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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.

If your car has started shaking, vibrating or feeling different while you drive, it’s worth getting it checked. A vibration can be caused by something relatively simple, such as a wheel balance issue, but it can also point to problems with your tyres, brakes, steering, suspension or other mechanical components. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall, our experienced mechanics can inspect your vehicle, identify the source of the vibration and recommend the appropriate repairs to help keep your car safe and comfortable on the road. Why Does My Car Shake When Driving? The speed at which the vibration occurs and where you feel it can provide useful clues about what may be causing the problem. For example, you might notice: The steering wheel shaking at higher speeds The whole vehicle vibrating while driving Shaking when accelerating Vibrations when braking Shaking or roughness while idling A vibration that becomes worse as your speed increases While these symptoms can help narrow down the possibilities, a professional inspection is the best way to determine the actual cause. 1. Wheel Balance Problems If your car starts vibrating at particular speeds, especially at higher speeds, incorrectly balanced wheels may be responsible. Wheel balancing helps ensure the weight of the wheel and tyre assembly is distributed evenly. If the balance is incorrect, you may feel vibrations through the steering wheel, floor or seats. Ignoring wheel balance problems can also contribute to uneven tyre wear and affect driving comfort. 2. Tyre Problems Your tyres are your vehicle's contact point with the road, so tyre problems can have a noticeable effect on how your car drives. Vibrations may be associated with: Uneven tyre wear Incorrect tyre pressures Tyre damage Irregular tread wear Ageing or deteriorating tyres If you've noticed a new vibration along with unusual tyre wear, have your vehicle inspected rather than simply assuming the tyres need replacing. 3. Steering or Suspension Problems Worn steering and suspension components can cause knocking, shaking, poor handling and vibrations. Depending on the vehicle, problems may involve components such as bushes, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers or other suspension parts. Other warning signs can include your vehicle pulling to one side, excessive bouncing, unusual tyre wear or noises when travelling over bumps. 4. Why Does My Car Shake When Braking? If the vibration mainly occurs when you apply the brakes, the braking system should be inspected. You may notice the steering wheel shaking or a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.  Brake vibration can have several causes, including problems involving brake discs, pads or other braking components. Because your brakes are a critical safety system, don't ignore a noticeable change in braking performance. 5. Engine or Mechanical Problems Not every vibration comes from the wheels or suspension. If your vehicle shakes while stationary, idling or accelerating, the problem could potentially be related to the engine or another mechanical component. A rough-running engine may also be accompanied by symptoms such as: Loss of power Difficult starting Increased fuel consumption Unusual engine noises Warning lights on the dashboard Rough or inconsistent idling Modern vehicle diagnostics can help technicians investigate these symptoms and identify faults that may not be obvious from a visual inspection alone. 6. Wheel Alignment Issues Wheel alignment problems commonly cause symptoms such as uneven tyre wear, poor steering response or a vehicle pulling to one side. While alignment isn't the cause of every vibration, alignment and tyre wear problems can sometimes occur together. Having the steering, suspension, tyres and wheel alignment checked can help identify exactly what is affecting your vehicle. Don't Ignore a New Vibration Cars naturally produce some vibration while operating, but a new, worsening or unusual vibration shouldn't be ignored. Continuing to drive with a mechanical, tyre, brake, steering or suspension problem may lead to additional wear and potentially more expensive repairs. Having the problem inspected early gives you the opportunity to identify the cause before it develops further. Car Inspections and Repairs in Ravenhall If your car is shaking, vibrating, pulling to one side or simply doesn't feel right to drive, bring it to Panamax Motors in Ravenhall. With more than 35 years of automotive industry experience, our team can service and repair a wide range of makes and models. From tyres and wheel balancing to brakes, steering, suspension, diagnostics and general mechanical repairs, we can investigate the problem and help get your vehicle driving properly again. Book your vehicle inspection with Panamax Motors in Ravenhall today.

Is your car shaking or vibrating while driving, braking or accelerating? Discover common causes and book an inspection with Panamax Motors in Ravenhall.

Why Is My Car Shaking or Vibrating? Common Causes Explained

It's your car and it's your choice!  Panamax Motors is fully qualified to service your new car and maintain your log book schedule whilst the car is within the warranty period. Maintaining your car’s warranty shouldn’t mean limiting your options when it comes to servicing. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall, we understand that keeping your vehicle in top condition is important and so is the freedom to choose who you trust with its care. With expert knowledge, high-quality parts and a commitment to professional service, we provide a reliable option for servicing your new car without compromising its warranty.  As a car owner in Australia, you have the freedom to choose who services your vehicle without jeopardising your new car warranty. This assurance comes under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which protects your rights and provides clarity for drivers. According to the ACL, you can have your car serviced by an independent mechanic, provided that the service meets the manufacturer’s specifications and uses quality parts. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall, we ensure all services are carried out to these standards, giving you confidence in both our work and your warranty’s validity. Get the facts about New Car Servicing and watch our AutoFacts Video These protections mean that you can benefit from personalised service, competitive pricing, and the expertise of your local independent workshop, all while maintaining your car’s warranty. At Panamax Motors, we take these responsibilities seriously and are proud to uphold the highest standards of service, ensuring your car stays in excellent condition for the road ahead. Why Choose Panamax Motors for New Car Servicing? Expertise you can trust - Our team undergoes continuous Auto-Tech training, ensuring we stay ahead with the latest techniques and technology to keep your car running smoothly. Dependable quality - We use high-standard parts that are built to last, giving you reliable performance and peace of mind every time you drive. Nationwide support - With warranty-backed service and a vast network of Repco Authorised Service locations, you’re covered wherever your journey takes you. Trust, Experience, Knowledge At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall, we take pride in offering a level of service that is built on trust, experience, and knowledge. As a trusted Repco Authorised Service Centre, we bring together a team of highly skilled technicians who are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your vehicle.  Our experience in the automotive industry means you can rely on us to handle your car with the utmost professionalism and expertise. We understand that maintaining your vehicle is about more than just servicing – it’s about ensuring your safety and comfort on the road. That’s why we combine technical know-how with a genuine commitment to delivering quality workmanship every time you visit.  Whether it’s routine maintenance or log book servicing, our priority is to keep your car running smoothly while preserving its value and warranty. At Panamax Motors, we’re here to provide you with the confidence that your vehicle is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead. Book Your Service With A Local Ready to book your car service? Contact Panamax Motors in Ravenhall today to schedule an appointment with our trusted team. Whether it’s maintaining your log book, ensuring your warranty remains intact, or simply keeping your vehicle in top condition, we’re here to help. Call us or visit our workshop to experience reliable, professional car servicing you can count on. Let us take care of your car, so you can enjoy the drive.

Expert car servicing in Ravenhall. Maintain your warranty with high-quality, manufacturer-approved service from the trusted team at Panamax Motors. Book your service today!

New Car Service in Ravenhall

Engines that operate through internal combustion rely on large amounts of clean air to ensure the fuel burns properly and generates the power needed to drive the vehicle. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall, we understand how vital it is to keep your car's air filter in good condition as part of protecting your engine's health. Your engine requires extremely clean air to function efficiently. Dirt, dust, and other particles entering the engine can cause serious damage. That’s where the air filter comes into play. It ensures the air entering the combustion chambers is clean, shielding key engine components such as the pistons and cylinders from wear and damage. Why Replace Your Air Filter? Save on Fuel Costs: Your engine requires the correct balance of fuel and air to run efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your engine to run inefficiently – often referred to as ‘running rich.’ This not only puts additional stress on your engine but can also increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. No one likes spending more on petrol than necessary!   Protect Your Engine: Over time, air filters become clogged and weaker, increasing the risk of damage. A damaged or overly dirty air filter can allow harmful particles to enter the engine, potentially leading to expensive repairs.   Benefits of Replacing Your Air Filter: Extends the life of your engine Improves fuel efficiency Reduces vehicle emissions At Panamax Motors, we always check the condition of your air filter during every full car service. Whether it’s a major or minor service, or one that follows your manufacturer’s handbook or logbook guidelines, you can trust us to keep your engine running smoothly.

Keep your engine healthy with clean air filters. Improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend engine life. Visit Panamax Motors for expert maintenance and reliable car servicing.

Air Filters

Win a share of over $8,000 in prizes with Panamax Motors and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2026, 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. 20 x $100 fuel gift cards
Perfect for your next road trip or daily drive. 5 x Supercars merchandise packs
Valued at $100 each. 10 x car care gift packs

Total prize pool valued at up to $7990 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/win 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 2026.

From 1 June to 30 September 2026, service your vehicle at a Repco Authorised Service centre and YOU could win big in the Love Your Car promotion

Love Your Car & Win

You always have the choice of where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices, without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee. You do not have to take your car back to the dealership who sold it to you for service or repairs. Provided the work is overseen to the manufacturers specifications by a suitably skilled person and uses tolerable quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands.  With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Panamax Motors mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Panamax Motors mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty. Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. Panamax Motors will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original car manufacturer. If you already own a new car or are thinking of purchasing one, make sure you clearly understand where your statutory rights begin and end Make sure you are aware of the differences between manufacturer, statutory and extended warranties to avoid making the wrong selection when it comes to servicing your new car. You are automatically covered by a statutory warranty, also known as a Consumer Guarantee, under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and this statutory protection can never be superseded by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively). A lack of disclosure requirements on car dealers at the point of sale regarding these contracts can easily lead the consumer into making a choice to be bound by a long term contract without access to all of the details needed to make a properly informed decision. So when purchasing a new vehicle, be on guard for new car dealers who may try to include “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. As a general rule these ‘extra' warranties may include quite comprehensive restrictions or provisions, and are not always what they are cracked up to be. Many times these promises provide no real additional benefits not already given by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with the dealership that sold the car. Such promises are very unlikely to focus on the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you will need to go to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics. Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too. New Car Service Frequently asked questions 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 Panamax Motors 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 Panamax Motors take to protect my warranty? Panamax Motors 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 Panamax Motors is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Can Panamax Motors stamp my logbook? Panamax Motors 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 Panamax Motors 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, Panamax Motors 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. Panamax Motors will be happy to advise you on the conditions and relative value before you commit to any service plan.

Did you know that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices. Panamax Motors can service your new car using quality parts and fluids, preserving your warranty…

The right choice for new car service in Ravenhall

Most vehicle problems don't happen without warning. In many cases, your car gives you clear signs that something isn't right long before a major breakdown occurs. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid expensive repairs, improve your safety, and prevent being stranded on the side of the road. At Panamax Motors, we've been providing professional mechanical repairs and servicing in Ravenhall for more than 35 years. Our experienced technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to quickly identify faults and recommend the right repair before minor issues become major problems. Here are seven warning signs you should never ignore. 1. Warning Lights Stay On Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that constantly monitor critical systems. If any of these warning lights remain illuminated, your vehicle should be inspected as soon as possible:  Check Engine Light Oil Pressure Warning Battery Warning Light ABS Warning Airbag Warning Temperature Warning Electronic Stability Control (ESC) While some warning lights indicate minor faults, others can signal serious mechanical issues that may lead to engine damage or unsafe driving conditions. 2. Strange Noises While Driving Your vehicle shouldn't make unusual noises. Common sounds and their possible causes include: Squealing when braking – worn brake pads Grinding noises – damaged brakes or wheel bearings Knocking from the engine – internal engine wear Clicking while turning – worn CV joints Clunking over bumps – suspension or steering components Whining while accelerating – transmission or differential issues If you notice a new noise, it's best to have it inspected before it becomes a larger repair. 3. Fluid Leaks Under Your Car A small puddle beneath your vehicle could indicate an important system is leaking. Common automotive fluids include:  Engine oil Coolant Brake fluid Transmission fluid Power steering fluid Differential oil Ignoring fluid leaks can lead to overheating, transmission failure, brake problems, or engine damage. 4. Smoke From the Exhaust Excessive exhaust smoke often indicates an underlying engine problem. Different smoke colours may point to different faults: Blue smoke – engine burning oil White smoke – possible coolant entering the combustion chamber Black smoke – excessive fuel consumption or fuel system issues Any persistent exhaust smoke should be professionally diagnosed. 5. Vibrations or Pulling While Driving If your steering wheel shakes or the vehicle pulls to one side, don't ignore it. Possible causes include: Wheel alignment issues Tyre damage Suspension wear Brake rotor problems Steering component wear Wheel balance issues These problems can affect vehicle handling, tyre life and braking performance. 6. Overheating Engine Your temperature gauge should remain within its normal operating range. An overheating engine can be caused by: Low coolant Cooling system leaks Failed thermostat Water pump failure Radiator blockage Cooling fan faults Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can result in catastrophic engine damage. 7. Reduced Performance or Poor Fuel Economy If your vehicle suddenly feels sluggish or you're filling up more often, it may be trying to tell you something. Possible causes include: Dirty air filters Faulty spark plugs Fuel injector problems Sensor failures Ignition faults Blocked fuel filters Transmission issues Early diagnosis often prevents more expensive repairs later. Why Early Diagnosis Saves Money Many expensive repairs begin as relatively small faults. For example: Replacing worn brake pads is much cheaper than replacing damaged brake discs. Repairing a coolant leak is far less expensive than replacing an overheated engine. Fixing a suspension component early can prevent excessive tyre wear and steering damage. Routine servicing allows many of these issues to be detected before they become costly repairs. Professional Mechanical Repairs in Ravenhall Whether your vehicle has developed a warning light, strange noise or isn't driving as it should, the experienced team at Panamax Motors can help. Our workshop services all makes and models and offers: Mechanical diagnostics Log book servicing Brake and clutch repairs Steering and suspension repairs Engine diagnostics Cooling system repairs Auto electrical diagnostics Diesel vehicle servicing Roadworthy inspections Tyres and wheel balancing Air conditioning servicing Vehicle condition reports With modern diagnostic equipment and over 35 years of industry experience, we'll identify the problem quickly and provide honest advice on the most effective repair. If your vehicle is showing any of these warning signs, don't wait for a breakdown. Contact Panamax Motors in Ravenhall today to book a professional inspection and keep your vehicle safe and reliable.

Learn the 7 warning signs your car needs urgent mechanical attention. Panamax Motors in Ravenhall provides expert diagnostics, repairs and servicing for all vehicle makes.

Panamax Motors

Cars are our passion.

Why Is My Car Shaking or Vibrating? Common Causes Explained

New Car Service in Ravenhall

Air Filters

Love Your Car & Win

The right choice for new car service in Ravenhall

7 Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Mechanical Attention