Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Cobra Motors in Sunshine North know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Cobra Motors in Sunshine North we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Cobra Motors today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Sunshine North workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Cobra Motors, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Cobra Motors, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Cobra Motors in Sunshine North. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Cobra Motors is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Your local mechanic in Sunshine North, Cobra Motors take great pride in offering clients only the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. 

Your Car - Your Choice : Cobra Motors

Conveniently located in Sunshine North, Cobra Motors specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. Our family owned and run Sunshine North workshop was established in 1972. Our close relationship with many of the companies and community organisations in the Sunshine North area really show we are a trusted local mechanic.

Cobra Motors care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU37150). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and Cobra Motors provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles.

Cobra Motors are able to provide a range of car service and automotive repair options at our Sunshine North Workshop. 

These services include Log Book Servicing, Automotive Air Conditioning, Auto Electrical, Engine Reconditioning, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Servicing, Diesel Repairs, Power Steering, Suspension & Shock Absorbers, Truck Repairs, Tyres, Wheel Alignments, Wheel Balancing and Wheel Bearing Servicing

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Cobra Motors have a commitment to the highest 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.

So rest assured - with a Cobra Motors mechanic looking after your regular service needs, your car is in the safest of hands.

For friendly service from a trusted independent mechanic in Sunshine North, you can rely on the service team at Cobra Motors.

As your local Mechanic in Sunshine North, VIC, Cobra Motors take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Sunshine North

There should never be a rumbling, groan or grinding sound coming from the wheels of your car, nor any vibration through the steering wheel (unless of course you are driving over corrugated roads!).

Wheel bearing issues usually come about due to poorly sealed bearings or lack of lubrication. Worn bearings are very dangerous as they can collapse and cause the wheel to detach from the car. They can also cause uneven wear on the tyres, loud noises and vibration in the car.

For emergency repairs or regular maintenance, visit us in Sunshine North.

Peace of mind: Not only are we a Repco Authorised Service Centre, but we have a combined 20 years of experience on our team. From large jobs to small, you know you are in good hands with our mechanics.

Ongoing Training: As part of the Repco family, our mechanics are offered training seminars and received service bulletins about the latest diagnostic equipment and vehicle upgrades.

Friendly Service: We are not just a shop, but a locally owned and operated community of mechanics who are looking out for our neighbours.

Repacking and adjustment of wheel bearings (where applicable)

Wheel bearing failure: symptoms and causes

The wheels on your vehicle need to operate in a smooth manner, regardless of surfaces and speeds. When there is damage to the wheel bearings, the drive is no longer smooth as friction will build up. This friction can then break down the wheel bearings and cause wear and tear on the axle.

Cobra Motors can give you peace of mind by advising you what is causing the loud noise or vibration in your vehicle. It may be time to come in and see our mechanics if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Damaged or leaking seal on the wheel bearings

For wheel bearing replacements and routine maintenance in and around Sunshine North, Ardeer and Kealba, contact our team at Cobra Motors.

Wheel bearing inspection & replacement in Sunshine North

With regards to brakes, you should never ignore them until brake repairs are needed.

Routine examination as part of our 65 point vehicle report, which we undertake with every full car service attended to at Cobra Motors, are vital in checking the car's brakes are sufficient for the task of stopping you. Our qualified service crew can alert you when they feel that repair or service of a vehicle's brakes are a wise move to prevent it progressing to a more significant issue.

Brake services on offer at Cobra Motors include:

Brake Disc/Rotor And Drum Machining or Resurfacing

Get more information about Brake Services from your Repco Authorised Service dealer Here.

If you have any indications that a vehicle's brake system could possibly be due for a service simply book online to have your brakes reviewed via our Sunshine North car service centre today.

Arrange a Brake Service in Sunshine North. For immediately superior braking performance insist on next generation Repco RCT pads and a Nationwide Warranty…

Brake Service, Repairs and testing in Sunshine North

Brake service, repair and testing in Sunshine North

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Cobra Motors include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Sunshine North workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Sunshine North

Brake and Clutch

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Cobra Motors take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in North Sunshine, 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. 
		
Cobra Motors 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.
 

Cobra Motors

Brake and clutch

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Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Car service in Sunshine North

Wheel bearing inspection & replacement

Brake service, repair and testing in Sunshine North