Yellow Pages® | Articles for Motor Engineers & Repairers

When to DIY and when not – the benefits of going to a professional

Owning and running a car is indispensable for many Australians. The family car is often the primary mode of transport for work and family commitments and is particularly important for people who live in remote or regional areas. Running a car can be costly when you add up the cost of petrol, repairs and servicing. But should you perform repairs yourself or pay for the services of a motor mechanic?

Mechanic reaching into an engine compartment.

Do I have to get my new car serviced from the place I bought it?

The purchase of a new vehicle is a major expense, so we want to keep our car in good condition for as long as possible. New cars are covered for some items by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, and we receive a booklet detailing major services required as part of the warranty conditions. Are we obliged to return the vehicle to the dealer from which we purchased it for these services?

How can I tell if I’m getting a competitive price on my service?

Value for money and the quality of services and repairs is a common concern when engaging the services of a motor mechanic. If you don’t know much about what goes on under your car’s bonnet, you probably dread your car needing a service or repair. It can be hard to know even after you pay the bill, whether you have received a competitively priced car service.

Mechanic performing a service on a car engine.

How to ensure you are not taken advantage of

Negotiating auto repairs or a car service can be a daunting experience for those with little understanding of what is involved. There are a number of ways, however, to become better informed about your car and its servicing requirements. Having this knowledge will help you understand the work your mechanic is recommending and ensure you get good value for money from your car repairs.

Looking after your car - things you can do between services

Getting to know your car and performing minor car-care tasks between services is a great way to ensure your vehicle runs at optimum performance and may serve to prevent major repairs due to general wear-and-tear. It can also be fun as well as useful to learn as much as possible about the way your car works.

Top 5 things to look for when choosing a mechanic

Owning and operating a car is a significant commitment and investment. Your car is a major asset, and while some maintenance may be performed at home, choosing a good mechanic to take care of its servicing and repairs will extend the life of your car and enhance your driving experience. Ideally, you’ll find a mechanic you can trust, who will get to know your car and with whom you can talk openly about your expectations and priorities. So, how do you go about choosing the right mechanic for you and for your vehicle? Following is a list of the top five things to consider when making your choice.

What is involved in a 'general' / regular car service?

Regular car servicing is required to ensure that your car works efficiently and safely. Regular services will extend the life of your car. A regular car service helps prevent dangerous potential failures in your braking and steering system. The amount of work required in regular services will depend upon the number of kilometres travelled. Some services are required every 6 months or 10,000 kilometres, however other components will require a checkup every 20,000 or 50,000 kilometres. Your vehicle logbook and handbook often contains a detailed list of the work and tasks involved for each level of service. As a general rule, a regular service will contain the following:

Motor Engineers & Repairers