MB Automotive Fleet Specialists

03/06/2026

Heat is the absolute number one killer of automatic transmissions. Here is why you should know the difference between an auto trans flush and a "drain and fill" service.

Stop-and-go city traffic with constant shifting between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears thousands of times a week generates a high volume of microscopic metal shavings and friction material dust from the clutch packs.

When off-roading or towing, extreme heat is introduced. This heat causes the fluid to oxidise, lose its viscosity, and stop protecting the internal clutch packs.

A standard drain leaves contaminated, burnt fluid sitting inside the torque converter. A full flush ensures that every drop of heat-damaged fluid is removed from the cooling lines and replaced with fresh fluid that can handle high thermal stress.

MB Automotive is known for automotive fleet management Townsville can rely on. Call us today for mechanics Townsville prefers.

20/05/2026

Why do cars now come with a 7 - 10 year warranty?
Dealerships often use these long warranties to lock buyers into high-cost service plans, relying on the misconception that going anywhere else voids the coverage.

While some do offer capped price servicing, its worth noting the hidden exclusions in capped price menus (e.g., brake fluid flushes, cabin filters, and wiper blades charged as high-margin extras).

With the right local workshop, you get transparent, all-inclusive pricing and senior technicians who actually know your vehicle, all while keeping your factory warranty 100% legally protected.

12/05/2026

Common rail diesels use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), which sends soot back into your intake. Over time, this soot mixes with oily vapors to create a thick "gunk" or carbon buildup. If left untreated, this leads to poor performance and potential engine or turbo failure.

Diesel owners may experience an increase in DPF cycles or a noticeable lack of power. However, because the drop in performance is often gradual, you might not even realize it is happening. We have the specialized tooling to diagnose the flow and severity of buildup, providing you with the data needed to make an educated decision.

Traditionally, cleaning an intake manifold required hours of manual labor for removal and scrubbing or ultrasonic cleaning. What you see here is the "before and after" of a professional system flush.

This process saves hours of labor, reduces DPF cycles, and improves your fuel economy by cleaning up to 99.9% of your system before it gets too bad.

07/05/2026

Oil & Air Filters
These are two of the most fundamental tasks performed during any service, yet they are often the most overlooked.

It is surprisingly common for workshops to use a "standard" 10W-40 drum for every vehicle that comes through the door. However, modern engines, especially the newer Toyotas and Mazdas frequently seen on Townsville roads, often require specific 0W-20 or 5W-30 oils to run efficiently. Using the wrong grade can lead to premature engine wear and poor performance.

Similarly, air filters are frequently neglected. To save time and reduce costs, some shops will simply tap a filter on the bench or "clean" it with compressed air rather than replacing it. Sometimes, they are forgotten altogether. In our dusty North Queensland climate, a clean, high-quality filter is essential, replacing a clogged one can improve your fuel economy by as much as 10%.

08/04/2026

Although things may be moving fast, the same amount of care should be put into your 3rd vehicle as your very first.

Rather than having information filtered from a tech through a hierarchy of management, parts interpreters, and a service (sales) advisor, you should know the mechanic who works on your vehicles.

We are also authorised with LeasePlan, SmartFleet, and FleetCard. This means your drivers can just drop the keys off, and the billing is handled through your existing fleet system.

MB Automotive is known for automotive fleet management Townsville can rely on. Call us today for mechanics Townsville prefers.

02/04/2026

If you've purchased a new car in the last 10 years or so, the salesperson probably brought up "cost of ownership" as a selling point.

Things like longer service interval periods (10,000–15,000km or 12–24 months), lifetime fluids, and condition-based servicing should not be the deciding factors when it comes to making the big decision!

The truth is, every climate, driver, and road condition is different for every individual car. The only way to truly keep your vehicle as a cost-effective means of transport is with more regular servicing! So many things can occur and manifest into something bigger over 5,000km, let alone 10,000km or a 12-month period (some cars even have a 2-year countdown on the dash!?).

Local shops like us are more than likely using better-than-OEM parts; your car is more than just another number, and no, it doesn’t void your warranty.

11/03/2026

For perspective: most people wouldn’t think twice about buying a diesel with 150,000km on the clock, yet without the right maintenance, this is likely what the intake looks like inside.

When buildup reaches this stage, the manifold, EGR coolers, and throttle body must be removed for manual or ultrasonic cleaning, hopefully before a catastrophic failure occurs.

Preventing this happening in the first place is possible with the use of low ash Penrite Oil, combined with specialist diagnostic and flush systems that many general workshops simply don't have access to.

Don't wait for a limp mode or a massive repair bill. Keep your engine breathing clearly.

04/03/2026

It's cheaper per litre at the bowser, but not on the road.

Ethanol contains about 33% less energy than pure gasoline. Even if E10 is 2–5 cents cheaper at the pump, your Kilometer-Per-Litre usually drops by about 3%. If the price gap isn't wide enough, you are actually paying more to go the same distance.

Beyond the pump, ethanol’s hidden costs are mechanical. It attracts moisture, causing fuel separation and corrosion, while its solvent properties scour old tank deposits into your injectors. Over time, it triggers carbon buildup and dilutes engine oil, compromising lubrication and demanding more frequent servicing to avoid catastrophic engine wear.

MB Automotive is known for automotive fleet management Townsville can rely on. Call us today for mechanics Townsville prefers.

13/02/2026

"Drives fine, but the steering wheel shudders at [80–100] km/h..." 🚩

Often, the fix is simple and affordable if caught early—like a shifted wheel balance or alignment. However, if ignored, it can move onto wheel bearings and more expensive steering components.

Some cars are more prone to this than others. With solid front-end 4x4s, this can be a rather violent experience. On a solid axle, every steering and suspension component is physically linked from one wheel to the other. If one part has play, it can trigger a harmonic vibration that bounces back and forth across the axle.

While solid front ends may seem simple to fix, not understanding the right tolerances, materials, and specific areas to inspect can lead to a "band-aid" fix lasting only 2,000km rather than a long-term solution.

20/01/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗘𝗠 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Modern US truck platforms require specific technical maintenance to prevent common rail failure.

We partner with Penrite Oil , as they provide a low-ash oil that is critical for DPF longevity. Unlike standard high-zinc oils, low-ash formulations prevent the accumulation of non-combustible metallic deposits that permanently plug filters.

Advanced diagnostic monitoring of live injector balance rates and fuel rail pressure goes beyond standard logbook visual checks by identifying over-compensating injectors before they cause catastrophic piston damage. This technical approach ensures optimal torque for heavy towing, reduced EGR soot loading, and significantly extended engine life.