Excellence in Automotive is your local car service mechanic in Bowen. 

As a family owned and operated business, we take great pride in offering our customers the very best in automotive care and we are committed to providing personalised and friendly service at all times. 

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we participate in the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring our technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 

We have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. For reliable car maintenance, service & repairs in Bowen and the surrounding areas, please use our online booking form or give us a call.

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. Excellence in Automotive in Bowen 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 Excellence in Automotive in Bowen 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 Excellence in Automotive today. We can perform clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Bowen workshop.

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

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Excellence in Automotive 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 Excellence in Automotive 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 Bowen with Excellence in Automotive 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 Excellence in Automotive and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at Excellence in Automotive 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

Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle with every service. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Excellence in Automotive and Repco Authorised Service. Safe Winter Driving Tips While everyone in the Southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter, the top half of Australia is enjoying their dry season. You'd think that this would mean totally different ways to get your vehicle ready for winter; however the essentials of safe winter motoring stay the same. So how do you make sure your car is prepared for safe winter motoring?  Let's keep it clear We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers at the first drop of rain and only then remember you should have replaced them! Being exposed to full force of the Australian sun all year round makes your wipers wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Excellence in Automotive can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car. Stay fluid Fluids and other mechanisms in your car can be impacted by cold weather; such as coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's essential to get your vehicle regularly serviced by a professional technician who knows the correct products and parts to keep your car in peak operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.   Drive to the conditions Conditions change - and you need to adjust, as well. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.  Could you stop in time? Be aware of the warning signs that your brakes need to be checked, such as vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these you should get it checked out by a specialist. Brake inspections form part of our Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in. Now is the time to check how much tread depth you have. If you notice spots which are worn unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. Find out more about the components that affect your tyre wear on the links below:  Tyres and Wheel Service Shock Absorber Auto Facts Steering and CV Boots Braking and Disc Pads Driving on tyres which are not inflated correctly will not only cost you extra fuel money; it can also impact your stopping distance. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or Vehicle Inspection today.

Drive Safe this Winter with a Vehicle Inspection and Service from Excellence in Automotive

Drive safe this winter

Owning a car requires you to pay close attention to its engine cooling system. Central to this system is coolant, a vital liquid that ensures your engine remains at the right temperature. Coolant, often referred to as antifreeze, prevents your engine from overheating during intense use and stops it from freezing in cold weather. However, to keep your coolant functioning effectively, it's crucial to perform a radiator flush periodically. How frequently should you do this, and what happens if you don't? This article will explore these questions and more.  Understanding Coolant: Coolant, or antifreeze, is a specially crafted liquid that circulates through your engine, dissipating the heat it generates to maintain the right temperature. Made from a blend of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, coolant not only cools your engine but also protects against corrosion and lubricates the water pump.  Do You Need a Radiator Flush or Cooling System Service? Over time, your car's radiator can collect deposits that impair its efficiency. If these are not addressed, they can obstruct the radiator and lead to engine overheating or even severe damage. A radiator flush or cooling system service cleans these deposits, ensuring your vehicle remains in good condition. Therefore, to maintain your car's performance and longevity, regular radiator flushes and cooling system services are essential.  How Often Should You Perform a Coolant System Flush? The frequency of coolant system flushes varies depending on factors such as your car's model, age, the coolant type, and driving conditions. Generally, experts suggest a flush every 50,000 kms or every five years, whichever is sooner. Nonetheless, it is wise to consult your car's manual or speak with a trusted mechanic for a more tailored schedule.  Consequences of Skipping Radiator Flushing or Servicing: Neglecting radiator flushing or servicing your cooling system can have serious repercussions. Rust and scale deposits can accumulate, blocking the radiator and reducing cooling efficiency, which can lead to engine overheating and significant damage. Old antifreeze may turn acidic, potentially harming the radiator, water pump, and other cooling components. Ultimately, these issues can result in expensive repairs and increase the risk of breakdowns.  Incorporating coolant system flushes into your car's maintenance routine is essential. Just as you wouldn't skip oil changes or tyre rotations, do not ignore your car's cooling system. Overlooking these needs could lead to extensive damage and costly repairs, compromising your safety on the road. Taking proactive measures such as regular radiator flushes or cooling system services helps protect your car, saves money, and ensures a smoother driving experience.  Visit Excellence in Automotive in Bowen for expert assistance with your vehicle's maintenance needs. As an Approved RACQ Repairer, we provide reliable vehicle servicing and repairs as well as provide Breakdown Roadside Assistance and Towing services.

Learn the essentials of radiator flushing for optimal car performance. Discover how Excellence in Automotive in Bowen can help, with RACQ-approved repairs and breakdown assistance.

Essential Information about Flushing Your Car's Radiator

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.

Excellence in Automotive

Cars are our passion.

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Inspected & protected

Love Your Car & Win

Drive safe this winter

Essential Information about Flushing Your Car's Radiator

There's a new gas in town