Mechanical Repairs · SS Automotive
Engine & Transmission Repairs in Dandenong
Engine and transmission repairs in Dandenong: timing belts, cooling systems, overhauls and automatic, manual or DSG gearbox work, carried out to manufacturer procedure after a clear diagnosis.
Engine Work
From a leak to a full overhaul.
Engine Overhaul
Major internal engine work carried out to manufacturer tolerance, from rebuild through to reassembly and running-in.
Head Gasket
Diagnosed against symptoms — overheating, coolant loss, white exhaust smoke — before any work is quoted.
Timing & Drive Belts
Replaced to the manufacturer's interval, before wear becomes a failure that can damage the engine internally.
Cooling System Repair
Radiators, hoses, water pumps and thermostats — the system that keeps an engine at the right operating temperature.
Oil Leaks
Traced to their actual source: gaskets, seals or sump.
Fluid & Filter Service
Engine and transmission fluids replaced to specification, with genuine or OEM-approved filters.
Transmission
Automatic, manual and DSG.
Transmission diagnostics and adaptation, fluid and filter service, and rebuild or replacement work — across automatic, manual and dual-clutch (DSG) gearboxes.
Why SS Automotive
Genuine parts, correct procedure.
Engine and transmission work is only as good as the parts and the process behind it. A repair at our Dandenong workshop starts with a diagnostic: we read the stored fault codes, inspect the engine or gearbox and test it against the symptoms you've noticed, so a leak, overheating or a rough gear change is traced to the part that is actually failing. We then explain what we found and quote the repair, including whether a rebuild or a replacement makes more sense for the car's age and value, and you decide before any work starts. OEM-approved components are fitted to manufacturer specification, whether the job is a timing belt, a cooling system repair, a head gasket or work on an automatic, manual or DSG gearbox. Every job is re-tested before handover, so we can check the repair has done its job before you collect the car.
Signs to Watch For
Signs of engine or transmission trouble
Engine warning light
A steady light means book a check soon. A flashing light usually means a misfire, so ease off and have it looked at straight away.
Temperature gauge climbing
Overheating can warp the cylinder head or damage the head gasket. Pull over and switch off as soon as it's safe.
Coolant or oil on the ground
Spots under the car, a sweet smell or a low coolant level point to a leak that's worth tracing before it gets worse.
Smoke from the exhaust
White smoke that smells sweet can mean coolant is getting into the engine. Blue smoke usually means the engine is burning oil.
Slipping, harsh or delayed gear changes
Revs that rise without the car speeding up, a thump into gear or a long pause before it engages are classic signs of transmission trouble.
Shudder or hesitation from a DSG
Juddering when pulling away or creeping in traffic is a common complaint with dual-clutch gearboxes, and diagnostics can show whether the clutch, the mechatronic unit or the software needs attention.
Cooling Systems
Cooling system repairs
Most engine damage from overheating starts with a small cooling fault: a split hose, a weeping water pump, a sticking thermostat or a radiator that's partly blocked. We trace where the coolant is going, then repair or replace the part that's failing.
Coolant also breaks down over time, so it's replaced at the interval your manufacturer lists. If your aircon is struggling on hot days as well, our car air conditioning page explains how we diagnose that separately, and our guide to the signs your aircon needs a regas covers what to watch for before summer.
How It Works
Diagnosis first, then a quote
1. Book a diagnostic
Book online or call, and describe the symptoms in the notes: when it happens, any noises and any warning lights.
2. Inspect and scan
We read fault codes, inspect the engine or gearbox and test against the symptoms before any work is quoted.
3. Explain and quote
We tell you what we found and quote the repair, whether that's a hose, a timing belt or a gearbox rebuild.
4. Repair and re-test
Work is carried out to manufacturer procedure with OEM-approved parts, and every job is re-tested before handover.
“My old mechanic told me I needed a full transmission replacement … It completely fixed the problem.”
— Google review, Honda Jazz transmission
Common Questions
Engine and gearbox questions
How do I know if my transmission is failing?
Common signs are slipping out of gear, harsh or delayed shifts, a burning smell, whining or clunking noises, and a transmission warning light. Have it checked early, because a fluid or adaptation problem is cheaper to fix than a failed gearbox.
Do you repair DSG gearboxes?
Yes. We diagnose and repair automatic, manual and dual-clutch (DSG) transmissions, including adaptation and fluid service. DSGs are common in Volkswagen and Audi models, and our Volkswagen servicing page covers them in more detail.
Is it safe to drive with the engine light on?
If the light is steady and the car drives normally, you can usually drive it to the workshop, but book in soon. If it's flashing, the engine is overheating or the car feels down on power, stop and call us on 03 8774 5785.
When should a timing belt be replaced?
At the interval in your logbook, which is set by kilometres or years. On many engines a broken timing belt causes serious internal damage, so it's worth replacing on time. Belts are also checked during every logbook service.
Should I repair or replace my engine?
It depends on the damage, the car's age and its value. We diagnose the fault first, then explain the repair, rebuild or replacement options so you can decide.
Helpful guides
Engine or transmission concern?
Book a diagnostic and quote today.
5 Quinn Street, Dandenong VIC 3175 — Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM by appointment). Rated 4.6 from 84 Google reviews.
Book a Service Call 03 8774 5785Last updated · Reviewed by Ahsan, Manager