Run by local couple Con and Julie Tsorotiotis with brother George, the Barmera mechanic team provides the widest array of car services for a large selection of vehicles. 

With over 30 years' experience under the bonnet, Riverland Auto Repairs can tune and service all car makes and models, including light commercial and diesel vehicles. Our mechanics can tune electronic fuel injection (EFI), carburettor or modified engines as well as carry out minor auto-electric work.

When it comes to smoothing out your ride, Riverland Auto Repairs is in its prime element, specialising in front end and suspension repairs. Our mechanics are also able to repair, service and replace automatic transmissions.

Trust Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera for Car Radiator and Cooling System Services Ensuring that your vehicle's engine remains cool is crucial for its longevity and performance. This is where the car radiator and cooling system play a pivotal role. At Riverland Auto Repairs, located conveniently in Barmera, we prioritise the care of these components and excel in their upkeep and repair. Let's explore the vital aspects of car radiators and cooling systems and discover how our team of experts can help keep your car in top shape.  Here are 5 of the most frequently asked questions from our clients: How can I tell if my car radiator isn't working properly? Several indicators can suggest that your radiator is having issues. An increase in your engine's temperature gauge, steam emerging from the bonnet, or unusual coolant puddles beneath your car are all warning signs. Additionally, a sweet scent of coolant or a heater that fails to function effectively can indicate a problem. At Riverland Auto Repairs, we perform comprehensive diagnostics to identify and resolve any radiator problems you may encounter. What typically causes a car to overheat? A variety of factors can cause your engine to overheat. Common reasons include low coolant levels, a broken thermostat, or a non-functional cooling fan. Additional causes may involve a blocked radiator or a failing water pump. With our extensive mechanical expertise, Riverland Auto Repairs is equipped to diagnose and repair these issues, ensuring your car is safeguarded against overheating. How often should I service my car’s cooling system? Routine maintenance of your car's cooling system is vital. We recommend flushing and refilling your vehicle's cooling system every two years or every 30,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. This helps prevent rust and debris build-up, ensuring your engine remains cool in all conditions. At Riverland Auto Repairs, we utilise premium products to maintain your cooling system at its best. How do you know if there is a coolant leak in a car? Coolant leaks are a frequent problem that can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed quickly. Keep an eye out for visible coolant on the ground, unexpected drops in coolant levels, or an engine running hotter than usual. Steam or a persistent coolant smell inside the cabin are also signs to watch for. Our seasoned mechanics at Riverland Auto Repairs can swiftly detect and fix leaks to avert further damage. How can I stop my car's engine from overheating? Preventing engine overheating begins with regular maintenance. Ensure your coolant levels are sufficient, your radiator and hoses are in good condition, and the thermostat functions properly. Regular inspections and servicing by professionals, like those at Riverland Auto Repairs, can identify potential issues early, sparing you from costly repairs and keeping your engine running efficiently. Typical Issues with Car Radiators and Cooling Systems Being aware of potential issues can help you prevent problems. Here are some typical challenges and how Riverland Auto Repairs can assist: Leaking Radiator: Our team can replace worn seals or corroded parts, restoring your radiator's integrity. Overheating: We identify and rectify root causes, whether it’s a faulty fan or thermostat, to maintain a cool engine. Blocked Radiator: Our specialists clear away dirt and debris, ensuring your radiator operates effectively. Malfunctioning Water Pump: We repair or replace pumps to ensure proper coolant flow. Thermostat Problems: A malfunctioning thermostat is no challenge for our skilled mechanics, who ensure it accurately regulates your engine temperature. At Riverland Auto Repairs, we're dedicated to providing outstanding service for all your radiator and cooling system needs. Our extensive mechanical knowledge and customer-focused approach make us the leading experts in Barmera. Whether you need a routine check or an urgent repair, we've got you covered. Visit us today and let us help you keep your engine performing at its peak.

Rely on Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera for expert radiator and cooling system services. Keep your engine cool with our professional maintenance and repairs.

Keep Your Engine Cool:

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.

There's a new gas in town

Trust, experience & knowledge ... You can rely on your Local and Independent Repco Authorised Service centre, Riverland Auto Repairs to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Riverland Auto Repairs use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods. What’s more, our fully qualified technicians have access to the latest service information, bulletins and training through the Australia wide Repco Auto Tech program. We provide a full range of automotive services right here in Barmera and surrounding areas, all backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty and fully supported at over 500 Service Centres right across Australia. So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods.

Riverland Auto Repairs - Our expertise & knowledge

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera are very knowledgeable and experienced in looking after these systems.  It is recommended that you exchange your radiator coolant fluid every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However the size of the engine, the climate in your area, the age of your current coolant, and the total miles that have been driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator. Knowing when to replenish your radiator fluid isn't always easy - obviously, when it has gone a dirty brown colour it's a sign it probably needs to be flushed and replaced - however even fresh-looking coolant could have lost its corrosion protection properties and without measuring its reserve alkalinity there's no signal that it is no longer protecting your vehicle components, and it could even be doing more damage than good. Maintaining good coolant means your radiator system will be much better protected from corrosion and will have a longer life span, it will help prevent you from having to replace expensive engine components. At Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera at your request, we will perform a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service. Part of this inspection includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will advise you if we feel a radiator flush, fluid replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Even if it looks clean, your coolant still might need replacing!

Radiator Coolant

Faulty and low charge batteries are to be avoided. Don't wait till you're stranded somewhere on the side of the road, hoping for a jump start. It is easy to have your car, bike, truck battery tested or charged up at Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera.  Often issues occur because we have all reduced how much we drive or decided to only rely on one car (as petrol prices skyrocket!) and have left the other in the garage. But did you know that batteries can still discharge even when your car isn't in use? - ask Riverland Auto Repairs about a battery test today!  Our technicians do a battery load test as part of the 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes free with every car service. If you have concerns, we can do a stand-alone battery test and inspection right here in Barmera. Car Battery FAQ 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 {{{businessName}}} 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, {{{businessName}}} have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? {{{businessName}}} can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.

Car Battery Testing and FAQ 

At Riverland Auto Repairs, we understand the intricacies of diesel engines and offer comprehensive services to ensure your diesel 4WD or passenger vehicle operates at peak efficiency. Diesel engines are renowned for their durability, fuel economy, and eco-friendly performance. However, to maintain these advantages, regular servicing and prompt attention to repairs are crucial. Our team of highly skilled technicians is adept at handling all aspects of diesel engine systems. We provide specialised services such as Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) management, which are essential for maintaining emissions standards and ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly. We also offer carbon cleaning to enhance engine efficiency and reduce harmful emissions, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly drive. Understanding the role of quality diesel oils and parts is key to maintaining the longevity of your engine. At Riverland Auto Repairs, we only use premium diesel oils that offer superior lubrication, enhancing engine performance and reducing wear and tear. Our inventory of diesel parts includes high-quality filters and components, ensuring every repair meets the highest standards. Our diesel services in Barmera are comprehensive and include vital maintenance tasks such as oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and brake inspections. These routine services help prevent larger, more costly issues and keep your diesel engine performing at its best. Our diesel services include: Changing oil Changing fuel filter Checking brakes For diesel vehicle owners seeking reliable maintenance and repairs, Riverland Auto Repairs in Barmera is your go-to destination. Whether it's a routine inspection or addressing complex diesel fuel system issues, our experienced team is here to assist. Schedule your service, repair, or inspection by contacting our friendly staff during business hours or take advantage of our convenient online booking form. For those interested in expanding their knowledge, visit our Diesel Engine FAQs section to learn more about the fascinating world of diesel engines. Ensure your diesel vehicle remains in top condition with the expert services at Riverland Auto Repairs. Trust our expertise and commitment to quality for all your diesel engine needs.

Discover top-notch diesel engine services in Barmera at Riverland Auto Repairs for your Diesel car, 4WD, ute or truck. From DPF management to oil changes, ensure your vehicle's optimal performance with our expert care.

Riverland Auto Repairs

Cars are our passion.

Keep Your Engine Cool:

There's a new gas in town

Riverland Auto Repairs - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

Car Battery Testing and FAQ

Diesel Engine Services and Repairs in Barmera