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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Tuesday the 20th of December and reopening on Wednesday the 11th of January

As your local mechanic in Colac, VIC 3250, Paatsch Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. 

Our Colac car service mechanics specialise in RWC, Air Conditioning, Mechanical Repairs, wheel alignments and much more. A top level mechanic, Paatsch Automotive also perform new car servicing and log book servicing, ensuring your vehicle is in safe hands. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship. Enrolled in the Repco Auto Tech training program, Paatsch Automotive makes sure each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Brake pads are a vital component of your vehicle's braking system, directly influencing your safety and that of your passengers. Located in the heart of Colac, Paatsch Automotive specialises in maintaining the optimal performance of these essential elements to ensure your vehicle is always road-ready, especially during the unpredictable wet weather seasons. How Do Brake Pads Work? Simply put, brake pads are the components that apply pressure and friction to your vehicle's brake rotors—the flat, shiny discs you might have noticed behind your wheels. This pressure is what slows down your car and brings it to a stop. Every time you press the brake pedal, the brake pads work hard to ensure a smooth, safe stop. This is why understanding and maintaining the health of your brake pads is not something to overlook. The Importance of Rubber Thickness for Wet Weather When it comes to driving in wet conditions, the thickness of the brake pad's rubber is crucial. For optimal performance, brake pads should have at least 3 millimetres of material. Below this, the efficiency of your brakes significantly decreases, posing a safety risk. Thinner brake pads are less effective at displacing water and generate less friction, crucial for stopping the vehicle promptly. At Paatsch Automotive, we emphasise the importance of regular inspections to ensure that your brake pads meet this safety standard, especially before entering the rainy season in Colac. Dangers of Irregular Inspections Neglecting regular brake pad inspections can lead to several dangerous situations. Over time, brake pads wear down from use. If they're not checked and replaced when needed, you could be at risk. Here are three damaging consequences of worn or missing brake pads: 1. Reduced Braking Efficiency: Worn brake pads cannot create enough friction with the brake rotors, increasing stopping distances especially critical in emergency situations.
2. Damage to Brake Rotors: Without adequate padding, the metal of the brake calipers and the rotor can grind together, causing costly damage and potentially requiring the entire braking system to be overhauled.
3. Increased Accident Risk: Ultimately, the reduction in your vehicle’s ability to brake quickly and efficiently increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in slippery conditions. Components of a Braking System Understanding the broader context of how brake pads fit into your vehicle’s braking system can help appreciate their importance. A typical braking system includes: - Brake Pads: The friction material pressed against the rotors to slow down the vehicle.
- Brake Rotors/Discs: Large discs that sit inside the wheels. The brake pads clamp onto these to stop the car.
- Calipers: The component that squeezes the brake pads against the rotors.
- Brake Lines: Tubes that carry brake fluid, the essential medium that moves the components of the braking system. At Paatsch Automotive in Colac, our aim is to educate and service our community's vehicles to the highest standard. Whether you're experiencing issues with your braking system, preparing for the wet season, or simply due for a regular check-up, our team is here to ensure your safety on the road with comprehensive brake services. Remember, maintaining your brake pads is not just about prolonging the life of your vehicle—it's about protecting the lives of those inside it.

Ensure your safety with Paatsch Automotive's expert brake pad services in Colac. Learn the vital role of brake pads and how proper maintenance prevents accidents.

Understanding Brake Pads 

We can perform fully qualified log book servicing on a wide range of makes and models including: Holden, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Hyundai, Honda, Kia - and many more. The best way to keep your car running safely and reliably as well as maintain your statutory new car warranty is to carry out regular log book servicing. What are the typical intervals or mileage requirements for scheduling a logbook service? Logbook services are typically scheduled at intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer, which can range from every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or every six to twelve months, depending on the vehicle model, driving conditions, and maintenance requirements. We don't have to have a physical log book in order to do a Log Book Service - it just means we follow the manufacturers guidelines. We can certainly provide you with a log book to help you record your cars service history, which will be a benefit if you ever decide to sell your vehicle. Want to know more about log book servicing - click here How does a logbook service ensure that a vehicle remains in warranty compliance? A logbook service ensures that a vehicle remains in warranty compliance by adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, using approved parts and procedures. This systematic approach maintains the vehicle's condition, preventing potential warranty disputes due to neglect or improper servicing. Many people believe they must go back to a car dealership for New Car Log Book servicing in order to maintain the warranty. Actually, the ACCC have consistently confirmed that under Australian Law, you are free to have your car service carried out by a mechanic or service centre of your choice provided they are qualified to do so. See our video to learn more.  What specific components and systems are checked and maintained during a logbook service? During a logbook service, specific components and systems such as the engine, brakes, steering, suspension, and electrical systems are checked and maintained. Fluid levels, filters, and belts are also inspected to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and maintain vehicle warranty. To book your log book service in with Paatsch Automotive simply book online or call today! FAQ's What is a Log Book Service? A Log Book Service is a service that follows the Manufacturers specifications as per the service book and is stamped by us at every service. Why do I need a log book service? A log book service is required to maintain your Warranty on your new vehicle and maintain the overall good performance of your car.  What happens if I miss a Service? If you have missed your service then book it in for a service as soon as possible and get your log book back up to date. Do you have Loan cars and how much do they cost? Paatsch Automotive do offer Loan Cars. They need to be booked in advance. We charge a small amount to cover fuel and running costs. Please call us for more details. Will I lose my New Car Warranty if I don't go back to the dealer? No, as long as you take your car to an authorised workshop that perform Log Book Servicing then you won't lose your new car warranty.  Under the Australian Consumer Law there is no requirement for a vehicle to be serviced by an authorized dealer in order for the consumer guarantees and manufacturer’s warranty to apply, provided the service is done in accordance with the specified requirements by a qualified mechanic or service centre. Paatsch Automotive is fully qualified to service new vehicles. We have more information on this for you in our article. Please click here. I have lost my Log Book, do I need it? Your Log Book is not required but it does provide you with a physical record of all your services. If you have lost it contact the dealership for a replacement. Do you provide a report for the work you have done? or a report of what's wrong with my car? Paatsch Automotive always provides you with a detailed report on work carried out on your vehicle and also notes any outstanding work that is required or needs attention. How long will the service take? We usually like to have your car for at least half a day or if its a major service the whole day. Sometimes an overnight stay is required but we will keep you up to date throughout the day. How much will my service cost? Service costs for your vehicle depend on the make, model and what service it is up to. Provide us with details like make. model. year, km's and when last serviced and we can provide you with a quote. How can I pay for my Service? We accept payment via EFTPOS, cash or direct deposit prior to or at the time of pick up from our Colac workshop. Can I drop off my car after hours and is there a secure key drop off box after hours? Yes, you can conveniently drop off your car after hours for a service or repair. You are welcome to park it at the back of our premises, lock it up and put the key in our secure lock box. Naturally, please advise our staff at the time of booking of this arrangement. Can I collect my car after hours? Yes, you can arrange to collect your car after hours. We will contact you when work is completed on your vehicle so you can make payment over the phone and then we can make arrangements for key collection. Can you pick up my car from home? Please call us to discuss this option as it is not usually a service we offer. Can you drop me home when I deliver my car for servicing or repair? We usually suggest a Taxi or the use of our Loan cars, however, please discuss this with our staff at time of booking and we may be able to assist. What happens if something is not right after my car service? We take great pride in our work, but if something doesn't seem quite right then contact us as soon as possible during business hours. You have the added assurance of our REPCO Nationwide Warranty if you find yourself out of town.  Will you give me reminders when my next sercive is due? Details for you next service are printed on your invoice. We suggest you enter this into your phone's calendar to remind you.  Can my car be serviced at the same time it is repaired? Your car can always be serviced at the same time as your repair work. Let us know at the time of booking that you would like to do this so we can allocate enough time and staff to get this done. How do I book in a Service? You can make a booking enquiry here on our website 24/7 and one of our friendly staff will be in contact or you can visit our Colac workshop or call during business hours. How often should I really service my car? We recommend a service every 6 months to keep your car running well. However, every 12 months is a must. I don't drive much, do I still need a service? Yes your car still needs a regular service even if you don't drive much. Things can seize or breakdown over time. Can you fix other things while my car is being serviced? During your service we may discover issues which need attention. We will contact you and discuss them. On approval we will repair them while your car is in our workshop being serviced. Depending on the issue we may be able to fix same day. Can you wash my car? On request we can wash your car while it is in our Colac workshop. What type of oils and parts do you use? We always use good quality oils and parts during servicing as per manufacturers specifications. Do you check my brakes during a service? Your brakes are always checked at every service and the condition / thickness of your brake pads is reported on your invoice.

The best way to keep your car running safely and reliably as well as maintain your statutory new car warranty is to carry out regular log book servicing...

Log Book Service in Colac

Are you ready to hit the road with confidence? We’re giving 21 lucky winners the chance to win a $100 voucher for Repco Authorised Service! That’s one winner every day for 21 days. Whether your car needs a service, a tune-up, or just a little TLC, this is your chance to get it sorted – on us! All you need to do is hop on over to www.repcoservice.com and go on a little hunt... if you find the easter egg - make a note of what page it's on and then enter your favourite road trip destination! 
A little hint - You might CHOOSE US if you need a LOGBOOK SERVICE!
Happy Hunting ! 

We’re giving 21 lucky winners the chance to win a $100 voucher for Repco Authorised Service!

Win $100 off your next service!

Paatsch Automotive in Colac are Licensed Vehicle Testers and are able to to issue Certificates of Roadworthiness and can also perform RACV Pre-purchse Inspections where required. Bring your car in to our well equipped workshop or Book a Roadworthy Inspection Online today. Paatsch Automotive are a VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester  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). Pre-Purchase Inspection A roadworthy inspection is not a pre-purchase inspection and does not take into account the overall condition or mechanical reliability of the vehicle. If you are thinking of purchasing a 2nd hand or pre owned vehicle then a pre purchase inspection gives you comprehensive details of the general condition or value of the vehicle if desired, so consider arranging for a separate independent pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind. Certificate of Roadworthiness 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 required 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...

Do you need a Roadworthy Certificate?

Paatsch Automotive are European Car Servicing Specialists Paatsch Automotive have the knowledge and expertise to provide repairs, diagnostics and service on all European and Luxury vehicles including Alfa Romeo - Audi - BMW - Citroen - Ferrari - Fiat - Land Rover - Mercedes Benz - Mini Cooper - Peugeot - Lexus - Porsche - Volvo and many more in our well appointed Colac car service centre. Why do I need to consult a European car specialist? Maintaining and servicing European cars requires a specialised knowledge of their finely tuned engines and distinct craftsmanship. To ensure your vehicle is being serviced to the standard it deserves, it's best to consult a European car specialist. We are Repco Auto-Tech training programme members - Australia's leading provider of automotive technical training and information, so you can rest easy that Paatsch Automotive are completely up to date with all modern vehicle servicing techniques. Through the Auto-Tech encyclopaedia and SmartQuote programs Paatsch Automotive have easy access to the corect service schedules for all Luxury and Euro makes and models. Our expert technicians know exactly how to undertake the care of all European and Luxury Vehicles, whether it be using European car specific software for diagnosis or choosing the right quality parts. We take care of your Luxury investments with qualified European car experience and guarantee excellent services. Be it Audi, BMW, or any other European car service, we guarantee that our technicians are highly knowledgeable in every area. Book a service today and let us help you.

Paatsch Automotive have the knowledge and expertise to provide repairs, diagnostics and service on all European and Luxury vehicles....

European and Luxury car service

Paatsch Automotive suggest these safe winter driving tips Drive Safe this Winter by having a Safety Vehicle Inspection Report conducted on your vehicle. Paatsch Automotive in Colac offer a Vehicle Inspection Report free with every service. 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. This allows us to identify any concerns which may need to be attended before winter so that you can drive safely. Be prepared! Can you see the road during the rain? We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers on the first rainy day and suddenly remember you haven't checked them in months! Constant exposure to the Australian conditions means your wipers will wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Paatsch Automotive can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car. Don't let your car run dry in the wet! Fluids and other components in your car can be impacted by cold weather; this includes coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's important to have your car serviced regularly by someone qualified to understand the correct parts and products to keep your car in top condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.   Know how to drive in bad weather conditions Remember to always drive to the 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. Can you stop in time? Keep a look out for the warning signs that your brakes need some attention, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing any of these it's best to have a qualified professional check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in. Driving on worn tyres is dangerous. Now is the time to check how much tread your tyres have left. If your tyres are wearing 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:  Tyres and Wheel Service Shock Absorber Auto Facts Steering and CV Boots Braking and Disc Pads Driving on tyres which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your stopping ability. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Drive Safe this Winter with a Vehicle Inspection Report from Paatsch Automotive in Colac

Paatsch Automotive

Cars are our passion.

Understanding Brake Pads

Log Book Service in Colac

Win $100 off your next service!

Do you need a Roadworthy Certificate?

European and Luxury car service

Want to drive safe this winter?