Waikerie Mechanical offers the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs to our clients. The most specialized services at Waikerie car service are LPG auto gas conversions, instalations and LPG repairs, car air conditioning, auto electrical service, vehicle radiator repairs and sales.

Waikerie Mechanical motor mechanics pride with their expertise in wheel alignments, disc & drum machining, brake & clutch servicing, transmission & gearboxes, suspension & batteries, as well as diagnostics, customising, engine rebuilding and performance engine builds on domestic and imported vehicles.

How Regular Service Helps Get Your Car Ready for Winter Driving Winter in Waikerie, SA, brings its unique challenges for drivers. From colder temperatures to unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring your car is ready for winter driving is crucial for safety and performance.  Regular servicing is the key to keeping your vehicle in top condition, ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the importance of regular car maintenance and the specific checks that make a difference during the winter months Why Regular Servicing is Essential Regular servicing is more than just a routine check-up; it’s an investment in your car’s longevity and your safety. Here’s why you should never skip a service, especially before winter: Optimised Performance: A well-maintained car runs more efficiently, offering better fuel economy and smoother rides Safety First: Ensuring all components are in good working order reduces the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures Prevention is Better than Cure: Regular servicing helps identify potential issues before they become serious problems, saving you from costly repairs and breakdowns Key Winter Checks During Regular Servicing When it comes to preparing your car for winter in Waikerie, these essential checks should be part of your regular servicing routine: Battery Health Why It’s Important: 
Cold weather can be tough on your car’s battery. Low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder to start your car. A weak battery can leave you stranded in the cold, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s in good condition. What We Check:
- Battery voltage and charging system
- Clean and secure connections
- Signs of corrosion on terminals How It Helps: A fully charged and well-maintained battery ensures your car starts reliably, even on the coldest mornings. Brake Efficiency Why It’s Important: 
Winter driving conditions often mean wet and slippery roads. Efficient brakes are essential for safe driving, providing the stopping power needed to avoid accidents. What We Check:
- Brake pad thickness 
- Brake fluid levels 
- Condition of brake discs and drums How It Helps: A fully charged and well-maintained battery ensures your car starts reliably, even on the coldest mornings. Tyre Condition Why It’s Important: 
Your tyres are the only contact point between your car and the road. In winter, having tyres that can handle wet, icy, and potentially snowy conditions is vital. What We Check: 
- Tyre tread depth 
- Tyre pressure 
- Signs of wear and tear How It Helps: Good tyres with adequate tread depth provide better grip and handling, improving safety on slippery surfaces. Lights and Visibility Why It’s Important: 
Shorter days and longer nights mean you’ll be using your car’s lights more frequently. Ensuring all lights are working properly is crucial for visibility and safety. What We Check: 
- Headlights, taillights, and indicators 
- Fog lights and brake lights 
- Clean and clear light covers How It Helps: Properly functioning lights ensure you can see and be seen, reducing the risk of accidents during dark winter evenings and foggy mornings. HVAC System Why It’s Important: 
A working HVAC system is essential for comfort and safety. It helps defrost your windows and keeps you warm, making driving in cold weather more bearable. What We Check: 
- Heater performance 
- Defroster functionality 
- Air conditioning and ventilation systems How It Helps: A reliable HVAC system keeps your windshield clear of frost and fog, ensuring good visibility and a comfortable cabin environment. Fluid Levels Why It’s Important: 
Fluids play a crucial role in your car’s operation. Low or dirty fluids can lead to mechanical failures, especially in harsh winter conditions. What We Check: 
- Engine oil and coolant levels 
- Brake and power steering fluids 
- Windshield washer fluid How It Helps: Maintaining proper fluid levels ensures all systems function smoothly, preventing breakdowns and enhancing overall vehicle performance. Windshield Wipers Why It’s Important: 
Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving. Worn or damaged wipers can compromise your ability to see the road clearly during rain or snow. What We Check: 
- Wiper blade condition 
- Washer spray functionality 
- Wiper motor performance How It Helps: Effective windshield wipers ensure your windshield remains clear, providing better visibility during winter storms. Regular servicing is the best way to ensure your car is ready for the challenges of winter driving in Waikerie, SA... By keeping up with routine maintenance, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe, reliable, and performing at its best. From battery checks to tyre inspections, each aspect of regular servicing plays a crucial role in preparing your car for winter conditions. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your service today and drive confidently through the colder months...

Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter driving in Waikerie, SA, with regular servicing. Discover essential checks for your battery, brakes, tyres, lights, HVAC system, fluid levels, and windshield wipers to ensure safety and reliability...

Preparing Your Car for Winter in Waikerie

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, Waikerie Mechanical to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Waikerie Mechanical 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 Waikerie 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.

Waikerie Mechanical - 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. Waikerie Mechanical in Waikerie 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 Waikerie Mechanical in Waikerie 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

Faulty and low charge batteries are to be avoided. Don't wait till you're stranded somewhere on the side of the road, hoping for a jump start. It is easy to have your car, bike, truck battery tested or charged up at Waikerie Mechanical in Waikerie.  Often issues occur because we have all reduced how much we drive or decided to only rely on one car (as petrol prices skyrocket!) and have left the other in the garage. But did you know that batteries can still discharge even when your car isn't in use? - ask Waikerie Mechanical about a battery test today!  Our technicians do a battery load test as part of the 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes free with every car service. If you have concerns, we can do a stand-alone battery test and inspection right here in Waikerie. Car Battery FAQ How do I know if my battery is getting flat or low? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include: Vehicle is slow to start Engine won't start Dash Lights work, but engine won't start Constantly needing a jump start Film or corrosion on the battery Cracked swollen or leaky battery Rotten egg smell under the hood Do I need a new car battery? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.

Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at {{{businessName}}} Does a flat battery use more fuel? Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel. Where can I buy a new car battery? Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, {{{businessName}}} have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? {{{businessName}}} can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose {{{businessName}}} for a battery test? If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like {{{businessName}}} rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues. There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues! Can my car battery be recharged? Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at {{{businessName}}} about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself. Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Can I fit my battery myself? The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module). Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset. Talk to {{{businessName}}} today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.

Car Battery Testing and FAQ 

Waikerie Mechanical (AU26649) are the logical choice to handle all your Car Air Conditioner Regas, Repair, Service or Inspection needs in Waikerie and the surrounding areas... Modern cars tend to be quite complex and have an intricate and multifaceted nature to them. The functioning of a vehicle's engine is no longer just the single aspect to be concerned with; now, it has become imperative to consider the performance of your car's air conditioner as well. The mechanism of your car's air conditioner comprises a multitude of components that require consistent and regular servicing or replacement to maintain a dependable and effective operation. When the refrigerant in your air conditioning system evaporates or leaks out, you are faced with a number of unpleasant consequences that can cause your AC unit to deteriorate over time. One of the most concerning of these is that your air conditioning unit will have to work harder, placing additional demand on your engine and leading to potentially higher fuel consumption. This is particularly true of smaller, more economical engines that are often found in compact cars or other types of vehicles. Such engines typically generate only a small amount of excess power and therefore struggle when faced with an inefficient air conditioning system. For larger engines which typically produce more power this is not such an issue. It's crucial to understand that the depletion of refrigerant can lead to the underperformance of your air conditioning system, and it also places more pressure on your vehicle's engine. Therefore it is important to conduct a regular assessment of the condition of the rubber seals for any signs of leaks or decline which could indicate a continuing loss of refrigerant. Maintaining your car's air conditioning system on an annual basis is crucial in preventing unwanted expenses in the present as well as in the future. Regular servicing of your car's AC system not only keeps passengers safe from the accumulation of hazardous substances, but also enhances its longevity. In addition, a well-serviced AC unit will efficiently reduce fuel consumption, resulting in a considerable amount of savings on fuel costs, especially for those with smaller engines which generally consume less power. When it comes to safeguarding the health of your loved ones and yourself, there is no room for negligence. As the interior of your car's AC system accumulates moisture over time, it creates an environment where fungi and bacteria thrive. Waikerie Mechanical care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation (AU26649) to reliably and responsibly conduct vehicle air conditioning regas, repair, service or inspection. Book your car air conditioning service with the experts at Waikerie Mechanical today! 

Keep your cool with less fuel this summer with an Air Conditioning Service in Waikerie from Waikerie Mechanical(AU26649)…

Waikerie Mechanical

Cars are our passion.

Preparing Your Car for Winter in Waikerie

There's a new gas in town

Waikerie Mechanical - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

Car Battery Testing and FAQ

Is keeping your cool costing you fuel?