Don’t Make These Mistakes with Your Car Air Conditioning

 

As we head into summer, we’re going to rely on our car air conditioning to keep us comfortable as we drive. It’s become an indispensable addition to any modern vehicle and it’s something that most of us don’t even think about – until it goes wrong! But did you know that there are a few things you can do to ensure that your air con doesn’t let you down or have too much of an effect on your fuel consumption?

Our local Kingsgrove mechanic shared four of the most common mistakes that most of us make with our car air conditioning.

Putting it on Full Blast

We know that it’s tempting to crank up the air con as soon as you get in the car, especially when the temperatures outside are soaring. But that’s not the best way to cool down you and your car. Rather than turn it up full blast as soon as you get in the car, the best thing to do is open your windows and door to allow the trapped air to escape before you switch on the air con. When you do switch it on, use a low setting to start with – you’ll not only cool your car more efficiently, but you’ll avoid the adverse effect on your fuel consumption.

Directing the Air Flow Directly at You

Most of us position the airflow vents so that they’re pointing straight at us. However, if you reposition them so that they direct airflow around the car, the cooler air will be circulated more quickly and more evenly.

Always Relying on Aircon

While it’s far more pleasant to drive in an air-conditioned vehicle than with the windows down, there are some occasions when you should perhaps switch it off and open the windows. One such occasion is when you are stuck in traffic. Cutting down your aircon use will mean that you won’t need to re-gas your air con as often which, in turn, means fewer trips to your Bexley mechanic.

Forgetting About Regular Maintenance

Just like any other component of our vehicle, the air conditioning system will require regular maintenance, and yet we rarely think about it until we have a problem. So, instead of waiting for a problem, schedule regular maintenance appointments in your diary. Our local Earlwood mechanic suggests that A/C should be serviced every two years or so.

Are You Making These Mistakes?

These are the four most common mistakes that drivers make with the air conditioning in their vehicles. As you can see, they not only affect the efficiency of the aircon but may affect your fuel consumption too. Isn’t it time you paid more attention to your aircon?

Do You Worry About Trips to the Garage? Follow this Guide and Leave Your Worries Behind

 

For many people, the thought of finding a garage and Belmore mechanic they can trust can fill them with anxiety. With our handy guide, we are here to support you find a garage and mechanic that you can trust and bring your car to without any worries.  

What are your first steps to finding a garage?

Nowadays, many of us jump straight to our computers or smartphones to search for the answers for many different things, including finding a garage for our car. It is just one of the ways you can begin your search. Take some time to read reviews that have been left by existing clients to find out what others have thought of them.

Ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations

Asking others which garage they use and whether or not they would recommend them is a tried and tested method of finding a service that you can trust.

If you are new to the area, ask your neighbours who they use, what sort of price they pay and how long they have been using the garage. If they are a loyal customer, the chances are they provide a good service.

Call and speak to the mechanic or pay a visit

You can often get a good feel for the type of garage you are interested in by giving them a call or even going to visit them in person. Ask yourself: are they friendly? Are they personable? Do you feel you can ask them any questions you might have?

Trust your instincts. If you feel comfortable with them, then you may have found an excellent Lakemba mechanic to take your car for its service and maintenance. If you do not, or they do not give you the information you need, walk away and find somewhere else.

Ask about quotations for work

If your car needs work, you probably want to find out how much it costs in advance. Ask your mechanic for an estimate of the repair and the labour. Do not forget that you can get quotes from more than one garage.

Beware of any quotes that appear to be too cheap. When it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Contact us at Roselands Automotive Centre

If you are looking for a place to take your car that you can trust, give us a call at Roselands Automotive Centre, and we will get you booked in for a service or repair. We pride ourselves on the excellent service we bring our customers, and you can come to us with complete confidence.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch, and we will do our best to help you out.

Is Your Mechanic Qualified? Here’s What You Need to Know!

 

You wouldn’t visit a doctor or dentist if you knew they didn’t have the necessary qualifications or choose an unqualified hairdresser to give you the haircut of your dreams, so why would you trust your car to an unqualified Kingsgrove mechanic?

If you’re taking your vehicle to a new mechanic, you need to be sure that they have all the qualifications they need to look after your vehicle and that they know what they are doing. But how can you find out whether they have the correct qualifications? We explain how your local Bexley mechanic got their qualifications.

Pre-apprentice Studies

High school students can opt to take pre-apprenticeship studies in motor mechanics as part of their school curriculum. This will give them an idea of what it’s like to be a mechanic. Students can then continue their studies by joining an apprenticeship scheme.

Apprenticeships

Many Earlwood mechanics started as apprentices and embarked on a four-year apprenticeship. During this time, they will have supplemented formal learning sessions and assignments in the classroom with training both on and off the job.

Certificate Courses and Post Trade Qualifications

Following completion of their apprenticeship, qualified mechanics can choose to take specialist certificate courses to improve their knowledge of certain aspects of car repair such as servicing, maintaining, and repairing diesel engines. They may also take courses such as panel beating and bodywork repairs to qualify them to look after the exterior of vehicles.

Experience versus Qualifications

Although qualifications are a basic requirement of any trade, including that of a mechanic, experience can only be achieved by doing the job. Therefore, a mechanic with several years of experience under his belt is likely to be more proficient than a newly qualified mechanic.

Experienced mechanics are likely to have a broader knowledge and experience of working on different makes and models of vehicles and a greater understanding of mechanical problems and their symptoms. They’ll probably have a well-established system for carrying out routine car servicing and maintenance.

Motor Industry Association Memberships

In addition to relevant qualifications, many mechanics choose to join the local automobile association and other trade organisations. This shows that they take their work and business seriously.

How to Check a Mechanic’s Qualifications

If you’re in any doubt about a mechanic’s status, ask to see their qualifications. It’s also possible to check whether they are licensed through the Department of Fair Trading in each state. However, bear in mind that it’s not necessarily a requirement to have a license to practice in every state. And don’t forget about reviews from previous customers and recommendations from friends, family and neighbours - they will give a good indication of the quality and reliability of a mechanic’s work.

Could Your Driving Help Save the Planet?

Did you know that the maintenance of your car and the way you drive can all make an impact on the environment? Here at Roselands Automotive Centre, our Belmore mechanic and the rest of the team is here to help you get the most from your car and driving experience.

Consider the way you drive

When you need to use your car, take your time and take the journey at a steady pace. If you avoid suddenly accelerating and braking, you will use less fuel. As well as this, by taking the journey steadily, you can anticipate what the drivers ahead of you are doing, so you are not on the back foot.

If you are unsure of where you are going, plan your journey before you leave so that you have a better idea.

Get your tyre pressure sorted

Your car’s tyre pressure is something that needs to be checked regularly. Many modern cars will offer you a handy reminder if your tyre pressure needs attention. Aim to check your tyre pressure every couple of weeks.

Should your tyres be underinflated, it can cause you to use more fuel, which is not good for the environment or your bank balance!

Overinflated tyres are also problematic. It causes less traction on the road, which means you will have a longer braking distance. The key is to get it right. You can find your car’s ideal tyre pressure by looking in the manual or on the side of the driver’s door.

Get your car serviced

You want to ensure that your car is working well, and any issues are picked up and fixed. Our Lakemba mechanic can help you make sure your car is in the best possible condition so that it runs efficiently.

Think about how you use your car

It’s amazing how many aspects of your car use fuel. Your air-conditioning, radio and others all use fuel. If you do not need it, turn it off, and you will save fuel. Opening the windows can also use more fuel because they create drag.

You should also clear your car of clutter. Consider what you need to carry, and do not take any items that you could do without. These all add to the weight of your car and cause you to use more fuel.

Travel at the best times

It can be hard to avoid commuter traffic if you need to get to work for a certain time. However, if you can, you should avoid driving during rush hours. When you are in the car for longer, you will use more fuel.

Choose Roselands Automotive Centre

At Roselands Automotive Centre, we help you keep your car in the best possible condition, and you can help do your part to save the environment. Call us today to get your car booked in.

How to Keep Your Car in Great Condition

If you rely on your car to get you to work, take you on holiday, ferry the kids around and do the numerous other journeys that arise during everyday life, you’ll know just what a pain it can be if it fails to start one morning or develops a problem just when you’ve got an important meeting to get to. It’s true that today’s modern cars are much more reliable than cars from yesteryear, but it pays to give them a little attention to ensure that they’re running at their best. We take a look at the three main things you should do to keep your car in great condition.

Servicing

Whether you drive 2000 or 20,000 kilometres a year, your car is going to need servicing at regular intervals. And we know that it’s one of those things that you may consider putting off, but the long-term consequences of not having regular services could be costly. Not only can a service pick up potential problems which can save you money before they become a big problem to fix but it shows that your car has been well looked after which means you’re likely to get more for it if you want to sell.

So be sure to put a reminder in your calendar to book a service with your local Kingsgrove mechanic.

Fluid Checks

Your fluids (oil, water, brake fluid and coolant) will be checked during your service but you’ll also need to keep an eye on them in between services too. They need to be replaced regularly to ensure that your car runs smoothly. You can easily check the fluid levels yourself, but if you do need extra help, you can visit our Bexley mechanic.

Tyre Checks

Driving with tyres at the incorrect pressure is not only dangerous but they’ll wear out quicker and you’ll use more fuel too, so be sure to check your tyres at regular intervals. They’re the things that keep your car on the road, so you need to be sure that they’re safe, have enough tread and don’t have any tears, bulging, damage or objects stuck in the tread.

Checking your tyre pressure is easy and can be done at a service station or you can invest in your own pressure gauge. If you suspect you have a problem with your tyres, getting an Earlwood mechanic to check them out is the best course of action.

Bring Your Car to Roselands

At Roselands Automotive Centre, our dedicated mechanics and technicians can help make sure that your car remains in great condition.  So, follow our tips above and help your car stay as reliable as possible for as long as possible.

 

4 DIY Car Maintenance Tasks That Will Save You Money

Keeping a car on the road can be very expensive, especially if you’re driving an older vehicle. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, rather than take your car to your local Lakemba mechanic for regular servicing, there are a few maintenance jobs that are easy to tackle yourself with a little bit of knowledge.

Let’s take a look at 4 DIY car maintenance tasks that will save you money and keep your vehicle running smoothly. 
1. Changing the Oil

Changing the oil is a relatively easy task as long as you have the correct tools and equipment. To carry out the oil change, you’ll need a jack and jack stand, a socket wrench, a drain pan, funnel and oil filter wrench.

You can find out what type of oil you need from your owner’s manual or by checking online, where you’ll also find step-by-step instructions on how to change the oil. If it’s your first time, you may want to have someone with you who’s experienced in carrying out oil changes.

2. Changing A Tyre

Many people don’t know how to change a tyre but rely on roadside assistance to help out. Depending on where you are when you get a flat tyre, this can prove to be a very costly experience. If your car has a spare tyre, learning how to change it could save you hundreds of dollars!

You’ll need a properly inflated spare, a jack and jack stand and a lug wrench and for safety, it helps to have a reflective vest, gloves and a flashlight just in case it’s dark. With practice, changing a tyre should take thirty minutes or less.

3. Jump Starting Your Car

If you’ve ever experienced a flat battery, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. However, jump starting your car is a relatively simple task.

All you need is a set of jump leads and another car of course. However, you do need to know what you’re doing with the leads as the process can cause hydrogen to be released from the battery, which may explode should it come into contact with a spark from the engine.

If in doubt, ask your Kingsgrove mechanic to show you how to jump-start your car the next time you take it in for a service.

4. Replacing Brake Pads

Changing brake pads is a more difficult and complex task, and it may be that it’s one job that you prefer to leave to your Earlwood mechanic. However, learning how to do it could save you hundreds of dollars and, with practice, will only take about an hour to complete.

You’ll know when your brake pads need replacing as they will start to squeal.

If in doubt, visit your local service centre

While ‘doing-it-yourself’ can save you a considerable amount of money, if you have any concerns about your ability to carry the job out safely and correctly, you should always take your vehicle to a professional.

Routine Car Maintenance 101

While most car owners in Lakemba rely on their local Lakemba mechanic to service and repair their vehicles, taking the time to learn a few basics about how your car works and keeping on top of routine maintenance tasks yourself can help you to prolong the life of your vehicle.

How Your Car Works

You press the ignition, and the car starts as if by magic. But how does this happen?

Put simply, when you press the ignition the car battery delivers power to the starter. This turns the crankshaft which puts the pistons in motion. These, in turn, fire the engine.

Air is then pulled into a chamber where fuel is added. As you step on the accelerator, the throttle valve opens allowing the gas and air mixture to pass through the intake manifold.

This mixture is then passed into the cylinders where the distributor causes the spark plugs to spark and ignite the gas and air mixture to enable it to depress the piston inside the cylinder and rotate the crankshaft. And it’s this rotation of the crankshaft that causes the wheels to turn.

As you can imagine, as metal turns against metal friction occurs, and that’s why your engine needs oil. In addition, it’s important to keep the transmission well lubricated to ensure that the moving parts don’t cease up.

Routine DIY Tasks

•  Checking Levels of Oil and Transmission Fluids. This involves removing the appropriate dipsticks and ensuring that the fluids are at the levels recommended by the manufacturer. If it’s dropped below the level, it will need topping up.


•  Checking the Air Filter. You can find the location of your air filter by consulting your vehicle’s manual. Remove the filter, check to see how clean it is and replace it if necessary. A clean air filter will enable your vehicle to run more efficiently.


•  Check the belts. If you notice any cracking or other signs of wear and tear, you should take your vehicle to your local Kingsgrove mechanic so that they can be replaced.

•  Inspect the Battery. If your battery becomes corroded, eventually it won’t start. When checking a battery always wear rubber gloves and eye protection. First of all, you will need to remove the battery cables.

Remember to disconnect the black negative cable first, then clean the battery posts by applying a mixture of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush. Further corrosion can be prevented by applying a layer of grease or petroleum jelly to the terminals. When reconnecting the battery always reconnect the positive cable first.

The Bottom Line

Regular oil changes and lubrication are key to keeping your vehicle running at its best. While it’s possible to do these at home, you will need some special tools, and you will need to dispose of used oils correctly and safely.

This is why most Earlwood vehicle owners prefer to take their car to their local Earlwood mechanic to ensure that the job is done properly.