Safe and comfortable driving not only involves keeping your engine in good shape, but it's also crucial to maintain a dependable brake system

A well-functioning brake system plays a vital role in preserving your safety, ensuring effective stopping power, and facilitating smooth navigation. This helpful article guides car owners and enthusiasts through a wide array of signs that your brakes might require a little extra attention. By offering valuable information, you will be empowered to recognise problems and maintain the high-performance functionality of your car brakes.﻿

Reduced stopping ability is one of the earliest warning signs of a deteriorating brake system. You might notice that your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual or travels further distances before coming to a halt. This can be caused by worn-out brake pads, problems with brake fluid, or mechanical faults. Ignoring this issue could result in serious accidents or severe vehicle damage.﻿

Another sign to watch out for is your vehicle swerving whenever the brakes are applied. This generally points towards an issue with your brake linings where one is wearing more rapidly than the other. Over time, uneven braking could escalate to cause steering wheel vibrations or loss of vehicle control, putting your safety at risk.﻿

Brake vibration or shaking, particularly during application, should raise a red flag. Such vibration may occur due to warped rotors or a faulty brake disc, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and friction build-up. If left unchecked, this could lead to significant mechanical issues and degrade your car’s overall performance.﻿

Pay attention if your brake pedal feels sticky, refusing to retract back after application. This is usually due to a malfunctioning brake master cylinder, causing inadequate hydraulic pressure within the system. This seemingly minor inconvenience could transform into a disastrous circumstance, leading to uncontrolled acceleration or ineffective brakes.﻿

Excessive brake noise such as squealing, grinding, or clicking are indicators of brake trouble. Squealing could point towards worn-out brake pads, grinding may imply that your brake pads are completely worn down and metal is rubbing against metal, while clicking noises usually indicate that brake components are loose.﻿

Do not ignore the warning sign illuminated by the brake light. Whether it's a simple handbrake signal or a serious brake system alert, brake lights are specifically designed to warn the driver of potential brake problems. Failing to take notice could mean you're overlooking serious issues which could compromise the safety of you and your passengers.﻿

A spongy or soft brake pedal often indicates the presence of air in the brake line or deterioration of brake fluid. Both scenarios can cause inefficient braking performance and demand immediate attention.﻿

Lastly, if you notice a hard brake pedal while the engine is running, that could be due to a vacuum problem, blocked brake line, or faulty brake booster. Not addressing these issues could result in ineffective braking performance, putting your vehicle and safety at risk.﻿ (Hard brake pedal when the engine is NOT running is normal).

Your brakes are one of your car's most critical safety features, and failure to maintain them adequately can lead to hazardous driving situations. By paying attention to these warning signs and acting promptly, you can ensure the longevity of your car and the safety of your passengers and fellow road users.﻿

Understanding and maintaining your car’s brake system may seem overwhelming. Yet, it's crucial to keeping you safe on the road. With regular service from Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone, maintaining your vehicle’s braking system doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Instead, it becomes a proactive measure to keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe on every journey you undertake. 

Remember, regular brake checks and service are as critical as fueling up your vehicle. A healthy brake system guarantees a safer drive!

Your essential guide to identifying signs of brake problems and ensuring proper brake maintenance. Avoid accidents by understanding what your vehicle is trying to tell you...

Brake Warning Signs - What is stopping you?

Regular flushing of your brake fluid ensures your brakes have the power to stop!

Brake fluid in a vehicle's braking system is responsible for transmitting pressure to the brake pads, bringing the car to a stop. Failure to flush out the brake fluid at regular intervals could result in several issues that could put the safety and performance of the brakes in jeopardy.

Delaying or neglecting the regular replacement of your brake fluid can result in its deterioration, leading to decreased effectiveness and an increased braking time. The degeneration of the fluid may also result in the formation of air bubbles and pockets, which also impacts on your ability to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

It is imperative to prioritise brake maintenance by following the recommended Brake Fluid Flush schedule from Prestige Auto Hub Centre. Doing so will not only improve your braking response time but also reduce the risk of accidents. This crucial procedure shields your braking system from water contamination and corrosion, which could otherwise lead to damaging consequences.

Prestige Auto Hub Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our Nationwide Warranty.

We never compromise on brake safety, ensuring that when you need to stop, you can trust that we will deliver.

Whenever a full car service is provided at Prestige Auto Hub Centre, customers may request a Vehicle Inspection report that assesses the state of the brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, calipers and cylinders, and more. This review provides crucial information that will help keep you safe, or allow you to plan and budget for any potential repairs your vehicle may need.

Prestige Auto Hub Centre offers reliable brake maintenance service and repairs for all car makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. Book your appointment today and enjoy our nationwide warranty!

Brake Fluid Flush serviceavailable from Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone

Radiators play a critical role in your vehicle's cooling system, ensuring your engine runs efficiently without overheating. At Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone, we specialise in providing professional radiator servicing to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Understanding the essentials of radiator care can save you from unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.

Coolants are crucial in regulating your engine's temperature. They not only lower the freezing point of water in your radiator but also raise its boiling point, allowing your engine to function under various temperatures. Moreover, coolants help prevent corrosion within the engine and radiator, ensuring longevity. Regularly checking and replacing your coolant as per your vehicle's maintenance schedule is vital for maintaining engine health.

While it's essential to ensure your radiator is topped up, using the correct type of water is equally important. Distilled water is generally recommended over tap water, as it contains fewer minerals that can cause deposits and corrosion in the radiator. Mixing distilled water with the correct type of coolant provides the best protection for your engine. Avoid using salt water or hard water, as these can lead to scale build-up and damage.

Your vehicle's temperature gauge is an essential tool in maintaining your engine's health. Regularly glancing at this gauge while driving can alert you to potential overheating issues before they cause damage. If you notice the temperature rising unusually high, it's crucial to stop your vehicle and seek professional assistance from Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe engine problems.

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre, our team of skilled technicians is dedicated to providing high-quality radiator servicing tailored to your vehicle's specific needs. We understand the importance of maintaining your cooling system and use only top-grade coolants and distilled water for optimal performance. Our experts are equipped to handle any issues, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

Why Choose Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone

Regular radiator servicing is essential for preventing overheating and maintaining engine efficiency. By choosing the right coolants and water, and monitoring your temperature gauge, you can ensure your vehicle's longevity. For reliable radiator servicing in Maidstone, trust the expertise of Prestige Auto Hub Centre.

Get expert radiator servicing in Maidstone. Learn about coolants, the right water to use, and why monitoring your temperature gauge is crucial. Trust Prestige Auto Hub Centre for all your needs.

Professional Radiator Servicing in Maidstone

With over 9 years experience, the team at Prestige Auto Hub Centre are committed to excellence in car service and repairs. 

As your local Repco Authorised Service Centre in Maidstone  - we always provide high quality customer service and superior workmanship. We believe in always ensuring our customers receive the very best in automotive care.

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre we can supply and fit a wide range of tyres for passenger vehicles, 4WDs 4X4 off road, Vans, Caravans and Trailers. Call us with your vehicle details and what you need and we can order and book you in for a service.

Prestige Auto Hub Centre care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU37429). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. The ARC Tick of approval helps ensure technicians have the skills and knowledge to correctly undertake service and repairs of refrigerated air conditioning to minimise environmental impact. Call to find out more about car air conditioning or Book a service online now.

If you find yourself in an accident or you have had some paint damage Prestige Auto Hub Centre can assist you with all car body work needs.

Our Maidstone workshop has the capacity to perform Light Truck servicing and mechanical repairs. Call us to find out more.

With specialised knowledge, advanced diagnostic services, and continuous learning through the Repco Auto-Tech training programme, we ensure the highest standards of service for your luxury vehicle. From engine warning lights to intricate body control systems, our advanced diagnostics can accurately identify your vehicle's issues. Components like Exhaust Systems, ECU, Brakes, Clutch Components, Suspension, Oil and Coolant Levels, Transmission, Engine, and Fuel Injection System are thoroughly inspected and serviced by our skilled team.

We believe our full service car workshop in Maidstone is one of the best equipped and most professional independent operations in Australia. Visit us today to discuss your vehicle needs and to see what we are all about. 

We offer an early drop service with a key drop off box, customer delivery and pick up or vehicle pick-up & delivery for your convenience.

Feel free to wait in our waiting lounge with television, Internet Access, Tea, Coffee & Cold Drinks available.

We are close to public transport (there is a bus stop on the cnr of Keith St & Hampstead Rd) and have free parking at or near the workshop.

We also have flexible hours ie service by appointment

We provide every customer with prestige service and you won’t find a better level of customer service than from the friendly team at Prestige Auto Hub Centre. We uphold the principle of trust, respect and sharing our knowledge to help you be safe on the roads. 

We care about your car, we care about you and that's why you can rely on us to do the little things that really make a difference.

Prestige Auto Hub Centre are committed to excellence. As a Repco Authorised Service centre we uphold a level of excellence in quality customer service and superior workmanship, ensuring our customers receive the ultimate in automotive care.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Maidstone

Prestige Auto Hub Centre is the leading service provider for European and Prestige vehicles. Our dedication to quality and comprehensive knowledge of high-end vehicles make us the top choice for selective car owners. Whether you drive an elegant Audi or a classy Mercedes-Benz, our expert team ensures top-notch service and meticulous care.

As experienced European car specialists we always take all the necessary steps & procedures to ensure the best quality service and repairs. 

We only use Genuine & Licensed Aftermarket Parts. 

European and Prestige cars are famous for their advanced engineering, superior performance, and innovative technology. This complexity requires expertise beyond a typical auto repair shop. At Prestige Auto Hub Centre, we specialise in European car servicing. Our technicians are trained to meet the specific needs of luxury vehicles, guaranteeing your car gets the detailed attention it needs.

Modern European vehicles feature sophisticated electronic systems that need precise diagnostics. Prestige Auto Hub Centre excels in electronic scan and mechanical diagnostic services. From engine warning lights to intricate body control systems, our advanced diagnostics can accurately identify your vehicle's issues. Components like Exhaust Systems, ECU, Brakes, Clutch Components, Suspension, Oil and Coolant Levels, Transmission, Engine, and Fuel Injection System are thoroughly inspected and serviced by our skilled team.

Expertise in Electronic Scan and Mechanical Diagnostics

Our partnership with the Repco Auto-Tech training programme ensures our technicians stay updated with the latest vehicle servicing advancements. This commitment to ongoing education means your European car benefits from the latest techniques, maintaining peak performance and longevity.

Continuous Learning with Repco Auto-Tech Training Programme

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre, we service a wide range of European and luxury brands, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, Jaguar and more. Our in-depth knowledge of these brands ensures each vehicle receives the expert care it deserves. Regardless of your Prestige car's make or model, it will be serviced by professionals who truly understand its unique needs.

Servicing a Variety of European, British and Prestige Brands

Replacing the water pump & oil cooler for a Jaguar F type British model car.

Performing a Major Service on a Mercedes Benz E class luxury vehicle.

For European car owners seeking top-tier service, Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone is your go-to destination. With specialised knowledge, advanced diagnostic services, and continuous learning through the Repco Auto-Tech training programme, we ensure the highest standards of service for your luxury vehicle. Contact Prestige Auto Hub Centre or book a service today, and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing your European car is in expert hands. Your vehicle deserves the best, and that’s what we deliver at Prestige Auto Hub Centre.

Experience unmatched service for your European car at Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone. Expert diagnostics, specialised care, and continuous training ensure your vehicle’s peak performance. Book today!

European and Prestige Car Specialists in Maidstone | Prestige Auto Hub Centre

European and Prestige Car Specialists in Maidstone

Discover the importance of regular car servicing with Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone to keep your vehicle in top condition, ensuring safety and reliability on your next road trip.

When planning a road trip, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? If you're thinking about the route, snacks, or playlists, you're not alone. However, ensuring your car is up to the task is arguably the most critical step in your prep work. Regular vehicle servicing plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing your car's road trip readiness, and here's why.

Safety First:
Above all, regular car servicing is paramount for safety. A well-maintained vehicle is significantly less likely to encounter mechanical failures that could lead to dangerous situations on the road. Servicing ensures critical systems like brakes and steering are in top-notch condition, so you can enjoy peace of mind while navigating those scenic routes.

The Engine's Heartbeat:
Think of engine oil as your vehicle's lifeblood. Regular oil changes during servicing keep the engine running smoothly, preventing overheating and excessive wear. This is especially important during long drives, where the engine works harder for extended periods.

Fuel Efficiency Matters:
Nobody wants to spend more on fuel than necessary, especially during an adventure that might already be stretching your budget. Regular servicing keeps your car's engine in an optimal state, ensuring you get the best possible mileage and keeping those fuel stops less frequent and more affordable.

Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns:
There's little worse than your road trip being cut short by a vehicle breakdown. Regular check-ups reduce this risk by identifying and rectifying issues before they become serious problems. From worn belts to aging hoses, preventative maintenance can save the day.

Prolong Your Car's Lifespan:
Every service is an investment in your vehicle's future. Consistent maintenance helps your car to last longer, ensuring it's not just ready for one road trip but many more to come. 

Tyre Talk:
Tyres are your car's only contact with the road, so their condition is non-negotiable. Servicing includes tyre checks for wear and tear, ensuring they're properly inflated and have enough tread to keep you safely on the road in all conditions.

Battery Life:
The last thing you want is a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. Regular servicing tests your battery's health, ensuring it's charged and ready to go. It's a simple check that can save a lot of headaches.

Brake Assurance:
Effective braking is crucial, especially on unfamiliar roads. Servicing assesses your brakes for wear, ensuring you can always stop safely and on time.

Keeping Cool:
Your car's cooling system prevents the engine from overheating. During service, this system is checked for leaks and coolant levels, ensuring your engine stays cool under pressure.

Electrics and Lights:
Functioning lights and electrical systems are not just for your convenience but also for your safety. Regular servicing ensures everything from your headlights to indicator lights and the electrical dashboard is in working order.

Suspension and Steering:
A smooth ride isn't just about comfort; it's about control. Servicing ensures your suspension and steering components are in good condition, making your journey as smooth and safe as possible.

Exhaust Systems:
A healthy exhaust system is vital for your car's performance and the environment. Regular checks can detect leaks or damages that could affect your vehicle's efficiency and safety.

Fluid Levels:
From brake fluid to power steering fluid, maintaining the correct levels is crucial for your car's operation. Regular servicing ensures all fluids are topped up and replaced as necessary.

Environmental Considerations:
A well-maintained car is also a more environmentally friendly one. Efficient engines produce fewer emissions, and properly disposed of service materials minimise environmental impact.

Peace of Mind:
Ultimately, regular servicing offers peace of mind. Knowing your vehicle has been professionally checked and maintained lets you focus on enjoying your road trip, rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

Regular servicing is not just a chore—it's an essential part of vehicle ownership that ensures safety, reliability, and performance. Before setting off on your next road trip, remember that a well-serviced car is your best companion on the open road. Enjoy your journey with the confidence that comes from knowing your vehicle is in prime condition, thanks to the care and expertise of professional servicing

Enjoy your journey with the confidence that comes from knowing your vehicle is in prime condition, thanks to the care and expertise of professional servicing with Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone...

Discover the importance of regular car servicing with Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone to keep your vehicle in top condition, ensuring safety and reliability on your next road trip. Discover 15 ways regular car service helps take some stress out of getting ready for a road trip...

Prepare Your Car for Any Journey: How Regular Servicing Ensures Road Trip Readiness

Prepare Your Car for Any Journey: 15 Ways Regular Servicing Helps  Road Trip Readiness

When it comes to automotive maintenance, log book servicing remains pivotal for ensuring the longevity, performance, and resale value of your vehicle. Strategically situated in Maidstone, Prestige Auto Hub Centre has established itself as a premier dealer alternative, offering meticulous log book servicing for a wide array of vehicles, including work vehicles, luxury cars and European models. This guide aims to illuminate the critical importance of adhering to your log book service schedule and how Prestige Auto Hub Centre can help maintain your car’s optimal condition without compromising your warranty.

Log book servicing is a manufacturer recommended maintenance programme detailing the specific service requirements necessary to uphold the vehicle's warranty and optimal performance. This programme includes the systematic inspection and replacement of key components, fluids, and safety checks at predetermined intervals. Adhering to this schedule is essential not only for the efficient operation of your vehicle but also for preserving its market value.

Dealer-Level Quality: Prestige Auto Hub Centre delivers service on par with, or even exceeding, dealer standards, yet without the exorbitant dealer prices. We meticulously follow manufacturer specifications, ensuring your warranty remains valid.

Skilled Technicians: Our team comprises highly trained professionals proficient in the latest automotive technologies. They bring extensive knowledge and experience to every service, addressing the unique needs of each vehicle make and model.

Tailored Service: At Prestige Auto Hub Centre, we recognise that each vehicle and its owner have unique requirements. We pride ourselves on delivering personalised service, discussing your vehicle’s specific needs and addressing any concerns you may have.

Economical Solutions: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Our transparent pricing model and thorough explanations ensure you understand the service provided, with no hidden costs.

Why Choose Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone?

Passenger Vehicles: Your everyday car deserves top-notch care to ensure safety, performance, and longevity. Whether it's a compact car, a family saloon, or an SUV, regular servicing is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Work Vehicles: We appreciate the necessity of keeping your workhorse operational. Regular servicing of your Utes and Vans ensures reliability and prevents costly downtime and repairs.

Luxury and European Vehicles: These vehicles necessitate specialised knowledge due to their intricate systems and advanced technology. Our technicians excel in servicing luxury and European cars, maintaining their performance and comfort.

Log Book Servicing Across Vehicle Categories

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre, we are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of service. We utilise genuine or equivalent quality parts and fluids, ensuring your vehicle is maintained per manufacturer specifications. Our unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with our technical expertise, makes us the preferred choice for log book servicing in Maidstone.

In summary, maintaining your vehicle through regular log book servicing is indispensable, and selecting the right service provider is crucial. Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone offers a trusted, economical, and comprehensive service for a wide range of vehicles, including work vehicles, luxury and European cars. Ensure your peace of mind and your vehicle's integrity by entrusting it to the expert hands of Prestige Auto Hub Centre. Contact us today to schedule your next service appointment.

New Car Log Book Servicing FAQ's

Ensure your vehicle's longevity and performance with log book servicing at Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone. Expert care for all vehicle types, warranty-safe.

Log Book Servicing in Maidstone - Prestige Auto Hub Centre

Differential bushings could be the issue if they are aged, worn or cracked.  They control movement in the joints, absorb road bumps and reduce vibrations and noise while driving or reversing. These are one of many automotive issue we can handle at Prestige Auto Hub Centre, your trusted local mechanic in Maidstone.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing. This is particularly apparent on vehicles that have travelled high kilometres, have high horsepower or vehicles towing loads regularly.

A tell-tale sign that this bushing is no longer performing as intended is hearing a clunking noise or feeling a jolt under acceleration or when shifting gears from drive to reverse. The primary function of the rear differential bushing is to provide a smooth and quiet transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheels of your vehicle under acceleration.

Should this issue go unresolved it may result in excessive wear on surrounding drive train and suspension components so it is wise and economical to act swiftly should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Your local Repco Authorised Service Centre Prestige Auto Hub Centre in Maidstone is experienced in diagnosing and fixing this problem. We can replace your worn rubber differential bushing with a highly durable Nolathane differential bushing specifically designed and manufactured to address this problem and return your vehicle back to its optimum performance.

So, if “clunking” goes with your Territory or Falcon, contact the team at Prestige Auto Hub Centre today.

It is fair to say that the Ford Territory and Falcon are two of the most popular vehicles on Australian roads. Both of these models are prone to high rates of wear in some rear suspension components, such as the rear differential bushing.

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre in  Maidstone we believe the transmission is an important part of your vehicle.

Without the transmission, your vehicle would not be able to move between gears. The transmission fluid allows you to do this smoothly and also protects the working parts inside your transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't diminish through use. Yet the level should still be checked periodically because if there is a leak, or the fluid level is low, it will harm the internal parts of your transmission.

Transmission fluid can become dirty over time with metal shavings and other particles which will shorten the life of your transmission. Replacing a transmission is a costly exercise and so checking the fluid and replacing it when necessary is a good investment in the long run.

At Prestige Auto Hub Centre we provide a full 65 Point Vehicle Condition Report upon request with every full car service - This includes a check of your transmission fluid and we will advise you if we think your fluid needs to be replaced or if a transmission service might be needed.

Call Prestige Auto Hub Centre for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services. We are conveniently located in Maidstone.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong. 

Our technicians at Prestige Auto Hub Centre are fully qualified to service diesel SUV, AWD, 4WD and Passenger diesel vehicles. Contact us today.

Call Prestige Auto Hub Centre for all your diesel 4WD and diesel passenger vehicle repairs, inspections and services.

Diesel Engine Service and Repairs in Maidstone

Diesel Repairs

Prestige Auto Hub has an experienced team to service, maintain and repair your vehicle. We do any brand of cars including European and 4WD including fleets and new cars. We offer air conditioning service, major and minor repairs as well as tyre replacement. We provide logbook servicing using the latest information.  Our team is trained and backed by Repco Authorised Service and we provide a Nationwide Warranty Service across a network of over 500 sites.
We are only one minutes walk from Starbucks Maidstone.  

Prestige Auto Hub Centre

Diesel Repairs

Related articles

Brake Warning Signs - What is stopping you?

Brake Fluid Flush Service in Maidstone

Radiator Servicing in Maidstone

Prestige Car service in Maidstone

European and Prestige Car Specialists in Maidstone

Prepare Your Car for Any Journey: 15 Ways Regular Servicing Helps Road Trip Readiness

Log Book Servicing

Does clunking go with your territory?

Get into gear!