While some of our customers have brakes which seem to have an eternal life, we find others have worn their brakes down to the last millimetre well before their time.  The former group of people are deservingly proud of themselves as they smile smugly over yet another good brake report.  They are generally the more mature, conservative type of drivers who like to spend their money on other things besides brakes.  Here are a few of their secrets…

Get yourself off to a good start by asking for quality brake pads.  Shopping around for the cheapest brake service probably won’t save you money in the long run, instead stick with a local mechanic that you trust.

Remember it’s a brake pedal, not a footrest.  When you are finished braking, take your foot away from the pedal.  The more you ride your brakes the quicker you wear down your brake pads and rotors.

Regular stomping on the brakes can be worse than constantly riding them.  If you have a habit of jumping on the brakes in a panic, then it might be a good idea to re-assess how much space you should leave between yourself and the driver in front.

Take note of the brake report when you have your car serviced.  If your mechanic has recommended new brake pads before your next service, then don’t wait until you hear the screeching sound of metal on metal to book it in.  Healthy rotors can be damaged by worn out brake pads which will leave you with more to fix.

If you carry a little junk in the trunk, leave it behind.  This probably only applies to utes that can carry significant weight, but the formula is that the more weight in the vehicle the harder the brakes work.  

All in all, there are a lot of driving habits that can influence how your brakes wear. It’s being aware of and limiting them that will save you money in the long run.  When the time comes to service your brakes we will give you options such as having your brake rotors machined on the car instead of replacing them, whenever possible.  It’s always good to see customers get the best value.  Drive safe

Some of our customers have brakes which seem to have an eternal life, we find others have worn their brakes down to the last millimetre well before their time.  The former group of people are deservingly proud of themselves.. We share a few of their secrets…

Keeping brakes in good condition - hints and tips

The holiday season in Australia is a time for family, fun, and, often, lengthy road trips to visit loved ones or explore new destinations...

How Regular Car Service Can Get Your Car Ready for the Christmas Holidays in Australia

With Christmas just around the corner, ensuring your vehicle is in tip-top shape becomes crucial. However, many car owners underestimate the importance of scheduling their car service well in advance of the holiday rush. It’s important to note that workshops tend to get very busy, and most will close over the Christmas period. So, booking your service early is essential to avoid any last-minute disappointments.

Regular car servicing is not just a routine check-up; it’s a preventive measure that ensures the safety and reliability of your vehicle. It's like giving your car a well-deserved spa day! With a scheduled service, you can expect a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s mechanical components, which helps prevent any unexpected breakdowns during your holiday travels.

A comprehensive car service typically involves several critical tasks:

7 Key Mechanical Tasks in Regular Servicing

1. Brake Inspection: 
Your safety on the road is paramount, especially during the busy Christmas season when traffic can be heavy. A brake inspection ensures that your brake pads, rotors, and fluid are in good condition, giving you peace of mind.

2. Tyre Check: 
Proper tyre maintenance, including checking the tread depth and ensuring proper inflation, is essential for safe driving. It helps with better handling, fuel efficiency, and prevents unexpected blowouts.

3. Oil and Filter Change: 
This helps in keeping your engine running smoothly, reducing wear and tear, and improving fuel efficiency. A fresh oil change ensures that your car can handle long drives without a hitch.

4. Battery Testing: 
No one wants to deal with a dead battery, especially during a road trip. A professional mechanic will test your battery to ensure it’s in good condition and replace it if necessary.

5. Fluid Levels: 
From coolant to transmission fluid, maintaining the right fluid levels is crucial for your vehicle’s performance. Regular checks and top-ups ensure everything runs smoothly.

6. Lights and Signals: 
Ensuring all lights and signals are working correctly is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

7. Suspension and Steering Check: 
These components are vital for a comfortable and safe drive, especially on long trips. Any issues with suspension or steering can affect vehicle handling and should be addressed promptly.

Having a professional mechanic service your car before embarking on a road trip provides peace of mind. When you choose a service backed by a nationwide warranty, you know you're in good hands. This warranty ensures that any issues that might arise after the service are covered, no matter where you are in Australia.

Peace of Mind with Professional Mechanics

Professional mechanics keep themselves updated with the latest vehicle repair methods. This is crucial as car technology evolves rapidly. By ensuring your vehicle is serviced by experts, you minimise the risk of any technical hitches during your trip.

As the Christmas season approaches, workshops become increasingly busy. Many of them shut down over the holiday period, making it vital to book your service appointment well in advance. An early booking not only guarantees that your vehicle gets the attention it needs but also allows you to address any potential issues that could be costly or time-consuming if left until the last minute.

A well-maintained vehicle can be the difference between a stress-free holiday and a roadside emergency. Here are some additional tips to prepare your car for the festive season:

Pack an Emergency Kit: 
Include essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, blankets, and basic tools.

Plan Your Route: 
Familiarise yourself with your travel route and have a backup plan in case of detours.

Check Weather Conditions: 
Ensure you're aware of the weather forecasts for your travel days, as this can impact driving conditions.

Stay Informed: 
Keep updated with any road closures or traffic advisories that may affect your journey.

Getting your car serviced before the Christmas holidays is not just about ticking off a task on your to-do list; it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Regular car servicing helps keep your vehicle in excellent condition, ready to take on any journey, big or small. By planning ahead and booking your service early, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season and focus on creating wonderful memories with your family.

Make this Christmas a memorable one by ensuring your vehicle is road-ready and reliable with regular car service from Woolgoolga Motors. Enjoy your travels, knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure a safe and happy holiday journey…

Discover why regular car servicing is crucial before the Christmas holidays. Ensure your vehicle is road-ready for festive travels with professional mechanics backed by a nationwide warranty. Book early to beat the holiday rush…

Essential Car Servicing Tips to Prepare for a Safe Christmas Road Trip in Australia

Essential Car Servicing Tips to Prepare for a Safe Christmas Road Trip

Woolgoolga Motors is your local, family owned Repco Authorised Service Centre in Mid North Coast of NSW.

Woolgoolga Motors (MVRL55519), are committed to providing high quality servicing and repairs for cars, light trucks and lease vehicles together with friendly, personalised service and a competitive price. Our team of technicians has extensive experience with all makes and models and takes care to provide quality workmanship. We offer expert car service in the Coffs Harbour Region and the Mid North Coast area, including Emerald Beach, Corindi Beach, Safety Beach, Mullaway, Woolgoolga, Sandy Beach. For your convenience, we offer a drop off and pick up service throughout the local area. We also have a loan car which is often provided for our customers who commute to work in Coffs Harbour or Grafton. Please make arrangements with us when you book.

Mike Kelly established the business in 1988, after having performed mechanical repairs in Woolgoolga since 1970.

We perform specialty services on-site to save our customers time and money; including, air-conditioning repairs and re-gas, fault warning light interpretation and auto-electrical repairs. Our tyre fitting equipment allows us to offer tyre puncture repairs, wheel balancing and wheel alignment as part of our wide range of services. The workshop is conveniently located in the Woolgoolga Industrial Estate with easy access to the Pacific Highway.

Is your vehicle is suffering from poor fuel economy, a lack of power when accelerating, an overall lack of power or the engine seems to be abnormally hot all the time? Woolgoolga Motors have the skills and equipment to give your engine a full carbon clean to help ensure a correct fuel mix, improve efficiency and fuel economy and generally protect the engine using our specialised EGR & Carbon Cleaning System.

We utilise up to date diagnostic equipment and training through memberships with Autotech, Automate and Snap On. 

Woolgoolga Motors care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU47110). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

Woolgoolga Motors can perform a full range of car service and automotive repair tasks such as:

Woolgoolga Motors can also offer assistance with:

With a pick up and delivery service, waiting lounge and loan cars available. 

Includes a free 65 point vehicle inspection report 

Leaseplan, Custom Fleet, FleetPlus and Fleetcard vehicle servicing 

All repairs from light globe replacement while you wait to suspension upgrades and engine rebuilds. Please contact us for an estimate.

Air-conditioning diagnosis, repairs and servicing along with re-gas. 

High quality, good condition tyres are an important part of the ‘Safety Triangle' of Shock absorbers, brakes and tyres. As their main role is keeping your car in contact with the road they play a vital role in the stopping power of your car. Woolgoolga Motors are tyre & wheel professionals. We have Achillies, Toyo, Federal and Nexen tyres in stock and have access to a huge range of brands from wholesalers who provide next day delivery.

Wheel alignment, wheel balancing and puncture repair 

Battery testing and replacement batteries. We stock Redpoint batteries which carry up to a three year warranty and are Australian made. 

E-safety check registration renewal inspections (pink slips) for petrol/diesel and LPG vehicles, motorbikes, caravans and trailers. 

Auvis (blueslip) inspections for petrol/diesel and LPG vehicles, motorbikes, caravans and trailers. 

Third party (green slip) insurance in partnership with QBE

For DIY enthusiasts we have access to the full range of Repco car parts and accessories with orders arriving twice a day, call ahead and we will have your order ready for collection.

Here at Woolgoolga Motors we are proud to be an Australian owned and operated workshop servicing our local community of Woolgoolga. We believe that motorists in Woolgoolga deserve the very best in customer service and technical expertise, that's why we choose to be a part of Australia's largest independent network of mechanical workshops, proudly backed by the biggest name in the business - Repco.

Our team of technicians has extensive experience with all makes and models and takes care to provide quality workmanship. We are committed to providing high quality servicing and repairs for cars, light trucks and lease vehicles together with friendly, personalised service and a competitive price.

Our experienced mechanics are available to discuss vehicle issues and will be in touch during the repair process to keep you informed.

We utilise up to date diagnostic equipment and training through memberships with Auto Tech, Automate and Snap On.

Woolgoolga Motors is a large, well-equipped workshop. Substantial investment has been made to ensure we have the latest technology and equipment to keep pace with the continual advances in new car technology.

As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, Woolgoolga Motors provide exceptional quality car service. Our experienced mechanics are available to discuss vehicle issues and will be in touch during the repair process to keep you informed. Once work is completed you will be on your way with the security of a nationwide warranty, honoured at over 500 workshops across Australia.

Our qualifications, licenses & memberships

Woolgoolga Motors is also a member of national motoring bodies: 

Approved RMS e-Safety and Auvis Inspection Station 

ARC Licensed Air-conditioning Service and Repairs (ARC#AU47110) 

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association member 

Expect friendly and personalised service from our team of passionate Coffs Coast locals.

So, wherever you go, you can rely on the experience and knowledge of Woolgoolga Motors (MVRL55519)...

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Woolgoolga

Planning a road trip involves more than just selecting a destination and packing your bags. Ensuring your vehicle is in peak condition is crucial for a smooth, safe journey at all times and particularly if planning a road trip. This is where the significance of regular servicing with a reputable mechanic like Woolgoolga Motors in Woolgoolga comes into play, helping to guarantee your car's reliability, performance, and safety.

Maintaining the optimum condition of your vehicle is crucial for its smooth and safe functioning. The key to achieving this is through regular servicing, which involves thorough inspections, checks, and maintenance activities that ensure the identification and resolution of any potential issues.

Let's delve into ten good reasons regular vehicle servicing is essential and how it contributes to making your car ready for those longer journeys on the open road...

Brake System Maintenance: 
A cornerstone of vehicle safety, the brake system requires routine checks and maintenance. Regular servicing assesses brake pads, fluid levels, and lines, ensuring your brakes are responsive and reliable, especially critical in unpredictable driving conditions encountered during road trips.

Air Conditioning Checks: 
An optimally functioning air conditioning system does more than keep you comfortable. It plays a critical role in safety by ensuring clear visibility through window demisting. Service technicians meticulously inspect and rectify any issues, keeping the system efficient and effective.

Suspension and Steering Care: 
The comfort and handling of your vehicle largely depend on its suspension and steering systems. Regular checks identify wear and tear, ensuring your car offers a smooth ride and precise steering, enhancing your road trip experience.

Engine Health: 
Regular oil checks and changes are the lifeline for your car’s engine. Over time, engine oil deteriorates, affecting performance. Routine servicing keeps the engine running smoothly, avoiding unnecessary breakdowns or issues during long drives.

Battery Inspections: 
An unexpected flat battery can derail your travel plans. Technicians during a service will test your battery's health, securing connections and assessing its overall condition to prevent mid-trip failures.

Tyre Maintenance: 
Ensuring your tyres are in good condition is paramount for road trip safety. Servicing includes checks for wear, correct inflation, and alignment issues, reducing the risk of punctures or blowouts and improving fuel efficiency.

Electrical System Check-up: 
From your car’s lighting to its ignition system, electrical components are vital for operational safety and convenience. Regular servicing identifies and corrects any potential electrical issues before they become major inconveniences.

Fluids and Filters Replacement: 
Vital vehicle fluids and filters play significant roles in your car’s performance and longevity. Replacing old engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant as part of routine servicing helps avoid overheating, corrosion, and other mechanical failures.

Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Emissions: 
Regularly serviced cars run more efficiently, offer smoother rides, emit fewer pollutants, and incur lower running costs, making your road trip not only more enjoyable but also eco-friendlier.

Peace of Mind: 
Knowing that your vehicle has been thoroughly checked and serviced by professionals offers invaluable peace of mind. You can focus on enjoying your road trip, confident in the safety and reliability of your car.

Regular vehicle servicing by skilled technicians like Woolgoolga Motors in Woolgoolga, using top-notch equipment, is not merely a maintenance routine but a crucial investment in your car’s health and your safety. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, ensuring your vehicle is serviced and ready for a road trip is a decision you won't regret. 

So, before you hit the road, make a sure to keep on top of your regular service schedule with Woolgoolga Motors in Woolgoolga It’s the best choice you can make for your car, ensuring it’s equipped and ready for whatever the journey may throw its way.

Ten ways regular servicing of your car plays an instrumental role in keeping it ready for road trips. Explore the various aspects of mechanical tasks carried out during regular servicing, ensuring a safe and reliable vehicle...

Ten ways regular car service makes it easier to get ready for road trips

How regular car service makes it easier to get ready for road trips

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 Woolgoolga Motors 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? 

One of the things that your mechanic checks at each service is the quality of your brake fluid, including its water content.

Brake fluid and its worst enemy – water, are highly attracted to each other.  Moisture from the air will work its way into the brake fluid any way it can, forming a dysfunctional relationship that causes trouble for all involved.  This happens slowly but continually, even when you are not driving the car and is exacerbated in humid conditions.  Once we find a water content of 2-3% or higher it’s time to change the fluid.  Here is a quick explanation of why aged brake fluid with even this seemingly low water content doesn’t function properly.

This happens slowly but continually, even when you are not driving the car and is exacerbated in humid conditions.  Once we find a water content of 2-3% or higher it’s time to change the fluid.  Here is a quick explanation of why aged brake fluid with even this seemingly low water content doesn’t function properly.

The brake fluid transfers the power from your foot on the brake pedal to the brake pads to stop the car.  The brake pads can reach extremely high temperatures due to the friction and this heat is passed into the brake fluid.  Healthy brake fluid can take a lot of heat.  However, aged brake fluid containing water boils at a lower temperature, forming air bubbles which do not transmit the force of your foot to the brake pads anywhere near as efficiently.  While you may feel this during normal driving as spongy or slow to react brakes it’s more likely that you would only notice a difference if you had to brake heavily or repeatedly as this is what generates a lot of heat.  This is also the time that you don’t want your brakes to let you down.

While you may feel this during normal driving as spongy or slow to react brakes it’s more likely that you would only notice a difference if you had to brake heavily or repeatedly as this is what generates a lot of heat.  This is also the time that you don’t want your brakes to let you down.

If you happen to notice any indicators that a car's brakes might require repair or service, just book online with Woolgoolga Motors and get the vehicle's brake system checked at our Woolgoolga service centre today.

Brake fluid and its worst enemy – water, are highly attracted to each other.  Moisture from the air will work its way into the brake fluid any way it can...

Brake Fluid Testing

Brake Fluid & Water - a love-hate relationship between mortal enemies

As the main role of tyres is to keep your car in contact with the road, they play a vital role in the safety and stopping power of your car.

Regular car servicing will keep your car in good condition and having the tyres checked at the same time can help you be aware of the condition of your tyres while alerting you of any potential problems. Your Woolgoolga Motors mechanic can also let you know if your car would benefit from a wheel alignment or wheel balancing. They are relatively low cost solutions and can greatly improve your driving experience as well as overall vehicle safety.

Why get tyre and wheel services from Woolgoolga Motors?

Woolgoolga Motors are independently owned and operated and known locally for our honest service, years of experience and knowledge. We have a range of tyres and specialist equipment to perform your new tyre fitting or wheel alignment and balance. All our work is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty.

While checking your tyres is something you can do yourself, as professionals Woolgoolga Motors can check out the internal condition of your tyres as well as the entire outside surface and they are well aware of the correct methods of disassembly, repair and reassembly, along with any manufacturer or legal requirements involved.

Woolgoolga Motors can also advise you if there are any problems with your tyres, your wheel alignment, tyre balance or other areas of your car affecting your tyres such as brakes or suspension which you should be aware of to protect you and your vehicle, including the tyres themselves.

Tyres eventually wear out over time, an unavoidable process which is quickened by hard braking and regular high speed driving as well as uneven road surfaces. Unless there are problems causing uneven tyre wear or bald spots or there is other significant damage, the depth of the tread on the tyre is usually the best indicator your tyres are due for replacement. Although the legal minimum tread depth varies, a good rule of thumb is when tread depth is approaching 1.6mm you should think about buying new tyres.

Tread on a tyre is very important as this is where you get the traction to both move the car forwards and also the friction required to stop safely and efficiently. Tread is also the method by which water is dissipated away from the tyre surface in a way which prevents aquaplaning and maintaining maximum grip and control. The less tread depth you have, the less control you will have in wet driving conditions.

Tyres generally last between six to ten years and the better you look after them the more chance there is that it will be the latter rather than the former.

Tyre pressure is not just important to ensure you get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre damage as pressure and wear is directed at areas of the tyre not designed to take it. Perhaps most importantly the pressure of your tyres can have a direct impact on the driveability, and therefore the safety, of the vehicle.

You should check your tyres yourself on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition. Be on the lookout for bald or flat spots, tears and cuts in the surface of the tyre and any foreign objects likely to cause problems such as stones, nails and other road debris. You should also have a tyre professional give them a check on a regular basis as they have the knowledge and equipment to properly check the entire tyre and may spot issues you simply don't see.

Tyres will suffer from wear and tear at varying rates. The front and rear tyres for example will wear at different rates as front tyres generally carry more weight than rear ones, meaning faster heat build-up and therefore increased wear. The tyres on either side of your car will also tend to wear at different rates to those on the opposite side.

Having your tyres rotated regularly, every 8000 to 10,000 km for example, can help to ensure that all of your tyres wear at a similar rate and in the same places. Woolgoolga Motors will be happy to undertake this task for you and inspect each tyre as they do it, letting you know of any issues that might present a problem or you should otherwise be aware of. We can undertake all types of tyre rotation for you including Cross rotation, straight rotation, 5 wheel rotation and four wheel drive rotation.

Will a regular wheel alignment or balance help look after tyres?

Regular wheel alignment helps to protect against premature or uneven tyre wear, increases the safety and handling of your vehicle and improves ride performance and fuel efficiency. Wheel balancing helps to minimise vibration through the wheels, thereby minimising premature or uneven tyre wear. Either wheel service (or both) will go a long way in helping to maximise the life of your tyres along with safety and handling benefits.

No matter how well you care for your tyres there will come a time when the only option for maintaining safety, comfort and fuel economy of your car is to have the tyres replaced, such as when they have reached the minimum tread depth. 

Woolgoolga Motors supply and fit a range of tyres suitable for most vehicle types in our Woolgoolga car service workshop

Woolgoolga Motors are offer some advice on keeping these crucial components of your vehicle in the best condition for when you need them the most…

Tips for taking care of your tyres from Woolgoolga Motors

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 Woolgoolga Motors 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 Woolgoolga workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Woolgoolga

Brake and Clutch

MVRIC

AAAA

AUVIS

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Monday the 6th of January. For any urgent matters please email or leave a phone message as we will be checking messages throughout this period.

Welcome to Woolgoolga Motors (Lic No. MVRL 55519), Your local trusted Repco Authorised Service Mechanic.
The Family Business Was Established in 1988 after having performed mechanical repairs in Woolgoolga since 1970. 
The Woolgoolga Motors Team perform all general mechanical repairs and specialise in light vehicles, 4x4's, tyres, wheels and battery sales.

As an Authorised Inspection Station, Woolgoolga Motors can check your vehicle or trailer for correspondence to roadworthy certificate and can issue AUVIS Slips and E-Saftey Slips. In partnership with QBE we also car organise Green Slip insurance.

Woolgoolga Motors

Brake and clutch

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Essential Car Servicing Tips to Prepare for a Safe Christmas Road Trip

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How regular car service makes it easier to get ready for road trips

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

Brake Fluid & Water - a love-hate relationship between mortal enemies

Tyre tips from Woolgoolga Motors