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. 

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. 

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: 

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. 

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...

Tips to recognise when your car needs servicing in Lambton

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.

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.

1. Your AC takes forever to cool down the car

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.

2. Help – my Car’s Air Con is Making Weird Noises

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.

3. There's a strange, musty smell coming from your air vents or air con

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.

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.

5. Refrigerant Leaks on your Garage Floor

Memory lapse on when you last pampered your car's A/C? That's a sign it's time for a little maintenance.

6. You Can't Recall When Your System Was Last Re-gassed

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.

7. DIY Air Con Re-gas or 'Backyard' Regas

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.

8. The air coming out of your AC is weak and feeble

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!

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

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

Did you know there is a cabin air filter in your car? Where is your cabin air filter? They are designed to remove a large amount of outside air pollutants and debris to keep you breathing easily when you drive.  And it is usually located in your glovebox. Talk to Lambton Automotive in Lambton today about your cabin air filter !

Just like your air-conditioning at home, the filters need to be checked at regular intervals and changed when it has done it's job. Replacing your cabin air filter is important to your health and your cars health too!

The air outside your car can be polluted enough with smoggy city traffic or even dusty country roads, but research published in the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal shows that without an effective cabin air filter installed, the air inside your car can contain over 10 times more pollutants than the air outside.
This poor quality air can cause:

"Cabin air filters are designed to filter out contaminants while  absorbing noxious odours and harmful gases like exhaust and ozone,"  explained Ryco Filters General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Ross Lamb. Cabin air filters become clogged over time and their effectiveness at protecting your health declines. 

If you drive ‘Mum's Taxi', you might feel like you are always on the move - and a recent study into driving habits confirmed that parents with children aged 6-15 drive approximately 10% more than drivers without kids. And, the longer you spend in a vehicle with a Cabin Air Filter that needs replacing, the more you are at risk of health complications. 

As well as healthier air - an effective cabin air filter means you get better fuel performance from your vehicle. A clogged cabin air filter will cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to and this means it uses more fuel and your air conditioning system is more likely to have a costly breakdown.

At Lambton Automotive in Lambton we check your cabin air filter as part of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report which you can request with every full car service.
For a more comprehensive check of your air condition system we recommend an air conditioning service.

Cabin air filter replacement is not only important to your car's health - it affects yours too.

As your local Lambton Mechanic, Lambton Automotive take pride in offering you only the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

Lambton Automotive (MVRL60500) specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles using the latest Vehicle Diagnostic Scanners and Air Conditioning Specialist Equipment.

We offer Senior/ Aged pensioner discounts on certain services and products and we stock batteries & tyres (All Parts Supplied & Fitted). We have a range of Products and Accessories for sale.

Our Lambton workshop is located close to public transport, we have flexible hours and a key drop off box and our customer waiting lounge.

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles. Lambton Automotive can service new cars and only qualified mechanics work on your car, using quality parts and fluids so your warranty is preserved.

Beat the Heat and Service your Air Con now!

Lambton Automotive are specialists in car air conditioning service. We care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU33646). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. A regularly serviced Air Con system will not only help you keep your cool when things start heating up, it will also help you use less fuel and produce less wear and tear on your engine.

Lambton Automotive can also perform a range of car service and automotive repair tasks such as Auto Electrical Services, Engine Reconditioning, EFI Service, Diesel Repairs, Roadworthy Inspections, Brake & Clutch, Safety Inspections and provide RMS Pink Slips.

We can also undertake a 150 point vehicle inspection of your car and all of our work is covered by the comprehensive Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Our Repco Auto-Tech trained mechanics are fully qualified to advise you on every aspect of car service and repair across all makes and models of motor vehicles.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the team at Lambton Automotive. 

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Lambton

Lambton Automotive (AU33646) are qualified to take care of all your Car Air Conditioner Regas, Repair, Servicing or Inspection needs in Lambton and the surrounding areas.

Todays vehicles are quite complex and just like the engine a vehicle's air conditioning system has elements that need to be serviced or replaced on a regular basis to ensure continued reliable and efficient operation.

RAS Auto Facts - Air Conditioning

Losing refrigerant through evaporation or leakage generally means your air con system will begin to deteriorate and will have to work harder, raising your overall fuel usage.

Therefore it is important that the rubber seals are checked on a regular basis for any signs of leaks or deterioration which may contribute to an ongoing loss of refrigerant.

A car air conditioning service every 12 months means you can assist protection from costly breakdowns now and in the future, keep passengers safe by helping to prevent the build-up of potentially harmful substances and a well serviced automotive air conditioner actually saves you money because it minimises fuel consumption.

Lambton Automotive care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation (AU33646) to reliably and responsibly conduct vehicle air conditioner regas, repair, servicing or inspection.

Book your cars air conditioning service with the experts at Lambton Automotive!

Keep your cool with less fuel this summer with an Air Conditioning Service in Lambton from Lambton Automotive (AU33646)…

Car Air Conditioning Service and Repairs in Lambton

Summer is just around the corner and you don't want to be caught off guard with a malfunctioning air conditioning system. But fret not, Lambton Automotive has got your back! We offer a range of air conditioning services that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the scorching season.

At Lambton Automotive, our team of highly skilled and qualified mechanics provide expert air conditioning service, regas, and repairs. We understand that an efficient air conditioning system not only keeps you comfortable, but it also contributes to the overall performance of your vehicle.

If your car's air conditioning system is not blowing cold air or it's making unusual noises, then it's time for a check-up. Our air conditioning service includes a thorough inspection of the system, a full regas to ensure optimum performance, and any necessary repairs or replacements.

Lambton Automotive are specialists in car air conditioning service. We care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU33646). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health.

Regular air conditioning service and maintenance can also help you save money on fuel costs. A well-maintained air conditioning system uses less energy to function, which means less fuel consumption. This can be especially helpful during the summer months when your air conditioning system is working at full blast.

Don't wait until it's too late, beat the summer rush and book an air conditioning service with Lambton Automotive today. Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning at its best.

So, what are you waiting for? Call to schedule an appointment. Don't let the heat get the best of you this summer, stay cool and comfortable with Lambton Automotive.

Lambton Automotive are specialists in car air conditioning service. We care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU33646)

Car Air Conditioing Service, Repair, Regas in Lambton

Auto Electrical servicing is one of the most important ways of keeping modern cars running efficiently and safely.

Cars have more electrical components in them than ever before and the list just seems to keep increasing.

In addition to the traditional systems such as starter motors and simple systems like radios, the electrical systems of modern cars now need to cope with many more components. Such things as modern safety systems & controls and a range of electronic devices such as navigation systems and various entertainment devices all rely on your auto electrical system to function.

Lambton Automotive provide expert auto electrical service in Lambton

Lambton Automotive will inspect and test your electrical system to identify anything that is, or could be causing you problems.

Our auto electrical services include testing, servicing, refitting and repairing a whole range of electrical components fitted to different types of vehicles including:

You can rely on Lambton Automotive to identify & fix most auto electrical related problems

Auto Electrical servicing is one of the most important ways of keeping modern cars running efficiently and safely. Lambton Automotive in Lambton provide Auto Electrical Services with a nationwide warranty…

Auto Electrical Service and repairs in Lambton

Keep your car running efficiently and safely

Getting your car's air conditioning serviced every 12 months means you may avoid costly breakdowns now and in the future, and a well serviced automotive air conditioning system saves you money because it reduces the amount of fuel you use.

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. 

Lambton Automotive are the best choice to manage all your Automotive Air Conditioner Regas, Repairs, Servicing or Inspection needs in Lambton and the surrounding areas.

Lambton Automotive care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation (AU33646)  to conduct automotive air conditioning services

Car Air Conditioning service in Lambton

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.

Lambton Automotive

Air Conditioning

Related articles

When do you need a car service

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

Cabin air filters

Car Service and Repair in Lambton

Is keeping your cool costing you fuel?

Are you feeling the heat already?

Keep your car running efficiently and safely