Saunders Automotive is your local car service mechanic in Benalla. 

As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. 

For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Benalla and the surrounding areas, please use our online booking form or give us a call.

If you're looking to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, it’s crucial to maintain its radiator and cooling system. At Saunders Automotive, we're passionate about offering you top-notch radiator and cooling system services to enhance your vehicle's performance and longevity. Understanding Your Vehicle's Radiators Let’s delve into the essential role of your vehicle's radiators. They typically consist of two tanks: the main tank and the overflow tank. It’s vital to distinguish between the two to ensure your cooling system functions correctly. Failing to fill the main radiator can lead to severe engine damage, an issue that’s easily preventable with proper knowledge and maintenance. At Saunders Automotive, we prioritise educating our customers, providing clear and concise information to help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Watch Out for Discoloured Coolant Fluid A vibrant coolant fluid, whether green, red, blue, yellow, or orange, signifies a healthy radiator. However, if you notice any discolouration, it may indicate that your radiator needs a thorough flush. Ignoring this can result in rust and debris build-up, affecting your car's performance and potentially leading to major mechanical problems. The Necessity of a Radiator Power Flush A radiator power flush is indispensable for removing old coolant and trapped debris effectively. At Saunders Automotive, our expert team recommends regular flushes to maintain your vehicle’s longevity and reliability. This preventive measure can significantly enhance your car’s performance and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Comprehensive Radiator & Cooling System Services Choosing the right automotive service is crucial for your vehicle’s health. At Saunders Automotive, we offer an extensive range of services to ensure your radiator and cooling system function optimally. Here’s what we provide: Thorough assessment of all fans Pressure evaluation of the radiator and cap Functionality checks of the thermostat Visual inspection of all hoses and belts Examination of all component operations Complete draining and cleaning of the cooling system Replacement of coolant By choosing Saunders Automotive, you’re partnering with highly qualified professionals who adhere to your logbook schedule, even during your vehicle’s warranty period. Our commitment to excellence ensures that radiator issues won’t compromise your car’s performance. The Risks of Radiator Failure Radiator failure can occur due to several factors, including corrosion, damaged cooling fins, or blocked radiator cores. External factors, such as debris or accidental damage, can also hinder heat exchange, leading to inefficiency. Regular maintenance and expert care can mitigate these risks and keep your vehicle in prime condition. The Importance of Timely Repairs Neglecting a leaking radiator can have dire consequences, potentially leading to engine overheating and costly repairs. By addressing issues promptly, you prevent significant damage and ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best. Don’t let radiator problems disrupt your journey. Visit Saunders Automotive in Benalla today to experience our exceptional radiator and cooling system services. Together, we can maintain your vehicle’s performance and reliability for the long haul.

Discover expert radiator and cooling system services in Benalla at Saunders Automotive. Ensure optimal vehicle performance with our comprehensive maintenance solutions.

Radiator & Cooling System Services in Benalla

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. Saunders Automotive in Benalla 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 Saunders Automotive in Benalla 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 Saunders Automotive today. We can perform clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Benalla workshop.

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

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Saunders Automotive 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 Saunders Automotive 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 Benalla with Saunders Automotive 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 Saunders Automotive and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at Saunders Automotive 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

Let's hit the brakes right here and talk about a topic that could determine your car's lifespan, its performance and safety - regular car servicing. We're simply taking you under the hood, courtesy of the top mechanic in Benalla, Saunders Automotive. With a reputation for top-tier car servicing and automotive repairs, we aim to throw some light on the necessity of car servicing. Now, we understand your possible hesitation at regular car service. The thought of going through your owner’s manual and noting down when to get what done can seem like a hassle. But imagine having your vehicle stall mid-road trip because you failed to get the oil changed. But why, exactly, should you commit to regular car servicing? We're glad you asked. Optimised Vehicle Performance Yes, routine checks and oil changes are like superfood for your car. With Saunders Automotive's quality servicing, rest assured that your vehicle will be running in peak condition. Your car is a serious financial investment. Ensuring Safety Besides boosting your car’s performance, servicing plays a crucial role in guaranteeing your safety. From your brakes to the steering system, each component is meticulously inspected and taken care of at Saunders Automotive. Prevention Over Costly Repairs Undiagnosed problems could mean unexpected and often costly repairs. Regular servicing can prevent this by detecting minor problems early on. Saving you money and time off the road. It's equally crucial to keep in mind the replacement of some key car parts during service. Engine oil, air filters and spark plugs are usually at the top of this list. Skipping these changes could lead to decreased engine performance, poor fuel economy and in the worst case, complete engine failure. At Saunders Automotive, your local mechanic in Benalla, we don’t just ensure that your vehicle is up to date on its servicing; we're also a part of Australia's largest network of independent car service workshops – Repco Authorised Service. Our dedication and nationwide warranty make us reliable allies for your automotive needs. Be it a regular servicing appointment or a long-distance drive after the service, we've got you covered. Answers to your frequently asked questions about regular car servicing How often should I service my car? Most car manufacturers suggest a service every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. But this could vary based on the make and model of your car. Always check your vehicle’s service manual for guidance. What happens if I don’t service my car regularly? Failing to service your car regularly can result in decreased performance, reduced fuel economy, potential safety risks and higher repair costs due to undiagnosed issues. What does a car service include? A standard service generally includes an oil change, filter replacement and a thorough safety check of the vehicle’s major components including brakes, tyres, suspension and more.

Routine vehicle checks and oil changes are like superfood for your car. With Saunders Automotive's quality servicing, rest assured that your vehicle will be running in peak condition.

Why Regular Car Servicing Matters - Insights from Saunders Automotive

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.

Saunders Automotive

Cars are our passion.

Radiator & Cooling System Services in Benalla

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Inspected & protected

Love Your Car & Win

Why Regular Car Servicing Matters - Insights from Saunders Automotive

There's a new gas in town