Do you feel every bump in the road? Does your car struggle to grip the road properly? Your shock absorbers be worn! Don’t take the risk—bring your vehicle to Howard Motor Repairs in Howard for an expert assessment.

Shock absorbers are one of the most misunderstood yet critical components of your vehicle. Many drivers don’t realise their primary job is to keep your tyres in firm contact with the road, ensuring both safety and performance.

Shock absorbers, along with struts, are vital parts of your car’s suspension system. They directly affect your vehicle's steering, stability, handling, braking and ride comfort. Replacing worn or faulty shocks and struts, as well as inspecting the overall suspension system, helps maintain control, safety, and a smoother driving experience.  

A lesser-known fact is that shock absorbers also play a key role in reducing wear on other vehicle components, such as tyres, by minimising the vibration and stress that uneven roads place on the car.

If you notice concerning signs of shock absorber wear, don’t wait. Visit the team at Howard Motor Repairs in Howard. Our qualified technicians can conduct a road test and provide professional advice. Below are some of the warning signs to watch for:  

Trouble stopping  Worn shock absorbers can increase your stopping distance by up to 20%, which could be life-threatening. Addressing this issue immediately is crucial.  

Nose-diving and swerving  Does the front of your car dip down when braking, or does the vehicle swerve when you slow down? These are classic signs of shock absorber problems.  

Steering wheel vibrations   If your steering wheel vibrates excessively, even on relatively smooth roads, it could point to faulty shock absorbers.

Drifting in side winds  If your car veers or drifts in mild side winds, it’s a strong indicator that your shock absorbers may not be functioning correctly. 

Excessive bouncing and rolling  Is your car bouncing excessively over bumps, railway tracks, or uneven surfaces? Or does it feel unsteady around corners? It might be time for a suspension check-up at Howard Motor Repairs.  

Uneven tyre wear   Uneven or patchy tyre wear, especially bald spots, is often a sign of worn shock absorbers. This issue can reduce your tyres’ lifespan and compromise road safety.  

At Howard Motor Repairs, we’re proud members of the Monroe Safety Specialist Program. This means our team is fully trained and committed to providing you with the right shock absorber solution tailored to your vehicle, driving habits, and individual needs. You can trust that any product we recommend will be fitted correctly and deliver optimal performance.  

Book an inspection with Howard Motor Repairs in Howard today, and let us help you keep your car safe, comfortable, and road-ready.

Ensure safety and comfort on the road. Visit Howard Motor Repairs in Howard for expert shock absorber inspections, repairs, and tailored solutions. Book your assessment today!

Dangers of Worn Shock Absorbers in Howard

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Comprehensive Diagnostics for All Car Models

 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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

RACQ Approved Repairer & Roadside Assistance Contractor

We provide a variety of car services including:

 Safety Certificates / Roadworthy Inspections RWC

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.

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.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Howard

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.

A 2015 Ford Ranger's Steering Issue Unveiled

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

Your car's suspension and steering are critical for stability, good handling and ultimately safety whilst on the road.  That's why a regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

At Howard Motor Repairs, we have highly trained mechanics that are familiar with all types of steering and suspension systems. We are able to inspect, diagnose and discuss possible maintenance and/or repairs that are required for your car. 

A regular suspension and steering service that includes inspection of the overall suspension and steering system, will protect the longevity of your tyres and the efficiency of your vehicle.

Suspension and Steering Service

Suspension & Steering

RACQ

MTAA

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.


Howard Motor Repairs

Suspension & Steering

Let's get started with your booking.

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