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

Winter in Victoria can be tough on cars. As temperatures drop, ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the colder months becomes crucial for your safety and comfort. Regular servicing plays a significant role in preparing any car for winter driving conditions. But why is it so important, and what tasks are performed during these checks? Let's dive deep into how routine maintenance can make all the difference.

How regular maintenance by experts can keep your vehicle safe and reliable during the colder months.

Cars are complex machines that rely on numerous components working in harmony. Over time, parts wear down, fluids deplete, and minor issues can escalate into major problems. Regular servicing acts as a preventive measure, ensuring that all parts of your vehicle are in top condition, especially vital during Victoria's unpredictable winter weather.

Understanding the Importance of Regular Servicing

During regular car servicing, depending on the service interval the car is at when brought in to our Glen Waverley workshop, the expert mechanics at Total Car Care Centre perform various tasks which are also critical for safe winter driving:

Winter puts extra strain on your car's battery.  Total Car Care Centre's technicians will test your battery's health to ensure it won't let you down on a cold morning. Batteries tend not to like the cold very much and can have trouble starting the vehicle on very cold and frosty mornings.

When Total Car Care Centre undertake any car service they always check the brakes carefully. The brake system is thoroughly inspected for wear and tear and any problems found are provided to the customer. Your Safety is Our Priority and effective braking is important at all times, but becomes particularly crucial on wet and slippery winter roads.

Tyres are your car's only contact with the road. A comprehensive check for wear and correct pressure is essential, as wet and icy conditions demand excellent grip. Regular servicing provides a great opportunity for your Total Car Care Centre mechanic to check your tyres and wheels, especially where the service requires placing the car on a hoist.

The suspensions system works in conjunction with the brakes and tyres to ensure a stable ride and also has an impact on stopping distances, including in the wet. These systems should be thoroughly inspected for wear or potential problems to help ensure the car handles correctly on potentially slippery or even icy roads.

With shorter days, you'll rely more on your car's lights. A check ensures all lights are functional and bright. We will also let you know immediately if we come across any potential problems with your auto electrical system

Visibility is key in adverse weather and all care should be taken to ensure it is good. Wiper blades should be checked and replaced if necessary, and the windscreen inspected for any damage that could impair vision. Having a well functioning HVAC system to demist your windows is pointless if your wipers cannot effectively deal with any rain.

A functioning heater and defroster are also vital for comfort and safety, enabling clear visibility through the windows. Making sure your HVAC system is up to the task of effectively heating and demisting your vehicle is another prime thing to consider come winter time.

The exhaust system should be checked for leaks, which could be hazardous, especially during any times when the car is stationary for extended periods with the heater on.

The coolant should be checked and topped up if necessary, ensuring it's at the correct antifreeze to water ratio to prevent freezing. When liquids freeze they tend to expand, which can cause significant damage to the radiator and its associated parts.

Fresh oil and a new filter ensure your engine runs smoothly, particularly important during the start-up on cold mornings when oil can become thick and sluggish.

Skipping routine maintenance can lead to decreased performance, higher fuel consumption, and even breakdowns. In winter, some issues are magnified due to harsh conditions and the reliability of the vehicle becomes paramount. Regular servicing ensures that minor problems are caught early, avoiding unexpected and often more expensive repairs.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Regular Servicing

Not all vehicles are the same, and as such, their servicing needs can vary. High-performance vehicles, older cars, and those with high mileage might need additional attention for example. Discussing your car’s usage and any concerns with your Total Car Care Centre mechanic can help ensure a tailored approach, keeping your car running smoothly through winter.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of regular servicing is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your car has been professionally checked and prepared for winter can make all the difference in your driving experience, ensuring you and your family stay safe on the road.

Regular servicing is not just a box to tick; it's an investment in your vehicle's longevity and your safety. Before winter sets in Victoria, schedule a service to ensure your car is equipped to handle any season, including the cold, wet and sometimes icy conditions winter brings. If we notice anything about your vehicle we think you should be aware of that doesn't come under the current service schedule we will certainly let you know.

Trust the professionals at Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley to keep your vehicle in its best condition, letting you focus on enjoying the journey, regardless of the weather...

Winter in Victoria can be tough on cars. As temperatures drop, ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the colder months becomes crucial for your safety and comfort. Regular servicing plays a significant role in preparing any car for winter driving conditions. But why is it so important, and what tasks are performed during these checks...

Winter Ready Cars in Victoria: 10 ways regular service helps

10 Ways to Get Your Car Winter Ready in Glen Waverly

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

Find your car rocking and rolling when you corner? Not stopping the way it used to? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon sort out your braking problems.

Your car's braking and suspension play an important part in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Total Car Care Centre in Glen Waverley 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.

You can trust a Safe-T-Stop test with your family's safety. It provides an added inspection that goes well beyond a basic 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, just like it would happen in an emergency stop on the road!

Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition actually saves you money by minimising tyre wear and tyre drag which can increase petrol consumption.

A Safe-T-Stop check will give you a precise and detailed printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Total Car Care Centre to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Book your Safe-T-Stop test online or call Total Car Care Centre today.

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at www.safetstop.com.au and Brake Service in our Brakes FAQ's below

Frequently Asked Questions about Brakes

Safe-T-Stop brake testing in Glen Waverley

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

When working correctly, the power steering system is quite remarkable, allowing pretty much anyone to handle an enormous steel machine as it zooms along at high speeds or navigates around tight corners. 
Because it's such an important part of how your vehicle 'feels',   when you have even a slight power steering problem you'll probably notice the difference. However sometimes the changes happen slowly over time and you might not notice that your power steering isn't what it used to be. 

Symptoms you might notice include sluggish steering response, leaking hydraulic fluid under the vehicle and difficulty turning the steering wheel. Regular servicing is the best way to prevent problems, but if you notice anything amiss, contact us ASAP to get it checked out. We are located in Glen Waverley and serve many customers in the surrounding areas as well.

Top Quality: As a part of the Repco Authorised Service Centre network all of the work we perform is backed by The Repco Nationwide Warranty, which covers quality Repco parts and labour. and is supported at over 500 Repco Authorised Service Dealers Australia wide.

The Right Parts: We have access to the vast Repco spare parts network which means we can find the right part for your car, at the right price - fast.

Fully Trained: Our mechanics are kept up to date with modern vehicle technology via the National Auto-tech program. We are well versed in diagnostic and service techniques for many different makes and models.

All Services: From a fleet of vehicles to the much loved family car, we are here for you.

For expert Power Steering Services with a Nationwide Warranty and a competitive price, speak with the team at Total Car Care Centre. We are located at Unit 3/13 Aristoc Road and service customers in Glen Waverley and the surrounding areas.

Get more useful information about power steering in Repco’s Power Steering Auto Facts Video

RAS Auto Facts - Power Steering

When working correctly, the power steering system is quite remarkable, allowing pretty much anyone to handle an enormous steel machine as it zooms along at high speeds or navigates around tight corners.

Power steering service in Glen Waverley

We can combine our fully qualified expertise and knowledge with our local understanding of the driving conditions in Melbourne and the Glen Waverley area to not only make sure your wheels are aligned correctly, but to confirm there are no underlying issues with the technologies behind the wheel that keep you safe on the roads.

Talk to Total Car Care Centre about your wheel alignment today.

The performance of safety systems such as traction, stability control, and ABS braking systems depend largely on how well the suspension performs, which also depends on how well the wheels are aligned, which then has a direct bearing on how the suspension copes with cornering and braking forces, as well as with sudden steering inputs - phew, that's a long line of follow on effects! But that's why it's important to always have a fully qualified workshop perform your Wheel Alignment. 

Having an alignment procedure done at  Total Car Care Centre means knowing that the root cause of the original wheel alignment problem can be corrected professionally by suitably qualified technicians. Book in today using our handy booking form below!


Learn more by reading our wheel alignment FAQ's here. 

Wheel alignments services in Glen Waverley

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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

Wheel Alignment

Talk to Total Car Care Centre about your wheel alignment today.

Why do I need a wheel alignment ?

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Getting Your Car Ready for the Christmas Holidays

10 Ways to Get Your Car Winter Ready in Glen Waverly

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

Safe-T-Stop brake testing

Car service in Glen Waverley

Power steering not what it used to be?