MTA-WA

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We advise that we will be closed Monday the 5th of June for Western Australia Day reopening Tuesday the 6th of June.

Serving customers for 25 years,  Dowsetts Automotive Services (MRB4351) welcomes you to our spacious workshop in Albany.

Providing expert car services and all general mechanical repairs, Dowsetts Automotive Services is serving you from a very accessible location on the corner of Sanford and Stead roads in Albany. 

Selling and fitting batteries and other motor replacement parts, Dowsetts Automotive Services are also an agent and distributor for Kumho tyres. Using the most up to date scanning and diagnostic tools, our mechanics provide expert Wheel Alignments and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) service and we are skilled tyre specialists as well.

Ensuring that your vehicle comes to a quick and safe halt is of utmost importance, and it all boils down to the performance of your car's braking and suspension systems.  At Dowsetts Automotive Services in Albany, our utmost priority is ensuring your safety on the road. We understand the value of your safety and have gone to great lengths to ensure that our services meet the highest safety standards. In light of this, we have made significant investments in the acquisition of the latest and most sophisticated technology - a state-of-the-art Safe-T-Stop testing machine.  Have you been experiencing a disconcerting sensation of swaying and wobbling when maneuvering corners or noticed that your vehicle's braking performance has not been up to its usual standard? Worry not, as there is a solution that will effectively address these issues. A Safe-T-Stop test will soon have your braking back on track. When it comes to the safety of your family, it is crucial to take every possible precaution. That is why we highly recommend the Safe-T-Stop test. This innovative service offers a comprehensive safety test that far surpasses the standard check and road test. With advanced scientific testing, it analyses your braking capacity to ensure maximum stopping performance, providing you with an extra layer of protection on the road. A Safe-T-Stop test is carried out on the electronically accurate PlateTronic test equipment. You vehicle undergoes the highly reliable Safe-T-Stop test, which measures a vehicle's brake performance in real-life scenarios that simulate emergency stops on the road. These test lanes are electronically accurate and ensure that a vehicle's brakes are in optimal working condition, capable of responding efficiently to unforeseen circumstances. Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition help you save money by minimising tyre drag and tyre wear which can increase fuel costs. (http://www.repcoservice.com/our-services/tyres-and-wheel-service) By undergoing a thorough and comprehensive Safe-T-Stop inspection, you can be assured that our highly qualified technicians at Dowsetts Automotive Services will provide you with a detailed and precise printed report that contains all the crucial information you need to know about your vehicle's safety. Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at http://www.safetstop.com.au  or visit www.repcoservice.com for more about Shock Absorbers or Brake Service. Book your safe-t-stop test online or call Dowsetts Automotive Services today.

Car not braking the way it used to? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon have your braking back on track...

Safe-t-stop vs road test

Getting Ready for the Summer Holidays with Regular Car Servicing The summer holidays are just around the corner, and with the festive season comes the excitement of family road trips and sun-drenched getaways. Before you set off on your journey, ensuring your vehicle is in top condition is crucial. This is where regular car servicing comes into play, particularly when planning a summer adventure in Albany, Australia. Let's explore why booking your car service early with Dowsetts Automotive Services is a smart decision and how regular maintenance can provide peace of mind during your travels. Book Early to Beat the Christmas Rush As the holidays approach, many workshops, including Dowsetts Automotive Services, experience a surge in demand for car servicing. Most workshops close over the Christmas period, which means the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a slot before the rush. An early booking ensures your vehicle receives the attention it needs, avoiding last-minute stress and potential delays in your travel plans. Getting ahead with your car service not only guarantees availability but also provides ample time for any necessary repairs or adjustments. This proactive approach keeps your car in optimal condition, allowing you to enjoy a safe and hassle-free holiday journey. The Importance of Air Conditioning Service As temperatures soar, having a well-functioning air conditioning system is essential for a comfortable drive. Dowsetts Automotive Services understands the importance of an efficient air conditioning system, especially during the Australian summer. With their Arctick Authorisation (AU39181), they conduct automotive air conditioning regas, repairs, servicing, and inspections responsibly and reliably. Caring for the environment is a priority at Dowsetts Automotive Services, which is why they follow stringent guidelines for air conditioning services. Regular maintenance not only ensures a pleasant cabin temperature but also contributes to reducing your vehicle's carbon footprint. Keeping your cool with less fuel is an achievable goal with proper air conditioning care. More Routine Mechanical Tasks for Safety and Reliability Regular car servicing is about more than just maintaining air conditioning. A comprehensive service covers various mechanical tasks that ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. Here are some key maintenance tasks typically performed during a routine service at Dowsetts Automotive Services: 1. Oil and Filter Change: 
Fresh oil and a clean filter keep your engine running smoothly, improving fuel efficiency and prolonging engine life. 2. Brake Inspection and Repair: 
Ensuring your brakes are in perfect working condition is paramount for safety, especially on long drives. 3. Tyre Check and Rotation: 
Proper tyre maintenance, including rotation and balancing, enhances traction and prolongs tyre life, reducing the risk of blowouts on hot summer roads. 4. Battery Check: 
A reliable battery is crucial for starting your car in hot conditions. Regular checks prevent unexpected breakdowns. 5. Fluid Top-Ups: 
Essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are checked and topped up to maintain vehicle performance. 6. Belt and Hose Inspection: 
Checking for wear and tear on belts and hoses prevents breakdowns and costly repairs. By addressing these mechanical aspects, Dowsetts Automotive Services ensures your car is ready for the demands of holiday driving. Regular servicing keeps your vehicle in peak condition, reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues during your trip. Peace of Mind with Professional Service Entrusting your vehicle to a professional mechanic provides unparalleled peace of mind. Dowsetts Automotive Services is a family-owned business that prides itself on offering friendly and reliable car service. As a member of the Repco Authorised Service network, they deliver high-quality maintenance backed by a nationwide warranty. This warranty offers additional security, knowing that wherever your travels take you, you're covered. The assurance of having a professional team support your vehicle adds an extra layer of confidence to your holiday plans. Why Regular Servicing is Essential  Let's explore why booking your car service early with Dowsetts Automotive Services is a smart decision and how regular maintenance can provide peace of mind during your travels. Moreover, keeping up with your vehicle's logbook schedule maintains its warranty validity. Dowsetts Automotive Services is fully qualified to service new cars, ensuring that your warranty remains intact while adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines. As you prepare for the summer holidays, don't overlook the importance of regular car servicing. Booking early with Dowsetts Automotive Services ensures your vehicle is road-trip ready, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones. From air conditioning service to routine mechanical checks, their expert team is dedicated to providing reliable and environmentally responsible care for your car. Choose Dowsetts Automotive Services for your car servicing needs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is in the hands of trusted professionals. Get ready for a summer filled with adventure and relaxation, knowing that your car is prepared to take you wherever the road leads.

Discover why early car servicing is essential for a stress-free summer holiday in Australia. Learn about the benefits of regular maintenance and how Dowsetts Automotive Services ensures your car is road-trip ready…

Preparing Your Car for the Summer Holidays

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, Dowsetts Automotive Services to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Dowsetts Automotive Services 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 Albany 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.

Dowsetts Automotive Services - Our expertise & knowledge

Dowsetts Automotive Services (AU39181) are the logical choice to take charge of all your Car Air Conditioner  Repairs, Servicing and Inspection needs in Albany and the surrounding areas. Today's automobiles are marvels of intricate engineering, teeming with sophisticated systems and components. Among these, the air conditioning system stands out as a critical feature requiring regular attention, much like the engine itself.  To maintain peak performance and ensure a dependable, efficient cooling experience, it is imperative to routinely service and occasionally replace parts within the vehicle's air conditioning system. This not only preserves the comfort of passengers but also extends the longevity of the system, safeguarding the overall functionality of the vehicle. Leaks or evaporation of refrigerant can significantly impact the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Over time, these issues force the system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased fuel consumption and accelerated wear and tear. Thus, it is crucial to routinely inspect the condition of the rubber seals for any indications of leaks or cracks. These tiny fractures could be the culprits behind the loss of refrigerant, compromising the performance of your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance checks ensure that your air con remains in optimal condition, ultimately saving you from higher operational costs and potential breakdowns. Scheduling an annual service for your car's air conditioning system is a prudent decision that can save you from expensive repairs down the line. Regular maintenance not only ensures the system's longevity but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of your passengers. By preventing the accumulation of harmful substances such as mould and bacteria, you contribute to a healthier cabin environment.  Additionally, a well-maintained air conditioning unit enhances fuel efficiency, leading to significant savings on fuel costs over time. So, it's not just about comfort; it's a smart investment in your vehicle’s overall performance and your wallet's health. Dowsetts Automotive Services care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation (AU39181) to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning regas, repair, servicing and inspection. Air conditioning FAQ How do air conditioners work? A car air conditioner system is composed of four essential parts : A belt-driven pump known as a compressor to compress and circulate gas. A radiator like unit called a condenser to redistribute heat and condense gas to a liquid. An expansion device, which could be a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube (subject to the kind of air-con system used). Some systems have an accumulator before the compressor to remove moisture from the refrigerant while TXV systems have a receiver-dryer before the evaporator performs the same crucial task. Both of these parts also store refrigerant. Car air conditioning is designed to pull the heat from the air within the car's interior area and transfer it outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. Hot air is passed across a gas-filled evaporator, where the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car. The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression). The next stage involves the refrigerant being forced through the condenser to extract the refrigerant's heat quickly. The refrigerant, now condensed to a liquid, then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the refrigerant's flow to the evaporator, changing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist (gas). A fan blowing over the evaporator's cold fins produces the cold air being blown into the car, and the entire process then begins all over again. Does the car air conditioner use more fuel? Yes! Your car air conditioning is using fuel. However, it's actually more fuel efficient to run car air conditioning than it is to have your windows down due to aerodynamic drag. If your air conditioning isn't performing its best, it may use more fuel to run. To avoid this, it's important that you have your air conditioning serviced regularly by professionals, like the ones at Dowsetts Automotive Services.  What's the cause of the bad smell in car air conditioning? The damp environment can promote microbes, bacteria and even fungus growth inside the evaporator core. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Although modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, they have more fins, meaning an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development. How do I know my car air conditioning is due for a service? If you cannot remember when your air conditioning was last serviced, perhaps it's time to book in with the team at Dowsetts Automotive Services. You should also book in if: Your air conditioning system is blowing warm air There are damp patches or water stains under your dashboard Your car air conditioning system smells funny Your car air conditioning system is making strange noises There is weak air flow from the car air conditioning system Why does the car air conditioner need to be serviced? Car air conditioning is designed to pull the heat from the air within the interior area of the car outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. This is achieved using a special compound called refrigerant, capable of readily absorbing heat as a gas and quickly losing heat as a liquid. The compressor needs the right amount of oil in the refrigerant to prevent it from seizing up. Should the air filters be jammed with dirt and bacteria, it will affect the entire system's performance, and it can even cause it to stop working altogether. On top of inhibiting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause health problems. Being exposed to the elements and very diverse operating conditions and being used intermittently rather than being 'Always On' can cause decay of the hoses, connections and seals. A vehicle air conditioning system should be examined regularly to ensure there are no problems or refrigerant loss due to failure or leakage from these points. Simply by cooling the air in your car under normal running conditions, the air filters get dirty and intermittent use can cause seals to dry and crack, allowing them to leak. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually begin to degrade or evaporate over time. It should be recharged as required to keep the air con system in peak running condition. How often should a car air conditioner be serviced? Your automotive air conditioning system needs to be examined once a year for any signs of problems with the seals, hoses and connections and confirm there is no refrigerant reduction over time. Regularly servicing your automotive air conditioner system keeps refrigerant at optimum levels meaning the system does not need to work as hard. This, in turn, protects the system from damage and minimises fuel expenditure. Can I service my own car air conditioner? Only qualified mechanics with the appropriate training, like the ones at Dowsetts Automotive Services, should attempt to service a car air conditioner. Specific licences are required to service or repair some types of car air conditioning systems, especially where re-gas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling certain refrigerants, which must always be fully recovered and not allowed to escape into the atmosphere during servicing. Refrigerant can also pose serious health risks if mishandled. Specialist equipment is also required as the air conditioning system is under extreme pressure and must be pulled into a deep vacuum to remove any moisture, to avoid seriously damaging the system. You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

Air Conditioning Service in Albany VIC, ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. So keep your cool this summer with an Air Conditioning Service from Dowsetts Automotive Services (AU39181)...

Is your car air conditioner up to the task?

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Dowsetts Automotive Services in Albany 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 Dowsetts Automotive Services in Albany 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!

Dowsetts Automotive Services

Cars are our passion.

Safe-t-stop vs road test

Preparing Your Car for the Summer Holidays

There's a new gas in town

Dowsetts Automotive Services - Our expertise & knowledge

Is your car air conditioner up to the task?

Radiator Coolant