RACQ

MTAA

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Monday the 6th of January. For all towing, breakdowns and roadside assistance please phone RACQ on 131111

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.


Understanding the Role of Your Car Alternator Your car’s alternator is a vital component that keeps your vehicle running smoothly. It plays a key role in ensuring that your battery stays charged and that your car’s electrical systems function as they should. Without a properly working alternator, you could find yourself stranded or facing unexpected electrical issues. 

That’s where Howard Motor Repairs in Howard comes in. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing alternator problems, helping to get you back on the road quickly and safely. Whether you’re dealing with dimming headlights, a struggling battery, or other electrical concerns, we’re here to provide expert solutions tailored to your vehicle’s needs. What does an Alternator do? The alternator in your vehicle is like the unsung hero of your car’s electrical system. It’s responsible for generating the electricity needed to keep everything running smoothly once the engine is on. When your car is running, the alternator works to charge the battery and supply power to a range of systems, including the headlights, air conditioning, radio, and even the power windows. Essentially, it ensures your battery has enough charge to restart the car later while keeping all the electrical components functioning properly.

Without a working alternator, your car’s battery would quickly lose its charge, leaving you stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. For example, when you’re driving at night, the alternator ensures your headlights stay bright and consistent. Similarly, it powers your wipers during a downpour and keeps your dashboard instruments functioning. It’s easy to see how crucial this part is to the everyday operation of your car. Signs Your Alternator Might Be Failing One of the most noticeable signs of a failing alternator is dim or flickering headlights. Since the alternator powers your car’s electrical systems, issues with it can cause your headlights to lose brightness, especially at night or when idling. Another common symptom is the battery warning light on your dashboard. Although this light suggests a battery issue, it often indicates a problem with the alternator not charging the battery effectively.

You might also experience strange electrical malfunctions. For example, your power windows may move slower than usual, or your radio and air conditioning might cut in and out. In more severe cases, your car may even struggle to start or stall unexpectedly, as the battery isn’t receiving enough charge to keep the engine running.

Another telltale sign is unusual noises, such as whining or grinding sounds. These could point to a worn alternator belt or failing internal components. Additionally, if you notice a burning smell, it might be due to an overheated alternator or frayed wiring.

Pay attention to these symptoms early on. Catching alternator issues before they escalate can save you from the inconvenience of a breakdown. If you’re noticing any of these signs, the team at Howard Motor Repairs in Howard is ready to help with expert diagnostics and repairs. What Can Cause Your Alternator to Fail? Several conditions can contribute to alternator failure, and understanding these can help you prevent unexpected issues. High humidity is a common culprit, especially in areas where moisture can seep into the alternator, leading to internal corrosion or damage to its components. Water exposure, such as driving through deep puddles or flooding, can also cause significant harm by short-circuiting the alternator or damaging its bearings.

Temperature extremes are another factor to consider. In very hot conditions, the alternator can overheat, which may reduce its efficiency or lead to premature wear of its internal components. Conversely, in colder climates, frozen or stiff parts can increase strain on the alternator, causing it to fail more quickly. Dust and debris can also accumulate in the alternator, particularly if you often drive on unsealed roads, leading to blockages or wear on the moving parts.

Oil contamination is another factor that can lead to alternator failure. Leaks from valve covers or power steering pumps can drip into the alternator, damaging internal brushes and causing it to malfunction over time.

Additionally, a worn or loose drive belt can affect how the alternator operates, as it relies on the belt to transfer power from the engine. Similarly, faulty or aging wiring can disrupt the electrical flow, putting extra strain on the alternator.

To minimise the risk of alternator failure, regular maintenance is key. Keeping the alternator clean, checking for any signs of wear, and ensuring the surrounding components are in good condition can go a long way in extending its lifespan. If you suspect your alternator is at risk, the skilled team at Howard Motor Repairs in Howard can provide a thorough inspection and the necessary repairs to keep your vehicle running reliably. Parts to Consider Replacing with the Alternator When replacing an alternator, it’s often a good idea to replace certain related components to ensure your vehicle’s electrical system continues to function reliably. One key part to consider is the drive belt, sometimes referred to as the serpentine belt. This belt is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the alternator, and if it’s worn, cracked, or stretched, it can slip or fail, causing the new alternator to underperform or stop working altogether. Since the belt needs to be removed to install the alternator, replacing it at the same time can save on labour costs and prevent future breakdowns.

Another component worth inspecting is the belt tensioner. This part keeps the drive belt taut, ensuring it can effectively transfer power. A worn or faulty tensioner can lead to improper belt alignment or slippage, which puts additional strain on the alternator. Replacing the tensioner when fitting a new alternator is a proactive way to avoid potential issues down the track.

In addition, it’s wise to check the alternator pulley for signs of wear. A damaged or misaligned pulley can impact the alternator’s performance and lead to premature failure of the new unit. Replacing the pulley, if necessary, can help extend the lifespan of your alternator.

At Howard Motor Repairs in Howard, we always recommend a thorough inspection of these related parts during an alternator replacement. Our skilled technicians will assess the condition of your drive belt, tensioner, and pulley, ensuring every component is in top shape. This approach helps maximise the efficiency of your new alternator and keeps your vehicle running smoothly for miles to come. Petrol vs Diesel: How Alternators Differ Alternators in petrol and diesel engines share the same fundamental purpose: generating power to charge the battery and run the vehicle’s electrical systems. However, there are key differences in their design and power output, reflecting the distinct demands of these engine types.

In general, diesel engines require alternators with higher power output compared to those in petrol engines. This is primarily because diesel engines often come equipped with additional electrical components, such as glow plugs or intake air heaters, which are crucial for starting and running the engine, especially in colder conditions. These components draw a significant amount of power, meaning a diesel alternator must be robust enough to handle the extra load.

Another difference lies in the physical design of the alternator. Diesel engines tend to operate under higher compression and produce more vibrations, so their alternators are often built with more durable materials to withstand these tougher conditions. Additionally, diesel alternators may feature larger or more efficient cooling systems to manage the increased heat generated from the higher electrical output.

It’s also worth noting that vehicles with diesel engines often have larger batteries to complement the higher power demands, and the alternator needs to be capable of maintaining an adequate charge for these larger batteries. On the other hand, petrol engines, with their generally lower power requirements, are typically paired with alternators that have a lower output but are more than sufficient for the job.

Regardless of whether you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, ensuring the alternator is suited to your car’s specific needs is vital. If you’re unsure about the condition or suitability of your alternator, the experts at Howard Motor Repairs in Howard are here to help. Our experienced technicians can assess your alternator and electrical system, ensuring everything is performing at its best. Your Local Experts in Alternator Services Maintaining a healthy alternator is essential for keeping your car’s electrical systems running smoothly and ensuring your battery remains charged. From powering your headlights and air conditioning to supporting crucial engine functions, the alternator plays a pivotal role in your vehicle’s performance. Recognising symptoms of a failing alternator—such as dim headlights, dashboard warning lights, or strange noises—can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance, addressing contributing factors like worn belts or moisture exposure, and replacing related components during repairs can go a long way in extending the life of your alternator.

Whether you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, the team at Howard Motor Repairs in Howard is here to provide expert advice, diagnostics, and repair services tailored to your vehicle’s needs. We understand the unique demands of different engine types and ensure that every repair or replacement is carried out with precision and care. If you suspect your alternator might be on the way out or simply want peace of mind, give us a call or stop by our workshop. At Howard Motor Repairs, we’re committed to keeping you on the road safely and reliably.

Get reliable alternator repairs in Howard. Read about the Signs Your Alternator Might Be Failing. Trust Howard Motor Repairs for expert services to fix alternator issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Call us today!

Car Alternator Issues? Here’s What You Need to Know

Before you hit the road with your Motorhomes, Caravans, Camper Trailers, or even your Utility Trailers, let's talk about something super important but often overlooked – your wheel bearings. Think of wheel bearings as the unsung heroes of your vehicle. They're the ones working hard behind the scenes, making sure your axles and wheels are supported, can spin freely with minimal friction, all while carrying the weight of your whole setup. Yep, they're pretty crucial for a smooth and safe ride. Now, we've seen our fair share of holidays cut short right here at Howard Motor Repairs – a proud RACQ Roadside Assistance and Breakdown contractor. It's a common sight, unfortunately. Travelers all excited for their journey, only to end up on the side of the road with severe axle damage, all thanks to neglected wheel bearings. Trust us, it's not the holiday memory you want to make. This is a great example of what can go wrong - Failed caravan/wheel bearing/hub that we have seen recently at Howard Motor Repairs We also see these - Failed hitch from a caravan recently brought in to Howard Motor Repairs Because wheel bearings tend to be out of sight, they often end up out of mind, too. But skipping on their maintenance and inspection is like inviting trouble to your road trip party. Imagine this: you're cruising, having the time of your life, and then boom! Wheel bearing failure hits. We're talking about axles or wheels potentially giving up on you and saying goodbye. Not cool, right? If your ride starts serenading you with unusual noises or you notice any funky symptoms, it's our cue at Howard Motor Repairs to step in. Don't worry, we've got your back! What can we do for you? A lot! From repacking and adjusting wheel bearings (where it's needed), handling hub assembly repairs and replacements, to outright bearing replacement. Noticed any weird vibrations under your foot pedals, a pull to one side, or a loud, I'm-not-okay kind of noise from your tyres? It might be your wheel bearings screaming for attention because of damage, leaks, or just being as dry as the Outback. Before you set off to make memories, swing by Howard Motor Repairs. We're not just here to help you out when things go sideways. We're here to make sure they don't in the first place. Let's keep your holiday rolling smoothly – literally. Safe travels, folks!

Heading on a road trip? Don't let wheel bearing issues ruin your adventure. Visit Howard Motor Repairs for essential maintenance and enjoy a smooth, safe ride.

Check your Wheel Bearings

Welcome to another tale (case study) from Howard Motor Repairs in Howard, where we blend skill, a touch of humor, and a dash of detective work to get you back on the road. This week, we had quite the intriguing puzzle: a 2015 Ford Ranger with a knack for misbehaving. The Ranger had racked up 175,000 kilometers and was beginning to show its age in an unexpected way. Picture this: you're cruising down the highway, enjoying your drive, when suddenly, your steering decides it's time for a break. A few lights start dancing on the dashboard, and you're left wondering, What's gone wrong now? The Ranger's owner promptly brought it to us, and we got to work like detectives on a mystery case. The first clue was a warning light on the dashboard. After scanning for codes, we found a steering angle sensor fault, which pointed us toward the clock spring. But hold on, the plot thickens! Ford informed us that the clock spring part was as elusive as a unicorn—nowhere to be found worldwide. Determined to solve this case, we spent the afternoon examining the clock spring, but something just didn’t add up. Our past experience whispered a hint: Check the steering rack. We recalled a similar case where the steering rack had failed. With a sense of déjà vu, we dove into the heart of the problem, disassembling the rack to unveil the truth. And there it was, the smoking gun—the belt to the electric motor had failed. This sneaky culprit explained the whole drama with the steering. We placed an order for a new belt, confident that this would breathe life back into the steering at a fraction of the cost. Ford would have you replace the whole rack for over $3500, not including fitting! But not at Howard Motor Repairs. We prefer solutions that don't break the bank. This isn’t just a one-off; we're starting to see this type of failure more often. So, as a friendly piece of advice to all you Ford Ranger owners out there, it might be worth considering a proactive replacement of the steering belt every 10 years or 150,000 kilometers. At Howard Motor Repairs in Howard, we pride ourselves on solving the toughest auto mysteries with ingenuity, expertise, and a truck load of experience. If your vehicle's got an issue, bring it in—there's nothing we love more than a good challenge!

Discover how Howard Motor Repairs in Howard tackled a Ford Ranger's power steering problem with a cost-effective solution, avoiding a pricey rack replacement.

The Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Power Steering: A Ford Ranger Adventure

As your local Mechanic in Howard and operating since 2003, Howard Motor Repairs a second generation family owned business, take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.  Conveniently located in Howard, Howard Motor Repairs specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles and can assist customers in the Fraser Coast Region including the townships of Torbanlea, Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Pacific Haven and Burrum Town. Log Book Servicing Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and diesel vehicles.  Safety Certificates Howard Motor Repairs in the Fraser Coast Region, is now an Approved Inspection Station (AIS). We can inspect and certify cars, motorcycles, vans, trailers (including caravans). Should defects be found Howard Motor Repairs can, in most cases, be able to repair them for you within the 14 days inspection period. Comprehensive Diagnostics for All Car Models Our advanced diagnostic tools are designed to precisely identify a wide range of common car problems, ensuring timely maintenance and repairs. They can detect engine issues like misfires and sensor failures, transmission problems such as shifting issues and fluid leaks, and electrical system failures including battery and alternator performance. Brake system diagnostics help identify faults in brake pads, ABS sensors, and hydraulic systems, while emission control diagnostics ensure compliance with environmental standards by pinpointing issues in the exhaust system, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensors. Additionally, our tools diagnose AC system inefficiencies for optimal air conditioning and heating, as well as SRS airbag faults to ensure safety. Overall, these tools help maintain your vehicle’s performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Air Conditioning  Howard Motor Repairs offer Car Air Conditioning Service (ARC license #AU39342) and are qualified to deal with all your Vehicle Air Conditioning Regas, Inspection, Repair and Servicing requirements Batteries - Sales and Service We have over 50 different types and sizes of the most popular range of batteries in stock in our workshop. We also offer testing, charging and replacement services. If we don't have your battery in stock we can order it and install next day *subject to availability. Motorhomes, Caravans & Trailers service Howard Motor Repairs can service your motorhome, caravan or trailer up to 6 Tonne, right here in Howard in our fully equipped workshop. So Wherever you roam with your motorhome, campervan, caravan or trailer, remember, being backed by the Repco Nationwide Warranty means our work is covered at over 500 workshops Australia wide.  On Car Brake Lathe Machining Service To save you time and money we provide 'On Car' Brake Machining so that your brake system is not required to be dismantled and reassembled. Ensuring that the rotor stays in alignment for improved performance. Ask our friendly team about this service. RACQ Approved Repairer & Roadside Assistance Contractor 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. Automotive Services  We provide a variety of car services including:  150 Point Check  4WD service  Air Conditioning  Air Filtration Services  Auto Electrical  Battery Check & Replacement  Belts & Hoses  Brake & Clutch  Caravan & Trailers  Carbon Clean  Car Heating  Clutch Service  Cooling System Service  CV Joints & Boots  Diesel Repairs  Drivetrain Services  Diagnostic & Tune  EFI  European Car Service  Exhaust Fitting & Service  Power Steering  Pre-Purchase Inspections  Roadside Assistance  Safety Certificates / Roadworthy Inspections RWC  Shock Absorber service  Steering  Suspension  Towing Service  Tyre Fitting & Repairs  Wheel Alignment  Wheel Balancing  Wheel Bearings  Windscreens & Glass Customer services Our automotive workshop in Howard is conveniently located just off the Bruce Highway in the centre of town with easy walking access to local shops, cafe's pubs etc however if you prefer we offer a comfortable waiting lounge for our customers.  We offer Loan Cars for our customers use while their cars are in our workshop. Or we can arrange a customer drop off and pick up service within the town. Please advise at the time of booking. Should you need to drop off your car outside of our business trading hours we offer an Early Drop off service - Please speak to our friendly staff to arrange. There is also plenty of parking available in our carpark at the front of our workshop. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 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 Industry Affiliations include:
AAAA
 IAME
 MTAQ
 RACQ
 VACC So, wherever you go, you can rely on the experience and knowledge of Howard Motor Repairs and Repco Authorised Service. For friendly service from a trusted independent, you can rely on the team at Howard Motor Repairs, call us today to book in for a service or repair.

As your local Mechanic in Howard, Howard Motor Repairs take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

Car Service in Howard

Keep your cool, without global warming. A proactive car air conditioning approach to protecting our environment.  As Australia begins phasing down HFC use (from January 2018), many new vehicle manufacturers may be switching to new air conditioning systems using the more environmentally friendly refrigerant R-1234yf, instead of R-134a. The benefits of using R-1234yf "Twelve Thirty Four", as R-1234yf is sometimes known, is an HFO type refrigerant delivering high performance, resulting in a more efficient air-conditioning system, fewer emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFO's) have a double carbon bond meaning they trap less heat in the atmosphere than Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) and break down faster. Importantly, R-1234yf systems are specifically engineered to prevent refrigerant leakage and loss, including into the interior of the vehicle. The leakage of refrigerants contributes considerably to greenhouse gases. Why the switch? Older type refrigerants accumulate in the upper atmosphere as greenhouse gases and contribute significantly to Global Warming for a considerable time. In the mid-'90s, the old R-12 (or Freon), which takes a long time to break down into a non-greenhouse gas, was replaced with R134a, which breaks down much quicker. R-1234yf takes that improvement to the next level, breaking down in less than half the time of R-134a (and a fraction of the time R-12 can take). R-134a will remain in use for some time and a licensed mechanic can still service R-134a air con systems, but new vehicles will likely use the new systems with R-1234yf. Some already are. Irrespective of what type of refrigerant your car air conditioner uses, a car service workshop undertaking air conditioner service must have the right knowledge and equipment to handle these gases responsibly. You should always take your car to a mechanic with the skills and specialist equipment to undertake air conditioning service safely and correctly.

There's a new gas in town

Trust, experience & knowledge ... You can rely on your Local and Independent Repco Authorised Service centre, Howard Motor Repairs to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Howard Motor Repairs use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods. What’s more, our fully qualified technicians have access to the latest service information, bulletins and training through the Australia wide Repco Auto Tech program. We provide a full range of automotive services right here in Howard and surrounding areas, all backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty and fully supported at over 500 Service Centres right across Australia. So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods.

Howard Motor Repairs

Cars are our passion.

Car Alternator Issues? Here’s What You Need to Know

Check your Wheel Bearings

The Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Power Steering: A Ford Ranger Adventure

Car Service in Howard

There's a new gas in town

Howard Motor Repairs - Our expertise & knowledge