We've all heard of timing belts. We all know they are expensive to replace. But NOT replacing your timing belt in good time is far more expensive. Here is why...

The timing belt is a rubber band with rubber teeth on it. It winds around the crankshaft and the camshaft ensuring that their rotation is synchronised. To understand the importance of a timing belt you need to know a little about how an engine works. Knowing a little bit can help but don't worry, you don't need to be a mechanic to read on!

The intention of the engine is to turn the crankshaft which, via the gears, turns the wheels.

Car engines can have between 4-8 cylinders. Within in each cylinder is a piston. Each piston is attached to a connecting rod that is connected to the crankshaft.

The cylinders are little pressure chambers. At the top of each cylinder are valves that let air and petrol into the cylinder and exhaust out of it. The valves are opened and closed at different stages in the cycle of the piston's movement. The opening and closing of valves is controlled by the camshaft.

Each piston goes through 4 movements in a cycle:

In the first movement, the piston draws downward pulling air and fuel into the cylinder. At this stage the valves that let in air and fuel are open.

In the second movement, the piston returns upward putting the air and fuel mix under pressure.

At this point a spark ignites the pressurised air and fuel mix and creates an explosion forcing the piston down again.

In the fourth stage, the piston returns pushing exhaust out of the exhaust valve. At this point the exhaust valve must be open.

If the camshaft and the crankshaft are not synced perfectly, can you imagine what might happen? Well the cylinder might not receive a full amount of fuel and air and the exhaust might not properly escape. This would result in a less efficient engine. The car wouldn't go so fast and would use a lot of fuel. But worse than that, the pistons may collide with the valves and break them. This is very expensive to fix.

That is why it is very important to change a timing belt before it breaks.

Unlike other parts of the car, there are no symptoms to tell you that your timing belt is being worn down or about to break. The service guidelines in your manufacturers log book recommend when its time to replace the timing belt. If you can't find this information or are unsure whether your timing belt needs replacing you can easily contact your local mechanic at Temby Auto Service!

The timing belt is a rubber band with rubber teeth on it. It winds around the crankshaft and the camshaft ensuring that their rotation is synchronised. To understand the importance of a timing belt we need to know a little about how an engine works...

What is a timing belt and why is it important?

With timing belts, time is of the essence.

Absolutely .... over time, our engine oil can break down and become pretty contaminated with dust, dirt and debris from the surrounding environment. 

Proactively changing our car's engine oil will not only help our engine to work at its best, but also will prevent costly repairs down the track. Let's explore the benefits of getting an oil change in a little more detail.

1. Engine lubrication makes it function easily

Our car engine is made up of many moving parts rubbing up against each other to help create energy. These parts need to be kept lubricated to prevent wear and tear (or stopping to work all together). Oil provides this essential function.

Our engines demand a lot from the oil we use and over time will eventually break down the chemical construction of the oil so it can no longer provide lubrication. This is why old oil needs to be drained and new, fresh oil needs to be added to ensure proper lubrication.

We now know that the moving parts within our engine create a lot of friction. This in turn creates heat. Maintaining clean and sufficient amounts of oil ensures our engine is kept lubricated so it does not become overheated.

Dust and debris are deadly to our engines. Over time they will cause corrosion which will decrease the life of our engine. They also cause our engine oil to turn into 'sludge', decreasing lubrication and not allowing the oil to serve its primary function - lubrication. We want to keep our engine oil as clean as possible so it can perform at its peak, which is why removing the dirty oil and replacing it with new oil is essential.

If our engines are not lubricated properly, it makes internal components work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and a dent in our pockets. An engine that also has to work harder leads to problems down the track, shortening the lifespan of our vehicle or requiring us to fork out a bunch of cash to get expensive components replaced. An oil change is a small investment to prevent issues down the road.

By getting regular oil changes with each car service we are helping to maintain the health of our vehicles and engines. Like most car maintenance jobs, it is a small cost that will save us in the long run!

Over time, our engine oil can break down and become pretty contaminated with dust, dirt and debris from the surrounding environment. So why does this really matter...

Why getting an oil change is so important

It can be obvious when our cars are having engine problems because the symptoms are usually far from a pretty sight.

But what causes these symptoms and when are they the sign of a "dead" engine? In terms of the cause, common culprits of engine problems can be:

In terms of symptoms, one of the worst indicators can be extreme smoke coming from your tailpipe. Other symptoms showing our engine might be going kaput can include:

water getting into the air cleaner and/or radiator.

The good news is that just because we are seeing smoke, doesn't necessarily mean our engine is "dead". Rather, it could mean that it is getting old (but isn't "dead" yet) and we need to be more vigilant with oil top-ups. The important thing is that we need to get the diagnosis as soon as possible because it could mean the end is nigh and a catastrophe is awaiting.

If our mechanics diagnosis is a "dead" engine rather than an "old engine that needs a bit more lovin'", the next question is:"Do we rebuild/replace the engine or do we replace the entire car?". It's a tricky question, because rebuilding/replacing the engine can be an expensive operation so it's easy to start dreaming about the new car we can buy instead of fixing the old.

If it's not only the engine, but also our car that's on its final legs, then a case can be made to replace the whole car. However, when we're doing the sums, we mustn't forget about the "hidden costs" in buying a new or used car.

If our car is in reasonable nick aside from the engine, disposing of it may not be the most cost effective alternative - even with the cost of rebuilding the engine. 

Why? Rebuilt engines are often better than the originals installed by the factory, with the new components regularly exceeding original equipment performance and standards. Rebuilt engines also get better fuel mileage and are better for the environment as they emit fewer pollutants and conserve less energy and resources required to manufacture a new engine.

How do we avoid a smoky situation in the first place?

Given that smoke coming from our tailpipe is the worst symptom indicating the engine is on its last legs, we can avoid this by booking our cars in for a regular service with a trusted local (Melbourne) mechanic who will usually be able to anticipate this sort of a problem before it happens. We also need to make sure that our radars are alert to the frequency of oil top-ups. Not only should we make sure it is being topped up regularly (especially for older cars), we should keep notes on how often the top-ups are happening, so that we can easily see if the frequency is significantly increasing.

Weighing up how many years our car has left on the road, the cost of engine rebuilding or replacement and the costs of buying a new car (including the hidden costs) is highly recommended. Jumping into buying a new car without doing the considering all of these factors might leave us short of cash and still with a problem.

It can be obvious when our cars are having engine problems because the symptoms are usually far from a pretty sight...

Signs of a "dead" engine

Signs of a "dead" engine and when to replace your car

Temby Auto Service has a wealth of experience, constantly updated knowledge and state of the art equipment to make sure that any vehicle problems or issues are resolved responsibly and quickly … and within your budget every time. 

Customers are the focus and priority of Temby Auto Service.

Established since 1985 in Eltham, VIC, Temby Auto Service provides excellent service with reliability and honesty. Meeting and often exceeding customer’s expectations.

Decisions regarding repair and servicing costs are always discussed to make sure that budgets are met. It is important to know that costs will be always treated equally irrespective of brand or model. 

Temby Auto Service's motto is to care for both you and your vehicle and to do this with the utmost care and pride.

New Cars, Old cars, All cars ! European cars, Japanese cars, Aussie Cars, Korean Cars, UK Cars, American Cars and really all makes and models we can service and repair.

Temby Auto Service are experts in the service, maintenance and care of European and Luxury vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Skoda, Volvo, VW (Volkswagen) and can undertake a 150 point vehicle inspection of your car. We are also Four wheel Drive Specialists and experts in Classic and older vehicles.

It’s a confession we are all about people and their cars !

Temby Auto Service is a VicRoads Licensed Vehicle Tester certified to perform Safety Tests and issue Roadworthy Certificates and Rego Checks.

Our inspection process and thoroughness far exceed our competitors. We provide you with a lot of information about your vehicle so you can be involved in the process and together we can find the perfect level of maintenance to suit your vehicles needs and your budget. We look forward to meeting you and your car. 

Temby Auto Service can perform a full range of car service and automotive repair tasks such as; 

Pick Up & Delivery service is available. 

Temby Auto Service is an independent, locally owned and operated car service workshop with the backing of Repco Authorised Service - Australia's largest car service network. Which means we provide down to earth, friendly local business service combined with the guarantee of dealing with a nationally recognised company.

We are passionate about customer service and about working with you to find the best outcomes together. Call in and see us at any time to have a chat about the work needed or to have a look at your vehicle on the hoist with us. We will always give you all the information about your vehicle and include you in the process of finding a level of maintenance that suits your vehicle and your budget.

With many satisfied clients around the North East Melbourne region, Temby Auto Service has established a firm customer base in Eltham, Greensborough, Yallambie, Watsonia, St Helena, Diamond Creek, Kangaroo Ground, Warrandyte, Balwyn, Hurstbridge and surrounding suburbs.

For your convenience we offer 2 Free Loan Cars (Toyota Yaris & Kia Cerato) for our customers use, so you can still get to work or run those errands. Please book one in when you book in your next service. 

The workshop was chosen to test the mechanic equipment for Repco when they were developing their new tool range. Temby Auto Service mechanics now extensively use and continue to test Repco tools. "The Repco Composite Air Tools are lighter and quieter than anything we had used before, plus more powerful and with low shock loading through your wrist. The ratchets were among the best with a sensitive trigger for easy speed control," says Andrew. "Repco tools are fantastic, they're made from chrome vanadium steel. No wonder they have a lifetime warranty."

Temby Auto Service can provide pre-purchase inspections and purchase negotiations on your behalf. Our Eltham workshop mechanics will advise you on what we see to be the best car, bike, trailer or van to suit your needs.

Temby Auto Service care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU06087). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

At Temby Auto Service, we love the classic cars and believe in the value of repairing and restoring vintage automobiles to retain their profound beauty and class. Whether your classic vehicle needs intensive treatment or a minor service, our experienced, knowledgeable and passionate mechanics will do the perfect restoration job. Curious to see our work? Check out some of the incredible transformations we’ve completed in our classic cars article here.

Temby Auto Service are the proud winners of the Repco National Dealer of The Year award, having been nominated for the Award three times. We have also won the Rotary Business Award for customer service. Despite these prestigious awards and accolades, the team at Temby Auto Service take the most pride in the way their satisfied customers respond to them on a regular basis.

As an Accredited Automobile Repairer of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) Temby Auto Service provides their clients with the VACC Five Point Safety Check at time of service, assessing the brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints.

Temby Auto Service is also an Accredited Auto Care Centre of Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) committed to returning value to our members through providing high quality service and great value.

Temby Auto Service are experts in the service, maintenance and care of European and luxury vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Skoda, Volvo, VW (Volkswagen) and can undertake a 150 point vehicle inspection of your car. We are also Four wheel Drive Specialists and offer a Nationwide Warranty on all work performed...

Automotive Service and Repairs in Eltham

Your vehicle is equipped with several different filters, each designed to function within a specific system in your car. At Temby Auto Service, we understand these systems thoroughly and provide expert servicing in Eltham and the surrounding areas.

Put simply, filters work to trap particles that could cause damage or don’t belong in the system they’re protecting. However, all filters have a limited lifespan – once they become clogged with the particles they’re designed to capture, they must be replaced. Failing to replace filters when needed can lead to costly damage in critical parts of your vehicle.

Oil Filter: Ensures the engine oil remains clean and flows efficiently through the engine, preventing wear and tear.
Air Filter: Blocks dirt, debris, and particles from entering the engine that could harm cylinders, pistons and other internal components.
Cabin Air Filter: Protects the car’s ventilation system by filtering out pollen, dust, and bacteria, ensuring clean air inside the vehicle.
Fuel Filter: Prevents contaminants from reaching the carburettor or fuel injectors, helping maintain proper fuel flow and performance.
Transmission Filter: Found in vehicles with automatic transmissions, it removes debris and metal shavings from transmission fluid to protect the gearbox.  

Did you know that a clean engine air filter can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% in some vehicles? Ensuring all filters are in good condition not only safeguards your car’s systems but can also enhance its overall performance.  

At Temby Auto Service, we offer a comprehensive 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every full car service, available upon request. This includes checking your car’s filters to help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Keep your car running smoothly with clean filters. Discover the types, benefits, and expert services offered by Temby Auto Service in Eltham and surrounding areas.

Automotive Filters – Expert Servicing by Temby Auto Service

The holidays are just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your adventures. Whether you're headed for a scenic drive or a visit to family and friends, ensuring your car is in top condition is essential for a safe and stress-free journey. That's where Temby Auto Service in Eltham comes in, offering comprehensive car servicing to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Located conveniently in the heart of Eltham, Temby Auto Service is your go-to destination for all things car care. We’re not just any service workshop; we are part of the Repco Authorised Service network, Australia's largest car service network. This means you receive friendly, local service backed by a nationally recognised company. We are proud to serve satisfied clients across North East Melbourne, including Eltham, Greensborough, and beyond.

Why Choose Temby Auto Service for Your Car Service?

At Temby Auto Service, we offer a full suite of automotive services to meet your needs:

Air Conditioning (AU06087): Keep cool with our reliable air conditioning service.

Auto Electrical: Ensure all your electrical systems are in perfect order.

Brake & Clutch Repairs: Stay safe on the road with our expert brake and clutch services.

Child Restraint Centre: Travel safely with correctly installed child seats.

Diesel Repairs: Specialist repairs for your diesel engine.

Electronic Fuel Injection: Maximise performance with precise fuel injection servicing.

Engine Reconditioning: Extend the life of your engine with our expert reconditioning.

LPG Repairs: Keep your LPG system efficient and safe.

Roadworthy & Safety Inspections: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy with our thorough inspections.

Towing Service: We’re here to help if you find yourself in a bind.

Tyres, Wheel Alignment & Balancing: Ensure smooth, safe travel with our tyre services.

We also offer a convenient Pick Up & Delivery service, so you can carry on with your day while we take care of your car.

To make your life easier, we provide two free loan cars—Toyota Yaris and Kia Cerato—so you can continue with your daily activities while your car is with us. Simply book a loan car when you schedule your service.

Drive Without Disruption - Free Loan Cars Available

At Temby Auto Service, we are committed to caring for the environment. We hold Arctick Authorisation (AU06087) to conduct automotive air conditioning service responsibly, which can help reduce fuel costs and protect your health. As an RACV Accredited Auto Care Centre, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality service and excellent value to all our customers.

Don’t leave your holiday plans to chance. Ensure your vehicle is ready for the road by booking a service with Temby Auto Service in Eltham. Our team of experienced mechanics is ready to provide the expert care your car deserves. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and travel with confidence this holiday season.

Ensure a worry-free holiday with a car service from Temby Auto Service. Enjoy expert care, free loan cars, and local service you can trust in Eltham.

Get Your Car Holiday-Ready | Reliable Servicing in Eltham

Ensure Your Car is Ready for the Holidays with Temby Auto Service

It's your car and it's your choice!  Temby Auto Service is fully qualified to service your new car and maintain your log book schedule whilst the car is within the warranty period.

Maintaining your car’s warranty shouldn’t mean limiting your options when it comes to servicing. At Temby Auto Service in Eltham, we understand that keeping your vehicle in top condition is important and so is the freedom to choose who you trust with its care. With expert knowledge, high-quality parts and a commitment to professional service, we provide a reliable option for servicing your new car without compromising its warranty. 

As a car owner in Australia, you have the freedom to choose who services your vehicle without jeopardising your new car warranty. This assurance comes under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which protects your rights and provides clarity for drivers. According to the ACL, you can have your car serviced by an independent mechanic, provided that the service meets the manufacturer’s specifications and uses quality parts. At Temby Auto Service in Eltham, we ensure all services are carried out to these standards, giving you confidence in both our work and your warranty’s validity.

Get the facts about New Car Servicing and watch our AutoFacts Video

New Car Warranties … the Facts.

These protections mean that you can benefit from personalised service, competitive pricing, and the expertise of your local independent workshop, all while maintaining your car’s warranty. At Temby Auto Service, we take these responsibilities seriously and are proud to uphold the highest standards of service, ensuring your car stays in excellent condition for the road ahead.

Expertise you can trust - Our team undergoes continuous Auto-Tech training, ensuring we stay ahead with the latest techniques and technology to keep your car running smoothly.

Dependable quality - We use high-standard parts that are built to last, giving you reliable performance and peace of mind every time you drive.

Nationwide support - With warranty-backed service and a vast network of Repco Authorised Service locations, you’re covered wherever your journey takes you.

Why Choose Temby Auto Service for New Car Servicing?

At Temby Auto Service in Eltham, we take pride in offering a level of service that is built on trust, experience, and knowledge. As a trusted Repco Authorised Service Centre, we bring together a team of highly skilled technicians who are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your vehicle. 

Our experience in the automotive industry means you can rely on us to handle your car with the utmost professionalism and expertise. We understand that maintaining your vehicle is about more than just servicing – it’s about ensuring your safety and comfort on the road. That’s why we combine technical know-how with a genuine commitment to delivering quality workmanship every time you visit. 

Whether it’s routine maintenance or log book servicing, our priority is to keep your car running smoothly while preserving its value and warranty. At Temby Auto Service, we’re here to provide you with the confidence that your vehicle is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.

Ready to book your car service? Contact Temby Auto Service in Eltham today to schedule an appointment with our trusted team. Whether it’s maintaining your log book, ensuring your warranty remains intact, or simply keeping your vehicle in top condition, we’re here to help. Call us or visit our workshop to experience reliable, professional car servicing you can count on. Let us take care of your car, so you can enjoy the drive.

Expert car servicing in Eltham. Maintain your warranty with high-quality, manufacturer-approved service from the trusted team at Temby Auto Service. Book your service today!

New Car Log book Service in Eltham

Does your car get too hot under the bonnet?

In hot weather, it's good to know what to do if our car overheats. Imagine a typical Aussie summer day. You're on our way back from the beach in bumper to bumper traffic and the needle on your thermostat starts to rise. What do you do?

If this happens the first thing to do (unfortunately) is turn off the air-conditioning and open the windows. This will relieve some of the strain on the engine.

If this isn't helping then you might need to try turning the heater and fan on. This draws heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. It's good for the engine but not so good for the people in the car.

If you are in start-stop traffic try putting the car in neutral and revving the engine. This makes the fan and water pump speed up drawing more air and liquid through the radiator when the car is stationary.

Lastly, if you're in any doubt that your car is about to boil over ... PULL OVER, or risk serious damage to the engine! Open the bonnet and let the engine cool down.

Warning: DON'T open the radiator cap or try to fill it with water straight away. 

Firstly, this is dangerous as boiling water and steam could come exploding out of the radiator and cause serious injury. 

Secondly, adding cool water into the hot radiator could cause radiator and engine damage.

The best thing to do is make sure your cooling system is functioning well long before there is a problem. Next time you're at your local mechanic, ask for a check up on the cooling system. A good mechanic will keep on top of this as part of their regular car services. But if you're not in a good rhythm with regular servicing, then it might be as simple as adding a good coolant yourself until you can book your car in with a mechanic you trust. Find out more about coolants here.

RAS Auto Facts - Cooling System Hoses

What To Do If Our Car Overheats - If this happens the first thing to do (unfortunately) is turn off the air-conditioning and open the windows. This will relieve some of the strain on the engine....

Radiator & Cooling System services in Temby Auto Service

A reconditioned car engine can often be less expensive than having your vehicle's motor replaced with a brand new engine. The team at Temby Auto Service are qualified car engine reconditioning mechanics can perform expert Engine reconditioning service.  

A reconditioned car engine can often be less expensive than having your vehicles motor replaced with a brand new engine.

Engine Reconditioning in Eltham

Engine Recon

AAAA

IAME

RACV

VACC

MTAA

Temby Auto Service take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Temby Auto offers a one stop solution to all your car needs . We fix everything properly and test our repairs before you drive away safely. We get it right with great pride and care. 

Conveniently located in Eltham, 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.

Temby Auto Service 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.

Temby Auto Service

Engine reconditioning

Let's get started with your booking.

Related articles

With timing belts, time is of the essence.

Is getting an Oil Change Important?

Signs of a "dead" engine and when to replace your car

Car Service in Eltham, Vic

Automotive Filters

Ensure Your Car is Ready for the Holidays with Temby Auto Service

New Car Service in Eltham

What To Do If Our Car Overheats