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

Flushing your old brake fluids and topping up with fresh at regular intervals improves your stopping power.

Living in Townsville comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to driving. The warm climate and high humidity can take a toll on your vehicle's brake system, making it more important than ever to have regular brake fluid flushes. A brake fluid flush involves draining the old brake fluid from the system and replacing it with new fluid, ensuring that your brakes operate at peak performance.

Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture and debris, causing it to lose its effectiveness. When this happens, your brakes may not work as well as they should, which could lead to a serious accident. By getting regular brake fluid flushes, you can ensure that your brake system stays clean and free from debris, allowing your brakes to work as efficiently as possible. This is especially important in Townsville and Far North Queensland's hot and humid climate, where moisture in the air can quickly affect your vehicle's brake system.

Not only can a brake fluid flush improve the performance of your brakes, but it can also extend their lifespan. When your brake fluid becomes contaminated, it can cause your brake system's components to wear out faster, leading to more frequent repairs. By getting regular flushes, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your brake system, saving you money in the long run. Don't wait until you notice a problem with your brakes - get regular brake fluid flushes to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely on the roads of Townsville and surrounding areas.

Clean brake fluid not only protects your safety it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by preventing corrosion.

Bips Auto Service Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our Nationwide Warranty.

When it comes to brake safety - we don't stop - so you will when you really need to.

At Bips Auto Service Centre we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, calipers and cylinders and more. This report lets you know if there is an immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to be safe or budget in advance.

Taking a risk when it comes to your brake's maintenance isn't wise. If you're not absolutely confident, let Bips Auto Service Centre in Kirwan inspect your brake fluid as well as your entire braking system to maintain your confidence that you can stop safely. 

Ensure the safety of your vehicle with a brake fluid flush service at Bips Auto Service Centre. Trust our experienced mechanics to provide a thorough and efficient brake fluid flush to keep your car running smoothly. Contact us today!

Keep Your Car Safe: Get a Brake Fluid Flush from Bips Auto Service Centre in Kirwan

Regular inspections keep your brakes running safely and smoothly. 

At Bips Auto Service Centre we offer Brake service, repair and testing for pads, fluid, rotors/drums & more!

Through our vehicle inspection report as part of a full car service with Bips Auto Service Centre, we strive to make sure your vehicle's brake system remains in optimal condition. Our team of qualified technicians will identify any warning signs and recommend repair or servicing if necessary to avoid bigger issues in the future.

We assess the following and replace where necessary:

Brake Disc/Rotor And Drum Machining or Resurfacing 

If you feel any changes to your driving like shuddering in the steering wheel or brake pedal when you are slowing down or excessive noises or grinding then don't delay having your brakes checked.

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 Brake testing available in Kirwan, Townsville

Don't forget to have your Suspension, Steering and Tyres checked as well as these components all work together to keep you driving safe.

Notice any signs that your car's brakes may be in need of service? Book an appointment with our Kirwan car service workshop to have them thoroughly inspected today.

To keep your brakes running safely and smoothly get them regularly inspected at Bips Auto Service Centre. Brake service, repair and testing for pads, fluid, rotors/drums & more!

Brake service and repairs for passenger and light commercial vehicles in Kirwan, Townsville

Keep Your Car Safe With Regular Brake Services

Brake fluid transfers the pressure you put on the brake pedal through to the actual brakes.
Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work. As everyone knows - not having brakes is a huge problem! In fact even slightly affected brakes are very dangerous.


Brake fluid absorbs moisture very easily. Brake fluids are also subject to very high temperatures and so they are designed to have a high boiling point to stop them from boiling and evaporating- when brake fluid has accumulated too much moisture- this lowers its boiling point and it can boil off more easily causing low levels. Low levels of brake fluid affect your braking performance and could mean your car will fail to stop.
Brake Fluid that has absorbed too much moisture will also shorten the life of your braking system including damaging the callipers, wheel cylinders and anti-lock braking systems.

Why is brake fluid replacement necessary?

Your manufacturer's log book will advise how regularly your brake fluid should be changed or flushed, we recommend a drain and replacement every two years however it is wise to have it regularly checked by an expert at every service to make sure the levels are not reducing too fast (a sign of a leak) or that the moisture levels have not reached a point that could be damaging your system.

How often should I replace my brake fluid?

At Bips Auto Service Centre we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, callipers and cylinders and more. This inspection helps to identify any issues in your vehicle which should be addressed and our mechanics will certainly advise you if they feel your vehicle might need a brake fluid replacement, or an out of schedule brake system service or repairs.

Do you check the brake fluids during a car service?

Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work.

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it? 

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Bips Auto Service Centre include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Kirwan workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Kirwan

Brake and Clutch

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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

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Be Safe Driving This Winter

Safe T-Stop Brake testing

Freshen Up and Flush!

Keep Your Car Safe With Regular Brake Services

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?