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.

There are a significant number of factors that determine the lifespan of your car battery, including how well you take care of it. 

Most cars will need a car battery replacement service between two to five years, but how do you know when your battery is nearing the end of its life?

Signs That Your Battery Is Dying

Requiring regular jump starts

If you are regularly relying on a car battery jump starter to get your vehicle working, it may be time to have your battery checked professionally. Even if your battery is brand new, needing frequent jump starts is a sign that something is wrong.

If it is new, the car battery warranty should have you covered. If not, the battery has probably run through its lifespan.

Engine struggles

Your battery may be close to dying if you have difficulty turning your engine on, requiring multiple attempts to do so. Although this can simply be because of cold weather or other issues, if it is regularly a problem you may want to think about replacing your car battery.

Lights don’t come on

Your car’s lights not turning on is one of the most common signs that your car battery is in poor condition. All electrical components of your vehicle are powered by the battery, including lights.

If you want to know whether your battery is causing issues, try turning the interior lights or headlights on. If the lights are not working, it is likely that the battery is the problem.

How to Look After Your Car Battery

Be careful with your car’s electricals

It is important to be careful with your car’s electrical systems, as they can damage and drain the battery when used incorrectly. When your engine is on, your battery is being charged by the alternator. If you use electrical components—such as lights, air conditioning and radio—while the engine is off, you will be draining the battery.

Try to limit the use of electrical components while the car is off, and make sure they are turned off before cutting the ignition. If you leave these components on, they can damage the battery when the ignition starts again.

Adapt good car habits

If you want to increase the lifespan of your car battery, there are a couple of things you can do. Firstly, make sure that your car gets a longer drive every once in a while, if you usually only use it for shorter trips. Doing so will give your battery enough time to properly charge.

When the weather is cold, keeping your car in the garage can also help, since low temperatures can strain the battery. Extremely hot weather also has a negative effect, reducing the energy a battery can generate.

Get a Battery Test Today

Want a better solution than constantly relying on a car battery charger to get your vehicle moving? Contact the experienced team at Highfields Mechanical today. With flexible payment options through Openpay, there is no reason to delay having your battery checked. 

Give Highfields Mechanical a call on (07) 4646 1780, or book an appointment online with our easy booking form.

The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year, resulting in countless people across Australia packing their cars and heading off for a family road trip. 

In the days and weeks leading up to your trip, it is important to check that your vehicle is in the best possible condition, keeping you and your family safe on the road. Here are some of the most important things to do before going on a long drive for the holidays.

Get Car Repairs

Auto repair is something that should never be put off, but perhaps your vehicle has been experiencing some minor issues that could use fixing before your trip. Even something as simple as headlight repair can go a long way toward keeping you safe on the road.

If you are in need of automotive electrical repairs, make sure to get them before travelling. The last thing you want on a long road trip is for your car’s battery to go flat, when it might be difficult to get repairs.

Before a long journey is also a good time to get windscreen or dent repair, ensuring your car is in the best possible condition to handle the Australian terrain.

Have Your Car Serviced

Even if you do not have any urgent repairs to get before going on a trip, it is important to make sure that you have kept up with your car service schedule. If you are due for a service, it is important to get it done before leaving.

If your vehicle is due for service shortly after your trip, it may be best to get it done early, just so that you can be certain of your car’s safety while driving.

The Highfields Mechanical team can perform servicing on all makes and models, even if you drive a foreign car, such as one that needs a specialised European car service.

Check Your Wheels

If you are going on a long journey, one of the most important things to do is check the quality of your tyres and wheels. Old tyres can prove to be dangerous, especially on a long drive. A brand new set of tyres can make all the difference to your safety. If your tyres do not need a change, make sure to check the air pressure.

When checking your tyres, if you notice that the tread has worn unevenly, you may need to get wheel alignment as well. Wheel alignment issues can affect your steering response as well as the efficiency of your vehicle. Best to get your wheels aligned as soon as possible by a professional mechanic.

Do a Final Check Before Driving

Before heading out for your holiday, it is important to do a final vehicle check to ensure your safety. Check your oil and coolant levels, and make sure you have a tire iron and jack in your vehicle, along with a good spare tyre. 

It can also be helpful to have a spare car key on you, just in case you lose your main one. If you are going off-road, it is also a good idea to have any necessary recovery equipment packed.

Getting ready for a holiday or road trip? Connect with the experienced team at Highfields Mechanical by calling (07) 4646 1780, or make an appointment through our booking form.

With endless stretches of coastline, desert and mountain ranges to explore, Australia is a fantastic place for adventure driving. Owning a 4WD gives you power to traverse it on offroad routes, providing unparalleled access to many natural wilderness areas. 

As rewarding as this is, it’s important to keep in mind that some of these terrains can be rough on even the most rugged of vehicles. To ensure your offroad adventures go safely and smoothly, there are a few things you need to pay attention to regularly. Here are our top 4WD maintenance tips:

Clean up thoroughly

After driving on sand, dust or through mud, a thorough wash is essential. We’re talking a deep clean of the entire vehicle, including the undercarriage.

A high-volume water hose is ideal, as it will allow you to flush out spots that are hard to reach. Get into all the moving parts that have been exposed. If the spare wheel is mounted under the body, take it off and wash it along with the empty cavity. 

Cleaning is not just for cosmetic reasons. Skipping it can compromise your safety in the long run by rusting or jamming components – not only parts of the vehicle itself, but also recovery equipment like winches and snatch straps. 

Know your tyres

When you go offroading in your 4WD, tyre pressure is key. Different terrains require different pressures, so it’s important to know your way around this. Remember to inflate back to bitumen pressure when the offroad leg of a journey is complete and you’re returning to the road. 

4WD tyre rotation is also important. Tyres can wear at different rates – for example, if you drive regularly on gravel roads, your rear tyres may wear down faster due to rocks flicked back from the front. Alternatively, you may have heavy equipment mounted at the front of your 4WD (e.g. bull bar, winch), which causes the front tyres to wear down faster. In any case, tyre rotation will increase their lifespan.

Prevent rust

While cleaning goes a long way in preventing rust and corrosion, you can also go a step further. Investing in rustproofing technology is a great way to prevent rust damage, reducing maintenance costs associated with rust and corrosion, and helps prevent paintwork from oxidising. All of this goes a long way to maintaining the resale value of your 4WD.

Rustproofing is especially useful if your vehicle is routinely kept outdoors in a coastal area, or you are frequently driving in exposed conditions. 

Get a regular service

As with any vehicle, nothing beats regular servicing to maximise the lifespan of your 4WD, as well as its safety and performance. High-power vehicles like 4WDs have special requirements when it comes to servicing, so ensure your technician is experienced in this area. 

Choosing a workshop that specialises in 4WD maintenance will also give you access to advice on modifications like ECU diesel tuning, and correctly fitting accessories like bull bars and canopies. If you’re doing heavy duty trips, these will lengthen the life of your vehicle. 

We’re here to help

Need help with your 4WD around Toowoomba? The team at Highfields Offroad specialise in maintaining 4WD and offroad vehicles. 

We offer a complete range of 4WD servicing, repairs, modifications and accessories, including suspension, exhaust, diesel tuning, snorkels, recovery gear, rustproofing and more. We also take care of caravans and camper vans. 

To make a booking, give us a call now on (07) 4696 7116 today, or use our easy online form.

Contact Us:

A logbook service, also known as a handbook service, is recommended every 10,000 kms your vehicle is driven, or every six months. It involves qualified mechanics bringing your vehicle up to manufacturer standard. 

A logbook service might include replacing old parts with new ones or refilling fluids that keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Keep your vehicle covered under warranty

If you want to keep your vehicle covered under its warranty, regular logbook servicing is the minimum requirement set by dealers. If you don’t have a record of logbook servicing and something goes wrong you can be refused repairs by the dealership because your warranty is void.

By keeping up to date with the recommended servicing schedule, you keep your warranty intact, saving you potentially thousands of dollars if anything goes wrong.

When you bring your vehicle to a trustworthy mechanic, you can rest assured that everything is being carried out with your best interests in mind. A qualified mechanic will give you the full picture.

Sell your vehicle for more money

A well-maintained vehicle always commands a better price than one which hasn’t been looked after. Regular logbook servicing provides you with proof that your vehicle is in the best possible condition, resulting in higher resale value. 

If a prospective buyer asks how well the vehicle has been kept, it’s helpful to show them an up-to-date logbook, proving that you’ve taken good care of it. With each logbook service you’ll receive a stamp from the qualified mechanic. This gives the buyer assurance that they’re purchasing a quality vehicle, while helping you get more money out of it.

Have a reliable history of your vehicle

Some people have trouble keeping track of the servicing they’ve received for their vehicle, which is why a logbook service can be so helpful. When you keep up with the dealer’s recommendations, you’ve got a detailed history of your services, including when your next one is due.

This is also helpful if you have to take your vehicle in for repairs. A mechanic can quickly identify problems with a detailed history of previous services. This saves you both time and money, since the mechanic can get the job done efficiently.

Save money on repairs

It’s a well-known fact that maintenance is cheaper than repairs. By regularly servicing your car, you can prevent major breakdowns and expensive repair costs. It’s in your best interest to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible, preventing a potentially disastrous damage later on.

When you get regular logbook servicing, you spend a little in order to save a lot later. Combined with all the other benefits, it’s the obvious choice.

If you’re due for a logbook service around the Toowoomba area, the Highfields Mechanical team is here to help. You can speak to our experienced staff on (07) 4696 7116  or fill out our simple online booking form and we’ll get back to you soon.

Contact Us

For the month of February 2020, come into Highfields Mechanical for your new tyres and wheel alignment, and take advantage of this special ‘BUY THREE GET ONE FREE’ ZE914 Tyres offer from Falken Tyres.

We recommend Falken Tyres due to their high performance, durability and elegance.

Get into Highfields Mechanical and don’t miss out. Use or online booking form or call us on (07) 4696 7116.

Contact Us

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. This is especially true if you are planning to set  an adventure into the woods for this most challenging off road adventure in Australia.

Australia and Your 2019 Off Road Adventure

Australia is a home to some of the best off road driving tracks in the world. It has open paved and wide roads perfect for road trippers. Australia has hundreds of off road routes leading you to some wonderful scenery.

However, always think of these things when looking for tracks to drive on:

The weather

Tracks are given ranking. Despite that, conditions of tracks may change and get harder when it’s raining.

Length

Keep in mind how many kilometers is the track and how long will it take you to finish the track.This will help you properly plan if you have sufficient fuel.

The Track Difficulty

You have to assess what level of difficulty the track is. This will help you properly assess if you are skilled enough to finish this track.

Terrain

Rocky tracks are harder to drive. This makes it important for you to know what kind of landscape you are trekking.

Are you now ready for your 4×4 Adventure? Here some of the most challenging and best off road tails in Australia.

Mossman River Gorge

Many dare to enter this lush tropical rainforest because of its promise of crystal clear Mossman river. This makes it one of the best possible spots to explore, however doing an adventure inside its realm is quite challenging because it can be very busy due to its proximity to Cairns.

After your challenging off road trail adventure, just hike a few more to start seeing crystal clear swimming holes. Watch this video to know what to expect.

Off Road Driving Tips- Highfields Offroad Climax Suspension