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All customer are welcome to come and see us at Panamax Motors in Ravenhall! We offer you a brand new workshop with the latest diagnostic and service equipment to care and service your vehicles.

Our team here at Panamax Motors have 35 years of mechanical trade experience in the automotive industry so you can have confidence and trust in our family run car service. 

Started as a brand new car service centre in January 2013, Panamax Motors is ideally located on a corner site of the new Ravenhall industrial estate. Easy to see and find our car service is just off Ballarat Road - turn in at Bunnings and OfficeWorks and Panamax Motors are at the end of the Panamax Road at the intersection.

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even know there is a clutch in your vehicle. But without it, the gears in your car will not change. Panamax Motors in Ravenhall know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below. What is a clutch? The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run. What is clutch fluid? Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.
 What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing You should have your clutch looked at if: You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason There is jerky or sticky gear operation Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact us at Panamax Motors today. We can perform clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Ravenhall workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Panamax Motors can conduct a vehicle Inspection with your next car service and provide you with a free Vehicle Condition report.  Mention this web page when you book your car for any service, and we will happily provide you with a fully itemised written report. During this visual inspection (carried out by a qualified mechanic) we will check 65 important areas of your car.
The Vehicle Condition Report can alert you to any issues before they impact you or your family and before they cost you extra time and money. The Repco Auto-Tech trained mechanics at Panamax Motors are fully qualified to advise you on every aspect of car service and repair, across most makes and models of vehicles.
The Repco Authorised Service 65 point Vehicle Condition Report offers you additional peace of mind. Book a car service in Ravenhall with Panamax Motors to ensure you are inspected and protected, because safety matters.

Ask about a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report with your next car service.

Inspected & protected

Win a share of over $8,000 in prizes with Panamax Motors and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at Panamax Motors and you can enter the Love Your Car promotion and win from a pool of exciting prizes. Prizes to Be Won 5 x $1,000 Repco Authorised Service vouchers
Redeemable at any participating Repco Authorised Service centre nationwide. 25 x $100 fuel gift cards
Perfect for your next road trip or daily drive. 5 x Supercars merchandise packs
Valued at $100 each.

Total prize pool valued at up to $8,100 including GST. How to Enter To participate: Book and complete a vehicle service at any Repco Authorised Service centre during the promotional period. Visit repcoservice.com  Tell us in 25 words or less why you deserve to win a Love Your Car prize. Upload your receipt Submit your entry online before 11:59pm AEST on 30 September 2025.

From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at a Repco Authorised Service centre and YOU could win big in the Love Your Car promotion

Love Your Car & Win

Wheel Bearings are the means by which axles and wheels are supported and able to turn freely, with minimum friction and whilst simultaneously carrying the entire weight of the vehicle. There should never be a rumbling, groaning or grinding sound coming from the wheels of your car, nor any vibration  through the steering wheel (unless of course you are driving over corrugated roads!) Wheel bearing issues usually come about due to poorly sealed bearings or lack of lubrication. Worn bearings can be very dangerous as they can cause the wheel to completely seize or lock up, which is a big problem when the car is moving at any speed. They can also cause uneven wear on the tyres, loud noises and vibration in the car. Because wheel bearings are pretty well hidden, they are often a forgotten component in the vehicle, so proper maintenance and regular inspection is important. If you become aware of any unusual noises or symptoms, be sure to alert the team at Panamax Motors in Ravenhall so they can investigate thoroughly. Why work with Panamax Motors: Peace of mind: Not only are we a Repco Authorised Service Centre, but we have a combined 20 years of experience on our team. From large jobs to small, you know you are in good hands with our mechanics. Ongoing Training: As part of the Repco family, our mechanics are offered training seminars and received service bulletins about the latest diagnostic equipment and vehicle upgrades. Friendly Service: We are not just a shop, but a locally owned and operated community of mechanics who are looking out for our neighbours. Our Wheel Bearing Services include: Repacking and adjustment of wheel bearings (where applicable) Hub Assembly Repairs and Replacement Bearing replacement Wheel bearing failure: symptoms and causes The wheels on your vehicle need to operate in a smooth manner, regardless of surfaces and speeds. When there is damage to the wheel bearings, the drive is no longer smooth as friction will build up. This friction can then break down the wheel bearings and cause wear and tear on the axle. Panamax Motors can give you peace of mind by advising you what is causing the loud noise or vibration in your vehicle. It may be time to come in and see our mechanics if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Vibrations felt in the foot pedals Vibration in the floor above the wheels Pulling of the car to one side Loud noise coming from the tyres Possible causes of these symptoms: Damaged or leaking seal on the wheel bearings Issues with the hub assembly Lack of grease on the wheel bearings For wheel bearing replacements and routine maintenance in and around Ravenhall contact our team at Panamax Motors.

For wheel bearing replacements and routine maintenance in and around Ravenhall contact our team at Panamax Motors.

Wheel bearing inspection & replacement

There’s nothing quite like a road trip to experience the freedom of travel and the beauty of Australia. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, preparing your car is one of the most important steps to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. A few simple checks and some proactive planning can save you from potential headaches along the way. Here's how to get your vehicle ready for the journey ahead.  Check Your Vehicle's Essentials  Before heading out, make sure your car is in top condition. Start by inspecting the following:  Tyres: Check for proper inflation and inspect for any visible damage or uneven tread wear. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre and ensure you have the necessary tools to change it if needed.  Fluids: Make sure all essential fluids are topped up. This includes oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, now’s a good time to schedule one.  Battery: Test the battery to ensure it's fully charged and check for corrosion on the terminals.  Brakes: Listen for any unusual noises when braking, and if you notice decreased responsiveness, it’s best to have them inspected.  Lights and Wipers: Ensure all headlights, brake lights, indicators, and interior lights are functioning properly. Test your wipers and replace them if they leave streaks or are showing signs of wear.  Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and water.  Plan for Comfort and Safety  Long drives can be tiring, so take steps to stay comfortable and safe during your trip.  Map Your Route: Even if you’re relying on GPS, have a backup map or printed directions in case you lose signal in remote areas.  Take Breaks: Plan regular rest stops to stretch your legs, refuel, and grab a bite to eat.  Pack Wisely: Secure any luggage or loose items to prevent them from moving around while driving.  Entertainment: Download music, audiobooks, or podcasts ahead of time to keep yourself entertained.  Schedule a Professional Inspection  While many of these checks can be done at home, it’s always a good idea to have your car looked over by a professional before a big trip. For those in Ravenhall, Panamax Motors is your trusted partner for all your service and repair needs. Our experienced team can give your vehicle a thorough inspection and address any potential issues, so you can hit the road with confidence.  Preparing your car for a road trip is about more than just avoiding breakdowns—it's about ensuring you and your passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey. A little preparation goes a long way, so don’t overlook the importance of these steps. And remember, when in doubt, the team at Panamax Motors is always ready to help.  Now, with your car ready to go, you can focus on the adventure ahead and enjoy all the incredible sights Australia has to offer. Safe travels!

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, preparing your car is one of the most important steps to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable.

Essential Tips for Hitting the Open Road

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.

Panamax Motors

Cars are our passion.

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Inspected & protected

Love Your Car & Win

Wheel bearing inspection & replacement

Essential Tips for Hitting the Open Road

There's a new gas in town