🔥 Full Car Service Special — Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 $169 · 5W-30 $179
Includes oil & filter change, air filter inspection, brake inspection, suspension & steering check, exhaust/belts/hoses inspection, all lights checked, tyre pressure check & adjustment, fluids topped up, and a FREE car wash & vacuum.
When Did You Last Check Your Fluids?
Every service includes a full fluid check — level and condition, at no extra cost.
📍 8/61 Wattle Road, Maidstone VIC 3012Engine Oil
Oil lubricates the engine's moving metal parts and carries heat away from them. It's the fluid most owners already know about, but the mistake is judging it by distance alone — short-trip, stop-start driving degrades oil faster than the same distance covered on a longer, steadier drive. Check the level monthly with the dipstick when the engine's cold; change it at the interval your logbook specifies, or sooner if your driving is mostly short trips.
Coolant
Coolant circulates through the engine and radiator to keep operating temperature stable, and it also contains corrosion inhibitors that protect internal metal components. Check the level in the plastic overflow reservoir (never the radiator cap itself while hot) every few months. A coolant level that keeps dropping without a visible leak is worth investigating — it doesn't just disappear on its own.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid transmits the force from your foot on the pedal to the calipers at each wheel. Unlike oil, it doesn't burn off or get "used up" — if the level in the reservoir is low, fluid has escaped somewhere in the system, which is a genuine safety concern. Check the level visually at each service; a mechanic will also check its condition, since brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and needs periodic replacement even if the level looks fine.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates the gearbox and, in automatics, also provides the hydraulic pressure that actually shifts gears. Many owners are told it's "sealed for life" and never check it — in practice, this varies by model, and fluid that's overdue for a change is a common cause of jerky or delayed gear changes. See our FAQ on why a car jerks or hesitates when changing gears for more.
Power Steering Fluid
On cars with hydraulic (rather than electric) power steering, this fluid allows the steering to turn with light effort. A low level often shows up as heavier, stiffer steering, sometimes with a whining noise when turning at low speed. Not all modern cars have this system — many now use electric power steering, which doesn't require fluid at all.
The pattern to remember: Oil and coolant naturally need periodic topping up and replacement. Brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid should stay at a stable level — if any of these keeps dropping, that's a leak, not normal consumption, and worth having checked.
Not sure how to check any of these yourself? Every Highpoint Mechanical service includes a full fluid check as part of the free safety inspection.
When Did You Last Check Your Fluids?
Every service includes a full fluid check — level and condition, at no extra cost.
📍 8/61 Wattle Road, Maidstone VIC 3012