Cold weather can significantly impact the performance of car batteries, often leading to issues in starting vehicles during the winter months. This we find is our #1 call for help with our customers. 

Winter Maintenance Top Tip #1 - Is your car battery fully charged?

At lower temperatures, the chemical reaction within a battery that produces electrical power slows down, reducing the battery's ability to hold and deliver the necessary charge to start an engine. The viscosity of engine oil also increases in cold weather, making the engine harder to turn over and thus requiring the battery to work harder.

Do you know how old your battery is? If it is over 3 years old, then regular checks are important. If you are not going to use your car for an extended period of time, then disconnect the battery. Batteries still discharge even when they are not in use and the usual way to recharge them is when we are driving.

You can also purchase a battery charger for home use if you like to do this yourself. To charge it enough to get you back on the road it could take around 2 hours but to fully recharge, it can take up to 24hrs. Otherwise, have your battery tested regularly. When you have your car serviced with us we always professionally test it and if it fails the test, we can replace at the same time, which is much more convenient then on the roadside in winter.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we can book you in for an overnight recharge of your battery. Either bring in your battery on its own or drop off your car to our workshop in Blackwood, South Australia.

Winter conditions like rain, fog and strong winds can reduce visibility on the roads. If your windscreen isn’t up to scratch because it's not clean inside and out or your wiper blades are damaged and not doing their job or your heater / demister isn’t working, then you are a danger to yourself and other motorists on the road.

Winter Maintenance Tip #2 - Do you have a clear View?

There are anti-fog and rain repellent treatments and windscreen washer additives on the market which may help improve visibility in wet conditions. Don’t forget to top up your windscreen washer fluid regularly.

Wiper blades can often require replacing twice a year depending on your circumstances. An obvious time to replace them is if they become chipped or streak when wiping your windscreen clear of rain, but then that’s a bit late as your visibility is compromised. Replace ASAP. You can extend their life a little by wiping the blades regularly with glass cleaner (and cleaning your windscreen regularly) but winter conditions can easily damage the wiper blades. Never use them to remove frost or ice from your windscreen, simply pour some room temperature water over your windscreen to melt the frost so that you don’t damage the wipers when you switch them on.

Cracked windscreens can also be a hazard as extreme cold can worsen the damage. Or if flying debris from a storm or passing vehicle hits the cracks this could shatter your windscreen. No need to explain how bad that could be, especially during a winter storm.

As mentioned, if your demister or heater isn’t working or working poorly and you are wet when you get into the car the resulting condensation will badly affect your visibility. 

Don’t increase your risk on the road when there are obvious issues that can be easily resolved by you or our workshop. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service your safety is our priority.

Every car should have 5 sound tyres. The Spare should never be the ‘dodgy one’ as you will be relying on it in emergencies. It must be the same size as your main tyres (unless it’s a space saver style) and be regularly pumped up to optimal pressure.

Winter Maintenance Tip #3 - How is your Grip?

Did you know the legal minimum amount of tyre tread in Australia is 1.5mm? In Winter conditions this is just not be enough. If you live rurally or are traveling long distance on varying road surfaces having tyres with good grip is vital. 

Tyres need to channel rainwater as well. In wet conditions the last thing you want is to slide out and end up in a ditch. Mud reduces tyre traction as well. If you live in areas with snow fall you may need different tyres altogether for a few months of the year.

Tyre pressure is also very important. Check your vehicle handbook for the recommended psi (you may also find it on a placard inside the drivers door or fuel flap). Hot and cold temperatures can change the pressure without you realising it. Having the wrong pressure can affect the traction, handling, and overall tyre life. Plus, increase fuel consumption. You can purchase your own tyre pressure gauge or after you have filled up your tank at the servo, check your tyre pressure there and inflate if necessary. 

Have your tyres inspected and tested regularly to identify other issues as well, like wheel alignment and balancing. Hitting gutters and holes in the road along with other rough conditions can affect your wheel alignment. If your tyres wear unevenly, they won’t handle winter road conditions well and you will need to replace your tyres sooner.  Ideally, it is best to replace all tyres at the same time but 2 at a time is also possible. Put the new tyres on the front and the other 2 on the rear for most cars. And check that spare tyre. 

Your toolbox should also have a jack and wheel brace. Take note whether your wheel lock nuts require a special key (which is different to the standard 6-sided shape) to loosen them. Chat with the friendly team at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service to check, repair or replace your tyres.

The chemicals used to make anti-freeze lower the freezing point and help to prevent the water component from freezing which can cause the engine block to crack. Never use a higher anti-freeze to demineralised water ratio than is recommended by the coolant manufacturer.

Winter Maintenance Tip #4 - How is your Radiator coolant mixture and level?

For your safety, please remember you should always check your coolant quality and level when the engine is cold and before you start the motor.
If your coolant looks discoloured it is imperative that you have your radiator inspected and possibly flushed out as any blockages in the system will reduce the radiators performance and damage your engine or cause a breakdown, usually at an inconvenient time.

Never mix your coolants! Just because it’s the same colour, doesn’t mean it’s compatible. Different coolants have different additives. When mixed these can cause a chemical reaction that could cause damage to your engine, cooling system or ancillary parts. When in doubt flush it out, but if you do have to top it up, always use demineralised water and then give us a call to book in a cooling system service.

Just like engine oils, every vehicle manufacturer specifies different types of engine coolants and inhibitors for their vehicles. It’s very important that the correct engine cooling product is used for your vehicle to help maintain its performance and longevity. It’s also critical to preserving your vehicles manufacturer warranty.

We check your radiator and engine cooling system with every service and provide you with a detailed vehicle report which includes pictures* of what we find (*in the digital version). Always feel free to ask our friendly technicians at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service about your car concerns.

Regularly check that all your lights and indicators are working. If you have someone to help you with this it’s an easy thing to do at any time as they can walk around your vehicle while you test the headlights in high or low beam, left and right indicators, brake and reverse lights, park lights, hazard lights etc.

Winter Maintenance Tip #5 - Are the Lights On?

If you need to check this on your own, then ideally this is done in the evening with your car parked facing a wall or garage door. Make sure your handbrake is engaged, then turn your car on but don’t start the engine, this allows all electrical elements of your car to function.

You should be able to check most of the lights without leaving the car as they will be reflected on the wall in front of you, but it never hurts to walk around your vehicle to be sure. When you need to check the rear of your vehicle simply reverse up to the wall/garage door and test the rear lights and indicators.

If the globes seem dim or yellow have them replaced and clean the lights. If your headlights look discoloured and opaque, then consider having a headlight restoration done with a professional chemical solution which is a fraction of the cost to replace them. 

It is a legal requirement that all your lights and indicator’s function. If you are unsure about doing this yourself, don’t hesitate to contact us at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service and we can check them for you with our Driveway Service.

If you live in an area that experiences extremely low temperatures in Winter you may be interested to know that Motor oil can become thickened when cold, reducing its capacity to flow efficiently through your engine. Oils that are typically recommended for modern engines are expressed like this: 5W-20, 5W-30, the ’W’ indicates it is formulated for Winter conditions but can be used all year round. Synthetic oil can also withstand high temperatures, which we know all about here in Australia.

Winter Maintenance Tip #6 - What Oil are you using in your car? 

Unlike conventional oils, Full Synthetic oil doesn’t need time to warm up which provides a greater protection and less wear to your engine each time your turn it on, especially on those very frosty mornings.

P.S. Whenever you have the oil changed you should also have the oil filter replaced to maximise the flow and efficiency of your oil. You may also consider checking hoses as well, as the rubber becomes brittle over time and cold weather can easily cause cracking.

You’re welcome to ask us at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service if you’re confused about which oil is best for your vehicle when you book in your next service with us. We will always use an oil that matches the specifications recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

A must have in your car toolkit is Roadside Assistance Cover. Sometimes despite all your best efforts, things go wrong when you are on the road and having the right roadside insurance cover is the most important of all. 

Winter Maintenance Tip #7 - What is included in your car insurance?

Whether you are driving locally or interstate when your car stops, you often you can’t, because of work commitments or important appointments. Roadside assistance cover can offer services like roadside battery and tyre replacement, car hire while your car is at the mechanics, towing, accommodation if you are a certain distance away from home, windscreen replacement cover and much more. 

Always have your insurance details with you, especially their contact number. This is super easy to add to your smart phone with notes, documents or adding the insurance company’s app to your home screen, otherwise a paper copy or business card in your wallet/handbag is very handy.

Sometimes you may receive member discounts too, so it is worthwhile familiarising yourself with your cover.

We hope these automotive winter maintenance tips have been helpful. If we can assist you further in anyway, don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or concerns. The professional and friendly team at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service are here to help. Open Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we are always looking out for our customers. Here are some Winter Maintence Tips for your vehicle

Winter Car Maintenance Top Tips from Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Winter Car Maintenance Tips from Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

As prescribed by Australian Consumer Law you DO NOT need to take your Ford vehicle back to a dealership for servicing.

If you are undertaking to get a reliable and better priced log book service for your Ford - contact Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service in Blackwood and supply us with a few details about your Ford (e.g the year, model and last service date) and we will be able to produce a competitive quote today.

Worried about breaching your statutory warranty?

You can rest assured - All Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service service technicians are fully trained and qualified. We will only ever use appropriate quality parts as per the manufacturers specifications in our conducting of log book service on a wide range of makes and models, including the following Ford vehicles;

Focus, Sierra, Fairmont, Taurus, Flex, Xr8, F250, Explorer, Transit, Ghia, LTD, Kuga, Courier, Fusion, Tourneo, Cortina, Mondeo, Ka, Bronco, Edge, Fiesta, Ecosport, Ranger, Futura, Thunderbird, Econovan, Festiva, Capri, XTWagon, Pinto, Territory, Mustang, Zodiac, GT, Exhibition, Galaxy, Falcon, Orion, Escort, Laser and Escape.

Arranging a regular service keeps your Ford in top shape.

As a consumer you are permitted to choose where you will send your car for service.

In actual fact you MUST NEVER feel forced into sending your Ford back to a specific car dealer for your scheduled servicing. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service CAN service your Ford vehicle as per the manufacturers specifications, preserving your statutory warranty.

You have the right to decide who will service your car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee.

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service can perform log book service and repairs on a wide range of vehicle types, makes and models in our Blackwood service centre.

You have the right to choose a mechanic for car service. Simply book a service for your Ford or contact Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

You DON'T need to take your Ford back to a dealership for servicing. If you're looking for a reliable log book service for your Ford vehicle contact Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

New car servicing for Ford's in Blackwood

We recommend checking your Pollen / Cabin filter annually. It filters the air that is drawn into the cabin from outside your car. A blocked pollen filter can also be the reason for having low air flow from your interior vents while your air conditioning is working hard. Below you can really see the how much dust and debris is collected by the pollen filter.

Blocked cabin filters can also grow mould or cause bad smells. And when we get our hot northerly winds which bring dust storms in South Australia, your cabin filters will help to capture the dust and pollen, so you breathe easy. You can also have the option of installing a carbon filter, to reduce exhaust fume smells from the car in front of you, fitted in the same place as the standard cabin filter.

Pollen filters can sometimes be located behind the glovebox. Replacement can be done at any time or with your annual car service at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service.  We also highly recommend a MIST treatment which sanitises the entire ventilation system and internal cabin surfaces of your automobile. Giving you and your family, additional protection against airborne and surface germs. 

Keep out the dust, pollen and odours from inside your vehicle. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service recommend checking your Pollen / Cabin filter annually with your car service...

Breathe easier with a new, clean pollen filter for your car's cabin in Blackwood

According to Australian Consumer Law you DON'T have to take your BMW back to a dealership for servicing.

If you're endeavoring to locate a competitive and reliable log book service for your BMW just call Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service and enlighten us to a few details about your BMW (such as year, model and last service date) so we are able to respond with a competitive quote today.

Afraid of losing your statutory warranty?

There's no reason to be - All Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service mechanics are fully trained and qualified. We will use only appropriate quality parts as they are given in the manufacturers specifications while providing log book service on a wide range of makes and models, including the following BMW vehicles;

BMW Convertibles, BMW Z4 Models, BMW X5, BMW G Series, BMW E84 X1, BMW 316i, BMW 323i, BMW X6, BMW 318i, BMW 120i, BMW X1, BMW E60/E61, BMW F Series, BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW M Models, BMW Coupé, BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW z4 Roadster.

Obtaining a regular service keeps your BMW in top repair.

You are given the right to allocate where you take your car for service

The simple fact is you MUST NOT feel you are being forced to return your BMW to the dealership that sold the vehicle for it's regular service.

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service provide Log Book Service and more on a wide range of vehicle types, makes and models right here in Blackwood - simply call us today and tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

You have the right to choose a mechanic for car service. Simply book a service for your BMW or contact Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, tell us about your car and your last service and we can give you a quote today.

You DON'T have to take your BMW back to a dealership for servicing. If you're looking for a reliable log book service for your BMW vehicle contact Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service ...

BMW Log Book Service and Repairs in Blackwood

Are you the proud owner of a hybrid or electric vehicle? Are you wondering where to get it serviced or maintained? Look no further than Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service. We understand that keeping your car in top condition is essential for longevity, performance, and safety

When it comes to servicing a hybrid or electric vehicle, it is important to have a qualified and experienced technician to work on it. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, our mechanics have received updated training and certification to provide top-notch hybrid servicing. Whether your car is a mild, series, parallel, series-parallel or plug-in, we have the knowledge and expertise to take care of it.

While hybrids and electric vehicles have additional components such as an electric motor, generator, and regenerative braking features, they still need to be serviced regularly, just like any other vehicle. Regular servicing allows our expert mechanics to detect issues early on and fix them before they become more serious and expensive to repair. This means reduced downtime for you and better performance and longevity for your car.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, we are committed to providing excellent service for all types of vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars. We check and replace components such as the battery, brakes, suspension, fluids, air filters and tyres, as required with every hybrid service.

It's also essential to have peace of mind that your car's warranty will not be voided. That's why we are authorised to service all new cars, including hybrids, which won't affect your statutory warranty.

If you are considering purchasing a hybrid or electric car and have any questions about maintenance or servicing, don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

In conclusion, whether you are a proud owner of a hybrid or electric car, regular servicing is crucial to keep your vehicle in top condition. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service is your go-to mechanic for hybrid and electric car servicing, ensuring your car runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Book your hybrid service with us today!

Keep your hybrid or electric vehicle in top condition with Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service. Our certified technicians provide top-notch hybrid servicing to ensure longevity, performance, and safety.

Quality Hybrid and Electric Car Servicing - Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Hybrid & EV Car Service in Blackwood - Certified

As drivers become more environmentally aware and look for a more economical, sustainable and efficient vehicle, owning a Hybrid is becoming more popular. While the initial cost is higher than a regular car, it’s the long-term savings that are attractive. 

A small capacity battery is connected to the starter motor and alternator system of a traditional petrol engine motor vehicle that allows it to shut down the internal combustion engine for short periods of time i.e., when stopped at the traffic lights or while coasting downhill, but still providing power to air conditioning, lights and audio.

Mild Hybrids – What are they? How do they work? 

Mild hybrids provide an additional reduction in fuel usage, especially in heavy stop-start traffic, and require no special maintenance or servicing.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Mazda CX-5, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Kia Sportage and Mercedes-Benz C200

This is the simplest drivetrain configuration. Only the electric motor provides power to directly to turn the wheels. The small petrol engine drives an electric generator that both charges a battery and powers an electric motor that moves the vehicle. They work in line with each other and this provides extended driving range.

Series Hybrids – What are they? How do they work?

A computer determines how much of the power comes from the battery or the engine/generator. Both the engine/generator and the use of regenerative braking recharge the battery pack.

The battery in a Series Hybrid is larger than a Parallel model so the purchase cost will be higher as a result. Series hybrids perform at their best during stop-and-go traffic, making them more cost effective to run than petrol and diesel engines.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: BMW i3 REX

These systems have both a combustion engine and an electric motor, connected directly to the wheels, that work together to generate power. They use a smaller battery pack than other Hybrids, relying on regenerative braking to recharge the battery. These hybrids are better suited for highway driving rather than the stop/start of city / suburban driving.

Parallel Hybrids - What are they? How do they work?

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Honda Accord

This is the most common variant of the Hybrid models incorporating both systems and increasing efficiencies. Again, like the Series Hybrid a larger battery is needed, plus a more advanced computer system to manage the extra complexities of running the 2 systems, making the purchase cost higher but reducing the overall running costs. 

Series-Parallel Hybrids - What are they? How do they work?

This design boasts a smoother transition between the 2 motors using a lean burning petrol engine which at low revs would normally lack a lot of power but combined with the electric motor becomes ultra-efficient.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kia Optima

Know as a PHEV or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle primarily uses larger capacity batteries to power a stronger electric motor and another fuel source to power the (ICE) internal combustion engine. 

Plug-In Hybrid - What are they? How do they work?

It has 2 particular features – they can be plugged into an electrical outlet to be charged and can travel on battery power alone (approx. 30-80kms). For longer distances, when the battery is nearly depleted the car would automatically switch over to your (ICE) internal combustion engine. The battery can then be charged by regenerative braking or by your petrol engine while driving (this is not as efficient as plugging in). 

A real plus for Plug-In Hybrids is that when in fully electric mode you experience emission-free driving, great for the environment and perfect for short commutes around your local area.

Examples of these types of vehicles are: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, Range Rover Sport PHEV, Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we are automotive service and repair experts, which includes all types of cars, whether they be hybrid, petrol or diesel vehicles. If you have any questions about hybrid maintenance prior to purchasing a new or pre owned car, call us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have!

And don’t forget, we are authorised to service all new cars which won’t void your statutory warranty.

At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service we are automotive service and repair experts, which includes all types of cars, whether they be hybrid, petrol or diesel vehicles.

Types of Electric Hybrid Vehicles we regularly service at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Types of Electric Hybrids we service at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle, finding a qualified technician to service it is crucial for longevity, performance and safety. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, our certified mechanics have the expertise and knowledge to provide top-notch hybrid servicing. From mild, series, parallel, series-parallel or plug-in cars, we can take care of it all.

Regular servicing of your hybrid or electric car is vital to detect issues early on and prevent costly repairs in the future. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, we offer comprehensive servicing to check and replace components such as the battery, brakes, suspension, fluids, air filters, and tyres. You can also have peace of mind knowing that your car's warranty won't be voided as we are authorised to service all new cars, including hybrids.

If you're considering purchasing a hybrid or electric car, contact us today for more information about maintenance or servicing. Trust Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service to keep your hybrid or electric vehicle running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Book your hybrid service with us now!

Regular hybrid and electric car servicing is essential for longevity, performance and safety. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service, our certified mechanics provide top-notch servicing and maintenance to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today for more information or to book your hybrid service.

Hybrid & Electric Car Servicing Expert Technicians in Blackwood

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Blackwood Dyno Tune and Service is a family owned and operated business that has been servicing the needs of motorists in the southern Adelaide metropolitan area since 1993.

We are proud to display the signs of RAA Approved Repairer and Motor Trade Association of South Australia. We have been certified and approved by these organisations and abide by the strict code of practice that such accreditation requires. You can feel assured that your vehicle is in excellent hands.

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Hybrid & EV Service

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