6 August 2017

Myths about tyres

We all know that selecting and maintaining the tyres on your vehicle is important, right? However, there are a number of misconceptions that vehicle owners may have, that may impact on the potential safety of you and your passengers. Here is an overview of some of them:

Myth #1: It is more important to replace your front tyres than your rear tyres

While it is important to have front tyres in good condition to assist with steering in a front wheel drive vehicle, it is also true that rear tyres provide most of the stability for your vehicle – for example, in braking or steering in wet conditions, rear tyres provide balance and stop your vehicle from spinning. If you only replace the front tyres, water will bounce off them onto the rear tyres, putting even more pressure on them.

Myth #2 Spare tyres or unused tyres don’t have to be replaced as long as there is enough tread left on them

Not so – each brand/manufacturer has different criteria for replacing tyres – some suggest replacing every 5 years regardless of the tread depth. If your vehicle has been idle for some time (years) – you should replace the tyres rather than just refilling them.

Myth #3: You don’t need to rotate your tyres

Tyres wear differently depending on the vehicle and location. Rotating your tyres will ensure that your tyres wear evenly – lasting longer.

Myth #4: Don’t buy used tyres

If you want to save a few dollars, and are looking for a replacement tyre for local daily driving or to replace a spare – you can consider used tyres. Know what you are looking for – check carefully for the year of manufacture (see myth #2) as well as any visible cuts or grazes that could impact the safety of the tyres. If you are not sure – buy new.

Myth #5 : If you over inflate your tyres they could burst

If you over inflate your tyres slightly the tyre should be fine – good quality tyres are manufactured to withstand partial increases past the recommended pressure – but you need to be aware of the fact that if you over inflate your tyres and you hit a pothole or bump in the road at speed, the tyre will have a bigger chance of a blowout.

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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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