When it comes to protecting your new vehicle warranty, you have more choice than many drivers realise. 

Phil Smith Automotive provides professional new car servicing in Mildura, helping vehicle owners maintain their manufacturer’s warranty while receiving quality workmanship, personalised service and competitive pricing.

Under Australian Consumer Law, you are not required to return your vehicle to the dealership for servicing simply to keep your statutory warranty intact. Your vehicle can be serviced by a qualified independent workshop like Phil Smith Automotive, provided the work is completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications using quality parts, approved fluids and correct service procedures. This gives new car owners the flexibility to choose a trusted local mechanic without compromising warranty protection.

At Phil Smith Automotive, every vehicle is serviced by qualified technicians with access to up-to-date technical information, diagnostic equipment and ongoing industry training. 

As a Repco Authorised Service workshop, the team follows manufacturer servicing schedules carefully and uses quality Repco parts and lubricants that meet or exceed original equipment specifications. This ensures your vehicle receives the care it needs while maintaining warranty compliance and long-term reliability.

Choosing a local independent workshop can also provide advantages that many dealerships cannot always offer. Customers often enjoy more personalised service, faster booking availability, clearer communication and the convenience of dealing with a trusted workshop close to home. Whether you drive a passenger car, SUV, 4WD, Ute or hybrid vehicle, Phil Smith Automotive can provide logbook servicing tailored to your vehicle’s requirements.

If you are buying a new car, it is also important to understand the differences between statutory warranties, manufacturer warranties and extended warranties. Your statutory rights under Australian Consumer Law apply automatically and cannot be removed or replaced by dealership agreements or optional warranty packages. Some extended or express warranties may include servicing restrictions, exclusions or conditions that offer limited additional value beyond your existing consumer protections.

Many new vehicle buyers are encouraged to purchase extended warranties or dealership servicing packages without fully understanding the long-term conditions involved. In some cases, these agreements may lock customers into dealership servicing arrangements, potentially resulting in higher costs, reduced flexibility or inconvenience due to limited booking availability or travel distances.

Before committing to any servicing agreement, it is worth reviewing the terms carefully and understanding your rights as a consumer. A trusted independent workshop like Phil Smith Automotive can help explain your servicing options and ensure your vehicle continues to receive professional care that protects both performance and warranty coverage.

Whether you already own a new vehicle or are considering purchasing one soon, Phil Smith Automotive offers reliable new car servicing in Mildura backed by qualified technicians, quality parts and honest advice. Booking regular servicing early helps maintain vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, resale value and manufacturer compliance throughout the life of your vehicle.

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too.

New Car Service Frequently asked questions

Protect your new car warranty with expert logbook servicing from Phil Smith Automotive at Phil Smith Automotive in Mildura VIC. Qualified technicians, quality parts and competitive pricing.

New Car Servicing in Mildura | Warranty Safe Servicing

As a Licensed Vehicle Tester Phil Smith Automotive in Mildura are able to to issue Certificates of Roadworthiness and can also perform RACV Pre-purchase Inspections where required. Bring your car in to our well equipped workshop or Book a Roadworthy Inspection Online today.

A Licensed Vehicle Tester must check that your vehicle meets the standards set out under Regulation 220 by the Roads Corporation, or VicRoads, prior to a Certificate of Roadworthiness being issued. Occasionally a Certificate of Roadworthiness is also needed before you can have a defect notice removed from a vehicle or it may be required as part of a required inspection for vehicles such as taxis and buses (which must undergo regular, periodic mandatory Inspections).

A roadworthy inspection is not a pre-purchase inspection and does not take into account the overall condition or mechanical reliability of the vehicle. Where a pre purchase inspection giving comprehensive details of the general condition or value of the vehicle is desired, you should consider arranging for a separate independent pre-purchase inspection.

It is also important to note that a Certificate of Roadworthiness does not constitute a complete assessment of a vehicle's compliance with the Standards for Registration. These standards are generally governed by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and are often beyond the scope of a Roadworthy Inspection.The ADRs are a set of minimum standards for the construction of vehicles and trailers. A Roadworthy Inspection may not cover all of these standards as in most cases, compliance with them cannot be assessed by inspection alone.

Neither the workshop conducting the roadworthy inspection, nor the Licensed Vehicle Tester performing the actual examination of the vehicle are responsible for setting the standards a vehicle must meet to be issued a Certificate of Roadworthiness. These standards are clearly defined by VicRoads, the licensed vehicle tester merely confirms whether the vehicle meets the standards as specified.

Certificates of Roadworthiness are required before you can sell a car, have a defect notice removed from a vehicle or may be required as part of a periodic mandatory Inspection...

RWC Roadworthy Certificates in Mildura, VIC

Have your vehicle comprehensively inspected before winter - safety should be a priority.

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Phil Smith Automotive in Mildura. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Phil Smith Automotive and Repco Authorised Service.

Depending on where you live in Australia, there could be very different approaches to getting your car ready for winter driving; however the basics of safe winter motoring remain the same. So how can you make sure your car is ready for safe winter motoring? 

Avoid the painful moment when you switch on the wipers at the first drop of rain and realise they haven't been replaced in years! Your wipers are exposed to the full force of the Australian sun all year round and wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Phil Smith Automotive can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other components in your car can be impacted by cold weather; including coolants - be sure it contains antifreeze for areas that can drop below 2c, oils become thicker in cold weather and don't flow well and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Having a regular service is essential - especially by a qualified mechanic who knows the right products and parts to keep your car in peak operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Cold weather can have a significant impact on your battery’s performance. Lower temperatures slow down the chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its ability to deliver power. Phil Smith Automotive understands these challenges and provides tailored advice and services to ensure your battery is ready to perform in colder conditions. Drop in for a Free Battery Test.

Conditions change - and your driving style should too. If visibility is poor or the weather is wet - slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Use your heater to demist windows. Perhaps even wait until a squall has passed before driving on. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

There are signs that your brakes need to be checked, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing any of these you should get it checked out by a qualified expert. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Driving on incorrectly inflated tyres won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Driving on worn tyres is dangerous. Now is the time to take a good look at your tyres. If you spot uneven tyre wear, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below: 

Before Winter or heading off on a long journey, it’s wise to check your overall vehicle performance. Phil Smith Automotive offers comprehensive safety inspections, ensuring your car is in top condition for local and extended travel. This proactive step reduces the risk of breakdowns and ensures peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Phil Smith Automotive want you to Drive Safe this Winter. Book in your Vehicle Safety Inspection Today.

Winter Car Maintenance Tips

Phil Smith Automotive in Mildura is a licensed roadworthy inspection station and can issue roadworthy certificates for vehicles that pass the roadworthy assessment test.  				

A roadworthy inspection includes checking:

A roadworthy inspection is not a comprehensive full vehicle inspection. Talk to us today about the different types of inspections available at Phil Smith Automotive and which one will best suit your needs. 

Book a roadworthy inspection at Phil Smith Automotive today.

Roadworthy Inspections in Mildura

Roadworthy Inspections

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Phil Smith Automotive take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Mildura, 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. 

Phil Smith Automotive 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.

Phil Smith Automotive

Roadworthy Inspections

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