Four Car Repair Facts You Should Know
Car repair may seem like something best left to professionals, but a little knowledge can go a long way. Even if you never plan to get your hands dirty, understanding a few car repair facts can help you drive safer, avoid costly issues, and get the most from your vehicle. Some tasks are easy DIY wins, while others are better left to a mechanic—but all are worth knowing.
1. Tyre Pressure Affects More Than Just Comfort
One of the simplest yet most overlooked car repair facts is that tyre pressure impacts more than just ride quality. Tyres lose air gradually—even when the car isn’t driven—and under-inflated tyres can cause:
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Increased fuel consumption due to added rolling resistance
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Uneven tyre wear, especially on the front left from roundabout cornering
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Reduced emergency handling, which could compromise your safety
Check your tyre pressures every couple of weeks. You’ll find the recommended PSI on a sticker inside the driver’s door (B-pillar). At The Torque Team, we recommend slightly higher pressures:
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250kPa (36psi) for passenger vehicles
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275kPa (40psi) for SUVs and utes
Use cold pressures for accuracy—drive straight to the servo or use a home compressor. It’s a small habit that saves money and could help avoid accidents.
2. Battery Charging Helps Extend Its Life
Modern vehicles come with alternators that don’t fully charge the battery—by design! This reduces fuel use and emissions but shortens battery life. To counter this, it’s worth charging your car battery at home every week or two.
Use a quality charger like CTEK, and if your car has a stop/start system, be sure to get a charger that supports AGM batteries, which require a specific charging profile.
This simple task helps prevent early battery failure and avoids those cold morning surprises when your car won’t start.
3. Brake Fluid Needs Replacing Every Two Years
Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. As water content increases, the fluid’s boiling point drops—leading to a dangerous condition called brake fade during heavy braking.
Worse still, brake fluid also collects wear particles that can damage your car’s ABS and other safety systems.
Most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid change every two years, but many workshops skip it. Although not difficult, this task is best handled by a qualified mechanic. So, next time your car is in for a service, ask for a brake fluid check—it could save your life.
4. Engine Coolant Has a Shelf Life Too
Coolant isn’t just for temperature control—it prevents corrosion, blocks build-up, and helps your engine run efficiently. But over time, even the best coolant degrades and becomes ineffective.
Older cars may use inorganic acid technology (IAT) coolant, which needs changing every 2 years, while modern vehicles typically use organic acid (OAT) or hybrid (HAT) coolants, which can last up to 7–8 years.
Still, no coolant lasts forever. If your car is 7+ years old and still on its original coolant, it’s time to schedule a change. It’s messy work, but a professional coolant flush is a smart move to protect your engine long-term.
Final Thoughts
Knowing these four car repair facts can help you stay ahead of maintenance, reduce unexpected costs, and drive with greater confidence. Whether it’s tyre pressure, brake fluid, battery life, or coolant checks—each plays a crucial role in your car’s safety and performance.
Want expert help with any of these car repair tasks? The Torque Team has you covered.
