Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Pacific Garage in Ballina. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Pacific Garage and Repco Authorised Service.

While the northern half of australia is enjoying their dry season, the southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter.

This could mean there are totally different ways to prepare your car for the season; however the basics of safe winter motoring don't change. So what do you do to make sure your car is equipped for safe winter motoring? 

Don't you hate that moment when you switch on the wipers at the first spot of rain and only then remember you should have replaced them! Being exposed to full force of the Australian sun all year round makes your wipers wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Pacific Garage can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other parts in your car can be effected by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Regular services are important - especially by a professional who understands the correct products and parts for your particular vehicle make and model. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Always remember to drive to your conditions. If visibility is poor or the weather is wet - slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

There are signs that your brakes need to be checked, including vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these it's best to have a qualified professional check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on worn tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation. Now is the time to inspect your tyres. If your tyres are wearing unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on incorrectly inflated tyres won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Pacific Garage has a state of the art Safe T Stop machine that can accurately test for shocker and brake wear and tear and provide you with a detailed report on the state of your vehicles ability to stop in an emergency. Call us today to book in for a Safe T Stop test.

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Pacific Garage in Ballina. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle...

65 Point Vehicle Inspection in Ballina

Brake repairs are what many people consider when it comes to being safe on the roads, but thinking about brake maintenance is much more essential to your overall safety. When your brakes are properly maintained they shouldn't need to be repaired.

Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs or you find they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency situation. 

 Maintaining your brakes properly means not waiting until they need repairs but having them checked on a regular basis to help avoid any unseen or unexpected problems which might impact your ability to brake safely and efficiently should the need arise. 

When it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is 100% - call a professional like Pacific Garage without delay.

It is important to remember that unusual brake sounds are not only caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

The force necessary to halt a moving vehicle is massive and gives off a lot of heat which wears down the brake pads over time. This is why regular inspection and/or replacement of your brake pads is an integral part of good brake maintenance practices.

Squealing brakes are a sign that your brake pads are wearing thin; many pads have a small metal piece implanted in them that scrapes on the disc when your brake pads are worn out, causing that high pitch noise. However, you should never wait until you hear unusual noises from your brakes to get your pads inspected, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

It is important to remember that noisy brakes are not only caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic. Brake Pads can last for anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This changes according to a number of reasons such as; driving conditions and style, regular heavy loads. 

At Pacific Garage we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our inspection we inspect the brake pads for wear and tell you if they need replacing. We can also advise the right pad for your environment and driving style and will advise you if you we think you may need heat resistant or heavier duty pads

Brake fluid supplies the pressure needed by the brake pads to stop your car. It also helps prolong the lifespan of your various brake components by assisting to prevent corrosion. Most people know that it is necessary to keep the brake fluid level topped up, but you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace degraded brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid.

Pacific garage are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as significant to your safety as your braking system.

We can provide inspection, repair or replacement of many brake components such as:

Maintaining your brakes properly means not waiting until they need repairs or you find they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency situation...

Brake Pad Maintenance and Replacement in Ballina

Your car's braking and suspension play a very crucial role in ensuring your car stops quickly and safely, especially when you really need it to. Here at Pacific Garage in Ballina we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and we are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre.

If your car is no longer stopping as quickly or efficiently as it used to or you notice it seems to rock or roll when you are cornering, having a Pacific Garage technician inspect the suspension and brake systems on our Safe-T-Stop test Lanes can quickly and accurately pinpoint the problem.

You can trust a Safe-T-Stop test to give you all the answers a simple road test simply won't. It provides an accurate inspection and report that goes well beyond a basic check and road test to accurately check your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

Safe-T-Stop test lanes measure and simulate a vehicle's brake performance in real-life conditions, exactly as the process would happen on the road and results in a precise and detailed printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Pacific Garage to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition can also save you money by helping to minimise tyre wear and drag, which can increase petrol consumption.

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

Want to know more about safe braking and suspension?

Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at http://www.safetstop.com.au 

Book your safe-t-stop test online or call Pacific Garage today.

If your car is no longer stopping as quickly or efficiently as it used to or you notice it seems to rock or roll when you are cornering, having a  Pacific Garage technician inspect the suspension and brake systems on our Safe-T-Stop test Lanes can quickly and accurately pinpoint the problem...

Safe-T-Stop testing in Ballina

Pacific Garage won't stop at a road test...

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Pacific Garage, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Pacific Garage, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Pacific Garage in Ballina. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Pacific Garage is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Pacific Garage in Ballina know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Pacific Garage in Ballina we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Pacific Garage today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Ballina workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

At Pacific Garage, safety is our top priority — and nothing is more critical to safe driving than reliable brakes.

Recently, a local 4WD came into our workshop for a routine inspection that turned out to be perfectly timed. Our technicians quickly identified worn brake pads that could have compromised the vehicle’s stopping power in an emergency.

As shown in the images, our skilled team carried out a complete brake service, including:

Thorough brake inspection to assess pad wear, rotor condition, and caliper functionality

Replacement of worn brake pads to restore optimal braking performance

Brake bleeding to remove air from the system and ensure firm, responsive braking

This proactive maintenance not only improved the vehicle’s safety but also helped prevent more costly repairs down the line. The result? A confident, satisfied driver ready to hit the road again — with peace of mind.

Don't wait until your brakes are squealing or fading. Regular inspections can catch issues early and save you money — and stress.

Book your brake check today with the friendly professionals at Pacific Garage in Ballina. Your safety is our drive.

Brake Service in Ballina

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Pacific Garage include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Ballina workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Ballina

Brake and Clutch

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(LIC# MVRL48449) Conveniently located Near the Airport on the corner of Boeing ave and Piper Drive Ballina , We provide Full Car Service for all makes and models, including 4wd's and Commercial Fleet Vehicles, and our fully qualified Log Book Service means your new car warranty remains intact.
 
Our auto-tech training means we have access to the servicing schedules for even the most modern vehicles, including European and luxury models.
 
We believe that our personalised and friendly service builds confidence and satisfaction.
 
We are also a Suspension specialist, able to carry out wheel alignments and major suspension jobs on cars 4X4's  and performance vehicles.

Pacific Garage

Brake and clutch

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