Karl Hmilj Karl Hmilj

Why Your Canopy Setup Needs an Alarm (And Why Most Don’t Have One)

Most canopy setups aren't protected by factory alarms — leaving your gear exposed. Here's why adding an alarm matters, and how we install custom systems on-site across Melbourne.

Canopies are one of the most popular upgrades for tradies, 4WDers, and touring setups. But while people spend thousands on drawers, dual batteries, lighting and accessories — there's one thing often left out: an alarm system.

At Refined Auto Electrical, we install custom car and canopy alarm systems across Sunbury, Tullamarine, Thomastown, and Melbourne's north and west — and we come to you.

The Problem: Great Setup, No Security

Whether you’re parked at a job site or a remote campsite, your canopy usually contains thousands of dollars’ worth of tools, fridges, batteries, lighting, or gear.

Most canopy setups are not protected by your car’s factory alarm system — especially if they’ve been installed after-market.

We’ve seen it time and time again:
Impressive 12V setups, toolboxes and drawers — with no security at all.

Our Solution: Canopy & Vehicle Alarm Integration

We supply and install alarm systems that are:

  • Designed to protect your whole vehicle, not just the cab

  • Integrated with door and canopy triggers

  • Able to detect when canopy doors or toolboxes are opened

  • Custom-wired to suit your 4WD, ute or work vehicle

  • Optional extras like shock sensors, immobilisers, and GPS tracking

Whether you’ve already had your canopy fitted, or you’re planning a build, we can design a system to protect your setup from theft — and we’ll install it on-site.

Who It’s For

We recommend alarm installs for:

  • Tradies with valuable tools and equipment

  • 4WDers who leave gear in their canopy overnight

  • Fleet and commercial vehicles carrying inventory

  • Anyone with aftermarket canopy or tray setups

Even if your ute has central locking, it’s not always connected to your canopy. We make sure everything’s protected.

Why Use a Mobile Auto Electrician for Alarms?

We’re 100% mobile — that means no workshop, no downtime, and no hassle. We come to your home or job site fully equipped to install:

  • Alarms for ute trays, toolboxes, and canopies

  • Full vehicle alarm systems

  • Upgrades to existing alarms

  • Clean, professional wiring with no shortcuts

Servicing Sunbury & Beyond

We fit custom alarm systems across:
Sunbury, Tullamarine, Thomastown, Campbellfield, Broadmeadows, Melton, Caroline Springs, Keilor, Airport West and surrounding areas.

If you’re unsure whether you’re in our zone — just get in touch.

Book Your Alarm Installation

Don’t wait until something goes missing.
Whether you’re mid-build or already set up, we can install a reliable alarm system that protects what matters — all from the convenience of your driveway or site.

Get a quote or book today.

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Karl Hmilj Karl Hmilj

Upgrade Your Drive: Why Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Are Worth It

Ready to modernise your car? We specialise in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installations — whether you supply the unit or we do. Discover how we upgrade vehicles across Melbourne with smart, safe, in-dash tech.

Factory stereos don’t always cut it. Whether you’re driving an older model or your current system lacks features, upgrading to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is one of the smartest, most practical improvements you can make to your car — and we make it easy.

At Refined Auto Electrical, we specialise in CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades, offering professional, tidy installations across Sunbury, Tullamarine, Thomastown, Campbellfield and greater Melbourne.

Whether you’ve already purchased your own unit or you’d like us to supply everything, we can take care of the full install — on-site, wherever you are.

What Is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to connect your phone to your car’s head unit, giving you a smarter, safer, and more connected driving experience. With these systems, you can:

  • Use Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze for navigation

  • Make calls and send texts hands-free

  • Play Spotify, Apple Music, or your favourite podcast app

  • Access voice control through Siri or Google Assistant

  • Control it all through your touchscreen, steering wheel buttons or voice

Why Upgrade Your Head Unit?

Factory systems (especially in older cars) can feel outdated, clunky, or simply don’t offer the features you expect. Upgrading your head unit with a CarPlay or Android Auto-compatible system instantly improves:

  • Convenience – Your phone interface on your dash

  • Safety – Hands-free everything

  • Value – Adds serious functionality to your vehicle

  • Appearance – Sleek, modern touchscreens with clean finishes

Professional Installation, Done at Your Place

We specialise in seamless installations of CarPlay and Android Auto units across a wide range of vehicles — from work utes and family SUVs to older models needing a modern touch.

We can:

  • Install your own head unit (if you’ve already bought one)

  • Supply and install a new unit from trusted brands

  • Integrate with factory steering wheel controls (where compatible)

  • Clean up previous DIY jobs or poorly installed aftermarket units

All installations are done on-site, by a qualified auto electrician. No dealership price tags. No workshop downtime.

Who We Work With

  • Drivers wanting modern features in older vehicles

  • Fleet managers looking to upgrade commercial vehicles

  • Tradies who need hands-free calling and navigation

  • Families wanting safer, smarter road trips

  • Anyone ready to ditch the old stereo for something that actually works

Servicing Melbourne’s North & West

Based in Sunbury, we travel to:
Tullamarine, Thomastown, Campbellfield, Broadmeadows, Keilor, Airport West, Melton, Caroline Springs, and more.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your area — just ask. If we can get there, we’ll get it done.

Ready to Upgrade?

Get in touch today for a quote or to book your CarPlay or Android Auto installation.
Whether you’ve got the gear or want us to supply everything, we’ll make the whole process seamless — with zero hassle and a professional finish.

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Karl Hmilj Karl Hmilj

Dash Cams: Why You Shouldn’t Drive Without One

Dash cams aren’t just for 4WDers anymore. From family cars to fleet vehicles, here’s why you need one — and how we install them on-site across Sunbury, Tullamarine, and greater Melbourne.

Dash cams have quickly gone from “nice to have” to “absolute must” for Aussie drivers — and for good reason. Whether you’re on the daily commute, towing a caravan, or running a fleet of work vehicles, having footage of what happens on the road is a game changer.

At Refined Auto Electrical, we install high-quality dash cams for drivers across Sunbury, Tullamarine, Campbellfield, Thomastown and throughout Melbourne. The best part? We come to you.

Why Install a Dash Cam?

1. Protect Yourself in an Accident
Accidents happen — and when they do, clear dash cam footage can prove who was really at fault. It helps with insurance claims, police reports, and avoiding nasty disputes.

2. Stop Insurance Fraud
There’s been a rise in staged accidents and fake claims. A dash cam helps stop scammers in their tracks by providing clear evidence.

3. Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle When You’re Not Around
Many modern dash cams offer parking mode, recording when motion is detected — even if the car’s turned off. Perfect for street parking, job sites, or high-traffic areas.

4. Monitor Driving Habits
For businesses with fleet vehicles or parents with teen drivers, dash cams are a smart way to keep tabs on how vehicles are being used.

Mobile Dash Cam Installation – Done Right

We supply and install dash cams across all types of vehicles:

  • Cars and family vehicles

  • 4WDs and touring setups

  • Utes and trade vehicles

  • Commercial and fleet cars

  • Vans, trucks, and more

Our installs are:

  • Tidy and discreet – no messy wires

  • Hardwired – so they run when they need to

  • Tailored to your needs – single or dual channel, with parking mode or GPS if needed

We install top brands and can also fit a dash cam you’ve already purchased.

Serving Melbourne’s North & West – We Come to You

Based in Sunbury, we’re fully mobile and regularly install dash cams across:
Tullamarine, Campbellfield, Thomastown, Broadmeadows, Airport West, Essendon, Keilor, Melton, Caroline Springs, and more.

If you're unsure if you're in our service area — get in touch. If we can get there, we’ll get the job done.

The Bottom Line

For peace of mind, protection, and evidence when it counts — a dash cam is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. And with Refined Auto Electrical, you don’t even have to leave your driveway.

Book your mobile dash cam installation today — and drive with confidence.

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Karl Hmilj Karl Hmilj

Where We Work: Suburbs We Service Across Melbourne

Wondering if we service your area? From Sunbury to Campbellfield, Thomastown, Tullamarine and across Melbourne’s north and west — Refined Auto Electrical is 100% mobile and ready to come to you.

At Refined Auto Electrical, we’re proud to offer a fully mobile service that covers a wide area — because we know how valuable convenience is when it comes to auto electrical work.

We’re based in Sunbury, but our mobile service means we regularly travel across Tullamarine, Melbourne, and surrounding suburbs — bringing high-quality, expert service directly to your location.

Whether you’re a tradie needing a fleet fit-out, a 4WD enthusiast prepping for a trip, or just someone sick of waiting around in a workshop, we’re here to help — on your turf, on your schedule.

Core Suburbs We Service

Here’s a look at just some of the areas we cover:

North-West & Western Suburbs:

  • Sunbury – Our home base. We know the driveways, job sites, and paddocks of this town like the back of our hand.

  • Tullamarine – Whether you’re at home or on-site, we’ll come to you with everything needed for a top-tier install.

  • Airport West – Dash cam, brake controller, or fault finding? We’ll sort it, right there in your driveway.

  • Keilor – From tradie utes to family cars, we’re often on the roads around Keilor.

  • Taylors Lakes, Delahey, Sydenham – Fully covered for mobile service, diagnostics, and installs.

Northern Suburbs:

  • Campbellfield – We regularly work with commercial vehicles and forklifts in this industrial hub.

  • Thomastown – Whether it's fleet work or sound system installs, we’re fully equipped for on-site service.

  • Broadmeadows, Glenroy, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights – From caravans to everyday cars, we cover it all.

  • Craigieburn – 4WD setups, canopy wiring, dual battery installs — done right at your place.

  • Bundoora, Epping, Reservoir – Our mobile van is often in these areas handling both personal and business vehicles.

Inner North & West:

  • Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Pascoe Vale, Coburg, Brunswick – Whether you’re working from home or managing a small business, we’ll get to you.

  • Caroline Springs, Deer Park, Melton – From lighting upgrades to diagnostics, we’re frequently in these growing suburbs.

Not Sure If You're in Range?

Our general service area includes Melbourne’s north, west, and inner suburbs, but we’re always happy to travel a little further where possible. If you're just outside the listed areas — send us a message or give us a call. We’ll let you know if we can book you in.

Why a Mobile Auto Electrician Is Ideal for These Areas

Let’s face it — towing a dead vehicle or waiting around in a workshop is a pain. That’s especially true if you’re out in Campbellfield with a forklift fault, or trying to get a job done before heading out of Thomastown.

Being mobile means we can:

  • Save you time

  • Help with on-site vehicle setups

  • Work while you work — no disruption to your day

  • Offer expert service without the workshop wait

We bring everything with us — from diagnostics tools and battery systems to lighting, UHF radios, and head unit upgrades.

Get Auto Electrical Done at Your Place

Whether you're in Sunbury, Campbellfield, Thomastown, or anywhere across Melbourne’s west and north, Refined Auto Electrical is ready to come to you.

No drop-offs. No downtime. Just top-quality work, done properly — wherever you are.

Contact us today to book your mobile service or request a quote.

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Karl Hmilj Karl Hmilj

Why We’re 100% Mobile – The Benefits of Mobile Auto Electrical Services

At Refined Auto Electrical, we’re 100% mobile — and for good reason. Learn why we chose to ditch the workshop, how our mobile service works, and why it’s the smarter choice for busy drivers, tradies, and 4WD enthusiasts across Melbourne.

When it comes to auto electrical work, most people picture a traditional workshop — dropping off the car, finding a lift, and waiting around for a call. At Refined Auto Electrical, we’ve flipped that model on its head.

We’re not just mobile-friendly.
We’re 100% mobile.
And there’s a reason we’ve built our entire business this way.

Convenience Without Compromise

Life’s busy — whether you’re juggling work, family, or prepping for your next 4WD adventure. That’s why we come to you, saving you time, hassle, and downtime. No towing. No drop-offs. Just expert service, done wherever you are.

From Sunbury to Tullamarine, Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, we bring everything needed to get the job done on-site — tools, parts, diagnostics and the know-how.

What Can a Mobile Auto Electrician Do?

You might be surprised by just how much we can do without a workshop. At Refined Auto Electrical, we handle:

  • Full diagnostics & fault finding

  • Dual battery setups

  • 4WD & touring fit-outs

  • Electric brake controller installs

  • Head unit upgrades with CarPlay/Android Auto

  • Dash cams, UHF radios & alarms

  • Fleet and commercial vehicle fit-outs

  • Caravan & trailer prep

  • Forklift and plant equipment repairs

All done right from your driveway, garage, job site or paddock.

Built for Tradies, Travellers & Busy People

Our mobile service is perfect for:

  • Tradies who can’t afford downtime

  • Fleet vehicles needing fast, on-site service

  • Families who don’t want to juggle transport

  • 4WDers and caravaners getting ready for the next trip

  • Workshop owners needing a trusted auto elec they can call in

Why We Chose to Go Fully Mobile

Founder Karl built Refined Auto Electrical with a clear mission:
Make expert auto electrical work easier to access — without cutting corners.

With over 15 years’ experience and a passion for precision, Karl saw the need for an auto electrician who wasn’t tied to a workshop. Being mobile means we’re flexible, fast, and fully focused on delivering high-quality results wherever our customers need us most.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a local auto electrician in Sunbury, Tullamarine, or anywhere in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, know that we don’t just come to you — that’s how we work.

Mobile auto electrics. Done properly.

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