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Derek Steen`s Auto Care take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Castlemaine, 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. 
		
Derek Steen`s Auto Care 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.

Nothing ruins your day faster than a car that won’t start. At Derek Steen's Auto Care, we understand how essential a healthy battery is for reliable motoring around Castlemaine and beyond. That’s why we provide thorough battery testing and replacement services to make sure you’re never left stranded. Why Car Batteries Fail Batteries don’t last forever, and the mix of hot summers and chilly Castlemaine mornings can take their toll. Heat speeds up wear inside the battery, while cold weather makes it harder for a weak battery to crank your engine. Regular checks mean you’ll know exactly when it’s time for a replacement—before it lets you down. Signs Your Battery Might Be on the Way Out Engine struggles or takes longer to start Headlights appear dimmer than usual Dashboard battery light comes on Clicking sound when turning the key Electrical systems not working properly Battery is older than 3–4 years Frequent need for jump-starts At Derek Steen's Auto Care, we go beyond simply swapping in a new battery. Our experienced team will also test your charging system to make sure the alternator and other components are working correctly. When a replacement is needed, we fit only quality batteries designed for long-lasting performance and suited to your vehicle and lifestyle—whether it’s daily commuting, local errands, or longer country drives. Don’t Let a Flat Battery Stop You in Your Tracks Stay ahead of battery issues with a quick check at our Castlemaine workshop. With our reliable service and expert advice, you’ll have confidence that your car will start every time. Have more questions about your car battery? 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care 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, Derek Steen's Auto Care have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? Derek Steen's Auto Care can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Nothing ruins your day faster than a car that won’t start. At Derek Steen's Auto Care, we understand how essential a healthy battery is for reliable motoring around Castlemaine and beyond.

Battery Checks & Replacements

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. Derek Steen's Auto Care in Castlemaine 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care in Castlemaine 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care today. We can perform clutch service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Castlemaine workshop.

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

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Castlemaine with Derek Steen's Auto Care 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 Derek Steen's Auto Care and Repco Authorised Service From 1 June to 30 September 2025, service your vehicle at Derek Steen's Auto Care 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

When it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, the cooling system is your car's best friend. It works tirelessly to maintain the right temperature, ensuring that your engine doesn't overheat.  The Cool Science Behind Your Car’s Cooling System At its core, a vehicle's cooling system is a combination of components designed to regulate the engine's temperature. It includes a radiator, thermostat, water pump, and coolant. As the engine runs, it produces heat. The cooling system circulates coolant through the engine, absorbs the heat, and then dissipates it through the radiator. This intricate dance keeps your engine cool and prevents it from going kaboom! Why Regular Checks Are a Must Just like any good friendship, your cooling system needs regular attention to stay in top shape. That’s where the professional mechanics at Derek Steen's Auto Care come in. Regular check-ups can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. A trusted mechanic will ensure that your system is clean, the coolant levels are right, and all components are functioning correctly. So, treat your car to some TLC and keep it cruising smoothly down the road. Warning Signs Your Cooling System Might Need Some Love Be on the lookout for these red flags that may indicate your cooling system is underperforming: Rising temperature gauge: If your dashboard’s temperature needle starts climbing, it’s time to investigate. Coolant leaks: Puddles under your car? That's your coolant crying for help. Strange smells: A sweet, syrupy odor could mean your coolant is leaking. Steam from the hood: Not a good sign. Your engine might be overheating. Meet the Cooling System Gurus: Derek Steen's Auto Care Located in the heart of Castlemaine, Derek Steen's Auto Care is your go-to spot for all things cooling systems. With a team of skilled professionals, we’ve got the expertise and friendly service to put your worries at ease. Whether it's a routine check-up or a full-scale repair, we’ve got you covered. Services That Keep You Cool We offer a range of services to keep your cooling system in peak condition: Comprehensive cooling system inspections Coolant flush and replacement Radiator repair and replacement Thermostat checks and replacements Water pump inspection and servicing And to top it all off, our services come with the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide warranty, offering you peace of mind wherever your travels take you. So, don’t let your car’s cooling system fall by the wayside. Swing by Derek Steen's Auto Care for expert care and friendly service. We’ll make sure your vehicle stays as cool as a cucumber, mile after mile!

When it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, the cooling system is your car's best friend. It works tirelessly to maintain the right temperature, ensuring that your engine doesn't overheat.

Stay Cool: The Lowdown on Vehicle Cooling Systems

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.

Derek Steen's Auto Care

Cars are our passion.

Battery Checks & Replacements

Grinding gears? - It could be your clutch fluid

Inspected & protected

Love Your Car & Win

Stay Cool: The Lowdown on Vehicle Cooling Systems

There's a new gas in town