https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/ Plain English guides to looking after your car, from an independent workshop in Clayton South, Victoria. en-AU https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/does-an-independent-service-void-my-warranty/ https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/does-an-independent-service-void-my-warranty/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 Under Australian Consumer Law a vehicle manufacturer cannot void a new car warranty simply because the car was serviced by an independent workshop. The servicing must follow the manufacturer's schedule, be carried out by qualified staff, use parts of appropriate quality, and be documented. https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/how-often-should-you-service-your-car/ https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/how-often-should-you-service-your-car/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 Vehicle service intervals are specified in both distance and time, and whichever limit arrives first is the one that applies. Short trips, stop start traffic and long periods of standing all shorten effective oil life regardless of the odometer reading. https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/brake-warning-signs/ https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/brake-warning-signs/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 Common brake symptoms and what they usually indicate: squealing from wear indicators or glazing, grinding from worn out pads, a long or spongy pedal from air or fluid problems, pulling under braking from a seized caliper, and shudder from disc thickness variation. https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/why-is-my-car-overheating/ https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/why-is-my-car-overheating/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 Overheating is usually caused by coolant loss, a stuck thermostat, a blocked or failed radiator, a failing water pump, a cooling fan that has stopped running, or a head gasket failure. Continuing to drive an overheating engine risks warping the cylinder head. https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/dashboard-warning-lights/ https://joyful-unicorn-46a87b.netlify.app/car-care/dashboard-warning-lights/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 Dashboard warning lights follow a colour convention: red indicates a fault requiring the vehicle to be stopped, amber indicates a fault that needs attention but usually allows careful driving. Oil pressure and temperature warnings are the two that most often lead to engine damage when ignored.