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

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

It's no secret that the climate in Far North Queensland can be harsh. The extreme heat experienced in this region throughout the year means having a fully functioning car air conditioning system isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. 

To help you combat the heat and ensure a pleasant journey, Bips Auto Service Centre, a leading mechanic in Kirwan, Townsville offers top-notch car air conditioning services. Bips Auto Service Centre care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU20705).

With the temperature rising to considerable heights in Far North Queensland, a properly functioning car air conditioning system is essential. The moment your air conditioning fails, the ride can quickly become unbearable, particularly during scorching summer heat. The central components of car air conditioning include the compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, and refrigerant, each with their specific roles and potential problems. 

As experts in the automotive repair industry, Bips Auto Service Centre's highly experienced team knows all too well the consequences of neglecting this important aspect of your vehicle. They work with the mantra 'Your car, your choice', making sure your individual needs and requirements are met in maintaining your car air conditioning system.

What sets Bips Auto apart from other auto service centres? They're not just another mechanic; they are a part of the Australia's largest network of independent car service workshops, the Repco Authorised Service. With Bips Auto, you can trust you're receiving the best air conditioning service available in Kirwan, backed by a Nationwide Warranty.

Car Air Conditioning Services You Can Rely On

Servicing all car makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles, their wealth of experience enables them to identify and fix any issues efficiently and effectively. They'll maintain your logbook schedule during the warranty period, ensuring you can enjoy a cool drive even in the heat of Far North Queensland.

It's worth mentioning that the benefits of a fully operational air conditioning system go beyond comfort. Not only does it provide relief from the heat, but it also reduces humidity in your vehicle, which can be particularly helpful during the monsoon season. Proper maintenance of your car air conditioning system can improve your driving experience, keep you comfortable, and ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

When you need a car air conditioning service you know you can trust Bips Auto Service Centre. Their understanding of local weather conditions, combined with their experience and expertise, guarantees the best car air conditioning service. Bips Auto Service Centre is a family-owned business that takes pride in offering personalized service to all their clients. When you bring your car to them, they treat it as if it were their own.

Choose Bips Auto Service Centre for Car Air Conditioning Services in Kirwan

Keep your car's air conditioning system running smoothly with Bips Auto Service Centre – the preferred mechanic in Kirwan. Enjoy the reliability, efficiency, and expertise of the best in the business. Make the right choice, choose Bips Auto for all your car air conditioning needs. After all, no other mechanic understands you like they do!

Stay cool in Townsville's extreme heat with Bips Auto Service Centre's professional car air conditioning services (AU20705). We service all car models and back our work with a Nationwide Warranty. Experience personalised, family-owned service with our reliable mechanic services. Keep comfortable with Bips Auto.

Keep Your Cool with Car Air Conditioning Services by Bips Auto in Townsville

Maintain a Cool and Comfortable Drive in Townsville

Differential bushings could be the issue if they are aged, worn or cracked.  They control movement in the joints, absorb road bumps and reduce vibrations and noise while driving or reversing. These are one of many automotive issue we can handle at Bips Auto Service Centre, your trusted local mechanic in Kirwan.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing. This is particularly apparent on vehicles that have travelled high kilometres, have high horsepower or vehicles towing loads regularly.

A tell-tale sign that this bushing is no longer performing as intended is hearing a clunking noise or feeling a jolt under acceleration or when shifting gears from drive to reverse. The primary function of the rear differential bushing is to provide a smooth and quiet transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels of your vehicle under acceleration.

Should this issue go unresolved it may result in excessive wear on surrounding drive train and suspension components so it is wise and economical to act swiftly should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre Bips Auto Service Centre in Kirwan is experienced in diagnosing and fixing this problem. We can replace your worn rubber differential bushing with a highly durable Nolathane differential bushing specifically designed and manufactured to address this problem and return your vehicle back to its optimum performance.

So, if “clunking” goes with your Territory or Falcon, contact the team at Bips Auto Service Centre today.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing.

At Bips Auto Service Centre in  Kirwan we believe the transmission is an important part of your vehicle.

Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to move between gears. The transmission fluid allows you to do this smoothly and also protects the working parts inside your transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't diminish through use. Yet the level should still be checked periodically because if there is a leak, or the fluid level is low, it will harm the internal parts of your transmission.

Transmission fluid can become dirty over time with metal shavings and other particles which will shorten the life of your transmission. Replacing a transmission is a costly exercise and so checking the fluid and replacing it when necessary is a good investment in the long run.

At Bips Auto Service Centre we provide a full 65 Point Vehicle Condition Report upon request with every full car service - This includes a check of your transmission fluid and we will advise you if we think your fluid needs to be replaced or if a transmission service might be needed.

Call Bips Auto Service Centre for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services. We are conveniently located in Kirwan.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong. 

Our technicians at Bips Auto Service Centre are fully qualified to service diesel SUV, AWD, 4WD and Passenger diesel vehicles. Contact us today.

Call Bips Auto Service Centre for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Diesel Engine Service and Repairs in Kirwan

Diesel Repairs

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

Diesel Repairs

Related articles

Be Safe Driving This Winter

Your car, your choice!

Maintain a Cool and Comfortable Drive in Townsville

Does clunking go with your territory?

Get into gear!