AAAA

MVRIC

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday 22nd of December and reopening on Monday 15th of January

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

Lambton Automotive (LIC# MVRL50507) is your local car service mechanic in Lambton. As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Lambton and the surrounding areas, please use our online booking form or give us a call.

Before heading off on your road trip, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid any surprises along the way. Regular inspections can catch potential problems early, giving you peace of mind and helping your vehicle perform at its best. The team at Lambton Automotive is here to help with all your servicing, repairs, and maintenance needs.  Vehicle Road Trip Checklist Use this checklist to systematically check key components and make sure your car is ready for the journey.   Tyres  - Tyre Pressure: Check the air pressure for all tyres, including the spare. Refer to your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door frame for the correct PSI.  - Tread Depth: Use a 20 cent piece or tread depth gauge to ensure the tiyes have adequate tread. Replace any tyres that are excessively worn.  - Visible Damage: Look for any cracks, bulges, or cuts in the tyres that could lead to problems.  Fluids  - Engine Oil: Check the oil level using the dipstick. Add oil if it’s low and make sure it’s clean (not dark or sludgy).  - Coolant/Antifreeze: Inspect the coolant level in the reservoir and top it off if necessary. Ensure there are no leaks in the system.  - Transmission Fluid: For automatic transmissions, check the fluid level and condition (consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions).  - Brake Fluid: Verify the fluid is at the correct level in the reservoir. If it’s dark or dirty, consider having it replaced.  - Windshield Washer Fluid: Fill up the reservoir with washer fluid to ensure visibility during the trip.  - Power Steering Fluid: Check this fluid if your vehicle is not equipped with electronic power steering.  Brakes  - Brake Pads: Listen for squealing or grinding sounds when braking. These noises may indicate worn-out brake pads that need to be replaced.  - Brake Performance: Test the brakes to ensure they feel firm and responsive.  - Brake Rotors: If your vehicle vibrates or shakes during braking, the rotors may need inspection.  Lights and Visibility  - Headlights: Check that both high and low beams are functioning properly. Replace any burned-out bulbs.  - Brake Lights: Ask someone to help you check the brake lights when the pedal is pressed.  - Turn Signals and Hazard Lights: Test all indicators to ensure they are working.  - Interior Lights: Confirm that dome lights, dashboard lights, and other interior bulbs are operational.  - Windshield Wipers: Inspect the wiper blades for cracks or damage and replace them if they leave streaks or don’t clear water effectively.  Battery  - Battery Charge: If you have a battery tester, check the charge. If the battery is weak, consider replacing it before your trip.  - Connections: Make sure the terminals are clean and securely connected. Remove any corrosion using a terminal cleaner or baking soda solution.  - Battery Age: If the battery is more than three to five years old, have it tested by a professional.  Emergency Kit  - Spare Tire: Ensure the spare is in good condition and that you have a jack and lug wrench.  - Jumper Cables: Pack a set of jumper cables or a portable jump starter.  - First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.  - Basic Tools: Bring a toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench.  - Flashlight: Include a working flashlight with extra batteries.  - Roadside Assistance Items: Bring reflective triangles or flares, gloves, and a tyre inflator or sealant.  Additional Checks  - Air Conditioning and Heating: Ensure the system is functioning properly for a comfortable ride.  - Belts and Hoses: Inspect for any visible cracks, fraying, or leaks.  - Gas Level: Fill up your gas tank and plan your refueling stops if you’re traveling through remote areas.  - Registration and Insurance: Double-check that your vehicle’s documents are up to date and stored in an accessible spot.  By taking the time to check all these areas, you’ll be setting yourself up for a safe and worry-free road trip. Have a great journey!

Before heading off on your road trip, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid any surprises along the way.

Hitting the road?

Keep your cool, without global warming. A proactive car air conditioning approach to protecting our environment.  As Australia begins phasing down HFC use (from January 2018), many new vehicle manufacturers may be switching to new air conditioning systems using the more environmentally friendly refrigerant R-1234yf, instead of R-134a. The benefits of using R-1234yf "Twelve Thirty Four", as R-1234yf is sometimes known, is an HFO type refrigerant delivering high performance, resulting in a more efficient air-conditioning system, fewer emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFO's) have a double carbon bond meaning they trap less heat in the atmosphere than Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) and break down faster. Importantly, R-1234yf systems are specifically engineered to prevent refrigerant leakage and loss, including into the interior of the vehicle. The leakage of refrigerants contributes considerably to greenhouse gases. Why the switch? Older type refrigerants accumulate in the upper atmosphere as greenhouse gases and contribute significantly to Global Warming for a considerable time. In the mid-'90s, the old R-12 (or Freon), which takes a long time to break down into a non-greenhouse gas, was replaced with R134a, which breaks down much quicker. R-1234yf takes that improvement to the next level, breaking down in less than half the time of R-134a (and a fraction of the time R-12 can take). R-134a will remain in use for some time and a licensed mechanic can still service R-134a air con systems, but new vehicles will likely use the new systems with R-1234yf. Some already are. Irrespective of what type of refrigerant your car air conditioner uses, a car service workshop undertaking air conditioner service must have the right knowledge and equipment to handle these gases responsibly. You should always take your car to a mechanic with the skills and specialist equipment to undertake air conditioning service safely and correctly.

There's a new gas in town

Trust, experience & knowledge ... You can rely on your Local and Independent Repco Authorised Service centre, Lambton Automotive to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Lambton Automotive use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods. What’s more, our fully qualified technicians have access to the latest service information, bulletins and training through the Australia wide Repco Auto Tech program. We provide a full range of automotive services right here in Lambton and surrounding areas, all backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty and fully supported at over 500 Service Centres right across Australia. So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods.

Lambton Automotive - Our expertise & knowledge

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Lambton Automotive in Lambton are very knowledgeable and experienced in looking after these systems.  It is recommended that you exchange your radiator coolant fluid every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However the size of the engine, the climate in your area, the age of your current coolant, and the total miles that have been driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator. Knowing when to replenish your radiator fluid isn't always easy - obviously, when it has gone a dirty brown colour it's a sign it probably needs to be flushed and replaced - however even fresh-looking coolant could have lost its corrosion protection properties and without measuring its reserve alkalinity there's no signal that it is no longer protecting your vehicle components, and it could even be doing more damage than good. Maintaining good coolant means your radiator system will be much better protected from corrosion and will have a longer life span, it will help prevent you from having to replace expensive engine components. At Lambton Automotive in Lambton at your request, we will perform a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service. Part of this inspection includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will advise you if we feel a radiator flush, fluid replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Even if it looks clean, your coolant still might need replacing!

Radiator Coolant

Regular servicing of your vehicle is crucial for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Routine maintenance not only helps prevent major issues but also ensures that your car is running efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run.  But when should you get your car serviced? Your car should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines, usually after a certain time period or kilometres. But if you want to know the warning signs that your car is in dire need of a trip to the garage, look no further than these five symptoms.  1. Engine warning light Most modern cars are good at telling you when your car needs to be looked at. If a yellow “check engine” light appears on your dashboard , you should get your car to the garage for a service as soon as possible as there are a range of engine problems that this light could indicate. A lot of cars also have a service light that will come on when your next service is due. While this little light – usually in the shape of a spanner – shouldn't worry you, it's best not to ignore it for too long.  2. Strange noises Any new noises coming from your car should be checked out before they develop into serious problems. Here are some of the sounds you may hear from your car and what they could mean:  Whining from under the bonnet – Usually caused by a loose belt, which in turn can cause all sorts of issues from overheating to battery problems. Louder-than-usual exhaust noise – This could be a hole or crack in your exhaust. These tend to be easy to fix but should be looked at because there’s a risk your exhaust pipe could fall off. Uneven engine noise – You'll usually hear this when the car is idling. It could mean the engine is misfiring and needs fixing pronto. This could be an easy fix like replacing spark plugs, but could also indicate a more serious problem with your engine and how it handles the air/fuel mixture. Metal-on-metal – Any scraping sound coming from your car needs to be checked out. This could be a broken part of your car scraping on something else, causing extra damage to both. Squealing when you step on the brake – This could be an indication of worn brake pads. Crunching gears – Because the gear box get a lot of wear and tear, fluids and parts often need replacing. If you hear a crunching noise as you change gear, it's probably time to get your car serviced.  3. Smoke or steam coming from under the bonnet An overheated car with smoke pouring out of it is not good. Usually caused by overheating and problems with the radiator, steam is generally white in colour. While you should get your car checked out ASAP, you're probably not in any immediate danger if you do see steam coming from under your bonnet. Take a look at your car's temperature gauge. If it's at maximum, pull over and wait for your car to cool before continuing. When your car is running, the needle should sit in the middle of the gauge. If you notice blue smoke coming from your car, stop where it’s safe to do so and get someone to tow your car to the garage. Blue smoke is caused by burning oil, and can be quite a costly problem if left unfixed. Excessive smoke from the exhaust can also signal an oil leak. This could be caused by a range of problems including:  Piston wear Worn valve seals Worn piston rings Intake manifold gas leak Worn engine oil seals Head gasket failure  4. Vibrating or pulling under braking This could be due to worn brake discs or pads, a suspension problem or an issue with your steering. It's not safe to drive like this so get your car serviced as soon as possible. These symptoms could also be a sign of tyre wear, so check that your tyres have at least the minimum requirement of tyre tread – 1.6mm – and that they’re not wearing unevenly.  5. Reduced ride comfort If you find that speed bumps are becoming a problem, your car is riding low or you can hear your tyres scraping on the wheel arch of your car, it’s time to get it checked out. Any of these symptoms could signal an issue with your suspension.  These are just some of the signs your car needs a service but to keep it in tip-top condition you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and get it serviced regularly with a reputable mechanic such as Lambton Automotive.

Your car should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines, usually after a certain time period or kilometers. But if you want to know the warning signs that your car is in dire need of a trip to the garage, look no further than these five symptoms...

When do you need a car service

Is your car feeling like a sauna lately? It might be time for a car air conditioning service!  Read on for 8 signs your AC needs a regas or repair Newcastle has beautiful hot summers, and our coastline is ripe for a summer cruise - your car's air conditioning should be your trusty sidekick on the road, ensuring a cool and comfortable journey. But when it starts acting up, it sends some rather unique distress signals. Keep an eye out for these signs that indicate your automotive A/C is in need of some tender loving care. 1. Your AC takes forever to cool down the car If you're feeling more lukewarm than chilled out when you crank up the A/C? It's time to schedule a re-gas. You'll be cool in no time. 2. Help – my Car’s Air Con is Making Weird Noises Your A/C should be whispering cool secrets, not belting out a cacophony. If it's making bizarre sounds, squeals, bangs or rattles - it's time for a checkup. 3. There's a strange, musty smell coming from your air vents or air con A bad odour from your A/C isn't just unpleasant; it's a sign of mold making itself at home in your system, this can be bad for your health. Breathe easy and get it checked out immediately. 4. The Windows Take Longer to Demist If you find yourself playing a game of 'wait for the windows to clear,' it's a red flag. Slow demisting could mean your A/C system needs some reinvigoration. 5. Refrigerant Leaks on your Garage Floor Your car might be leaking onto your garage floor. A shiny residue indicates a refrigerant leak. Catch it early to prevent a spill of troubles down the road. 6. You Can't Recall When Your System Was Last Re-gassed Memory lapse on when you last pampered your car's A/C? That's a sign it's time for a little maintenance. 7. DIY Air Con Re-gas or 'Backyard' Regas While DIY projects are great, A/C regassing is no picnic. Cheap shortcuts might leave your A/C in hot water with incorrect refrigerants or can even be dangerous. For a cool and safe solution, trust the experts at Lambton Automotive. 8. The air coming out of your AC is weak and feeble If your A/C's airflow feels more like a weak wheeze instead of a gusty cool breeze, it's time to get to the bottom of it. Mold, loose hoses, and seals might be behind the problem. Book an air con service today. Lambton Automotive care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation (AU33646) to conduct automotive air conditioning service reliably and responsibly. ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. No need to break a sweat over these signs from your car A/C. Stay ahead of the curve and talk to Lambton Automotive about an air con service to keep your ride smooth and frosty. Regular A/C maintenance can prevent your car from turning into a hot mess down the road.

Is your car's air conditioning acting up? Keep an eye out for these 8 signs and trust the experts at Lambton Automotive for a cool and safe solution. Stay ahead of the curve with regular A/C maintenance!

Lambton Automotive

Cars are our passion.

Hitting the road?

There's a new gas in town

Lambton Automotive - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

When do you need a car service

Don't Sweat it: 8 Signs Your Car Air Conditioning Needs a Regas or Repair