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

The result of that could be very different ways to get your car ready for winter; however, the fundamentals of safe winter motoring don’t change. So what do you do to make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring?

Don't you hate that moment when you switch on the wipers at the first drop of rain and realise they're worn out and basically useless! Wiper blades age and become less effective - especially after a long hot summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Bips Auto Service Centre can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other mechanisms in your car can be affected by cold weather; especially coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Getting your car regularly serviced - especially by a qualified mechanic who understands the right parts and products for your particular vehicle make and model. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.

Always remember to drive to your conditions. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and call us for a service or a Vehicle Inspection Report.

Be aware of the symptoms that your brakes need inspecting, 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 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.

Driving on worn or incorrectly inflated tyres can be dangerous. Now is the time to check how worn your tyres are. If your tyres are wearing unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

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

Bips Auto 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.

Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below:

The fundamentals of safe winter motoring don’t change. So what do you do to make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring? Bips Auto Service Centre share some tips...

Be Safe Briving this Winter in Kirwan

Find your car rocking and rolling when you corner? Not braking the way it used to? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon have your braking back on track.

Your car’s braking and suspension play an important part in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Bips Auto Service Centre in Kirwan we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and we are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre.

Your family's safety can be trusted with a Safe-T-Stop test. It provides an added safety inspection that goes far beyond a standard check and road test to scientifically test your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

A Safe-T-Stop test is carried out on the electronically accurate PlateTronic test equipment. Safe-T-Stop test lanes measure and simulate a vehicle’s brake performance in real-life conditions, exactly as it would happen in an emergency stop on the road!

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 help you save money by minimising tyre drag and tyre wear which can increase fuel costs.

A Safe-T-Stop check will give you a detailed and accurate printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Bips Auto Service Centre to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Specialist Brake Testing Service in Townsville

As your local Mechanic in Townsville, Bips Auto Service Centre take great pride in offering you the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. 

Conveniently located in Townsville, your local car service Bips Auto Service Centre specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles.

The expert mechanics at Bips Auto Service Centre in Townsville provide quality car service and repairs on all car makes and models, including diesels, trucks, caravans and trailers. Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands.

Bips Auto Service Centre cares about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU20705). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

Car Air Conditioning (ARC licence # AU20705)

Light Commercial Trucks and Vans Service and Repair

Safety-T-Stop Brake and Suspension Testing

TOWING - For Emergencies, we also provide a Car Towing Service and bring your vehicle to our Kirwan workshop for inspection and repair. 
LOAN CARS - For your convenience we offer complimentary Loan Cars (please book in advance) 
COLLECTION & DROP OFFS - If required our mechanics can pick up your car for service and deliver it back to you when the repairs are complete or drop you home or to work within the local area. 
AFTER HOURS - Should you need to drop off your vehicle to us after hours we provide a secure key drop off box.
Should you require any of these options, please let our Service Team know when you book in for your next service.

Bips Auto Service Centre understand that sometimes your budget can become stretched and your car service may have to wait .... but now you don't have to wait, so you can maintain your vehicle safety. Try Humm90 now.

A trusted, independent workshop in Kirwan

For friendly car service from a trusted independent workshop, you can rely on the team at Bips Auto Service Centre. Our experience Mechanical Service Technicians can  get your daily ride, work horse or recreational vehicle back on the road safely.

As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, Bips Auto Service Centre have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

We've made a number of adjustments to our business operations, based on the advice of the Australian Government and Health Authorities, so we can continue to provide you excellent customer service in the safest possible manner. Ready to provide you with the expert car service you've come to expect, we'd like to reassure you that as a local, family business we are doing all we can to protect our customers, staff and suppliers.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Kirwan

Car Service and Repair in Kirwan, Townsville

The simple truth is that you are able to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices.

Looking forward to the potential bargains available at the end of year car sales or want to have your new car serviced for the holidays? Here is some sound advice from Bips Auto Service Centre in Kirwan.

The purchasing of a new car is one of the largest investments people generally make, so it is common sense to make sure to maintain it. Caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash, however.

There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car.

You will want to ensure it is regularly serviced by a qualified professional, to the manufacturers requirements, using high quality parts from a reputable supplier and fluids which meet the manufacturers specifications. This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these four requirements are met you will also preserve the manufacturers warranty.

The simple truth is that you are able to choose who will service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee

You do not have to return the vehicle to the dealership where you originally bought it for service or repairs. Provided the work is only done to the manufacturers specifications by a properly trained person and uses acceptable quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. You have the right to choose who services your car.

With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Bips Auto Service Centre mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Bips Auto Service Centre mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty.

Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Bips Auto Service Centre will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original carmaker.

If you already own a new car or are thinking of purchasing one, make sure you clearly understand where your statutory rights begin and end

Make sure you are aware of the disparity between statutory, manufacturer and express warranties to help you make the right choices when it comes to servicing your new car. You are automatically covered by a statutory warranty, also known as a Consumer Guarantee, under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and this statutory protection can never be outweighed by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively).

A lack of disclosure requirements on car dealers at the point of sale regarding these contracts can easily lead the consumer into making a choice to be bound by a long term contract without access to all of the details needed to make a properly informed decision. 

So when buying a new car, be wary of new car dealers who may try to factor in “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Normally these ‘augmented’ warranties may include quite comprehensive restrictions or provisions, often in a language that is difficult to follow. Many times these special deals provide a small amount, if any additional benefits not already addressed by the consumer’s basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with the dealership selling the car.

Such special deals are very unlikely to warn you of the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes what sort of distance you will be travelling to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too.

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you are protected by a Consumer Guarantee which takes into account purchase price, realistic expectations of when a failure might occur, advertising claims and the conditions under which a vehicle should operate. Previously known as a Statutory Warranty, the Consumer Guarantee does not have a specific time limit associated with it nor can it ever be replaced by a manufacturers warranty, which is in addition to the Consumer Guarantee.

Manufacturers warranties are essentially a promise to the buyer that the new vehicle will be free from defects for a specific time and that any such defects will entitle buyers to a repair or other compensation. According to the Competition and Consumer Act (2010), such warranties cannot state that a vehicle MUST be returned to an authorised dealer for servicing.

Often new car dealers will try to include "express" or "extended" warranties, sometimes for free, in the purchase of your new vehicle. These ‘extra' warranties are in addition to the manufacturers warranty and may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, usually in unclear or confusing language. Many of these contracts actually provide little or no additional benefits over and above the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership. Extended warranties can (and often do) restrict you to a specific dealership, which can have its drawbacks.

Can Bips Auto Service Centre service my new car without voiding the warranty?

There is NO requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve;


Any manufacturer’s warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).

Any state or territory based statutory warranty (that may apply to your vehicle).

Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as implied statutory warranties).


What steps will Bips Auto Service Centre take to protect my warranty?

Bips Auto Service Centre are fully qualified to carry out log book servicing and we ensure all work is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids and lubricants where required, meaning the manufacturers warranty remains intact. In addition, all work carried out by Bips Auto Service Centre is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nation Wide Warranty.

Can Bips Auto Service Centre stamp my logbook ?

Bips Auto Service Centre can and WILL stamp your log book to verify the work has been conducted by fully qualified staff according to manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids & lubricants.

Will having my car serviced with Bips Auto Service Centre help maintain the value?

It goes without saying that a vehicle which has been well taken care of will maintain its value better than a poorly maintained one. Proof of a regular, properly adhered to service schedule will add further supporting evidence the car is in good condition. In addition to maintaining your warranty with correct service procedures, Bips Auto Service Centre will stamp your log book, which can prove invaluable should you ever decide to sell the car.

What about extended warranty or specific ‘service plans’?

Motor vehicle dealers sometimes offer their own extended (or express) warranties on vehicles. These extra warranties often begin after the manufacturer’s warranty and may stipulate that the vehicle must be serviced by the actual dealer offering the warranty. They are generally within their right to impose this condition, but the buyer should beware, such warranties are not always what they seem. Bips Auto Service Centre will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.

The purchasing of a new car is one of the largest investments people generally make, so it is common sense to make sure to maintain it.

You have the right to choose who services your new car

As an independent car service workshop, Bips Auto Service Centre your Local Repco Authorised Service centre, maintains various professional accreditations and affiliations ensuring and maintaining their position at the forefront of technology and industry developments as well as adhering to legislative requirements. These include:  


Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) 

The AAAA is the national industry association representing all aspects of the aftermarket, including the service and repair sectors.

Membership of the AAAA provides direction on Government policy and international trends. AAAA Members are also afforded access to important support in the areas of Industrial Relations and Consumer Law.  

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association actively advocates on behalf of the vehicle owners right to choose who services their vehicles.

Repco Authorised Service workshops are proud to be members of an organisation which works to protect their customers' interests. 

Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA) 

A national service and repair representative group, ARCA membership opens doors to increased automotive knowledge and business expertise. 

In addition, the Automotive Repairers Council of Australia works to protect competition in the market and ensure a strong and unified voice to government on behalf of Australia's independent service and repair workshops.   

Bips Auto Service Centre is a member of this widely respected automotive industry technical training organisation. 

Membership of Auto-Tech provides your local workshop with access to the very latest technical training and diagnostic expertise, giving you peace of mind that your car is in expert hands. Auto-Tech expertly supports Repco Authorised Service Centres with accurate information and professional advice as well as automotive software and training.

Your local Kirwan car service centre in Townsville , Bips Auto Service Centre, is a member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) and Motor Trade Association of Queensland (MTAQ).

Bips Auto Service Centre cares about the environment and have ARC Tick Authorisation (AU20705) to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service in and around Kirwan. The ARC Tick of approval helps ensure technicians have the skills and knowledge to correctly undertake service and repairs of refrigerated air conditioning to minimise environmental impact. 

Bips Auto Service Centre maintains various professional accreditations and affiliations ensuring and maintaining their position at the forefront of technology and industry developments.

Accredited Members of AAAA, ARCA, IAME and MTAQ

Bips Auto Service Centre are fully qualified to service Electric Vehicles and we are currently building a purpose built facility to support the growing numbers of EV's on the road. We will be a Dealership alternative to Log book Servicing and Maintenance. 

An electric vehicle is lower maintenance than a internal combustion engine but still needs to be serviced just as often as any other vehicle.

Electric vehicles hold high voltages and specific PPE, special insulated tools and training are required to service them safely due to the risk of electrical shock.

Just like with any modern vehicle, you need to choose the right workshop with qualified, trained technicians who have access to up to the minute diagnostic information and the right equipment and quality parts to service your EV.

Your local Repco Authorised Service centre has access to Repco AutoTech for the very latest in training and information and quality Repco parts and lubricants.

So, if you’ve got questions about purchasing or servicing an electric vehicle, Bips Auto Service Centre can help.

Electric vehicles or EV’s are still fairly new to Australian roads, however it is expected that the number of models available to choose from will increase rapidly as technology and infrastructure develops.

Electric Vehicle EV servicing in Kirwan

Diesel engines have the highest thermal efficiency of all internal combustion engines which means they tend to be more efficient than petrol engines. At Bips Auto Service Centre we service diesel vehicles regularly. 

Efficiency aside, there are other factors that make diesel engines different to petrol engines;

How often should a diesel engine be serviced?

Because diesel engines suffer from carbon build up which can cause damage to the engine – it’s important to stick to a regular service schedule, so any problems can be identified early. Neglecting to do so can lead to very expensive repairs.

Diesel vehicles have a different type of plug called a glow plug… What’s a glow plug?

In a diesel engine a glow plug heats the cold fuel ready to be ignited under pressure, diesel engines don’t use a spark to ignite like petrol engines.

What oil should I use in my diesel – do I need special diesel oil?

Yes. Oils that are created for use in diesel engines are different to oils for petrol engines, they have extra additives to help clean the engine and more.

Read more about diesel oils and additives here.


You might have a worn or damaged turbo charger shaft seal, which could lead to bigger problems.

Find out more about why your diesel engine may be using more oil.

While certain models can be initially more expensive than a petrol vehicle and cost slightly more for quality servicing, in the long-term, diesel vehicles usually use up to 30% less fuel and have a longer engine life as well as lower CO2 emissions and greater towing abilities.

Diesel engines have the highest thermal efficiency of all internal combustion engines which means they tend to be more efficient than petrol engines.

Frequently asked questions about Diesel Engines

Looking for superior car service solutions? Bips Auto Service Centre is your ultimate choice! 

Whether you're searching for a basic car service, log book service, major car repair or minor tweak, we cater to all your car servicing needs. Our expert technicians at our Kirwan workshop in Townsville, specialise in servicing a wide array of car makes and models.

At Bips Auto Service Centre in Townsville, we understand the importance of quality in car care. That's why we utilise quality parts and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Trust our Auto-Tech trained staff to keep your car in prime condition and secure your statutory new car warranty. So why wait? 

Book online or give us a call today and let the professionals at Bips Auto Service Centre care for your car.

For exceptional car servicing and repairs, trust Bips Auto Service Centre. From log book services to major repairs, our expert technicians handle all car makes and models using the latest equipment. Maintain your new car warranty with us. Book now!

Log Book service in Kirwan, QLD

AAAA

MTAQ

IAME

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Thursday the 22nd of December and reopening on Tuesday the 3rd of January

Bips Automotive Service Centre take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Kirwan, 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.

Bips Automotive Service Centre have a wealth of experience in servicing most 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.

Please note our new trading hours - We are Closed permanently on Fridays. 

Our new trading hours are: Monday to Thursday 7AM to 5.30PM.

Bips Auto Service Centre

Full Car Service and Log Book Service

Related articles

Be Safe Driving This Winter

Safe T-Stop Brake testing

Car Service and Repair in Kirwan, Townsville

Your car, your choice!

Accreditations & Affiliations

Electric Vehicle Servicing - Coming Soon

Diesel FAQs