Frequently Asked Questions

Depends what it's in for, but for a general service we won't have it longer than a day. We also work around your schedule — school pick-up and drop-off to do? No problem. We're open Monday to Thursday, 7:00am to 5:30pm, and offer pick-up and drop-off within 10 minutes of the workshop.

Yes. Just let us know when booking if you'll need one.

There's no set pricing we can give upfront — every vehicle has different parts, oils, and time requirements. Get in touch with our team and we'll work out accurate pricing for your vehicle.

Our recommendation is every 10,000km or 6 months, whichever comes first (some newer vehicles vary). Some European manufacturers list 15,000km, but that's usually based on a milder climate than WA's — our conditions are harsher, so more frequent servicing protects your vehicle better here.

We use the latest diagnostic tools and equipment to pinpoint issues with real accuracy rather than guesswork. Our technicians are highly skilled and experienced, covering everything from engine and transmission through to electrical and electronic components, so nothing gets missed.

A Dobinsons GVM upgrade enhances your vehicle's legal weight-carrying capacity through the expert installation of a specially designed Dobinsons suspension kit. This kit, rigorously tested and approved in Australia by the Department of Infrastructure, replaces the factory springs, shock absorbers, and other standard suspension components. Additionally, tyre upgrades may be necessary. Unlike a standard aftermarket suspension kit, it also boosts payload capacity and improves handling and stability.

Check your manual or the placard on your vehicle for its GVM, then weigh your vehicle at a weighbridge loaded as you would normally drive it (caravan attached if you tow). If the total exceeds your GVM, you're overloaded. Visible rear suspension sag is another warning sign. Unsure? Our team is here to help.

Contact our friendly team. We'll determine the best course of action and which suspension setup your vehicle needs.

Twin-Tube Shocks: the standard replacement at the lowest price point, a direct bolt-in for standard or raised suspensions. IMS Monotube Shocks: mid-range, adjustable, great for corrugated roads, long trips, off-roading and towing. Monotube Remote Reservoir (MRR) 3-Way Adjustable: the top-tier option with reduced shock friction and improved ride and damping performance.

Yes, we can do a 2" lift with the GVM upgrade.

Currently, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport does not endorse or approve upgrades to Gross Combination Mass. Dobinsons Spring & Suspension also does not endorse or approve any GCM upgrades.

You'll be given a list of items that need to be rectified before the vehicle can be presented again for a re-inspection, either by yourself or a repairer. Bring it back within a month of the initial inspection for a re-inspection; after a month it's a full inspection cost again.

Vehicle inspections are set prices by the DOT and cannot be changed by a licensed inspector. All prices are GST free and due on collection of the vehicle. An initial inspection (unlicensed, yellow sticker, or interstate transfer) is currently $225.40 (FY27). A re-inspection within a month of the initial is $153.40.

The DOT audits and monitors the system and has the final say on all vehicles. The system automatically flags certain vehicle criteria as needing attention, keeping you and other road users safe.

No. The DOT controls all pricing and the DOT system creates the invoice.

The DOT requires a full inspection to confirm the vehicle is roadworthy, regardless of how long it was registered before or the age of the vehicle.

This is incorrect — all yellow stickers require a full inspection, as stated on the lower part of your yellow sticker.

The dealer or previous owner may not have been aware of illegal items on the vehicle. For example, an added long-range fuel tank without the correct modification permits and approval is illegal in WA, and this is often only found once the vehicle gets a yellow sticker or runs out of rego and is inspected.

These lights indicate a safety feature is not working, which could cause injury or death in an accident.

Under DOT rules, any item added or replaced with a non-factory item requires a permit — for example fitting aftermarket extractors. You can purchase a permit through the Department of Transport website.

Fitting an immobiliser falls to the purchaser to organise once a car becomes unregistered or on an eastern-states transfer. This is a WA government requirement on vehicles from 1991 onwards.

Once repairs are finished, the vehicle must first be examined at a WOVA station. See the Department of Transport's guide to ensure all required steps are completed before presenting for inspection — the vehicle cannot pass without the required WOVA forms.

To get an extension you must have a DOT inspection carried out, and it's only available if there's nothing dangerous on the vehicle (e.g. bald tyres). The DOT allows a max of 2 weeks for the 1st extension, 2 weeks for the 2nd, and 1 week for the 3rd, with occasional exceptions (e.g. waiting on DOT engineering approval). All extensions require a full inspection first, and inspection does not guarantee DOT will grant an extension.