Hicks Automotive Car Service, Repairs & Exhaust Centre (LIC# MVRL27800), take great pride in offering our clients with personalised and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Lithgow, our business participates in the AutoTech training program, ensuring all of our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle diagnostics and service methods. 
		
Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre have a wealth of experience in servicing fleet or farm vehicles. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we provide the highest quality workmanship and combine this with good old fashioned customer service.

If you need a eSafety registration inspection in Lithgow, the team at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre is here to help. We provide professional vehicle registration inspections to ensure your vehicle meets the necessary safety and roadworthiness requirements, helping you get back on the road with confidence. Whether you're renewing registration, transferring ownership, or registering a vehicle, our experienced technicians can carry out the inspection efficiently and professionally. Registration Inspection Times To help streamline the inspection process and minimise wait times, registration inspections are conducted during the following dedicated time slots Monday to Friday 8:00am – 10:00am 3:00pm – 4:00pm By allocating specific inspection times, we can ensure your vehicle is assessed promptly while maintaining the highest standards of service. What Is a Registration Inspection? A registration inspection is designed to confirm that your vehicle meets the safety standards required for registration. During the inspection, we'll assess key components including: Brakes and braking performance Steering and suspension Tyres and wheels Lights and electrical systems Windscreen and wipers Vehicle structure and body condition General roadworthiness and safety items If any issues are identified, our team can explain what repairs may be required and provide a clear quote before any work is carried out. Why Choose Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre? At Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre, we combine local knowledge with the backing of the Repco Authorised Service network. Our workshop is equipped with modern diagnostic and inspection equipment, and our experienced technicians are committed to providing honest advice and quality workmanship. Conveniently located in Lithgow, we're your trusted local workshop for registration inspections, vehicle servicing, exhaust repairs, diagnostics and general mechanical repairs. Book Your Registration Inspection Today If your registration inspection is due, don't leave it until the last minute. Contact Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre to arrange your inspection during our dedicated inspection times of 8:00am–10:00am or 3:00pm–4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Call our friendly team today and we'll help keep your vehicle safe, compliant and ready for the road.

If you need a registration inspection in Lithgow, the team at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre is here to help

Registration Inspections in Lithgow

Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centreare the log book experts in Lithgow! 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. By following the log book diligently, you are able to ensure the highest levels of safety and dependability for your vehicle, and will also be able to preserve the warranty given for new cars.  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 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have long held that car owners can have their car serviced by any qualified mechanic or service centre they choose - contrary to popular belief that New Car Log Book servicing must be done at the dealership to maintain the warranty. Watch our video to find out more! Book your cars log book service with the professionals at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre in Lithgow New Car Servicing FAQ What is a consumer guarantee? Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you are protected by a Consumer Guarantee which takes into account purchase price, realistic expectations of when a failure might occur, advertising claims and the conditions under which a vehicle should operate. Previously known as a Statutory Warranty, the Consumer Guarantee does not have a specific time limit associated with it nor can it ever be replaced by a manufacturers warranty, which is in addition to the Consumer Guarantee. What is a manufacturers warranty? Manufacturers warranties are essentially a promise to the buyer that the new vehicle will be free from defects for a specific time and that any such defects will entitle buyers to a repair or other compensation. According to the Competition and Consumer Act (2010), such warranties cannot state that a vehicle must be returned to an authorised dealer for service. What is an express or extended warranty? Often new car dealers will try to include "express" or "extended" warranties, sometimes for free, in the purchase of your new vehicle. These ‘extra' warranties are in addition to the manufacturers warranty and may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, usually in unclear or confusing language. Many of these contracts actually provide little or no additional benefits over and above the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a specific car dealership. Extended warranties can (and often do) restrict you to a specific dealership, which can have its drawbacks. Can Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre service my new car without voiding the warranty? There is no requirement to service your car at a manufacturer’s dealership to preserve; Any manufacturer’s warranty (that may apply to your vehicle). Any state or territory based statutory warranty (that may apply to your vehicle). Your rights to Consumer Guarantees (formerly known as implied statutory warranties). What steps will Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre take to protect my warranty? Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre are fully qualified to carry out log book servicing, and we ensure all work is performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids and lubricants where required - meaning the manufacturer's warranty remains intact. In addition, all work carried out by Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Can Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre stamp my logbook? Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre can and will stamp your log book to verify the work has been conducted by fully qualified staff according to manufacturer’s specifications, using appropriate quality parts, fluids & lubricants. Will having my car serviced with Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre help maintain the value? It goes without saying that a vehicle that has been well taken care of will maintain its value better than a poorly maintained one. Proof of a regular, properly adhered to service schedule will add further supporting evidence the car is in good condition. In addition to maintaining your warranty with correct service procedures, Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre will stamp your logbook, which can prove invaluable should you ever decide to sell the car. What about extended warranty or service plans? Motor vehicle dealers sometimes offer their own extended (or express) warranties on vehicles. These extra warranties often begin after the manufacturer’s warranty and may stipulate that the vehicle must be serviced by the actual dealer offering the warranty. They are generally within their right to impose this condition, but the buyer should beware, such warranties are not always what they seem. Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.

Sticking to the Log Book keeps your vehicle in its safest and most reliable state and helps to maintain your statutory new car warranty.

Log book service

As your local Mechanic in Lithgow, Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre take great pride in offering only the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs. Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre (MVRL27800) specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre are a Carline Exhaust Centre and specialise in service and repair of exhaust systems for all types of vehicles, including Truck Exhausts. Car services in Lithgow Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre don't just perform Muffler and Exhaust work as the name might suggest. With extremely fast turn around times, Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre are very well equipped to provide a full range of car service and automotive repair services. Such services include brakes and clutches, tune ups, lube jobs, engine replacement, fuel injection servicing, radiator service and suspension work, diesel repairs, suspensions & tyres, just to name a few. Engine Reconditioning can be arranged if that is required. If you are looking to have a vehicle inspected you may be interested in our Roadworthy Inspections or our 150 Point Comprehensive Vehicle Check.  All major brand tyres are also available for purchase onsite, making it a one stop shop for your car service needs. If you are looking to have a vehicle inspected you may be interested in our Roadworthy Inspections or our 150 Point Comprehensive Vehicle Check. Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands. Our Lithgow workshop is well equipped to provide quality car service and repairs on all models... including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles.  Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre always gives sound advice and offers solutions based on lateral thought and a common sense approach to solving automotive problems, not the ease of the job or the profit to be made.  Not only do customers repeatedly come to have a car service or automotive repair carried out, they regularly recommend Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre to friends and family as an honest and trustworthy mechanic.  Nationwide warranty As a  Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech.  training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. All of our work is fully backed by the Repco Nationwide Warranty , which covers quality Repco parts and labour. and is supported at over 400 Repco Authorised Service Dealers Australia wide. So you can simply rest assured - your car is in safe hands with Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre. For friendly service from a trusted independent mechanic, you can rely on the service team at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre. 

The team at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre (MVRL27800) are committed to excellence. As a Repco Authorised Service Centre we provide high quality customer service and superior workmanship, ensuring our customers receive the very best in automotive care.

Car service in Lithgow

Spring is the season of fresh starts – but it also brings pollen, dust, and plenty of airborne particles that can creep into your vehicle. If your cabin air filter is due for a change, all that extra springtime debris can end up circulating inside your car. Why Your Cabin Air Filter Matters Your cabin air filter is designed to catch dust, pollen, dirt, and exhaust fumes before they reach you and your passengers. When it becomes clogged, you might notice: Musty or stale air when you switch on the fan Reduced airflow from your heater or A/C Extra strain on your vehicle’s ventilation system A fresh filter not only keeps the air cleaner – it also helps your climate control system work more efficiently. Spring – The Perfect Time for a Change Spring is when your filter works the hardest, trapping higher levels of pollen and dust. Replacing it now means fresher, cleaner air on every trip – whether you’re commuting daily, heading off on a weekend drive, or just running around town. At Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre, we check your cabin air filter as part of every log book service. If it’s due for replacement, we’ll let you know and fit a quality filter, helping you and your passengers breathe easier all year round. So if you notice an odd smell, or are just unsure when the last time your cabin air filter was replaced, speak to the team or book online and clear your cabin's air this spring.

Spring is the season of fresh starts – but it also brings pollen, dust, and plenty of airborne particles that can creep into your vehicle.

Clear the Air This Spring

Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre (AU63531) are the best choice to take care of  all your Car Air Conditioning Regas, Inspection, Repairs or Servicing needs in Lithgow and the surrounding areas. Modern cars tend to be quite complex and just like the engine servicing your car's air conditioner regularly is very important to ensure continued reliable and efficient operation. When refrigerant has started to leak or evaporate your air con system will begin to deteriorate and will have to work harder, which in turn means more fuel is getting used up. Therefore it's important that the rubber seals are studied on a regular basis for any signs of leaks or cracking which could be a sign of an ongoing loss of refrigerant. Getting your car's air conditioning serviced once a year means you can help protect against costly breakdowns now and in the future, keep passengers safe by helping to prevent the build-up of potentially harmful substances and a well serviced automotive air conditioner system actually saves you money because uses less fuel.. Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre care about the environment and are fully authorised to take care of all your automotive air conditioner re-gas, inspection, repairs or servicing (ARC Authorisation AU63531). Have more questions about your cars air con? How do air conditioners work? A car air conditioner system is composed of four essential parts : A belt-driven pump known as a compressor to compress and circulate gas. A radiator like unit called a condenser to redistribute heat and condense gas to a liquid. An expansion device, which could be a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube (subject to the kind of air-con system used). Some systems have an accumulator before the compressor to remove moisture from the refrigerant while TXV systems have a receiver-dryer before the evaporator performs the same crucial task. Both of these parts also store refrigerant. Car air conditioning is designed to pull the heat from the air within the car's interior area and transfer it outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. Hot air is passed across a gas-filled evaporator, where the heat is easily absorbed by the refrigerant (in gas form), effectively removing the heat from the air in the car. The now heated gas is pulled through the compressor where it is further heated (via compression). The next stage involves the refrigerant being forced through the condenser to extract the refrigerant's heat quickly. The refrigerant, now condensed to a liquid, then moves through the expansion device (either a TXV or Orifice tube), which regulates the refrigerant's flow to the evaporator, changing the high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure mist (gas). A fan blowing over the evaporator's cold fins produces the cold air being blown into the car, and the entire process then begins all over again. Does the car air conditioner use more fuel? Yes! Your car air conditioning is using fuel. However, it's actually more fuel efficient to run car air conditioning than it is to have your windows down due to aerodynamic drag. If your air conditioning isn't performing its best, it may use more fuel to run. To avoid this, it's important that you have your air conditioning serviced regularly by professionals, like the ones at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre.  What's the cause of the bad smell in car air conditioning? The damp environment can promote microbes, bacteria and even fungus growth inside the evaporator core. This can lead to nasty smells and possibly even be bad for the health of any vehicle occupants. Although modern evaporator units tend to be more efficient, they have more fins, meaning an increased capability to trap moisture and allow for micro-organism development. How do I know my car air conditioning is due for a service? If you cannot remember when your air conditioning was last serviced, perhaps it's time to book in with the team at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre. You should also book in if: Your air conditioning system is blowing warm air There are damp patches or water stains under your dashboard Your car air conditioning system smells funny Your car air conditioning system is making strange noises There is weak air flow from the car air conditioning system Why does the car air conditioner need to be serviced? Car air conditioning is designed to pull the heat from the air within the interior area of the car outside, leaving only cooled or 'conditioned' air to be redistributed. This is achieved using a special compound called refrigerant, capable of readily absorbing heat as a gas and quickly losing heat as a liquid. The compressor needs the right amount of oil in the refrigerant to prevent it from seizing up. Should the air filters be jammed with dirt and bacteria, it will affect the entire system's performance, and it can even cause it to stop working altogether. On top of inhibiting air conditioner efficiency, dirty air filters can cause health problems. Being exposed to the elements and very diverse operating conditions and being used intermittently rather than being 'Always On' can cause decay of the hoses, connections and seals. A vehicle air conditioning system should be examined regularly to ensure there are no problems or refrigerant loss due to failure or leakage from these points. Simply by cooling the air in your car under normal running conditions, the air filters get dirty and intermittent use can cause seals to dry and crack, allowing them to leak. Even without leaks, the gas in a car air conditioning system will eventually begin to degrade or evaporate over time. It should be recharged as required to keep the air con system in peak running condition. How often should a car air conditioner be serviced? Your automotive air conditioning system needs to be examined once a year for any signs of problems with the seals, hoses and connections and confirm there is no refrigerant reduction over time. Regularly servicing your automotive air conditioner system keeps refrigerant at optimum levels meaning the system does not need to work as hard. This, in turn, protects the system from damage and minimises fuel expenditure. Can I service my own car air conditioner? Only qualified mechanics with the appropriate training, like the ones at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre, should attempt to service a car air conditioner. Specific licences are required to service or repair some types of car air conditioning systems, especially where re-gas (recharging of the refrigerant) is concerned. Strict guidelines and procedures must be adhered to when handling certain refrigerants, which must always be fully recovered and not allowed to escape into the atmosphere during servicing. Refrigerant can also pose serious health risks if mishandled. Specialist equipment is also required as the air conditioning system is under extreme pressure and must be pulled into a deep vacuum to remove any moisture, to avoid seriously damaging the system. You can find out more about licensing on the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Website.

Keep your cool with less fuel this summer with an Air Conditioning Service in Lithgow from Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre

Is keeping your cool costing you fuel?

Whether you are out for a relaxed Sunday drive or are rushing to an important meeting, your car's cooling system is continually at work, helping the engine deliver the best possible performance.  Every time you turn on your car's ignition, it sets off a complex sequence of operations under the hood. One of the most vital is the functioning of the cooling system, whose key role is to keep the engine from overheating while still maintaining its optimum working temperature. That's why it's vital to get regular checks of your car’s cooling system with reliable servicing at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre. Let's break it down a bit further and explain what constitutes the cooling system in your vehicle and the aspects you should be aware of. What Does the Cooling System Consist Of? The car's cooling system is a marvel of modern automotive engineering that comprises various components such as the radiator, water pump, coolant, thermostats, hoses, and fans. The engine generates heat as a by-product of the combustion process, and without an effective cooling system, this heat would cause serious damage to the engine components. It's the radiator's responsibility to cool the heated liquid. The water pump propels this heated coolant from the engine into the radiator, where it loses its heat. After cooling, the coolant returns to the engine to absorb more heat, thus keeping your car’s engine at the right temperature. The thermostat in the system helps regulate this flow of coolant, based on the engine's current temperature. What Are the Warning Signs to Look Out For? Stay alert for signs such as: rising temperature gauges engine overheating leaking coolant engine noises which could all suggest an issue with the cooling system.  If the cooling system fails, it can lead to severe engine damage, leading to costly repairs or even engine replacement. That's why it is important to watch for warning signs and immediately seek professional assistance at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre. The Importance of Regular Cooling System Checks Regular servicing and checks of your vehicle’s cooling system are necessary to ensure its efficient operation. Regular check-ups help detect issues before they cause significant damage. They also guarantee that all parts of the system are in perfect working order, that the right levels of coolant are used, and the overall health of the engine is maintained. At Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre, our experienced mechanics provide top-notch cooling system checks and services. We pride ourselves on maintaining a high standard of customer satisfaction by offering professional, affordable services. As part of the Repco Authorised Service Centre network, we can offer a Nationwide Warranty on all our work. This means, no matter where you travel within our beautiful nation, you will have peace of mind knowing that we've got you covered. Our Cooling System Services Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre in Lithgow can perform a range of radiator repairs on most vehicles, including: Radiator Replacement Radiator Repair Radiator Flush/Coolant Flush  Radiator Cap Replacement Coolant Replacement Cooling System Check Cooling System Service  Thermostat Replacement Water Pump Replacement Radiator Hose Replacement Remember, a well-maintained cooling system leads to an efficiently running engine. With the help of our experienced technicians at Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre and regular cooling system checks, your vehicle's lifespan can be significantly extended. Drive in today for the cooling system service that your vehicle needs to keep it cool, efficient, and running smoothly.

Whether you are out for a relaxed Sunday drive or are rushing to an important meeting, your car's cooling system is continually at work, helping the engine deliver the best possible performance.

Hicks Automotive & Exhaust Centre

Cars are our passion.

Registration Inspections in Lithgow

Log book service

Car service in Lithgow

Clear the Air This Spring

Is keeping your cool costing you fuel?

Cooling Systems in Your Vehicle