RACV

VACC

For your convenience, our workshop will be open for business right through the Christmas period, except for public holidays and Friday the 23rd of December

We wish to advise that we will be closed for the public holiday on the 29th of September. Apologies for any inconvenience.

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on 21/12/2023 and reopening on 27/12/2023

Highton Automotive Services take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Highton, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Highton Automotive Services have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

In Victoria an RWC or Certificate of Roadworthiness is needed before a vehicle can be sold or when it needs to be re-registered. Highton Automotive Services in Highton are Licensed Vehicle Testers and are able to to issue Certificates of Roadworthiness and can also perform Pre-purchase Inspections where required. Bring your car in to our well equipped workshop or Book a Roadworthy Inspection Online today. A Licensed Vehicle Tester must check that your vehicle meets the standards set out under Regulation 220 by the Roads Corporation, or VicRoads, prior to a Certificate of Roadworthiness being issued. Occasionally a Certificate of Roadworthiness is also needed before you can have a defect notice removed from a vehicle or it may be required as part of a required inspection for vehicles such as taxis and buses (which must undergo regular, periodic mandatory Inspections). A roadworthy inspection is not a pre-purchase inspection and does not take into account the overall condition or mechanical reliability of the vehicle. Where a pre purchase inspection giving comprehensive details of the general condition or value of the vehicle is desired, you should consider arranging for a separate independent pre-purchase inspection. It is also important to note that a Certificate of Roadworthiness does not constitute a complete assessment of a vehicle's compliance with the Standards for Registration. These standards are generally governed by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and are often beyond the scope of a Roadworthy Inspection.The ADRs are a set of minimum standards for the construction of vehicles and trailers. A Roadworthy Inspection may not cover all of these standards as in most cases, compliance with them cannot be assessed by inspection alone. Neither the workshop conducting the roadworthy inspection, nor the Licensed Vehicle Tester performing the actual examination of the vehicle are responsible for setting the standards a vehicle must meet to be issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness. These standards are clearly defined by VicRoads, the licensed vehicle tester merely confirms whether the vehicle meets the standards as specified.

Certificates of Roadworthiness are requied before you can sell a car, have a defect notice removed from a vehicle or may be required as part of a required inspection for vehicles such as taxis and buses which require periodic mandatory Inspections...

VicRoads RWC in Highton

Highton Automotive Services have got your back. When buying car, a Pre-Purchase Inspection is essential to be sure of the condition of the vehicle. To get a more complete picture of your prospective vehicle, please book our Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection. A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is carried out for a vehicle being sold either by private sale or through a motor car trader. Comprehensive vehicle inspections are the most complete survey of your vehicle. Highton Automotive Services can perform Pre-Purchase Inspections and Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections for your peace of mind.  Pre-Purchase Inspections At Highton Automotive Services our mechanics will carry out a detailed visual inspection, an engine test and a road test on your vehicle. Concluding the inspection, we provide a detailed report with the information you need to make an informed decision*. To arrange a Pre-Purchase Inspection, make an appointment online or call us now! *(Because of limited access, the level of complexity or specialised tools and equipment required, there are some vehicles that we cannot inspect, or can only conduct a comprehensive inspection on). Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections are the most complete inspection of your vehicle and checks even more components of the vehicle than a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Where possible, the car is placed on a hoist for our inspectors to have greater visibility of components and increased accessibility of the undercarriage. Car wheels are removed to allow access to braking components for an inspection, and the lining size and disc thickness are measured against industry standards**. **Please note: The vehicle inspection is based on a visual external examination of components only. Components are not dismantled to examine internal parts. Some vehicle faults can be diagnosed only by dismantling the engine or are intermittent in operation and not evident from an external examination at the time of inspection. Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Details What do you Inspect during a Pre-purchase Inspection? Click on the drop down menu items below to see which components of your vehicle are inspected (where applicable) as part of our Pre-purchase Car Inspections. Engine Checks Water pump Drive belts Fan/coupling Radiator & heater coolant leaks Cylinder block Emission controls Radiator Engine mounts Controls/linkages Crankcase fuming/breather Noises Engine smoke Performance LPG fuel system Exhaust system starter motor Oil/level/leaks/condition Petrol fuel system Exhaust emission Sump Coolant Diesel fuel system Turbo charger operation Transmission / Driveline Checks Fluid/leaks Road test Gear shift linkages Centre bearing Shift operation Noises Drive shaft/cv joints Bake up hydraulics/linkages Universal joints Clutch/adjustment Clutch/slip/shudder Steering/suspension Checks Steering box/rack Ball joints Ride Sub-frame Shock absorber/s Stabiliser bars Rear suspension Front suspension road test Steering Wheel Power steering Spring/torsion bars steering linkages Body Checks (minor defects and panel repairs may not be recorded.) Underbody Latches,handles & hinges Windscreen Repairs/rust Paintwork/panels Sunroof operation Glass/windows Brakes Vibration/pulsation Efficiency Noises Booster Pedal travel Handbrake Fluid level Brake lines & hoses Fluid levels Tyres & Wheels Tyres - road wheels Spare Wheel bearings Wheel rims Covers Auto Electrical Checks Stop light/s Number plate light Wipers/spares Horn reverse lights Park/tail lights Hazard lights Indicators battery/terminal/carrier Head light/s Miscellaneous Speedometer Heater/demister Air conditioner Seat belts Gauges Mirrors Seats Upholstery & trim *A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a visual external examination of components only We do not dismantle parts for internal examination. There are some vehicle faults which can only be diagnosed by dismantling the engine or are intermittent in operation and not evident from an external examination at the time of inspection.

Highton Automotive Services advise that when buying car, a Pre-Purchase Inspection is essential to be sure of the condition of the vehicle. To get a more complete picture of your prospective vehicle, please book our Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection...

Need a Pre-Purchase Vehicle inspection?

Working brakes save lives but brake repairs are what many people tend to consider when it comes to thinking about their brakes and being safe on the roads. Focusing on brake maintenance is far more vital to passenger safety.  Maintaining your brakes 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.  Regular brake maintenance means that you can relax knowing that your brakes will be in good working order when you need them the most; in an emergency situation! 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 Highton Automotive Services without delay. Brake Maintenance - Fluid Flushing Brake fluid provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to stop your car. It also helps prolong the lifespan of your various brake components by helping to prevent corrosion. Most people know that it is imperative to keep the brake fluid level topped up, but did you know that you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace old brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid? Checking your brake fluid regularly yourself is good common sense, but don't rely on it's appearance to indicate the actual condition of the fluid. Simply because it looks clean doesn't mean it's actually in good condition. Moisture can accumulate in the brake fluid and it's not always noticeable in a visual inspection. Moisture in the fluid increases the chance the fluid will boil, which could result in a loss of braking pressure. A visual inspection is not sufficient to identify excess moisture in your brake fluid. A brake fluid flush can be done as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we may suggest you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you. Brake Maintenance - Brake Pads Your brake pads are a vital part of your braking system and they are a part that you should monitor on a regular basis. Brake pads compress against your brake rotors (using the pressure of the brake fluid) to create friction and this friction makes your car stop. Unfortunately the amount of heat generated when stopping a significant mass (the vehicle) also wears down the brake pads over time. Regular inspection and/or replacement of your brake pads is an integral part of good brake maintenance practices. 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. If your brake pads are wearing out ahead of time your mechanic might advise using a heat resistant or heavier duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle. Brakes that squeal can be a warning that your brake pads are wearing out. Many good quality brake pads have a small metal piece embedded in them designed to purposely scratch on the disc when your brake pads are degraded, causing that high pitch noise. However, it's not advised to wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, 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. At Highton Automotive Services we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection Report we inspect the brake pads for wear and let you know if they require replacing. We can also recommend the right pad for your local conditions and driving style. Highton Automotive Services are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty; Brake Pads Brake Drums Brake Calipers Brake Rotors Brake Hoses/Clips/Springs Wheel Cylinders Wheel Bearings Master Cylinders Brake Flushing At Highton Automotive Services we offer a Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake system and more. This Vehicle Inspection Report lets you know if there is immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to budget in advance.

Maintaining your brakes 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...

Brake Maintenance - Do you know what is stopping you?

Your car's braking and suspension play a critically vital role in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely.  For specialist Brake & Suspension Testing in Highton call the experts at Highton Automotive Services. When you find your car is "rocking and rolling" whenever you corner or worse still it is simply not stopping the way it used to it may be time to have a Highton Automotive Services mechanic give it a thorough going over with a Safe-T-Stop test. Here at Highton Automotive Services in Highton we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre. 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 helps 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 Highton Automotive Services to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made. Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition save you money by minimising tyre drag and wear which can increase petrol costs. Book your Safe-T-Stop test online or call Highton Automotive Services today.

Highton Automotive Services take your safety very seriously, which is why we are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre. You can trust a Safe-T-Stop test to give you all the answers a simple road test simply won't...

Safe-T-Stop Brake Testing - Why stop at a road test?

At Highton Automotive Services in Highton we provide Log Book Service that protects your statutory warranty for a wide range of makes and models in Highton. Worried about your new car warranty? You shouldn't be. As a Car owner you are allowed to pick which mechanic undertakes your log book service without worrying about losing your right to a statutory warranty. You don't have to travel across town to get to a dealership or pay inflated prices. Find out more about your rights on our New Car Service page. So book in for a service at Highton Automotive Services today, and enjoy the best Car Servicing experience possible - whether you choose a power steering fluid change, air conditioning filter change, brake fluid flush, windscreen wiper blade replacement or even an engine diagnostics check-up as part of our workmanship guarantee - you're getting complete peace of mind with us. Highton Automotive Services regularly engage in log book service and more on a wide range of makes and models right here in Highton - just come in and see us and tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today. Please see the related articles below for some of the vehicle makes and models we can service in Highton:

Highton Automotive Services regularly engage in log book service and more on a wide range of makes and models right here in Highton - just come in and see us and tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

Makes and Models we can Service

Nobody's got time to be "that car" stuck on the side of the road with steam pouring from under the bonnet. Overheating car's are not just caused by hot weather. The engine produces a significant amount of heat, and it's to the cooling system and radiator that the task of preventing your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat falls. Coolant is added to your system to allow the cooling process to take place whilst also preventing liquids from freezing and protecting the system from rust as well. Given time rust and scale deposits build up and the whole system becomes choked and not as good at cooling and protecting your car. This build up of rust and debris can damage components of your cooling system including your water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat, this can reduce the lifespan of those parts and leading to expensive repairs or replacements in the future. If your car is constantly running hotter than normal, regularly overheats or tends to leave puddles where you park it is probably best to have your cooling system checked out by a suitably qualified mechanic such as the team at Highton Automotive Services. We can perform a well deserved service on your radiator and cooling system by undertaking a proper radiator flush if required. Using a dedicated solution designed to remove any build up the cooling system is flushed through, the cleansing fluid is removed and the system filled with new coolant solution. Your car's cooling system will be running like a dream. Your radiator will be more efficient - and it will last a lot longer.  Your engine will be more efficient and have an increased life expectancy.  Boost the performance and power of your engine  Lubricate and protect your water pump. Your car's log book makes recommendations for how often to flush your cooling system, It is generally suggested that you have your system flushed every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However, the size of your engine, local weather type, the quality of your existing coolant, and the total km's driven can all have an effect on how regular you'll need to replace the coolant in your radiator. At Highton Automotive Services, we provide at your request a Vehicle Inspection Report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service on your vehicle. This includes checking the coolant in your system and the written report will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

Overheating car's are not just caused by hot weather. The engine produces a significant amount of heat, and it's to the cooling system and radiator that the task of preventing your car, and you, from being damaged by all that heat falls...

Highton Automotive Services

Cars are our passion.

VicRoads RWC in Highton

Need a Pre-Purchase Vehicle inspection?

Brake Maintenance - Do you know what is stopping you?

Safe-T-Stop Brake Testing - Why stop at a road test?

Makes and Models we can Service

Do you have a steam engine?