We often find this issue when we are servicing vehicles which haven't been serviced regularly enough and on older cars. We share an example of this below.

The radiator comprises both liquid and metallic elements. Inside, it more closely resembles a complex network of pipes than a single-piece cooling system. Given this, it's not surprising that leaks can be extremely detrimental, often leading to the end of your radiator.

The primary culprit behind corrosion is rust, which is widely prevalent. Whilst water can trigger corrosion, the cooling fluid functions differently and is specifically designed to deter or inhibit corrosion. However, with the gradual chemical degradation of the coolant owing to natural wear and tear, it eventually promotes corrosion within the system.

Over time, rust and sediment accumulate in hoses, causing holes to form and allowing coolant to leak out.

To guarantee that your engine remains at an optimal temperature and doesn't overheat, it is essential to refill your radiator coolant in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This ensures that the fluid that circulates through your vehicle's radiator system is effectively regulating the temperature of the engine.

If you have any concerns about your Radiator leaks, coolant or overheating contact the team at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs to book in an inspection.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs in Hackham offers expert services to prevent and repair radiator corrosion, ensuring your car's cooling system runs smoothly. Regular maintenance is key.

Radiator Corrosion Solutions for Cars in Hackham - Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs

Radiator Corrosion causes problems for your Cooling System

It's your car and it's your choice!  Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs is fully qualified to service your new car and maintain your log book schedule whilst the car is within the warranty period.

The ACCC has confirmed that under Australian Consumer Law you can choose who services your new car and your right to a warranty is protected. 

Get the facts about New Car Servicing and watch our AutoFacts Video

New Car Warranties … the Facts.

If you're concerned about preserving your statutory rights to a new car's warranty, but also want to obtain expert service at competitive rates, Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs can help.


When it comes to reliable log book service, here's a few reasons why you  can trust Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs - your local Repco Authorised Service  mechanic.

Repco Authorised Service Centres operate a national service information system that includes the latest diagnostic techniques that are specifically designed for today's cars. Auto-Tech provides continual training, so our service technicians can stay up to date with modern vehicle technology.

Repco branded products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco exclusive Nationwide Warranty. All Repco Authorised Service Centres are carefully selected to ensure that only suitably qualified and equipped staff will work on your car.

Repco Authorised Service is Australia's largest service network. Every service we perform is supported by our nationwide network of over 500 outlets - you are covered wherever you may be.

At Repco Authorised Service Centres, we explain all of our work in a straight forward manner and we advise you in advance of any extra work that may be needed.

You can rely on your local Repco Authorised Service centre Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs in Hackham!

It's your car and it's your choice!  Your local Repco Authorised Service centre is fully qualified

New Car Warranty Log book Service in Hackham

A new client approached Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs after experiencing a terrifying incident. While driving at 40km/h, the control arm of their vehicle snapped. This mechanical failure pushed the strut into the strut mount, leading to a crack. Strut mounts play a significant role in connecting the suspension strut to the vehicle, cushioning tyre noise and vibrations, and contributing to a smoother drive.

What made this case particularly alarming was the customer's revelation that he had been travelling on the freeway at 110km/h just moments before the incident. The snapping of the control arm under such conditions could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome. It was a chilling reminder of what might happen if vehicle maintenance is overlooked.

This incident also highlighted a critical issue - the customer's previous service provider had missed signs of deterioration in the control arm, a problem that had been developing over several years. At Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs, we understand the importance of thorough inspections and proactive maintenance. During every service, we diligently check all components, including control arms and strut mounts, to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

If you're experiencing an unusual rattling sound coming from the front end of your vehicle, it could be due to a snapped control arm. The control arm plays a critical role in maintaining the proper alignment of the wheels and ensuring optimal tyre contact with the road. When the control arm fails, it can cause significant damage to other parts of the suspension system, such as the strut mount.

At Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs in Hackham, we understand how crucial it is to keep your vehicle's suspension in excellent condition. Our experienced mechanics are skilled in identifying and fixing a wide range of suspension issues, including control arm problems.

If you're experiencing any suspension issues or concerns about your vehicle's driveability, don't hesitate to bring it to our team at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs. Our friendly and professional staff will ensure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, giving you the peace of mind you deserve while on the road. Call us today to book your appointment!

Discover the vital role of control arms for your car's safety and performance at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs. Schedule your service to prevent catastrophic failures.

Ensure Vehicle Safety with Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs in Hackham- Control Arm Experts

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs is a Repco Authorised Service Centre & RAA Approved Repairer providing car service in Hackham for more than 35 years.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs has been serving the South with honest car service and competitive prices on your automotive spare parts and repairs for 35+ years. We offer car service and repairs with the experience and knowledge that can only be gained over that sort of time frame.

The Hackham service centre has extensive equipment on site for rebuilding engines and gear boxes, as well as head facing, valve grinding, flywheel and brake disc machining. We can also perform exhaust & steering repairs/replacements, arrange the re-gas of you car air conditioner for you and we include a cooling system check with all our services!

We service all makes and models of cars, including diesels, AWDs, 4WDs, caravans, campervans, trailers, light trucks, off-roads, minibuses, motorhomes, tractors, ATVs, boats, horse floats, utes, vans and your car!

At Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs you will find that customer satisfaction is the first priority at our car service workshop.

Make sure your cooling systems are up to scratch and visit Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs in Hackham. 

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs can service cars of any age, even brand new cars which are still under warranty. New car servicing and tune-ups with the aid of up to date auto tech computer printouts and technical information with the latest scanning technology are also available at our Hackham workshop. Dont let new car dealers fool you into thinking you have to return to the dealership for service to keep your warranty, you have the right to choose who services your car.

Customers, their vehicles and their money are treated with respect by the proprietor Dave Hopkins and his staff. We want our customers smiling when they leave our centre and continue smiling when they return," says Dave. "We have been satisfying customers for over 35 years with our genuine care in servicing their vehicles and take pride in our after service." Dave himself is also a member of the Hackham Business Association Committee.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU60980). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. The ARC Tick of approval helps ensure technicians have the skills and knowledge to correctly undertake service and repairs of refrigerated air conditioning to minimise environmental impact. Call to find out more about car air conditioning or Book a service online now.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs are now a Master Installer for Clutch Industries who manufacture a wide range of clutch kits for the Australian market. When you have a clutch installed by us you qualify for an extended warranty of 5 years or 50,000kms (conditions apply).

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs can supply and fit tyres too. With every service we always check your tyres and can organise replacements same day. We supply Hifly and Maxxis.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs is a Repco Authorised Service Repairer meaning all their work is covered by the Repco Authorised Nationwide Warranty.

By servicing their vehicles at our workshop all our customers can travel Australia wide, knowing they have nationwide warranty support from over 500 Repco Authorised Service Centres along the way.

At our reception you can pick up the national Repco Authorised Service directory containing every car service workshop in Australia that is member of the Repco Authorised Service group. Next time you're servicing your vehicle ask Dave to explain the advantages of the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. 

While your car is being serviced, you can use our comfy waiting lounge with tea & coffee facilities, TV and bathroom facilities. It is also possible to monitor the repairs from a designated vehicle repair viewing area. Car products and accessories can be supplied. We are located close to public transport, and free parking is available in front of workshop with a key drop off box for your convenience. You can book our loan car to use as emergency transportation. Our mechanics can pick up your car for service and deliver it back to you when the repairs are complete.

If you live in the South of Adelaide and are looking for a good honest local mechanic, come in and check out Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs - for the best car service in Hackham SA.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Hackham

Even distribution of this mixture is important to optimise the efficiency and performance of the engine.

The INLET / INTAKE MANIFOLD supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders. 

A clogged MANIFOLD can affect the power and efficient performance of your engine.

It's not every day that you think about your vehicle's intake manifold, but when it's clogged, it can create a slew of problems. Here are three issues that arise when your intake manifold needs cleaning.

1. Decreased Engine Performance - As the name suggests, your intake manifold is responsible for directing air into your engine's cylinders. When it's clogged, less air is getting through, and this affects your engine's performance. You may notice sluggish acceleration or poor fuel economy.

2. Engine Misfires - When there's not enough air getting into the engine, your fuel mixture may not ignite correctly. This can cause your engine to misfire or sputter. It can also trigger your check engine light, so it's essential to address this issue as soon as possible.

3. Overheating - Your engine requires a specific amount of air and fuel to run smoothly. When there's not enough air getting into the engine, it may cause the engine to run hot. This can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle, from warping of metal components to damaging your engine entirely.

In conclusion, cleaning your intake manifold is a vital aspect of car maintenance that should not be overlooked. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to schedule a visit to your mechanic to get your intake manifold cleaned out.

Here are 3 issues that can affect your vehicle performance. Get your intake manifold cleaned at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs, a Repco Authorised Service centre & RAA Approved Repairer in Hackham.

A Clogged Intake Manifold can be hazardous to your engine

Virtually all vehicles built today use POWER STEERING.

This system typically includes a pump, power steering fluid, pressure hose assembly, control valve and a return line.

The best way to maintain the POWER STEERING system is to regularly check the power steering fluid level, as well as the condition of the power steering pump. A worn pump not only operates inefficiently, it can also contaminate the steering hydraulics with metal particles causing damage to other components in the system.

Contact us if your car shows any of the following symptoms:

Heavy or unresponsive steering at low speeds

Unusual noise when turning the steering wheel

Steering wheel not returning to the "centre" properly

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs are the experts in Power Steering service and repairs in the south of Adelaide.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs suggest the best way to maintain the POWER STEERING system is to regularly check the power steering fluid level, as well as the...

All power steering problems fixed in Hackham

Normal combustion engines create gases, water vapor, fuel fragments and acids inside the engine. 

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs share many of the mechanical issues that can occur in your vehicle and why it's important to have your car regularly serviced.

These are held in suspension in the motor oil. If the oil is changed at regular intervals, most of the sludge particles are drained away with the used oil. However, if the oil is not changed regularly, over time the by-products form sludge.

Engine oil sludge build up is a common issue for many car owners, and if not taken care of, it can cause severe problems. Engine oil is an essential component of your car's operation as it helps lubricate various engine parts, reducing friction and keeping them running smoothly. Over time, the oil can break down, become contaminated with dirt and debris, and turn into a thick sludge.

Sludge build-up within your engine can cause:-

reduced cooling ability of the oil causing an increased strain on the cooling system

1. Engine damage: The sludge can clog up the oil pump pick-up screen and oil passages, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. It can also cause parts to wear out faster than they should, such as bearings, piston rings, and camshafts, leading to costly repairs.

So what happens when you don't service your car's oil regularly and the sludge builds up? Here are three problems that you could face:

2. Reduced fuel efficiency: Engine oil sludge can lead to a significant decrease in fuel efficiency. Sludge makes the engine work harder than necessary, using more fuel than it should, and ultimately affecting your wallet.

3. Safety hazards: Engine oil sludge can also cause safety hazards such as overheating, which could result in engine fires or a sudden loss of power while driving, leading to accidents.

Preventing engine oil sludge build-up is simple and can save you time and money in the long run. Regular oil changes every 5,000 kms or three months will keep your engine oil fresh and help prevent sludge build-up. Also, ensure to use the recommended oil viscosity and oil filter type by the car manufacturer.

We recommend regular engine oil and oil filter replacement. In vehicles with low regular mileage, we also recommend the use of an engine flush additive before replacing the engine oil.

Speak to our team at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs to see what is best for your vehicle.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs shares how neglecting your car's oil changes can lead to engine oil sludge build up. Discover the 3 common problems that come with this issue and how to avoid them.
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Don't Let Engine Oil Sludge Build Up Ruin Your Car - Learn How to Prevent It

Engine Oil Sludge Build Up: The Dangers and How to Avoid Them.

Your vehicle has a number of different filters and each one works in a different system in your car. Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs knows those systems inside and out. For servicing in Hackham and surrounding suburbs you can count on us.

Quite simply- a filter traps particles which should not be present in, or could do damage to, the system which it filters. Therefore all filters have a lifespan - once they get congested with the particles they are filtering - replacement is a must. Not replacing filters in your car when they need to be changed can lead to expensive breakdowns in some very important parts of your vehicle.

Oil Filter: Cleans the oil and allows it to flow through the engine better
Air Filter: Traps dirt particles which could damage cylinders, walls and pistons
Cabin Air Filter: Keeps pollen, dust and bacteria out of the ventilation system
Fuel Filter: Filters harmful contaminants which could do damage to carburettors or fuel injectors

Types of Filters in your vehicle include:

At Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs we provide a full 65 point vehicle inspection report upon request with every full car service. This includes a check of your cars filters to help avoid expensive breakdowns in the future. 

Your vehicle has a number of different filters and each one works in a different system in your car. Quite simply- a filter traps particles which should not be present in, or could do damage to, the system which it filters.

A reconditioned car engine can often be less expensive than having your vehicle's motor replaced with a brand new engine. The team at Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs are qualified car engine reconditioning mechanics can perform expert Engine reconditioning service.  

A reconditioned car engine can often be less expensive than having your vehicles motor replaced with a brand new engine.

Engine Reconditioning in Hackham

Engine Recon

AAAA

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from midday Friday the 23rd of December and reopening on Monday the 15th of January

We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Thursday the 21st of December and reopening on Monday the 8th of January

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs is serving the South for over 35 years with honest car service and competitive prices on your automotive spare parts and repairs.

The service centre has extensive machinery on site for rebuilding engines and gear boxes as well as head facing, valve grinding, flywheel and brake disc machining, along with exhaust and steering repairs or replacements. Keep in mind, we include a cooling system check with all our services. At Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs you will find that customer satisfaction is the first priority at our car service. 

Car service also available on Saturdays by appointment.

Dave Hopkins Auto Repairs

Engine reconditioning

Related articles

Radiator Corrosion causes problems for your Cooling System

New car service in Hackham

Snapped Control Arm - What happened?

Car Service and Repairs in Hackham

What is a Clogged Intake Manifold?

Power Steering

Engine Oil Sludge Build Up: The Dangers and How to Avoid Them.

Automotive Filters