FAQs

Servicing FAQs

  • This will depend on what we have your vehicle in for. But for a general service, the vehicle will not be with us longer than a day. We also work around your schedule. Got school pick up and drop off to do? No problems, we will get it done within that time frame. Start work at 8 and finish at 5? No problem, we are here from 7.00am-5.30pm. We also offer pick up and drop off service within 10min of our workshop.

  • Yes! Be sure to let us know when booking if you will be needing a courtesy car.

  • This is a question we get asked very regularly. Unfortunately there is no set pricing that we can give you. Each vehicle has different parts, takes different oils and takes different times to service and repair. Get in touch with our friendly team and we will be able to work out the pricing for you.

  • Our recommendation is always to service your vehicle every 10,000km or 6 months, whichever comes first. There are some exceptions with newer vehicles, but this is a general rule. Some european cars may say 15,000km but this is usually if the vehicle is doing those KM’s in that climate. In Australia we have a much harsher climate and our vehicles do harder KM’s, meaning vehicles need to be checked over and serviced more regularly.

  • At Busselton Auto Repairs, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve. Our technicians use the latest diagnostic tools and equipment to delve deep into your vehicle's systems, pinpointing potential issues with unparalleled accuracy.

    Our team comprises highly skilled and certified technicians who are passionate about delivering top-notch diagnostic services. With years of experience under their belts, our experts possess the knowledge to decode even the most complex vehicle issues.

    From the engine and transmission to the electrical and electronic components, our diagnostic services cover it all. We leave no stone unturned, ensuring a thorough examination of your vehicle's systems to provide a comprehensive diagnosis.

GVM Upgrade FAQs

  • 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, the Dobinsons GVM upgrade not only raises your vehicle's ride height from its original factory setting but also significantly boosts its payload capacity. This results in improved handling and stability, contributing to a safer driving experience.

  • The Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any accessories. Here's how you can determine if your vehicle is over its GVM:

    1. Check the Manual:
      Consult your vehicle's manual or look for a placard on the vehicle that displays its GVM. This information will give you the maximum weight your vehicle can carry.

    2. Weigh Your Vehicle:
      Take your vehicle to a weighbridge or a certified weighing station. Drive your vehicle onto the scale, ensuring that all passengers and cargo are inside as they would be during normal operation. We recommend that if you are going to be towing, you have the caravan etc atteched while weighing. The scale will measure the weight of your vehicle. Compare this weight to your vehicle's GVM. If it exceeds the GVM, your vehicle is overloaded.

    3. Calculate Load:
      If you know the weight of your cargo, you can manually calculate whether your vehicle is over its GVM. Simply add the weight of the passengers, cargo, and any accessories to the weight of the vehicle when it's fully fueled. If this total weight exceeds the GVM, your vehicle is overloaded.

    4. Suspension Sag:
      If your vehicle is visibly lower at the rear or shows signs of suspension sagging, it might be an indication that it's carrying too much weight. This could be a sign that your vehicle is over its GVM.

    If you are unsure or would like help calculating this, our team are here to help.

  • Contact our friendly team. We will then be able to determine the best course of action and what suspension you will need for your vehicle.

  • Option 1: Twin-Tube Shocks:

    These are the initial choice in the range (the standard replacement) and come at the lowest price point. They serve as a direct bolt-in replacement for both standard height and raised suspensions. Despite being the first option in the range, they are constructed to endure our harsh Aussie climate and conditions, making them a solid choice.

    Option 2: IMS Shocks - Monotubes.

    This stands as the mid-range option, designed to offer enhanced performance compared to the twin-tube shocks. The IMS option excels in assisting with corrugated roads, extended trips, off-road driving, and towing. Moreover, these shocks are adjustable, allowing us to fine-tune the heights to match your requirements.

    Option 3: Monotube Remote Reservoir (MRR) - 3-Way Adjustable.

    This represents the top-tier choice, tailored for optimal performance and equipped with a 3-way damping adjustment system. These shocks bring about substantial reductions in shock absorber friction, leading to improved vehicle 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 the Gross Combination Mass (GCM). Similarly, Dobinsons Spring & Suspension also does not endorse or approve any GCM upgrades that are specific to individual states.

DOT Inspection FAQs

  • If your vehicle fails an inspection, you will be given a list of items that will need to be rectified before the vehicle can be presented again for a re-inspection. These items will need to be rectified by yourself or a repairer. Once all of the items are rectified you can bring the vehicle in for a re-inspection within a month of your initial inspection. If the vehicle is brought back after a month from the initial, it will be a full inspection cost again.

  • Vehicle inspections are set prices by the DOT so these cannot be changed by a licensed inspector. All prices are GST Free and are due on collection of the vehicle.

    For an initial inspection on a vehicle that is either unlicenced, has received a yellow sticker or is changing from another state into WA the price currently is $187.90.

    For a re-inspection if the vehicle fails and is reinspected within a month of the initial inspection is $124.

  • D.O.T Audit and monitor the system and have the final say on all vehicles. The system automatically detects certain vehicle criteria and flags it as needing attention. The processes that are in place are there to keep you and other road users safe on our roads.

  • No, The D.O.T controls all pricing and the DOT system creates the invoice.

  • D.O.T requires a full inspection to confirm the vehicle is roadworthy, regardless of how long it was registered before, or regardless of the age of the vehicle.

  • Unfortunately, this is incorrect. All yellow stickers require a full inspection, this is written on the lower part of your yellow sticker.

  • The dealer or previous owner may have purchased the vehicle like this and not been aware of the illegal items on the vehicle. Unless the dealer or purchaser of the vehicle was to carry out a Department Of Transport Inspection some illegal items may not come up. For example, if someone fits a long range fuel tank to a vehicle and never gets the modification permits and approval when fitting this would be classed as illegal in Western Australia. This is normally not found until the vehicle gets a yellow sticker or runs out of rego and then has to be inspected.

  • These lights are fault lights to let you know there is a problem. When the light is on the safety feature is NOT working and in an accident could cause injury or death.

  • Under D.O.T rules any item added or replaced with a non-factory item requires a permit. For example if your car came out with cast manifolds from the factory, as soon as you fit aftermarket extractors you need a permit. You can purchase one through the Department of Transport Website. Click here for more info - https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-a-light-vehicle-simple-inspection.asp

  • The fitment of an immobilizer falls upon the purchaser to organise and must be done when a car becomes unregistered or its a eastern states transfer. This is a Western Australia government law and is required on vehicles from 1991 onwards.

  • Once you have finished the repairs the vehicle must first be examined at a WOVA station, please go to this link to ensure you have carried out all the required steps before presenting the vehicle for inspection at a Department of Transport Inspection Station as the vehicle can not be passed with out the required WOVA forms. (https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-a-repairable-written-off-vehicle.asp)https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-a-repairable-written-off-vehicle.asp

  • To obtain an extension you must have a Department Of Transport Inspection carried out. You can only get an extension if there is nothing dangerous on your vehicle for example Bald tyres. Once inspected D.O.T allow a max of 2 weeks for 1st extension, 2 weeks for 2nd extension and 1 week for 3rd extension. There are sometimes exceptions to the rule like waiting for engineering approval from DOT. All extensions require the vehicle to have a Full Inspection first. The inspection does not guarantee D.O.T will grant you an extension.