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Howard Motor Repairs take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 

Conveniently located in Howard , 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. 

Howard Motor Repairs have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. And offers RACQ Breakdown and Towing Services. As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Engines that operate through internal combustion rely on large amounts of clean air to ensure the fuel burns properly and generates the power needed to drive the vehicle. At Howard Motor Repairs in Howard, we understand how vital it is to keep your car's air filter in good condition as part of protecting your engine's health. Your engine requires extremely clean air to function efficiently. Dirt, dust, and other particles entering the engine can cause serious damage. That’s where the air filter comes into play. It ensures the air entering the combustion chambers is clean, shielding key engine components such as the pistons and cylinders from wear and damage. Why Replace Your Air Filter? Save on Fuel Costs: Your engine requires the correct balance of fuel and air to run efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your engine to run inefficiently – often referred to as ‘running rich.’ This not only puts additional stress on your engine but can also increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. No one likes spending more on petrol than necessary!   Protect Your Engine: Over time, air filters become clogged and weaker, increasing the risk of damage. A damaged or overly dirty air filter can allow harmful particles to enter the engine, potentially leading to expensive repairs.   Benefits of Replacing Your Air Filter: Extends the life of your engine Improves fuel efficiency Reduces vehicle emissions At Howard Motor Repairs, we always check the condition of your air filter during every full car service. Whether it’s a major or minor service, or one that follows your manufacturer’s handbook or logbook guidelines, you can trust us to keep your engine running smoothly.

Keep your engine healthy with clean air filters. Improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend engine life. Visit Howard Motor Repairs for expert maintenance and reliable car servicing.

Air Filters

A turbocharger can spin at more than 100,000 RPM. Something as small as dust, dirt or a lack of clean engine oil can destroy it in seconds, turning a preventable problem into a very expensive repair. Four Turbo Failures in One Week at Howard Motor Repairs Some weeks in the workshop reveal an important lesson for every vehicle owner.

Recently, the technicians at Howard Motor Repairs, your trusted Howard mechanic, had four different vehicles arrive requiring turbocharger diagnosis and repair. While the vehicles varied in make and model, the underlying causes were surprisingly similar—and largely preventable.

Two turbochargers had failed because routine servicing had been delayed, leading to oil-related damage. The other two suffered catastrophic internal damage after dirt and debris entered through damaged or poorly sealed air filter systems. As shown in the inspection photos, the compressor wheels inside the failed turbochargers were severely damaged after ingesting foreign material or operating without adequate lubrication. Diagnosing the Turbocharger Failures Each vehicle arrived with one or more common symptoms, including: Noticeable loss of engine power Whistling or unusual turbo noises Increased exhaust smoke Poor acceleration Engine warning lights in some cases The experienced technicians at Howard Motor Repairs carried out a thorough diagnosis, which included: Visual inspection of the turbocharger Checking the air intake system and air filter housing Inspecting intake ducting and seals for leaks Examining engine oil condition and service history Assessing the amount of turbocharger shaft and compressor wheel damage Inspecting surrounding intake components for contamination The inspection quickly confirmed that these were not manufacturing faults. In two vehicles, contaminated or insufficient engine oil had caused excessive wear inside the turbocharger bearings. Because a turbo relies on a constant supply of clean engine oil for both lubrication and cooling, neglecting scheduled servicing can rapidly lead to internal failure.

The remaining two vehicles had damaged air filters or poorly sealed air filter housings. This allowed dirt and other foreign material to bypass the filter and enter the turbocharger. At speeds exceeding 100,000 RPM, even tiny particles can strike the compressor blades with tremendous force, destroying the turbo in a very short time. Why Turbo Failures Become So Expensive A damaged turbocharger is rarely an isolated problem.

When a turbo fails internally, metal fragments can travel through the intake or exhaust system. Oil contamination may also affect intercoolers, intake pipework and other engine components. If not cleaned correctly during repairs, remaining debris can quickly damage a replacement turbo.

Left unresolved, a failing turbocharger can eventually lead to: Significant engine performance loss Increased fuel consumption Heavy exhaust smoke Potential engine damage Complete vehicle breakdown Early diagnosis can often prevent these secondary problems and reduce overall repair costs. The Repair Process After identifying the cause of each failure, the team at Howard Motor Repairs completed the necessary turbocharger repairs and replacements.

Depending on the individual vehicle, repairs included: Replacing the damaged turbocharger Cleaning contaminated intake components Replacing damaged air filters and intake seals Correcting air filter housing sealing issues Changing engine oil and filters Carefully inspecting related components before returning the vehicle to service By addressing both the failed turbo and the original cause, the repairs help reduce the risk of repeat failures and restore reliable engine performance.

The vehicles left the workshop with improved power delivery, smoother acceleration and greater confidence for their owners.

As an independently owned Repco Authorised Service centre, Howard Motor Repairs uses quality replacement parts, follows manufacturer-recommended repair procedures and backs eligible work with a Nationwide Warranty, giving customers extra peace of mind wherever they travel around Australia. What These Turbo Failures Teach Every Driver One of the biggest misconceptions is that turbochargers simply wear out without warning.

In reality, many failures begin with small maintenance issues that gradually become major repairs.

Regular servicing helps ensure: Engine oil stays clean and protects the turbo bearings Air filters continue preventing dirt from entering the engine Intake ducting and air filter housings remain properly sealed Small problems are identified before they become expensive failures For drivers around Howard, where vehicles often travel long distances, rural roads and dusty conditions, maintaining the air intake system is especially important. Preventing Turbocharger Problems You can significantly reduce the risk of costly turbocharger repairs by following a few simple maintenance habits. A routine service costs far less than replacing a damaged turbocharger: Service your vehicle according to the manufacturer's schedule. Replace air filters when recommended. Ensure the air filter housing seals correctly after every service. Have unusual turbo noises inspected promptly. Don't ignore reduced engine performance or excessive exhaust smoke. Use the correct engine oil specified for your vehicle. Need Turbocharger Repairs in Howard? If your vehicle has lost power, developed unusual turbo noises or is producing excessive smoke, don't wait for complete failure.

The experienced technicians at Howard Motor Repairs, your local Howard mechanic, can diagnose turbocharger faults, inspect your intake system and recommend the most appropriate repair before minor issues become major expenses.

Regular servicing and early inspections remain the best investment in your vehicle's long-term reliability—and as this busy week in the workshop demonstrated, many turbo failures are entirely preventable.

See how Howard Motor Repairs diagnosed and repaired multiple turbocharger failures caused by poor servicing and damaged air filters. Learn how regular maintenance can prevent costly turbo repairs.

Turbo Week at Howard Motor Repairs: Four Turbocharger Failures with a Common Cause

Win a share of over $8,000 in prizes with Howard Motor Repairs and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2026, service your vehicle at Howard Motor Repairs and you can enter the Love Your Car promotion and win from a pool of exciting prizes. Prizes to Be Won 5 x $1,000 Repco Authorised Service vouchers
Redeemable at any participating Repco Authorised Service centre nationwide. 20 x $100 fuel gift cards
Perfect for your next road trip or daily drive. 5 x Supercars merchandise packs
Valued at $100 each. 10 x car care gift packs

Total prize pool valued at up to $7990 including GST. How to Enter To participate: Book and complete a vehicle service at any Repco Authorised Service centre during the promotional period. Visit repcoservice.com/win Tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve to win a Love Your Car prize. Upload your receipt Submit your entry online before 11:59pm AEST on 30 September 2026.

From 1 June to 30 September 2026, service your vehicle at a Repco Authorised Service centre and YOU could win big in the Love Your Car promotion

Love Your Car & Win

Get ready to experience the thrill of the Supercars Gold Coast 500 - on us! Simply replace your car battery with a Repco battery at Repco Authorised Service and you could be heading to one of Australia’s most exciting motorsport events with your family. This is your chance to combine essential vehicle maintenance with an unforgettable holiday experience. What You Could Win One lucky winner will receive: Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children (if required) 3–4 nights accommodation 4 x General Admission Tickets to the Supercars Gold Coast 500 $500 spending money allowance Supercars merchandise pack Theme park tickets for 2 adults and 2 children Airport transfers (if required) From high-speed track action to theme park fun and beachside relaxation, this prize package delivers the ultimate family getaway. How to Enter Entering is easy: Have your car battery replaced with a Repco battery at Howard Motor Repairs between 1 June and 31 July 2026. Then, complete your entry online here. That’s it! You’ll be in the draw to win an incredible Gold Coast Supercars experience. Why Wait? A new battery keeps your vehicle reliable and ready for the road — and now it could also put you on track for an unforgettable family holiday. Book your battery replacement today at your Howard Motor Repairs and get your entry in before 31 July 2026. View full terms and conditions here. Don’t miss out - start your engines and enter today!

Enter for your chance to win a family trip to the Supercars Gold Coast 500! Replace your battery with Howard Motor Repairs between 1 June and 31 July 2026 to go in the draw.

Win a Family Gold Coast Experience

Repco Authorised Service is Australia's largest network of independent car service workshops and with that comes the reliability of a Nationwide Warranty. Each independently owned Repco Authorised Service workshop offers you an Australian-wide warranty ensuring the goods and services you receive are free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. If something does go wrong or you have a question about our Nationwide Warranty, please get in touch with us here. With over 500 Repco Authorised Service centres Australia wide, there are few places you won't find one of our workshops within easy reach. Warranty Period For services provided by any Repco Authorised Service workshop, the warranty is for a period of 12 months or 20,000kms (whichever comes first) from the date of your invoice. Claims If you need to make a claim under the warranty, please contact the Repco Authorised Service workshop that originally completed the work on your vehicle. The workshop where the work was originally performed will be responsible for responding to and accepting claims. If the original workshop can't help, they may authorise another workshop in the network to assist. Terms and Conditions What does the warranty cover? The Repco Authorised Service workshop will have the option of reperforming, replacing or repairing the good or service if it is or becomes defective during the warranty period, at no additional charge.
a.       Where the good or service is replaced, repaired or reperformed pursuant to this warranty, the replacement good or reperformed service will be subject to the terms of this warranty commencing on the date of the original invoice.
b.       If you request for a good to be repaired, your Repco Authorised Service workshop may choose to replace the good with a refurbished good of the same type. The warranty will cover any reasonable diagnosis or scanning fees conducted by the relevant Repco Authorised Service workshop, if such goods or services are later found to be defective. If the work done on your vehicle involves the supply of services from another service provider nominated by the Repco Authorised Service centre, the warranty offered by such service provider will replace this Nationwide Warranty to the extent of such goods .  The Repco Authorised Service centre will advise you of the terms and conditions of such warranty. The rights and obligations under this warranty remain solely with the original Repco Authorised Service workshop that provided you with the product or service. The benefit of this warranty is personal to you and is not transferable. What does the warranty not cover? This warranty does not cover: normal wear and tear and consumable goods such as globes, wipers, and fluids; loss of any data stored in your vehicle like music or phone numbers; and any incidental loss or damage caused by the defect, such as towing fees, loss of profits, loss of use and loss of goodwill or other loss or damage that cannot reasonably be considered to arise normally. This warranty is void if the defect is a consequence of misuse, neglect, abuse, incorrect operation or improper maintenance of the vehicle, accident, or other use that is not otherwise caused by a Repco Authorised Service workshop. How to submit a warranty claim Step 1: Have your original invoice ready. Step 2: Ensure that you make your claim within the warranty period. Step 3:  Please contact the Repco Authorised Service centre that carried out the relevant repairs or maintenance on your vehicle. Their contact details are on  your original invoice.  Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law The goods and services acquired from a Repco Authorised Service workshop comes with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. For major failures with the service, you are entitled: to cancel your service contract with us; and to a refund for the unused portion, or to compensation for its reduced value. You are also entitled to choose a refund or replacement for major failures with goods. If a failure with the goods or a service does not amount to a major failure, you are entitled to have the failure rectified in a reasonable time. If this is not done, you are entitled to a refund for the goods and to cancel the contract for the service and obtain a refund of any unused portion. You are also entitled to be compensated for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage from a failure in the goods or service.

Enjoy peace of mind with the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Quality parts and labour covered at over 500 locations across Australia.

Nationwide Warranty

RACQ Approved Repairer & Roadside Assistance Contractor Howard Motor Repairs can provide a Roadside Assistance if you find yourself broken-down on the side of the road.  We can assist with minor issues like flat tyres, flat batteries, fuel top ups to get you back on the road quickly but for more serious mechanical issues we can arrange for your vehicle to be towed to our workshop for comprehensive diagnosis and repairs. Our Towing Fleet consists of 3 x Tow Trucks and a 9mtr Tilt Tray Truck so we can assist transporting all types of vehicles and equipment. So whether its due to a breakdown, an accident or it's simply been sitting too long - needing to get an undriveable to a mechanic workshop to fix it can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be. Howard Motor Repairs in Howard provide a car towing service within the local area as wellas the Hervey Bay area to get vehicles that cannot be driven recovered and brought to our workshop for repairs. If there is any doubt as to the safety of driving your vehicle then simply do not take the risk - get it towed. Contact Howard Motor Repairs to arrange a towing service today.

Whether its due to a breakdown, an accident or it's simply been sitting too long - needing to get an undriveable to a mechanic workshop can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be. Call Howard Motor Repairs straight away.

Howard Motor Repairs

Cars are our passion.

Air Filters

Turbo Week at Howard Motor Repairs: Four Turbocharger Failures with a Common Cause

Love Your Car & Win

Win a Family Gold Coast Experience

Nationwide Warranty

Breakdown & Towing Service