How Smart Drivers Can Reduce their Motoring Costs

 

Running a car is an increasingly expensive business due to the mounting cost of fuel, repairs, insurance and taxes. Add in the cost of the car itself and you’re facing a sizeable annual bill for the convenience of being mobile.

It is possible to reduce costs by cutting corners — buying a cheaper, older car and having it serviced less frequently or not at all. However, that puts you at risk and may be more expensive in the long term since, when you do get problems; they will be more serious and take longer for our Kingsgrove mechanic to sort out.

The Best Ways to Save Money Safely

Cutting corners isn’t a sensible thing to do, particularly since it can put you in danger. But there are plenty of other things you can do to save money:

·        Drive sensibly and efficiently. If you’re constantly accelerating and braking hard, that’s bad for fuel consumption and wear on the brakes. Instead, aim to drive smoothly, be aware of what’s ahead and change gear to adjust to your speed. That will save on fuel, make your car last longer and reduce the need for repairs by a Bexley mechanic.

·        Check your tyres frequently. Worn tyres can be dangerous and those inflated to the wrong pressure will increase fuel consumption. Although you don’t need the best quality tyres, cheap ones that are under-inflated will cost you.

·        Reduce the load. If you have a roof rack on the car, it’s producing drag and adding weight that will make fuel consumption worse. Similarly, if your boot’s full of stuff, it’s all added weight to carry so remove anything that’s not needed. Clear the clutter for better performance.

·        Get the best deal. Shop around for insurance rather than just renewing automatically. That will ensure you get the cheapest price. Pay annually if you can because monthly instalments will incur interest.

·        Care for your car. Keeping the car clean and in good order will prolong its useful life. And there are things you can do yourself to save money, such as replacing worn wiper blades and light bulbs.

Efficient Performance

If you do try to look after your car, you will be more aware of its state. So, you’ll know if the brakes look worn, if the tyres need replacing or if there are other defects.

Whilst you may not be able to correct these yourself, our Earlwood mechanic will be happy to help and early action will keep you safe and save you money on more extensive repairs later. We’ll also be happy to check things out and carry out regular services so your car will run as efficiently as possible.

Looking after you Car during Lockdown

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic remains a huge problem, many people are in lockdown. As part of that, they’re possibly not getting out at all and so their car remains out of action.

Eventually the lockdown will end, and life will return to normal. When that happens, you want to be sure you don’t need to call out a Kingsgrove mechanic or one from elsewhere to fix a flat battery or other problems.

Essential Steps to Protect your Car

If your car isn’t going to be used for a long period, it needs to be made secure. Ideally, that means locked away in a garage or, if none is available, on your driveway with the keys safely in the house.

Putting the car in a garage will protect it from sunlight, rain, dust, humidity, bird mess and anything else that can damage the paintwork. The alternative is a fitted cover but, before putting the car away, ensure it’s clean inside and out.

Wash thoroughly to prevent the build up of grime that damages paintwork, particularly removing mud and brake dust from the wheels. Rinse with clean water, dry with a micro fibre cloth and apply wax polish for added protection. Also thoroughly clean the interior, removing any organic matter that can rot and avoiding excess moisture that can cause mould and musty smells.

The biggest problem that is likely to result from prolonged inactivity is a flat battery. A trickle charger will help while driving your car for fifteen minutes every two weeks, or at least running the engine for that long will help to prevent this and also circulate oil to protect the engine. A full fuel tank will prevent condensation and rusting inside the tank as well as prolonging the life of the fuel.

The car should be left with the handbrake off to prevent it seizing up. Place chocks against the wheels if you’re worried it may move or remove the wheels entirely and put the car on axle stands to prevent flat spots developing on the tyres. Serious flat spots may require new tyres to be fitted by an Earlwood mechanic.

Check before you Drive

It’s essential you periodically check the condition of your car to detect problems and particularly at the end of lockdown before using your car. Make sure the brake discs aren’t corroded, the battery has enough charge, oil and coolant levels are okay and, for a diesel car, that the diesel particulate filter isn’t clogged.

To be really sure you’re good to go, a Bexley mechanic can check for problems and correct them. Don’t risk your safety when going back on the road.

Drive Safely in Wet Weather Conditions

None of us enjoys driving in wet weather. It can be dangerous and stressful, particularly after dark. While innovations such as ABS, traction control and vehicle stability control make wet weather driving so much safer, there are a number of ways you can mitigate the risk factors.
We take a look at five things that will help you to drive more safely in wet weather conditions.

Cut Your Speed

The number one piece of advice that you should take on board is to slow down. By reducing your speed, you’ll have more time to react should something go wrong. Avoid making any abrupt changes in speed or direction and try to keep more distance between your car and the car in front.

Be Seen and Be Safe

Most modern cars have automatic lights which turn on in adverse weather conditions, but if you still have the manual type, make sure that you switch them on.  It’s also advisable to ensure that your wipers are up to the job, so check them for wear or damage to the blades. It’s easy to change the wiper blade yourself, or it can be done as part of routine maintenance when you take your car for a service in Earlwood.

Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained

Every car owner should ensure that they keep their vehicle well maintained by booking it in for a regular car service in Bexley. During a service, your mechanic will check the brakes, suspension, steering, tyres and ABS.

As part of your routine maintenance tasks, it’s essential to ensure that you keep a good eye on your tyres. If they lose more than 50% of their tread, their traction will be compromised, particularly in rainy conditions.

Pay More Attention to the Road

During wet weather, it’s sensible to avoid driving through puddles, even if they are relatively small as there is the potential that your vehicle will aquaplane. You should also keep a more careful eye on the traffic around you so that you can react quickly should an unexpected situation develop.

Be Prepared

Whatever time of year you travel, having an emergency kit in your car is always a good idea. In addition to the usual items, consider adding a rain poncho or waterproof jacket to your kit along with a torch in case you break down when it’s dark and wet.

Stay Safe While Driving in the Rain

Staying safe while driving in wet weather is mainly down to common sense, appropriate driving for the conditions and ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy. And don’t forget, to keep abreast of upcoming weather conditions by listening to the weather forecast so that you know what to expect on the roads.

Getting the Most from Your Car’s Aircon

Aircon is an essential part of any car, and luckily, it now usually comes as standard with most modern cars. Great news for those living in Australia.
To get the most from your car’s aircon, follow the tips below and you can continue to reap the maximum benefits.

Have your aircon regularly serviced

Servicing your aircon is one of those things that can often slip through the net or be on your never-ending to-do list. However, getting your aircon serviced ensures you are getting the most from the system and that it will be ready when you need it most and cool your car down quickly, vital for those hot summer months.

It can be serviced along with your car service in Kingsgrove at Roseland’s Automotive and we can check that all components are working.

Don’t bother switching it on before you drive

It can be tempting to switch your engine on five or ten minutes before you get into the car. However, your aircon functions best when you are driving, so turning it on before means that it will not cool your car down as quickly and you will waste fuel.

Recharge your aircon when needed

If you find that your car is not cooling down as quickly as it used to, the chances are your aircon is running out of gas and needs recharging to work at its optimum level. When you go in for your car service in Belmore, ask for your aircon to be checked and recharged if necessary.

Check the filter is clean

A dirty aircon filter can stop your aircon from working effectively because the air cannot flow as well. If it is clogged up, it will need changing. If you need any help with this, your friendly team at Roseland’s Automotive can help you.

Set the temperature to its lowest

You may naturally set your aircon to its lowest temperature to cool down your car as quickly as possible, but this is also the best way to get the most from your aircon.

Turning it to the lowest temperature means that all your aircon needs to focus on is getting rid of the hot air. If you choose to set it to a certain temperature, it means that it might also need to warm up the air to get to that temperature and therefore use more fuel.

Avoid re-circulating

If you have a re-circulation function for air in your car, turn it off to ensure everyone on your journey remains cool and comfortable. Your aircon system takes the air from the front of the car and re-cools it when in this mode and therefore those in the back seats can get hot and stuffy.

Follow these tips for a cool and comfortable journey.

How Often Should I Replace my Car Battery?

A car battery may not be something you think of often. You probably go to your car, turn on the ignition and expect it to work every time.

A car battery is an essential piece of equipment in your car, and it is what starts the motor. If your battery is flat, your car will not start.

What are the signs that my battery needs replacing?

It goes without saying that your battery will need to be replaced if your starter no longer turns on the ignition. However, there are signs that it needs changing before going through the inconvenience of your car not starting.

When you start your car, it should ideally begin straight away. If your car does not start as quickly as it used to, it is probably a sign that your car needs a new battery.  It may appear to be lethargic and reluctant to start.

If you are aware of what you are looking for when you lift your bonnet, you can check to see if the battery case looks normal or if it is swollen. If swollen, it could mean the heat has caused it to expand, and this can shorten the life of your battery.

If you notice that your battery fluid level is low, your battery should be changed. Part of your battery’s casing should allow you to check the fluid level, but if you are not sure, bring it to Roseland Automotive where our Earlwood mechanic can check it for you. 

Your engine light is there to indicate if there is a problem. If you notice that your engine light is lit up on your dashboard, it is a clear sign that something is not right with your engine. It could mean that your battery power is low, or it could indicate another problem. A Bexley mechanic will happily check your car over for you.

Like any rechargeable battery, they do not last forever and to ensure your car is running at its optimum level, your battery should be changed when necessary. A battery should last you for about 3 years. After this time, we recommend getting it checked annually to ensure it is performing as it should.

Roseland’s Automotive Centre: for all your car’s needs

To have your battery checked to see that it is working correctly or to have your battery replaced, contact Roseland Automotive today and we will get your car sorted.

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.