As the seasons change and winter brings its unique set of challenges, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the cold and wet weather. Proper maintenance not only keeps your car running smoothly but also ensures your safety on the road. Regular car servicing plays a pivotal role in preparing your vehicle for the winter months. 

Winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle, from freezing temperatures affecting your battery to icy roads putting extra stress on your tires. Regular car servicing ensures that every component of your car is in optimal condition to handle these challenges. At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we offer comprehensive vehicle checks and services to keep you safe during the winter months. Our vehicle inspection report will give you peace of mind, knowing that your car is winter-ready.

The Importance of Regular Car Checks and Services

Our Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre in Brighton. 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 Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre and Repco Authorised Service.

Driving in winter conditions requires extra caution and preparation. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for the reduced traction on wet or icy roads

Increase Following Distance: Give yourself more space between you and the car in front to allow for longer stopping distances.

Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.

Use Low Beams: In heavy rain or fog, use your low beam headlights to improve visibility.

Stay Informed: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out on a journey.

Pack an Emergency Kit: Include items like a blanket, food, water, and a flashlight in case you get stranded.

Know Your Vehicle: Familiarise yourself with how your car handles in the winter and make sure you're comfortable using features like anti-lock brakes.

Important Things to Check on Your Car for Wet Weather Driving

Tyres: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated. Worn tyres can lead to hydroplaning on wet roads.

Brakes: Wet roads increase stopping distances. Make sure your brakes are in excellent working condition.

Wipers and Washer Fluid: Good visibility is crucial. Replace old wipers and fill up on washer fluid to keep your windshield clear.

Lights: Ensure all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working correctly to maintain visibility and signal your intentions to other drivers.

Battery: Cold weather can drain your battery faster. Have it checked to ensure it holds a full charge.

Fluids: Check all essential fluids, including oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid, to keep your engine running smoothly.

Heater and Defroster: Ensure your heating system and defrosters are working correctly to maintain comfort and visibility.

At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre, we are your go-to for any vehicle checks and services. Our experienced team will provide a thorough vehicle inspection report, ensuring that your car is ready to tackle winter's challenges. Don't wait until the first snowfall; schedule your winter service today and drive with confidence all season long.

Winter driving doesn't have to be stressful if you're well-prepared. Regular car servicing and following these tips can help ensure you and your vehicle stay safe on the road. Remember, Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre is here to help you every step of the way with expert advice and comprehensive vehicle services. 

Car Service and Vehicle Inspections in Brighton

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 Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre 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? 

Good brake maintenance means not waiting until they need repairs or worse, waiting to discover they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency. 

Brake repairs is generally what comes to mind when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall. Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs but getting them inspected on a regular basis to identify any unseen or unexpected problems which might impact your ability to brake safely and efficiently should the need arise. 

Regular brake maintenance allows you to feel confident that your brakes will be in good working order when you need them most.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not only caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as key to your safety as your braking system.

Your brake pads are a crucial component of your braking system and are a part that you should never neglect. Brake pads create friction by compressing against the brake rotors and use this friction to make your car stop. This means a considerable amount of heat is applied to the brake pads every time you stop. The force necessary to halt a moving vehicle is huge and gives off significant heat which wears down the brake pads over time. This is why regular inspection and/or replacement of your brake pads is an integral part of good brake maintenance practices.

Good quality brake pads often have a small metal piece embedded in them designed to purposely scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing a high pitch noise. However, it's not advised to wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

At Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake system. This Vehicle Inspection report lets you know if there are any immediate or future repairs needed on your vehicle, allowing you to budget in advance. We can also advise the right type of brake pad for your environment and driving style.

Brake Pads have a typical lifespan of between 15,000 to 70,000 km's depending on driving conditions, style of driving, carrying regular heavy loads or towing. If you find your brake pads are wearing out ahead of time your mechanic might advise using a heat resistant or heavier duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

Brake fluid is what provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to create the friction needed stop your car. It also helps increase the projected lifespan of your various brake components by helping to protect against corrosion. Most drivers understand the need to keep the brake fluid level topped up, but did you know that you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace old brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid?

A brake fluid flush can be performed as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we might suggest you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty;

Brake repairs is generally what comes to mind when it comes to being safe on the roads, but concentrating on regular brake maintenance is much more important to your safety overall.

Brake Fluid Flush in Brighton

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 Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre 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 Brighton workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Brighton

Brake and Clutch

TACC

RACT

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Monday the 6th of January

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

We advise that we will be closed for ANZAC Day and the following Friday 26th of April, reopening Monday 29th of April.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Brighton, 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. 

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre 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.

Brighton Tyre & Auto Centre

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Driving safe this winter?

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?

Confident you will stop in time?