Mechanic Says I Need "R-Engine Wash" or No Pink Slip – Normal?

LJin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 11:05
Last edited 17/07/2025 - 10:25 by 1 other user

Hi all, first time trying this workshop near my place — always looks busy, 4.8 stars on Google, bit pricey. Took my Camry 2014 in (170,000km, last service ~7,000km ago) for a regular service and pink slip.

In their quotation, one of the items is $80 for an "R-engine wash", They said that to pass the registration, I need to do the engine wash. I declined, since to me the engine bay already looked clean.

When I picked up the car, they left a note on the invoice saying there's an oil leak. But the thing is, I've never seen signs of oil leaking before this service.

Is this a legit safety concern, or just a way to push extra work?

Also, how do you usually pick a decent service place and avoid this kind of situation?

Thanks!

Update:

Just to clarify — after reviewing the quote again, it looks like the “R-Engine wash” refers to a rego-related engine bay clean, not “rear of engine” as some suggested. This matches another item on the quote: “R - Front tyres”, which I was told also needed to be done to pass registration.

For the record, I didn’t go ahead with the tyre replacement — so it's not part of the service I’m discussing here.

I want to be clear that I have a lot of respect for mechanics and the trade. I remember seeing a comment in another OzB post where someone said, “a good mechanic is worth their weight in gold” — and that’s exactly how I feel. That’s also why I started this thread: to learn from others and hopefully understand how to find and build a relationship with a mechanic I can genuinely trust.

I’d gladly go back to the same mechanic every year, as long as I know the work being done is reasonable. Not just an engine bay clean every year, without any mention of a leak in the quote, but finally on the invoice.

Poll Options expired

  • 18
    This is compliant – you should follow the mechanic’s advice
  • 10
    This is not compliant – they’re trying to scare you
  • 11
    Depends on the workshop – different places, different standards
Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • RogerLoger on 16/07/2025 - 11:27
    +3

    Your questions don't make sense. Is what compliant? Your slightly dusty engine or something else? Or do you mean is the mechanic complying with regulations?

    You don't mention State. In NSW: https://pinksliptoday.com.au/checklist-for-rego-check-or-saf…

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 12:00
      +2

      Thanks for the reply, and sorry I didn’t explain clearly.

      I’m in NSW. This is my second time doing a pink slip in Australia, so I still have a lot to learn.

      From my search, the “R-engine wash” means cleaning the engine bay. They said it was necessary to pass rego, but honestly the engine looked clean to me, so I declined. Then when I picked up the car, they left a note saying there’s an oil leak, which is not mentioned in the quoting, but I’ve never seen any signs of leaking.

      So I’m trying to figure out if this is a genuine safety/regulation issue, or just a way to push extra work. I’ve noticed some neighbours rarely clean their cars and still seem to pass rego fine.

      Appreciate the checklist link you shared — that actually helped me understand the compliant standard of pink slip.

  • TrdiK89 on 16/07/2025 - 11:28
    +6

    Fix the leak get a slip.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 12:00

      Thanks for advice

  • Jaduqimon on 16/07/2025 - 11:32
    +13

    yeh they trying to get extra work from you. cuz pink slip is like no money in it.

    Protip if you can, book a minor service with the mechanic thats doing the pink slip at the same time. much more likely to pass and they wont fuss cuz they made some money on the minor service. whereas they are more anal when you only do the pink slip with them.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 12:05
      +3

      I actually did book a service + pink slip together this time.

      They quoted me $1480 for the basic service plus extras like coolant flush, front tyres, air filter, etc. After some research, I agreed to part of it and paid $780 in the end.

      I chose not to go ahead with the rego check because I wasn’t convinced the $80 engine bay wash was really necessary — it felt a bit like upselling.

      Still figuring out if I should go back or just find someone else for the pink slip.

      • Jaduqimon on 16/07/2025 - 12:15
        +12

        lol yeh you got duped. probably the only thing needed were the tyres assuming you checked them yourself and treads were low or the mfg date was more than 5 years.

        I suggest find a new place to take your car.

        • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:34

          Thanks, I will

      • JIMB0 on 16/07/2025 - 12:16
        +1

        The coolant would have been done at 8 years old and won't be due again until 12 years. Do you have any service history? Also a flush isn't required, it just a drain and refill.

        • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:42
          +1

          Thanks! I’ve only had the car for about a year and a half, but from the logbook, it looks like the previous owner serviced it regularly at Toyota — although it doesn’t list the actual service items, that's why I agreed to refill it this time.

          It’s not a new car, but honestly, it drives really well, smooth and powerful enough. The only issue I’ve noticed is a bit of a creaky sound from the suspension when going over speed bumps. Other than that, I’m happy with it

      • Protractor on 16/07/2025 - 12:23

        FMD

      • ColtNoir on 17/07/2025 - 12:29

        $1480 for a service? Did you take it to Toyota or a 3rd party?

        • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 13:44

          Third party actually… maybe I just seem like an easy target.

          • ATTS on 17/07/2025 - 17:45

            @Jin2937: Are u female btw?

            • Jin2937 on 18/07/2025 - 10:16

              @ATTS: Nope but I guess I looks too young and have no experience on such things

          • ColtNoir on 17/07/2025 - 20:00

            @Jin2937: I think so mate. Im officey, so they can try it on me sometimes. I cbf, so I’ve been going to Mazda for my car.
            It costs me about $300 for a basic service from them and $500 when they do the brake fluid.

            • Jin2937 on 18/07/2025 - 10:16

              @ColtNoir: Good to know this! I will try to quote from local Toyota service next time

    • topherboi on 17/07/2025 - 08:59
      +1

      …or there's evidence of a leak (pre-existing or current) and a clean is necessary to determine which.

      Not every mechanic is out to take advantage of people and are simply just doing what's required for a car to pass an inspection.

      OP could always just clean the engine themselves if they think the cleaning fee is too high.

      • ColtNoir on 17/07/2025 - 20:01
        +1

        I’ve had plenty of leaks and never had to get it cleaned. Any mechanic I’ve gone to has left it in a good state after fixing the leak. This guy sounds like a rip

        • topherboi on 18/07/2025 - 08:42

          How is that situation the same as OPs?

          • ColtNoir on 18/07/2025 - 10:48

            @topherboi: I referring to where you said they need to clean it to determine if there’s a leak. How is it any different?

            • topherboi on 20/07/2025 - 16:54

              @ColtNoir: OP never stated they have a leak or have had one fixed recently, so you're assuming it should already be clean.

              • ColtNoir on 21/07/2025 - 18:13

                @topherboi: Correct, you did.

                “ or there's evidence of a leak (pre-existing or current) and a clean is necessary to determine which”

                • topherboi on 21/07/2025 - 19:41

                  @ColtNoir: Right, I did, but I wasn't the one questioning the mechanic for not cleaning something that isn't their responsibility.

                  Your situation - car had a leak, mechanic fixed said leak and cleaned it after the fact.

                  OP's situation - who knows? we could guess all day long, but the mechanic refusing to pass the inspection without a clean being performed is fair.

  • Bargain7175 on 16/07/2025 - 11:32
    +4

    If you're in Sydney I can point you in the direction of a more realistic pink slip inspection station

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 12:06

      Yeah, I am in Sydney and appreciate any suggestions!

    • ATTS on 17/07/2025 - 17:46

      What inspection station was it btw

  • JIMB0 on 16/07/2025 - 12:14
    -2

    Where did they say this leak was coming from? 11 year old Toyota's rarely leak oil.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 12:19
      +2

      They didn't mention the leak during quote but note leak at the final invoice. By the way, there is never seen a leak on my driveway

  • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2025 - 12:25
    -8

    oil leak is dna of toyoto,
    Vow, part of basic service $780.

    • JIMB0 on 16/07/2025 - 12:28
      +3

      We have a 25 year old Camry in the family that is completely dry underneath, no sign at all of any oil leaks.

      • shxhshzhz on 16/07/2025 - 17:02
        +6

        @SYLTB would probably say all 20+ year old BMW, VW, etc. have no oil leaks 😂

        • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2025 - 18:37
          -4

          He has already said below: "25 year old BMW no oil leak". My 20 year old VAG has no oil leak at all.!

        • JIMB0 on 20/07/2025 - 20:47
          +1

          @SYLTB couldn’t even stop his own account from leaking out of existence.

          • shxhshzhz on 20/07/2025 - 23:12
            +1

            @JIMB0: The end of the jap crap/kor/chin era 😂

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:52

      The service price was $250, including engine oil, filter and some basic checks. Yeah, owning a car in Sydney is really expensive — especially once you add in comprehensive insurance.

      • loropy9 on 16/07/2025 - 16:52
        +1

        $250 for Camry that age is about the going rate in Sydney. Some mechanics will charge about $100 labour + your oil and filter, which may be cheaper if you get the parts on discount. My 9 year old Camry engine bay looks about the same level of dirty/clean. No one ever mentioned engine cleaning to me. It looks like a money making scheme by the mechanic, but then again I'm not a mechanic.

        • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:43

          I just reviewed my previous service invoice. The last time service fee was $170 and located in Burwood. Happy to share if needed.

  • joka on 16/07/2025 - 12:51
    +3

    or is he suggesting an engine wash so he can see where the leak is coming from?

    • JIMB0 on 16/07/2025 - 13:06

      It's probably got oil down the back of the engine from them missing the fill hole during the last service.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:54
      +1

      Maybe~I will ask another mechanic to double check this at pink slip. Thanks for the point.

      • loropy9 on 16/07/2025 - 16:53
        +12

        If you tell another mechanic that you've been told you have a leak, there is a chance you'll just give them an idea.

  • Far Cough on 16/07/2025 - 13:17
    -7

    I have a 25 year old BMW that doesn’t leak oil.

    • Jaduqimon on 16/07/2025 - 13:47
      +2

      what about the indicator lights? i heard all BMWs have issues with those.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:54
      -1

      Nice car!

    • 1989jdm on 16/07/2025 - 17:48
      +10

      Probably because there’s no oil left in it

      • JIMB0 on 16/07/2025 - 22:42
        +1

        More than likely it doesn't run.

    • Protractor on 17/07/2025 - 10:45
      +2

      Sump finally empty?

    • pegaxs on 17/07/2025 - 12:11
      +1

      I have a 25 year old BMW that doesn’t leak oil.

      This is just the car telling you it is out of oil…

      How do you know *insert Euro Trashwagen* is out of oil? It stops leaking…

    • Mungulz on 17/07/2025 - 12:41
      +1

      I have a 25 year old BMW that leaks a lot of oil.

      • Far Cough on 17/07/2025 - 12:51

        sad for you

      • JIMB0 on 17/07/2025 - 13:22

        The ones in running condition tend to do that.

  • Broke-Ken on 16/07/2025 - 13:44
    +2

    My guess is "R-Engine" stands for Rear of Engine, you only looked from the top front(based on your photo), try to get under the car and look at the rear area of the engine, there will probably be signs of where there is a slow leak/weeping which needs to be cleaned up.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 13:48

      Thanks mate! It's a good point. I will ask another mechanic to double check this at pink slip.

  • GordonD on 16/07/2025 - 15:04
    +8

    The states that don't require have annual inspections don't because its plain to see that in practice they are in large part a coercive scam to force you to pay them for work that isn't really necessary to generate income for themselves. But the motor traders mob regularly try to get them introduced because they know how much business it generates.

    • Jin2937 on 16/07/2025 - 15:09
      +1

      Thanks mate, that’s exactly what I was worried about, and why I wanted to hear what others Ozs.

    • RogerLoger on 16/07/2025 - 15:52

      It's a safety issue, plain and simple. I can't say what they are like now, but Victoria didn't have an annual inspection requirement. About 15 years ago I remember one Vic-plated car with four tyres that had canvas showing. Annual inspection is a PITA, but it is preferable to being run into by someone clueless idiot's defective car.

      • lgacb08 on 16/07/2025 - 17:33
        +3

        All of the states except NSW don't have any sort of annual inspection to pass rego. It's a scam specifically to NSW.

  • brendanm on 16/07/2025 - 17:17
    +2

    Possibly leaking rocker cover gasket that is running down the back of the engine, hence the "r" (rear?) engine clean.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:40

      I just updated in description that 'R' seems related to 'rego'. Anyway, thanks for your point because I never thought about this before.

  • 1989jdm on 16/07/2025 - 17:52
    +9

    He’s legit doing you a favour by passing your pink slip with just an engine degrease and you rejected it.

    He could’ve charged you the cost of replacing the leaking seal or gasket, but instead is just charging you for a degrease and clean. This is extremely common practice in the pink slip automotive trade.

    Just because you haven’t seen a leak, does not mean it’s not leaking. Most mechanics are happy to show you underneath your car on their hoist to show you the leak if you ask.
    Welcome to cars.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:39

      Thanks bro, I am going to check it again next week

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 16/07/2025 - 19:35
    +1

    Like you I live in NSW, and regrettably some mechanics, and dealerships take advantage of the strict requirements. I once had this happen at Kmart Auto/My Car. I was worried about the muffler, and that was the only thing they didn't touch (or so it seemed).
    Toyotas are usually great cars, if they are kept well maintained.
    If you are worried about Oil leaks, like I had with my i30, I purchased one of these. ;)

    • ozb-lurker on 16/07/2025 - 20:09
      +1

      I took my 20 year old Camry to Mycar this week for a pink slip. Passed without issue. The mechanic noted it was in good condition (it's just clicked over 100,000 kms). Interestingly, last year they recommended I replace the battery, I declined, did nothing and this year they didn't say anything about it!

      • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:37

        Good to know — hope mine lasts that long too!
        By the way, keep an eye on your battery, especially if you notice the engine cranking slowly.
        I was once told my battery was down to 39% after a test, but I didn’t replace it right away. Six months later, it completely died and I had to call a friend to jump-start it before finally getting a new one.

      • loropy9 on 18/08/2025 - 20:50

        Old battery will strain the alternator. You will save on battery for year or two but risk $700 for an alternator.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:33

      Good choice, bro! I once took a trip in my friend’s Atto 3 — it drove really smoothly and had a great interior.

  • mickrb30 on 16/07/2025 - 21:24
    +2

    it is a requirement that to pass a rego inspection there is absolutely no oil leaks
    if it is a minor oil leak, mechanics will generally wash degresae the engine, this hides the minor leak
    mechanics are only safe guarding their license as its illegal to pass a car that has any oil building up or or leaking around.
    sorry, op is in the wrong, next mechanic you go to will likey bless you much more with other faults he finds or makes up.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:30

      Thanks for pointing that out — that's really helpful information.

      I’ve booked the mechanic who did a previous service. I’ll concentrate on checking any signs of leaks or build-up, as you mentioned.

      • mickrb30 on 17/07/2025 - 10:45
        +1

        advice, dont say anything, keep your mout shut, if your concerned about it, worrying, they take advantage of you, slap you with a expensive repairs to fix leaks, all car engines breath like a humam, after a while oil and dust dirt mix and form a dirty skin around the lower parts of your engine, this is what most likely your first mechanic wanted to degrease pressure clean, or or Minute minor leak not wort woorying about, he has to look after his license to pass a clean engine showing NO BUILD UP OF OIL.

        • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:47

          Understand, thanks for your advice!

          • mickrb30 on 17/07/2025 - 10:59
            +1

            @Jin2937: i normally water pressure clean the bottom and around the engine myself, just before i take it in for pinkslip,
            especially if there is minor weep leak, this way its passed, i dont get blessed for unessary repairs regarding any leaks or oil build up, you wash then go straight for inspection same day

            • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 13:49

              @mickrb30: Thanks bro, I just watched some videos on how to wash it, not as difficult as I imagined.

  • doctordv8 on 17/07/2025 - 08:57
    +2

    You are not a mechanic, and did not see underneath the engine/bay.

    I know the neggers will come out on this….

    An oil leak will spread but not always drip for you to see on the garage floor until it is very bad.

    While it is spreading all over various metal and rubber components, it is not visible to non car folk, and ASSumptions are made it is a scam for more money.

    Workshops…all trades make money on repairs, not defending in Court.

    What you have no clue about is Engine Oil is a Petrochemical, and your Engine Bay Rubber components are NOT impervious to Petrochemicals.

    When your Engine Mounts and Suspension Rubbers eventually turn to jelly and you are up for multiple hundreds of $$s in repairs, you my.. ..just may begin to understand we do not need to scam you.

    It is too easy to be caught doing the wrong thing especially where a RWC or Pinkslip is involved let alone a simple Second Opinion being sought at another workshop or Government Pits.

    It was common sense if you bothered to take notice of the blatantly obvious….OIL LEAK warning on the Invoice in notes.

    Did you bother to ask to be shown on the car or photos?

    Washing it now allows your vehicle to be better protected with what skilled call ..Preventative Maintenance.
    This also allows us to recheck after x klms to assess the severity of the the leak. More common sense.

    You have probably just dismissed a very good workshop with very good advise by the read of it and then whinged here.

    Go get another opinion by another mechanic that can look at your engine bay….top and most importantly…..from underneath!!!

    Ask the them how much the engine mounts and CArm bushes are all worth to replace along with tyres and a WA because they are soft from oil contamination. Worst case….it starts to drip….on the road and a biker goes arse up and dies.

    Then go back and apologise to the guys you have just insulted. You have essentially accused them of poor workmanship and scamming you without an ounce of proof or the knowledge to comprehend the Technical aspects.

    It is often too late by the time YOU see a drip on the floor!

    So many ASSuming numbnuts mechanic bashing when most can't even understand the very basics.

    Rant worthy yes, we suffer from scum customers trying to scam us, and we as a Trade do not scam as much as are perceived to do….I have never done anyone is over 47 yrs on the tools.

    We do not ….I do not charge you $100 plus for 10 minutes to change a Smoke Alarm Battery or $150 plus call out to stop a tap dripping either for example, so don't assume we are all over charging Labour rates either, even thou most workshop are way too expensive.

    We do not bitch every time we are quoted for insurance, PC, sewing machine, microwave repairs etc etc etc until that service provider has actually ripped or scammed up first….with proof.

    Rant over.

  • afah0447 on 17/07/2025 - 10:34

    An engine or transmission can leak oil and it may not appear on the ground. It can be a slow 'weap' and not drip. Keep that in mind.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:38

      Thanks bro, I am going to check it again next week

  • Protractor on 17/07/2025 - 10:48

    Why didn't they clean or degrease the engine at the time?
    Why don't you DIY yourself and monitor where (if) new oil appears after that?

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 10:53
      +1

      Honestly bro, I do have interest on DIY of my car but unfortunately, I have little knowledge on this. Maybe will join a course for the basic knowledge in the future.

  • pegaxs on 17/07/2025 - 12:18
    +2

    Just a RWC shop trying to extort money from you. Rego checks are a no win game. They almost spend more money doing them then what they generate, so they like to hold people's pinkslips as hostage and make shit up with the vehicle. Pay this or we wont pass your car… (I once had them try to tell me on a motorcycle that the number plate angle was off on a Honda genuine factory fitted number plate mount.)

    If you are really sus about it, tell them to put it up on the hoist and show you were this oil leak is. If there is an oil leak, get it cleaned. If there is no sign of an oil leak, tell them to pass the vehicle or you will report their rego check/AUVIS license to RMS/Fair Trading and they risk having it suspended and investigated.

  • Bargainhunt9 on 17/07/2025 - 13:21

    I always get the upsell. They know that they have you captive for the pinkslip so they tack on unnecessary stuff. For me it was tyres (even though they were passed the year before and the car only did 100km for the whole year) and also they installed new headlights. They replaced it without even telling me. I only found out when I went to pick up the car and saw the extra charge.

    • Jin2937 on 17/07/2025 - 13:52

      Thanks for sharing. Actually, I had my tyres changed about 15,000 km ago. I guess they told me to replace them because the side of the left tyre has some scratches — I tend to park a bit too close to the street shoulder. But anyway, you let me know I am not the only one facing this.

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