Mechanical and Vehicle Servicing

From Engine Repairs, and Brake Service to Heating & Cooling and Steering & Suspension, you can trust our qualified technicians to repair your vehicle. Superior Tyres is also authorized to do all factory scheduled maintenance.

Vehicle Diagnostics
Virtually all new vehicles are fully electronic, with systems ranging from single point or throttle body injection to sequential multipoint injection. Systems for control of anti-skid braking and road holding suspension are commonplace, as is climate control, airbag technology, automatic transmission, seat controls and many more.

The consequences of these changes have been a shift in the pattern of work seen in the garage trade and diagnostic tools have changed in parallel to the vehicle technology. This is seen in the growth of fault code reading equipment, fuel injection pressure measurement and cleaning equipment, electronic ignition testing and a wide range of similar tools aimed at specific tasks requiring fault finding and identification.
Keeping up to date with the changes in vehicle technical systems is a challenge for any repair garage, but at Superior Tyres we believe we have responded well providing system diagnostics and repair services for most manufacturers' systems, from engine management diagnostics to SRS systems (airbag), ABS braking and air conditioning.

Vehicle Servicing
Most cars need servicing every 10,000 km or 6 months. In addition to this, there are other items that should be checked at specified intervals. A full service will pick up other faults/wear & tear that may cause problems in the future. We provide a comprehensive range of services for all makes and models and can meet all your mechanical needs.

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Brakes:

Our fully trained brake technicians are able to offer a comprehensive brake inspection report and replacement service. What ever you drive, our top quality, fully guaranteed brakes will ensure total safety for you and your family.

• System Diagnosis
• ABS brake systems
• Pad replacement
• Lining replacement
• Hose replacement
• Brake rotors
• Machining
• Wheel Cylinders
• Emergency Brakes
• Brake Drums / Shoes
• Pad Replacement
• Lining Replacement
• Hose Replacement
• Brake Fluid Flush
• Rotor Alignment

The brake system is responsible for reducing the speed of a vehicle, stopping, preventing over-acceleration when driving downhill and keeping the vehicle stationary when still or parked. It is important to maintain your braking system and have your brakes regularly inspected, cleaned and adjusted.

A series of components working together that exert pressure to slow or stop a vehicle. 
• The brake pedal pushes a rod that actuates the master cylinder.
• The master cylinder distributes the hydraulic braking power to the brake calipers/cylinders that push the pistons in the cylinders.
• The pistons push the brake pads or shoes against the brake rotors or brake drums (attached to your wheel), which STOPS THE CAR.

How does the brake system on my car work?
When you press your brake pedal, a complex system engages here's how it works: the applying of the brake pedal forces brake fluid to engage systems that force the brake pad onto the brake disc rotor, causing friction and bringing your car to a stop. The brake pads of your car are fitted to the brake caliper, this is the part of the car that applies and releases the brake pads from the disc rotor.

Brake calipers comprise the brake caliper housing, inside this housing is a piston or pistons (depending on your car) that push or release when the brake pedal is pressed or released. Specifically designed rubber components ensure that the brake (hydraulic) fluid does not leak from the system or allow dirt and grime into the system.

When your braking systems are checked by your Local Superior Tyres Pro they may recommend a brake caliper overhaul, your Superior Tyres brake technician may recommend this service, for safety and economic reasons, your technician will always explain why.

When having your brake calipers overhauled it is best to have both calipers on the same axle overhauled. This will help to maintain balanced, precise braking, help to extend brake pad life and most importantly keep you safe if an emergency braking situation occurs.  Your Superior Tyres brake technician will explain why.

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What is brake disc rotor care so important?
The brake disc rotors, on your car, are a vital part of the braking system. The discs are circular metal plates in which the brake pad is forced up against to slow or stop the car. The smoother the surface, the more efficiently friction can be obtained to slow your car. So when new brake pads are fitted, machining or replacement (if worn below acceptable roadworthiness limits) of disc rotors will ensure your safety and the maximum possible braking efficiency.

For safe and efficient braking, new brake pads must fit perfectly against the disc rotor. This is why your disc rotors should be machined or replaced (if needed) by a Superior Tyres specially trained technician.

Why is the braking system of your car the single most important safety feature?
Brake systems are most important safety feature of your car, with out them, you can't stop, and it's that simple. If you have any of the following, its time to drop in and see your Local Superior Tyres Pro for an immediate safety inspection.

• Lose of grip when braking.
• The feeling of your car pulling left or right when braking.
• A sloppy, soft or low brake pedal.
• Shuddering through your steering wheel when braking
• Squeals, Screeches and high pitched noises when breaking
• Your brake system warning light  flashes
• Your car takes longer to stop than normal.

Anti Lock Brakes (ABS)
A series of components working together that exert pressure to slow or stop a vehicle. 
• The brake pedal pushes a rod that actuates the master cylinder.
• The master cylinder distributes the hydraulic braking power to the brake calipers/cylinders that push the pistons in the cylinders.
• The pistons push the brake pads or shoes against the brake rotors or brake drums (attached to your wheel), which STOPS THE CAR.
 
Brake Fluid Flush
Flushing your brake fluid every two years is a great habit. Poor brake fluid can adversely affect braking performance -- you don't want to realize your brake fluid is bad the hard way. Flushing the brakes removes the old fluid from the entire system, including the master reservoir. (Most cars today should use DOT 4 brake fluid.)
 
Replacement
For disc brakes, the technician will remove the pads and inspect the rotor(s) for excessive wear. If the rotors are excessively worn, the rotors should be replaced or machined to a flat surface, afterwards new pads will be installed. If drum brakes are involved, the process is a fairly similar, except it can take a little longer to perform.

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Suspension and shock absorbers:

At Superior Tyres we can take care of all your vehicles suspension and shock absorbers requirements. Please read below for our services covering our suspension and absorbers services;

• Suspension and shock absorbers Diagnosis
• Shocks/struts
• Ball joints
• Idler arms
• Tie rods
• Radius rods/bushings

Your suspension system does more than make your ride smoother! In fact, it’s a key component of  driving safety, and without it your tyres and brakes won’t work as well. When was the last time you had your suspension checked?  Visit your Superior Tyres Suspension Specialist today to ensure that your car’s suspension doesn't’t let you down.

Good suspension and shock absorbers have a huge effect on your vehicles braking distance, among many other things. Good car suspension is also a very important part of your handling. It can reduce tyre wear and keep your tyres firmly on the road.

So to stop your car handling like a sponge or to release yourself from those frightening braking experiences, come to us and have a chat as testing is free of charge and we carry out wheel alignments once the job is done.

Superior Tyres Melbourne are fully trained in suspension repairs and related components, they will take the time to listen to your query, listen with you on a test drive for noises, completely inspect your suspension system for faults or damage. Your Superior Tyres Melbourne carries a wide range of shock absorbers, springs, struts and suspension replacement parts. All of which is backed by the Superior Tyres Melbourne guarantee. That Suspension Services we provide are not available at many stores, please contact Superior Tyres Melbourne to ensure that this service is offered.

Your Suspension System - How does it work?
Your car’s suspension system allows you to ride relatively undisturbed while traveling over rough roads. It also allows your vehicle to corner with minimum roll or sway, stop with a minimum of brake dive, and accelerate with a minimum of acceleration squat. This dynamic control keeps the tyres in contact with the road.

Quality Shock Absorbers
We offer a full and comprehensive range of top quality, shock absorbers to suit all types of vehicles. Our highly trained technicians are able to check and replace your shock absorbers to ensure your vehicles handling is smooth and precise.

The components of your car’s suspension system perform six basic functions:
1. Maintain correct vehicle ride height
2. Reduce the effect of shock forces
3. Maintain correct wheel alignment
4. Support vehicle weight
5. Keep the tyres in contact with the road
6. Control the vehicle's direction of travel

However, to ensure this happens, all of the suspension components, both front and rear, must be in good working condition.

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OIL CHANGE TUNE UP

At Superior Tyres we can take care of all your vehicles cooling requirements. Please read below for our services covering our oil change tune up services.

• Air, Fuel & Oil Filters
• Oil Flush & Change
• Cooling System Check
• Washer Fluid Check
• Tire Pressure Check
• Spark Plugs & Wires
• Points, Rotors, Etc
• EFI Function Test
• Timing Check & Set
• Diagnostic Computer

At the Superior Tyres Melbourne our qualified technicians are trained to not only give your car a standard factory spec tune up, but also to give it a 'once over' while they are at it. A simple tightening of a hose clamp now - can avert a road disaster later.

Technicians will check all of your vehicles shock absorber and suspension components to make sure they are safe and free wear and damage.

Oil Change
Lubricating oil is a vital component of every engine. We offer a range of high quality oils which will ensure your engine keeps running clean and trouble free. Contact our knowledgeable staff or just drop by to find out which oil will provide the protection your engine needs.

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Cooling & Heating

At Superior Tyres we can take care of all your vehicles cooling requirements. Please read below for our services covering our cooling and heating services;

• Diagnosis
• Radiators
• Hoses
• Belts
• Heater cores
• Thermostats
• Head gaskets
• Water pumps
• Air conditioning service
• Heater Hose Replacement
• Heater Core Repairs

The cooling system is responsible for removing excess heat from the engine. It also provides heated air to the vehicle interior. Regular cooling system inspection, maintenance and flushes can prevent unnecessary coolant loss and overheating, which can cause internal damage to your engine.

The Superior Tyres only uses the state approved (environmentally friendly) air conditioner recharging and coolant leak detection equipment. A clean and functional A/C system that blows cold air on the hottest summer days is a sign of a well-maintained automobile, as well as a welcome relief from the heat.

RADIATORS & COOLANT

Your cars cooling system is a critical engine component. It maintains the metal engine parts operational temperature range, as well as providing heat for special part such as heated intake manifolds and heater cores that warm the passenger compartment.

Radiator Repair & Flushing

 If your car is not lasting the distance, constantly overheating and needing a rest, come see us for radiator repairs. Our car radiator repair will make sure your engine will work and stay at the right temperature.
Sometimes you may only need a car radiator flush, which can stop blockages, placing less pressure on your engine. Which, of course, we do too. So to stop your engine overheating, come to us for auto radiator repairs. Or if your radiator has done its dash we also do radiator replacement.

Due to the high operational pressures of hot anti-freeze liquids, it is necessary to maintain proper coolant system integrity checks of the hoses and clamps as well as the radiator itself. The Superior Tyres Melbourne has the knowledge base and experience to handle all your critical engine repairs.

Call 03 9372 1766 today to speak to your Superior Tyres expert who can flush, service or repair all your cooling system requirements ensuring that all day, every day “we’will keep you running”

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Top Quality Batteries

Designed and manufactured to exacting standards our top quality batteries deliver outstanding performance and total reliability. A wide range of fitments are available, to suit all popular makes and models of vehicles.

Car batteries are a bit like dental fillings, we wish they would last longer and they're a bit of a pain to get changed. Murphies law will have it that this strikes in the most inconvenient of places at the most inconvenient of times.

Sometimes you get warning of a pending failure when you notice your engine cranks slower, especially on cold mornings. It's time to see us very soon.But you can get completely caught out with a dead flat battery and this is where we offer the old fashioned traditional family car doctor service. In no time we will be out, racing to where you are to bring your car back to life.

 

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Fuel:

• Diagnosis
• Fuel injection
• Fuel hoses
• Fuel gauges
• Fuel pumps
• Fuel filters
• Injection cleaning
• Intake manifolds

At the Superior Tyres, we understand that a healthy running fuel system will not only help save the environment, but also help save you money . Some major parts of the fuel system include: fuel tank, ventilation lines and fuel cap, emission controls, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter, carburetors or injectors, and intake manifold as well as the fuel gauge, which indicates the amount of fuel in the tank.

Exhaust:

The At Superior Tyres we provide quality exhaust inspection and repairs. A summary of our exhaust services is written below.

• Exhaust pipes
• Tail pipes
• Exhaust manifolds
• Catalytic converters
• System Leak Checks
• Manifolds & Headers
• Mufflers & Tubing
• Catalytic Converters
• EGR Control Valve
• PVC Breather Valves
• Air Pumps & Belts
• Gaskets & Hangers

The exhaust system is also one of the first engine parts to need repairs or replacement due to the extreme temperatures and proximity to road grime and water puddles. Make sure to have your system properly inspected by the Superior Tyres Melbourne today.

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Auto Electrical Services

 

With today's cars, electrical and electronic functions are ever more important. Not only for controlling your engines spark plugs, but also for the myriad of other things that modern cars need electricity for. The electrical demands on your automobile's power are now greater than ever. Let the professionals at the Superior Tyres Melbourne keep your electrical systems in perfect functioning condition.

• Alternators Regulators
• Distributors & Points
• Starters & Solenoids
• Spark Plugs & Wires
• Batteries & Cables
• Spark Plugs & Wires
• Fuses & Breakers
• Wire Harnesses
• Fuse-able Links
• Interior & Exterior Lighting
  

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Mechanical Safety Tips

* Vehicle Service
* Tips For Vehicle Maintained
* Check Fluid Levels Regularly
* Components of your Suspension System
* The Danger of Worn Shocks
* Vehicle's suspension system vital to my vehicle's safety and performance?
* All about batteries
* Driving tips

Vehicle Service
Maintain Your Vehicle's Recommended Service Schedule. Regular maintenance at selected kilometre and/or monthly intervals, as specified by the manufacturer will help ensure that your vehicle is running in its most effective and efficient manner.

Tips For Vehicle Maintained
Becoming familiar with your vehicle will alert you to any problems that may arise. A visual inspection of the underbody, tyres and panel and testing of the lights and windscreen wipers can help maintain peace of mind and vehicle safety between scheduled servicing.

Check Fluid Levels Regularly
Fluids are vital in keeping your vehicle running smoothly, by checking your oil, transmission and coolant levels regularly you may pick up on a problem before it becomes a costly repair. Always do these checks when the car is cool to avoid injury.

Components of your Suspension System
Your car’s suspension system is made up of struts, shock absorbers, springs and tyres.
Shocks and struts are important for your driving safety. Their function is to keep the tyres on the road by controlling spring and suspension movements and by maintaining a vertical load on the tyres.
Under normal driving conditions, the shocks on your car ‘stroke’ over one thousand times per kilometre. As a result, shock absorbers wear out quite quickly. You should get them checked every 20,000 kilometres just to be safe.

The springs support the weight of your vehicle, acting as a flexible link allowing the frame and body to ride relatively undisturbed while the tyres and suspension follow the road.

The Danger of Worn Shocks
It only takes one worn shock absorber in your car to compromise your safety. Your braking distance can be increased by two metres, traveling at 50kmh, when your shock absorbers are not’t working properly. This can cause a great deal of damage to your car.

Worn shocks may lead to:
• Excessive tyre bounce
• Poor tyre-to-road contact
• Reduced suspension control
• Premature tyre wear
• Reduced handling and braking performance
• Noise and suspension vibration.

How is my vehicle's suspension system vital to my vehicle's safety and performance?
One of the main functions of your vehicle's suspension is to relay to the occupants a smooth, comfortable ride even when you're on a bumpiest of roads. More importantly your vehicle suspension's main role is to give the maximum opportunity for all four tyres to remain in contact with the road, so that when needed, your braking, steering and driving systems are safe, effective and responsive when you need them most.

Your vehicle's suspension is very complex with many components working hand in hand including, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends and suspension bushes. These must be kept in good condition to ensure your safety. If any of these system are worn or damaged your safety may be at risk, here are the tell tale signs something may be wrong.

• Your car dips forward when braking
• Car doesn't handle properly around corners
• Noises from the corners of your car
• Having to drive around corners at slower speeds than normal
• Unusual tread wear on your tyres
• Moisture present on or around your shock absorbers

BRAKE WARNING SIGNS
If the brake pedal or steering wheel shakes or vibrates, or if the vehicle shakes when the brakes are applied, it may be due to:
• disc brake rotors in need of resurfacing
• a loose component
• a faulty steering mechanism

If vehicle brakes grab at the slightest pressure, it could be:
• a problem with grease-or oil-contaminated linings
• a loose or broken component that could fail in an emergency

If the vehicle pulls to the side when braking, it could be due to:
• an under inflated tire
• brakes in need of adjustment
• brakes requiring repair

If the vehicle has sticking brakes, hot wheels or loss of engine power, it could be due to brakes that fail to release. This is a situation that can suddenly reverse itself, leaving the vehicle without brakes.

When it comes to your vehicle's safety, brakes top the list of systems that need regular checking. If brake service is neglected, you're gambling with your safety, and that of your passengers and other drivers. When was the last time you had your brakes checked?

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Batteries

Does it hurt my car battery if I set it on concrete?

No, the type of plastic (polypropylene) used in battery cases today is a great electrical insulator, therefore cement causes no electrical discharge effect to the battery.

How do I maintain my battery?
Note: Most automotive and commercial starting and Marine/RV batteries are considered Maintenance-Free products under normal operating conditions. However, in the event of an extreme overheat/overcharge situation, the batteries may need to be checked for water loss.

We recommend the following:
 1.  How to check the water level and add water:
If your battery has removable vent caps then they can be pried off with a flat-head screwdriver. Once removed, you will see individual vent wells. Look down into each individual cell to make sure that the water is covering the lead plates and is at the proper level. Add water to any cells that are low on water. Always use distilled water that is available from a supermarket to fill the battery in order to prevent chemicals from contaminating the battery.

2. How to determine the proper water level:
Ideally, the water level should be no higher than just below or to the bottom of the tubes (in a 12-volt battery there are 6 tubes) that go down into the battery.  To avoid damage to the battery, make sure the fluid level never drops below the tops of the lead plates in each of the cells.  Also, avoid adding too much water, which may result in acid overflow and damage around the battery.
NOTE: Battery terminals should be cleaned periodically with a mixture of baking soda and water and wire brush if necessary. The terminals should be rinsed with clean water and then can be coated with a commercially available sealant or high temperature grease.

What are the most common causes of premature battery failures?
A. Deep discharges (leaving your lights on)
B. Misapplication
C. Using an undersized battery
D. Loss of electrolyte due to under-hood heat or overcharging
E. Undercharging or loose alternator belt
F. Excessive vibration (due to loose hold down clamp)   
G. Corrosion
H. Freezing (any fully-charged vehicle battery will not freeze until the temperature is -75 degrees F. Frozen batteries are not warrantable.)
I. Failure to charge a battery during a period of 6 months or more
 
Hart's Auto Repair sells and installs Interstate Batteries for servicing most automobiles and light trucks applications.

General Driving Tips

1. To properly align your driver side mirror, put your head close to the window and position your mirror so you just can see your car.

2. If your mirrors are positioned correctly, a passing car should appear in your side mirror before leaving your rearview mirror. You should also see a passing car in your peripheral vision before leaving the side mirror.

3. Never pump your brakes if you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), and don't be alarmed if the brake pedal pulsates under your foot under hard breaking. ABS systems are designed to operate that way. Just keep your foot planted firmly on the brake pedal and let the ABS system do its job.

4. Adjust your head restraint so that it is between the top of your ears and the top of your head and is as close to your head as possible without pushing it forward or changing the height.

5. When traveling by car, pack a first-aid kit, water, blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.

6. Watch out for deer on the roads, especially in rural areas. Flashing your lights repeatedly will generally scare deer away. Remember deer usually travel in groups.

7. Whenever you turn on your wipers, you should turn on your headlights. In some states it's the law.

8. On vehicles WITHOUT anti-lock braking systems (ABS), if your brakes lock up and cause a skid, let up on the brakes and then brake gently.

9. Always drive into a skid, not against it.

10. You should drive sitting at least 10 inches from the steering wheel.

11. Positioning your hands at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock (or 9 and 3) positions on the steering wheel is recommended.

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