Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report from Approved Automotive Services. Book your inspection today!

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

Don't you hate that moment when you switch on the wipers at the first spot of rain and suddenly remember you haven't checked them in months! Wiper blades don't last forever, especially sitting under the harsh Australian sun all summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Approved Automotive Services can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other mechanisms in your car can be impacted by cold weather; such as coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Regular services are important - especially by an expert who understands the correct products and parts to keep your car in peak operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Always remember to drive to your conditions. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility 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.

Change in Weather - Drive to the Conditions

There are signs that your brakes need inspecting, including vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If your car is doing any of these it's best to have a qualified mechanic check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Brake Maintenance - Could you stop in time?

It's dangerous to drive on worn or incorrectly inflated tyres. Now is the time to check how worn your tyres are. If you spot uneven tyre wear, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below: 

Driving on tyres that are incorrectly inflated won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your braking ability. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Approved Automotive Services 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.

Approved Automotive Services suggests to always remember to drive to your conditions. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility and leave a larger than normal stopping distance...

Want some tips to help you drive safe this winter?

Whether you're a new diesel vehicle owner in Newton or a seasoned petrol vehicle driver contemplating a switch, knowing the difference between the maintenance requirements of petrol and diesel engines is crucial. While both types of engines ultimately propel your vehicle forward, the way they do so, and hence their servicing and repair needs, significantly differ. Approved Automotive Services stands ready to assist you with specialised services for diesel engines, but let’s first delve into what sets diesel engine maintenance apart from its petrol counterpart.

Understanding the Differences Between Petrol and Diesel Engine Services and Repairs

Petrol and diesel engines both operate on the internal combustion principle but do so in distinctly different ways. Petrol engines use spark plugs for the ignition of the air-fuel mixture, whereas diesel engines rely on compression ignition—a process that does not require spark plugs. This fundamental difference influences the design, efficiency, and maintenance requirements of the engines.

Generally, diesel engines are built to last longer and are more robust due to their heavy-duty construction, which is necessary to withstand high compression ratios. As a result, they often have longer service intervals compared to petrol engines. However, when diesel engines do require repairs, they can be more complex and, potentially, more expensive. This is partly because diesel engines have additional components like the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems that help reduce emissions but can develop issues or clogs if not properly maintained.

Oil and Filter Changes: While both engine types require regular oil and filter changes, diesel engines can generate more soot and contaminants that end up in the oil. This makes the quality and regular changing of oil and oil filters even more critical in diesel engines.

Air and Fuel Filters: Diesel engines are more sensitive to dirt and debris, which means their air and fuel filters often need more frequent checks and replacements.

Brakes Check: Though checking brakes is standard for any vehicle, diesel vehicles, particularly those used for towing or heavy loads, might see more brake wear due to the additional weight and torque.

DPF and EGR Systems: Exclusive to diesel engines, these emission control systems require regular checks and maintenance to prevent performance issues. The DPF, for example, needs to undergo a process called 'regeneration' to clear built-up soot, which can be managed through regular servicing.

The nuances of diesel engine maintenance underscore the importance of choosing a service provider like Approved Automotive Services that specialises in diesel engines. Technicians with specific training in diesel vehicles understand the intricate differences between diesel and petrol engine management and are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and resolve the unique issues diesel engines can face.

Why Choose Specialists for Diesel Repairs?

Whether you’re needing routine service, such as changing your diesel engine’s oil, air, or fuel filters, or more specialised care for your DPF or EGR systems, opting for specialists in Newton can ensure that your vehicle maintains its performance and longevity.

So now you see that while both petrol and diesel engines serve the same purpose, the differences in their operation and maintenance needs are significant. Owners of diesel vehicles should be mindful of these differences and choose a knowledgeable and experienced service provider for their diesel engine needs. By doing so, they can ensure that their vehicle runs optimally, and potential issues are addressed before they become costly repairs. For residents in Newton and surrounding suburbs, Approved Automotive Services offers comprehensive diesel services tailored to meet these specialised needs.

Discover the key differences in servicing diesel vs petrol engines and why choosing the diesel specialists Approved Automotive Services in Newton can extend your vehicle's lifespan.

Understand Diesel vs Petrol Maintenance

Diesel Servicing - What's the difference?

Many people underestimate how important theirs car suspension system really is. The suspension in your vehicle is not just there to make your ride less bumpy like some people believe – it is also a major component in the overall safety of your vehicle, including how well it stops and handles on the road.

The suspension system is basically made up of four components :

Struts - provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension as well as some shock dampening

Shock absorbers – simply put – they control the up-and-down motion of your car and keep your tyres in contact with the ground at all times but really are an important safety feature

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.

Tyres – your tyres need to work with the rest of the system correctly to maintain safe driving behaviour of your vehicle

All of these components work in conjunction with each other and are vital for the on road safety of your vehicle.

At 50kmh one single worn shock absorber can add 2 metres of stopping difference to a braking vehicle – and that could mean the difference between life and death in an extreme situation.

Where you drive, how you drive, and the loads you carry can all impact on shock absorber life and the condition of the suspension system - so there is no hard and fast answer to the question “ when should I have my suspension system checked”.  Repco Authorised Service recommend that you have a trained specialist inspect your shock absorbers for signs of wear every 20,000km.

Approved Automotive Services are experts at suspension systems for all makes and models, and can diagnose and fix problems of all kinds, from the well documented motion sickness caused by the rear suspension problems in VE commodores through to elusive rattles and shakes that other mechanics just can’t seem to find.

Call us at Approved Automotive Services today to discuss your Car suspension needs or issues and our friendly staff will be happy to help.

What is a Suspension System? Approved Automotive Services explains it parts and importance in your car for a smooth ride.

Suspension Service and Repairs in Newton

Kumho Tyre Dealer with a dedicated Tyre Bay

Get your tyres and wheels balanced, fitted, inspected and replaced with top-notch quality from Approved Automotive Services. Keep your car running safe and smooth!

If you're heading out on a road trip to and from Adelaide, then keeping an eye on your tyres should be top of your list! Make sure you give them a check over every so often, as they take a bit of a battering on long trips. That way, you can make sure they're in tip top condition and ready to perform at their best.

At Approved Automotive Services, we get great pleasure from offering our customers a wide selection of tyre services. From a simple visual check to fitting new tyres and making sure the wheel alignment is exact, we guarantee that you're all set and safe for whatever trip you have planned. Plus, when you bring your car to us, we can tell you what needs fixing and make sure your tyres are in line with the law.

Regular servicing will keep tabs on your tyre condition and is also a good opportunity to have wheel alignments and wheel balances performed. They are relatively low cost and can greatly improve your driving experience. 

Approved Automotive Services has expertise in taking care of tyres and its related parts, and can help you make an informed decision on which tyres best fit your car. To maintain proper handling, new tyres, wheel alignment, and wheel balance all have to work in tandem.

For all your Tyre needs - fitting, rotation, repairs, alignment and balancing contact Approved Automotive Services for the best tyre service in town.

Tyres Sales & Service in Newton

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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 22nd of December and reopening on Monday the 8th of January

We advise that the workshop will be closed over the Easter long weekend reopening on Tuesday the 11th of April

We also advise that we will be closed Monday the 24th and Tuesday the 25th of April for ANZAC Day reopening Wednesday the 26th of April.

We wish to advise that we will be closed for the public holiday on the 2nd of October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Approved Automotive Services take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Newton, 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. 

Approved Automotive Services 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.

Approved Automotive Services

Tyres Sales & Service

Kumho Tyre Dealer with a dedicated Tyre Bay

Get your tyres and wheels balanced, fitted, inspected and replaced with top-notch quality from Approved Automotive Services. Keep your car running safe and smooth!

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Want to drive safely this winter?

Diesel Servicing - What's the difference?

What is a Suspension System?