Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Gerry Wubbels Automotive in Gateshead know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

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.

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 Gerry Wubbels Automotive in Gateshead 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.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

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

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 your local mechanics at Gerry Wubbels Automotive today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Gateshead workshop.

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

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Gerry Wubbels Automotive, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Gerry Wubbels Automotive, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Gerry Wubbels Automotive in Gateshead. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Gerry Wubbels Automotive is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Made up of gears, cylinders, clutches and valves, the transmission in your car or truck is responsible for the flow of energy from the engine out to the wheels.

With a properly functioning transmission the ride is smooth. Without a properly functioning transmission you may hear grinding noises, smell strange odours or notice fluid under the car. To repair these issues and keep your car running smooth, make an appointment with Gerry Wubbels Automotive today!

Transmission services often get forgotten.

Like engine servicing having your transmission serviced may benefit you and your car in the long run.

The transmission ensures a smooth ride and is an important component of your vehicle. Without this crucial system you would not be able to go from first gear through to fifth or be able to control the spin on the tyres. Being able to identify some transmission issues before they turn into big problems helps to keep you safe on the road. Some of the most common symptoms and causes of transmission problems include: 

The clutch may not engage from a full stop if there is a lack of hydraulic fluid. The transmission fluid may be running low, or may be dirty, causing a burning of the fluid. If there are issues or getting into gear, or staying in gear once you have, the clutch teeth may be broken. 

When the check engine light is on it may be from a vibration in the system. To identify and fix transmission issues or for routine maintenance contact Gerry Wubbels Automotive today. We'll help you get into the right gear! Our workshop is located in Gateshead and we also serve many customers in the surrounding areas.

Why get transmission services at Gerry Wubbels Automotive

Peace of Mind: As a Repco Authorised Service Centre we give our customers in Sumner peace of mind with the Repco Nationwide Warranty.

Excellent Mechanics: The service professionals at Gerry Wubbels Automotive are knowledgeable about the latest service innovations and parts with service bulletins and ongoing training seminars.

Great Value: As a part of the Sumner neighbourhood we take pride in building vendor connections and bring the best deals to our clients.

Here at Gerry Wubbels Automotive we recommend to change your transmission oil every 20,000 km or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

If you think you're having issues with your transmission, come see the specialists at Gerry Wubbels Automotive in Gateshead

Without a properly functioning transmission you may hear grinding noises, smell strange odours or notice fluid under the car. To repair these issues and keep your car running smooth, make an appointment with Gerry Wubbels Automotive today...

Transmission Service in Gateshead

Servicing the Gateshead area and surrounding suburbs for more than 45 years, Gerry Wubbels Automotive is your local mechanic and Transmission Specialist.

Gerry Wubbels Automotive (MVRL6340) are Transmission, Power Steering and Differential specialists located on the Pacific Highway heading south from Newcastle. Gerry Wubbels Automotive can service new cars too, with only qualified mechanics working on your car, using quality parts and fluids - so your warranty is fully protected.

With more than 20 staff employed in the large, custom built and superbly equipped high profile comprehensive workshop, the Gateshead car service stands as a tribute to its founder, Gerry Wubbels. It is also a credit to Gerry's son in-law and keen sailor, Garry Van Dijk, who has taken over the running of the business and also has been a much respected leader of the Hunter region for more than 10 years.

Gerry Wubbels Automotive workshop features Computerised Fault Finding Equipment. Our mechanics also provide LPG Conversions and Repairs, Engine Repairs and Recon, Engine Tuning, EFI and Tyre Fitting. Our mechanics also do Wheel Alignments, Pink and Blue Slips as well as are able to install and check your child restraint.

We also stock a large range of power steering pumps, racks, transmissions and other consumables.

Gerry Wubbels Automotive care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU11281). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health. 

The Gateshead car repair workshop services all types and models of cars, including four wheel drives (4WDs) and light trucks. Gerry Wubbels Automotive is an Approved Inspection Station for registered vehicles

We open early for early morning drop off. You are welcome to grab a tea or coffee at our comfortable waiting lounge while your car is being repaired. We also offer Disabled Facilities and Internet Registrations. 

Integrated in local community, Gerry Wubbels Automotive also sponsors local Gateshead netball teams, schools, organisations and events.

The team at Gerry Wubbels Automatics (MVRL6340) are committed to excellence. As a Repco Authorised Service Centre we provide high quality customer service and superior workmanship, ensuring our customers receive the very best in automotive care.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Gateshead

Does your car rock and roll when you corner? Not stopping the way it used to? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon sort out your braking issues.

Your car's braking and suspension play a vital part in making sure that your car stops quickly and safely. Here at Gerry Wubbels Automotive in Gateshead we take your safety very seriously. This is why we have invested in a state of the art Safe-T-Stop testing machine and we are an approved Safe-T-Stop Testing Centre.

Your family's safety can be trusted with a Safe-T-Stop test. It provides an added safety inspection that goes well beyond a standard check and road test to scientifically test your braking capacity and ensure maximum stopping performance.

A Safe-T-Stop test is carried out on the electronically accurate PlateTronic test equipment. Safe-T-Stop test lanes measure and simulate a vehicle's brake performance in real-life conditions, exactly as it would happen in an emergency stop on the road!

Along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle will stop straight and in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, having your braking and suspension system in peak operating condition actually saves you money by minimising tyre wear and tyre drag which can increase fuel consumption.

A Safe-T-Stop check will give you a precise and detailed printed report that will enable the qualified technicians at Gerry Wubbels Automotive to advise you on any critical adjustments that should be made.

Book your Safe-T-Stop test online or call Gerry Wubbels Automotive today.

Safe-T-Stop - Committed to Safer Motoring

Find out more about Safe-T-Stop Testing at www.safetstop.com

Does your car rock and roll when you corner? Not stopping the way it used to? A Safe-T-Stop test will soon sort out your braking problems.

Safe-T-Stop brake testing in Gateshead

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Gerry Wubbels Automotive include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Gateshead workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Gateshead

Brake and Clutch

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Servicing the Gateshead area and surrounding suburbs for more than 45 years, Gerry Wubbels Automatics (LIC# MVRL6340) is your local mechanic and Transmission Specialist.

Gerry Wubbels Automatics are transmission, power steering and differential specialists located on the Pacific Highway heading south from Newcastle. We are proud of our large and custom built workshop area, and offer a full and comprehensive workshop ability including new car warranty log book servicing. 

Our mechanics also do Wheel Alignments, Pink and Blue Slips, Child Restraints, Engine Repairs, Recon, Tuning, EFI, tyres and Air Conditioning.

Gerry Wubbels Automotive

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Have you had your transmission serviced?

Car service in Gateshead

Safe-T-Stop brake testing