As Mittagong enters the wettest (June) and coldest (July) months of the year the importance of ensuring your vehicle is ready for the winter conditions becomes paramount.

As the crisp air of autumn gives way to the chill of winter in Mittagong, it's crucial to ensure your car is prepared for the wetter and colder months ahead. Regular servicing plays a vital role in maintaining your vehicle's performance, safety, and reliability, especially when winter driving conditions can be more demanding

Here's a few more reasons regular service is essential and how it helps keep your car in top shape for winter driving in the greater Sydney area and NSW.

Regular car servicing is not just about keeping your vehicle running smoothly; it's about safety, reliability, and peace of mind. During winter, the mechanical demands on your car increase due to colder temperatures, wet conditions, and potentially hazardous roads. Ensuring your car is in optimal condition can prevent breakdowns, accidents, and costly repairs down the line.

Regular servicing allows the identification minor issues before they become significant problems and is a proactive approach which may save you from costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns, especially when the weather conditions are less forgiving. Some of the areas that should be given particular attention in winter include;

Essential Winter-Readiness Checks During Regular Servicing

Winter mornings can be particularly harsh on car batteries. Cold weather reduces the battery's efficiency, making it harder to start your car. During a regular service, mechanics check the battery's charge and condition to ensure it's up to the task. A well-maintained battery means your car will start reliably even on the coldest mornings, helping you avoid inconvenient and potentially dangerous situations.

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and maintaining their levels is critical during winter. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play vital roles in your car's performance and safety. For instance, coolant (antifreeze) prevents the engine from freezing in low temperatures, while windshield washer fluid ensures visibility by keeping the windshield clear of ice and grime. Regular service ensures all these fluids are topped up and at the correct concentration, safeguarding your car against the elements.

Brakes are your primary safety mechanism, and their importance cannot be overstated, especially in winter when roads can be wet and slippery. Regular servicing includes checking the brake pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure the system is functioning optimally. Properly maintained brakes reduce stopping distances and improve overall vehicle control, crucial for avoiding accidents in winter conditions.

Good visibility is essential for safe driving, and functioning windshield wipers are a key component. Winter weather can bring rain, frost, and even sleet, all of which can impair your view. During a regular service, mechanics inspect the wipers for wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Ensuring your wipers are in good condition helps maintain clear visibility, reducing the risk of accidents. Regular service also helps ensure all exterior lights are working correctly, as overall visibility can be significantly reduced during winter.

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, making their condition critical for safe winter driving. Regular servicing includes checking the tyre tread, pressure, and overall condition. Adequate tread depth is essential for good traction on wet and slippery roads, while correct tyre pressure ensures optimal performance and handling. Well-maintained tyres help prevent skidding and improve braking efficiency, enhancing your car's safety during winter.

A well-functioning HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is not just about comfort; it's also about safety. The heating component ensures a warm interior, which helps keep the driver alert and comfortable. More importantly, the defrosting function clears the windshield and windows of frost and condensation, ensuring clear visibility. Regular service checks the HVAC system to ensure it's operating efficiently, providing you with both comfort and safety during winter drives.

Regular servicing is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance, especially when preparing for winter driving in Mittagong. From ensuring your battery is in good condition to checking fluid levels, brakes, windshield wipers, tyres, and the HVAC system, these checks help keep your car safe and reliable.

So, as winter approaches, make sure to schedule a service with your trusted mechanic at Southern Highlands Service Centre in Mittagong to ensure your car is ready to tackle the colder months with confidence...

Get your car winter ready with regular service

Does your car rock and roll when you corner or is simply not stopping the way it used to

Your car's braking and suspension play a vital role in making sure your car stops quickly and safely, so why would you stop at a simple road test when a Safe-T-Stop test can soon have your braking back on track? 

Here at Southern Highlands Service Centre in Mittagong we take your safety very seriously, which is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre. A Safe-T-Stop inspection provides a detailed and accurate check of your cars' braking and suspension systems that goes well beyond a basic check and road test to scientifically test your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

Safe-T-Stop test lanes measure and simulate a vehicle's brake performance in real-life conditions without the technician having to drive the vehicle at all. A simple road test, no matter how good the examiner, could never produce a report as accurate and comprehensive as a Safe-T-Stop inspection can.

Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition save you money by minimising tyre drag and tyre wear which can increase fuel consumption.

Once your car has gone through the Safe-T-Stop inspection at Southern Highlands Service Centre, a detailed printed report is generated which our qualified technicians can then use to recommend any critical adjustments or repairs to your suspension and brake systems that should be made. 

So, why settle for a simple road test when a Safe-T-Stop test can have your brakes back on track?

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

Want to know more about safe braking and suspension?

Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at http://www.safetstop.com.au  or visit www.repcoservice.com for more about Shock Absorbers or Brake Service.

Book your safe-t-stop test online or call Southern Highlands Service Centre today.

Your car's braking and suspension play a vital role in making sure your car stops quickly and safely, so why would you stop at a simple road test when a Safe-T-Stop test can soon have your braking back on track? Here at Southern Highlands Service Centre we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre...

Safe-T-Stop testing in Mittagong

Safe-t-stop brake testing beats a simple road test...

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

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

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

You might think this means very different approaches to have your car ready for winter driving; however the essentials of safe winter motoring stay unchanged. So what ways can you make sure your car is ready for safe winter motoring? 

Who hasn't had that moment when you turn on the wipers during that first rainstorm and realise they're worn out and basically useless! 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. Southern Highlands Service Centre can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other parts in your car can be impacted by cold weather; especially coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's important to have your car serviced regularly by an expert who recognises the best products and parts to maintain your vehicle in top condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Conditions change - and your driving style should too. In wet weather or poor visibility, 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 today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Be aware of the warning signs that your brakes need to be looked at, including 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 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.

It's dangerous to drive on worn or incorrectly inflated tyres. 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. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below: 

Driving on tyres that are incorrectly inflated won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your stopping distance. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Southern Highlands Service Centre has a state of the art Safe T Stop machine that can accurately test for shocker and brake wear and tear and provide you with a detailed report on the state of your vehicles ability to stop in an emergency. Call us today to book in for a Safe T Stop test.

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers at the first spot of rain and realise they haven't been replaced in years! Constant exposure to the Australian conditions means your wipers will...

Safe winter driving with Southern Highlands Service Centre

We can combine our fully qualified expertise and knowledge with our local understanding of the driving conditions in Mittagong to not only make sure your wheels are aligned correctly, but to confirm there are no underlying issues with the technologies behind the wheel that keep you safe on the roads.

The performance of safety systems such as traction, stability control, and  ABS braking systems depend largely on how well the suspension performs, which also depends on how well the wheels are aligned, which then has a direct bearing on how the suspension copes with cornering and braking forces, as well as with sudden steering inputs - phew, that's a long line of follow on effects! But that's why it's important to always have a fully qualified workshop perform your Wheel Alignment. 

Having an alignment procedure done at Southern Highlands Service Centre means knowing that the root cause of the original wheel alignment problem can be corrected professionally by suitably qualified technicians. Book in today!

Southern Highlands Service Centre can combine our fully qualified expertise and knowledge with our understanding of local driving conditions to not only make sure your wheels are aligned correctly, but to confirm there are no underlying issues with the technologies behind the wheel that keep you safe on the roads...

Wheel Alignment in Mittagong

Wheel Alignment

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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Tuesday 24th December 2024 and Reopening Friday 27th December 2024

We advise that we will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday 29th of March, reopening Tuesday 2nd of April

Southern Highlands Service Centre (LIC# MVRL54068) take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. Conveniently located in Mittagong, 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. Southern Highlands Service Centre 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.

Southern Highlands Service Centre

Wheel Alignment

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