Tag: Car

Categories
Automotive

10 signs your car needs a service

Your car is your road to freedom, so when your vehicle starts making funny noises, unfamiliar lights appear on the dashboard, brakes are becoming less responsive or smoke is appearing from underneath the bonnet, it is a sure sign that your car needs to be serviced. To avoid a surprise breakdown and expensive repairs we have identified the top ten warning signs that your car needs to be serviced by a qualified mechanic.

1. Engine warning light

The appearance of warning lights on your car’s dashboard should not be ignored. Car warning lights are programmed to light up when there is an issue with the area of the vehicle that they are monitoring. There are many different warning lights that will indicate a number of different problems, from battery issues, security alert, lamp out, oil pressure warning, reduced power warning and more. However, the one warning light that you must never ignore is the Engine Light. Should the Engine Light be showing it is important to take your car to a garage to be serviced immediately. Failure to do so may result in breakdowns and expensive repairs.

If you see or hear a warning sign, it’s important to have you vehicle checked for roadworthiness / Source: Premium Mechanical Services

2. Funny noises

Unusual noises, such as squeals and squeaks coming from your car can be an indication of problems with the fan belt, braking system or power steering fluid. The main noises to listen out for and what issues they indicate are:

  • Highly pitched squeals: heard when the ignition is turned on is indicative that the fan belt is either worn or loose
  • Squealing as brakes are applied: can be a sign that you need new brake pads or that dirt or bits of rock have ended up in the braking system
  • Squealing while driving: A squealing noise apparent whilst driving is a sign that your car tires may need to re-balanced, or that you need to replace your power steering fluid

3. Emissions of Smoke

Unusual emissions of smoke either from the exhaust or from under the bonnet of the car must be checked out. Black smoke from the exhaust can be signs of an oil leak, blockages and build-up of carbon in the system. Smoke from under the bonnet can be a sign that the car radiator isn’t working properly.

Strange vibrations are often a sign of problems such as worn or unbalanced tires, worn brake discs or pads, suspension issues or a problem with the steering system. It is strongly advised not to guess the root of the problem yourself and to instruct the services of a professional auto-mechanic as soon as you can.

4. Strange vibrations

5. Unresponsive brakes

The brakes on your vehicle go through a great deal of wear and tear, it is therefore extremely important to recognise any changes in the sensitivity and responsiveness of your brakes. If you notice any changes take your car to a garage to ensure your safety.

6. Stalling

Sudden stalling, even if you’re in the right gear, can indicate a fault with your engine. The stalling can be caused by clogged fuel filters or faulty spark plugs. Find a garage as a matter of urgency if you are experiencing these issues.

Your car should be checked by a professional if you see a warning sign / Source: All States Australia Mobile Mechanics and Auto Electricians Pty Ltd

7. Ignition issues

If you find it takes numerous attempts to get your car engine going, or your car coughs and splutters as you try to drive off this is likely to be a sign of faulty ignition. Ignition faults can be caused by a number of problems including a faulty starter motor or a dying battery.

8. Grinding gears

Grinding gears are often a simple indication of wear and tear, and will need to be fixed. Your chosen mechanic may replace parts of the gearbox, along with replenishing transmission fluids. The good news about gearbox issues is that they can be identified and fixed early, saving the driver costly repairs in the future.

Contact local mechanics

9. Decrease in power

A decrease in the power of your car, such as your vehicle struggling to reach its full speed potential, sudden surges of power or a full tank of petrol doesn’t take you as far as it used to, indicate that you should get your car checked over. Things such as incorrect tyre pressure can also cause a decrease in power but can be avoided if you have a high-quality tyre pressure gauge.

10. Steering

If you’re experiencing issues with your vehicle pulling to one side, even when you are in a neutral position, this is an indicator that something is wrong with your car steering.  This is often caused as a result of a broken steering rack mounts or worn ball joints. If you finding that your steering wheel is very stiff this can also be a sign that you don’t have the right amount of air in your car tyres, or that you need to adjust the amount of power steering fluid.

Categories
Finance

Car allowance tax guide

Saving money at tax time is something that everyone wants to do. If you have work-related car expenses, then you might be able to deduct work-related car expenses under certain circumstances. Let’s explore when and how you can deduct your vehicle expenses at tax time.

Here are a few examples of times when you might be able to deduct your car expense when using it for business.

  • Hauling tools and equipment used for your job.
  • Pick-up and delivery of items for your employer.
  • Travelling between two different places of employment.
  • Your work begins at home and involves various sites.
  • Travel for meetings, conferences, and other work-related events.
  • Travel to your workplace, but only under certain circumstances.

How do I track & claim my car-related expenses?

The Australian government allows two different methods for claiming the car allowance tax deduction. When claiming car expenses, you can use either method. Here is a break down of how they work.

Cents per kilometre method

Using this method, you can deduct a set rate for each kilometre that you travel for business-related activities. If you use this method, you must demonstrate that you used the kilometres claimed for work. A simple logbook that includes the miles travelled is sufficient. Let’s take a look at an example.

Jim is a manager for the construction industry. He uses his personal car to deliver and drop off supplies to a remote worksite that is 7km away. The round trip is 14 km to and from the home office. He does this once a week, every week of the year except for two weeks of vacation. The current allowable rate is $0.68/kilometre.

  • 14km per week X 50 weeks = 700 kilometres that can be claimed
  • 700 allowable kilometres X $0.68 = $47.60 that can be deducted

Pros

  • Easy to calculate using a simple formula.
  • Computed using a standard rate set by the government.
  • Suitable for people who use their car less than the maximum allowable kilometres.
  • Record keeping is simple for this method.

Cons

  • Limited to 5,000 kilometres per vehicle per year.
  • Cannot claim separate vehicle expenses.

Logbook method

This method requires more record keeping of motor vehicle expenses. Still, if you use your personal vehicle for work frequently, it can add up to a more significant deduction. Let’s see an example.

Now, let’s say Jim uses his own vehicle for 1,000 km during the 12 week period when he tracked vehicle mileage in his logbook. Let’s also say that Jim kept records of fuel, repairs, service, insurance, and took depreciation on his new vehicle. The current deduction rate using the logbook method is 85%.

  • 1,000 km X 0.85 = $85
  • $8,430 of vehicle expenses X 0.85 = $7,165.50
  • $7,165.50 + $85 = $7,250.50 deductible expenses

Pros

  • Only have to keep a motor vehicle logbook for 12 consecutive weeks.
  • You only need to complete the logbook once every five years.
  • More detailed record keeping.
  • Can deduct expenses such as registration, fuel, service, insurance, etc.
  • Based on a percentage of all costs.
  • An excellent choice for those who exceed the 5,000 km limit for the cents per km method.

Cons

  • You must own the car.
  • Must record all business and all personal trips.
  • Must keep all receipt for related expenses.
  • More restrictions apply to this deduction method.

What car-related costs can’t I claim on my taxes?

Both vehicle expense deduction methods have different rules that apply to when you can and cannot take the deduction. Here are a few examples that might apply to your circumstances.

  • Travelling from home to your regular place of employment.
  • Car expenses that are reimbursed or are included as part of a salary package.
  • Picking up something for your employer on your way to your regular work location.
  • Fuel when using the cents per km method.
  • An employee is driving your personal car for work.
  • You are working overtime, and public transportation is not available.
  • You have to drive back to work for after-hours calls.

What about owned or leased cars?

You can deduct expenses from a car that you own, lease, or is under a lease-to-own agreement. This can be claimed using either the logbook or cents per km method. In some cases, you might be able to claim the car tax deduction for vehicles, such as motorcycles, passenger vans, or trucks fitted to haul equipment.

How to hire a tax accountant

Sometimes, deciding how the rules for the car tax deduction apply to you can be tricky. Hiring a tax accountant can help you take the maximum allowable deduction for your circumstances and help you to avoid any penalties for claiming something that is not allowed. Here are a few tips for hiring a tax accountant.

How to create an accurate estimate

To claim your tax deduction and get the proper credit for your circumstances, you need to do a few things to help your tax professional:

  • Keep all vehicle-related receipts.
  • Print out all electronic receipts.
  • Place all of your receipts in a file.
  • Keep your logbook with you at all times.
  • Place your logbook in a place where you will see it.

Licencing & qualifications

Hiring a tax professional is an important decision. You must choose carefully because utilising the wrong one can land you in trouble. Here are some of the requirements needed to become a tax accountant.

  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  • Must participate in the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) program or be a member of the Institute of Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants Australia.
  • Be sure to ask how long they have been a tax accountant and their experience with similar tax circumstances.

Contact local tax accountants

How to save money hiring a tax accountant

Tax accountants use different methods of charging for services. Some charge a flat fee, while others work on a percentage basis. Here are a few tips for saving money when hiring a tax professional.

  • Ask what they charge and how they charge upfront.
  • Save your receipts, or you cannot deduct all of your eligible expenses.
  • Keep your records in the proper order to save your preparer time.

FAQs

Can you claim fuel on tax?

Claiming fuel on tax is only allowed if you choose the logbook tax method. A matching receipt must accompany a fuel claim, and you must keep a travel logbook for tax purposes. You can only claim a portion of your fuel expense that was used for work purposes. You cannot claim this deduction if you use the cents per km tax deduction method.

Categories
Automotive

A guide to car window tinting

Have you seen cars with tinted windows and thought it would be a good idea to try it yourself? If you want to do it right, there are certain things that you need to have in mind, and it needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. There’s nothing worse for your car’s aesthetic than doing a bad tint job. If it results in a streak of bubbles between the window and the translucent film that is the tint, you’re in trouble. Here, we’ll go through what to take into consideration when opting for car window tinting.

Look out for bubbles

It is essential that your view is clear. So, if your tint job results in big bubbles all over the place, it certainly won’t do. However, even very small bubbles can create distortion. This is why you need to find a professional for the job, as they will make sure that the risk of them appearing is minimised. Also, if you opt for a low-quality tint, it will take about six months for bubbles to form, as the adhesive that holds the tint will begin to break.

Source: Tintacar Victoria Park

A dark shade doesn’t necessarily mean top quality

You must keep in mind that the fact that a tint is dark doesn’t necessarily mean that it does the best job of blocking heat or providing UV protection. When your car is in the sun, put one hand behind the window and the other in the sun in order to tell the difference. Generally it is true that the darker the tint is, the better it will reduce heat, but there are solutions such as high-quality ceramic tints and spectrally-selective tints that can do an even better job. This basically means that a lighter shade of something of high-quality can work better than a darker shade of something cheap.

Know your local tint laws

How dark your window tint can be really depends on where you live. Do some research and find out which country or state laws for car window tinting apply where you are located. For example, Oneflare’s car window tinting experts point out that Australia has strict laws when it comes to this. Make sure that the professional installing the window tint on your car knows these laws. If you install window tint that is way too dark, you may end up being fined and wasting money on removing the tint and getting another one that is appropriate.

Contact local car window tinting experts

Tint the windshield

Applying a very light tint to the windshield is allowed in most places. This is where you should also check local laws. If it’s legal in your location, make sure you do it. It’s the largest size window on your car, so if you tint everything else and leave it uncovered, it will kind of defeat the purpose of tinting in the first place. This is the case where you should apply the previously mentioned high-quality tints that aren’t necessarily as dark.

Avoid purple

When your tint goes purple, it means that it has aged to the point that it has lost its protective properties and that it needs to be replaced. It’s most common with tint made out of cheap materials, as they simply start to break down.

Tinting your car is a fancy way of making a statement, and also an essential aspect of protecting the inside of your car from the negative effects of the sun. Make sure that you keep these points in mind when getting your tint job. Also, it’s far better that you get a professional to do it for you than to do it yourself.

Categories
Automotive

Used vs new car parts

When the time comes for a replacement part for your vehicle, you are often faced with a choice. Should you go for a used car part that’s cheaper and readily available to get your car up and running again? Or, should you head down to your local dealership, pay a premium price and wait a little longer for it to be delivered and installed?

The critical difference is, you know you’re going to get a high-quality part if it’s new. You’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty. It seems like the new part is the most obvious choice.

However, this isn’t always the case as you’d be surprised just how resourceful a second-hand part can be. A used car part is not only super cost-effective, but they are also more readily available. Choosing a second-hand part is often the faster option in most cases, and some even come with a warranty.

Source: Deluxe Detail

To help you decide between a new and used part, here are the pros and cons.

New car parts

There are three avenues to explore when purchasing a new car part. You can choose from either Genuine, OEM, or Aftermarket; each coming with their own set of pros and cons.

  • Genuine parts are parts which are supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle and will generally come branded or packaged. High-quality, comes with a warranty, easier selection. However, it is usually more expensive, limited availability, and may take longer to arrive.
  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) come from the same company which manufactured genuine parts; however, this partner company is usually employed by the original automaker to produce parts as OEM. Quality guaranteed comes with a warranty, easier selection, and usually cheaper than Genuine. However, it can be more expensive, take longer to arrive, and quality isn’t always guaranteed.
  • Aftermarket parts are that have not been manufactured or sourced directly by the original automaker. Usually the cheapest option of the 3, a more extensive selection of brands, parts and prices, and in some cases, quality is equal or better than OEM. However, may not come with a warranty, potentially made from lower-quality materials and poorly constructed, and can be challenging to make the right choice with such a wide selection.

Used car parts

Pros

  • Cost-effective: Second-hand car parts are less expensive compared to new car parts and is one of the main reasons why people opt for used parts.
  • Increased availability: There is no shortage of used parts sellers, so there’s always plenty of choice and availability for the parts you seek.
  • Competitive prices: Because you have so many options to choose from, sellers are generally quite competitive with their prices, meaning you can get a lower price.
  • Large variety: With plenty of choices in brands, parts and prices, you’ll have your car up and running in no time at all.
  • Environmentally friendly: It might not be something you’d normally consider, but opting to buy a used part over brand new reduces the need for new parts to be made. This means fewer resources are used when being manufactured and therefore reducing your environmental impact.

Cons

  • Quality isn’t guaranteed: How does the saying go? “You get what you pay for”. To avoid purchasing a complete lemon, we’ve given a list of questions to ask before you buy a used part below.
  • Overwhelming selection: With so many brands, parts and sellers available, especially online where parts can be purchased from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay, it can be an overwhelming experience.
  • No warranty: Not all used parts come with a warranty, so it pays to purchase a used part from a credible supplier and always ask for a warranty.
  • Mechanics may decline installation: If a used part was to fail, resulting in a crash, who’s responsible? With concerns about liability, warranty and insurance, your mechanic may decline to install a second-hand part.
  • Unknown history: Purchasing used parts from auto wreckers or online sources may not always have the history of the part. Not knowing the history of the part you’re buying puts you at risk. What’s the remaining lifespan of the part? Has it been in an accident?
Source: Tlc Automotive Services

Essential tips for buying second-hand car parts

If you plan to go down the path of buying a used car part, there are a few questions to ask to ensure you receive a high-quality part and not a lemon.

Are you buying from a credible seller?

Thanks to the internet, there are now many avenues to purchase a used part. However, there are just as many counterfeit products available on the market. It’s best to buy used parts from a reputable and trusted seller to ensure you are not wasting your money on low-quality parts.

Know what part you need

Before you go out and buy a second-hand part, find out exactly what you need. If you’re unsure of the part you need, do not hesitate to contact your mechanic or speak to a professional. This way, you can avoid unnecessary delays and costs on purchasing the wrong part.

Have your vehicle details ready

With such a wide selection of parts and brands to choose from, it is essential to have your vehicle’s make, model and year ready to go. Also, having your car’s VIN will ensure you purchase the right part for your car.

Ask for a warranty and how long

It goes without saying if you’re purchasing a used part always ask if there is a warranty and how long does it last. Most credible sellers usually offer a warranty or at least the option to purchase one.

Find out the history of the part

Attempting to find the history of a used part from a Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace purchase is near-impossible. Without knowledge in the automotive industry, it can be difficult to tell if it has been in an accident or the remaining lifespan. However, you can minimise your chances of getting a counterfeit part by purchasing used parts from a trusted local supplier. Make sure the seller is capable of giving you the history and expected life.

Categories
Construction

A complete guide to carports

An attached carport is a storage unit for your car that is attached to the structure of your home. Carports can be made of a variety of different material, including wood or metals such as aluminum or steel, and feature open sides and a roof. This allows easy pull in and out access for your car, as well as effective protection from the elements such as sunlight, rain and snow. Carports are typically inexpensive to build and kits can be purchased at many large home renovation stores.

Source: Shutterstock

Reasons to install a carport

If you need to protect your car from the elements, you might want to consider a carport. They have many advantages, and may be more economical than a garage.

If you already have a garage, but there isn’t room for both cars, a carport could be the answer. Your car will be protected from rain and other harsh weather conditions, and it won’t be nearly as costly as extending your current garage.

Carports go up quickly and easily; they can be ready in a matter of hours or a matter of days, depending on the type you have chosen. Carports range from the simple to the more complex — a roof with four posts to gables and curved roofs. The pitch of the carport’s roof can even be matched to the roof of your home. Whether you go fancy or simple, your carport will be finished far sooner than a garage ever could be.

Carports can be freestanding or attached to the roof of your home. If you opt for attaching it, both you and your car will be protected from the elements. No more standing out in the rain and snow while you haul in groceries, and no more enduring the hot sun beating down on your head. You will be able to get in and out of your car in comfort.

Carports are amazingly versatile; not only can you store your car there, but if you wish to entertain, all you must do is move the car and you have a breezy, protected place for an outdoor party. Set up some tables and chairs or bring out the portable bar and invite all your friends to join you there — something you could never do in summertime in a garage.

Types of carports

Metal carports

Both aluminium and steel metal carports are an option in most areas. Unlike other materials, metal does not warp. It is also very durable and strong, even in the worst winds. Most types are fire resistant, unlikely to rust, and long lasting. In most cases, they only need a bit of cleaning every now and then to be maintained.

Steel carports made from Colorbond are a popular choice. This is perhaps the most rugged option. However, aluminium has its benefits, too, including being lighter and less expensive. Both options allow for plenty of flexibility when it comes to design. Both can be attached to the home or kept as freestanding unit. You can have any type of roof design you would like, including curves, flat roofs, and gables. Work with a professional to customise your needs.

Timber carports

Another option is timber carports. Timber is used for the entire carport, including the supporting posts, beams, and rafters. Timber is durable enough to stand up to most types of weather conditions, depending on the kind of timber that is used. You can use virtually any type of roofing on these, including Colorbond, polycarbonate, or Zincalume – all of the popular roofing materials. You can also choose a flat or gable roof.

Timber tends to be significantly less expensive than metal. Additionally, you can build your own without having to rely on a kit so much, though timber carport kits are available and include all of the pre-cut timber, roof sheeting, and other fixings you need for the project. Wood is far easier to adorn with various decorative finishes, such as using lattice.

Timber, unlike metal, is more likely to expand and contract due to weather conditions. It does require more maintenance than metal would as well. You can paint or stain it in virtually any colour you would like. You may even change this from time to time, which is significantly harder to do with metal.

Source: Shutterstock

Retractable carports

Retractable carports are more cost effective than building a permanent garage or carport. They’re ideal if you are trying to preserve the look of your house or don’t want any permanent structure on your property. When your car is parked, you simply have to extend the carport and your car is protected. When the car is elsewhere, retract it and it’s like the carport was never there.

Building a retractable carport is extremely simple, you simply install an automatic awning. Select an awning with fabric that is sturdy enough to hold up to the most severe weather you can expect – including the weight of ice or hail. Make sure the fabric is also easy to clean and has good protection against UV rays. It should also be flexible enough to retract and extend easily and not develop damage from fatigue.

The remote control which operates the awning should be placed somewhere accessible and convenient. Ideally, you should be able to keep it in your car, so you can extend or retract the awning as you pull out of or into the carport. A good alternative is to install a control pad on the outside of your house. This is especially convenient if you can install it on a section that you pass on the way to and from your car.

The retractable carport needs to be installed in a place that is convenient to park as well. Make sure its location does not interfere with other cars entering or leaving the property. Depending on the layout of your property, it may work best on the side of your home or existing garage, or you may need to instal it on the front or back of your home.

Costs of a carport

The overall costs will range significantly based on what you buy and if you erect it yourself. You will likely need to turn to an installer for a more professional, well-built solution, however.

One way to save money is to purchase a carport kit. This kit will provide most, if not all, of what you need including the required posts, guttering, and the roofing materials. These kits can range in price from $3000 to $5000 or more.

Professional installation is another option. It will cost more to have a professional erect it, but at the same time, it will ensure a better result in most cases. To reduce costs, paint timber boards yourself. You can also select lower-quality materials. You may also want to give the company a longer time to complete the project because this can reduce costs.

Perhaps the most important step to take is to ask for quotes. Get quotes from several carport builders, and then determine which one is the ideal choice for your situation. You will want to compare various materials, sizes, and designs to ensure that you get the look you want.