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

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Middleborough Car Care in Blackburn South. 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 with Middleborough Car Care and Repco Authorised Service.

This could mean there are very different approaches to be prepared for winter driving; however the fundamentals of safe winter motoring remain the same. So how do you make sure your car is set for safe winter motoring? 

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers on the first rainy day and only then remember you should have replaced them! Wiper blades don't last forever, especially sitting under the harsh Australian sun all summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Middleborough Car Care can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

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

Conditions change - and you need to adjust, as well. In wet weather or poor visibility, slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. 

Keep a look out for the warning signs that your brakes need an inspection, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If your car is doing any of these you should get it checked out by a qualified mechanic. 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 that your tyres have plenty of tread left. If you spot uneven tyre wear, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement.

As well as costing you more money on fuel, driving on incorrectly inflated tyres can also impact your stopping distance. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Ensure safe winter driving with a FREE 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report at Middleborough Car Care, Blackburn South. Drive confidently with our expert tips & services.

Tips for safe winter driving in Blackburn South

Keep your tyres in good shape with these tips from Middleborough Car Care

As the main role of tyres is to keep your car in contact with the road, they play a vital role in the safety and stopping power of your car.

Regular car servicing will keep your car in good condition and having the tyres checked at the same time can help you be aware of the condition of your tyres while alerting you of any potential problems. Your Middleborough Car Care mechanic can also let you know if your car would benefit from a wheel alignment or wheel balancing. They are relatively low cost solutions and can greatly improve your driving experience as well as overall vehicle safety.

While checking your tyres is something you can do yourself, as professionals Middleborough Car Care can check out the internal condition of your tyres as well as the entire outside surface and they are well aware of the correct methods of disassembly, repair and reassembly, along with any manufacturer or legal requirements involved.

Middleborough Car Care can also advise you if there are any problems with your tyres, your wheel alignment, tyre balance or other areas of your car affecting your tyres such as brakes or suspension which you should be aware of to protect you and your vehicle, including the tyres themselves.

Tyres eventually wear out over time, an unavoidable process which is quickened by hard braking and regular high speed driving as well as uneven road surfaces. Unless there are problems causing uneven tyre wear or bald spots or there is other significant damage, the depth of the tread on the tyre is usually the best indicator your tyres are due for replacement. Although the legal minimum tread depth varies, a good rule of thumb is when tread depth is approaching 1.6mm you should think about buying new tyres.

Tread on a tyre is very important as this is where you get the traction to both move the car forwards and also the friction required to stop safely and efficiently. Tread is also the method by which water is dissipated away from the tyre surface in a way which prevents aquaplaning and maintaining maximum grip and control. The less tread depth you have, the less control you will have in wet driving conditions.

Tyres generally last between six to ten years and the better you look after them the more chance there is that it will be the latter rather than the former.

Tyre pressure is not just important to ensure you get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre damage as pressure and wear is directed at areas of the tyre not designed to take it. Perhaps most importantly the pressure of your tyres can have a direct impact on the driveability, and therefore the safety, of the vehicle.

You should check your tyres yourself on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition. Be on the lookout for bald or flat spots, tears and cuts in the surface of the tyre and any foreign objects likely to cause problems such as stones, nails and other road debris. You should also have a tyre professional give them a check on a regular basis as they have the knowledge and equipment to properly check the entire tyre and may spot issues you simply don't see.

Tyres will suffer from wear and tear at varying rates. The front and rear tyres for example will wear at different rates as front tyres generally carry more weight than rear ones, meaning faster heat build-up and therefore increased wear. The tyres on either side of your car will also tend to wear at different rates to those on the opposite side.

Having your tyres rotated regularly, every 8000 to 10,000 km for example, can help to ensure that all of your tyres wear at a similar rate and in the same places. Middleborough Car Care will be happy to undertake this task for you and inspect each tyre as they do it, letting you know of any issues that might present a problem or you should otherwise be aware of. We can undertake all types of tyre rotation for you including Cross rotation, straight rotation, 5 wheel rotation and four wheel drive rotation.

Will a regular wheel alignment or balance help look after tyres?

Regular wheel alignment helps to protect against premature or uneven tyre wear, increases the safety and handling of your vehicle and improves ride performance and fuel efficiency. Wheel balancing helps to minimise vibration through the wheels, thereby minimising premature or uneven tyre wear. Either wheel service (or both) will go a long way in helping to maximise the life of your tyres along with safety and handling benefits.

Middleborough Car Care are offer some advice on keeping these crucial components of your vehicle in the best condition for when you need them the most…

Keep your tyres in good shape with these tips

Wheel balance refers to how smoothly an individual wheel rotates around its own centre. Unbalanced wheels can cause other parts of your car to wear down faster - such as shock absorbers, struts and steering. If your wheels are not balanced properly it can affect the overall performance and feel of your car. 

Your steering wheel or car vibrates at high speed.

Your tyres have had some rough treatment such as potholes or extremely rough roads. 

Middleborough Car Care are fully equipped to balance your wheels - if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to make a booking today. 

Wheel balance refers to how smoothly an individual wheel rotates around its own centre.

Wheel Balancing in Blackburn South

Wheel Balancing

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Middleborough Car Care take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Blackburn South, 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. 

Middleborough Car Care 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.

Middleborough Car Care

Wheel Balancing

You might need a wheel balance when:

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Tyre tips from Middleborough Car Care