News

What to Do If Your Car Gets Recalled

Modern cars are built with mechanical and electrical systems – any part of which could fail. The Australian Government regulates the manufacture, importation and first supply to the market of road vehicles in order to ensure an acceptable level of safety. If a safety or non-compliance issue is found in a vehicle, manufacturers are responsible to fix these, and that means that they will recall the vehicle.
Obviously, recalls are expensive for the manufacturer of the vehicle, therefore it stands to reason that, should your vehicle be subject to a recall, the issue is real and could pose a threat to your safety. Regardless of the irritation that an owner of a vehicles subject to a recall might feel, it is therefore very important to follow the request of the manufacturer with regards to the recall – from a safety perspective as well as in order to keep your warranty valid.
The number of recalls issued by manufacturers of motor vehicles is rising, probably in line with the complexity of modern engines and electrical systems. Not all recalls are for major fixes – vehicles are recalled for smaller-scale fixes all the time. Smaller issues are sometimes addressed when you take your vehicle in for a service.
At the other end of the scale, it has happened that the manufacturer has issued a “do not drive” instruction – such as was issued with Porsche for its 911 GT3 model that started catching fire. Don’t take chances – follow the instructions in the recall notification and get the issue sorted out a quickly as possible.
You will not have to carry the cost of fixing any issue subject to a vehicle recall. As mentioned above, the vast majority of recalls are for minor technical issues that may involve a small part and about 30 minutes to repair.
The manufacturer will normally contact you by mail to advise of a recall. If you are not the first owner of the vehicle, or you do not receive the mail for some reason, you can go to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website and look up your vehicle.

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Top Tips for Buying a Car
Looking to buy a car but not sure where to start? These are some top tips that can help you get the best deal!

First of all, it pays to understand your needs and your budget. Make a list of the types of trips and the use that you will need from your vehicle – this will guide you in selecting a suitable model of vehicle based on your specific requirements. Then, armed with a view of which makes and models of vehicle you are interested in, research the market to see what is available and at what price, and compare this with your budget to enable you to make a good buying decision.

In need of finance? Get that sorted as soon as possible so you know your budget going in.

It is preferable to use a licenced dealer who will be regulated and provide you with legal protection in the event of a problem, as well as offering you a cooling off period and Statutory Warranty on used vehicles. You will not have the benefit of this type of protection if you use an unlicensed dealer or a private seller – here the onus will be on you to protect your interests.
If you are buying from a private seller, do remember to check that there is no balance outstanding on any finance on the vehicle, and also that it is not stolen or written off. Be sure to use a car broker, such as Carbiz, to ensure that you don’t have to deal with this extra hassle!

When buying a vehicle, take particular note of the safety features, and buy a vehicle with the highest ANCAP or used car safety rating.

If you are buying a used vehicle, make sure that you get the vehicle inspected by an independent qualified mechanic. Include wording in the contract that provides for the sale to be revoked should the inspection be unsatisfactory. Don’t ever sign an incomplete contract – read it through and make sure that you understand the contract before you sign. You have the right to insist on the wording of the contract being changed to suit your requirements – if the dealer will not comply then you should consider carefully whether you should in fact go ahead with the purchase.

Remember that any verbal undertaking will be difficult to enforce – make sure that you get any guarantee or warranty offered, in writing.

Finally – make sure that you have insured the vehicle before you drive off. Although Compulsory Third Party (CTP) may be arranged, this will not cover damage to your vehicle – so consider whether you should in fact have Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance or Third Party Property insurance as well.
Contact us on 1300889256 today to find out how easy it is to buy your dream car!

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The cost of owning a car

Buying a car could be one of the most expensive purchases that you will make – having said that you should understand all of the financial implications before you buy.

Obviously, there are the initial costs of buying a car, such as

  • Car registration
  • Compulsory Third Party Insurance
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Mechanical or other inspections
  • Dealer delivery charges – Dealer delivery is a charge set by the dealer. It covers expenses that the dealer will incur in selling the car – such as cleaning the car, compliance, administrative costs and the cost of holding the vehicle prior to the sale.
  • Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10 per cent on most goods sold in Australia. If you are buying a luxury vehicle, be aware of the Luxury Car Tax, which is 33 per cent on the GST-inclusive value of the car over the relevant threshold.
  • Government taxes and levies which include stamp duty and transfer fees. Stamp duty will vary depending on which state you are in
  • Any vehicle that is sold as an unregistered vehicle will incur the cost of number plates.

In addition to the initial costs, you need to consider the cost of running your vehicle. Australian households are now spending up to $22,000 every year on their vehicles as toll-ways, insurance and other costs continue to rise. Have you considered the everyday running costs? These will include:

  • Fuel, which makes up a significant portion of the running costs
  • Road tolls
  • Insurance which will be compulsory third party as well as comprehensive insurance which you may decide to purchase to cover you for any damage to your own vehicle
  • Loan repayments, if you have not purchased your vehicle with cash
  • Regular services at the correct servicing interval as stipulated by the manufacturer. If you have purchased a new vehicle or a relatively new used vehicle the cost of servicing may be covered by a service warranty for a period of time.
  • Spare parts and repairs, which will include tyres, shock absorbers, brake pads etc that need replacement on a regular basis, as well as any part that may fail unexpectedly and need replacement.
  • Membership of associations and clubs
  • Roadside assistance
  • Registration costs which need to be renewed annually

 

Carbiz Online is a full circle motor vehicle dealership. We can help you source ANY car you want at the best possible price, finance, trade-in, insurance, warranty and so much more. For more on costs of owning a car, Contact us on 1300889256 today!

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New or used car?

Buying a car is a major purchase for most people. Should you buy a new, or a used car?

A new car will come with a warranty and service plan – and there will be no existing problems that may surprise you. If something does go wrong – your warranty will cover repair/replacement of the faulty part. The downside of a new car purchase is depreciation of the value of the vehicle. The value of your car reduces the moment that you drive it out of the showroom. The average new car in Australia loses 15% per year in the first 3 years – that’s a whopping 40% in the first 3 years. Thereafter, the rate of depreciation slows to around 10% per annum – assuming that you don’t drive more than 15000 km per year. Think about it this way – if you spend $100 000 of a new car, in 3 years it will be worth only $ 60 000.

A used car will be a lot cheaper than the price of a new model, and if the car is more than a year old, the biggest hit from depreciation will already have been made. Mileage is a big issue when it comes to depreciation of a vehicle – low-mileage vehicles will tend to look and feel better, and be more reliable. If you want to minimise the loss of value of your vehicle due to depreciation, buy a car that is more than a year old and one that has a low mileage relative to the age of the vehicle.

There may be existing problems with the vehicle – but if you do your due diligence thoroughly, checking out the service history and getting the vehicle checked by a mechanic – you can do a lot to mitigate this risk. You can also look for a brand that has a long, comprehensive warranty, and select a used car that is still within the warranty period.

Buying a used car at auction may be more risky as you may not be able to test drive the vehicle, or get it inspected before you buy.

One option to look for when buying a used car, is to buy a car that is being sold off a novated lease. A novated lease is an option whereby a brand new car is run and maintained by its purchaser, and then sold privately at the end of a three-year ownership period. Novated lease cars are usually maintained and serviced as part of their contracts, and when the lease period ends the new owner should have the option to extend the factory warranty – providing some of the peace of mind associated with purchasing a new car.

Contact Carbiz today to secure your new car. Let us take the hassle out of buying or selling your car – Carbiz, a better way to buy and sell your car.

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Driving your 4WD on dirt, gravel and sand

Driving a 4 wheel drive car is a skill, and having the knowledge to proper driving is essential to keeping you and your family safe. Here are some great tips for you when driving your 4WD on dirt, gravel and sand.

When travelling on an unsealed road, visibility is impaired by the dust that your tyres kick up. You should therefore travel at slower speeds than you do on a tarred road, in order that you have enough time to react safely, and brake if necessary while still maintaining traction with the surface of the road.

If there are oncoming vehicles and if you can see up ahead, travel on the crown of the road where there will be less loose sand and gravel. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, or one behind you that wants to overtake, move slowly to the left to avoid a sudden loss of control should you hit loose stones or gravel.

If you are travelling in a convoy, keep a suitable gap between you and the car in front – anything from 100 metres to 500 metres. This will help you to stay out of the dust cloud from the car in front – providing better visibility and also ensuring that your air intake filters don’t get blocked.

Grip is very important when driving on unsealed roads – don’t switch off your Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Drop your tyre pressure a little if the road is very corrugated, as this will increase grip and also give you a more comfortable ride.

When driving on sand, consider your momentum and keep in mind your tyre pressures. Lowering your tyre pressure will increase the length of the tread, and keeping up enough momentum to keep the vehicle on top of the sand, will help you to floating across the sand rather than churning through it. Don’t forget to watch your turning circles after dropping your tyre pressure – if you take too tight a turn you could have the tyre peel off the rim. Always drive up and down a sand dune in a straight line – if you try to drive diagonally across a dune you may roll your vehicle.

The golden rule is – don’t deflate your tyres if you don’t have the means to re-inflate them. On unsealed roads, slow down and look ahead.

Fancy yourself as a 4WD car owner? Contact Carbiz today to find your perfect match – a better way to buy and sell your car.

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Summer is around the corner, is your car ready?

Summer is almost here and as we all bask in the warmer weather, and look forward to holidays, beach weather and fun in the sun – have you considered your car? Depending on where in Australia you live, the summer heat can be scorching. Prepare your car for summer with some preventative maintenance, to avoid breaking down and getting stuck on the side of a very hot road.

 

Do a general all-over check for any maintenance items that may have slipped in the winter. Check your tyres, lights, oil, coolant and transmission fluid. If your last service was a while ago, consider booking your car in for a thorough maintenance check if your next service is not yet due.

 

Give your car a clean – to remove any trace of grime that may be lingering as a result of rain, mud and so on. A DIY wash, vacuum and polish will ensure that your car feels good to drive – or if you prefer, book your car in for a car cleaning service.

 

Check your wiper blades, and change them if they are worn. Check your wiper fluid levels and fill the reservoir. You can buy wiper fluid which does a better job than plain water, at your nearest auto parts store.

 

Heat related car problems are seen mainly in the car’s cooling and electrical systems. Inspect the hoses and drive belts in your car and look for cracks, wear and tear. Check the level of coolant (when the engine is cold), and have a look at the external surface of the radiator core, checking for insects and other blockages, and clean them out by hosing down. Do not brush the core as this could damage the cooling fins.

 

If your car does overheat while driving – stop immediately as driving on could damage the engine. Pull over immediately if you see steam or smoke coming from the engine. Check your instruments  – regularly, and be alert for any unusual high or low reading.

 

At the start of summer, make sure that your car’s air-conditioning is working efficiently. Run it for several minutes to check that it is blowing cold and that all vets are working. If you are in any doubt, rather have it checked by a qualified professional. Remember that effective air-conditioning will reduce driver fatigue by keeping the interior of the car cool in the heat of summer.

 

Check your owner’s manual and if your car is due for a service, book it in.

 

Happy summer motoring!

 

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Variable valve timing

According to Wikipedia, variable valve timing (VVT) is “the process of altering the timing of a valve lift event, and is used to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions”.

 

A combustion engine takes in air to the cylinder chamber and gives off exhaust gases by means of valves which open and close the intake and exhaust passages. Variable valve timing changes the manner in which the intake and exhaust valves work at different engine speeds – helping to improve the engine’s performance and fuel economy and emissions by enabling the optimisation of engine performance under different loads and operations. As an example, a low engine speed valve timing can be advanced to help throttle response and engine torque, whilst under load. Valve timing can be retarded in order to reduce exhaust emissions and increase power at higher RPM, where valve opening times are greater.

 

Although VVT was first patented by Fiat in the late 1960’s, the first production vehicle to be made available to the market with a VVT system was the Alfa Romeo Spider 2000, released in 1980. Since then, many motor manufacturers have adopted the technology, with implementation variations and different names – for example Toyota has VVT-I or Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence and Honda has VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control – but they are all based on the same underlying technology.

 

Engines without VVT have a non-adjustable camshaft, with fixed valve movement duration and timing.

 

A rotating camshaft sits above the valves and controls the opening and closing of the valves. The technology controls the timing or points in the piston’s movement at which the valves open and close, how long the valves stay open and the size of the opening. Sensors measuring airflow and camshaft position feed information to the engine control unit (ECU), which controls the valve movement.

 

Using the camshaft to control the opening and closing of the valves does limit the variability of the valve. Better engine performance would be possible if we were able to directly control each valve – and this is where the future lies for this technology.

 

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Love That New Car Smell? Here’s How to Keep It Longer

You have just taken delivery of your brand new car – there is absolutely nothing like the feeling of driving off in your shiny, smart, great smelling new car! The trick is to keep it looking and smelling good for longer – so that you can enjoy your ride and also protect your investment, as it’s no secret that buyers will pay more for a good-looking car.

So – how to do this?

Before you take delivery of your car – consider some of the protective accessories that are offered, such as bonnet protectors, headlight protectors, mudflaps and so on. Inside the car, a cargo area protector and carpet mats are useful to have.
Some dealers offer a paint protection product for your new car – at an extra cost. Do your research on what products are available and the costs. A good quality paint protection product can be useful if you don’t plan to clean your car regularly.
Be aware of where you park your car, at night as well as during the day. If you have a garage – use it. If not, and when you are not at home, avoid parking under trees that will drip sap and provide a handy perch for birds that produce droppings – both of which can damage your paintwork. If you can park your car under cover (not trees) during the day, do so as this will protect the car’s exterior and interior from sun damage. If you have no choice, and return to your car to find some deposits – clean these off as soon as you can in order to prevent permanent  damage to the paintwork.
Wash your car on a regular basis to keep it looking good – the more often that you wash it, the easier it will be to clean. Wash the car with a mild detergent and rinse well. Dry it using a good quality chamois. Polish your car every month or so– this will protect the paint. A hand wash for your car is much, much better than a car wash where they use brushes or anything that comes into contact with the surface of the car. Commercial car washes can also use harsh detergents which may damage the paintwork over time.
If you use seatcovers, get good quality ones that won’t wear the underlying seat.
Finally – get the small things fixed as soon as you notice them. Many touch up services will fix minor dents and scratches, and if you happen to damage an allow wheel rim by coming too close to the kerb, this can also be fixed easily.

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