Cooling and exhaust are the two systems where a small fault turns into a very large one fastest. An overheat can destroy an engine in minutes. A leaking exhaust is a noise problem and a safety problem at the same time, because it can put exhaust gas where people are breathing.
Book this in if you have noticed
- check_circle The temperature gauge climbs above its normal position
- check_circle Coolant needs topping up regularly with no visible puddle
- check_circle Sweet smelling steam or white smoke from the front of the car
- check_circle The exhaust has become louder or has developed a rasp
- check_circle A drone or vibration that changes with engine load
No surprises on the bill
We will not begin work on your exhaust & radiator until we have talked you through what it needs and you have agreed to go ahead. If we find something else once we are into the job, we stop and call you before doing anything further. Nothing lands on your bill that you have not approved.
How it works
Book it in
Call the workshop or send the form. Booking costs nothing and you are not committing to any work.
We inspect and photograph
We put the car up and look properly. You get high definition photos of anything we find, so you can see the worn part yourself rather than taking our word for it.
You get a quote
We quote the whole job before a spanner is turned, and we talk you through it. If we find something else once we are in there, we stop and call you before going any further.
We fix it and back it
The work is done by master technicians using parts matched to your car, and covered by our 30 day guarantee.
Overheating is a system fault, not a radiator fault
The radiator gets the blame because it is the part people know. In practice an overheat can come from a thermostat stuck closed, a water pump impeller that has corroded away, a cooling fan that never switches on, a blocked core, or a head gasket letting combustion pressure into the coolant. Each has a very different cost. A pressure test and a check of fan operation and coolant flow narrows it down properly, which is worth doing before anyone replaces a radiator that was fine.
Coolant that disappears with no puddle
If the level keeps dropping and there is nothing on the driveway, the coolant is either leaking only under pressure at temperature, or it is going somewhere internal. A pressure test will find the first. The second, usually a head gasket, shows as combustion gases in the coolant and can be tested for directly. It is worth knowing which one you have early, because continuing to drive an engine that is consuming coolant internally is how a repairable problem becomes a replacement engine.
Exhaust leaks are a safety issue, not just a noise
Most exhaust corrosion starts at the joints and the muffler, and the first sign is the note getting louder. The part that matters is where the leak sits. A leak forward of the cabin can push exhaust gas up through the floor and into the car, and carbon monoxide has no smell. A leak before the oxygen sensor also upsets the fuel mixture, which can trigger a check engine light and hurt economy. We inspect the full length rather than just replacing the section that rattles.
Exhaust & Radiator
Cooling and exhaust are the two systems where a small fault turns into a very large one fastest. An overheat can destroy an engine in minutes. A leaking exhaust is a noise problem and a safety problem at the same time, because it can put exhaust gas where people are breathing.
Inside the workshop
Not stock photos. This is the Buchanan Road workshop, our hoists and our technicians.
“Pedro and Iury provided a great experience from start to finish. I took my little “Apple Love” there, and even though I don’t know much about cars, they took the time to clearly explain every step of the process, both over WhatsApp and in person at the workshop, which made everything much less stressful and easier to understand. The service was quick, the pricing was fair, and they were also flexible with payment options, which really helped. Professional service, honest communication, and overall a very smooth experience. Definitely a workshop I’d come back to in the future.”
“We have a small car rental company and these legends are caring of our fleet. The workshop definitely have the best car servicing in Brisbane Northside, everything is done with transparency and only made after our approval. Really recommend!”
“Excellent service and quality work. The team was very professional, transparent, and explained everything clearly before carrying out the work. My car was in great condition after the service, and the whole process was quick and efficient. I highly recommend them!”
“Great experience with this garage. The team was very professional, friendly, and explained everything clearly about the work that needed to be done. The service was completed on time and the price was very fair. It’s great to find a place that is honest and does quality work. I highly recommend them.”
“My car engine was failing and luckily these guys were the closest. Did a great job, very fairly priced. I needed a service too and they gave me that which was very convenient. Happy customer”
The 30 Day Guarantee
Every repair we carry out is backed for 30 days. If something we touched is not right, bring the car back and we will make it right at no cost to you. No argument, no fine print, no second invoice.
Common questions
Can I keep driving if it is running a bit hot?
No. Pull over and let it cool. An engine that overheats badly can warp a head or seize, turning a modest repair into a very large one.
Can you just top up the coolant for me?
We can, but if it needed topping up there is a reason. We would rather pressure test it and find out where it is going.
Do you fit performance exhausts?
No. We carry out repair and replacement work on the standard system. Performance and custom fabrication is not something we take on.
Why did my check engine light come on with an exhaust leak?
A leak before the oxygen sensor lets extra air into the stream, so the sensor reads lean and the engine management compensates incorrectly.
How often should coolant be replaced?
It has a service life and loses its corrosion inhibitors over time. We check its condition at every service and tell you when it is due.
Can I use water instead of coolant?
Only to get you home in an emergency, and then get it flushed properly. Coolant is not just antifreeze. It carries corrosion inhibitors that protect the alloy in the head and the radiator core, and it raises the boiling point. Plain water strips that protection and causes internal corrosion surprisingly quickly.
Where to find us
3/33 Buchanan RoadBanyo QLD 4014
- Monday to Friday
- 08:00 to 17:00
- Saturday
- 08:00 to 12:00
- Sunday
- Closed
5.0from 53 Google reviews
1966servicing Brisbane since
Other work we do
Book it in
Tell us the car and what it is doing. We will call you back to confirm a time that suits, and nothing gets done until you approve the cost.
- You get the cost before we start
- Photos of every fault we find
- The 30 Day Guarantee on every repair
Why Trust Your Car With Us?
30-Day Guarantee
Quality that lasts. Every service is backed by our 30-day guarantee so your vehicle stays in peak condition.
Total Transparency
High-definition photos and a clear diagnostic report on every issue before any tool touches your car.
Expert Diagnosis
Master technicians using state-of-the-art OEM scanners to pinpoint issues with precision.
Free Booking
No hidden fees and no pressure. Book with confidence and only proceed when the quote is right.
Experience the Standard in Auto Care
Total transparency, fair prices and a 30-day guarantee. Banyo, Brisbane. Since 1966.