So, how can you, when towing a trailer or caravan, ensure you’re compliant?

One of the first things to do before you look at matching up your vehicle with a caravan or trailer (or vice versa!) is to check the maximum weight your vehicle can carry.

For this, you’ll have two figures:

1. GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) which is how much your vehicle itself weighs and can carry
2. GCM (Gross Combination Mass) which includes not just the vehicle, but the weight of the caravan and/or trailer, and all your contents.

If your vehicle is older than 1 Jan 1992 and the manufacturer hasn’t specified these numbers for you, you can work on either 1.5 times the unloaded mass of the vehicle (if you trailer has appropriate breaks) or 750kg if the trailer isn’t fitted with brakes. 

Keep in mind these weights include everything – any passengers, accessories (towbar, bull bar, winch, roof top tents), and supplies both for your vehicle, and the caravan or trailer. 

While you can do upgrades to increase the GVM of your vehicle, keep in mind that in Queensland your GCM – your grand total – doesn’t change. Any upgrades you do will, essentially, be eating into the weight you can tow.

Unfortunately at Highfields Mechanical we have seen situations where a person has bought a car that cannot legally tow their existing caravan, as it’s GCM is too low. So, be sure to do the research before investing and pick the right car or caravan for your needs.

So, you know your towing capacity – the next step is to check if you’re within it!

 The easiest way to do this is to get your caravan and vehicle all set up and visit a public weighbridge. They’re easy to find with a quick Google!

If your load is unevenly distributed, it can be a simple process of evening it out across the vehicle and caravan or trailer. If, however, you are overweight, the next step is to see how you can bring that load down.

Perhaps you can reevaluate some of the supplies or goods you’re bringing with you. For example – are there goods you packed that you could purchase once you’ve reached your destination? Or are there accessories fitted that may not be necessary? Take a look at your options and see how you can reduce your load appropriately.

Legally, both your vehicle and trailer need to be roadworthy and the trailer must have a lit rear number plate that isn’t obscured by accessories. Towbars and couplings can’t cover the towing vehicle’s number plate or rear lights when not connected. You can also only tow one thing at a time, and people cannot ride in them.

Keep in mind that while most trailers do not need CTP insurance, your cover may be void if it doesn’t comply with legislation – including the towing capacity. There can be significant penalties in worst-case scenarios, so it’s vital your vehicle and trailer or caravan are checked.

All in all, while it can be an easy thing to overlook, it’s crucial to ensure you’re operating within the safe limits of GVM and GCM when towing.

The above information was sourced from the Queensland Government transport website, which you can visit here for more information:

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/towing/towing-vehicles-and-trailers

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Give us a call on (07) 4646 1780, or send us a message using our online booking form.

The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Responsible for changing your gears and transferring power to the drive train, there’s no denying how vital it is that your transmission is functioning properly.

A poor transmission makes it more difficult for drivers to safely accelerate and reach the speed limit, putting you, your loved ones and other motorists in danger when driving. Whether you own a manual or an automatic, transmission services should occur annually or every 20,000km. This may change depending on the age and model of your vehicle, so in between services it’s important to watch out for any signs of transmission issues.   

Symptoms of Transmission Issues

Your vehicle will give off plenty of warning signals if something isn’t quite right with your transmission. The most obvious symptom of transmission issues is leaking fluid.

As a general rule, your car’s transmission shouldn’t need repairing often, as long as it’s regularly serviced and checked over by a qualified mechanic. Some drivers may need transmission repairs more often, especially if their car carries heavy loads. However, all drivers should be aware that wear and tear occurs over time, which can lead to your car transmission giving off the following additional warning signs:

• Vehicle struggling to accelerate or meet required speeds
• Gears grinding
• Gears slipping
• Dashboard displaying the engine light
• Unexpected movements when putting your vehicle into drive or reverse 
• Shuddering sensations
• Strange noises coming from the vehicle, including grinding and whirring sounds
• Unable to change gears

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best you take your car in for a transmission service as soon as possible. A qualified mechanic will be able to check the consistency of your transmission fluid to determine whether or not it needs replacing. If any more extensive repairs are needed, your mechanic will make sure to let you know.

By getting your car checked out as soon as you notice anything wrong, you’ll help to minimise the likelihood of more costly repairs in the future.

How much does a transmission repair cost?

The cost of your transmission repair will depend on the time between services, the way in which you drive your vehicle and your car’s age, make and model.

Regular fluid changes will reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs being required in the future, while helping your car run as smoothly as possible. If you haven’t had your fluid checked recently and have noticed some of the symptoms that signal your transmission might be having issues, it’s possible your transmission may have started to fail. If this is the case, your car transmission may need more extensive repairs which can be more costly. If this occurs, a qualified mechanic will be able to discuss the best solution with you.

At Highfields Mechanical, our team of dedicated mechanics are here to help. Whether you’re concerned about your transmission or would like us to take a look at your motorcycle gearbox, our friendly and experienced team is here for exactly what you need.

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

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.