General Servicing & Repairs

A car service is routine maintenance carried out to keep your vehicle running safely and reliably. It involves checking, maintaining, and replacing key components such as engine oil, filters, fluids, brakes, and tyres to help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle.

A standard car service usually includes an oil and filter change, fluid checks and top ups, brake inspection, tyre condition and pressure checks, battery testing, and a general safety inspection. The exact items included can vary depending on the service type and the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.

Most vehicles should be serviced every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres or once a year, whichever comes first. Some newer vehicles may have longer service intervals, while older or high mileage vehicles may benefit from more frequent servicing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s service schedule.

A basic car service typically takes between one and two hours. More comprehensive services or vehicles requiring additional work may take longer. The time can also vary depending on the vehicle type and whether any issues are identified during the inspection.

You can check a car’s service history by reviewing the service book, invoices, or digital service records. Many modern vehicles have electronic service histories that can be accessed by authorised service providers. If records are missing, a mechanical inspection can help identify how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Restoring a classic car usually starts with a full inspection to assess the body, chassis, mechanical components, and interior. The process often includes structural repairs, mechanical refurbishment, body restoration, paintwork, and interior restoration. Each stage should be planned carefully to suit the vehicle’s condition, budget, and intended use.

The difficulty of restoring a car depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, and the level of restoration required. Minor cosmetic restorations are relatively straightforward, while full restorations can be complex and time consuming. Access to parts, specialist skills, and proper tools all play a big role in how challenging the project will be.

The cost of restoring a car varies widely. Smaller restoration projects may cost a few thousand dollars, while full classic car restorations can cost significantly more. Factors include the amount of rust or damage, parts availability, labour required, and whether the work is partial or a complete rebuild.

Car interior restoration involves repairing or replacing worn components such as seats, door cards, carpets, headliners, and trim. The process may include cleaning, reupholstering, repairing plastics, and restoring original materials where possible to maintain the vehicle’s character.

Interior plastic restoration typically involves deep cleaning, repairing cracks or scuffs, and refinishing surfaces to restore colour and texture. In some cases, damaged plastic parts may need to be repaired with fillers or replaced if restoration is not possible.

Rubber seals around car windows can be restored by cleaning, conditioning, and treating them with rubber rejuvenation products. If the rubber is cracked, brittle, or leaking, replacement is usually the best option to ensure proper sealing and prevent water ingress.

Chrome trim restoration depends on its condition. Light corrosion can often be polished out, while pitted or heavily damaged chrome may require re plating or replacement. Proper preparation and finishing help restore shine and protect the trim from future corrosion.

Headlight restoration usually involves sanding away oxidised layers, polishing the surface, and applying a protective coating. This process improves clarity, visibility, and appearance. Severely damaged headlights may need replacement for safety reasons.