Services
Log Book Servicing: Get your new car serviced with peace of mind that it will not void your manufactures warranty.
Car Service "By the Book"
Sometimes known as a hand book service, a logbook service is when your car is serviced in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer specifications. It involves checking and/or replacing certain components and fluids on the vehicle at the time intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Many people believe they must go back to a car dealership for New Car Log Book servicing in order to maintain the warranty. Actually, the ACCC have consistently confirmed that under Australian Law, you are free to have your car service carried out by a mechanic or service centre of your choice provided they are qualified to do so. Click here to see the formal ACCC statement.
Service/Repairs to all Makes & Models
Includes cooling systems, brake systems, steering, suspension, manual transmissions, clutches, automatic gearbox service,
Safety Certificates (RWC)
A Certificate of Roadworthiness (also known as a ‘roadworthy’ or ‘RWC’) shows that your vehicle’s safe enough to be used on public roads. A roadworthy is required whenever a vehicle’s sold, if it’s being re-registered, and to clear some defect notices.
A safety certificate is issued after a vehicle passes an minimum safety standard inspection. A safety certificate covers basic things that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle, such as:
- tyres
- brakes
- steering
- suspension
- body rust or damage
- windscreen
- lights.
The safety certificate offers buyers better protection and makes sure vehicles being offered for disposal or being re-registered are safe – reducing the likelihood of crashes caused by defective vehicles.
Note: A safety certificate inspection is not a comprehensive mechanical inspection of a vehicle. Before you purchase a used vehicle, we recommend you have a pre purchase inspection carried out.
Pre Purchase Inspections
A pre-purchase inspection is an absolute MUST. You should always conduct a mechanical inspection before you hand-over your thousands of hard-earned dollars, and it’s advisable not to do this yourself.
The point of the pre-purchase inspection is to confirm you’re not getting a dud. It’s to confirm the car is going to run, today and into the future. Cairns Auto Repairs will investigate the engine, radiator, battery, exhaust, tyres and body.
We check for oil and coolant leaks, battery issues and poorly done modifications. You need an expert eye on this because even the shiniest car can come with hidden problems under the hood, and usually they’re expensive to fix.
Here’s what you should run your eye over before you test-drive a car. This is not a substitute a professional mechanical inspection and you should always seek expert advice.
Think of this list as early warning signs - a red flag. If any of these issues present themselves, skip the professional inspection and move on to the next car.
Oil indicators
Oil can tell you a lot about the engine, so check it. If you pull the dipstick out and the oil residue doesn’t reach the ‘full’ marker, or it looks thick and black, this is a sign that the car has not been maintained well. If you look under the oil cap and find gritty carbon deposits there too, you can be sure there has been some engine neglect.
Leaks
Look underneath the car. Look at the radiator. Look at the hoses. Are there any signs of leakage? Cracking? Corrosion? If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance you’ll run into some of those hidden problems we mentioned about.
Smoke from the exhaust
Turn the car on. Have someone rev it a few times. Is there smoke from the exhaust? Can you smell anything in the smoke? Either would be bad. Usually, a smoky exhaust indicates an oil-burning engine, which tells you there is a problem to be found.
