Logbook servicing, fault finding, brakes, suspension, cooling systems, and timing belts and chains — for all makes and models at our Melton workshop.
Regular servicing is the cheapest way to keep a car reliable. We service all makes and models to the manufacturer’s schedule using quality parts and the correct oils and fluids for your engine — so your new-car warranty stays intact without going back to the dealer.
Modern cars are rolling computers. Warning lights, rough running, electrical problems and intermittent faults need proper diagnostic equipment and the experience to interpret it. We read the fault codes and live data, then test to find the actual cause — rather than replacing parts until the light goes out.
Squealing, grinding, a soft pedal, pulling to one side, clunks over bumps or uneven tyre wear are all signs that something needs attention.
Overheating can destroy an engine quickly. We pressure test the cooling system to find leaks and repair or replace radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses, fans and expansion tanks.
A failed timing belt can cause major engine damage. We replace timing belts at the recommended interval — usually along with the water pump and tensioners — and repair stretched or noisy timing chains, a common issue on some European engines.
Tap a light to see what it means, how urgent it is and what to do next. Red means stop or act now; amber means get it checked soon.
What it means: The engine computer has logged a fault — anything from a loose fuel cap or a failing sensor to a misfire.
What to do: Steady light: safe to drive gently, but book a diagnostic scan soon. Flashing light: a misfire that can overheat the catalytic converter — ease off and get it checked as soon as possible.
What it means: Oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine — low oil level, a leak or a failing oil pump.
What to do: Stop safely and switch the engine off straight away. Check the oil level once it has cooled. Driving on can destroy the engine within minutes — call us rather than driving in.
What it means: The charging system isn't keeping the battery charged — usually the alternator, drive belt, wiring or the battery itself.
What to do: The car is running on battery power only and may stop. Turn off non-essential electrics and drive straight to us, or call if you're far away.
What it means: The engine is overheating — low coolant, a leak, a failed thermostat, water pump or fan, or a head gasket problem.
What to do: Pull over and switch off. Don't open the radiator cap while hot. Continuing to drive can warp the cylinder head. See our cooling system repairs.
What it means: Either the handbrake is on, the brake fluid is low, or there's a fault in the brake hydraulic system.
What to do: Check the handbrake is fully released. If the light stays on, have the brakes checked before driving further — low fluid can mean worn pads or a leak.
What it means: The anti-lock braking system has a fault — often a wheel speed sensor. Normal braking still works, but wheels can lock in an emergency stop.
What to do: Safe to drive carefully, leaving extra stopping distance. Book a diagnostic — an ABS fault can also fail an RWC.
What it means: A fault in the airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner system. The airbags may not deploy in a crash.
What to do: The car drives normally, but you may not be protected in a collision — get it scanned promptly. An active SRS light fails a roadworthy.
What it means: At least one tyre is under-inflated (or the TPMS sensor has a fault).
What to do: Check all tyres with a gauge and inflate to the pressure on the door-jamb placard. If it keeps dropping you may have a puncture — see our tyre service.
What it means: Flashing briefly: the system is working, stopping wheelspin on a slippery road. Staying on: the system is switched off or has a fault.
What to do: If it flashes, ease off the throttle. If it stays on, check it hasn't been switched off, then book a diagnostic — it often shares sensors with the ABS.
What it means: On a diesel, it lights briefly while the glow plugs pre-heat. If it flashes or stays on while driving, there's an engine management fault.
What to do: Wait for it to go out before starting. If it flashes while driving, book a diagnostic — the engine may be in limp mode.
What it means: A fault with the electric or hydraulic power steering — steering may become much heavier.
What to do: Drive carefully and expect heavy steering at low speed. Book in soon; for hydraulic systems, check for fluid leaks.
What it means: You're into the reserve — usually around 50–80 km of driving left, depending on the car.
What to do: Refuel soon. Regularly running very low can wear the fuel pump, which relies on fuel for cooling.
Colours follow the usual convention — red: stop or act now, amber: get it checked soon. Symbols vary between makes; your owner’s manual has the exact meaning.
Pop in your kilometres and the car’s age to see which service items are typically due — then check them against your logbook.
Our workshop is at 24/10 Graham Street, Melton. As well as Melton itself, we regularly look after drivers from Melton South, Melton West, Kurunjang, Brookfield, Harkness, Weir Views, Strathtulloh, Aintree, Fraser Rise, Rockbank, Toolern Vale, Eynesbury, Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs.
Follow your manufacturer’s schedule — typically every 10,000 to 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Many European vehicles use condition-based servicing; we can read the service indicator and tell you what’s due.
A steady warning light usually means a fault has been stored and should be checked soon. A flashing engine light often indicates a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter — reduce driving and get it checked as soon as possible.
It depends on the engine — commonly somewhere between 60,000 and 150,000 km, or by age. Check your logbook or give us a call with your make, model and kilometres and we’ll let you know.
Common causes include coolant leaks, a failing water pump or thermostat, a blocked radiator, a faulty fan, or a head gasket problem. Stop driving if the gauge is in the red — continuing can cause serious engine damage.
Call the workshop on 0410 872 214 or send us the details online. Open 7 days, 8am to 5pm.
