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Pauls Service Centre take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times.

Conveniently located in Woolner, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

Pauls Service Centre have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Planning a road trip can be an exciting experience, but ensuring your vehicle is in top shape before hitting the road is crucial for a safe and smooth journey. One often-overlooked aspect of car maintenance is wheel alignment. At Pauls Service Centre in Woolner, we understand just how important proper wheel alignment is—not only for your car’s performance but also for your overall safety on the road. 

Incorrect wheel alignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even compromised handling, which are all things no driver wants to deal with during their travels. By having your vehicle’s alignment inspected and adjusted before you set off, you’ll save yourself time, money, and potential stress down the road. In this article, we’ll take you through why wheel alignment is essential and how it contributes to a safer, more enjoyable driving experience. Whether you’re heading off on a long road trip or just planning a weekend getaway, proper preparation starts with the details—and wheel alignment should always be one of them. Why Vehicle Wheels Go Out of Alignment  Ensuring proper wheel alignment is essential for the safety, performance, and longevity of your vehicle. At Pauls Service Centre in Woolner, we often see cars with misaligned wheels due to a variety of factors. Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures and know when it’s time for a professional check.  The Impact of Driving on Dirt and Uneven Terrains in Darwin and the Top End on Wheel Alignment  Living and driving in Darwin and the Top End of the Northern Territory comes with unique challenges. The region’s rugged landscapes, dirt roads, and uneven terrains can take a toll on your vehicle, particularly its wheel alignment. Whether you're navigating unsealed tracks or traversing pothole-ridden roads during the wet season, your tyres and suspension system are constantly subjected to stress. 

Wheel alignment refers to the proper adjustment of the angles of your vehicle's wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Poor alignment can cause uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty steering – issues that are only compounded when driving on the challenging surfaces found in the Top End. 

Here’s how these conditions can affect your alignment: 

- Frequent Encounters with Corrugations: Driving on corrugated dirt roads is common in this part of the country. The vibrations and jolts from these roads can gradually push your wheels out of alignment, leading to uneven handling and tyre wear. 

- Potholes and Washouts: The wet season often leaves the roads riddled with potholes and soft spots. Hitting these hazards can cause immediate misalignment and put extra strain on your suspension. 

- Loose Gravel and Sand: Many roads around Darwin and the Top End are covered in loose gravel or sandy patches, which can make it harder for your tyres to maintain proper contact with the ground. This constant shifting can lead to uneven alignment over time. 

Preventative Care for Drivers in the Top End
Given the road conditions in the Northern Territory, regular maintenance is key to avoiding alignment problems. It’s a good habit to inspect your tyres frequently, especially after driving on unsealed or corrugated roads. Additionally, schedule periodic wheel alignment checks to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.  Common Reasons for Misaligned Wheels  1. Potholes and Rough Roads
Australia’s roads are not always as smooth as we’d like. Hitting a pothole, driving over uneven road surfaces, or encountering speed bumps too quickly can significantly impact your car's suspension system. These jolts and bumps can shift the alignment of your wheels, causing uneven tyre wear and poor handling

 2. Normal Wear and Tear
Over time, parts of your car’s suspension and steering system naturally wear down. Components like tie rods, ball joints, and bushings are essential for maintaining proper alignment, but as they age or weaken, they may lead to misalignment. Regular vehicle maintenance helps prevent minor issues from developing into costly repairs.

3. Collisions and Minor Accidents
Even minor accidents, such as bumping into a kerb or scraping the edge of a driveway, can affect your wheel alignment. Larger collisions are even more likely to cause misalignment, as they can bend key suspension components or frames.

4. Carrying Heavy Loads
Overloading your vehicle beyond its recommended capacity puts excessive strain on the suspension system. This can throw your wheels out of alignment, particularly if the weight is not evenly distributed. Always check your vehicle’s load limits to avoid unnecessary damage.

5. Modifications or Tyre Changes
Changes to your vehicle’s suspension, such as lowering or raising its height, can alter the alignment settings. Additionally, fitting new tyres, especially if they’re a different size or style, may also impact the alignment if not installed correctly.

6. Sudden Impacts
Sharp turns, aggressive braking, or hitting objects on the road can all contribute to wheel misalignment. Even seemingly minor impacts, like hitting a kerb while parking, can lead to alignment issues over time.

7. Environmental Factors
Driving through muddy, sandy, or gravel-covered roads can place stress on your vehicle's steering and suspension systems. In regions with harsh weather conditions, repeated exposure to extreme environments can gradually affect your vehicle’s alignment.

Why Alignment Matters
Keeping your wheels properly aligned is crucial for your car’s overall performance. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and unsafe handling. At Pauls Service Centre, we recommend having your wheel alignment checked regularly, especially if you’ve experienced any of the above situations. The Impact of Extra Weight on Vehicle Wheel Alignment Carrying extra weight in your vehicle can significantly affect its wheel alignment and overall performance. At Pauls Service Centre in Woolner, we understand how crucial it is to maintain proper alignment for safety, efficiency, and the longevity of your tyres. Let’s take a closer look at how additional weight impacts your vehicle’s alignment and why regular checks are essential.

When your vehicle carries more weight than usual—whether it’s due to heavy luggage, equipment, or passengers—it places additional pressure on the suspension system and tyres. This extra load can cause the suspension components to shift or wear unevenly, which directly impacts the alignment of your wheels. Poor alignment not only leads to uneven tyre wear but also affects your steering and overall driving comfort. You might notice your vehicle pulling to one side, reduced fuel efficiency, or vibrations while driving, all of which are indicators of misalignment.

It’s important to keep in mind that even occasional overloading can have long-term effects on your vehicle. Over time, this added stress can exacerbate minor alignment issues, potentially leading to more costly repairs. To avoid this, ensure that your vehicle’s load stays within the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular wheel alignment checks, particularly after carrying heavy loads, can help catch any issues early and keep your vehicle running smoothly. The Damage Caused by Misaligned Wheels Ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned is vital for maintaining optimal performance and preventing unnecessary wear and tear. At Pauls Service Centre in Woolner, we understand the importance of wheel alignment and are here to help you keep your car running smoothly. Misaligned wheels may seem like a minor issue, but they can lead to significant damage over time. Below, we’ve outlined the potential problems that can arise and why regular alignment checks are essential.

Uneven Tyre Wear
One of the most common effects of misaligned wheels is uneven tyre wear. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned, specific areas of your tyres may experience more contact with the road than others. This can result in premature tyre wear, shortening their lifespan and costing you more in frequent replacements. Uneven wear also reduces traction, increasing the risk of skidding, particularly in wet weather conditions.

Strain on Suspension Components
Misaligned wheels can place additional stress on your car’s suspension system. Over time, this can lead to damage to vital components such as shocks, struts, and springs. Repairing or replacing these parts can be expensive, so addressing wheel alignment issues early on is a cost-effective way to protect your vehicle’s suspension.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency 
When your wheels are not aligned, your car has to work harder to move, as there’s increased rolling resistance. This additional effort requires more fuel, reducing your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency. In a time when fuel costs are high, proper wheel alignment can save you money at the pump.

Poor Handling and Safety Risks 
Driving a car with misaligned wheels can affect its handling, making it feel less stable and harder to control. You may notice the vehicle pulling to one side or vibrating through the steering wheel. These symptoms not only compromise the driving experience but also pose serious safety risks, especially during sudden manoeuvres or emergency braking.

Long-Term Structural Damage
Overlooking wheel alignment issues can lead to long-term damage to your car’s frame and structure. The misalignment puts unnecessary pressure on various components, which can result in a weakened chassis over time. Addressing alignment problems promptly helps preserve the integrity of your vehicle and extends its lifespan. At Pauls Service Centre in Woolner, we understand the challenges posed by driving in the Northern Territory. Our experienced team specialises in wheel alignment services tailored for local conditions. We use advanced equipment to ensure your wheels are perfectly aligned, helping to extend the lifespan of your tyres and improve the overall safety of your vehicle. 

By staying proactive with your wheel alignment, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a smoother, more efficient drive on the varied terrains of Darwin and the Top End. Contact us today at Pauls Service Centre in Woolner to schedule your next alignment check and ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the road ahead. 

Regular wheel alignment checks before travelling for holidays or work can prevent uneven tyre wear and enhance vehicle handling and safety. Book in an inspection with Pauls Service Centre today.

Inspect Your Wheel Alignment Before Your Next Road Trip

Pauls Service Centre is fully equipped to service and calibrate your new car's ADAS, keeping your vehicle safe, efficient, and roadworthy. Just as we maintain your logbook schedule during your car's warranty period, we ensure your ADAS sensors are perfectly aligned and accurately aimed. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Service in Woolner For over 30 years, Pauls Service Centre has been a locally owned and operated car servicing workshop in Woolner, a testament to their reliability and excellent customer service. As times have evolved, so have the methods of maintaining a vehicle's efficiency. A key example is ADAS calibration - an integral component in new cars that promotes driver safety. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), found in new vehicles, include forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and several other sensors. However, the accuracy of these safety systems depends on their calibration, leading to an increasing demand for ADAS calibration in the automotive industry. These sensors require precision, as a minor misalignment could impact their functioning. For instance, a change as minuscule as 0.6 degrees can halve the reaction time of AEB, potentially affecting your car's safety. There are many instances that may lead to sensor misalignment. It could be due to minor accidents or adjacent repairs like a windshield replacement in case of a windshield-mounted forward ADAS camera. Regrettably, not all ADAS sensors have self-diagnostic capabilities. Therefore, getting your vehicle's ADAS recalibrated at our service centre, in line with OEM standards, is critical to ensuring they function correctly. Trust Pauls Service Centre with your car for the most professional and meticulous service. Our state-of-the-art workshop, equipped with 15 hoists, ensures a quick and efficient service. We also conduct roadworthy inspections, guaranteeing that your vehicle meets NT Vehicle Inspection Station requirements. Choose Pauls Service Centre to keep your car performing at its best!

Maintain your car's efficiency and safety with Pauls Service Centres comprehensive car servicing and advanced ADAS calibration services in Woolner. Ensuring precise sensor alignment and accuracy in accordance with OEM standards. Call us today to book a service.

Quality Car Servicing and Advanced ADAS Calibration

Routine log book servicing represents a forward-thinking strategy in vehicle upkeep, involving scheduled checks and minor repairs to ensure your car operates seamlessly and efficiently. This practice helps avert minor issues from escalating into significant, costly repairs. Every passenger car (and most commercial vehicles) should come with a “Log Book” from the manufacturer, detailing the specific timing and schedule for regular log book services. It’s advisable to keep your log book in your glove compartment for easy reference and record-keeping. However, Pauls Service Centre can also access our database to retrieve the necessary information if you’ve misplaced your log book. The schedule of the service will be a combination of both time or distance. You might consider postponing your next log book service, given that your car is likely still operational and may not have met both the time and mileage criteria. While it's essential to align with your budget and schedule, avoid delaying excessively. The wear and tear on your vehicle will increase exponentially, potentially leading to damage that is far more costly than the log book service itself. Prioritising timely maintenance can prevent significant future expenses. What's included? Every car is different and the agenda for each service changes according to the schedule, which is why each vehicle is issued with a log book. Here are some examples of what can be included: Change Oil Check Coolant Check Car Battery Check Transmission Fluid Check Brake Fluid Check the Condition of the Air Filter Check Power Steering Fluid Check Spark Plugs Check Turn Signals Check Brake Lights Check Heating System Brake Check Belt Check Hose Check Tyre Rotation Coolant Sensor  For a qualified Log Book Service at a competitive price, contact us at Pauls Service Centre or book online. Pauls Service Centre can service customers in Woolner and the surrounding areas. Get more information in Repco's Auto Facts videos: Service Intervals

Every car is different and the agenda for each service changes according to the schedule, which is why each vehicle is issued with a log book. While you obviously need to find availability in your budget and schedule, don't delay too long because...

What is a Log Book service?

As the main role of tyres is to keep your car in contact with the road, they play a vital role in the safety and stopping power of your car. Regular car servicing will keep your car in good condition and having the tyres checked at the same time can help you be aware of the condition of your tyres while alerting you of any potential problems. Your Pauls Service Centre mechanic can also let you know if your car would benefit from a wheel alignment or wheel balancing. They are relatively low cost solutions and can greatly improve your driving experience as well as overall vehicle safety. Why get tyre and wheel services from Pauls Service Centre? Pauls Service Centre are independently owned and operated and known locally for our honest service, years of experience and knowledge. We have a range of tyres and specialist equipment to perform your new tyre fitting or wheel alignment and balance. All our work is backed by our Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. While checking your tyres is something you can do yourself, as professionals Pauls Service Centre can check out the internal condition of your tyres as well as the entire outside surface and they are well aware of the correct methods of disassembly, repair and reassembly, along with any manufacturer or legal requirements involved. Pauls Service Centre can also advise you if there are any problems with your tyres, your wheel alignment, tyre balance or other areas of your car affecting your tyres such as brakes or suspension which you should be aware of to protect you and your vehicle, including the tyres themselves. When do tyres need replacing? Tyres eventually wear out over time, an unavoidable process which is quickened by hard braking and regular high speed driving as well as uneven road surfaces. Unless there are problems causing uneven tyre wear or bald spots or there is other significant damage, the depth of the tread on the tyre is usually the best indicator your tyres are due for replacement. Although the legal minimum tread depth varies, a good rule of thumb is when tread depth is approaching 1.6mm you should think about buying new tyres. Tread on a tyre is very important as this is where you get the traction to both move the car forwards and also the friction required to stop safely and efficiently. Tread is also the method by which water is dissipated away from the tyre surface in a way which prevents aquaplaning and maintaining maximum grip and control. The less tread depth you have, the less control you will have in wet driving conditions. Tyres generally last between six to ten years and the better you look after them the more chance there is that it will be the latter rather than the former. Why check tyre pressure? Tyre pressure is not just important to ensure you get the best fuel economy from your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure is a common cause of tyre damage as pressure and wear is directed at areas of the tyre not designed to take it. Perhaps most importantly the pressure of your tyres can have a direct impact on the driveability, and therefore the safety, of the vehicle. Why should tyres be checked regularly? You should check your tyres yourself on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition. Be on the lookout for bald or flat spots, tears and cuts in the surface of the tyre and any foreign objects likely to cause problems such as stones, nails and other road debris. You should also have a tyre professional give them a check on a regular basis as they have the knowledge and equipment to properly check the entire tyre and may spot issues you simply don't see. Why do tyres need to be rotated? Tyres will suffer from wear and tear at varying rates. The front and rear tyres for example will wear at different rates as front tyres generally carry more weight than rear ones, meaning faster heat build-up and therefore increased wear. The tyres on either side of your car will also tend to wear at different rates to those on the opposite side. Having your tyres rotated regularly, every 8000 to 10,000 km for example, can help to ensure that all of your tyres wear at a similar rate and in the same places. Pauls Service Centre will be happy to undertake this task for you and inspect each tyre as they do it, letting you know of any issues that might present a problem or you should otherwise be aware of. We can undertake all types of tyre rotation for you including Cross rotation, straight rotation, 5 wheel rotation and four wheel drive rotation. Will a regular wheel alignment or balance help look after tyres? Regular wheel alignment helps to protect against premature or uneven tyre wear, increases the safety and handling of your vehicle and improves ride performance and fuel efficiency. Wheel balancing helps to minimise vibration through the wheels, thereby minimising premature or uneven tyre wear. Either wheel service (or both) will go a long way in helping to maximise the life of your tyres along with safety and handling benefits. No matter how well you care for your tyres there will come a time when the only option for maintaining safety, comfort and fuel economy of your car is to have the tyres replaced, such as when they have reached the minimum tread depth.  Pauls Service Centre supply and fit a range of tyres suitable for most vehicle types in our Woolner car service workshop

Pauls Service Centre offer some advice on keeping these crucial components of your vehicle in the best condition for when you need them the most…

Tyre Care Tips from Pauls Service Centre

Pauls Service Centre are the right choice for new car service in Woolner and surrounding area.  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 new 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 Pauls Service Centre mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Pauls Service Centre 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. Pauls Service Centre 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 Pauls Service Centre 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 Pauls Service Centre take to protect my warranty? Pauls Service Centre 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 Pauls Service Centre is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty. Can Pauls Service Centre stamp my logbook? Pauls Service Centre 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 Pauls Service Centre 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, Pauls Service Centre 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. Pauls Service Centre 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. Pauls Service Centre can service your new car using quality parts and fluids, preserving your warranty…

New Car Log Book Servicing

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.

Pauls Service Centre

Cars are our passion.

Inspect Your Wheel Alignment Before Your Next Road Trip

Quality Car Servicing and Advanced ADAS Calibration

What is a Log Book service?

Tyre Care Tips from Pauls Service Centre

New Car Log Book Servicing

There's a new gas in town