Frequently Asked Questions

Rodz Automotive provides comprehensive car servicing, mechanical repairs, and tyre solutions for all makes and models. Our services include routine maintenance (oil changes, brake inspections, fluid top-ups), major repairs (engine, transmission, suspension work), logbook servicing to maintain your warranty, safety certificates and pre-purchase inspections, tyre fitting, balancing, and alignment, and diagnostic assessments using the latest equipment. We handle everything from basic servicing to complex mechanical repairs.

Service costs vary depending on your vehicle make, model, and service requirements. We offer competitive pricing with full transparency — no hidden fees or surprise charges. Contact us for a free quote specific to your vehicle. We'll explain exactly what's included and why each item is necessary. Plus, new customers receive 25% off their first service as part of our New Customer Offer!

Yes! Rodz Automotive services all makes and models — from Japanese and European vehicles to American and Australian cars. Whether you drive a Toyota, BMW, Ford, Holden, or any other brand, Howie and the team have the expertise and equipment to service your vehicle properly. We stay up to date with manufacturer requirements to ensure your car gets the best care possible.

Absolutely not. Rodz provides full logbook servicing that complies with all manufacturer requirements, which means your warranty remains completely valid. We use quality parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications and keep detailed service records. You get the same warranty protection as a dealership service — without the inflated prices and unnecessary upselling.

Rodz Smart Auto is our AI-driven service reminder system that takes the guesswork out of car maintenance. Once you're in our system, Smart Auto tracks your vehicle's service history and sends you smart reminders before your car needs attention — preventing issues before they become expensive repairs. You'll also have access to your complete digital service history anytime, anywhere. It's like having a personal mechanic looking out for your car 24/7.

There are several signs your tyres need replacing: tread depth below 3mm (legal minimum is 1.6mm, but we recommend changing at 3mm for safety), visible cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns, vibration or pulling to one side while driving, or if your tyres are more than 5 years old regardless of tread depth. Bring your car in for a free tyre inspection and we'll give you honest advice on whether you need replacements or if they're still safe to use.

Yes! We provide professional wheel alignment and balancing services. Proper alignment improves fuel efficiency, prevents uneven tyre wear, and ensures your car drives straight. We recommend getting your wheels aligned if you've hit a pothole or kerb, notice uneven tyre wear, or if your car pulls to one side. Balancing is essential whenever you fit new tyres to ensure a smooth, vibration-free ride.

A standard car service typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the service type and any additional work required. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when you book. If we discover any issues during the service, we'll call you with a detailed explanation and quote before proceeding with any additional work — no surprises. You can wait in our comfortable customer area or we can arrange alternative transport if needed.

Our standard service includes: engine oil and filter replacement, comprehensive safety inspection (brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, lights, fluids), top-up of all essential fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering, windscreen washer), battery test and terminals check, air filter inspection and replacement if needed, and a detailed report on your vehicle's condition with photos if necessary. We only recommend additional work if it's genuinely needed for safety or to prevent future problems.

Absolutely! We provide free, no-obligation quotes. Simply contact us with your vehicle details (make, model, year, and kilometres) and what service or repairs you need. We'll give you a transparent quote with a full breakdown of costs. Unlike some workshops, we believe in upfront pricing — no hidden fees, no surprise charges. What we quote is what you pay.

Yes, we provide official safety certificates (roadworthy certificates) for vehicle sales and registration purposes. Our thorough inspection covers all safety requirements mandated by VicRoads. If your vehicle doesn't pass, we'll provide a detailed report of what needs fixing and give you a fair quote for the necessary repairs. We're licensed and authorised to issue certificates in Victoria.

Rodz Automotive is based in Frankston and proudly services the entire Frankston, Langwarrin, and surrounding areas. We're local to the Mornington Peninsula and have been serving our community for years. If you're in the area and need reliable car service or repairs, we're here to help.

Three things: Honesty, Reliability, and Quality Craftsmanship. Howie spent years working in large manufacturer-owned service centres and saw the unnecessary upselling and inflated prices from the inside. We built Rodz to do things differently — with complete transparency, fair pricing, and genuine care for our customers. We're a family-run business (3rd generation mechanics dating back to 1957) that combines old-school values with modern technology like Rodz Smart Auto. You're not just a number here — you're part of the Rodz family.

We want car maintenance to be affordable and accessible. Contact us to discuss payment options for larger repairs or services. We're a local family business and we're happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your budget. Honest service shouldn't break the bank.

Booking is easy! You can call us during business hours, fill out the contact form on our website, or send us a message through our Rodz Discord community. We'll get back to you quickly to confirm your booking and answer any questions. We offer flexible appointment times to work around your schedule.