Most households in Melbourne’s north rely on a car, so finding a mechanic you trust is worth the effort. A good one fixes what needs fixing, tells you what can wait and doesn’t surprise you with the bill. Here’s how to choose a mechanic in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Check their qualifications and experience
Victoria doesn’t license mechanics the way NSW and WA do, so it’s up to you to check. Ask whether the people working on your car hold a trade qualification, such as a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, and how long the workshop has been operating. Membership of an industry body like the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is a good sign, as members agree to a code of conduct.
If you drive a European car, a four-wheel drive, a hybrid or an electric vehicle, ask whether they work on your make regularly and have the right diagnostic equipment. High-voltage systems in hybrids and EVs need specific training.
Logbook servicing and your new car warranty
You don’t have to take a new car back to the dealer for servicing to keep your warranty. The ACCC is clear that an independent mechanic can do your logbook service, as long as they follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and use parts of suitable quality. Ask them to stamp your logbook or record the service in the digital service record, and keep your invoices.
Get a quote and agree on extra work
Ask for a written quote or estimate before work starts, and ask the workshop to call you before doing anything that wasn’t on it. A good mechanic will explain what’s urgent, what’s a safety issue and what can wait until the next service. Ask to see the old parts if you’re unsure what was replaced.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, repairs must be done with due care and skill, and parts must be of acceptable quality. If something goes wrong soon after a repair, go back to the workshop first and give them the chance to fix it.
Roadworthy certificates
In Victoria, you generally need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) when you sell a registered vehicle, re-register an unregistered one or transfer registration in some other situations. Only a Licensed Vehicle Tester can issue one, and not every workshop is licensed. You can search for a Licensed Vehicle Tester on the VicRoads website. A roadworthy is a check of basic safety items, not a full mechanical inspection, so if you’re buying a used car it’s worth paying for a separate pre-purchase inspection too.
Smash repairs and insurance
If you need panel or smash repairs after an accident, check your insurance policy before you book. Some policies let you choose your own repairer, while others send you to one of the insurer’s partners. Either way, ask the repairer about their warranty on the work and paint.
Questions worth asking
- Do you work on my make and model regularly?
- Will you follow the manufacturer’s logbook schedule and record the service?
- Can I get a written quote, and will you call me before doing extra work?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labour?
- Are you a Licensed Vehicle Tester, if I need a roadworthy?
- Do you offer a loan car, or drop-off and pick-up from the station?
Find mechanics near you
Local Business Near Me lists mechanics and automotive businesses across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, from general servicing and tyres to smash repairs, windscreens and detailing. Pick your suburb, compare local businesses and call them directly. It’s free to use and there’s no middleman taking a cut.
Learning to drive? You can also browse driving schools across the north.
