Servicing your own car

by william | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Services

Servicing Your Own Vehicle: A Guide to DIY Maintenance

Servicing your own vehicle can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you save money, but you also gain a better understanding of how your car functions. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer looking to take charge of your vehicle’s maintenance, there are several things to consider before getting your hands dirty. While DIY car servicing has many benefits, it also comes with its challenges, and that’s where experts like Monteltham Auto Electric can step in to help if you ever get stuck.

The Pros and Cons of DIY Vehicle Servicing

The Pros

Cost Savings – One of the biggest advantages of servicing your car yourself is saving money. Labor costs at workshops can add up quickly, and by doing the work yourself, you only need to pay for parts and materials.
Convenience – Rather than booking an appointment and waiting for your car to be serviced, you can do it at your own pace, whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Learning Experience – The more you work on your car, the better you understand how it functions. This knowledge can come in handy in emergencies and help you detect potential issues early.
Quality Control – When you service your car yourself, you control the quality of parts and fluids used, ensuring the best for your vehicle.

The Cons

Time-Consuming – What a professional mechanic can do in an hour might take you an entire afternoon, especially if you’re new to car maintenance.
Risk of Mistakes – Without the right experience, it’s easy to make mistakes that could lead to costly repairs down the line. Incorrectly tightening a bolt or using the wrong type of oil can cause serious issues.
Lack of Specialized Equipment – Professional workshops have specialized tools and diagnostic machines that may not be readily available to DIY mechanics.
Warranty Concerns – Some manufacturers require services to be carried out by a licensed mechanic to maintain the vehicle’s warranty.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure or stuck, Monteltham Auto Electric is here to help. Whether it’s an electrical issue or just a tricky part of the servicing process, our team is always ready to assist.

What’s Required for a 10,000 km Service?

A standard 10,000 km service is one of the most essential maintenance milestones for your vehicle. Here’s what absolutely needs to be done:

1. Oil and Oil Filter Change

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, keeping all the moving parts lubricated and preventing excess wear and tear. Over time, oil degrades and collects debris, making regular changes crucial. Make sure to use the right grade and type of oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

2. Air Filter Check and Replacement (if necessary)

A clean air filter ensures optimal airflow to the engine, which helps maintain fuel efficiency and performance. If it’s clogged with dirt and debris, it should be replaced.

3. Fluid Level Checks

Several important fluids need to be checked and topped up if necessary:

Coolant/Antifreeze – Keeps your engine from overheating.
Brake Fluid – Essential for safe braking performance.
Power Steering Fluid – Ensures smooth and easy steering.
Transmission Fluid – Vital for the proper operation of your transmission.

4. Tire Inspection and Pressure Check

Tires should be checked for wear, uneven tread, and proper inflation. Under-inflated or worn-out tires can impact fuel economy and safety.

5. Battery Check

A weak battery can leave you stranded. Look for signs of corrosion on the terminals and test its voltage to ensure it’s holding a proper charge.

Other Things That May Need Checking

While the above are the absolute essentials, there are several other maintenance tasks you should consider:

Brake Pads and Rotors – If you hear squealing or feel vibrations when braking, it may be time to replace them.
Spark Plugs – Worn-out spark plugs can lead to poor fuel economy and engine misfires.
Belt and Hose Inspection – Cracks or fraying in belts and hoses could lead to serious mechanical problems if left unchecked.
Lights and Indicators – Ensure all bulbs are working, including brake lights, turn signals, and headlights.
Wiper Blades – If they’re streaking or skipping across the windshield, it’s time for a replacement.

Final Thoughts

DIY car servicing can be both fun and rewarding, but it requires patience, knowledge, and the right tools. If you’re comfortable with basic maintenance, doing your own 10,000 km service can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, not everything can (or should) be handled at home. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

At Monteltham Auto Electric, we understand that some car maintenance tasks can be tricky. If you ever get stuck or need a hand, our team is always here to assist. Whether it’s an electrical issue or just a little guidance, we’re happy to help get your vehicle running smoothly again.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands a little dirty, and take pride in maintaining your vehicle—but remember, expert help is just a call away if you need it!

Also our service details are here

Essential 4 Wheel Drive Servicing: Your Guide to Outback Adventures with Monteltham Auto Electric

by William | Apr 4, 2024 | Auto Electrics, Blog, Services

Introduction:
Embarking on an outback adventure is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the key components to ensure a smooth and safe journey is proper servicing of your 4-wheel drive vehicle. At Monteltham Auto Electric, we specialize in catering to the needs of adventurers venturing into the outback with our comprehensive services tailored specifically for 4x4s, outback vehicles, and mobile homes. In this guide, we’ll explore the basic requirements for such a venture and outline the essential services needed to guarantee a fault-free journey.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:
Before setting out on your outback expedition, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle. This includes checking the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and tires for any signs of wear or damage. At Monteltham Auto Electric, our team of expert auto electric engineers performs detailed inspections to identify any potential issues and ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition for the journey ahead.

Electrical System Check:
The electrical system is the backbone of modern vehicles, and it plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operation, especially in remote areas. Our specialized services include comprehensive checks of the electrical system, including battery health, alternator performance, wiring integrity, and lighting functionality. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify any electrical faults and provide efficient repairs or replacements to prevent breakdowns during your outback adventure.

Off-Road Preparation:
Outback terrain can be unforgiving, requiring vehicles to be adequately equipped for off-road driving. Our team at Monteltham Auto Electric specializes in outfitting 4x4s with essential off-road accessories such as winches, bull bars, snorkels, and auxiliary lighting. We also provide expert advice on tire selection and inflation to ensure optimal traction and performance in various off-road conditions.

Emergency Preparedness:
In remote outback areas, access to repair services may be limited or non-existent. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Monteltham Auto Electric offers comprehensive emergency preparedness services, including the installation of satellite communication systems, emergency beacons, and backup power sources. Additionally, we provide training in basic vehicle maintenance and repair techniques to equip adventurers with the skills needed to address minor issues on the go.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance:
Even with thorough preparation, unexpected challenges may arise during your outback journey. That’s why Monteltham Auto Electric is committed to providing ongoing support and maintenance services to our customers. Our team is available to offer remote technical assistance and troubleshooting guidance in case of emergencies. We also recommend regular servicing intervals to ensure that your vehicle remains in peak condition throughout your outback adventures.

Conclusion:
Embarking on an outback adventure with a 4-wheel drive vehicle is a thrilling experience that requires careful planning and preparation. At Monteltham Auto Electric, we understand the unique needs of outback travelers and specialize in providing comprehensive servicing and support to ensure a fault-free journey. From thorough vehicle inspections to emergency preparedness services, we have you covered every step of the way. Trust Monteltham Auto Electric for all your outback vehicle servicing needs, and embark on your adventure with confidence.

The importance of car servicing

by William | Mar 15, 2023 | Auto Electrics, Batteries, Blog, Services

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing

As a car owner, you want your vehicle to perform at its best for as long as possible. One of the most important things you can do to ensure this is to get regular car servicing. Regular car servicing involves having your vehicle checked and maintained by a qualified mechanic at regular intervals, usually every 6 to 12 months or after a certain number of miles driven.

Here are some of the reasons why regular car servicing is so important:

Improved safety

One of the most important reasons to get regular car servicing is safety. During a car service, a mechanic will check your vehicle’s brakes, suspension, tires, and other critical components to ensure they are working properly. They will also check for any signs of wear and tear or damage that could compromise your safety on the road. By catching and fixing any issues early on, you can reduce your risk of accidents and keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Increased reliability

Regular car servicing can also improve the reliability of your vehicle. By having your car checked and maintained on a regular basis, you can catch any issues before they become major problems. This can prevent breakdowns and other issues that could leave you stranded on the side of the road or with expensive repair bills. By keeping your car running smoothly, you can also extend its lifespan and get more value from your investment.

Better performance

A well-maintained car performs better than one that is neglected. During a car service, a mechanic will check your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other key components to ensure they are working at their best. They will also check your fluid levels, filters, and other parts that can affect your car’s performance. By keeping your car in top condition, you can enjoy smoother driving, better fuel efficiency, and overall better performance.

Cost savings

While regular car servicing does involve some costs, it can actually save you money in the long run. By catching and fixing small issues before they become major problems, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements down the line. Regular car servicing can also help you identify areas where you can save money, such as by improving your fuel efficiency or reducing wear and tear on your tires.

Peace of mind

Finally, regular car servicing can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your vehicle has been checked and maintained by a qualified mechanic can help you feel confident and secure on the road. You can drive with the knowledge that your car is running at its best and that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your investment.

In conclusion, regular car servicing is an important part of car ownership. It can improve safety, increase reliability, boost performance, save you money, and give you peace of mind. If you haven’t had your car serviced in a while, now is the time to schedule an appointment with a qualified mechanic. By taking care of your car, you can enjoy a safer, more reliable, and more enjoyable driving experience.

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing and Battery Health

As a car owner, you want your vehicle to perform at its best for as long as possible. Regular car servicing is one of the most important things you can do to ensure this. However, there is one specific aspect of car maintenance that is often overlooked – the health of your car battery. In this article, we will explore why car battery health is important and what you can do to maintain it. Book a service today with Mont Eltham Auto Electric

Why Car Battery Health Matters

Your car battery is a crucial component of your vehicle’s electrical system. It provides the power necessary to start your car and run all of its electrical components, from the headlights and radio to the air conditioning and power windows. Without a functioning battery, your car simply won’t start or operate.

The problem is that car batteries don’t last forever. Over time, they can lose their charge capacity, become corroded, or develop other issues that can affect their performance. If your battery fails or dies, it can leave you stranded on the side of the road or with a car that won’t start. This can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive to fix.

Maintaining Your Car Battery

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to maintain your car battery and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Get regular car servicing

As we mentioned earlier, regular car servicing is important for many reasons, including maintaining your car battery. During a car service, a mechanic will check your battery’s voltage, connections, and overall health to ensure it is functioning properly. They can also clean any corrosion from the battery terminals and recommend a replacement if necessary.

Keep your battery clean and dry

Keeping your battery clean and dry can help prevent corrosion and other issues that can affect its performance. Use a damp cloth to clean the battery and its terminals periodically, and make sure the battery is dry before driving. Avoid spraying water directly on the battery or its terminals, as this can cause damage.

Check your battery’s charge level

Your car’s dashboard should have a battery charge indicator that shows the level of charge remaining in your battery. If the charge level is low, it may be time to replace your battery or have it recharged. Some newer cars also have a built-in battery health monitor that can alert you to any issues before they become major problems.

Use your car regularly

If you don’t use your car regularly, your battery can lose its charge over time. This can lead to a dead battery or reduced battery life. If you don’t plan to use your car for an extended period of time, consider disconnecting the battery or using a trickle charger to keep it charged.

Avoid excessive heat and cold

Extreme temperatures can affect your car battery’s performance. In hot weather, your battery can overheat and become damaged, while in cold weather, it can lose its charge capacity. To prevent these issues, try to park your car in a covered area or garage, and avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures whenever possible.

In conclusion, maintaining your car battery is an important part of car ownership. By getting regular car servicing at Mont Eltham Auto Electric, keeping your battery clean and dry, checking its charge level, using your car regularly, and avoiding excessive heat and cold, you can extend your battery’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs or replacements. If you’re unsure about your battery’s health or performance, don’t hesitate to speak to a qualified mechanic. They can assess your battery’s condition and recommend any necessary maintenance or replacements.

Car Servicing in Melbourne

by William | Apr 28, 2020 | Blog, Services

Melbourne best car service

How important is your car to you in getting around the urban sprawl of Melbourne? Depending who you are the replies will vary but the chance is high that the answer will be very important for as good as the public transport system is here in Melbourne it still does not make getting around as easy and convenient as your car. So, it is common sense to look after your vehicle with regular servicing and maintenance based on your recommended maintenance period or kilometres driven between the last service.

In the long run, regular car servicing and maintenance will save you a lot of money and keep you safer on the road rather than neglecting.

The Car Maintenance Basics

The basics of car maintenance are, of course, something you can undertake yourself however here at Monteltham Auto Electric we are here to help you with a first-class car service wherever you are in Melbourne.

Car Manual

A good start with knowing all about your car is the car manual which is usually kept in the cubby or glove box. You can learn a lot by giving it a read. If you don’t have one you can usually find one online to download. Inside the manual, you will find a section which deals with servicing, maintenance, and the time period needed between servicing.

Checking the car servicing basics

Some of the things you will have to check will be water hoses, belt drives as the fan belt, check the oil levels and colour and the condition of your tyres. What everybody thinks of first when they consider a car service is the oil change. Your engine health depends on the level and condition of your oil. Dirty oil will contain contaminants such as worn metal grains and dirty oil and an abundance of these dirty oil contaminants will cause more of the same, wear out all moving parts, and degrade your engine mechanics. The message here is changing your oil, regularly, check your manual for the period between oil changes. It will usually be measured in months or miles/kilometres between the last service.

Car Oil

Oil Change – How Often: 3 months or 3,000-5,000 miles or 4828/8046 kilometres. The oil filter will also require replacing.

Other fluid checks

On the subject of oil changes, there are other liquids that need to be checked and topped up. Consider other fluids such as brake fluid, radiator fluid, windscreen wiper water and detergent. You may also be able to check transmission fluid which you do by checking the dip disk associated with the transmission. Safety first and remember let the engine cool down before you start opening fluid caps, as radiators, for example, may contain very hot water under pressure. Scalding is possible unless you let the motor cool and open the cap carefully allowing any pressure to escape first.

Hoses and belts

Essentially hoses wear out over time and may show bulges or cracks and may be ready for replacement. If you find you engine is overheating it may relate to a split hose and a leaking radiator. Check all your belts, fan belts and the like. You may have heard a car screech when the car is started and the engine turns over. A terrible sound but probably indicates a loose fan belt where undoing a couple of nuts will allow you to tighten up the fan belt tension and cure the terrible screeching sound.

Windscreen wipers

Other filters needing replacement is the air filter and should be replaced at least one a year. Check you windscreen wiper blades, you will probably notice them wear down when in a storm they just do not wipe the windscreen free and clear with each wipe leaving distorted lines of water remaining on the screen. Change your wiper blades.

Car battery
Check your car battery and connections or terminals. The positive and negative connection points can accumulate with white or discoloured deposit. Remove this deposit with a wire brush or with a little water and baking soda. Winters can really drain a car battery, you can check the health with two tools, a multimeter and a battery hydrometer.

Using a multi-meter, you can find out if the battery has enough charge to run your auto system. A healthy battery will have a multimeter reading of around 12.5 volts. With the headlights on the battery voltage will drop to around 11.5 volts. Using the battery hydrometer, you can check the specific gravity of the battery fluid is between 1.27 and 1.30

These checks are all possible to do at home with simple tools however there are other systems that require a little more in dedicated system tools to check and optimise complicated systems such as performance engine tuning or air conditioning services. Based in easy reach of Eltham, Greensborough, Templestowe and Diamond Creek, Monteltham Auto Electric is ideally placed to help you with all your auto and car servicing and repair requirements. Even if you want to do it yourself, we will be happy to give you advice, please give us a call and remember we also supply a range of spares include batteries, wiper blades, LED’s and other car electrical parts, bulbs, wiring kits, camping solar panels.

Call Us: 03 9435 1198

Saftey and COVID 19

by William | Apr 14, 2020 | Applications, Auto Electrics, Blog, Corporate, Framework, Services

Important Notice regarding COVID-19 and keeping safe

These are concerning times and we want to tell you we are open for business providing, servicing, repairs and parts.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we are following the advice provided by the Government Health Department we are taking precautionary steps to minimise risk to everybody, customers and employees. With that in mind, to minimise the risk and spread of the virus via human contact, we now have a handshake-free environment and follow the 1.5-meter physical distancing rule if possible.

All showroom and customer reception and waiting areas have been set up with hand sanitiser stations, which we would encourage you to use.

Our premises are being commercially cleaned every day by an external party and we maintain a cleaning program throughout the day in customer and employee areas. Our staff is encouraged to wash their hands regularly.

We clean your vehicle with sanitising solution wipes and/or spray upon entry and after all service and repairs.

Vehicles in our yards are being locked, to restrict access after such cleaning.
We prefer payment by bank transfer or Eftpos to minimise the handling of cash.

If you have an upcoming appointment with us and are showing flu-like symptoms, please contact the dealership you have booked with so we can reschedule it for you.
We are committed to providing our employees and customers with a safe and hygienic environment as we continue our high standard of customer service.

We continue to look to the Department of Health for advice and make sure we are taking steps to ensure ongoing safety.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us or call us. Stay safe.

Servicing a Hybrid Car in Melbourne

by William | Feb 13, 2019 | Blog, Hybrid Cars, Services

Having a hybrid car means you have two engines in one car and so servicing takes on an extra component, the electric motor and the battery.

Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular and for good reasons, there is the fact that there is less impact on our environment in the form of CO2 emissions, and ultimately Hybrid Cars are very efficient.

When it comes to servicing hybrid cars, there is not a lot of difference between a regular petrol or diesel auto service. Our qualified mechanics go through a thorough checklist to ensure your car is in tip top condition.

So how does a hybrid car work?
The two engines work in tandem and while the petrol engine is engaged it will be charging up the battery for the electric motor. The brakes also play a part in charging up the battery, so it is a very clever combination in obtaining maximum efficiency from the two principals.

When it comes to servicing the petrol engine require servicing like any other petrol driven vehicle. Whereas the electrical motor does not have the same servicing requirement. In general a hybrid petrol engine does not have to work as hard and a normal petrol engine as it is assisted by the electrical motor. This means that oil changes tend to have longer intervals than normal. Always check your owners manual.

There is also less wear and tear on the breaks pads because of the inbuilt feature of energy generating brakes which convert a lot of the normal friction and wear into battery charging energy. So your brake pads last longer.

In fact most of the electrical components in a hybrid car are designed to be maintenance free.

Good service practice is to check power cords, connections and leads every service.

Oil recommended for hybrid vehicles is usually of a low weight meaning and more viscose. It is a balance between high lubrication and better fuel economy to those oils usually associated with normal petrol fuelled vehicles. So oils around 0W-20 are recommended. The nature of the hybrid car is of stop and start where the electric takes over from the petrol and vice versa. Under these conditions a lighter oil is conducive to oil flow when the engine starts and reaching the optimal running temperature as quickly as possible.

The Battery
When hybrid cars were first developed they were using nickel-metal hydride batteries but since then they have been replaced by lithium-ion batteries which are smaller and lighter for better efficiency. Hybrid batteries and hybrid spare parts have a warranty of eight years or 160,000 miles. There are many stories of the Toyota Prius being driven over 260,000 km on the original battery. The batteries are lasting up to 10 years in normal circumstances

If your Prius or hybrid is having power issues, this could be an indication that your battery is nearing the end of its life. You can bring your vehicle down to Moneltham Auto Electric and we can diagnose the problem for you.

Your car will be back on the road in no time

So what are the signs that your hybrid battery is dying?
One of the clearest indicators is a drop in KPG. If you are doing less in kilometres per litre of petrol, this could be a sign that the battery is not playing its full part in the powering of the vehicle.

You may also notice that the petrol engine is running more than usual.

There is a state of charge indicator, SOC, if you notice high fluctuations in this indicator there may be battery issues. Of course if you see you battery bars falling for no apparent reason this could also be an indication of a failing battery. What ever the reason we can do a diagnosis in place and fix the problem.

We service hybrid cars not only in our local area of Eltham, Greensborough and Diamon Creek, but throughout the Melbourne area we will be happy to help.

Get in contact today

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