As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of festive gatherings, gift exchanges, and cherished moments with loved ones fills the air. But before you hit the road to join in the celebrations, there's a crucial step you shouldn't overlook—making sure your car is ready for the journey ahead. While the holiday season is a time for joy and relaxation, it can also be a stressful period for your vehicle if it's not properly serviced.

Ensure your car is holiday-ready with regular service

Come on a journey with the team from Total Car Care Centre as we delve into why regular servicing is essential and how it helps ensure your car is ready for the Christmas holidays...

As the year draws to a close, many automotive workshops experience a surge in demand. With most workshops closing over the Christmas period, it's vital to schedule your car service well in advance to beat the holiday rush. Waiting until the last minute might mean you're left without a spot, or worse, heading into the holidays with an unreliable vehicle. Booking early ensures that you secure a slot at your trusted mechanic's workshop, giving you peace of mind knowing that your car is in expert hands.

When it comes to car maintenance, a regular service involves a series of checks and tasks designed to keep your vehicle in top condition. Here are some key mechanical tasks typically undertaken during a regular service:

1. Oil and Filter Change: 
Fresh oil and a new filter ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. This is critical for long holiday drives where your engine might be under more stress than usual. Fresh oil reduces friction, prevents overheating, and ensures efficient fuel consumption. Mechanics also check other vital fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, to ensure everything is topped up and functioning correctly.

2. Brake Inspection: Safety comes first, especially when you're traveling with family. A thorough brake inspection will identify any issues that need addressing to ensure your vehicle can stop safely in an emergency.

3. Tyre Check: The condition of your tyres is vital for safety and fuel efficiency. Your mechanic will routinely check for tread depth, wear, and proper inflation. Good tyres become crucial on longer drives and help reduce driver fatigue as well as helping to ensure safety through proper grip and stopping capabilities.

4. Battery Test: 
A good mechanic will check your battery to test whether it is in good condition and properly holding a charge to determine if it’s in good health or needs replacing. Batteries have become increasingly important in modern cars as the number of electrical components has increased, including some that are “always on” such as security systems.

5. Fluid Levels: 
Ensuring all fluid levels are topped up is essential. This includes coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Reputable mechanics routinely check vital fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, to ensure everything is topped up and functioning correctly.

6. Belt and Hose Inspection: 
Belts and hoses can wear out over time and cause significant issues if they fail during a long drive. The last thing you need on a trip away is to have a significant breakdown that may require the vehicle to be towed to a mechanic for expensive repairs, especially if you plan to be a long way from a town or city.

Opting for a professional mechanic such as Total Car Care Centre to service your car means you're backed by our nationwide warranty. This assurance is invaluable, particularly when embarking on a road trip. If any issues arise, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the holiday road takes you. Professional mechanics are equipped with the knowledge and tools to detect and address potential problems before they become major concerns.

The best gift you can give yourself and your family this Christmas is the assurance of a safe and reliable vehicle. Regular servicing not only maintains your car's condition but also enhances its longevity and performance. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, you prevent breakdowns that could disrupt your holiday plans.

Smoother Driving Experience
A well-maintained car provides a smoother driving experience, reducing the stress and fatigue that often accompany long holiday journeys. With everything in check, you can focus on enjoying the scenic views, listening to your favorite holiday tunes, and making memories with loved ones.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
In addition to safety and reliability, regular servicing can improve your car's fuel efficiency. This means fewer stops at the gas station and more money to spend on holiday festivities. Ensuring your tyres are properly inflated, and your engine is running optimally are just a few ways maintenance can help reduce fuel consumption.

Environmentally Friendly
A properly serviced car is not only better for you but also for the environment. An engine running at its best emits fewer pollutants, contributing to cleaner air. By maintaining your vehicle, you're playing a part in protecting our planet for future generations.

The Christmas holidays are a time for joy, relaxation, and connection. The last thing you want is car trouble putting a damper on your celebrations. Regular car servicing with a reputable mechanic like Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley is your best ticket to a worry-free holiday season, ensuring your vehicle is in peak condition for safe travels.

Remember to book early to secure your spot, and gift yourself the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained car. Enjoy the holidays, and drive safely!

Ensure your car is holiday-ready with regular service. Discover the importance of timely car maintenance for safe and smooth Christmas travels…

Preparing Your Car for the Christmas Holidays: Why Regular Service is Essential

Getting Your Car Ready for the Christmas Holidays

Planning a road trip and making your vehicle ready for a road trip demands more than packing your essentials and filling the tank. To ensure your car's optimum performance, reliability, and safety on long road journeys, regular servicing becomes crucial. So, why should you carry out regular vehicle service, and how does it keep your car ready for holidays? Let's explore. 

Regular maintenance may seem like an expense but think of it as an investment. It's far cheaper to replace worn-out parts during a service than to call for a tow truck from the middle of nowhere. Simply put, having a vehicle serviced regularly with a reputable workshop like Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley will help make sure your vehicle is safe and efficient at all times, not just when planning a road trip. This is because any problems can be directly addressed through service schedules or your Total Car Care Centre mechanic can alert you to any issues that become apparent through the course of a regular service.

Below are ten things that are either covered by regular servicing or will become apparent during regular servicing and which you can rest assured Total Car Care Centre will alert you to if they might present a potential problem.

10 ways regular servicing can help address or identify problems

Good brake maintenance
Brake Maintenance is of utmost importance in regular vehicle servicing. No matter how great a car's performance might be, if its braking system is compromised, it's a recipe for potential disaster. Technicians will inspect the brake pads, lines, and fluids to ensure the system operates seamlessly when you need it most.

Properly functioning air conditioner
An air conditioning system doesn't merely add to your comfort but plays an essential role in window demisting, providing safety. Keeping it fully functional is vital, and the servicing technicians perform thorough checks, repairing any detected problems for an efficient air conditioning system.

Safe Suspension system
Suspension and steering significantly influence the car's handling, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Regular servicing examines any potential wear and tear on your shock absorbers and suspensions, and any issues in steering components. This inspection helps in diagnosing problems early, promoting safer and easier driving. 

Engine in top condition
Your car's engine is its heart. Thus, regular checking and changing engine oil is vital for keeping it running smoothly. Over time, the oil can become dirty and lose its efficiency, making regular changes crucial for maintaining a healthy engine.

A battery you can rely on
Batteries can run flat with no prior warning, creating unpleasant and sometimes risky situations. During a routine service, technicians conduct battery inspections, testing its voltage, checking for any leakages, and ensuring its hold-down clamps are secure.

Good Condition Tyres
Tyre maintenance ensures that your tyres are not worn out or underinflated, preventing poor handling, punctures, blowouts, and accidents. Regular tyre rotation and wheel alignment also increase their life span.

A dependable Electrical system
An electrical system of a car comprises many elements, from the ignition system, lights to power systems. A glitch in any of these could mean inconvenience at best, and a serious risk at worst. Regular servicing aims at efficiently diagnosing and fixing these problems.

Fluids and filters are OK
Replacement of vehicle fluids and filters is another aspect of regular car servicing. It includes engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant, preventing potential issues that can degrade your car's performance.

A more efficient Vehicle
With regular vehicle servicing, your car will run more efficiently, leading to a smoother driving experience, reduced emissions, and fewer running costs. Ultimately, it leads to peace of mind during your journey, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. 

Peace of Mind is assured
Above all, regular vehicle servicing offers peace of mind. Knowing your car is in peak condition lets you focus on the adventure ahead, making memories rather than worrying about mechanical mishaps.

Keeping your car in top shape requires routine and comprehensive servicing. Expert technicians, top-notch equipment, and unmatched pricing ensure your car's readiness for any road trip. So when the time comes for your next holiday drive, be assured your vehicle is in peak condition with the reliability and safety that regular car servicing guarantees. 

After all, it's your car, and you have the right to make the best choice for it.

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

Regular car service makes it easier to get ready for road trips

Regular servicing goes a long way towards getting ready for a road trip

As your local Car Service Mechanic in Glen Waverley, Total Car Care Centre take great pride in offering the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

We care about our customers and aim to provide the best service possible provided by the best mechanics. We are are always on the lookout for great mechanics and apprentices, so if you are seeking a change in your environment or are just starting your career in the automotive industry contact us today.

Established in 1991, Total Car Care Centre is a totally independent mechanic workshop, providing quality automotive service and repairs to most main brand motor vehicles, including Air Conditioning (AU38547), Auto Electrical, Carburettor, Cylinder Heads, Licenced Vehicle Testing and other services. Our fully qualified Log Book Servicing with Free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report on request will ensure your new car will remain in top condition and your warranty remains preserved.

Total Car Care Centre care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU38547). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health.

All our work is backed by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, supported at over 500 Repco Authorised Service Centres Australia wide. Total Car Care Centre  provide specialist car service for Ford, Holden, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and many other vehicle makes.

Being able to stop quickly, efficiently and in a safe manner definitely matters to your safety and that of your passengers. Total Car Care Centre perform all brake repairs complete in house, including disc machining, on car & off car machining available. We have very competitive prices for Brake Services and Inspections.

No matter how good your brakes are you will not be able to stop safely and efficiently if your tyres and wheels are not properly taken care of. Total Car Care Centre provide a range of tyre and wheel related services to help you maintain your safety triangle of stopping, steering and stability components.

The business is operated by Darren Gardiner who prides himself on the personal interest he takes with every customer and their car. You can feel safe in the knowledge that our trained mechanics / technicians are kept up to date with the latest in automotive technology.

The mechanical experience of our friendly staff assures that your family vehicle or your company fleet car will be looked after professionally and diligently. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care, so drop in and see Darren and the Car Service Team at Total Car Care Centre. If you would like to know more about our expert team you can do so here...

 Loan Car available Waiting Lounge Facilities Tea & Coffee Facilities and Internet. Total Car Care Centre also have state-of-the-art programming equipment to replace or repair your car key, regardless of what you drive, including most modern proximity keys.

 For total quality in services and repairs, you can always rely on the team at Total Car Care Centre

As your local Car Service Mechanic in Glen Waverley, Total Car Care Centre take great pride in offering the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs...

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Glen Waverley

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 Total Car Care Centre, your trusted local mechanic in Glen Waverley.

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 Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley 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 Total Car Care 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 Total Car Care Centre in  Glen Waverley 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 Total Car Care 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.

Don't be "that car" broken down on the highway with steam pouring from under the hood.

An overheating car isn't only caused by Summer weather, your engine produces dangerous levels of heat and it's the radiator along with the rest of the cooling system that exists to stop your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat. There is special fluid called coolant in your system that also prevents liquids from freezing and protects the system from corrosion as well.

Signs you need a radiator flush or cooling system service:

As well as an overheating car, a temperature gauge that's reading hotter than normal or a car leaving puddles behind means it is time to have your cooling system checked out.

And we can perform a well deserved service on your radiator and cooling system. Our fully trained team of experts will properly flush your radiator, using a solution to clean all channels of build up. After the cooling system is flushed through, the cleansing solution is removed and the system filled with fresh coolant solution, your car's cooling system will be running like a dream: A radiator flush might be just what your car needs to bring it back to peak performance.

What are the benefits of a radiator flush?

Your radiator will be more efficient, reliable and live longer. 

Your engine will be more efficient and have an increased life expectancy. 

Get a boost in vehicle performance and power. 

How often should I get a coolant system flush?

Your car's log book will recomend intervals for when to flush your cooling system, It is commonly suggested that you have your coolant flushed every two years or 40,000 km's depending on which comes first. However, the size of your engine, regional weather, the age of your current coolant, and the total km's driven can all have an effect on how often you should replace the coolant in your radiator.

At Total Car Care Centre, we provide at your request a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service on your vehicle. This includes inspecting the coolant and cooling system and the written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are recommended to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

What happens if I don't get a radiator flush or service?

With time, rust and scale deposits build up and the whole system becomes clogged and it becomes less effective at cooling and protecting your car. This build up of rust and debris can damage parts of your cooling system including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat, affecting the lifespan of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

While there are a lot of places offering advice on how to flush a radiator yourself - we advise against it. Modern vehicles can be complex and mistakes like incomplete flushing or changing the coolant in your vehicle without flushing can cause any deposits to move around more and cause blockages in your thermostat or radiator. It's sensible to have your systems examined regularly by a qualified mechanic, and properly flushed before being refilled with the recommended coolant type, the system purged of any air pockets, and then the whole system expertly checked over again to ensure full working order and to prevent any costly breakdowns in the future. Radiator coolant is toxic and needs to be handled very carefully. It has a sweet smell which can be enticing to both children and pets so proper storage is very important - having a trained technician handle this task for you means not handling or having dangerous chemicals around your house. Dangerous coolant also needs to be disposed of in a safe way, professional workshops can have the coolant recycled or properly disposed of to save the environment.

If your vehicle is showing signs that it requires a radiator flush, come and see the team at Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley.

Don't be "that car" broken down on the freeway with steam pouring from under the hood.

Radiator flushing in Glen Waverley

Premium petrol is always best right? Wrong!

Think you're buring too much fuel? Did you know by picking the correct grade of fuel for your car you can save money and possibly extend the life of your car?

Petrol is rated using the Research Octane Number or RON such as 91, 95, 98, 100 or even 103. The RON number grades the fuels resistance to ‘pre-ignition' or firing before it should due to heat from the engine.

Is a higher grade fuel better for my car?

Low-grade fuel doesn't mean low quality - the grade determines how much heat and pressure the fuel can resist before it detonates. A lower grade fuel resists less; a higher-grade resists more heat and pressure.

Why does it matter what grade of fuel I use?

Car engines work by igniting a mix of petrol and air with a spark plug to generate power. If fuel and air ignite prior to the spark plug doing its job it creates a condition called “knock,” which can damage a motor and reduce power.

Knocking is the sound made as the mix of fuel and air is detonating too early rather than burning smoothly for fuel - which means you aren't getting the very best from your car..

How do I know what grade of petrol to use in my car?

To see which fuel is right, read your car's manual or check the label on the inside of the fuel filler door. Usually if you have a vehicle with a turbocharged or high performance engine then you will need a higher octane fuel.

Remember, putting premium petrol in a car that doesn't actually need it will not make your car faster or run cleaner, it will just drain your bank account that much faster!

If your car is making any kind of knocking noise you should contact Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley today.

Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle

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  are fully qualified to service diesel 4wd and passenger diesel  vehicles. 

Call Total Car Care Centre for all your diesel 4wd and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Total Car Care Centre can also help with DPF and EGR management, carbon  cleaning, diesel fuel system problems and more - call us today if you  have any questions.

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...

Diesel services in Glen Waverley

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VACC

We advise we will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday 29th of March, reopening Tuesday 2nd of April

Total Car Care is your local car service mechanic and has been operating in the Glen Waverley area for over 33 years. As a family owned and operated business for over 29 of those years, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Glen Waverley and the surrounding areas

Total Car Care Centre

Diesel repairs

Call Total Car Care Centre for all your diesel 4wd and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Our diesel services include:

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