Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter.

While half of Australia is enjoying their dry season up North, the Southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter.

The result of that could be totally different ways to get your vehicle ready for winter; however the fundamentals of safe winter motoring remain the same. So how can you make sure your car is equipped for safe winter motoring? 

Avoid the painful moment when you switch on the wipers at the first drop of rain and realise they're worn out and basically useless! Wiper blades wear out over time, especially in the harsh Australian conditions. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Star Automotive and Tyres can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Be sure that your Heater and Demist / Defrost functions are working so you can have a clear view front and back while driving in cold and wet conditions. You should never drive your vehicle if you can't see where you are going.

Fluids and other workings in your car can be effected by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Regular services are important - especially by a professional technician who recognises the best products and parts to keep your car in its best operating condition. We use high quality Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

It is a well known fact that cold temperatures can drastically affect your battery to a point where it will go flat and leave you stranded. Have your battery regularly tested especially if it is over 3 yrs old and replace it in a timely manner. Visit Star Automotive and Tyres for a free battery test.

Always remember to drive to your conditions. If visibility is poor or the weather is wet - slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in for a service or Vehicle Inspection today.

Be aware of the warning signs that your brakes need to be inspected, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing any of these it's best to have a qualified mechanic check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Driving on worn tyres is dangerous. Now is the time to check how worn your tyres are. If you notice spots which are worn unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on tyres which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

When it comes to your vehicle’s safety, there’s nothing more crucial than ensuring your brakes are in top-notch condition. At Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah, we understand the importance of reliable brakes for both everyday commutes and long road trips. Brakes not only help you stop effectively but also play a significant role in maintaining control of your car in unexpected situations. Ignoring regular maintenance or early warning signs of wear can lead to costly repairs—or worse, put your safety at risk.

That’s where our expertise comes in. At Star Automotive and Tyres, we provide comprehensive brake maintenance and repair services tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a simple brake pad replacement or a more complex issue, our skilled team is equipped to handle it all. Your safety is our priority, so let us help keep you and your passengers protected on the road with reliable, professional brake care.

Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is essential for ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular brake maintenance goes beyond just replacing worn-out parts—it’s about preserving the overall performance and reliability of your vehicle. Brakes are your car’s most important safety feature, responsible for stopping your vehicle in time to avoid collisions or other dangerous situations. When your braking system is neglected, it can result in longer stopping distances, reduced control, and even complete brake failure, putting lives at risk.

The Importance of Regular Brake Maintenance

Adhering to your regular car servicing schedule can help identify minor issues before they turn into costly or hazardous problems. For example, worn brake pads, thinning brake discs, or low brake fluid can all impact your vehicle’s braking efficiency. By addressing these concerns early, you’re not only improving safety but also potentially saving money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs or part replacements.

Properly maintained brakes also enhance your driving experience. Smooth and responsive braking allows for better control, particularly in unpredictable conditions like wet or uneven roads. This is especially critical for drivers in Moonah, where varying road conditions may demand extra caution.

Moreover, regular brake inspections ensure that your vehicle complies with road safety standards, giving you peace of mind every time you drive. At Star Automotive and Tyres, our team is here to help keep your brakes in excellent condition, ensuring you can navigate the roads of Moonah with confidence and security. Your safety is too important to leave to chance.

If you’re noticing changes in your vehicle’s braking performance, it’s crucial not to ignore them. Your brakes are a key component of your car’s safety system, and recognising the warning signs can prevent costly repairs and potential accidents.

Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention

One of the most common indicators of brake issues is unusual noises. Squealing or screeching when applying the brakes often suggests worn brake pads. A grinding sound, on the other hand, could indicate that the brake pads are completely worn down, causing metal-on-metal contact that can damage the brake discs.

Changes in how the brake pedal feels can also point to problems. If the pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, it might indicate air in the brake lines or low brake fluid. A vibrating or pulsating pedal, especially during braking, can signal warped brake discs.

A noticeable reduction in stopping performance or increased stopping distances is another red flag. If your car doesn’t respond as quickly as it should when braking, it’s vital to get the system checked immediately.

Other signs include a burning smell after heavy braking or the car pulling to one side when slowing down. At Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah, our team is here to diagnose and resolve these issues promptly, keeping you safe on the road.

At Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of brake services designed to keep your vehicle safe and reliable on the road. Our thorough brake inspections are the first step in identifying any issues, ensuring that every component of your braking system is functioning correctly.

If your brake pads are worn, our team provides efficient replacements using high-quality parts to maintain optimal performance. We also offer rotor resurfacing, which smooths out uneven surfaces on your brake discs, improving their contact with the pads and enhancing braking efficiency.

Brake fluid plays a vital role in transferring the force from your pedal to the brakes themselves. That’s why we include fluid level checks and replacements as part of our services. This helps to prevent issues such as air in the brake lines or corrosion within the system, both of which can compromise performance.

For more extensive issues, our skilled technicians are equipped to handle complete brake system repairs. Whether it’s a faulty calliper, worn-out hardware, or other components needing attention, we ensure every repair is carried out to the highest standard. At Star Automotive and Tyres, your safety is always our top priority, and we’re here to help keep your brakes in peak condition.

Prioritising brake safety is essential for your peace of mind and the protection of everyone on the road. At Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah, we’re dedicated to keeping your vehicle in top condition. Don’t wait until it’s too late—visit us today for professional brake maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs.

Get expert brake maintenance and repairs in Moonah with Star Automotive and Tyres. Ensure safety and performance with professional services tailored to your needs. Book today for reliable, quality care!

Brake Maintenance and Repairs in Moonah | Star Automotive and Tyres Experts

Expert Brake Maintenance and Repairs in Moonah

Wheel balancing is a crucial yet often overlooked maintenance service that ensures a smooth and safe driving experience. When your wheels are balanced, the weight is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the wheel and tyre assembly. This balance is vital for your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and longevity.

If your wheels are unbalanced, you may notice:

Vibrations: The steering wheel, floor, or seat may shake, especially at higher speeds.

Uneven Tyre Wear: Tyres may wear down unevenly, leading to a shorter lifespan.

Increased Fuel Consumption: Unbalanced wheels can increase rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to consume more fuel.

Steering Issues: Your vehicle may pull to one side, making it difficult to maintain a straight path.

Neglecting to balance your wheels can lead to several costly issues:

Premature Tyre Wear: This can necessitate early replacement of your tyres, increasing your expenses.

Suspension and Steering Component Damage: The continuous vibration can damage critical parts of your vehicle, leading to expensive repairs.

Decreased Safety: Poor wheel balance affects your vehicle’s handling, especially during emergency manoeuvres, potentially compromising your safety.

At Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah, we offer professional wheel balancing services to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Ensuring your wheels are balanced not only improves your driving experience but also extends the life of your tyres and vehicle components. Don't wait until you feel vibrations—get your wheels checked and balanced by our experts today!

Get expert wheel balancing at Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah. Prevent uneven tyre wear and vibration. Learn the signs of unbalanced wheels and avoid costly repairs.

Wheel Balancing in Moonah - Essential Service by Star Automotive and Tyres

The Importance of Wheel Balancing for Your Vehicle

Your cars safety and roadworthiness is dependent on 3 elements, it's ‘stopping, steering and stability' capabilities.

Not only do the suspension and shock absorbers provide a comfortable ride, but they also play a vital role in maintaining three crucial capabilities that ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and that of other road users. To avoid potential issues, routine maintenance is recommended, and any irregularities should be reported to us immediately for inspection.

An important part of keeping all aspects of your vehicle working properly is to stick to your regular Log Book servicing schedule. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms you should get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible;

Nose diving and swerving - bonnet dips when braking or slowing down

Car rocks and rolls over bumps and doesn't hug bends when cornering

Our suspension and shock absorber services include inspection, diagnosis, repairs and replacements so we'll have your car fixed and back on the road time. Don't delay, book today.

Top Quality: As a part of the Repco Authorised Service Centre network all of the work we perform is backed by our Repco Nationwide Warranty.

The Right Parts: Our mechanics are kept up on all the latest parts thanks to Repco service bulletins. Additionally, we have access to the Repco spare parts network which means we can find you the right part at the right price.

The Best Team: Our mechanics are well versed in many different makes and models. From a fleet of vehicles to the family car, we are here for you.

What are some of your suspension & shock absorber's important parts?

Springs - Springs are designed to absorb energy and there are several different types including leaf, coil, torsion bar or air assisted springs. The springs on different types of cars will be set up to different levels. Luxury cars, for example, may have soft springs to produce a smoother ride but this results in more body movement when the car brakes and corners. Sports cars, on the other hand, tend to have tighter springs which allow for more aggressive driving, including around corners, but also mean a less smooth ride.

Shock absorbers - these dissipate the energy absorbed by the springs. The car would not work properly without the shock absorbers because the springs would cause it to bounce up and down when you go over a bump rather than absorb that bump.

Strut - this is a shock absorber mounted inside a coil spring. Struts do the job of the springs and shock absorbers plus provide additional structural support for the suspension system.

Anti-sway bar - spans the width of the axle and joins the two sides of the suspension together to provide stability to the car while it is moving.

Get more useful information in Repco's Shock Absorbers Auto Facts Video

For high quality Suspension & Shock Absorber Services at a competitive price, contact us using the links below. We can service many customers in Moonah and the surrounding areas.

Your cars safety and roadworthiness is dependent on 3 things consisting of the vehicle's ‘stopping, steering and stability' capabilities.

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairsin Moonah

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairs in Moonah

Differential bushings could be the issue if they are aged, worn or cracked.  They control movement in the joints, absorb road bumps and reduce vibrations and noise while driving or reversing. These are one of many automotive issue we can handle at Star Automotive and Tyres, your trusted local mechanic in Moonah.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing. This is particularly apparent on vehicles that have travelled high kilometres, have high horsepower or vehicles towing loads regularly.

A tell-tale sign that this bushing is no longer performing as intended is hearing a clunking noise or feeling a jolt under acceleration or when shifting gears from drive to reverse. The primary function of the rear differential bushing is to provide a smooth and quiet transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels of your vehicle under acceleration.

Should this issue go unresolved it may result in excessive wear on surrounding drive train and suspension components so it is wise and economical to act swiftly should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre Star Automotive and Tyres in Moonah is experienced in diagnosing and fixing this problem. We can replace your worn rubber differential bushing with a highly durable Nolathane differential bushing specifically designed and manufactured to address this problem and return your vehicle back to its optimum performance.

So, if “clunking” goes with your Territory or Falcon, contact the team at Star Automotive and Tyres today.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing.

At Star Automotive and Tyres in  Moonah we believe the transmission is an important part of your vehicle.

Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to move between gears. The transmission fluid allows you to do this smoothly and also protects the working parts inside your transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't diminish through use. Yet the level should still be checked periodically because if there is a leak, or the fluid level is low, it will harm the internal parts of your transmission.

Transmission fluid can become dirty over time with metal shavings and other particles which will shorten the life of your transmission. Replacing a transmission is a costly exercise and so checking the fluid and replacing it when necessary is a good investment in the long run.

At Star Automotive and Tyres we provide a full 65 Point Vehicle Condition Report upon request with every full car service - This includes a check of your transmission fluid and we will advise you if we think your fluid needs to be replaced or if a transmission service might be needed.

Call Star Automotive and Tyres for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services. We are conveniently located in Moonah.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong. 

Our technicians at Star Automotive and Tyres are fully qualified to service diesel SUV, AWD, 4WD and Passenger diesel vehicles. Contact us today.

Call Star Automotive and Tyres for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Diesel Engine Service and Repairs in Moonah

Diesel Repairs

TACC

Star Automotive and Tyres take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Moonah, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Star Automotive and Tyres have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Star Automotive and Tyres

Diesel Repairs

Related articles

Drive Safe This Winter

Expert Brake Maintenance and Repairs in Moonah

The Importance of Wheel Balancing for Your Vehicle

Suspension & Shock Absorber Repairs in Moonah

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