<![CDATA[AHG Auto & Tyre Service - Blog]]>Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:59:22 +0800Weebly<![CDATA[What Is A Car Service?]]>Tue, 07 Jan 2020 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/what-is-a-car-service
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Ever wonder what happens to your automobile when it goes to a car service?

Much like our health, cars also need to be checked and undergo maintenance now and then. Automakers, like Toyota, also recommend that vehicles need to undergo car service every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on their make and model. 
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Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of car owners that don’t take car maintenance seriously. Perhaps it’s the lack of time or finances that prevent them from maintaining their car. 

In some cases, the car owner might not have enough information about car maintenance that he hesitates to avail of this service. In this post, we will discuss what a car service is all about and why it’s worth doing in the long run.


What Gets Done in a Car Service?
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When you take your vehicle into a car service outlet, you usually don’t get to see what the technicians and mechanics do. After all, most customers want to spend their time on other things than watching their car being tinkered or prepped for maintenance. 

When professional mechanics check your car, they usually perform a strict procedure that is composed of checking all the crucial parts of your vehicle. Think of it like one of those complete medical examinations you take to ensure you're in top shape.

Aside from inspecting your car, they also make adjustments or replacements to ensure it will run on its best condition. If they find any damage that requires your immediate attention, the technicians will inform you of your options.

What is Included in a Car Service in Perth?
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Numerous workshops offer car maintenance in Perth and other locations in Western Australia. These companies usually have different car service packages. Some may provide more comprehensive maintenance with a long list of car parts to check, and if necessary, replace or repair. 

Below are some of the things that are included in a basic car care service:
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  1. Thorough visual inspection underneath the car for oil leaks, corrosion, and damaged rubber mounts
  2. Check the condition and level of oil and other fluids. Perform oil or fluid change when necessary.
  3. Tyre check which ensures tyre pressure is correct. Tyre threads are also checked. This may also include rotation and balancing of car’s wheels. 
  4. Examine the brake system. Check the thickness of brake pads and the moisture content of brake fluid. Look for perished brake lines and recommend changing them when necessary.
  5. Perform a pressure test on the radiator to identify leaks.
  6. Inspect air filters and suggest replacing them if it's too worn out. 
  7. Check all belts for tension and wear. Test out spark plugs if they need replacement. 
  8. Examine steering and wheel bearings for any damage. 

Most car service companies also offer free car wash and vacuum. After the car checkup and maintenance is over, a qualified mechanic will stamp your car’s service manual.

How Much Should Car Service Cost?
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Different workshops have varying prices for assessing and maintaining your vehicle. Several factors affect the cost of car service, such as:

  • The type of vehicle to be serviced (smaller vehicles usually cost less)
  • The mileage or total distance travelled by your car since it has left the showroom (older vehicles are a bit pricier)
  • The geographical location of their business
  • Type of service you availed; usually a choice between basic and full

In Perth, the cost of car service ranges between $150 to $300, depending on the factors mentioned above.


Conclusion
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Getting your car serviced every once in a while can help you prolong its lifespan. Furthermore, it ensures that your vehicle will run safely on the road. If you think your car is experiencing any problems, even if it's a minor one, its best to have it checked or serviced to prevent further complications. ​
]]><![CDATA[Where to Find a Toyota Service Centre in Perth?]]>Sun, 05 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/where-to-find-a-toyota-service-centre-in-perth
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Toyota is one of the most well-known car brands in the world. It’s also the leading car brand in Australia for the last 16 years or so. As such, finding a Toyota service centre in Perth or any other place in Australia is quite easy. 

One of the best selling points of Toyota cars is the reliability of their units. However, even if a vehicle is easy to maintain, they need to undergo car service now and then. Fortunately, Toyota has recently implemented the Toyota Service Advantage, which eliminates the guesswork on your car servicing efforts. ​

Consequently, Toyota implements a capped price servicing for their vehicles. Under this new program, prices for earlier car services or maintenance have set rates which are much cheaper than succeeding years. 

In this post, we will discuss Toyota dealerships or any affiliated shops in Perth, Western Australia. We will also help you locate the nearest Toyota car service company in your area.

Can I Get My Toyota Serviced Anywhere?
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If your vehicle is still under Toyota’s warranty, then it’s a no. It's often recommended that you have your car serviced in a Toyota dealership or an affiliated workshop. Getting your vehicle serviced outside these establishments can void your warranty. Furthermore, only professional mechanics which are recognised by Toyota can stamp or sign your service manual. 

However, if your vehicle is way past its warranty period, then you can have it checked and maintained in any shop that are experts in Toyota car care and repair. 

Although, you may still want to get your vehicle serviced in a Toyota dealership because they often have the spare parts you need for repairs. Moreover, the Japanese carmaker offers several benefits to loyal customers who get their car serviced at a Toyota service centre.

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What Does Toyota Service Include?
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Much like other car brands, Toyota service comes in basic and full options. Basic options cover the most critical maintenance checklist to ensure your car is running smoothly and safely on the road.

On the other hand, full service usually goes more in-depth into your car’s mechanics. If you are worried that your vehicle might be developing some issues that need immediate care, we recommend getting a full service to identify this problem more thoroughly. 

Below are some of the procedures you can expect from a basic car service from Toyota dealerships:

  • Tyre Check
  • Engine Oil Change 
  • Transmission Check
  • Brake System Examination
  • Visual Inspection of the Car’s Underside
  • Spark Plug Replacement 
  • Air Filter Examination
  • Checking for any Leaks

Additionally, a Toyota service centre may also offer free car wash and vacuum for free as part of their package. 

Where are Toyota Cars Made for Perth?
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Toyota has three service centres in Perth, namely:

  • City Toyota in 216 Newcastle Street Northbridge
  • City Toyota in 220 Newcastle Street (for used cars)
  • City Toyota in 165 Aberdeen Street Perth (offers mobile service)

You can also use their online locator to find a Toyota dealership near you 

Toyota is one of the most dominant car brands, not only in Perth but all over Australia. They also have service centres around Western Australia that offer comprehensive car service.  Hence, given their vast network of dealerships and service centres, there is no excuse not to have your Toyota car checked.
]]><![CDATA[Where to Find a Ford Service Centre in Perth?]]>Mon, 30 Dec 2019 04:55:13 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/where-to-find-a-ford-service-centre-in-perth
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Finding a Ford service centre in Perth can be overwhelming, especially if you are new in the area. Fortunately, Ford Australia’s website has a dealership and service centre locator, which can guide you to these facilities.

Ford is one of the largest car brands in Australia and ranks 5th or 6th in car sales for the past five years. If you are an owner of a Ford vehicle, it will please you to know that it's now easier for you to have your car serviced, especially if it's still under warranty.

In 2018, the company extended its five-year warranty to unlimited-kilometre which is now standard across its lineup of cars and commercial vehicles. Before, the warranty only covers up to 60,000 miles or roughly 100,000 kilometres over the same period. 

In this post, we will discuss everything you should know about servicing your Ford vehicle in Perth or any other major cities in Australia.
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Can I Get my Ford Serviced at Any Dealership?
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No, if your car is considered new and still under the manufacturer’s warranty, then you are only allowed to take it at a Ford accredited workshop. Ford has a bumper-to-bumper warranty which covers 60,000 miles or three years on all parts. 

However, once this expires, you can now choose to have your car maintained in a private service company. The advantage of having your vehicle serviced in Ford dealerships is that they usually have the spare parts that your car might need for repairs. 

Both a Ford accredited workshop and a private service company offer almost the same car maintenance procedures, which includes:

  • Engine Oil Change
  • Tyre Check
  • Brake System Examination
  • Transmission Check
  • Visual Inspection
  • Air Filter Probe
  • Examination for any Leaks
  • Spark Plug Replacement 

Most car service companies also offer car wash and vacuum for free as part of their car maintenance packages.
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How many Ford dealerships are in Perth?
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Ford has an extensive network of Ford dealerships in Perth, Western Australia. There are several Ford dealerships in this area, namely:

  • Lynford Motors in 300 Scarborough Beach Road Osborne Park
  • McInerney Ford in 239 Walter Road Morley
  • Midway Ford in 326 Great Eastern Highway Midland
  • John Hughes Ford in 49 Shepperton Road Victoria Park
  • John Huges Ford in 7 Forward st. corner Swansea st. East Victoria Bank 
  • Range Ford in 1884-1892 Albany Highway Maddington
  • Titan Ford in 192 Leach Highway Melville

Several workshops are affiliated with Ford that can help you in your Ford car maintenance. These companies are qualified to sign or stamp your vehicle’s service manual. Take note that you may lose the validity of your automaker’s warranty if you service your car from a non-affiliated workshop or car service company.

As such, always ask first if the shop has a certification from Ford, which allows them to service your car without compromising its warranty. Many of these companies also have websites online, which you can check to ensure that they are permitted by a specific car company to service their fleet of vehicles.  

Consequently, Ford has over 259 locations in Australia that are owned by some 197 independent owners or companies. According to the Australian Parliament website, Ford dealerships directly hired more than 7,000 people, many of whom work in regional and rural centres.
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How do I contact a Ford Service Centre in Perth?
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Ford has a dealer location tool on their website. Use this link to find a Ford dealership that is nearest to your location → www.ford.com.au/dealership.

There are two ways to go about this locator. First, you can click on the “Use My Current Location” button, which will permit Ford to locate your device or connection. It will then suggest a list of dealerships that are within a 50 km or 100 km radius.

Second, you can type in the area where you want your car to be serviced. If you are in Western Australia, they have dealerships near the most popular locations such as near the Perth Airport and Perth Hills. 

A map will then be shown which details the location of the dealerships that match your search query. Next, click on the pin dot of the dealership of your choice. The webpage will then display the complete address of the car service company. 

If you have a smartphone or a navigation system in your car, you can use Google Maps to help you navigate your way to their workshop.
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What Vehicles can be Maintained in a Ford Service Centre?
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Cars that have been bought over the last five years can be serviced by these Ford dealerships, especially if their warranty hasn’t expired. The basic car service is usually free, but if you want to upgrade to a full service, the workshop may charge you an extra fee. 

Ford has a plethora of cars under its fleet from passenger cars to SUVs. The American auto company also offers commercial vehicles such as pickups and transit commercial vehicle.

Below are some of the vehicles under the Ford brand that are currently being sold in Australia:

Passenger Cars

  • Ford Focus
  • Ford Mondeo 

SUVs

  • Ford Endura
  • Ford Escape 
  • Ford EcoSport
  • Ford Everest

Commercial Vehicles

  • Ford Ranger
  • Ford Transit (can be customised into a van, cab chassis, or custom)

Performance Cars

  • Ford Focus ST
  • Ford Fiesta ST
  • Ford Ranger Raptor
  • Ford Mustang (has an R-SPEC variant)

However, do take note that the extended five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty only applies to Ford vehicles bought on May 1, 2018 and after. If you purchased your Ford unit earlier than this date, then it's not qualified under this program. Hence, your vehicle may fall into the previous 100,000 kilometre or five-year warranty. 

Regardless if you qualify for this new warranty protocol, you must service your car every 5,000 kilometres or what is prescribed in your car owner’s manual.

Perth is one of the places in Australia that has a strong concentration of Ford vehicles. If you own a Ford vehicle, please check out their Dealership locator to find out the different Ford service centres near you.

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]]><![CDATA[Finding a Good Hyundai Service Centre]]>Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:30:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/finding-a-good-hyundai-service-centre
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Customer satisfaction in the automotive industry is now becoming the top priority among car brands. It has been a challenge for brands to provide excellent service consistently after-sales. Together with the fast technological pace, customers’ needs keep changing. There are now more options where customers can get their auto services from. 

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With a lot of car brands in the market, customers stick to those brands which continuously provide outstanding car service, even after-sales. The best car brands know that they have to keep their customers happy. This is why Hyundai is considered to be one of the best in the market.

Hyundai has built a reputation on its servicing and after-sales care. Affordable maintenance, reasonable service intervals, and life-of-car warranty are just some of the factors which gave it a high score from clients.

However, no matter how good the make of your car is, it will still wear down if not maintained properly. It is your responsibility to follow care tips and have it maintained and serviced. Some car parts and components have specific longevity; thus, it’s necessary to have it replaced accordingly to prevent future damages. 

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Where To Get Hyundai Car Serviced?
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The best, trained technicians and genuine Hyundai parts are provided by your Hyundai iCare Service Centre, so it is recommended that you continue to have your car serviced there. ​
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Booking online
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If you are busy and can’t inquire in the physical shop, you can go to the online portal and experience the convenience of booking services online. This way, you can personalise your service by providing the details of your car. Your first service (1 month) is free.
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Follow scheduled maintenance service
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The key to maximise performance and minimise maintenance is to have a regular service schedule. The Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule for our convenience. This is a big help to keep track of regular maintenance. Checks and services vary depending on the part or component of the vehicle. Some should be checked frequently. Some in every three months or 3,000 miles, six months or 6,000 miles and 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Hyundai vehicles are designed to last long, especially when maintained properly and regularly.  
Manufacturers recommend the scheduled maintenance services and are specified in the service passport.

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Hyundai car servicing and maintenance costs
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Repair and maintenance costs vary. It depends on your vehicle’s age and mileage; it also depends on where you are located and the shop where you’re having your car serviced. In Australia, the average cost of a car service is between $150 and $550.
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Lifetime Service Plan
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Upon purchasing your brand new Hyundai, you can take advantage of Hyundai’s comprehensive and fully transferable Lifetime Service plan. If you’ve opted on this plan, you can have your vehicle regularly serviced, which in turn can ensure excellent running performance and optimised resale value.

This plan is retrospective. All Hyundai cars from a 1986 model year onwards can opt-in to this service plan. However, Hyundai vehicles that are not imported into Australia by Hyundai Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd are not eligible for this program.

The following are covered in the Lifetime Service Plan:
  • Labour
  • Lubricants
  • Parts
  • Oil and waste recycling and/or removal
  • Workshop supplies
]]><![CDATA[What Car Owners Need to Know About Vehicle Servicing]]>Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:30:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/what-car-owners-need-to-know-about-vehicle-servicing
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Imagine yourself driving, trying to catch up on a very important meeting, and then suddenly your car breaks down. Yes, it is indeed frustrating. Imagine the hassle you have to go through taking your car to a service centre where you’re expected to spend a big chunk of money. We all know situations like these are inconvenient, but they are also inevitable. ​
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This is why if you are a smart car owner, you have to maintain your car regularly. It is encouraged by automotive experts to have your vehicle serviced every twelve months, or when it reaches a mileage of  12,000. Having it serviced regularly does require time and effort, but just think of all the bigger car issues you can prevent. 
 
If you’re not sure about what type of service is required for your car, you can check your manufacturer’s guidebook for details. You can also ask your local mechanics, friends or family.

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What is a car service?
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​Car servicing is a set of maintenance procedures that are carried out in intervals to maintain a smooth run. The vehicle manufacturers specify the service intervals. Some cars even display the due date for the next service on the instrument panel.
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Look for a reliable car service centre.
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We all want the best car service, and we can only get that from a reliable car service centre. Sometimes you can speculate the type of service you will be getting from that shop by just simply looking around it. Most of the time, you just have to take the risk of using their service and find it out yourself.  
 
Finding a good car servicing centre can be quite challenging if you do not know how and what to look for. Always do your research and try asking people you know where they usually go to have their cars fixed and serviced. Even with that, you should still be careful in choosing where to go. ​


How often should I have my car serviced?
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If you drive a modern car, it usually has a built-in computer which provides a warning through your dashboard when your car reaches its service interval. If you don't have it, then you can check the servicing schedule in its logbook. You can also see it in the car's manual pack. It has detailed information regarding the car's servicing. 
 
There are several things to consider before determining the frequency of your car servicing. First, identify the number of miles you drive. Next, check your logbook and determine how well your automobile is maintained. Lastly, consider the quality of the road you usually travel on. 
What mechanics do during a car service:
  • Check all fluid levels.
  • Change the engine oil.
  • Change the oil filter if necessary.
  • Lubricate and grease the moving parts.
  • Lubricate and grease components.
  • Replace the air filter.
  • Replace the fuel filter.
  • Replace the cabin filter.
  • Check the tire conditions.
  • Check for ECU errors and take necessary actions.
  • Check if lights, wipers, etc. are still functioning.
  • Wash the vehicle's exterior and clean its interior.


Are car services costly?
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Maintenance costs go up as your car ages, but it starts at less than $100 per year. Plus, it actually lowers your car costs because you can prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
Mechanic rates also vary. But don't get easily fooled by mechanics who have cheaper rates, mostly the quality of their work depends on their rate as well. 

In research conducted by Canstar Blue, 81% of Aussies are afraid of getting ripped off by mechanics. Who wouldn't? Well, aside from the 19%. Anyway, the point is that we want to get our money's worth.

To get an estimate of how much you're going to pay for a car service, consider these factors:
  • Make and model of your car
  • Your mechanic
  • Type of Service required
  • Mileage

What are some of the common maintenance works every vehicle needs?


​As a vehicle owner, we can't stress enough the importance of reading the owner's manual. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your car:

  • Have your car checked on a regular basis. It is easy to perform the activities in your car maintenance checklist. The checklist is to be performed to assess the different parts and components of your car and figure out what to do next. 

  • Familiarize the different warning light indicators. Modern cars are designed for convenience. You don't have to worry about missing out on anything that needs to be taken care of. Part of basic maintenance is to get to know the meaning of these light indicators on your instrument panel. These are some of the light indicators which may appear on your panel:

  1. Check engine light
  2. Service engine light
  3. Electrical fault light
  4. Brake warning light
  5. ABS warning light
  6. Coolant warning light
  7. Oil warning light

  • Check tire pressures. Tire pressure is one of the things which impact fuel economy. Comfort and handling can also be affected by the tire pressures so; ideally, this should be done weekly. There are already gadgets and devices which constantly monitor tire pressure so you might get those as well.

  • Rotate and check tire alignment. To ensure your safety while driving, make sure the wheels are balanced and aligned. Ideally, the wheels should be rotated every 5,000 miles. 

  • Check drive belts. Drive belts transfer power from your crankshaft to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, and any other device that needs mechanical power to run.  
 
Having your car maintained and serviced regularly increases its durability, reliability and lifespan. Never ignore issues no matter how small they are because they can cause breakdowns much likely. Not only that, did you know that cars with full-service history have a resale value of up to 30% more than the same unserviced make and model? So, if you're planning to sell your investment in the future for whatever reason, it is a wise move to have it regularly checked.
]]><![CDATA[Finding a Good Auto Repair Shop: Things You Need to Know]]>Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:31:25 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/finding-a-good-auto-repair-shop-things-you-need-to-know
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When car owners, such as you, talk about car stuff, they often ask where to find good auto repair shops. You notice that too? This topic is brought up during these conversations most of the time because with so many auto repair shops available, finding a good one nowadays is bloody hard.
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The need for vehicle repairs can arise at any moment, so it is good to be ready for them. With little or no time to do this, mechanics and auto repair shops that are trustworthy could save you wasted time, money and stress. Information is power and because of that, here are six things you need to know in finding a good auto repair shop.


1. Learn More About Cars
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When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, and you don't know much about car maintenance, conversations can be daunting and frustrating at times. It will be a big help if you know what the mechanic is talking about and if you know what's wrong with your car. Aside from saving yourself from an intimidating conversation with the mechanic, knowing a little bit about car parts and components will also save both you and the mechanic time. Knowledge about these things will also prevent you from getting tricked into buying something that is not even needed in your car's repair. Honesty is the best policy, but prevention is always better than cure.


2. Ask and do your research
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If you are not sure about prices for certain car repairs, it won't hurt to survey, ask people and browse the web. Get a couple of estimates—from service and spare part prices to the usual repair time frame—from other car owners who had the same work done or from online forums and articles. Dishonest mechanics and auto repair shops can easily overcharge you, but when you do your research, you will have an idea of what a fair price is and how long these types of repairs normally take. The best referrals often come from family, friends or colleagues who have experience in dealing with different mechanics in your area.


3. Look for A Specialty Shop
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Though most car owners go for an authorised dealership, it is still better to go with independent car repair services, particularly shops which specialise in the make of your car. Specialty shops focus on a single class of products; hence, their employees develop a reputation on their expertise. Specialty shops also have more spare parts and components which cater to your car's needs. It could be a little bit pricier, but it's all worth it.
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4. Never Depend on Prices
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Don't fall for sweet offers. While the price is a very important consideration in your choice of shop, don't just fall for very cheap shops. It helps when you do your research first before choosing. Most of the time, shops which have the cheapest rates also have the worst services.

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5. Observe their operations
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It would help if you visit the shop first and see how the staff and mechanics do their work. You can look around and observe if they have enough facilities and equipment to do just any auto repairs. Also, try to observe how the mechanics do their tasks and if the shop is well staffed to provide good quality service.
]]><![CDATA[3 Signs That Your Car Needs Servicing]]>Tue, 19 Nov 2019 02:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/3-signs-that-your-car-needs-servicing
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Every car has certain quirks or eccentricities that drivers get used to or ignore whilst driving. Most of these are simply characteristics of the car, but there are other aspects that cannot be ignored, and they need expert attention if you want to keep your car on the road. Every car needs to be serviced regularly. Every car manufacturer has specific servicing intervals for each of their models based on a set period of time or mileage. But, in many cases, the car will warn the driver of an impending problem and knowing how to recognise these signs can help. Here are three signs that your car needs a service.

1 The Engine Warning Light


Modern cars have an engine warning light to give you a basic warning that something isn’t right. If you have a check engine light on your dash, it can indicate a number of issues, and it’s important to get the car in for a service as soon as possible. Some cars can have a service light in the shape of a spanner icon to remind the driver when a service visit is due. When this first comes on, you have some time to arrange a car service, but don’t leave it too long.


2 Hearing Unusual Noises

If you can hear any new or strange noises coming from your car, it’s a sure sign that something is wrong. Let’s take a look at some common warning sounds and what they mean:

A loud or blowing exhaust: This typically means that the exhaust is cracked, it’s easy to fix, but it’s often a better idea to simply replace the exhaust before it falls off entirely.

A whining sound in the engine bay: This is often a loose belt, it needs to be adjusted or replaced before it causes other issues, such as battery problems and overheating.

A metallic scraping: Any scrapes or bangs need to be checked out quickly, this is often caused by a loose or broken component that’s rubbing up against other parts. This can result in more damage, and the longer it’s ignored, the more expensive the repair.

An uneven engine idling noise: If your car makes an uneven noise when you’re at the lights, it means that the engine is misfiring, and a repair is needed. This could be solved by replacing the spark plugs, or it could be a more complex issue related to the air and fuel mixture.

A crunching noise when changing gears: The parts and fluids in your gearbox undergo a great deal of stress, and they need to be replaced periodically. If you can hear a crunching noise, it’s time to take your car in for a service.

Squealing noise when braking: This is usually worn brake pads that need replacing.


3 Vibrations When Baking

This can be caused by a suspension problem, a steering issue or worn brake pads or discs. This cannot be ignored, and the car must be brought in for service immediately. A car that is acting in this manner isn’t safe to drive, and the tyres may also be worn. If you check your tyres for wear, they must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, and the wear should be even across the entire tyre.

If you need a car service in Rockingham or beyond, contact AHG Auto & Tyre service to arrange your visit today.
]]><![CDATA[The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance]]>Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/the-importance-of-regular-car-maintenance
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A car is the second largest purchase that most people make in their life, after their home, and it makes sense to take care of that considerable investment. A car that’s well maintained will run better, but it will also maintain its value, and it will have a longer lifespan. When you have a regular car service in Perth, your car will also be safer to drive, and the costs of repairs will be reduced over the ownership period of the car. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of regular car maintenance.


Improving Safety

Safety should be the primary concern for every car owner, and a breakdown can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. When a car is poorly maintained, a breakdown if far more likely, and it could happen anywhere at any time. There are also safety systems to consider; modern cars have many active and passive safety systems that need maintenance to ensure that they work well. A prime example would be the tyres. They must be kept at the correct pressure, and the tread must be at least 1.6mm across the entire tyre. This is important to ensure that the car can maintain grip and displace an adequate volume of water in wet driving conditions.


Reducing Repair Costs

Regular car maintenance isn’t costly, but it’s an absolute bargain compared to the costs of unexpected replacements and repair bills. A car engine and the various components don’t fail for no reason, and in most cases, there are things that can be done if the problems are identified at an earlier stage. During regular car maintenance, minor issues can be identified and rectified before they develop into much larger problems that are far more expensive to fix. The technician may find signs of wear or leaks or cracks that help them to identify a component that could be saved rather than replaced. This is how you can keep your repair costs over the lifespan of the vehicle under control and save money.

An Extended Lifespan

If you follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your car carefully, it’s easier to avoid or at least defer problems related to the age of your car. A program of preventative car maintenance will help you to prevent larger problems in components, such as the drivetrain, the transmission system, and the cooling system. These are all common problems in ageing cars, and they can be expensive to fix. Regular car maintenance can help to reduce the wear and tear on the engine itself and a wide variety of other components. This will extend the useful lifespan of the car and help to maintain the value for longer.

A comprehensive car service could cost you a few hundred dollars, but a single extensive repair could cost thousands. A car that’s well looked after will be less likely to surprise you with unexpected problems, and it will be far safer to drive too. If you need a car service in Perth, contact AHG Auto & Tyre Service to arrange a visit today.

]]><![CDATA[All You Need to Know For Your Car Service in Perth]]>Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/all-you-need-to-know-for-your-car-service-in-perth
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Your car is likely to be the most intricate and sophisticated piece of machinery that you own. The typical vehicle has thousands of moving parts, and since it is likely to be your second largest asset, it needs to be looked after. A car service in Perth is a crucial way to maintain your vehicle, so here we’ll need to know about this important aspect of auto repair.


The Benefits of Servicing Your Car

There are four main benefits of regularly sourcing your vehicle. This includes:

  • Money-Saving: Regular servicing can maintain your fuel efficiency and provides an opportunity to replace components before they can fail to reduce your chances of a breakdown. This preventatively saves money as you can pay for smaller repair bills rather than facing a hefty emergency repair. 
  • Improving Safety: A typical service includes lots of safety checks. This helps to identify any worn parts and replace them to keep critical components such as your brakes, seatbelts, steering, and suspension operating correctly. 
  • Increasing Longevity: Consistently serviced engines last longer than units that have received sporadic or no attention. 
  • Boosts Resale Value: While you may not have plans to sell your vehicle right now, it is important to be aware that a full-service history is far more attractive to potential vehicle buyers.


How Often Do You Need A Car Service?

Generally, vehicles require servicing every 10 to 15,000 kilometres or annually, whichever comes first. However, there are some exceptions which may halve your service intervals. Car manufacturers specify some scenarios as severe operating conditions, including:

  • Using Fuel Containing Sulphur: Fuel in Australia has higher concentrations of sulphur, and this will place additional demand on your exhaust emission systems.
  • Primarily Making Short Trips: When you make frequent short trips, your car will never get to the optimum operating temperature. This places additional stress on the engine components. This can also apply to drivers who tend to have their engines idling for long periods. 
  • High Dust Levels: Dust can play havoc on machinery as it acts as an abrasive. Regular servicing can reduce the effects of dust on your engine.
  • Regular Towing: Pulling a trailer or other load regularly means that your engine, suspension, and brakes need to cope with the extra strain, accelerating wear and tear.
  • City Driving: If your car rarely leaves the city, you may need to service it more frequently. The constant acceleration and braking place the components under increased stress.


What's Involved in Your Car Service?

There are a number of tasks involved in a typical service. Your service may include:

  • Brake System Check: Your brakes are crucial, but over time the brake pads can wear down through use. Your mechanic will check the thickness of your brake pads at the front and rear of your vehicle. The brake system will also be inspected to check for leaks that may compromise performance. Any defective or broken components will be replaced. Your mechanic will also check your brake fluid levels. As the pads wear down, the fluid levels can drop, but the system needs a minimum level of fluid to allow the hydraulic circuit to perform correctly. 

  • Engine Oil Change: Your engine oil is needed to lubricate the engine components, so they can move freely. Oil is vital to maintain engine performance, stopping those fast spinning components from overheating. Your oil filters will clean the oil to prevent contaminants from entering the engine. During the service, the engine oil will be changed, and the filter will be replaced. 
  • Visual Battery Inspection: Your battery will be examined for loose connections, frayed cables, or powdery deposits accumulated on the terminals. 
  • Tyre Check: Tyre tread helps standing water on the road to be shed to improve traction and keep the tyre cool. When a tyre wears beyond the minimum level, there will be less grip, and the braking distances will be increased. 
  • Exhaust Check: If your exhaust has a leak, it can not only allow harmful fumes to enter the cabin, but also compromise engine performance. Your mechanic will check your exhaust system for any leaks and ensure that the fittings are secure. 
  • Transmission Check: Your gearbox has a series of moving gears on different shafts. If you have an automatic transmission, there is also a set of planetary gears. Both transmissions rely on oil to cool and lubricate the system, so your mechanic will check for signs of leaks and other issues that may compromise performance. 
  • Light Check: Working lights are mandatory as part of the road regulations. So the technician will check that your headlights, indicators, brake lights, and number plate lamps are operating correctly. 
  • Fluid Checks: In addition to oil, your vehicle requires coolant, power steering fluid, and other liquids. The mechanics will check the fluid levels and top them up if necessary.
  • Visual Inspection: Finally, your mechanic will perform a visual inspection of the bodywork, steering system, and engine bay to look for signs of failing or damaged components. 

At the end of the service, the technician will perform a test drive to check everything is running correctly before resetting the service light and filling out your service history booklet.


Essential Tasks

There are also essential tasks that are carried out at specific odometer points. For example, at 30,000 kilometres, your fuel filter should be replace, while at 40,000 kilometres, the sparkplugs should be changed. These tasks vary according to the make and model of your vehicle. You can find specific details for your vehicle in your owner’s manual. This will break down the essential tasks and the recommended servicing schedule. It is important to maintain this schedule to maintain your manufacturer warranty and improve your vehicle resale value. 

If you’re asking yourself where you can get “a car service near me,” then AHG Auto & Tyre Service is here to help. As one of the most reputable auto shops in Perth, we can assist you with a car service for any make and model, and our team would be delighted to answer any of your queries.

]]><![CDATA[A Brief Car Service Guide]]>Mon, 28 Oct 2019 16:00:00 GMThttps://www.ahgautoservice.com.au/blog/a-brief-car-service-guide
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Broadly speaking, car owners tend to fall into one of three groups when it comes to car servicing. The first group is diligent; they stick to the servicing intervals, and they never miss a car service. The second group is a little lax; they want to save some money, so they skip a service here and there. The third group never have their car serviced at all, and they run their car until a major problem needs to be repaired. Car servicing is essential for your car for a number of reasons, and we will explain why in this brief guide.

A Regular Car Service in Important

A car represents a significant investment for most people, and after their home, it’s probably the single largest purchase. A car is also a complex piece of machinery with electrical, electronic, and mechanical moving parts that all need to work in harmony. If you want to protect your investment, it’s essential to schedule a car service at the specified intervals.


4 Benefits of Car Servicing

There are four main benefits to regular car servicing:

1. Improving Safety


During a car service, a number of safety checks are carried out to identify component issues. Any worn components will be replaced, and this will help critical safety systems, such as steering, braking, seatbelts, and suspension, to work as intended by the manufacturer.


2. Saving Money

Regular car servicing will identify components before they fail, causing an unexpected breakdown. A well-maintained car will also maintain the fuel efficiency leading to lower fuel bills. Fixing smaller issues before they develop into larger problems is a great way to save money.

3. Retaining Value

When it comes time to sell your car, it will command a higher price if there is a full-service history. Car buyers are attracted to a car that has been well looked after because they are less likely to fail after they drive away.

4. Improving Longevity

When a car is serviced regularly, the engine will last far longer than a vehicle that has been neglected. This will allow the owner to defer a car change for longer, and this is a great way to save money or wait for a better deal.

Understanding Car Servicing Intervals

Every car manufacturer has a servicing interval for each of the cars in their stable. However, generally speaking, it’s a good idea to service a car at least every 10,000-15,000 kilometres or once per year (whichever comes first). But, if you are using a vehicle in any of the severe operating conditions detailed below, it may be necessary to halve these servicing intervals. Let’s look at six common harsh operating conditions:

1. Fuel Use


Australian fuel may contain higher concentrations of sulphur than many other nations where your model of car is sold. Sulphur is known to place higher demands on exhaust emission control systems. Switching to a low sulphur fuel may be possible, but this may come at an additional premium when you visit the pump.

2. High Dust Levels 


An area with high levels of dust or sand can play have with sensitive components and metallic machined surfaces. The material can act as an abrasive, making lubrication less effective and causing considerable wear and tear on mechanical moving parts. Regular servicing can offset the effects of dust and sand, but the intervals will be lower.

3. Shorter Trips

If the car use is limited to more frequent and short journeys, the car will never be able to reach its optimal operating temperature. This will introduce extra stress to the internal components, and the chance of a breakdown is higher.

4. Long Idling Times

If the car is sitting for long periods and the engine is idling, it can cause problems. When an engine is idling, it cannot get up to temperature, and this resulting running time isn’t factored into the odometer readings. This makes it difficult to make an accurate assessment of the relative health of an engine related to its age. This is a common problem in vehicles, such as taxis and local delivery vans.

5. Stop/Start Driving

If a car is primarily used in a busy urban environment stop/start driving in heavy traffic can be a problem. A car that is constantly accelerated and braked over shorter distances will have extra stress placed on key mechanical components.

6. Towing 

If the car is used for regular towing duties, the engine, suspension, and braking systems are all placed under additional strain. Over time this will significantly accelerate wear and tear on the vehicle, and it will need extra servicing.

What Happens During a Car Service?

There are three main types of car service available at most servicing providers; they are an inspection service, an interval service, and an oil change. Each of these three servicing tasks covers a number of different areas on your car as follows:


  1. An Inspection Service

An exhaust system check, a brake fluid change, boot swivel joints checked, gearbox and transmission check, front and rear lights checked, vehicle systems check, coolant level check, body damage check, visual engine checks, headlight adjustments, windscreen wipers checked, washer bottle levels checked, warning lights checked, horn checked and a test drive to make sure everything is working correctly.

2. An Interval Service

The brake pads are checked, a full brake system inspection, a brake fluid check, a visual battery inspection, a tyre depth check, a tyre pressure check, a tyre condition check, and a power steering fluid check.

3. An Oil Change

An engine oil change, the oil filter is replaced, service light reset, the oil sticker is filled out, and the brake pads are checked.

Finally, there are certain servicing tasks that are specified for certain odometer readings, such as fuel filter replacement, engine belt tension checks, gearbox oil replacement, changing the spark plugs, changing the cabin pollen filter, and seat belt checks. The exact intervals will vary for each manufacturer and car model, but services that include these servicing tasks cost more. If you need a high-quality car service, contact AHG Auto & Tyre Service to arrange a visit.

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