Specialist Braking & Suspension Testing in Murray Bridge.

Car not stopping the way it used to or seems to rock or roll when you corner? ? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon fix all your braking issues.

Your car's braking and suspension play an important role in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre.

Safe-T-Stop testing provides the Blenks Automotive & Performance mechanic conducting it with accurate information about how well your car's suspension and braking systems are performing in real time, without ever needing to leave the workshop. This information goes well beyond anything that could be gathered in a simple road test.

Your family's safety can be trusted with a Safe-T-Stop test. It provides an added safety inspection that goes well beyond a common check and road test to scientifically test your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

A Safe-T-Stop test is carried out on the electronically accurate PlateTronic test equipment. Safe-T-Stop test lanes measure and simulate a vehicle's brake performance in real-life conditions, exactly as it would happen in an emergency stop on the road!

Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition help you save money by minimising tyre wear and drag which can increase fuel costs.

A Safe-T-Stop check will give you an accurate and detailed printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Blenks Automotive & Performance to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

Book your safe-t-stop test online or call Blenks Automotive & Performance today.

Here at Blenks Automotive & Performance we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre...

Safe-T-Stop Brake Testing in Murray Bridge

Brake repairs are what many people talk about when it comes to being safe, but thinking about brake maintenance is much more central to your safety. Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs.

Working brakes save lives - brakes with poor maintenance decrease your ability to stop swiftly and safely, putting you and your passenger's at risk.

Regular brake maintenance allows you to feel confident knowing that your brakes will be in good working order when you need them the most; in an emergency!

When it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is 100% - call a professional such as Blenks Automotive & Performance Today.

Your brake pads are a vital component of your braking system and they are a part that you you should never neglect. Friction is caused when the brake pads compress against the brake rotors in order for your car to stop. This means hard work for your brake pads, everytime you stop. The force that is required of them to stop a moving vehicle is extreme and generates a lot of heat which erodes the brake pads.

Worn brake pads result in ineffective braking, which is dangerous on the roads. Regular check-ups and testing of your brake pad's condition is necessary to ensure that your brakes will perform their expected role when you really need them to.

How do i know if my brake pads need replacing?

Squealing brakes are an indicator that your brake pads are probably worn out; many pads have a small metal piece set into them which will scratch on the disc when your brake pads are getting thin, causing that high pitch noise. However, you should never wait until you hear noises to get your pads inspected, we recommend having your brakes inspected at every service.

It is important to remember that brake noises are not always caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

At Blenks Automotive & Performance we offer a free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection Report we inspect the brake pads for wear and will tell you if they call for replacing. We can also advise the right pad for your local conditions and driving style.

How often should my brake pads be replaced?

Brake Pads can live anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's. This can change according to a number of elements such as; driving style, local conditions, towing heavy loads. If your brake pads are wearing out too often your mechanic might advise using a heavier duty or heat resistant brake pad more suited to your vehicle.

Is brake pad replacement something i can do?

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as significant to your safety as your braking system.

Blenks Automotive & Performance are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

We can provide inspection, repair or replacement of many brake components such as:

Brake repairs are what many people talk about when it comes to being safe, but thinking about brake maintenance is much more central to your safety. Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs or you fail to stop when you need to

Brake Repairs and Brake Pad Replacement in Murray Bridge

Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge. 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance and Repco Authorised Service.

While the southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter, the northern half of Australia is enjoying their dry season.

That could mean there is very different approaches to have your car ready for winter driving; however the essentials of safe winter motoring don't change. So what can you do to make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring? 

Who hasn't had that moment when you turn on the wipers at the first drop of rain and remember that at the end of last season you should have replaced them! Wiper blades age and become less effective - especially after a long hot summer. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Blenks Automotive & Performance can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other parts in your car can be impacted by cold weather; this includes coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's essential to get your vehicle regularly serviced by a professional who recognises the best parts and products to keep your car in top condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Conditions change - and you need to adjust, as well. 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. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Look for the signs that your brakes need some work, including vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these you should get it checked out by a specialist. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on worn tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation. Now is the time to take a good look at your tyres. If you notice spots which are worn unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on tyres which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your braking ability. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Blenks Automotive & Performance has a state of the art Safe T Stop machine that can accurately test for shocker and brake wear and tear and provide you with a detailed report on the state of your vehicles ability to stop in an emergency. Call us today to book in for a Safe T Stop test.

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge. 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...

65 Point Vehicle Inspection in Murray Bridge

Your car needs to have clean brake fluid to ensure that your brakes will perform the job expected of them - keeping you and your passengers safe.

Even if you regularly top up your brake fluid, over time it will begin to degrade and break down lessening it's effectiveness in stopping your car and protecting your all important brake system. Simply put, moisture can build up in the fluid, which reduces braking efficiency and increases the chance of corrosion of individual brake system components..

Clean brake fluid not only protects your safety it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by preventing corrosion.

Cost of a brake fluid flush can vary according to vehicle type, and whether there are other parts, repairs or maintenance required to complete the task. While we have your vehicle on the hoist, for your safety we will also check the calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, and master cylinder for any faults or signs of wear that need to be addressed and advise you if necessary.

If you would like to know costs - give our friendly staff a call to discuss your car and get a quote. If during the procedure we do notice something that needs extra attention that will affect our quote we will always call you to confirm before proceeding.

The car is placed on the hoist and the wheels are removed in preperation, the brake system flush begins with removing the current fluid from the master cylinder. We then replace it with fresh new, quality brake fluid of the correct type. Next, the brakes are 'bled' and the new fluid flushes through the system, completely replacing the old. We will also check over the other parts of the brake system for any signs of damage or wear that needs attention and advise you if necessary.

A brake fluid flush can be done as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we might advise you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

My brake fluid looks clean - why are you suggesting a flush?

Old brake fluid can still look clean - that doesn't mean it's safe. When water has absorbed into the brake fluid, it might not be evident, but it still affects the boiling point. Boiling fluid can cause loss of braking pressure or even sudden and unexpected brake failure. A visual inspection is not always going to tell you if there is dangerous amounts of water in your brake fluid, only a professional boiling point test can tell you this.

How often should i have my brake fluid changed?

Every two years is the standard recommendation, there should be information in your vehicles manufacturers log book - however these are recommendations and so it is important to assess the condition of your brake fluid on a regular basis.

When it comes to brake safety - we don't stop - so you do when you need to.

At Blenks Automotive & Performance we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, calipers and cylinders and more. This Vehicle Inspection Report lets you know if there is immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to be safe or budget in advance.

Your car needs to have clean brake fluid to ensure that your brakes will perform the job expected of them - keeping you and your passengers safe...

Brake Fluid Flush in Murray Bridge

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 Blenks Automotive & Performance, 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance, 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge. 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance 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?

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.

Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance in Murray Bridge 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 Blenks Automotive & Performance today.

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

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

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

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 Blenks Automotive & Performance 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 Murray Bridge workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Murray Bridge

Brake and Clutch

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Blenks Automotive & Performance take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Murray Bridge, 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. 
		
Blenks Automotive & Performance 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.


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Brake and clutch

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