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Car Maintenance

What to Do if Your Car Overheats

Car overheating is a common issue that can occur unexpectedly, often leaving drivers in a state of panic. Understanding the causes and knowing how to respond to an overheating engine is crucial for preventing serious damage.

Today we’re going to explore the steps to take if your car starts overheating.

Immediate Response

When it comes to an overheating engine, quick and careful action is of the utmost importance.

  1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice your car’s temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, or if you observe steam rising from the engine, you must pull over to a safe location. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.
  2. Turn Off the Engine: Once safely parked, turn off the engine immediately. This step is crucial to halt the production of additional heat and allow the engine to cool down.

Understanding the Causes

Car overheating can result from various issues, ranging from low coolant levels, to a malfunctioning thermostat, or even a faulty radiator. Understanding these potential causes can help you make informed decisions when addressing the problem.

  1. Wait for the Engine to Cool: Opening the bonnet too quickly can be dangerous, as hot steam may escape, potentially causing burns. Wait patiently for the engine to cool down before attempting to open the bonnet.
  2. Check Coolant Levels: After the engine has cooled, cautiously open the bonnet and check the coolant levels. The coolant reservoir, usually translucent, will have markings indicating the minimum and maximum levels. If the level is low, adding coolant may help address the issue. Again, it is very important that you only do this when the car has cooled down, otherwise it is very dangerous.

Common Problems

  1. Inspect for Leaks: Look for any signs of coolant leaks around the engine or beneath the vehicle. If a leak is detected, it may need immediate attention to prevent further overheating.
  2. Examine the Radiator Cap: As mentioned earlier, you may need to add coolant if you are running low. Carefully check the radiator cap. If it’s cool to the touch, you can open it and inspect the coolant level. Add coolant if necessary. Be cautious, as opening a hot radiator cap can release pressurised steam.
  3. Check for Obstructions: Examine the radiator and cooling system for any obstructions, such as leaves or debris, which may hinder proper airflow. Clearing these obstructions can aid the cooling process.

Troubleshooting

  1. Start the Engine with Caution: If you’ve addressed any identified issues, start the engine with caution and monitor the temperature gauge. If the temperature begins to rise again, turn off the engine and seek professional assistance.
  2. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unable to identify or resolve the problem, or if the overheating persists, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Calling for roadside assistance or having the vehicle towed to a mechanic is a prudent course of action.

Car overheating is a major concern that demands prompt attention and careful handling. If you ignore the issue, you could significantly damage the car, or worse, greatly endanger yourself or other road users.

By following the above steps and understanding the potential causes of an overheating engine, drivers can prevent a bad situation turning even worse. Regular maintenance and awareness of your vehicle’s condition can further reduce the likelihood of encountering such issues on the road.

How to Maintain a Car That You Rarely Drive

Whether it’s a vintage beauty, a spare vehicle, or a weekend joyride, cars that see infrequent use demand special attention to keep them in optimal condition. Neglect can lead to various issues, from battery problems to mechanical malfunctions. To ensure your prized joy remains reliable and ready when needed, here are some essential maintenance tips.

Regular Start-Ups and Short Drives

Even if you don’t use your car daily, make it a habit to start the engine and take it for a short drive at least once a fortnight. This helps maintain the functionality of various components, prevents the battery from draining, and lubricates essential parts of the engine. Short drives also help prevent flat spots on the tyres, ensuring they remain in good condition.

Battery Maintenance

Car batteries are prone to discharge when left unused for extended periods. To prevent a dead battery, consider investing in a battery maintainer. These devices provide a low, steady charge to keep the battery at an optimal level without overcharging. Additionally, disconnecting the negative terminal when the car is not in use can prevent parasitic drain and extend the battery’s life.

Fluid Checks and Changes

Fluids play a crucial role in the proper functioning of a vehicle. Regularly check the oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels. Even if the mileage is low, fluids can degrade over time. Consider changing them based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, which often include both mileage and time intervals.

Tyre Care

Tyres are susceptible to flat spots and can lose pressure over time. Keep your tyres properly inflated and rotate them regularly, even if you don’t drive often. This prevents uneven wear and ensures the tyres maintain their integrity. If your car will be stationary for an extended period, consider using tyre chocks or parking on a set of jacks to minimise pressure on the tyres.

Adequate Storage

Where and how you store your rarely-driven car can significantly impact its condition. If possible, keep it in a garage or under a car cover to protect it from the elements. Exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations can lead to paint damage, interior deterioration, and other issues. Storing your car in a climate-controlled environment helps preserve its overall condition.

Fuel Tank and Stabiliser

When parking your car for an extended period, fill the tank to prevent moisture from accumulating inside. Moisture can lead to rust in the fuel system. Adding a fuel stabiliser to the tank before storage helps prevent fuel degradation and keeps the engine components in good condition.

Maintaining a rarely-driven car requires proactive care and attention to detail. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in top-notch condition, ready to hit the road whenever you decide to take it for a spin. Regular checks, occasional short drives, and proper storage are key to preserving the longevity and performance of your cherished ride.

Understanding Car Depreciation: How to Maintain the Value of Your Car

Buying a new car is an exciting time. It’s fun to wander up and down a dealership looking at all the new cars to find the perfect one. 

Of course, when buying a new car, there are several cost factors to consider, such as:  

  • on-road costs 
  • fuel economy, as well as  
  • servicing and insurance costs for the vehicle. 

What many people don’t consider, however, is the cost of car depreciation.

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into what car depreciation is, why it happens, how to calculate car depreciation and the steps you can take to help maintain the value of your car over time. 

If you’re thinking of buying a new car soon, this article will help you to make a more informed buying decision. 

What is car depreciation? 

Car depreciation refers to the amount of value that your car loses over time. 

Of course, while some cars can hold onto most of their value over their lifetime, others lose a significant amount in the first year alone. 

For this reason, it’s important to understand the different factors that affect the rate at which a car depreciates. 

Why do cars depreciate in value over time? 

Here are some of the most common reasons why cars depreciate in value over time: 

Age 

Most things, unless they’re collectibles, tend to become less valuable as they get older. 

Condition 

Every car naturally suffers some form of wear and tear the older it gets and the more it gets used. 

Mileage 

The more you drive your car, the more likely it will need repairs – hence it depreciates in value. 

As well as these, the mere fact that car manufacturers are always coming out with new cars every year means that, even if you buy a top-of-the-line model, it won’t stay top-of-the-line for long. 

How much do cars depreciate in value over time? 

As mentioned, each car depreciates at a different rate, but there are rough guides you can follow to help you understand the average rate of car depreciation and how to calculate car depreciation. 

Generally, a new car will lose around 20% of its value in the first year of ownership. This includes the 10-15% it loses the moment it’s driven out of the dealership (yes, that’s a true fact!). 

Over a five-year period, the average car loses around 40% of its original value. 

Why do some cars depreciate more than others? 

There are a few key reasons why some cars depreciate more or quicker than other cars do: 

Make and Model 

Popular cars, such as small SUVs and family cars driven by the masses, tend to hold onto their value longer than, say, luxury cars which are much more costly to run and maintain. 

Factors such as colour and fuel efficiency also play a role in car depreciation and resale value as well. 

Level of Demand 

Some cars are just in much higher demand than others on the market. 

If most people want an economic mid-sized SUV and they’re hard to come by right now, your SUV is going to be much easier to sell than a high-end two-seater car that chews through fuel. 

Brand Reputation 

A high-quality and popular branded car that doesn’t cost a lot to keep it running is going to hold its value far longer than a car built by a manufacturer you’ve never heard of with parts that are almost impossible to get replaced in Australia. 

Now, we’re going to give you a few tips to help minimise your car’s depreciation as much as possible. 

What are the best ways to maintain the value of your car? 

There are several things you can do over the life of your car to help it maintain its value: 

Do Your Research 

First and foremost, when looking to buy a new car, spend some time researching the cars that hold their value better than others. 

Look for cars that will still be in high demand as used cars, and remember factors such as colour and style when considering resale value too. 

Keep Your Mileage Low 

You want to enjoy your new car and use it as much as you need, but if you’re looking to sell it in a few years, try to keep those long drives on the open road to a minimum. 

A 5-year-old car with only 60,000km on the odometer is going to sell for more than a similar car that’s already ticked over 100,000km. 

Take Great Care of Your Car 

This one is a no-brainer. Get your car serviced regularly, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep it clean, inside and out. If there’s any damage, like small dents or paint chips, get it taken care of immediately. 

Hopefully, by now you have a better understanding of how car depreciation works, and you can use what you’ve learned to help you make better decisions when buying and maintaining your new car. 

Of course, if you’re looking for help when buying your new car, Private Fleet can help. 

Find the right vehicle at the right price with Private Fleet 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying your next vehicle will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Shopping for a car is an enjoyable process – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and simple car-buying experience. 

6 Tips To Prepare Your Car For The Aussie Summer

It’s summertime! 

And in Australia that doesn’t just mean the weather gets warmer. 

  • It means family road trips to the beach.  
  • It means the aircon is slowly clearing out the dust.  
  • It means you need to take that extra minute or two before you can hold the steering wheel after spending all day under the Aussie sun! 

Summertime also brings on the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, holiday arrangements, and many other obligations, but despite the chaos, there’s one thing you can’t forget – you need to take the time to prepare your car for summer. 

Doing so is crucial for your safety and your comfort during the warmer months. 

With so much already on your mind, we’ve decided to make things a little easier and provide 6 actionable tips to help you prepare your car for summer. 

So buckle up! (But be careful, the seatbelts are hot)  

1. Engine Coolant Top Up

A well-functioning cooling system is crucial for preventing your engine from overheating in the scorching summer temperatures.  

So, one of the first steps to prepare your car for summer is to ensure that the cooling system is ready to handle the heat – the last thing you need is to break down during the Christmas traffic. 

To do this, simply check your car’s coolant levels are between the minimum and maximum ranges and top it up with a high-quality coolant if you are running low. For a more comprehensive guide to car engine coolant, take a look here. 

2. Make Sure Your Car’s Aircon is Working

As Australian temperatures hit the high 30s or even the early 40s, your car’s air conditioning becomes a lifeline.  

Before the summer heat hits its peak, it’s best to test your car’s air conditioning system and ensure that it’s in good working order.  

If you notice any issues, such as: 

  • weak airflow 
  • leaking fluids 
  • strange odour 
  • unusual noises 
  • delayed cooling, 

or anything else of concern, it might be time to seek a professional car inspection or professional air-conditioning maintenance.  

Although this may come at a cost and you might think that you can put up with poor air conditioning, these problems usually only get worse and remember, a fully functional air conditioning system not only keeps you comfortable but also enhances driver concentration and so the safety of you and your passengers. 

3. Consider Fresh Air Filters in Your Vehicle

Maintaining clean air in your car is essential for promoting respiratory health, enhancing driving comfort, and preventing microbial growth in your car’s interior – and your car’s air filter plays a crucial role in doing just that. 

With the windows wound up and the air conditioner pumping during the Australian summer, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your vehicle’s air filter is functioning properly.  

Also, the end of Spring and entry into Summer means there are large amounts of dust and pollen in the air, and it’s important that these are filtered out. 

To ensure the quality of the air you breathe while driving simply seek a professional who can check and replace the cabin air filter if necessary. 

4. Test Your Vehicle’s Brakes

Australian roads are packed during the holiday season and traffic is at an all-year high. This means safe driving should be a top priority for anyone taking to the roads this December and January. 

So, before embarking on any summer road trips it’s vital to inspect your car’s breaks.  

Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, an ear out for unwanted squeaking or grinding noises, and address any issues as quickly as possible.  

When it comes to road safety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. 

5. Protect Your Car’s Paint

The intense summer heat can impact much of your car’s functionality, but it can also take a significant toll on your car’s exterior.  

To prevent this, it’s best to protect the vehicle paintwork by regularly washing and waxing your vehicle during the summer months. 

Washing removes dirt and debris that build up and can damage the paint, while waxing provides a protective layer against the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s best to pay particular attention to exposed areas like the roof, bonnet and the tops of your side mirrors, and consider parking in shaded areas whenever possible. 

6. Check Your Car’s Oil

Summer temperatures can put additional strain on your vehicle engine so it must function as seamlessly as possible – a good place to start is to check your vehicle has the right level and type of oil.  

While you should always check your oil levels regularly and top up, if necessary, summer is a great reminder to do so. Just think, while you’re checking your air filter, engine coolant, air con and brakes, you may as well take the time to change your oil as well. 

In this way, a pre-summer check-up is a great way to keep your car maintenance efforts consistent and efficient. 

Find a vehicle that can withstand the summer heat with Private Fleet. 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase but as a private buyer.  

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying your next vehicle will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Shopping for a car is an enjoyable process – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and simple car-buying experience.