FAQs

If my car is under warranty at the dealership, can I still bring my car to your shop for regular service and not lose my warranty?

Yes, absolutely. You are protected and have every right to take your car to any auto repair mechanic for routine service and it will have zero effect on your warranty at the dealership.

This is protected by the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC’s guidance says that provided you use quality parts, your car manufacturer’s warranty won’t be voided. If a non-genuine part is used it won’t be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, but it would be covered under the warranty of the part’s supplier and/or Australian Consumer Law. To be fair, despite the initial response of dealers, when pushed many did clarify that it’d only be the actual part that wouldn’t be covered rather than the whole warranty being voided.

What is the primary cause of tyre damage?

Although there are many things that can cause tyre damage, improper inflation is the main problem we see. Always keep a tyre pressure gauge in your vehicle and frequently check the pressure of all tyres.

How long do spark plugs last?

This depends on the type of spark plugs that are in your car. Older cars (15-20 years old) are more likely to have standard plugs and they last about 20,000 Km, newer models up to the year 2000 are platinum tipped and will last 100,000 Km.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Pro Car Auto.

Why do I need to have my engine oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 km?

The additive in the oil starts to break down as soon as it heats up to high temperatures. The engine in your vehicle will reach over 200 degrees almost every time you drive it. History has proven that the 5,000 to 7,500 km mark is a good interval to have your engine oil replaced. You never want to just drain your engine oil out and put new oil in without changing the oil filter. The oil filter will hold about a quart of oil. If you do not change the oil filter when changing the engine oil in your vehicle you are combining your clean engine oil with deteriorated engine oil and this will lessen the effectiveness of the new engine oil you just put in your vehicle.

Does putting extra air in the tyres help a car cope with carrying extra weight?

Definitely. When tyres are cold, add five pounds to the pressures recommended by your car’s manufacturer. But don’t overload the car because excessive loads and sharp impacts can cause tyre cord breaks and create damaging heat buildup because of abnormal sidewall flexing.

Is 93-octane gasoline only for race cars?

No, A fair number of vehicles have high-performance engines that call for 98-octane gasoline. But most do fine with 91- or 95-octane fuel. Sometimes older engines need all the help they can get. The higher the compression ratio with older cars, the more need for a higher-octane fuel. If the car performs better with 98-octane, use that grade of gas. It won’t hurt the engine. Race cars? They like 100-plus octane fuel.

Does it matter where you buy gasoline?

Buy gasoline at busy stations to ensure you don’t get a “bad load” that has been sitting too long in a tank. Also, don’t buy gas at a station at the same time you see a delivery truck filling an underground tank–and stirring up impurities in the fuel in that tank.

What should you do if the engine temperature gauge begins rising during rush-hour traffic?

Don’t panic. Give the car a little gas to let it rid itself of some engine heat. Turn on the heater, which will draw heat from the engine. If the gauge is firmly in the danger zone, pull to the side of the road and let the motor cool. Most cars shouldn’t overheat–so have the cooling system checked. The problem could be anything from a clogged radiator core to low engine coolant to an inoperable radiator fan.

How often do I really need to have my oil changed?

The answer is different for everyone. Oil change frequency varies depending on your specific vehicle and individual driving habits. The Auto Repair recommends oil every 4,500 Km but your owner’smanual provides recommendations on oil change frequency for your specific vehicle based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How do I know if my vehicle needs to be maintained with synthetic oil changes?

Your owner’s manual will specify which type of oil your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Several auto manufacturers recommend and/or require the use of synthetic oil in certain models to maintain peak engine performance. Vehicle manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Audi, and Chevrolet (Corvette) recommend synthetic for specific makes and models; consult your owner’s manual for details about your vehicle.

To maintain my warranty, don’t I have to use my dealer for scheduled maintenance and repairs?

No. You can have your car serviced anywhere to maintain the warranty requirements as outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Be sure to keep copies of all receipts as a record of services performed. The Auto Repair precisely follows each vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations# What are some warning signs that may mean car trouble?

1. Your Check Engine light is on
2. Your Battery light is on
3. There is a grinding or high pitch squeaking noise coming from your brakes
4. Your vehicle’s temperature gauge reads in the hot or red zone
5. You see any steam or smoke coming from under the hood
6. Your vehicle vibrates severely when applying the brakes at highway speeds
7. Your vehicle is sputtering, hesitating, or loses power while driving
8. There is any type of fluid leaking from underneath the car
9. Your vehicle attempts to or does shut off each time you stop at a light or stop signIf you experience any of these symptoms we recommend taking your vehicle to the nearest Auto Repair Location as soon as possible for evaluation.

Does the Auto Repair service Hybrid vehicles?

The Auto Repair can perform most repairs for all hybrid vehicle makes and models. Our technicians are trained to perform maintenance and repairs on hybrid engines, brakes, cooling systems, transmissions, belts, hoses, fuel systems, exhaust and emissions, steering and suspension, wheel alignment and tyre services. We do not perform diagnostics or repairs on hybrid vehicle electrical or charging systems or batteries.

Why rotate your tyres and how often?

Rotating existing tyres to new positions evens out wear and maximizes the life of each tyre. It helps to distribute wear more evenly because each position wears the tyres in different places. You should rotate your tyres about every 9,500 Km or based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

What is a cabin air filter and why change it?

The cabin air filter cleans air that you and your passengers breathe by filtering out dirt and other contaminants. Replacing your cabin air filter regularly reduces contaminants such as pollen, dust, and odoursthat enter your vehicle through the vent system andcan help reduce allergy symptoms year round. You should change your cabin air filter at least every 12 months or 18,500 Km or based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

Doesn’t radiator maintenance only matter in the summer?

The radiator (or cooling system) circulates coolant while you drive to regulate the temperature of your vehicle’s engine. Over time the coolant looses effectiveness which can lead to overheating and other consequent damages if not replaced every 24 months. The cooling system is critical to engine performance all year round, not just during hot weather

How often should windshield wiper blades be replaced?

The soft rubber that makes up windshield wipers breaks down over time and loses effectiveness. Worn or damaged windshield wipers can pose a serious safety hazard by reducing visibility. To be safe, wiper blades should be replaced every 6-9 months.