The driving conditions in and around Weipa, a remote town located on the western Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia, are predominantly characterised by unsealed, dusty roads outside of the main town areas, which can present significant challenges for both drivers and vehicles.

These rough and often corrugated dirt roads demand vehicles with higher clearance and robust suspension systems, especially when travelling off-road to access the more remote areas or during the wet season when the roads can become extremely slippery or even impassable due to flooding.

The pervasive dust and dirt can clog air filters, while the uneven terrain increases wear and tear on suspension and tyres. Additionally, the potential for encountering wildlife on the road requires constant vigilance. The cumulative impact of these conditions on a car includes accelerated wear on tyres and suspension components, increased maintenance for engine and air filtration systems, and a heightened risk of undercarriage damage. Regular maintenance checks become essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of a vehicle in these challenging driving environments.

So this winter, make the most of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes with every service and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Our technicians will conduct a comprehensive examination of your car's vital components and provide a written report on their findings. In addition, our skilled mechanics can explain any likely issues to you. You can rest assured that your vehicle is safe for the roads with Gulf Parts & Service - an Independent Owned Repco Authorised Service Centre.

Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report from Gulf Parts & Service

This could mean there are completely different ways to be prepared for winter driving; however the fundamentals of safe winter motoring stay unchanged. So how do you make sure your car is ready for safe winter motoring?

We've all experienced that moment where 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! Constant exposure to the Australian conditions means your wipers will wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Gulf Parts & Service 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 and wear & tear; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's important to get your vehicle regularly serviced by a qualified mechanic who knows the best parts and products for your particular vehicle make and model. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.

Remember to always drive to the conditions. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility 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.

There are some tell-tale signs that your brakes need to be checked, such as vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If your car is doing any of these it's best to have a qualified professional check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

Bald tyres = dangerous driving. 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:

• Tyres and Wheel Service
• Shock Absorber Auto Facts
• Steering and CV Boots
• Braking and Disc Pads

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