by Aaron Hills | Aug 26, 2016 | News
Diesel Induction Service
The development of modern diesel engines provides motorists an engine that is more comparable to petrol engines with extended service life, lower emissions and greater on-demand performance. It isn’t surprising that we are seeing more diesel cars in Aussie workshops. Consequentially we are now seeing new performance issues, notably contamination of the air intake system. The common symptoms include loss of power, running rough, bad fuel economy and smoking exhausts. These issues can be resolved by performing a diesel induction service.
So where does the contamination come from? A couple of common causes are the EGR valve and crank ventilation system. The EGR valve recycles hot exhaust gas into the intake manifold, where it mixes with the engine crankcase vapours and hot intake air. This starts the carbon build up cycle.
When you add to this the less than ideal operating conditions, such as frequent short start – stop driving conditions, the contamination process is accelerated. By the time the driver has noticed the symptoms, the intake manifold has already become restricted, the butterfly’s are usually starting to stick and the EGR coolers are starting to block up.
There are a variety of chemical products designed to rectify these problems, but most are unsuccessful at making a significant impact. We have been waiting and have finally found the ideal solution. BG Products from the USA have developed an intake cleaning system specifically for diesel engines which can be carried out with routine maintenance. Through regular maintenance the carbon doesn’t have a chance to restrict the intake and cause the previously mentioned problems.
The BG diesel induction system cleaner will liquefy & remove the most stubborn oil deposits & unburned fuel contaminants formed by the EGR & PCV gasses as they pass through the air intake and intake valves. This contamination is simply burnt off during the normal combustion process leaving the engine functioning as it was meant to, at its peak efficiency.
To book your diesel induction service call us on 47323676
To see the induction servicing click on this link https://youtu.be/6KQEklLG_D0
Diesel Induction Service EGR valve before & after
by Aaron Hills | Aug 17, 2016 | News
Pink slip – What you need to know
Pink slip
Angus Car Service Kirsten Flavell © 2016
There has been a rise in the number of vehicles being detected as unregistered and motorists are confused about the registration process and their rights. Although universally know as a Pink slip it is officially called an E-safety check and is required on vehicles 5 years or older. To confirm whether your vehicle requires a safety check look at your rego papers, it will state under the billing number whether an inspection is required.
Areas checked include tyre quality and tread depth, working electrics such as headlights, blinkers, interior lights and dash lights, vehicle body condition. Along with engine/suspension/driveline assembly integrity, seatbelt condition, engine driveline oil leaks and operation plus a brake efficiency test.
You can now have your Pink slip inspection done up to 6 months in advance, you don’t have to wait until your registration has nearly expired.
The registration check is actually the cheapest part of your rego, being $39 for cars and $24 for bikes (this changes on the 1st of July). You are better off having your inspection done early as it will give you time to rectify any problems that may arise during your inspection. If an initial inspection identifies repairs required you will be issued with a white slip and have 14 days to have the repairs undertaken. The repaired car will then be checked at no additional charge at the same venue and a Pink slip issued.
If your car is unregistered during the registration process, you are allowed to drive the most direct route between your home and the garage where the repairs are being undertaken or the inspection centre.
You have until 4pm on the day your rego is due to renew it. You no longer need to attend the RMS to renew your rego it can be done online, just follow the instructions on your rego papers
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 47323 676, Angus Car Service is an Authorised Inspection Station, please ring and book your car in 1 day before you need your inspection done.
TIP: It’s always a good idea to use the online greenslip calculator before you renew your greenslip, we save money every year by checking if there’s a better deal.
by Aaron Hills | Jul 11, 2013 | News
Baby Seats, Safety Restraints
Baby Seats – Safety Restraints
Often called baby seats or child car seats, safety restraints are required by law for children from birth to 7 years old. For them to be effective they must be installed correctly.
The law states that
- Children younger than 6 months must be secured in a rearward facing safety restraint.
- Children aged between 6 months and 4 years must be secured in either a rear or forward facing safety restraint.
- Children aged between 4 and 7 years must be secured in a forward facing child safety restraint or booster seat.
- Children aged between 4 and 7 years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than 7 years in child safety restraints or booster seats.
Research shows that children properly secured in an approved safety restraint that has been correctly installed are significantly less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash. It also shows that 2 out of 3 children are not correctly restrained in some way, which may result in reduced crash protection. Children up to 7 years of age are at least 4 times more likely to sustain a head injury in a crash when using only a seat belt as compared with children in an appropriate child restraint.
Why should I use an Authorised Restraint fitting station?
The law does not state that you have to have your child’s restraint fitted by an Authorised fitting station, however you cannot put a price on the peace of mind you will gain, knowing that your child is protected with a correctly installed child restraint.
Fines and demerit points apply to drivers who fail to ensure all children are appropriately restrained in a vehicle.
All restraint fitters at Authorised Restraint fitting stations have undergone specialised training and are certified by the RTA. They can provide the following services:
- Correctly fit and install a child restraint
- Inspect and adjust your child restraint to ensure it is installed correctly
- Fit a child restraint that requires a vehicle modification
- Install additional anchorage points and other restraint devices
- Fitting of lap and lap sash seatbelts
- Provide you with a certificate stating that your safety restraint has been fitted at an Authorised fitting station
- The restraint fitter can demonstrate correct use so you can be confident in your knowledge in the future
Here at Angus Car Service we are an Authorised Fitting Station and our technician can expertly fit and provide advice about child restraints. Please call and make a booking to have your child restraint fitted on 47323 676.
FAQ’s
What should I look for when buying a child restraint?
Child restraints available in Australia must meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard 1754:2004 for Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles.
Child restraints from overseas cannot be used as they do not comply with Australian Standards
When can I move my child to the next type of restraint?
Every child is different, so use the following as a guide. Only move your child to the next level of protection when they no longer fit in their current restraint.
From rearward facing restraint to forward facing restraint:
- When your baby is aged between 6 or 12 months (depending on the type of restraint you use) and is able to hold their head up; or
- If your restraint has shoulder marks printed or sewn on the cover, move your baby to a forward facing restraint when his/her shoulders have passed the upper marks
From forward facing restraint to booster seat: your child should be moved when:
- Their shoulders no longer fit comfortably within the restraint; or
- Their eye level is higher than the back of the restraint; or
- The top insertion slots for the shoulder straps are below the level of the child’s shoulders; or
- If your restraint has shoulder marks, move your child to a booster seat when his/her shoulders have passed the upper marks.
From a booster seat to a seatbelt: your child should be moved when:
- Their shoulders no longer fit comfortably within the restraint; or
- Their eye-level is higher than the back of the booster seat; or
- If your restraint has shoulder marks, move your child to a seatbelt when his/her shoulders have passed the upper marks
Can my child sit in the front seat?
- Children younger than four years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats
- Children aged between four and seven years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in a child restraint or booster seat.
- However it is strongly recommended that children always sit in the rear seat as it is safer for children
Note: Front seats do not have child restraint anchorage points supplied, so child restraints and booster seats with tether straps cannot be used in these seating positions, unless yours have had the anchorage points retro-fitted.
If the car has one row of seats (for eg: single cab ute, sports car with a front anchorage point) a child of any age can sit in the front seat provided they are properly restrained. However, most car manufacturers recommend against the use of rearward facing restraints in front passenger seats. A child in a rearward facing restraint should never be placed in the front seat of a vehicle where there is an airbag.
What if I need to travel in a taxi with my child?
In NSW, taxi drivers are required to ensure:
- All passengers younger than 12 months are secured in a child restraint
- All passengers aged over 12 months and under 16 years must:
Occupy a seating position that is fitted with a suitable seatbelt and not share a seatbelt.
- Passengers under 4 years of age must not be in the front seat
- Passengers aged between 4 and 7 years of age may sit in the front seat only if all the rear seats are occupied by passengers under 7 years old.
In NSW one in ten taxi’s carry an approved safety restraint. If you require a child restraint you should ask for one when booking the taxi, or alternatively take one with you.
Some important points to remember
- Using a restraint correctly greatly increases a child’s safety during a crash
- Placing a child in a restraint that is designed for a larger/older child increases the risk of serious injury in a crash
- Ensure the restraint is installed correctly. See a restraint fitter if in any doubt.
- Always use the top tether strap where required
- Teach your child to always keep both arms within the harness system of the child seat or the seat belt of the booster seat
- When using a seat belt with a booster, ensure the seat belt is correctly fitted over the child’s shoulder
by Aaron Hills | May 3, 2013 | News
Let’s face it. Taking your car in for a service can be intimidating at the best of times.
Unless you’ve got a regular mechanic you can trust, you never know what to expect or how the visit is going to affect your hip pocket. We all know the scenario where a trip to the mechanic for a simple service or repair has turned into a series of problems, not to mention a financial nightmare.
To save money, people are increasingly turning to discount offers for car service and auto repairs, particularly through online or newspaper coupons. These coupons typically offer buyers massive savings and can be used for anything from brake repairs and oil changes to car washes.
However, it’s worth carefully reading the fine print before leaping into anything, especially as they’re usually released by auto repair businesses to recruit new customers.
It’s tough to know exactly how scrupulous any particular operator will be or the quality of the parts and oils that will be used. So before deciding to use a coupon, ask to see all the conditions, benefits or services in writing. This way, you can avoid hidden traps or additional expenses for any ‘extra’ services you might have unwittingly asked for, that may come at inflated prices.
Which bring us back to the importance of finding a reliable mechanic you can trust.
At Angus Car Service, we have long-term loyal clients who have been with us from way back. That’s because we treat our customers well and provide a quality service at affordable prices. It’s a win-win situation and everyone’s happy!
by Aaron Hills | Apr 30, 2013 | News
Important Facts You Should Know
You do not need to take your new car back to the Dealership for servicing. They do not have a monopoly on new car “Log Book” Servicing.
It is illegal for them to suggest that your rights to a warranty are void, simply because the vehicle is serviced by another qualified mechanic.
This comes up at our business regularly and no doubt you have seen these stories in the news, but that doesn’t stop the dealership from using dubious tactics to scare you into bringing you car back to them. You can find all the information at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission www.accc.gov.au
If you’re concerned about preserving your new car’s statutory warranty but also want your car serviced by a qualified technician, at very competitive rates, Angus Car Service is here to help you, our team are highly trained and fully versed in new car warranty
Our qualified mechanics fit only the best quality spare parts that are covered by Australia wide warranties.
Your safety and peace of mind are very important to us here at Angus Car Service.
