Paatsch Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs

As an A Grade Trained Mechanic, Paatsch Automotive also perform new car servicing and log book servicing, ensuring your vehicle is in safe hands. We are experienced in all makes and models.

As a Licensed Vehicle Tester with VicRoads, Paatsch Automotive can check and inspect whether your vehicle is road worthy and issue a Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). We are also a fully qualified mechanical workshop so can fix any issues which haven't passed the inspection.

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 Colacworkshop today.

A diesel engine can be more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, it still needs regular servicing to keep it running at an ultimate level and to help make sure nothing goes wrong.

New tyres, a tyre rotation, wheel alignment and wheel balance go hand in hand to ensure good handling. Paatsch Automotive are experienced at maintaining tyres and related components and can give you good advice on purchasing the correct tyres for your car.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Enrolled in the Repco Auto Tech training program, Paatsch Automotive makes sure each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

For friendly service from a trusted independent, you can rely on the team at Paatsch Automotive!

As your local mechanic in Colac, Paatsch Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Colac

Car Service and Mechanical Repairs in Colac

Brake pads are a vital component of your vehicle's braking system, directly influencing your safety and that of your passengers. Located in the heart of Colac, Paatsch Automotive specialises in maintaining the optimal performance of these essential elements to ensure your vehicle is always road-ready, especially during the unpredictable wet weather seasons.

Simply put, brake pads are the components that apply pressure and friction to your vehicle's brake rotors—the flat, shiny discs you might have noticed behind your wheels. This pressure is what slows down your car and brings it to a stop. Every time you press the brake pedal, the brake pads work hard to ensure a smooth, safe stop. This is why understanding and maintaining the health of your brake pads is not something to overlook.

When it comes to driving in wet conditions, the thickness of the brake pad's rubber is crucial. For optimal performance, brake pads should have at least 3 millimetres of material. Below this, the efficiency of your brakes significantly decreases, posing a safety risk. Thinner brake pads are less effective at displacing water and generate less friction, crucial for stopping the vehicle promptly. At Paatsch Automotive, we emphasise the importance of regular inspections to ensure that your brake pads meet this safety standard, especially before entering the rainy season in Colac.

The Importance of Rubber Thickness for Wet Weather

Neglecting regular brake pad inspections can lead to several dangerous situations. Over time, brake pads wear down from use. If they're not checked and replaced when needed, you could be at risk. Here are three damaging consequences of worn or missing brake pads:

1. Reduced Braking Efficiency: Worn brake pads cannot create enough friction with the brake rotors, increasing stopping distances especially critical in emergency situations.
2. Damage to Brake Rotors: Without adequate padding, the metal of the brake calipers and the rotor can grind together, causing costly damage and potentially requiring the entire braking system to be overhauled.
3. Increased Accident Risk: Ultimately, the reduction in your vehicle’s ability to brake quickly and efficiently increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in slippery conditions.

Understanding the broader context of how brake pads fit into your vehicle’s braking system can help appreciate their importance. A typical braking system includes:

- Brake Pads: The friction material pressed against the rotors to slow down the vehicle.
- Brake Rotors/Discs: Large discs that sit inside the wheels. The brake pads clamp onto these to stop the car.
- Calipers: The component that squeezes the brake pads against the rotors.
- Brake Lines: Tubes that carry brake fluid, the essential medium that moves the components of the braking system.

At Paatsch Automotive in Colac, our aim is to educate and service our community's vehicles to the highest standard. Whether you're experiencing issues with your braking system, preparing for the wet season, or simply due for a regular check-up, our team is here to ensure your safety on the road with comprehensive brake services. Remember, maintaining your brake pads is not just about prolonging the life of your vehicle—it's about protecting the lives of those inside it.

Ensure your safety with Paatsch Automotive's expert brake pad services in Colac. Learn the vital role of brake pads and how proper maintenance prevents accidents.

Essential Brake Pad Maintenance for Vehicle Safety | Colac

Brake fluid transfers the pressure you put on the brake pedal through to the actual brakes.
Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work. As everyone knows - not having brakes is a huge problem! In fact even slightly affected brakes are very dangerous.


Brake fluid absorbs moisture very easily. Brake fluids are also subject to very high temperatures and so they are designed to have a high boiling point to stop them from boiling and evaporating- when brake fluid has accumulated too much moisture- this lowers its boiling point and it can boil off more easily causing low levels. Low levels of brake fluid affect your braking performance and could mean your car will fail to stop.
Brake Fluid that has absorbed too much moisture will also shorten the life of your braking system including damaging the callipers, wheel cylinders and anti-lock braking systems.

Why is brake fluid replacement necessary?

Your manufacturer's log book will advise how regularly your brake fluid should be changed or flushed, we recommend a drain and replacement every two years however it is wise to have it regularly checked by an expert at every service to make sure the levels are not reducing too fast (a sign of a leak) or that the moisture levels have not reached a point that could be damaging your system.

How often should I replace my brake fluid?

At Paatsch Automotive 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, callipers and cylinders and more. This inspection helps to identify any issues in your vehicle which should be addressed and our mechanics will certainly advise you if they feel your vehicle might need a brake fluid replacement, or an out of schedule brake system service or repairs.

Do you check the brake fluids during a car service?

Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work.

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it? 

Paatsch Automotive are European Car Servicing Specialists

Paatsch Automotive have the knowledge and expertise to provide repairs, diagnostics and service on all European and Luxury vehicles including Alfa Romeo - Audi - BMW - Citroen - Ferrari - Fiat - Land Rover - Mercedes Benz - Mini Cooper - Peugeot - Lexus - Porsche - Volvo and many more in our well appointed Colac car service centre.

Why do I need to consult a European car specialist?

Maintaining and servicing European cars requires a specialised knowledge of their finely tuned engines and distinct craftsmanship. To ensure your vehicle is being serviced to the standard it deserves, it's best to consult a European car specialist.

We are Repco Auto-Tech training programme members - Australia's leading provider of automotive technical training and information, so you can rest easy that Paatsch Automotive are completely up to date with all modern vehicle servicing techniques. Through the Auto-Tech encyclopaedia and SmartQuote programs Paatsch Automotive have easy access to the corect service schedules for all Luxury and Euro makes and models.

Our expert technicians know exactly how to undertake the care of all European and Luxury Vehicles, whether it be using European car specific software for diagnosis or choosing the right quality parts.

We take care of your Luxury investments with qualified European car experience and guarantee excellent services. Be it Audi, BMW, or any other European car service, we guarantee that our technicians are highly knowledgeable in every area. Book a service today and let us help you.

Paatsch Automotive have the knowledge and expertise to provide repairs, diagnostics and service on all European and Luxury vehicles....

European and Luxury Car Service Experts in Colac

Paatsch Automotive suggest these safe winter driving tips

Drive Safe this Winter by having a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report conducted on your vehicle.

Paatsch Automotive in Colac offer a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report free with every service. 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. This allows us to identify any concerns which may need to be attended before winter so that you can drive safely. Be prepared!

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers on the first rainy day and suddenly remember you haven't checked them in months! 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. Paatsch Automotive 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; this includes coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's important to have your car serviced regularly by someone qualified to understand the correct 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.  

Know how to drive in bad weather 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.

Keep a look out for the warning signs that your brakes need some attention, like vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing 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.

Driving on worn tyres is dangerous. Now is the time to check how much tread your tyres have left. If your tyres are wearing 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. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below: 

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

Drive Safe this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report from Paatsch Automotive in Colac

Tips for safe winter driving

If you neglect to flush your brake fluid, the result is a domino effect of vehicle problems. You will experience diminished braking ability, increased wear on components, expensive repairs and possible safety risks.

Moisture can build up in the fluid  - which ruins braking efficiency, increases the corrosion of brake system components and can cause total brake failure.

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

Ultimately, the biggest risk of not flushing out brake fluid is that it can compromise the safety of the driver and passengers. Without proper braking power, the car may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision or other hazardous situation on the road.

Paatsch Automotive are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our Nationwide Warranty.

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

At Paatsch Automotive 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 report lets you know if there is an immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to be safe or budget in advance.

Reclaim Your Stopping Power with a Brake Fluid Flush from Paatsch Automotive. Protect your braking system from corrosion and dangerous water contamination.

Brake Maintenance, Flush and Repairs in Colac

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 Paatsch Automotive 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 Colac workshop today.

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

Brake and Clutch Service in Colac

Brake and Clutch

AAAA

AAFRB

IAME

MTAA

VACC

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Tuesday the 20th of December and reopening on Wednesday the 11th of January

As your local mechanic in Colac, VIC 3250, Paatsch Automotive take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. 

Our Colac car service mechanics specialise in RWC, Air Conditioning, Mechanical Repairs, wheel alignments and much more. A top level mechanic, Paatsch Automotive also perform new car servicing and log book servicing, ensuring your vehicle is in safe hands. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship. Enrolled in the Repco Auto Tech training program, Paatsch Automotive makes sure each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Paatsch Automotive

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Car Service and Mechanical Repairs in Colac

Understanding Brake Pads

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?

European and Luxury car service

Want to drive safe this winter?

Stop Safe: Flush Your Brakes Now!