Your trusted source for automotive knowledge
Expert guides on vehicle inspections, car buying and selling, maintenance and the latest automotive news — written by qualified mechanics and fact-checked by our Approved Inspection Station team before they’re published.
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Approved Inspection Station
Approved Inspection Station
Serving Australian drivers since 2006
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Who writes & checks our content
Every guide on Car One is written by qualified motor mechanics and automotive specialists, then fact-checked by our Approved Inspection Station team against current Queensland rules, Australian Design Rules and manufacturer standards before it’s published — and reviewed again whenever the rules change.
Daniel Morrison
Lead Technician · Roadworthy & inspections
18 years on the tools across dealership and independent workshops, focused on pre-purchase and roadworthy inspections.
- Cert III Light Vehicle · AIS inspector
- Articles
Sarah Pham
Service Advisor · Fleet & maintenance
- Cert IV Automotive · MTA member
- Articles
Aaron Whitfield
Workshop Manager · Content reviewer
Fact-checks every guide for accuracy and compliance as our Approved Inspection Station Nominated Supervisor.
- AIS Nominated Supervisor (QLD)
- Profile
Written by a specialist
A qualified mechanic drafts from hands-on workshop experience.
Fact-checked
Our AIS supervisor verifies every claim against current rules.
Enjoy the results
Claims link to QLD Transport, ADR and manufacturer references.
Kept current
Claims link to QLD Transport, ADR and manufacturer references.
Expert guides published
25+
Years workshop experience
2026
Last reviewed & updated
100+
Fact-checked before publishing
How to Inspect a Used Car Before You Buy
You have found a used car that looks right and the price seems fair, but standing in the seller’s driveway it is hard …
- Fact-checked
4WD Service Cost in Brisbane: What’s Included
A four-wheel drive works harder than a typical car, especially if it ever sees dirt, sand or towing, and its servicing needs to …
- Fact-checked
Engine Diagnostics Cost in Brisbane
When a warning light appears on the dash, the first question is rarely about the fault itself. It is how much it is …
- Fact-checked
How Often Should Car Oil Be Changed?
Ask three people how often to change your oil and you will get three different answers, usually based on whatever was true decades …
- Fact-checked
Are European Cars Expensive to Maintain in Australia?
European cars carry a reputation for big maintenance bills, and like most reputations it is partly true, partly outdated, and heavily dependent on …
- Fact-checked
Our editorial standards
How we keep this knowledge hub accurate and trustworthy. Read the full policy →
Named, qualified authors
Every article carries a real author with verifiable trade credentials.
Independent fact-check
An AIS supervisor reviews accuracy before anything goes live.
Corrections welcome
We fix errors fast and log every update on the article.
Reading about a problem your car actually has?
Book a diagnostic at Hendra or Woolloongabba and get an answer specific to your vehicle. Call (07) 3607 0215.