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We advise that our workshop will be closed for the Christmas period from the close of business on Friday the 20th of December and reopening on Thursday the 2nd of January

We advise that the workshop will be closed over the Easter long weekend reopening on Tuesday the 11th of April

We wish to advise that we will be closed from Thursday the 25th of April for ANZAC Day and also Friday 26th of April, reopening Monday the 29th of April.

We wish to advise that we will be closed for the public holiday on the 26th of January. 

Blackwood Dyno Tune and Service is a family owned and operated business that has been servicing the needs of motorists in the southern Adelaide metropolitan area since 1993.

We are proud to display the signs of RAA Approved Repairer and Motor Trade Association of South Australia. We have been certified and approved by these organisations and abide by the strict code of practice that such accreditation requires. You can feel assured that your vehicle is in excellent hands.

Modern radiator coolants not only protect your car from overheating, or the fluid from freezing, they also protect the radiator system from corrosion. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service in Blackwood are very knowledgeable and experienced in looking after these systems.  It is recommended that you exchange your radiator coolant fluid every two years or 40,000 km's whichever comes first. However the size of the engine, the climate in your area, the age of your current coolant, and the total miles that have been driven can all affect the need to replace the coolant in your radiator. Knowing when to replenish your radiator fluid isn't always easy - obviously, when it has gone a dirty brown colour it's a sign it probably needs to be flushed and replaced - however even fresh-looking coolant could have lost its corrosion protection properties and without measuring its reserve alkalinity there's no signal that it is no longer protecting your vehicle components, and it could even be doing more damage than good. Maintaining good coolant means your radiator system will be much better protected from corrosion and will have a longer life span, it will help prevent you from having to replace expensive engine components. At Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service in Blackwood at your request, we will perform a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report for free as part of any minor, major or log book service. Part of this inspection includes checking the level and condition of coolant in your system and the written report will advise you if we feel a radiator flush, fluid replacement or any repairs are required to maintain the performance of your vehicle.

Even if it looks clean, your coolant still might need replacing!

Radiator Coolant

This Mazda 3 was using a lot of fuel and running rough so we replaced the airflow meter  -  then the dashboard warning light came on so the owner brought it to us for some more diagnostics and help.  Initial vehicle scan and diagnostics of the Mazda 3  Using the scan tool, we monitored air flow meter data: grams per second and air temperature. Both readings were out of specifications. We diagnosed the air flow meter as faulty due to the air flow and temperature from the component being out of specifications. Air flow meter replacement.  We replaced the air flow meter and tested everything again - the air temperature was good and grams per second came in around 2 grams per second, all within specifications, and also during the road test all indicators were okay, the car was no longer running rough! Dashboard warning light! The vehicle returned to us approximately one week later with a warning light on the dashboard.   There were no running issues, that had been fixed  - just the light present on the instrument cluster.  We read the message  - P0171 (bank one system too lean). Intake air temperatures from the air flow meter were okay, grams per second were down.  We suspected there might be an issue with the new air flow meter that had been installed.  We fitted a replacement air flow meter for the customer and everything was okay! But the vehicle returned with the same code, but this time the engine light was only coming on intermittently. We pico scoped the fuel pump and that showed us slight wear in two of the pump cells, so we the checked fuel pressure which was within specifications every time. We also checked the operation of the front air fuel ratio sensor, all okay. Readings drop and internal intake leak So again we started looking at grams per second reading from the air flow meter and we noticed that the reading would drop occasionally. Suspecting a slight intake leak we filled the manifold with smoke to inspect for leaks -  yet there were none to be found. After finding no EXTERNAL intake leaks we started suspecting an INTERNAL intake leak. When disconnecting and blocking the evaporative emission purge solenoid valve between the valve and the manifold, the grams per second reading rose to within spec. So we checked for a leak through the evaporative emission purge solenoid valve - there wasn't one. We reassembled the purge valve and hose to intake manifold with a clamp , all readings were within spec. A further test drive indicated no faults. Purge valve replacement A few weeks later guess which car was back, yep, and the same code. Still going with the evaporative emission valve and internal intake leak theory we removed the hose between the purge valve and fuel tank, this time there was a huge intake leak, this wasn't happening last time we checked!!  Also, the scan tool showed that the purge valve should be closed. By blocking the intake leak all readings were within specifications, most importantly, the grams per second through the air flow meter had risen. We found we could use the actuation tests on the scan tool to control the duty cycle of the purge valve. Finding the purge valve intermittently not shutting when commanded, even though the signal was getting to the purge valve from the engine control module, all okay, we suggested replacement of the purge valve. Once the purge valve was replaced we tested it with the scan tool, it shut every time we commanded it to...brilliant!! We took the vehicle for a good long test drive while monitoring the purge valve duty cycle and grams per second from the air flow meter - everything was operating normally and whenever the purge valve was shut the grams per second was within specifications. WE DID IT. #CELEBRATIONS Sometimes car diagnostics can be a tricky business -  sometimes there can be more than one faulty part and fixing the first one found can lead to finding more problems. Even experts like us sometimes need to use extra investigations and some out of the box thinking to solve the problem.  But the most important thing about this story - This customer's vehicle is now running smooth and no warning lights!  If your car isn't performing as well as it should, or your warning lights are shining - give us a call at Blackwood dyno tune for expert diagnostics and service.  

Car diagnostics can be a tricky business - this Mazda 3 was running rough and using too much fuel, so of course, we fixed it ... but then a tricky warning light had us scratching our heads!

Car service case study: Mazda 3 warning light.

Did you know that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices. Thinking of taking advantage of the End of Year Car Sales to snap up a bargain or just want to get your new car serviced in time for the holidays? Here is some sound advice from Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service in Blackwood. Acquiring a new car is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make, so you should do what you can to ensure proper care of it. Caring for your new car goes beyond detailing the interior and keeping it sparkling with a loving weekly wash, however. There are a few other things to consider, such as who is the best choice to service your car. You will want to ensure it is regularly serviced by a qualified professional, to the manufacturers requirements, using high quality parts from a reputable supplier and fluids which meet the manufacturers specifications. This is not just to look after your new car, but because if these four requirements are met you will also preserve the manufacturers warranty. Did you know that you get to choose who you would like to service your new car without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee You do not have to take the vehicle back to the dealer who sold it to you for service or repairs. Provided the work is undertaken to the manufacturers specifications by a suitably trained person and uses decent quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. You have the right to choose who services your car. With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service 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. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the manufacturer of the new car. 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 variances between extended, statutory and manufacturer warranties to help you make the right choice 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 invalidated 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 buying your new vehicle, look out for new car dealers who may try to push the incorporation of “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. Quite often these ‘augmented' warranties may include quite specific restrictions or provisions, and are not always what they seem. Many times these special deals provide a small amount, if any additional benefits not already given by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with a particular new car dealership. Such special deals are very unlikely to highlight the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you may need to travel 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.  Find out more: New Car Warranty Service Full Car Service

Were you aware that you are able to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices. Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service can service your new car using quality parts and fluids, preserving your warranty…

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service - right choice for New Car Service

Faulty and low charge batteries are to be avoided. Don't wait till you're stranded somewhere on the side of the road, hoping for a jump start. It is easy to have your car, bike, truck battery tested or charged up at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service in Blackwood.  Often issues occur because we have all reduced how much we drive or decided to only rely on one car (as petrol prices skyrocket!) and have left the other in the garage. But did you know that batteries can still discharge even when your car isn't in use? - ask Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service about a battery test today!  Our technicians do a battery load test as part of the 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report that comes free with every car service. If you have concerns, we can do a stand-alone battery test and inspection right here in Blackwood. Car Battery FAQ 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 {{{businessName}}} 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, {{{businessName}}} have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles. Who can test my car battery? {{{businessName}}} can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today. Why choose {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} 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 {{{businessName}}} today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you. 

Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.

Car Battery Testing and FAQ 

The air conditioning system may be something which you rarely think about until it goes wrong. This is a system which you expect to work every time you get in the car on a hot day. However, as with everything, there is wear and tear and this system can break down. From grime on the cabin filter to hoses with holes in them, here are some of the common issues which can arise with the air conditioning system: The ventilation fan is broken and the air is not freely flowing into the cabin of the vehicle.  A failed o-ring is causing a refrigerant gas leak and the air is not getting cool enough.  A faulty expansion valve will cause the air flow to stop because the valve is stuck closed or frozen. A smell coming from the AC can indicate mould or a dirty cabin filter.  If the compressor clutch is broken the air will not stay cold.  Don’t get stuck in a hot car. For pre-season maintenance or emergency AC service, call the team at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service today. We hold a current Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RTA) issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning services and repairs (AU00940).

Read about are some of the common issues which can arise with the air conditioning system in your car. Book and Air Con inspection with Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Air Conditioning System Failure: Symptoms and Causes

Your car wheels should be positioned to minimise wear and tear while driving. When the wheels are out of alignment, the minute you take your hands off the steering wheel the vehicle will pull to one side. A wheel alignment is required to set the alignment to the correct specifications.  Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service provide 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignments on our state of art Hunter HawkEye Elite Alignment Machine, that is widely considered to be the best in the automotive industry.  Combine this with our fully qualified expertise and knowledge, along with our local understanding of the driving conditions in and around Blackwood and the greater Adelaide area we make sure your wheels are aligned correctly and confirm there are no underlying issues with the technologies behind the wheel, so that we can keep you safe on the roads. The performance of safety systems such as traction control, stability control and ABS braking systems depend largely on how well the suspension performs, which also depends on how well the wheels are aligned, which then has a direct bearing on how the suspension copes with cornering and braking forces, as well as with sudden steering inputs. It’s always important to have a fully qualified workshop perform your Wheel Alignment. What is a wheel alignment? A wheel alignment involves examining suspension angles and finding where an adjustment is required and can also assist in identifying other suspension issues that aren’t easily found during a routine inspection. Put simply, the term “wheel alignment” refers to how well the wheels on your vehicle are aligned relative to each other, as well as to the centre line of the vehicle. While alignment settings can differ between manufacturers and models, all vehicles are designed to deliver precise steering and braking responses - but only if the wheel alignment angles are correct for that vehicle. When done correctly, a wheel alignment will dramatically extend the life of your tyres, your car, the way it handles when you drive which will improve braking and fuel efficiency. Remember, when considering fitting tyres on your car, aim for the best quality possible and undergo regular wheel alignments for longevity. Don’t forget, it’s also a smart idea to check your tyre inflation pressure on a monthly basis and rotate your tyres at your manufacturer’s service interval or every 6 months. Blackwood Dyno Tune can help with all of this. Caster, Camber, Toe Caster refers to the frontward or backward tilt of the wheel pivot angle relative to the front axis and wheel rotation.
Camber is the left and right tilt of the wheels as viewed from the front of the car. 
Toe is the degree to which the wheels face inward or outward as viewed from the top down. Benefits of Wheel Alignment Increased fuel economy Prolonged tyre life Braking and steering response is improved Straight-line tracking is improved Driver fatigue is reduced as the overall driving experience is improved When should I get a wheel alignment? If your steering wheel isn’t level or your car pulls to one side when driving straight. If you have accidently hit a curb or pothole at a fast speed. If you are replacing your tyres. Every 6 months to ensure your vehicle is safe and to prolong the life of your tyres  Obviously, the best time to get a wheel alignment is when noticeable symptoms of poor alignment are present, but there are also other “best” times: When you rotate the tyres When you replace one or more tyres When you replace standard, steel rims with lightweight alloy rims After any maintenance or repairs on steering or suspension systems - both front and rear When you perform any modification that alters the vehicle ride height or weight distribution

Put simply, Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service advise the term “wheel alignment” refers to how well the wheels on your vehicle are aligned relative to each other, as well as to the centre line of the vehicle.

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service

Cars are our passion.

Radiator Coolant

Car service case study: Mazda 3 warning light.

Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service - right choice for New Car Service

Car Battery Testing and FAQ

Air Conditioning System Failure: Symptoms and Causes

Wheel Alignment Experts - Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service