Just as the climate in Brisbane or Perth may be vastly different to that of Melbourne or Hobart, they way an air conditioner is serviced can also vary. In most states, a mechanic must be licensed or specially trained to carry out an aircon re-gas or service. Repco Authorised Service workshops operate in different states and therefore under different legislation for repair methods and mechanic licensing. This means that an air conditioner re-gas in Adelaide may different to a re-gas in Sydney. Added to this, different cars may also have specific service requirements that are unique to the make of car or the particular model. Your local Repco Authorised Car Service mechanic will happily explain what is involved for your particular car. Common Items that may be involved in a car air conditioner service or regas; * Air vent temperature check * Reclaiming, recycling or replacement of operating gas * Replacement or check of receiver drier / filter * Adjustment of drive belts and pulleys * Check operation of valves and thermostats * Leak test of system lines and components * Inspection of hoses and components * Cleaning condenser fins * Deodorize and sanitize system

Vehicle servicing is carried out to ensure that your car operates reliably and efficiently and is maintained to maximise the life span of the vehicle. Avoiding any service for your car leads to undue stress on vehicle components which can in turn lead to expensive and inconvenient breakdowns. A mechanical failure on the open road can have devastating consequences, especially if a critical part of the braking, steering or suspension is involved. Regular servicing of your vehicle identifies potentially dangerous wear on the vital steering and braking components in your car, preventing failures and protecting you and your family.

You don't have to be drunk to be affected by alcohol. No one drives as well as usual after drinking alcohol, even though some people may look and act as though they are unaffected. Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects most areas of the brain. Alcohol impacts the human body in a number of ways... * Slows brain functions so that you can't respond to situations, make decisions or react quickly. * Reduces your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people or objects. * Gives you false confidence - you may take greater risks because you think your driving is better than it really is. * Makes it harder to do more than one thing at a time * Makes you feel sleepy or fatigued. You cannot compensate for the effects of alcohol on your brain.

Don't use house bricks to support a car. They can crumble under the car's weight. Always use approved, quality axle stands or drive-up ramps. It is also important to make sure that you are working on a flat area, not a slope and chock the wheels as required to ensure the car is stable. It is also recommended that you dont work alone, just in case you need help should something go wrong.

There are a number of environmental factors that impact safe braking distances, including... * Speed * Road Condition * Weather Conditions * Driver Fatigue

As you can see, there are a number of environmental factors such as speed and road conditions that can effect the safe braking of your car. However, there are also a number of mechanical factors can impact on the braking capacity of a vehicle, including: * Worn shock absorbers * Worn brake pads * Suspension problems * Tyre problems Grimy windscreens can also impact on your ability to clearly see any danger or obstacles on the road ahead. Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre is fully qualified to diagnose any mechanical safety issues your vehicle may have.

* The minimum amount of tread, which provides a secure grip, is around 3.5mm - about the depth of a match-head * Less than 1.6mm is an offence by law * In wet conditions, 3.0mm or less means that your traction and stopping power is greatly reduced * When driving in snow, traction can be compromised at 4.75mm tread depth.

Heat increases the pressure, which causes fuel rises and possilby overflow. So it is important that when it's hot, you don't over fill your fuel tank. Additionally, when you over fill your car's petrol tank you can spill petrol, which releases fumes into the atmosphere and can also damage your paintwork.

Oil filters are designed to trap dirt, ensuring clean, filtered oil continually circulates through the engine.

An oil filter performing efficiently provides the following protection for you engine... * Prevents damage to the engine's bottom end, including bearings and crankshaft * Pro longs engine life * Improves flow through the engine, reducing the risk of oil starvation and enhancing engine protection A poor performing oil filter impacts negatively on your car by... * Increasing engine wear, which leads to shorter engine life * High filter restriction starves the engine of oil flow at low RPM Repco Authorised Service Centers recommends that you have your car serviced regularly to ensure that all service items, such as filters are replaced and working in peak condition, providing you with peace of mind.

If buying a used car, look for rust in the following places... * Under floor mats * Under carpets * Inside boot wells * Doorsills * Door panels * Under the vehicle * Check the paintwork for obvious signs, such as raised 'bubbles'