Using a system of plates, wheels and springs the clutch allows the transfer of power between the wheels and the engine to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

If your clutch is showing any of the problems below 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.

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

A leak in the clutch system can cause all kinds of problems so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Autocare Mount Gambier we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you during our Vehicle Inspection report - which you can request as part of every car service.

The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is call us at Autocare Mount Gambier today.

We also offer Clutch Services for Light to Heavy vehicles as well as buses, caravans, trailers and motorhomes. We also handle forestry and agricultural equipment, including tractors, forklifts, front end loaders, and much more.

We can perform Clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Mount Gambier workshop.

Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine...

Clutch Service and Repairs in Mount Gambier

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 Autocare Mount Gambier and Repco Authorised Service.

Drive Safer in Winter with these simple tips

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers at the first spot of rain and remember that at the end of last season you should have replaced them! Wiper blades don't last forever, especially sitting under the harsh Australian sun all summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Autocare Mount Gambier can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

2. Don't let your car dehydrate - Keep up the fluids up

Fluids and other mechanisms in your car can be effected by cold weather; such as coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's essential to get your vehicle regularly serviced by a professional technician who recognises the correct parts and products to keep your car in peak operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

It's essential to drive to the road conditions Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility 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.

Be aware of the symptoms that your brakes need to be inspected, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these you should get it checked out by a qualified mechanic. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

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

Bald tyres are dangerous for winter driving. Now is the time to check how much tread depth you have. If you notice spots which are worn 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. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below: 

Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report which is free with every service at Autocare Mount Gambier in Mount Gambier. 

Winter car maintenance for safe driving

Simple maintenance tips to help you Drive Safe this Winter 

Brake fluid transfers the pressure you put on the brake pedal through to the actual brakes.
Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work. As everyone knows - not having brakes is a huge problem! In fact even slightly affected brakes are very dangerous.


Brake fluid absorbs moisture very easily. Brake fluids are also subject to very high temperatures and so they are designed to have a high boiling point to stop them from boiling and evaporating- when brake fluid has accumulated too much moisture- this lowers its boiling point and it can boil off more easily causing low levels. Low levels of brake fluid affect your braking performance and could mean your car will fail to stop.
Brake Fluid that has absorbed too much moisture will also shorten the life of your braking system including damaging the callipers, wheel cylinders and anti-lock braking systems.

Why is brake fluid replacement necessary?

Your manufacturer's log book will advise how regularly your brake fluid should be changed or flushed, we recommend a drain and replacement every two years however it is wise to have it regularly checked by an expert at every service to make sure the levels are not reducing too fast (a sign of a leak) or that the moisture levels have not reached a point that could be damaging your system.

How often should I replace my brake fluid?

At Autocare Mount Gambier we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, callipers and cylinders and more. This inspection helps to identify any issues in your vehicle which should be addressed and our mechanics will certainly advise you if they feel your vehicle might need a brake fluid replacement, or an out of schedule brake system service or repairs.

Do you check the brake fluids during a car service?

Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work.

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it? 

Brake repairs are what many people think about when it comes to being safe, but focusing on brake maintenance is far more vital to your overall safety. Properly maintained brakes shouldn't need to be repaired. 

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 be confident that your brakes will be working properly when you need them most - in an emergency!

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 Autocare Mount Gambier 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.

Your brake pads are a key element of your braking system and a part that you your shouldn't disregard. Friction is caused when the brake pads compress against the brake rotors in order for your car to stop. So your brake pads are working really hard, really often. The amount of pressure they need to apply to pull up a moving vehicle is extreme and the friction used to do so generates a lot of heat - which wears down the brake pads.

Squealing brakes are a sure sign that your brake pads are worn thin as many pads have a small metal piece set into them that scrapes on the disc when your brake pads are getting worn, causing that high pitch noise. However, you should never wait until you hear noises to get your pads assessed, we advise having your brakes inspected at every service.

At Autocare Mount Gambier we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection we inspect the brake pads for wear and inform you if they call for replacing. We can also recommend the right pad for your local conditions and driving style.

Brake Pads can last anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This can differ according to a number of causes such as; driving style, local conditions, towing heavy loads. If your brake pads are wearing out prematurely your mechanic might advise using a special heavy duty brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

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?

Simply because it looks clean doesn't mean it's actually in good condition. Moisture accumulates 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, only a professional boiling point test can tell you this.

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.

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

At Autocare Mount Gambier we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, calipers and cylinders 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 service in Mount Gambier

At Autocare Mount Gambier we have installed a state of the art Safe-T-Stop Brake testing system where Brakes are tested rather than checked.  

Emergencies are not the right time to be testing your brakes! 

This will give you peace of mind when driving on the roads and offers our clients an even higher standard of vehicle safety testing.  Compromising your safety is not an option.

At Autocare Mount Gambier the test is used in conjunction with all routine maintenance and offers our clients peace of mind when driving in their vehicle.

Over time your vehicles handling and performance changes and needs adjusting through regular maintenance and inspection. So if your car rock 'n' roll's when you corner or is simply not stopping the way it used to - then a Safe-T-Stop test can soon have your braking back on track?

A clear printed report from the test will offer exact measurements on a number of criteria including:

front to rear and side to side brake balance

tyre drag – (indicative of any required maintenance)

suspension condition – essential to stopping and serving suddenly

total weight of vehicle, as well as corner, axle and tow ball weights

Your car's braking and suspension play a vital part in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Autocare Mount Gambier in Mount Gambier 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.

A Safe-T-Stop inspection provides a detailed and accurate check of your cars' braking and suspension systems that goes well beyond a basic check and road test to scientifically test your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

Our Safe-T-Stop test lanes, measure and simulate a vehicle's brake performance in real-life conditions without having to drive the vehicle at all. A simple road test, no matter how good the technician, could never produce a report as accurate and comprehensive as a Safe-T-Stop inspection can.

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 tyre wear which can increase fuel consumption.

A Safe-T-Stop check will provide a detailed and accurate printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Autocare Mount Gambier to advise you on any critical adjustments or repairs to your suspension and brake systems that should be made.

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  or visit www.repcoservice.com for more about Shock Absorbers or Brake Service.

Ask to see a Full safe T Stop report when you next visit Autocare Mount Gambier.

Book your Safe-T-Stop test online or call Autocare Mount Gambier today.

Don't find out in an emergency that your brakes are not doing their job! Here at Autocare Mount Gambier 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...

Safe-T-Stop Brake testing in Mount Gambier

Safe-T-Stop Brake testing beats finding out in an emergency

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 Autocare Mount Gambier 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 Mount Gambier workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Mount Gambier

Brake and Clutch

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Tuesday the 24th of December and reopening on Thursday the 2nd of January

We wish to advise that we will be closed for the public holiday on the 2nd of October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Best Local Car & Truck Service in Mount Gambier: Autocare Mount Gambier is your friendly local independent, family owned and operated car service. 

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands with Autocare Mount Gambier, and as a Repco Authorised Service, we provide quality car service and repairs on all makes and models. 

Catering to your performance increase needs, Autocare is an advanced car service in Mount Gambier, incorporating an auto tune center. 

Autocare Mount Gambier is a first class car service workshop that is a credit to the vision of the owners and a testament to hard work and persistence, a first class car service facility for all your auto repair needs!

Autocare Mount Gambier

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Does your car have Clutch Problems?

Simple maintenance tips to help you Drive Safe this Winter

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?

Never leave brakes to the last minute

Safe-T-Stop Brake testing beats finding out in an emergency