Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important safety components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any safety concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Harry's Auto Care and Repco Authorised Service.

While half of Australia is enjoying their dry season up north, the southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter.

That could mean there is completely different ways to get your vehicle ready for winter; however the fundamentals of safe winter motoring stay the same. So how can you make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring? 

Avoid the painful moment when you switch on the wipers at the first spot of rain and only then remember you should have replaced them! Your wipers are constantly exposed to the hot Australian sun all year round and wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Harry's Auto Care can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other workings in your car can be effected by cold weather; especially coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's essential to get your vehicle regularly serviced by an expert who knows the right parts and products to keep your car in its best operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Conditions change - and you need to adjust, as well. If visibility is poor or the weather is wet - slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

There are signs that your brakes need testing, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these you should get it checked out by a qualified expert. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on bald tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation. Now is the time to check how much tread your tyres have left. 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 incorrectly inflated tyres won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your stopping ability. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Harry's Auto Care 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.

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers at the first spot of rain and realise they haven't been replaced in years! Constant exposure to the Australian conditions means your wipers will...

Safe Winter Driving with Harry's Auto Care

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 Harry's Auto Care 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? 

At Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen we take your safety very seriously. 

Find your car rocking and rolling when you corner or not braking the way it used to? 

Your car's braking and suspension play a vital role in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen 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 your family's safety to a Safe-T-Stop test.. It provides an added safety inspection that goes well beyond a standard 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, without even leaving the workshop.

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

A Safe-T-Stop check will give you a precise and detailed printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Harry's Auto Care to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Book your Safe-T-Stop test online or call Harry's Auto Care today.

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

 Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at http://www.safetstop.com.au

At Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen we take your safety very seriously so if you find your car rocking and rolling when you corner or not braking the way it used to call us straight away to book in a test.

Safe-T-Stop Brake tesing in Belconnen

The suspension in your vehicle isn't just present to give you a smoother ride as some may think - it is an important aspect of your vehicle's safety and the way it performs on the road. 

Often people don't realise how significant their car's suspension system truly is. This is why it is so essential to make sure the suspension system is operating correctly. A thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is the most efficient way to guarantee this.

Being aware of and mending suspension issues early is the most effective way to avert expensive repairs in the future. We suggest suspension maintenance when the specified mileage or time frame is reached.

What are the signs my vehicle needs it's suspension serviced?

In addition to routine service checks, you should also ask for a professional suspension inspection if any of the following symptoms occur:

Do you feel your car taking longer than usual to come to a complete stop? If your car's speed is decreasing at an unnatural rate, even though your brakes are in perfect condition, you might be having a suspension problem. This is usually the initial sign of an impacted suspension.

If you hear squeaking and clanking when your car drives over bumps, then your suspension system may require to be checked. The car's suspension system acts as a shock absorber, transforming the energy when the car goes over bumps. When the suspension system stops capturing this shock, unusual noises may be heard. In such cases, you may require suspension repair services for the safety of yourself and your car.

Much like strange noises, a malfunctioning suspension system could also result in uneven bouncing and swaying while you are driving. If your car usually moves smoothly, but all of a sudden begins swaying and jumping, then something could be wrong with your suspension system. If this is fixed right away, you may avoid any further, and costlier, repairs.

The suspension system consists of four parts working together, which are all crucial for the security of your vehicle. 

Struts offer structural support and some shock dampening, springs support the weight of your car and allow the body of your car to remain stable while the suspension helps the wheels hug the road, shock absorbers maintain the up-and-down motion of your car and tyres keep contact with the ground at all times. 

Even a single worn shock absorber at 50 km/h can make a difference of 2 meters when stopping a car, and that can make all the difference in a dangerous situation.

The kind of terrain you drive on, the way you drive, and the load you are carrying can all affect the lifespan of your shock absorbers and the state of your suspension system. For this reason, there is no exact answer to when you should have your suspension system inspected. It is usually recommended that you have a trained professional assess your shock absorbers for any signs of wear after every 20,000 km.

Harry's Auto Care specialises in suspension systems for all makes and models, including 4WD's. They can recognise and fix all kinds of issues, even the harder to diagnose rattles and shakes that other mechanics cannot.

Our Harry's Auto Care vehicle inspections will provide you with a comprehensive report of your car's condition and have you back on the road in no time. Come and see the team today!

The suspension in your vehicle isn't just present to give you a smoother ride as some may think - it is an important aspect of your vehicle's safety and the way it performs on the road.

Suspension servicing and repairs in Belconnen

Have a smoother ride – no shocks guaranteed!

It‘s obvious that your brakes need servicing if your stopping distance is much longer than normal.. But did you know there are less noticeable warning signs that you should watch for to guarantee your safety when travelling on the road?

If your vehicle displays the following symptoms - you need to get your brakes checked:

Your brake pedal feels hard, soft or spongy

It feels like your car pulls to the side when braking

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact us at Harry's Auto Care as soon as possible!

Brakes are critical for safety in all vehicles; not having a regular test and service means you are putting your life in danger. Brakes need to be inspected at every service and by a qualified mechanic.

At Harry's Auto Care we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service that we perform, and we will advise you if we feel there are any immediate concerns. Our written report will also let you know if there are requirements in the near future you should plan for.

Contact Harry's Auto Care today for any of your Car Service needs and to claim your free Vehicle Inspection Report with any car service!

Brake service in Belconnen

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 Harry's Auto Care 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 Belconnen workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Belconnen

Brake and Clutch

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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 23rd of December and reopening on Thursday the 5th of January

Harry's Auto Care take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Belconnen , 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.

Harry's Auto Care have a wealth of experience in servicing all 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.

Harry's Auto Care

Brake and clutch

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Drive safe this winter

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Have a smoother ride – no shocks guaranteed!

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