Vehicle Tips

Chris Bosch Scanner.jpgAs the owner of a vehicle, you will most likely have an Owner's Manual. Many new cars, or late model vehicles, are equipped with sophisticated electronics or computerised components. It is important that you become familiar with your vehicle's features and controls and learn how to use them effectively and to their greatest advantage. You may also benefit from familiarising yourself with the servicing schedule recommended for your vehicle. Manufacturer's provide detailed and accurate information on the operation of your vehicle together with hints on everyday driving, emergencies and general care. Becoming acquainted with your vehicle will help ensure your safety and help maintain the condition and economy of your vehicle.

Have your vehicle serviced regularly

Service schedules vary from vehicle to vehicle, but it is recommended that you have a minor service carried out about every 5,000kms or 6 months. This involves replacing the oil and oil filter and a general check-over of the vehicle. A major service includes a tune-up of your vehicle's engine. The full service recommendations for your vehicle are stated in your Owner's Handbook and should always be followed. Before setting out on any long trip, ensure your vehicle is thoroughly checked over by a qualified Technician. Regular servicing and tuning ensures that your vehicle is maintained in peak condition, thus extending the life of your vehicle and preventing expensive repairs due to poor maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle will run more economically and major repairs could be avoided altogether. Regular servicing with a stamped service book, clearly identifying the vehicle has been well cared for, will provide a strong selling point and protect the resale value of your vehicle.

Things that you must do

Wash your Car

Regular washing of your vehicle will help maintain the condition of the paintwork. Hand washing is best, but only use a mild detergent. A dirty surface accelerates the absorption of the sun's rays causing the paintwork to loose its lustre and develop a chalky appearance. A well-presented vehicle with sparkling paintwork has the potential to save you thousands of dollars in resale value.

Some Safety Issues

Driving Hints

When planning for a trip, the following basic safety checks and essential car maintenance should be completed...

Tyre Safety

Ensuring your tyres are in good condition is integral to protecting your safety on the road.  Tyres are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road and your safety, comfort and fuel economy all depend on a patch of rubber the size of your hand.

What can you do?

Check for tyre wear and tread depth...

A quick and easy safety measure is to regularly check the tread depth of your tyres and replace them when they are worn. This is done by checking the tyres' tread wear indicators which are small bars spaced across the grooves of the tread pattern.  Replace tyres when the tread level reaches the minimum legal tread of 1.55mm.  This will guarantee maximum traction and grip, helping to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

A good level of tread depth is important because:

The importance of correct Tyre Pressure

Check your vehicle owner’s handbook for tyre inflation pressure recommendations, or the tyre placard usually located on the driver’s door jam. Tyre inflation pressures recommended are cold inflation pressures (ie before the vehicle is driven).

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Tyre pressures need to be checked about every two to four weeks. Purchase a high quality pressure gauge to accurately measure tyre pressure. Always check the pressure of your spare tyre – just in case.  Remember to replace the tyre valve cap once you have checked your pressures.  Wear and tread-life of a tyre depends not only on tyre inflation but also such things as road surface, wheel alignment and driving style. Remember to slow down in the wet since wet conditions will always compromise the performance of any tyre.

Other Tyre Maintenance Tips

Automotive Air Conditioning

If your car’s air conditioner isn’t cooling as it should, it may be losing refrigerant and require regassing.

The problem needs to be diagnosed and, if a leak is evident, must be repaired before the air conditioner is re-gassed. Topping up an air conditioner which is leaking fluorocarbon refrigerant, without first repairing the leak, is illegal.

Technicians with an ARC Automotive Air Conditioning licence will be able to advise what sort of refrigerant your car’s air conditioner uses. And only individuals with an Automotive Air Conditioning licence can legally handle fluorocarbon refrigerant in the service or repair of your car’s air conditioner.

Tips to keep your car’s air conditioner running cool include:

Why is leaking refrigerant bad for the environment?

Just 1kg of fluorocarbon refrigerant leaking into the atmosphere has the same greenhouse gas impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is the equivalent of driving a family sedan for six months!

If emitted into the atmosphere, the fluorocarbon refrigerant gas contained in most air conditioners can be extremely harmful to the environment as it contributes to global warming and may damage the ozone layer. The use of fluorocarbon is regulated by the Australian Government’s Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.

(This information provided by VASA - Association of Automotive Air conditioning, Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia, 2013)

 

Automotive/Mechanical Services Lismore

Car Servicing
Electronic Tune-ups
Brake Repairs
Disc/Drum Machining
Brake Hose Manufacture
Clutch Repairs
CV Joints & Shafts
EFI Service/Diagnostics
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Engine Analysis/Emissions Testing
Electrical Systems

Fleet Servicing
Gearbox Overhaul
Pre-Purchase Inspections
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QBE Greenslips
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Transmissions
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Wheel Balance
Windscreens
Batteries & Testing