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Keys Road Auto Service is your local car service mechanic in Cheltenham. As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Cheltenham  and the surrounding areas, please use our online booking form or give us a call.

As the temperatures drop and winter begins to set in, preparing your car for the cold weather is essential to ensure your safety on the road. Winter driving conditions can be challenging, but with the right precautions and maintenance, you can reduce risks and keep your vehicle in top shape. Here are some essential winter car safety checks and tips to help you stay safe while driving this season. Winter Safety Checks for Your Car  Check Your Tyres Your tyres play a critical role in maintaining traction on icy or snow-covered roads. Inspect your tyre tread depth to ensure it’s adequate—worn tyres can compromise grip, especially in winter conditions. Also, check your tyre pressure, as it can drop when temperatures fall.  Test Your Battery Cold weather can strain your car battery, making it harder to start your vehicle. Have your battery tested to ensure it has enough charge to handle the demands of winter driving. If your battery is old or showing signs of weakness, it’s better to replace it before it fails.  Inspect Your Lights Shorter daylight hours and foggy or snowy conditions mean your headlights and taillights are more important than ever. Check that all lights are functioning properly and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Clean your lenses to remove grime or buildup, which can reduce visibility.  Top Off Fluids Make sure your car’s fluids are at the proper levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Use a washer fluid that’s specifically designed for freezing temperatures to prevent it from icing up when you need it most.  Examine Your Wipers Worn or damaged windshield wipers can make it difficult to see during snowstorms or heavy rain. Replace them if they’re streaking or failing to clear the windshield effectively. Consider installing winter wiper blades designed to handle snow and ice buildup.  Check Your Heating and Defrost Systems A properly functioning heater and defroster are essential for staying comfortable and maintaining visibility. Test both systems before the cold weather arrives, and have any issues addressed promptly.  Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car Winter emergencies can happen, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Pack an emergency kit that includes items like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, gloves, and non-perishable snacks.  Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Conditions  Slow Down: Reduce your speed on snow-covered or icy roads. Driving too fast can increase your chances of losing control.  Leave Space: Allow extra space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Braking distances can increase significantly in winter conditions.  Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly to maintain control of your car. Sudden movements can cause your tires to lose traction.  Stay Informed: Check the weather forecast before heading out, and avoid driving in severe conditions unless it’s absolutely necessary.  Keep Your Tank Full: A full gas tank can help prevent condensation in your fuel system and provide extra peace of mind in case of delays.  Book Your Winter Service with Keys Road Auto Service  Getting your car ready for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Keys Road Auto Service, we’re here to help you ensure your vehicle is in top condition before the cold sets in. Our experienced team can handle everything from tyre checks to battery testing and fluid top-offs. Don’t wait until the first big rain to realize your car isn’t winter-ready—schedule your service appointment with us today!  Taking these steps now can save you from unnecessary stress and help you enjoy a safer driving experience throughout the winter months.

Winter driving conditions can be challenging, but with the right precautions and maintenance, you can reduce risks and keep your vehicle in top shape.

Drive Safe This Winter

Keys Road Auto Service provide professional auto repairs, quality customer service and workmanship in Cheltenham. We are the key to all your automotive requirements! We are the Log Book Service and Brake Service specialist in Cheltenham. Contact us about our range of services, from our specially structured Fixed Price Car Servicing to New Car Log Book Service.  As there is a shortage of available mechanics and technicians in Australia due to a skills shortage, please note that we are booked up to 6 weeks in advance so get in quick!  Summer-ise a car - getting ready for the heat of summer With lockdown restrictions hopefully easing soon and the hot weather on the horizon, you should ensure your vehicle is ready for the hotter weather. Call Keys Road Auto Service to make sure your cooling system is up to the task and your car doesn't overheat. Is your cooling system up to the task of keeping you car running cool? Is your Car Air Conditioner in top condition, ready to cool the interior and use less fuel? Are the wiper blades capable of coping with increased dust as the weather heats up? Are your tyres ready for hot, dry and dusty conditions, with enough tread to safely stop you in an emergency? Are your Oil and Fluid Levels suitable to help maintain proper operating temperatures? Brakes should be in good condition at all times. Are yours ready to handle the extra heat of summer? Is your battery up to the task of coping with the heat. We can check & test it to ensure it will be. The answer to all these things and more are just a mouse click away. Service Your Car Now to ensure your car is ready for the coming conditions and be sure to take care on the roads this Summer. Keys Road Auto Service has been a leading mechanical repair business in the Moorabbin area for over 30 years. Formerly of Warner Mobile Car Care, Damien Warner acquired this iconic business in August 2012 and began implementing structured business requirements to suit the modern consumer. Providing to existing customers the same expert car service they have experienced for years, we also look forward to welcoming a new generation of customers.  Car services in Cheltenham Keys Road Auto Service conducts all aspects of Mechanical Repairs, specialising in Batteries, Tyres (replacement & balancing), Brakes and Clutch, RWC, Suspension, LPG Tuning, Transmission Repairs and Cooling System related problems. Keys Road Auto Service stock a large range of Supercharge Batteries - Supercharge has a reputation for manufacturing robust superior batteries suitable for cars and trucks. We have the battery to suit your vehicle, with up to 40 months warranty. Call us to arrange a free digital battery test. Keys Road Auto Service provide a competitively priced Log Book Servicing for vehicles covered under manufacturers warranty.  Keys Road Auto Service has a free loan car available for your convenience, comfortable waiting area for customers with wifi access, television and coffee machine.. Keys Road Auto Service care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service. ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health.  Car servicing affiliations As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. So rest assured - with regular car servicing from Keys Road Auto Service - your car is in safe hands. For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the team at Keys Road Auto Service.

Keys Road Auto Service provide professional auto repairs, quality customer service and workmanship in Cheltenham. We are the key to all your automotive requirements!

Car service in Cheltenham

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, Keys Road Auto Service to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Keys Road Auto Service 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 Cheltenham 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.

Keys Road Auto Service - 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. Keys Road Auto Service in Cheltenham 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 Keys Road Auto Service in Cheltenham 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 Keys Road Auto Service in Cheltenham.  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 Keys Road Auto Service 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 Cheltenham. 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.

Keys Road Auto Service

Cars are our passion.

Drive Safe This Winter

Car service in Cheltenham

There's a new gas in town

Keys Road Auto Service - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

Car Battery Testing and FAQ