10 October 2017

Ever wondered if fuel saving tricks really made a difference?

In town, drive smoothly avoiding repeated accelerating then braking . Don’t stay in too low a gear – change up as soon as practical. If you drive an automatic, ease up on the accelerator as soon as you reach your required speed. Try not to drive in peak hour traffic.

 

Fact: Constant stopping and starting will use fuel faster – therefore repeated bursts of acceleration and driving in heavy traffic will use more fuel than otherwise.

 

On the freeway, reduce speed and use cruise control if you have this. Use your air conditioner sparingly, and keep your windows closed.

 

Fact: Yes, the faster you travel the more fuel you will use. A far as the airconditioner is concerned – unless you have it on full blast for extended periods of time, this won’t make such a significant difference.

 

Check your tyre pressure weekly, when the tyres are cold. Setting your tyre pressure slightly higher than stated in the vehicle handbook will help with fuel economy and safer handling.

 

Fact: Under Inflated tyres create more drag, making the engine work harder and increasing the amount of fuel used.

 

You should ensure that your car is serviced regularly to help to save on fuel consumption. Keeping your car correctly tuned, filters in good condition, fuel and ignition systems in good working order and regularly changing the engine oil will all help to avoid excess fuel usage.

 

The quality of the petrol that you use will impact the distance that you will travel on a tank. If you use a cheaper grade fuel than recommended by the manufacturer, you will probably end up having to fill up sooner and the car will run less efficiently than designed. Remember that ethanol burns more quickly than petrol, so blended fuels like E10 will provide less overall range.

 

Fact: Keeping your car serviced regularly, with fresh oil and spark plugs when necessary and using the recommended fuel will ensure that your car is not only safe to drive but will save you money in the long run.

 

If you are able to do so, reduce the amount of load in your car. Things like golf clubs, toolboxes and the like all add unnecessary weight which will increase fuel consumption. External attachments such as roof racks increase wind resistance and therefore fuel use – remove them when not in use.

 

Fact: Removing excess weight in your car can mean less fuel consumption, depending on the extent of the excess weight.  

 

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

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What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

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