However, gasoline vehicles continue to rule the Australian roads despite the decline in the percentage of their presence each year. As of January 2026, there were about 63.7 per cent of registered gasoline-powered vehicles, down from 65.6 per cent in the previous year. The rest of the difference will be filled by diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, and electric cars.
While many car owners will always take their vehicle to a car mechanic in Frankston only after an issue occurs, it was logical back when cars were not complicated. But today’s cars have evolved, and every visit should be an opportunity for a checkup.
Reading Quotes Like an Experienced Car Owner
A repair quote is typically made up of three main bits: labour, parts, and the time spent trying to figure out what went wrong. Labour’s charged by the hour and often based on how long it takes in general to do a particular job. The diagnostic fee is the cost of running some tests to get to the root of the problem.
Which parts you choose can really drive up the final price. Genuine parts come straight from the car’s manufacturer, equivalent parts are made to roughly the same standard, and then there are aftermarket parts, which can be all over the map in terms of quality.
If you see, or worse still don’t see, some of the usual warning signs in a quote, then it’s definitely worth asking a few polite questions. Keep an eye out for:
- No clear distinction between labour and parts costs.
- Job descriptions as vague as saying something “needs general repair” without giving you any details.
- Pressure to sign off on a job right away without giving you time to think.
- Difficulty in explaining why you need to replace a particular part.
Having a clear quote in front of you is a big deal; it helps you compare prices fairly and protects you from getting caught out.
Transmissions Need Attention Before They Become a Big Problem
Automatic transmissions tend to get ignored till something’s gone seriously wrong inside. Automatic transmission fluid does a few vital things: it cools things down, helps to prevent rubbing and helps to transfer power to lots of different moving parts. Over time though, it breaks down and starts to collect tiny metal fragments.
These days, with a lot of hatchbacks and SUVs, you also get Continuously Variable Transmissions. These are a bit more fussy about their fluid, and old fluid can start to cause trouble, which can show up as a shuddering or slipping as you move off, or that annoying steady whine you hear when you’re stationary. If the car doesn’t seem to want to shift into gear right away, you know something’s wrong.
And did you know that servicing your transmission fluid is listed in your logbook, yet is often overlooked? It’s actually a lot cheaper to do this than to have it all rebuilt.
Steering, Suspension and Exhaust: Wear and Tear That Happens Slowly
Many drivers get used to the way their suspension bit by bit starts to wear. Worn-out shock absorbers will make the car take a lot longer to stop, and will make the car bounce around over bumps in the road. Your bushes and tie rod ends can start to go too, which will make your steering loose and make your tyres wear unevenly.
After a proper bash, whether it’s a pothole or a solid kerb hit, you should always get your wheel alignment checked out. You might have knocked the wheels out of line, and it can then start to wear out brand new tyres in a matter of months.
And then there’s your exhaust system. It’s all about safety for this one. If it starts leaking, you get fumes coming into the car on a long ride; that’s a real danger. If your exhaust is really loud or you can smell fuel coming in through the vents in the car, then you need to get it looked at straight away.
Used Car Purchase or Sale in the Frankston Area
When you want to buy or sell a used car, you often look at the bodywork and the interior of the car. But when you inspect a car before purchase, you do it far more deeply, testing for rust, leaks, old suspension and collision damage. Paying a small amount of money for the inspection will save you from bigger trouble.
A roadworthy certificate is normally required in Victoria before the transfer of the registration. Such a certificate can only be issued by a VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester. The inspection includes brakes, tyres, steering system, lighting, seatbelts and the body condition of the car.
Greener Habits in Everyday Car Care
It is important that used oil, batteries, and tyres are disposed of correctly. It is only right to question a workshop about their disposal, and the business should not mind telling you.
Also, repairing a part rather than replacing it when possible will cut back waste. An engine that is regularly maintained tends to be more efficient and gives out less pollution.
The motor vehicles in Australia are shifting away from petrol, and the same is true for the cars driven in Frankston. On your next visit, be careful when reviewing the quote.
