(08) 9274 8083 Auto Edge https://autoedge.com.au/wp-content/themes/bosch_site/assets/images/BCS_Logo.jpg 31 Stanhope Gardens, Midvale WA 6056
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Auto Edge
(08) 9274 8083

Are you Looking for Car advice and answers to your frequently asked questions from a mechanic with over 35 years of experience?

More car advice tips and help available here.

You can also go to our Contact Page, or call us on (08) 9274 8083 if you have any specific questions and to talk to our expert team members.

WARRANTY

Will my warranty cover my car repairs?

Most warranties won’t cover wear and tear of a vehicle and they don’t cover normal servicing. However, if its a new vehicle the warranty will cover manufacturing faults and any damage that’s occurred as a result of the fault.

We’ve had situations where a client has brought their vehicle in for a service check over because something didn’t seem right, only to find faults that weren’t picked up by the dealer!

To maintain my warranty, do I have to use my dealer for scheduled maintenance and repairs?

No, you don’t.  Changes in consumer laws in 2010 confirmed that you have the right to choose who services your car

Does your logbook servicing protect my new car warranty?

Yes.  Servicing at Auto Edge won’t void your warranty as we adhere to manufacturers specifications

Can you service my new car without voiding my new car warranty?

Yes.  You can choose where you want to get your car serviced.

What happens if I have a warranty claim?

If during a routine service, a problem is found then the vehicle is taken back to the dealer to fix. We then recommend that you bring it back to us after to make sure that the problem has been resolved and not just patched with a solution that saves costs for the manufacturer.

My car includes fixed ​price servicing. Is that a good thing?

On the one hand its good because you know what you’re going to pay.  The downside can be that some workshops save costs by not changing parts like air filters until they are really blocked.  This isn’t good for your fuel economy or the longevity of the engine.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

How soon can I get the car back? How long will it take you to fix my car?

We know that going without your car is inconvenient, so we offer low-cost hire cars (our fee covers insurance only) or we can drop you at the shops or near public transport. We will also keep you informed on how the repairs are going.  You will receive a call, usually an hour or two after dropping off your car and informed of all work performed on your vehicle.

Do you do auto electrical work?

Yes.  We’re a Bosch car service centre and have completed all their training requirements and as a result, have very highly skilled technicians. As most vehicles are full of electric components, we have some of the best specialist auto electrical equipment to enable complete and accurate diagnosis.

Do you do home pick-up?

Yes, we can do that.  Just ask!

Do you have a mobile car mechanic service?

Yes, we offer a breakdown service and minor roadside repairs.

While mobile mechanics can be convenient, we don’t recommend getting your car serviced by a mobile mechanic.  They don’t usually have all the diagnostic equipment needed to see what’s going on and they can’t look underneath properly without a hoist.  Your mechanic needs to be focused on keeping you and your loved ones safe, not just providing a quick fix.  That’s how faults get missed.

Also never have LPG repairs done at home.  This is dangerous.  It should only be done in a workshop equipped to handle these types of repairs.  We’ve heard of issues where people have lots of their house by doing LPG repairs at home.

What time should I drop off my car?

Appointments are scheduled to suit your time frame.  Our office hours are from 8 am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.  We work on Saturdays by appointment. We can also meet you outside these hours if required. You can also book 24/7 online.  There is an early bird key drop off option available as well.

What cars do you service?

All passenger cars, 4WDs and light trucks.  We can service cars regardless of how they’re powered – diesel, petrol and LPG.

What are your operating hours?

8 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday and Saturday by appointment.   Phones are manned up until 7.00pm.  In the event we are not contactable, if you leave a message an email will be generated and we’ll call you back the following day.

What are your car servicing options?

From minor servicing to a full log book service or our complete C service that covers and replaces most moving parts (POA).  Check our Car Deals page for the latest options.

MAINTENANCE

Why do newer cars turn off if you stop and then restart again? Doesn’t that put stress on the engine and starter motor?

How long should you warm up an engine before winter driving?

At least until the temperature gauge moves. Most wear in an engine is caused during the warm-up stage.

How do I clean dirty battery terminals?

The best option is to get a professional do this. Once upon a time, you could wash it down with carb soda and hot water. But now you have radio codes and memories in computers that need a power supply all the time. This means that disconnecting and cleaning terminals needs to be done in a correct sequence with a backup device.

How should you care for cars not driven for extended periods of time?

All vehicles need to be driven, at least once a fortnight. This will help keep flat spots off the tyres and make sure that the petrol doesn’t go stale. Stale petrol can result in damage to different car parts. Regular servicing is also important. Oil and brake fluid coolant wears out by just sitting there.

Best to get it checked over by a workshop. There are lots of things that can breakdown even when a car isn’t being used. Oil leaks can occur, coolant leaks, animals can find their way under the bonnet, tyres go out of date usually around 6 years, petrol goes stale and can damage the fuel pump.

How often do I really need to have my oil changed?

Oil manufacturers recommend having the oil change every 6 months or 10,000 km whichever is reached first. This is because oil is used to wash the inside of the engine to prevent dirt from building up and restricting wear on different components. The heat and chemicals produced from combustion break down the oil.

However, the frequency required can vary depending on how the vehicle is used. Manufacturers typically have a clause about adverse or severe conditions, these include things like driving in stop-start traffic, high-speed driving, country driving, driving in dusty conditions or in hot areas, and not using your vehicle. If this is you then you might need to look at getting your car serviced more frequently.

Why rotate your tyres and how often?

Tyre rotation should be done every 10,000km. The main reason for this is to share the wear and tear equally on each tyre. Tyre wear normally occurs more on the front tyres so by rotating them you can make sure that you always have the best tyres on the front. Good front tyres mean you’ll have the best steering at all times. Make sure that wheel alignment is checked each time you get your car serviced.

What is a cabin air filter and why change it?

The cabin filter is used to filter the air inside the cabin. This filter collects dust and filters the air through your air conditioning system. Left unchanged it can cause bad odours and means you’re breathing in stale air. This can be overlooked by some workshops but for your health, its worth getting this checked.

Doesn’t radiator maintenance only matter in the summer?

No, radiators are an important component of your vehicle. Most newer engines are designed to run at a set temperature. If you exceed that, it can cause other faults with your car. Coolant condition is a maintenance item that needs to be monitored. If left unchecked it can cause components to corrode.

How often should windshield wiper blades be replaced?

Usually every 12 months. However, they should be checked during your service as part of a normal workshop routine.

How can I do some of my own basic maintenance?

Most tasks performed on your vehicle will need to be done by a trained technician. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your car in peak condition.

  • Check when servicing is required – try not to go over the recommended parameters (6 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first)
  • Keep the correct pressure in your tyres and don’t forget to check your spare
  • Check the engine oil level on level ground. If topping up ensure that the correct oil goes in your engine. If you get it wrong, problems will start.
  • Always check for unexplained puddles under your vehicles like oil or coolant and get your car checked if you find any
  • Have any strange noises investigated

What petrol should I use? Should I just get standard unleaded?

This depends on the year of your vehicle. High-quality petrol does get you that bit further and your car runs a lot better. If you put cheaper fuels in some European cars, it causes the check engine light to come on.

Will I notice a difference in the performance of my car if I use other fuel?

Yes, in most cases you will, as long as you don’t have some other underlying fault. Normally you will get further on a litre and your car will run smoother.

Is there any difference between the batteries that RAC provide and your batteries?

The batteries from repair services are often bought in bulk and the focus is getting you back up and running from a breakdown.

In the early days, we used to fit the cheaper batteries we could find. But we quickly learned that it was a false economy because they failed more. Now we’re a Bosch agent and the batteries we get from Bosch are built to a high-quality standard. They have a 3-year warranty and are sealed which makes them maintenance free.

How can I prevent my battery from going flat without warning?

Ensure that all lights are off and doors are closed properly. Batteries normally last up to 4 years, any older than that and you may get caught out. During a service (assuming it’s done correctly), batteries should be load tested and checked for signs of failure.

 

PRICING

How much will it cost?

Servicing prices vary depending on the mileage you have done and what specifications the dealer has set out and at what intervals.

How long will it take you to do a quote on my car?

You can get a quick and easy estimate that will give you an idea of our prices or you can opt for a fixed price service package to suit your vehicle.

Do you have a payment plan for servicing?

You can get interest-free finance that can be paid fortnightly (conditions do apply).

Will I know how much my car service or repair will cost me before I get the bill?

Every time you get work done on your vehicle by Auto Edge we’ll let you know what needs to be done and we’ll get your permission before we go ahead. The aim is no hidden surprises.

Do I have to pay on the day of the job and how can I pay?

Yes, all work needs to be paid for before collection.  You can pay with most credit cards or get interest-free finance.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

How do I protect myself from being overcharged by mechanics?

Because we kept hearing this, we put together a handy reference guide so you can make sure you’re picking the right workshop. It covers the 3 biggest ripoffs, things to look for to know you’re making the right choice and what questions to ask to ensure you get what you need.

Get your copy of the Find a Great Mechanic Guide. It’s free.

Does that work really need to be done?

Vehicles do wear out and need to be looked after.  Whether you decide to get work done on your car is your call.  Just know that we want to see you driving a safe and reliable car, and the last thing we want is for you to break down.

After I have taken delivery of my vehicle, what do I do if a problem arises?

If you got your car serviced at Auto Edge then call us on (08) 9274 8083 to let us know what problems you’re experiencing.

If not, there are 3 things we recommend:

  • Raise it with the workshop, fill in a diagnostic sheet and keep a log book of when you notice the problem occurring
  • Ask the workshop to look at your vehicle again and go with the mechanic on the test drive
  • Seek advice from an independent workshop to look at the repairs and what has been done

What is the warranty on your car parts and services?

Parts warranty range from 12montHS to 3 years
Our service has a 6 months warranty but again it depends on what was done

Why should I bring my new car to Auto Edge for servicing?

We are out to keep you and your family safe when in your car, we aim to fix it right the first time.
We operate under a set of golden rules – some of those are all sump and level plugs are marked to indicate that they are tight (i have seen them left loose), nothing is put on the car unless it can be tightened, all wheel nuts are torque with a tension wrench, we have a we will call you before you call us policy, nothing extra is done without your permission unless it’s a freebie.

Do you have the necessary skills and equipment to service my new car?

Yes we are a Bosch car service centre and meet their criteria, Bosch car service centre gets audited independently by having audits, secret shoppers, minimum equipment requirements (Auto Edge we exceed this)

Are your technicians qualified?

Everyone employed is qualified or working to attain qualification they are sent on Bosch and other automotive training they are also trained in house and any problems that arise are discussed by the whole team.
This workshop operates on golden rule (see our list).

What is the warranty on your work?

6 months.“

TROUBLE-SHOOTING

What should I do if the alternator light comes on?

Stop and look under the bonnet. You may have lost your fan belt and the vehicle may become hot if you keep driving. If nothing is apparent, keep a watch on the temperature gauge. You are powering all of your electrics by the battery and once this runs down you will stop.

Get your vehicle looked at as soon as you can.

What does it mean if the check engine light stays on but there is no noticeable problem?

If the Check Engine Light is on constantly during driving but you can’t notice any difference with how the car drives, it usually means that there’s a permanent fault in the emission control system.

When this happens, the computer that controls the emission system usually has a backup program that runs while the fault is present. (These backup programs are often referred to as “limp home” mode programs.)

You should get the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, but in most cases, the vehicle will continue to operate, though you run a risk of it dying or not starting.

What does it mean if the check engine light stays on and it’s not running well?

This usually means that a critical component of your emission control and engine management system has a serious problem. It usually involves a component or system needed for the vehicle to run at all. In most of the cases we’ve seen, you should drive the vehicle as little as possible.

In many cases, the vehicle is not safe to drive at all – in fact, it could stop or stall out at any moment. It is best to pull over to a safe place and have the vehicle towed to us for a thorough inspection and repair.

The check engine light comes on in the city but goes off when I’m on the highway. Why is that?

That’s an indication that the fault is present during city driving conditions only. The best thing to do is to pay attention to whether or not the vehicle runs or drives any differently when the Check Engine Light is on.

If it does change then try to drive the car as little as possible and take it to get checked by a service professional as soon as possible.

If there is no change then you can drive home, but have it inspected as soon as possible. In this condition, you do run a risk of the vehicle dying or not starting.

What should I do if the engine temperature gauge begins rising during rush-hour traffic?

The first thing to do is to stop and check that nothing is leaking. If the fluid is leaking then you may be low on coolant. ​

If there are no leaks then you may have poor air flow through your radiator. Sometimes turning on the aircon may increase airflow by running the condenser fan. This needs to be closely watched as using the aircon can also increase the temperature on really hot days.

What’s that noise?  What’s wrong with my car?  Do you think it could be the…?

If you have any unusual noises or notice something is wrong then you need to have it checked as soon as possible.

What are some warning signs that may mean car trouble?

The main culprits are vibrations, noise, high than normal gauge readings, hard to start, stalls, or just doesn’t feel right. All of these mean you need to get your car looked at.

What does the check engine light mean?

It means that you have a sensor code that is out of its operating manufacturers set parameters. It can also mean some other part has failed. You need to get your car looked at asap.

Every vehicle manufactured must pass an environmental test. This testing sets the acceptable limits of wear and/or failure for the emission control system – in other words, that testing determines what conditions will ultimately cause a Check Engine Light to illuminate. If the emission control system is faulty and the vehicle is polluting the air, the Check Engine Light turns on to let you know.

What do I do about an overheating engine?

You need to have it checked. It may mean that your coolant levels are low. This can only be checked once an engine cools down.

Why are my brakes making noise?

They usually make a noise because they have dust on them or they are worn out. Noisy breaks mean you need to get your car checked. Brakes aren’t something you want to chance your luck with!

Will it damage my engine if I continue to drive my car when the check engine light is on?

Most time you’re able to get home. But if the light flashes then its more serious and need to be checked as soon as possible.