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

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!

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?

Brake service in Belconnen

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Harry's Auto Care, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Harry's Auto Care, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Harry's Auto Care is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Harry's Auto Care in Belconnen we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Harry's Auto Care today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Belconnen workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

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!

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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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

Let's get started with your booking.

Related articles

Drive safe this winter

Braking problems?

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Safe-T-Stop Brake testing

Have a smoother ride – no shocks guaranteed!