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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.

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.

There's a new gas in town

Trust, experience & knowledge ... You can rely on your Local and Independent Repco Authorised Service centre, Panamax Motors to service and repair your vehicle. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, Panamax Motors use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods. What’s more, our fully qualified technicians have access to the latest service information, bulletins and training through the Australia wide Repco Auto Tech program. We provide a full range of automotive services right here in Ravenhall and surrounding areas, all backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty and fully supported at over 500 Service Centres right across Australia. So rest assured - your car is in safe hands.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we use quality parts and lubricants and employ state of the art diagnostic equipment and repair methods.

Panamax Motors - Our expertise & knowledge

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Panamax Motors in Ravenhall are very knowledgeable and experienced in looking after these systems.  It is recommended that you exchange your radiator coolant fluid every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However the size of the engine, the climate in your area, the age of your current coolant, and the total miles that have been driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator. Knowing when to replenish your radiator fluid isn't always easy - obviously, when it has gone a dirty brown colour it's a sign it probably needs to be flushed and replaced - however even fresh-looking coolant could have lost its corrosion protection properties and without measuring its reserve alkalinity there's no signal that it is no longer protecting your vehicle components, and it could even be doing more damage than good. Maintaining good coolant means your radiator system will be much better protected from corrosion and will have a longer life span, it will help prevent you from having to replace expensive engine components. At Panamax Motors in Ravenhall at your request, we will perform a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service. Part of this inspection includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will advise you if we feel a radiator flush, fluid replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Even if it looks clean, your coolant still might need replacing!

Radiator Coolant

Faulty and low charge batteries are to be avoided. Don't wait till you're stranded somewhere on the side of the road, hoping for a jump start. It is easy to have your car, bike, truck battery tested or charged up at Panamax Motors in Ravenhall.  Often issues occur because we have all reduced how much we drive or decided to only rely on one car (as petrol prices skyrocket!) and have left the other in the garage. But did you know that batteries can still discharge even when your car isn't in use? - ask Panamax Motors about a battery test today!  Our technicians do a battery load test as part of the 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes free with every car service. If you have concerns, we can do a stand-alone battery test and inspection right here in Ravenhall. Car Battery FAQ How do I know if my battery is getting flat or low? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include: Vehicle is slow to start Engine won't start Dash Lights work, but engine won't start Constantly needing a jump start Film or corrosion on the battery Cracked swollen or leaky battery Rotten egg smell under the hood Do I need a new car battery? The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.

Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at {{{businessName}}} Does a flat battery use more fuel? Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel. Where can I buy a new car battery? Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, {{{businessName}}} have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? {{{businessName}}} can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose {{{businessName}}} for a battery test? If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like {{{businessName}}} rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues. There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues! Can my car battery be recharged? Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at {{{businessName}}} about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself. Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Can I fit my battery myself? The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module). Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset. Talk to {{{businessName}}} today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.

Panamax Motors

Cars are our passion.

Wheel bearing inspection & replacement

Essential Tips for Hitting the Open Road

There's a new gas in town

Panamax Motors - Our expertise & knowledge

Radiator Coolant

Car Battery Testing and FAQ