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We wish to advise that we will be closed between Easter and Anzac Day

Chinchilla Show Holiday

Critch Automotive Group take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Chinchilla, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

Critch Automotive Group have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

As your local Mechanic in Chinchilla, Critch Automotive Group take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. Critch Automotive Group is a family owned business and have been servicing Chinchilla, QLD and the surrounding suburbs of Dalby, Miles, Wandoan, Taroom, Jandowae since 2017. We have deep roots in our communities and a strong commitment to exceeding our customer expectations. Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and diesel vehicles.  Flexible Payment Options - Critch Automotive Group know that budgets are getting stretch but your safety should not be put on the back burner. With this in mind we offer all our customers the opportunity for them to use services like Afterpay to manage servicing costs in easy part payments.  Additional services we provide are: 4WD service Air Filtration Services Battery Check & Replacement - We stock Exide Batteries Belts & Hoses Brake & Clutch Caravan & Trailers Car Heating Clutch Service Cooling System Service CV Joints & Boots Diesel Repairs Diagnostic & Tune EFI Fleet Servicing Solutions Power Steering Pre-Purchase Inspections Roadworthy Inspections - Can be arranged Safety Inspections Shock Absorber service Steering Suspension Tyre Sales, Fitting & Repairs - Maxtrek & Federal Wheel Balancing Windscreens & Glass - Can be arranged We have ample free parking in and around our workshop. We also offer a free Pick up and drop off service for vehicles and customers within the local area. Meet Our Team As an independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. For friendly service from a trusted independent, you can rely on the team at Critch Automotive Group, call us today to book in for a service or repair.

As your local Mechanic in Chinchilla, Critch Automotive Group take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

Car Service in Chinchilla

Keeping your vehicle in top condition is essential, especially when it comes to the radiator. Here are five key things every car owner should know, brought to you by Critch Automotive Group. 1. Understand the Main Components The radiator is crucial for regulating your car's temperature. Key components include: Core: The central part where coolant circulates. Tanks: Usually on either side of the core, storing excess coolant. Fins: Attached to the core to increase the surface area for heat dissipation. Hoses: Connect the radiator to the engine to transfer coolant. Understanding these components helps you identify issues quickly and ensures you know what's happening under the bonnet. 2. Recognise Common Symptoms of Radiator Issues Your radiator might not always be top of mind until a problem arises. Watch out for these symptoms: Overheating Engine: If your car frequently overheats, the radiator may not be functioning correctly. Coolant Leaks: Puddles of coolant under your car suggest a leak. Sludge Build-up: Rust or sludge in the radiator affects its performance. Low Coolant Levels: If you're topping up the coolant often, there could be a problem. Early detection of these symptoms can save you from costly repairs down the track. 3. Regular Maintenance is Key Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure your radiator functions effectively. Here’s what you can do: Check Coolant Levels: Regularly check and top up your coolant as needed. Inspect for Leaks: Periodically check for any signs of coolant leaks. Clean the Radiator: Debris and dirt can reduce efficiency, so keep the radiator clean. Flush the System: Every couple of years, flush the radiator to remove any build-up of rust or sediment. Routine maintenance will extend the life of your radiator and improve your car’s performance. 4. The Importance of Using the Right Coolant Using the correct coolant type is crucial. It helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can damage the radiator. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual or consult with Critch Automotive Group for advice on the right type of coolant for your car. 5. Know When to Seek Professional Help While DIY maintenance can be helpful, sometimes it's best to call in the professionals. If you notice persistent issues or symptoms that you're unsure how to handle, seek expert advice from Critch Automotive Group. Our knowledgeable team in Chinchilla is ready to assist with any radiator problems you may encounter. By understanding these essential aspects of radiator care, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns. For expert advice and assistance, trust Critch Automotive Group to keep your radiator in top shape.

Discover crucial radiator maintenance tips for car owners in Chinchilla. Learn about parts, symptoms, and care with Critch Automotive Group. Keep your vehicle running smoothly.

5 Things Every Car Owner Should Know About Their Radiator

Keep your cool, without global warming. A proactive car air conditioning approach to protecting our environment.  As Australia begins phasing down HFC use (from January 2018), many new vehicle manufacturers may be switching to new air conditioning systems using the more environmentally friendly refrigerant R-1234yf, instead of R-134a. The benefits of using R-1234yf "Twelve Thirty Four", as R-1234yf is sometimes known, is an HFO type refrigerant delivering high performance, resulting in a more efficient air-conditioning system, fewer emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFO's) have a double carbon bond meaning they trap less heat in the atmosphere than Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) and break down faster. Importantly, R-1234yf systems are specifically engineered to prevent refrigerant leakage and loss, including into the interior of the vehicle. The leakage of refrigerants contributes considerably to greenhouse gases. Why the switch? Older type refrigerants accumulate in the upper atmosphere as greenhouse gases and contribute significantly to Global Warming for a considerable time. In the mid-'90s, the old R-12 (or Freon), which takes a long time to break down into a non-greenhouse gas, was replaced with R134a, which breaks down much quicker. R-1234yf takes that improvement to the next level, breaking down in less than half the time of R-134a (and a fraction of the time R-12 can take). R-134a will remain in use for some time and a licensed mechanic can still service R-134a air con systems, but new vehicles will likely use the new systems with R-1234yf. Some already are. Irrespective of what type of refrigerant your car air conditioner uses, a car service workshop undertaking air conditioner service must have the right knowledge and equipment to handle these gases responsibly. You should always take your car to a mechanic with the skills and specialist equipment to undertake air conditioning service safely and correctly.

There's a new gas in town

Trust, experience & knowledge ... You can rely on your Local and Independent Repco Authorised Service centre, Critch Automotive Group to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Critch Automotive Group use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods. What’s more, our fully qualified technicians have access to the latest service information, bulletins and training through the Australia wide Repco Auto Tech program. We provide a full range of automotive services right here in Chinchilla and surrounding areas, all backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty and fully supported at over 500 Service Centres right across Australia. So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods.

Critch Automotive Group - Our expertise & knowledge

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Critch Automotive Group in Chinchilla are very knowledgeable and experienced in looking after these systems.  It is recommended that you exchange your radiator coolant fluid every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However the size of the engine, the climate in your area, the age of your current coolant, and the total miles that have been driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator. Knowing when to replenish your radiator fluid isn't always easy - obviously, when it has gone a dirty brown colour it's a sign it probably needs to be flushed and replaced - however even fresh-looking coolant could have lost its corrosion protection properties and without measuring its reserve alkalinity there's no signal that it is no longer protecting your vehicle components, and it could even be doing more damage than good. Maintaining good coolant means your radiator system will be much better protected from corrosion and will have a longer life span, it will help prevent you from having to replace expensive engine components. At Critch Automotive Group in Chinchilla at your request, we will perform a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service. Part of this inspection includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will advise you if we feel a radiator flush, fluid replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Even if it looks clean, your coolant still might need replacing!

Radiator Coolant

Faulty and low charge batteries are to be avoided. Don't wait till you're stranded somewhere on the side of the road, hoping for a jump start. It is easy to have your car, bike, truck battery tested or charged up at Critch Automotive Group in Chinchilla.  Often issues occur because we have all reduced how much we drive or decided to only rely on one car (as petrol prices skyrocket!) and have left the other in the garage. But did you know that batteries can still discharge even when your car isn't in use? - ask Critch Automotive Group about a battery test today!  Our technicians do a battery load test as part of the 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes free with every car service. If you have concerns, we can do a stand-alone battery test and inspection right here in Chinchilla. Car Battery FAQ How do I know if my battery is getting flat or low? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include: Vehicle is slow to start Engine won't start Dash Lights work, but engine won't start Constantly needing a jump start Film or corrosion on the battery Cracked swollen or leaky battery Rotten egg smell under the hood Do I need a new car battery? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.

Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at {{{businessName}}} Does a flat battery use more fuel? Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel. Where can I buy a new car battery? Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, {{{businessName}}} have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? {{{businessName}}} can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose {{{businessName}}} for a battery test? If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like {{{businessName}}} rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues. There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues! Can my car battery be recharged? Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at {{{businessName}}} about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself. Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Can I fit my battery myself? The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module). Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset. Talk to {{{businessName}}} today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.

Critch Automotive Group

Cars are our passion.

Car Service in Chinchilla

5 Things Every Car Owner Should Know About Their Radiator

There's a new gas in town

Critch Automotive Group - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

Car Battery Testing and FAQ