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Your local Thomastown Repco Authorised Service is Northern Car Care, offering you the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.

A trusted local favorite mechanic, Nothern Car Care has been serving local and visiting motorists for over 24 years from the same location on 224 Settlement Road in Thomastown, Victoria.

We are experts in Exhaust System replacements, repairs and custom built systems. We pride ourselves for our Auto Electrical work, Brake and Clutch servicing, as well as Diagnostics and Tuning.

We can also perform pre-purchase inspections, Road Worthy Certificate (RWC) tests and issue certificates of roadworthiness.

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even know there is a clutch in your vehicle. But without it, the gears in your car will not change. Northern Car Care in Thomastown know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below. What is a clutch? The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run. What is clutch fluid? Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Northern Car Care in Thomastown we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.
 What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing You should have your clutch looked at if: You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason There is jerky or sticky gear operation Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact us at Northern Car Care today. We can perform clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Thomastown workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Northern Car Care can conduct a vehicle Inspection with your next car service and provide you with a free Vehicle Condition report.  Mention this web page when you book your car for any service, and we will happily provide you with a fully itemised written report. During this visual inspection (carried out by a qualified mechanic) we will check 65 important areas of your car.
The Vehicle Condition Report can alert you to any issues before they impact you or your family and before they cost you extra time and money. The Repco Auto-Tech trained mechanics at Northern Car Care are fully qualified to advise you on every aspect of car service and repair, across most makes and models of vehicles.
The Repco Authorised Service 65 point Vehicle Condition Report offers you additional peace of mind. Book a car service in Thomastown with Northern Car Care to ensure you are inspected and protected, because safety matters.

Ask about a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with your next car service.

Inspected & protected

Win a share of over $8,000 in prizes with Northern Car Care and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at Northern Car Care and you can enter the Love Your Car promotion and win from a pool of exciting prizes. Prizes to Be Won 5 x $1,000 Repco Authorised Service vouchers
Redeemable at any participating Repco Authorised Service centre nationwide. 25 x $100 fuel gift cards
Perfect for your next road trip or daily drive. 5 x Supercars merchandise packs
Valued at $100 each.

Total prize pool valued at up to $8,100 including GST. How to Enter To participate: Book and complete a vehicle service at any Repco Authorised Service centre during the promotional period. Visit repcoservice.com  Tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve to win a Love Your Car prize. Upload your receipt Submit your entry online before 11:59pm AEST on 30 September 2025.

From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at a Repco Authorised Service centre and YOU could win big in the Love Your Car promotion

Love Your Car & Win

The power steering system allows almost any individual to easily maneuver a hefty vehicle at high velocities or through tricky curves. If this system stops working properly, the operator will surely feel the consequences. As such, when you have a power steering problem you'll probably notice the difference. Diagnosing the exact source of your power steering problem can be challenging. Fortunately, our mechanics use the highest quality diagnostic equipment. Reach out to Northern Car Care if you suspect you are experiencing a power steering issue. We can provide you with the necessary steering services to get your vehicle back on the road. Sluggishness, hydraulic fluid leaks, and difficulty turning the wheel can all be signs of a steering issue. For prevention, regular servicing is key, yet if any irregularities are noticed, contact us straight away. Our services cover Thomastown and extend to other areas too. Why work with us? Top Quality: As a part of the Repco Authorised Service Centre network all of the work we perform is backed by The Repco Nationwide Warranty The Right Parts: We have access to the vast Repco spare parts network which means we can find the right part for your car, at the right price - fast. Fully Trained: Our mechanics are kept up to date with modern vehicle technology via the National Auto-tech program. We are well versed in diagnostic and service techniques for many different makes and models. All Services: From a fleet of vehicles to the much loved family car, we are here for you. Our services include; Power Steering Flush Power Steering Repair Power Steering Rack Repair Power Steering Rack Replacement High Pressure Hose Replacement Low Pressure Hose Replacement For expert Power Steering Services and a competitive price, speak with the team at Northern Car Care or book online. We service customers in Thomastown and the surrounding areas.

For expert Power Steering Services with a Nationwide Warranty and a competitive price, speak with the team at Northern Car Care or book online

Power Steering Service and Repairs

Have you had your car battery tested recently? If not, now is the ideal time to have a qualified mechanic check it. FREE Driveway Test ... just drop in.  The battery in your car is a major component that plays a critical role in providing power for the starter, engine, and other electric accessories. Additionally, the battery can charge and store energy from the alternator.  To ensure the longevity of your vehicle, regular inspections of the battery should be conducted. At Northern Car Care, our highly-trained technicians are qualified to evaluate and inspect your automotive battery and electric system. Car battery failure is something that can happen at any time and without any warning. When your battery is dead, your car won't start, leaving you stranded and helpless. To avoid this from happening, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of a failing battery. Here are three signs to look out for: Slow cranking or clicking noises when starting your car Dimming headlights or interior lights A sudden loss of power while driving or idling If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your car battery tested and potentially replaced by a qualified technician. Don't wait until your car won't start, take preventative measures and stay safe on the road! If a new battery is necessary, our automotive workshop in Thomastown carries an array of reliable and top-quality products at an excellent price which includes installation. To get the most out of your car, book an inspection of your battery now. Come in today for your free battery test and let us make sure you won't have any problems! Answers to your Questions about Car Batteries How do I know if my battery is getting flat or low? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include: Vehicle is slow to start Engine won't start Dash Lights work, but engine won't start Constantly needing a jump start Film or corrosion on the battery Cracked swollen or leaky battery Rotten egg smell under the hood Do I need a new car battery? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.

Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at Northern Car Care Does a flat battery use more fuel? Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel. Where can I buy a new car battery? Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, Northern Car Care have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? Northern Car Care can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose Northern Car Care for a battery test? If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like Northern Car Care rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues. There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues! Can my car battery be recharged? Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at Northern Car Care about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself. Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Can I fit my battery myself? The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module). Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset. Talk to Northern Car Care today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

At Northern Car Care, our highly-trained technicians are qualified to evaluate and inspect your automotive battery and electric system to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

Car Battery Services

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.

Northern Car Care

Cars are our passion.

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Inspected & protected

Love Your Car & Win

Power Steering Service and Repairs

Car Battery Services

There's a new gas in town