Berwick and its roads
On the Princes Freeway
The freeway linking Geelong, Melbourne and Gippsland runs straight through Berwick, with exits at O'Shea Road, Clyde Road and the Princes Highway. Heading west, it turns into the Monash at Narre Warren.
Why so many drive
Berwick's car dependence comes down to restricted bus infrastructure, so for many households there's no easy plan B. When the car goes in, ask how long it'll be, and whether you can drop it before work and collect it after.
Selling in Berwick
A private sale of a registered car needs a roadworthy certificate from a licensed vehicle tester, and the buyer must get it while it's under 30 days old.
Keeping a car-reliant household moving
When one car does most of a household's travel, keeping to the service book is what stops a small fault turning into a week without it. Brakes, tyres and the battery all get a heavy workout from freeway commutes and school runs.
A mobile mechanic can sometimes do a routine service or a battery while the car sits at home or in a work car park, if the business allows it. Pick "Come to me (mobile mechanic)" in the card.
What we'd do
With only the one way to get to work, we'd have the service done on a day the car can be spared, and ask for a written estimate before the mechanic starts on anything extra. If you need the car back that evening, say so when you drop it off.