Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Port Pirie, Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Thompsons Auto Repairs / Centre Radiators  have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring only the very best in automotive care.

Diesel engines have gained popularity among Australian motorists because of their efficiency and performance.  A well-maintained diesel engine can offer superior fuel economy, more torque, and greater towing capacity than a gasoline-powered engine. However, many diesel owners underestimate the importance of regular service for their engine, assuming that it doesn't need the same attention as a gas engine.  Diesel engines are renowned for their durability and reliability. But like all engines, they require regular servicing to maintain peak performance and prevent major problems from developing. Here are seven good reasons why regular diesel engine service is essential for your vehicle's longevity.  1. Extend engine life  Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your diesel engine. During a service, the skilled technicians from Thompsons Auto Repairs will change the oil and filter, replace worn belts, check the cooling system, and inspect the fuel injection system. All these steps can help identify and fix potential issues before they become serious and expensive problems.  2. Improved fuel economy  A well-maintained diesel engine can offer improved fuel economy over time. A Thompsons Auto Repairs technician can check the air filters and fuel injectors, ensuring that the engine is running efficiently. Over time, this can help save you money at the petrol pump.  3. Reduced emissions  Regular diesel engine service can also help reduce emissions, making your vehicle better for the environment. During a service, Thompsons Auto Repairs's technicians can replace or clean air filters, inspect and clean the EGR valve, and ensure that the catalytic converter is working correctly. This can reduce harmful emissions and make your vehicle more eco-friendly.  4. Better performance  Regular diesel engine service can help ensure that your vehicle runs at optimal performance. By changing the oil and filter, checking the air intake system, and cleaning the fuel system, the technicians at Thompsons Auto Repairs can improve the overall efficiency and performance of your vehicle. This can result in better acceleration, more power, and smoother driving experience.  5. Avoid breakdowns  No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle. Regular diesel engine service can help prevent unexpected breakdowns by catching potential issues before they become major problems. Thompsons Auto Repairs can inspect and replace components that are worn or close to failing, ensuring that your vehicle remains reliable and dependable.  6. Protect your warranty  Regular diesel engine service is also important if you want to protect your vehicle's warranty. Many warranties require that your vehicle is serviced regularly at an authorised dealership or qualified mechanic like Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie. Failing to adhere to these guidelines can result in a voided warranty.  7. Maintain resale value  If you plan to sell your diesel vehicle in the future, regular service with Thompsons Auto Repairs can help maintain its resale value. A well-maintained vehicle with a documented service history is more attractive to potential buyers, and can often fetch a higher price than a neglected vehicle.  Regular diesel engine service is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of your vehicle. By scheduling regular service, you can extend engine life, improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, avoid breakdowns, protect your warranty, and maintain resale value. So, don't wait until something goes wrong to schedule a service. Call your local mechanic, Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie today and ensure that your diesel vehicle is running at its best.

Ensure your diesel-powered vehicle remains in optimal condition through consistent upkeep. Explore the seven key advantages of routine diesel engine maintenance in this detailed and enlightening article...

The Crucial Importance of Regular Diesel Engine Service for Your Vehicle 

Tyre & Wheel tips from Thompsons Auto Repairs As the main role of tyres is to keep your car in contact with the road, they play a vital role in the safety and stopping power of your car... Ensuring that your vehicle is always in optimal condition is essential for your safety and comfort on the road. One of the best ways to do this is through regular car servicing. This practice not only maintains the longevity of your vehicle but also prevents the occurrence of potentially dangerous problems while alerting you of any issues with your tyres. As such, it is highly recommended that you have your tyres checked every time your car undergoes a service. In addition to keeping your tyres in check, having your car serviced also presents the opportunity for a professional mechanic to perform a wheel rotation or wheel balancing on your vehicle. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but it can significantly improve your driving experience.  Why get tyre and wheel services from Thompsons Auto Repairs? At Thompsons Auto Repairs, we pride ourselves on being locally owned and operated, providing a high standard of service that is built on years of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry. Our range of top-quality tyres and specialist equipment enables us to deliver expert fitting and maintenance of your wheels. All our work is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Maintaining optimal tyre condition is essential for ensuring your safety and maximising the performance of your vehicle. While you may have the basic knowledge to check your tyres, the expertise of certified professionals at Thompsons Auto Repairs goes far beyond just a superficial inspection. Our skilled technicians can evaluate every aspect of your tyres condition. From tread wear patterns to sidewall bulges, we examine every nook and cranny of your tyre to detect any signs of damage or wear. If you're searching for expert guidance regarding your vehicle's tyres, Thompsons Auto Repairs can offer you a comprehensive consultation. Not only can they evaluate the condition of your tyres, but they can also detect any underlying issues that may have a negative impact on their longevity, including problems with your wheel alignment, tyre balance, brakes, and suspension. Their professional insight and experience will help safeguard both you and your vehicle, ensuring that your tyres remain in optimal condition and reducing the risk of any potential safety hazards. When do tyres need replacing? Tyres eventually wear out over time, an unavoidable process which is quickened by hard braking and regular high speed driving as well as uneven road surfaces. Unless there are problems causing uneven tyre wear or bald spots or there is other significant damage, the depth of the tread on the tyre is usually the best indicator your tyres are due for replacement. Although the legal minimum tread depth varies, a good rule of thumb is when tread depth is approaching 1.6mm you should think about buying new tyres. The role of the tyre tread cannot be overstated as it serves as a crucial factor in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. Not only does the tread provide the necessary traction to propel the vehicle forward, but it also offers the necessary friction to bring it to a halt with maximum efficiency. Moreover, the tyre tread plays a vital role in preventing the occurrence of aquaplaning, by effectively channeling away the water from the surface of the tyre, thereby ensuring optimal grip and control on wet surfaces.  It goes without saying that the tread depth is of paramount importance in determining the vehicle's control and maneuverability in wet driving conditions. In fact, the deeper the tread, the better the vehicle's grip and stability on the road. When it comes to tyres, it's important to understand that their longevity is directly correlated to how well you care for them.  Why check tyre pressure? Tyre pressure is not just important to ensure you get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre damage as pressure and wear is directed at areas of the tyre not designed to take it. Perhaps most importantly the pressure of your tyres can have a direct impact on the driveability, and therefore the safety, of the vehicle. Why should tyres be checked regularly? You should check your tyres yourself on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition. Be on the lookout for bald or flat spots, tears and cuts in the surface of the tyre and any foreign objects likely to cause problems such as stones, nails and other road debris. You should also have a tyre professional give them a check on a regular basis as they have the knowledge and equipment to properly check the entire tyre and may spot issues you simply don't see. Why do tyres need to be rotated? Tyres will suffer from wear and tear at varying rates. The front and rear tyres for example will wear at different rates as front tyres generally carry more weight than rear ones, meaning faster heat build-up and therefore increased wear. The tyres on either side of your car will also tend to wear at different rates to those on the opposite side. Having your tyres rotated regularly, every 7500 to 10,000 km for example, can help to ensure that all of your tyres wear at a similar rate and in the same places. Thompsons Auto Repairs will be happy to undertake this task for you and inspect each tyre as they do it, letting you know of any issues that might present a problem or you should otherwise be aware of.  Will a regular wheel alignment or balance help look after tyres? Regular wheel alignment is a crucial aspect of ensuring that your vehicle operates smoothly and safely. By keeping your wheels in proper alignment, you can prevent premature or uneven tyre wear, improve handling, and increase fuel efficiency. A properly aligned set of wheels ensures that the contact patch of the tyre is evenly distributed, thereby ensuring optimal grip on the road surface. Furthermore, wheel balancing is another important factor to consider in maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. When your wheels are out of balance, they can cause unwanted vibration that can negatively affect the overall performance of your vehicle. A balanced set of wheels minimises the chances of tyre wear, increases your vehicle's handling, and promotes a comfortable and stable ride. No matter how well you care for your tyres there will come a time when the only option for maintaining safety, comfort and fuel economy of your car is to have the tyres replaced, such as when they have reached the minimum tread depth.  Thompsons Auto Repairs supply and fit a range of tyres suitable for most vehicle types in our Port Pirie car service workshop...

Thompsons Auto Repairs are offer some advice on keeping these crucial components of your vehicle in the best condition for when you need them the most…

Looking after your tyres and wheels

As Easter approaches, it’s the perfect time to make sure your vehicle is in top shape for holiday travels or just cruising around Port Pirie. Get Ready for Easter Driving: Ensuring Your Car is Holiday-Ready ﻿Regular car servicing plays a crucial role in keeping your car safe and reliable, whether you're planning a long trip or simply navigating daily routes. At Thompsons Auto Repairs, we ensure your car is ready for any journey with our comprehensive range of services.﻿ Why Regular Servicing is Essential﻿ Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your car. It involves several mechanical tasks that ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition, especially for those school holiday adventures. Here’s why you should consider booking your car service ahead of Easter:﻿ Brakes: Ensuring your brakes are functioning properly is vital for your safety. During a service, our technicians check brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to guarantee efficient stopping power, reducing the risk of accidents.﻿ Tyres: Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, making them crucial for safety. Regular inspections check for wear and tear, proper inflation, and alignment, ensuring they are up to the task for all your Easter travels.﻿ Battery: A well-maintained battery is key to avoiding inconvenient breakdowns. We test your battery’s charge and condition, ensuring it’s reliable and won’t let you down when you need it most.﻿ Lights: All vehicle lights should be in working order to maintain visibility and communicate with other drivers. Regular checks ensure that headlights, brake lights, and indicators are functioning correctly.﻿ HVAC System: A comfortable car interior is essential for a pleasant driving experience. Checking your HVAC system ensures your air conditioning and heater are working efficiently, contributing to safety by providing effective window demisting.﻿ Fluid Levels: Fluids such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid are the lifeblood of your car. Regular servicing ensures these levels are topped up and free from contaminants, which is crucial for the smooth operation of your vehicle.﻿ Plan Ahead for Easter﻿ Though Easter is still a bit away, it makes sense to book your vehicle's service early with Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie to beat the holiday rush. By planning ahead, you ensure your car is in excellent condition, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time off rather than worrying about potential car issues.﻿ Choosing Thompsons Auto Repairs means entrusting your vehicle to qualified technicians who use the latest diagnostic equipment to provide top-notch service. With the added peace of mind of a nationwide warranty, you can confidently embark on your Easter adventures.﻿ Don't wait until the last minute—schedule your car service with Thompsons Auto Repairs today and travel with confidence this Easter...

Get your vehicle Easter-ready with regular servicing! Ensure a safe and enjoyable trip with brake checks, tyre inspections, battery tests, and more. Book early with Thompsons Auto Repairs in Port Pirie to avoid the holiday rush.

Prepare Your Car for Easter Travel

Regular Log Book Servicing is a preventive method of car upkeep, involving routine check-ups and minor repairs to ensure your vehicle operates efficiently and to avert minor issues from escalating into expensive and significant problems. Every passenger car (and most commercial vehicles) should be issued with a “Log Book” by the manufacturer, which lays out the specified timing and agenda for your regular log book services. You should keep your log book in your glove box for reference and recording any details, but Thompsons Auto Repairs can also refer to our database to get the required information if you've misplaced your book. The schedule of the service will be a combination of both time or distance. You may be tempted to delay your next log book service because your car is probably still driveable and it may not have reached BOTH the time and distance measures. While you obviously need to find availability in your budget and schedule, don't delay too long because wear and tear on the car will increase exponentially and could lead to damage which is many times more expensive than the log book service would have been. What's included? Every car is different and the agenda for each service changes according to the schedule, which is why each vehicle is issued with a log book. Here are some examples of what can be included: Change Oil Check Coolant Check Car Battery Check Transmission Fluid Check Brake Fluid Check the Condition of the Air Filter Check Power Steering Fluid Check Spark Plugs Check Turn Signals Check Brake Lights Check Heating System Brake Check Belt Check Hose Check Tyre Rotation Coolant Sensor  For a qualified Log Book Service at a competitive price, contact us at Thompsons Auto Repairs or book online. Thompsons Auto Repairs are conveniently located at 19 Wandearah Road and service customers in Port Pirie and the surrounding areas. Get more information in Repco's auto facts videos: Service Intervals 
New Car Warranties

Every car is different and the agenda for each service changes according to the schedule, which is why each vehicle is issued with a log book. While you obviously need to find availability in your budget and schedule, don't delay too long because...

What is log book service

Thompsons Auto Repairs and Centre Radiators are experts in the service, repair and replacement of Radiators and Cooling systems. We sell, service, replace and recore radiators. We’ve all seen cars on the side of the road with steam pouring from under the bonnet. In many cases this can be due to a problem with the cooling system, like an overheating radiator. See our latest AutoFacts video to learn more about why your car's cooling system is so important. An overheating car can occur even in mild weather conditions. The engine of your vehicle generates substantial heat during regular use. The radiator and the entire cooling system are designed to prevent this heat from impacting your car's performance and your comfort. A specific fluid known as coolant circulates within the system, efficiently dispersing heat, preventing the liquids from freezing, and safeguarding the system against corrosion. Many people think about air conditioning during summer without considering the extra heat generated by the demands of the A/C on their engines.  If your cooling system is not able to cope with that extra heat, then keeping the trying to keep the cabin of the vehicle cool can become a problem.  Some vehicles are equipped to disable the air conditioning if there is a danger of overheating. If your car is not so equipped the first sign you will have that there might be an issue will be a significant rise in temperature. By then it is usually too late to do much beyond pulling over and allowing the engine to cool. Centre Radiators are the experts when it comes to radiator repairs and are the only mechanical workshop in the region to perform Radiator Recores.  We are so good at what we do we get requests for Recores from far and wide, even as far as the Northern Territory. At Thompsons Auto Repairs, we inspect the coolant and cooling system and can provide a written report which will tell you if we feel a radiator flush, coolant replacement or any repairs are recommended to maintain the safety and performance of your vehicle.

Many people think about air conditioning during summer without considering the extra heat generated by the demands of the A/C on their engines.  If your cooling system is not able to cope with that extra heat, then keeping the trying to keep the cabin of the vehicle cool can become a problem...

Trying to keep your cool?

For log book service in Port Pirie - Speak with the experts at Thompsons Auto Repairs We can perform fully qualified log book servicing on a wide range of makes and models including: Holden, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Audi, Hyundai, Honda, Kia - and many more. Sticking to the Log Book keeps your vehicle in its safest and most reliable state and helps to maintain your statutory new car warranty.  We don't have to have a physical log book in order to do a Log Book Service - it just means we follow the manufacturers guidelines. We can certainly provide you with a log book to help you record your cars service history, which will be a benefit if you ever decide to sell your vehicle. Want to know more about log book servicing - click here. A common misconception is that one must return to the car dealership for New Car Log Book servicing to keep the warranty valid. However, the ACCC has repeatedly clarified that, under Australian law, you can have your vehicle serviced by any qualified mechanic or service center of your choosing. Watch our video for further details. Book your log book service with the professionals at Thompsons Auto Repairs today!

A common misconception is that one must return to the car dealership for New Car Log Book servicing to keep the warranty valid. However, the ACCC has repeatedly clarified that, under Australian law, you can have your vehicle serviced by any qualified mechanic or service center of your choosing. Watch our video for further details...

Thompsons Auto Repairs

Cars are our passion.

The Crucial Importance of Regular Diesel Engine Service for Your Vehicle

Looking after your tyres and wheels

Prepare Your Car for Easter Travel

What is log book service

Trying to keep your cool?

Log book service Port Pirie