9 December 2017

Top tips for looking after your car

It’s one thing to buy a car – new or used – but the responsibility doesn’t stop there. How do you keep your newly acquired vehicle in tip top running order? Here are a few pointers for you, to help you keep your car running well for as long as possible.

You are probably not a mechanic – and there are certain vehicle maintenance tasks that are best left to a qualified mechanic. However, there are some common sense things that you can do to increase the serviceable lifetime of your car, and help you to save money on those sometimes expensive repairs.

First of all – ensure that you have an owners manual for your vehicle. If you have bought a used vehicle, and the manual is missing, ask your local dealer or download it in pdf format from a reputable website. Secondly – when in doubt, read the manual. You will find all sorts of useful information here, from recommended tyre pressures for various loads, to details on fuel and oil and so on.

Always make sure that you equip your car with the best tyres that you can afford, and then make sure that you maintain them on a regular basis by checking the tyre pressure (when the tyres are cold), ensuring that your tyres are rotated and balanced every 10000 km and that the tyre tread is above the minimum specified by law (1.5mm). Don’t forget about your spare tyre!

Although your oil and fluid levels will be checked at each regular service, it’s a good idea to do this yourself, at regular intervals between services. The brake and radiator reservoirs are the clearish plastic containers under the bonnet – and they have a line indicating the optimal fluid level. The oil level can be checked using the dipstick (check your owner’s manual). The dipstick is a long rod with a coloured handle at the end, that you can pull out all the way from the bottom of the engine block.

Another item that you should check on regularly, is your battery. You can check these levels by unscrewing the caps on top of the battery and making sure the water level inside is just touching the ends of the caps. If you need to top it up, use only demineralised water, and remove the two power cables (black first) before you do so, taking care not to overfill the battery and spill acidy water everywhere.

If you are not keen on any of these tasks – look for a service station where they can assist you. It will really help to keep your car on the road for longer and also reduce any cost of an expensive repair that possibly could have been avoided.

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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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