My Blog

Batteries can die at any time of year but it's more likely in winter when cold temperatures hit car batteries with a triple-whammy:
power output drops
ability to accept a charge drops, so the battery doesn't recharge as quickly when you're driving
load increases – lights, blowers, wipers, heated seats, rear-screen heater etc are all used more

A helpful tip is to turn off your accessories before you crank you engine.  This reduces the intial load on cranking giving your battery the best chance of survival this Winter.  Once you've let the engine warm up then turn on heaters, demisters ect.  All these items work better and faster when the engine is warmer anyway. 
Call us now to have your battery checked and for peace of mind we have batteries with 42 months warranty if needed. We also do deep cylce and marine batteries. 34080043

Ever put the wrong fuel in your car???
No 1 Rule if your in doubt DO NOT TURN YOUR ENGINE OVER
With the increase in diesel passenger cars available its becoming a common problem. Petrol in diesel engines acts as a solvent reducing lubrication and can cause damage to fuel pumps and in some cases if petrol is allowed to travel through to the engine complete break down which can result in needing a new engine. 
Always double check the fuel grade indicator on the pump before filling.

The risk of misfuelling is higher if:
you use an unfamiliar petrol station - don't assume hose colours are the same as your 'local' site
you switch between brands using different hose/nozzle colours and names of fuels 
you swap cars (using different fuel) at home or work - it's easy to 'forget' which car you're filling
you hire a car using different fuel to your normal car
you buy a new/second hand car using different fuel to your old car
you continue a conversation with passengers while filling up or worried about kids fighting in the car 
you are in a hurry/running late - is always a big problem try to plan ahead for rush moments 
Remember if in doubt DO NOT TURN YOUR ENGINE ON seek help immediately. Call us on 34080043 and arrange to have your fuel system looked at. A small fee for a tow truck is far better than thousands on a new engine! 

We all know how expensive Tyres are these days and its a cost that car owners have to face.  When you do purchase your new tyres it's a good idea to get a Wheel Alignment at the same time.  A Wheel Alignment is going to make sure your steering is set at the correct specifications for your car.  Alignment can be out for a number of reasons, worn steering parts, potholes in the road or that dreaded gutter rash when you accidentally hit the kerb.  If  your alignment is out your tyres will wear inconsistently and you could be up for new tyres faster than you expected.  If you are wrestling with your steering wheel and the car feels like its pulling left or right its time to see us for a wheel alignment and tyre inspection.  Correct tyre pressure at all times is another reason tyres wear faster than you would expect.  Under inflated tyres can cause your tyres to loose thousand of  klms of life.  Inside the drivers door of nearly every vehicle in Australia is a tyre plaque.  This plaque tells you what size tyres are legal for your car and what tyre pressure you should maintain.  Get to know this plaque and if your not sure pop in to Island Auto Repairs and we can explain it to you.  Over inflation can cause your tyres to be stressed and the side walls to become split so if  you are not sure how to use a tyre guage call in and we can show you how.  These simple tips can save you money not only on your tyres but your fuel ecomony as well.  One last tip is to check your tread wear indicator.  This small lug between your tread is your indictor when its time to change your tyres call in at Island Auto Repairs and we can explain to you how to check for yourself.   Just ask Dutto he has all the answers.  

In our Queensland climate its common to use your cars Air con nearly everyday during Summer but did you know that when you leave your Air Con off over winter you can actually being doing damage to the system.  Moist air in the pipes and vents lays stagnant until you turn it on again.  Left for a long period mould and mildew grows.  Your gas also freeze in the system and pipes can become brittle.   Our recommendation is run your system for at least ten minutes once a week during the winter months to maintain optimum gas levels and keep the system lubricated and working properly.  At Island Auto Repairs we can offer you a full Air Con service for as low as $165 which includes a dye in the system to find any leaks which may have occurred.  A fantastic new product on the market is the Air Con deodorizer with built in mould killer.   This is sprayed into your system  and will get rid of any harmful spores which may have built up, a great idea if you have asthmatics traveling in the vehicle. 

To help keep your car cool this summer remember to have your coolant checked.  An engine which is running at an incorrect temperature can cost you thousands in fuel and repair costs.  If you consider for every litre of fuel burnt in your system only 28% approx is used to create power anything which helps your cars engine run more efficiently has got to be great.  Coolant should be checked regularly to ensure it has not become acidic which will cause much harm to precious running gear.  By Australian standards it is law that all coolant have a colorant added to see even if you see green or red in your radiator does not automatically mean it is working correctly.  At Island Auto Repairs every car which comes in to our shop for a service is checked to make sure it is within the proper range of working order.  Help your car this summer and change your coolant to ensure correct running order.

We have an exciting new Tyre contact who has some amazing prices.  Check out our Value deals next time you need tyres

Buying a car this christmas?  Need a roadworthy?  We are going to wow you with a deal. watch out for the December specials. This one is going to one you cant miss.  Buying, selling or just re registering Island Auto Repairs is the one stop shop for your vehicle.  

At Island Auto Repairs we have managed to secure some amazing prices on light truck tyres for our customers.  We are offering 185/14 light truck tyres at crazy prices.  These prices are to hot to advertise though.  We dont want to scare our competitors.  So if you are looking for tyres before christmas see us first.  We also offer a tradies deal and get you in and out before you know it. 

We have not forgotton our family car drivers either.  To get you ready for your christmas driving we have put on special 205/65/15 tyres which suit most falcons and commodores, magnas and camrys.  Its our christmas present to you. These prices will not be repeated.  Chris has gone mad with these prices!!!!!!!!!

We would like to welcome our new employee Shane to the business.  He has over 30 years experience in the business so he knows his stuff.  If you add our experience together wow.....lets just say there is not much we have not seen, fixed or driven.  Experience like ours is priceless and invaluable and I doubt you would find two better minds than ours.  From the classics to the new cars, bikes and vans we can fix them all and at a reasonable price too.  Call us for a quote you will be surprised!