4 Things To Check In Your Car Before Going On A Road Trip

Road trips are enjoyable as you get to explore the places around you. Nothing is more convenient than setting off on a long drive with your loved ones. But if you want it to be a memorable trip, make sure your car is in good condition. An expert of Honda repair in San Antonio, TX explains some of the most important things you need to check in your vehicle before traveling long distances.

Engine Coolant:

Coolant helps to regulate the temperature of your car’s engine. This is important because engines could get very hot while running. The cooling system in most cars today is made up of closed circuits, which means you don’t have to add coolant or check its level if it runs out.

You may need to top it up in older cars, however. If the level seems low or is close to the minimum mark, then you’ll want to add the coolant when it’s time.

Engine Oil:

Oil helps your car run smoothly. Insufficient oil can result in expensive damage, and you might get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Modern vehicles can tell if the oil level is low by displaying it on the dashboard. But if your engine doesn’t alert you, using a dipstick lets you see if the level is below the minimum. The expert of Honda repair in San Antonio, TX tells that you shouldn’t use excess oil in your vehicle. Doing so would cause further problems for your car engine.

Windscreen & Wipers:

Driving with a dirty windshield is both aggravating and dangerous. You may not know it, but dirt and debris on the road can possibly hit your windshield and cause unsightly marks on it. Wiper blades are extremely important, so you should be sure to check their condition regularly and replace them whenever necessary. If there are chips or cracks, get in touch with an auto mechanic soon.

Don’t forget to top up your window washer fluids, too, because they help keep the glass clear throughout your journey.

Lights:

In order to keep yourself and the people around you safe from harm’s way, it’s essential to check your lighting systems before you even think about taking a journey. No matter how well-lit your surroundings are at night, proper-functioning lights in a car are essential.

An Acura auto mechanic in San Antonio, TX suggests checking all of your vehicle lighting components before planning a long road trip to reduce the risk of accidents or driving difficulties. Without good lighting, driving at night can be rather difficult, since drivers can’t see as clearly as they would during the day. Talk to an expert auto mechanic to address any lighting issues in your vehicle.

The best way to ensure your car is safe on the road is by regularly maintaining your car with the help of Honda service in San Antonio. By ensuring that you’re abiding by the maintenance schedule, you can keep your car in top shape. If someone fails to take care of their car, they can end up paying large sums of money when their car breaks down. 

When You Need To Replace Your Windscreen?

 

Have you noticed a crack or a chip in your windscreen and are assuming it's a simple fix and nothing to be concerned about for the time being? Putting it on your to-do list and completing it later? It's time to reconsider. Your windscreen is critical to keeping you and your family safe while driving. It keeps airborne pollutants and items out of your automobile while also offering some protection in the event of an accident. However, although dust or a bug may leave a smudge, pebbles, hail, and tree branches can damage or fracture your windscreen.

People frequently overlook a minor chip or crack, assuming that there is no need to repair it. A cracked windscreen should not be overlooked, irrespective of how little the damage is. While some damage can be fixed, there are four signs that your car needs a windscreen replacement Sydney to keep everyone safe on the road.

Where Did The Damage Happen? 

The location of the chip or crack on the windscreen is critical, and it is one of the most essential elements in determining whether or not the windscreen has to be replaced. If your windscreen is chipped or broken at the edge or in your line of sight, it is important to have car windscreen replacement Sydney rather than repaired as soon as possible. Damage in the driver's line of sight can obstruct the driver's vision of the road, and those too close to the edge can quickly weaken the rest of the glass, leaving you vulnerable to your windscreen shattering while driving.

The Damage's Size And Depth 

If your windscreen has a chip or a crack, it is always a good idea to seek professional assistance. Chips and cracks that reach deeper than the outside layer of the glass might impact the windscreen's strength, even if they don't appear to be very large. Also, the size of the crack or chip matters. Even if it appears to be minor, it is always a good idea to get it evaluated by an auto glass expert.

What Is The Extent Of The Windscreen Damage? 

A few chips and minor cracks may be repairable, but once you have more than that, it's time to have your automobile windscreen looked at. Your windscreen may become weak as a result of a large number of chips and cracks, making it more susceptible to shattering. Any obstruction to the driver's view should be assessed and remedied as soon as possible. An auto glass repairer will likely propose that you replace your windscreen if you've previously had a number of repairs or if it's old.

A Fix That Didn't Work 

It's time to book your car in for a new windscreen if you've already had a chip or crack repaired and it didn't work, or if the glass has chipped and cracked in the same spot. Many auto glass repairers will not attempt to repair the same location a second time because it hasn't worked the first time for a reason. Although windscreen replacement might be costly, many drivers' insurance policies include a windscreen replacement option. This will usually cover one windscreen replacement per year, with or without an excess. If you are wondering about the windscreen replacement cost Sydney, you can contact Windscreen Replacement Sydney. 

What to Do When Your Windshield Cracks on the Road

 

When your windshield cracks on the road, you need to make sure you take the time to fix it right away or else you could end up with further damage or even endanger yourself and others on the road. Considering professional windshield repair Sydney as soon as possible is essential no matter how small, or big the damage is. Here are some steps on what to do when your windshield cracks on the road.

Steps To Follow When Your Windshield Cracks On the Road

Step 1: Assess The Damage

Cracks in your windshield aren’t just annoying—they also compromise your safety and security while you’re driving. But don’t panic! It’s easy to assess whether or not you should continue driving or get repairs made. The National Safety Council recommends that if a crack is longer than six inches, you should repair it at once. Smaller cracks can be covered by a small amount of clear tape and pushed over to form a temporary seal. If you have to pull over for any reason—if traffic gets too heavy or an emergency arises—find a safe spot and park immediately.

Step 2: Call A Mobile Service To Come Fix Your Crack

When your windshield gets a crack, you don’t want to wait—you must get it fixed as soon as possible. Windscreen expert says more than 50% of accidents caused by cracked windshields could have been prevented if they had been repaired in time. Luckily, there is an easy way around waiting for an appointment at a repair shop: call a mobile service, and they will come fix it for you wherever you are. The technicians come with all needed tools and materials, will fix a cracked windshield is quick and convenient! Make sure to hire the windscreen replacement and repair company that specialises in car glass repair Sydney and fix the issues in speed.         

Step 3: Keep Driving

Just keep driving after the issues are fixed by the professionals. Yes, the mobile glass technician will solve most windscreen replacement and windscreen crack repair Sydney issues on the spot. Their mobile vans are always stocked with replacement screens and auto glass that suit most of the vehicles. So, once the issue is fixed, you can keep moving and enjoy the ride as usual without any worries.  

The Bottom Line

A cracked windshield on the road can ruin your trip, so it’s important to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Follow the above steps and back the more for the trip again on the same day.

When Should You Get Your Windscreen Repair or Replacement?

When you're driving, your windshield is your major safety net, so if you accidently damage or break it, you should get it fixed as quickly as possible. Car owners frequently can't decide whether to fix or replace this structure. When this kind of situation develops, it is usually best to show your windshield damage to an auto glass professional, as they are the best qualified to determine if you require windshield repair Sydney or windscreens replacement.

Windscreen breakages can occur from a variety of sources, and not all damage is equal. While a little chip may appear trivial, its location may necessitate a replacement. When the fracture is directly in the driver's line of sight, windscreens replacement Sydney is required. In some cases, you may notice cracks forming on the side of your windshield. In such scenario, you may have a few days or a week before you need to take your vehicle to a professional.

When Should You Get A Car Glass Repair Sydney? 

We are aware that fixing a windscreen is less expensive than replacing it. The kind, position, size, and thickness of the imperfection or fissure will all affect a car glass service provider's ability to restore the windshield. However, if the chip on your windscreen is narrow and lesser than 35 mm in diameter, your glass expert may recommend repair. At the most, only two of these chips may be fixed.

Another thing to consider is that your specialist can repair a small and shallow breaking in the modest centre of your windshield, but away from the driver's side and absolutely out of their visibility. One of the most important things to remember is that the longer you wait for repairs after discovering your fracture, the more likely you are to need a replacement - even little chips can deteriorate in a matter of days.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield? 

There are several obvious scenarios where you will require a replacement. For example: if a rock tosses through your windshield and blows a hole in it, or if it develops many chips sometimes filling the entire surface, a replacement is unavoidable. Keep in mind that your car's windshield is made up of two layers of glass fused together with a Poly Vinyl in between. In the case of a damage, this sandwiched layer keeps the entire structure intact.

Moving on, not all cases of windshield damage are as straightforward. Smaller cracks and chips, which are less visible, can sometimes, necessitate a windshield replacement. A basic rule of thumb to remember here is that if your car's front window has any cracks in it, it's time to replace it. Whether you decide to replace it right away or wait a few months, the most important thing is to get rid of the old one.

4 Reasons Why Your Honda Car is Overheating

 

Vehicle overheating is one of the most intimidating things that can happen while driving. As you pull over and shut off the engine, you see the steam coming from under the hood. You are now worried whether this will end up in extensive repairs. Overheating happens when the temperature of your engine exceeds the threshold. Engine overheating could be caused by several issues that can be prevented with routine maintenance and Honda repair in San Antonio, TX. If you would like to know what causes your car to overheat, keep on reading.

Leaks in the Coolant System

A common reason for vehicle overheating is a leaking coolant system. When there is a leak in your car’s coolant system, it is pretty easy for the air to enter. Several people are under the impression that overheating is the result of the coolant leaking out. The truth is, the air entering the cooling system forms a bubble called an ‘airlock,’ which contributes to overheating.  When there’s an airlock, it is not easy for the system to circulate the coolant around the engine. This causes the engine to overheat and your vehicle to eventually break down. Talk to an expert offering Honda repair in San Antonio, TX to get this fixed.

The radiator is faulty

Another common reason for the engine to overheat is improper functioning of the radiator. Here’s how:

• The radiator is a component that is supposed to dissipate engine heat with the help of the coolant. If there’s an obstruction, the coolant won’t pass through as intended.

• Sufficient airflow is required for the radiator to work correctly. If the radiator doesn’t get a steady air supply, it will have a hard time dissipating heat from the engine.

• Even though a thermostat isn’t a part of the radiator, its proper functioning is crucial for the radiator to work optimally. A thermostat regulates the amount of coolant passing through the radiator, so if it’s malfunctioning, it can result in your car engine overheating.

Blockage in the coolant hoses

The buildup of dirt and sediments can block the coolant hoses. In this case, it disrupts the steady flow of the coolant, which in turn impacts the functionality of the cooling system. Even worse, the grind and dirt can possibly contaminate the coolant itself. All of this makes the entire system less efficient in managing engine heat. An Acura auto mechanic in San Antonio, TX can assist you with this.

The water pump is faulty

A water pump is meant to propel the coolant throughout the cooling system. If the pump doesn’t work well, it will adversely impact the circulation of the coolant. A faulty water pump will also produce a high-pitched noise. If you hear this noise, don’t delay in contacting an auto mechanic. These are the possible reasons for your engine to overheat and break down. Periodic maintenance is crucial to make sure every component of the cooling system works efficiently. Get in touch with Honda service in San Antonio for assistance.

EV Chargepoint Replacement – How to repair an EV charger

 

EV chargers have been in Australia for a couple of years, and have increasingly grown in popularity. However, time and heavy usage wear out these electronic chargers. For internal damage or fault, customers may look to claim the manufacturer’s warranty if it is within the relevant warranty period or replace the chargepoint.

However, for chargers that have expired warranty, external repair options are available. Although at EVSE we have found repairing these devices can sometimes be extremely costly or practically impossible. This is due to the nature of the internal electrical wiring of these products, which can require extensive engineering knowledge or niche electrical components. Additionally, parts for older charging stations may be harder to come by, as Type 1 charging stations are generally phasing out in Australia for the more advanced Type 2.

When the repair option is presentable, it may prove to be more costly overall to get the old charging station repaired. Even so, if the cost to repair is less than purchasing a whole new unit, it may be worth considering. This is because the extra premium will give you access to a brand new charging station that is up to date with Australia’s current technological innovations. Currently, older models may yield a slower Type 1 charging rate. Type 2 chargers are the new standard amongst chargers in Australia, with a heavy majority of the EVs in Australia now utilizing Type 2 charging. New type 2 charging stations allow for both single-phase and 3-phase power to be connected to the vehicle, whereas Type 1 chargers are restricted to only single-phase charging.

Additionally, EV users may look towards replacing their old outdated chargers overall to cash in on new exciting charging technology. These chargers are equipped with smart and extensive technological innovations. Additionally, most of these newer chargers come with universal charging options with Type 2 outlets. This means that they’re compatible with all current electric vehicles in the market. Residential EV users may look towards a new home in-built charger such as the Ocular home. The Ocular homes comes in a sleek design with a digital display screen that offers an effective fast at-home charging option. Furthermore,  it’s offered at an incredible price.

Replacement Chargepoints Available

The Ocular Home chargepoint comes in single-phase (7 kW), or three-phase (22kW). It also comes in 2 variants, universal or tethered. In addition, the Ocular Home comes equipped with a colorful LCD display which gives users the flexibility of tracking their current charging status including charging time, voltage, and current internal temperature. The charger also comes with all forms of inbuilt protection such as short circuit, voltage, load, lighting, and temperature.

For commercial chargepoint use, Ocular offers a wide extensive range suitable for your type of business. Customers can choose from Ocular IQ Wallbox, Ocular IQ Commercial, or Ocular IQ Tower. Similar to the Home, the IQs are compatible with all EVs, are offered with competitive pricing, and are an effective reliable fast charging option for commercial users with inbuilt internal protection. Additionally, built in the brand definition of Ocular itself, the IQ series all features a digital screen that provides live feedback and ultimately enhances the user’s experience.

Ocular features progressive innovation technology and acknowledges past and current concerns of businesses and customers alike. With industry-leading features, Ocular provides users and business owners the option to leverage their brand on their EV chargers via the Exploren app. Whilst simultaneously giving them full control, communication, network, and billing information. Furthermore, Exploren is designed in a simple to navigate user-friendly interface with ongoing customer support.

The IQ Wallbox is a flexible and intelligent solution that is suitable for homes, apartments, destinations, and light commercial applications. The IQ Wallbox is equipped with industry-leading intelligent integrations. The Wallbox is also offered in 7 kW or 22 kW variants and was designed with convenience in mind. The IQ commercial provides high quality and cost- effective EV charging point. It is encased in a heavy metal frame and is a more heavy-duty variant of the IQ Wallbox. It offers full mode 3 fast charging and is offered in 7 kW or 22 kW variants.

The IQ Tower is an innovative pinnacle of dual outdoor charging. Encased in a robust metallic frame, the tower offers 7 kW of charge per hour whilst charging two EVs simultaneously. The tower is ideal for heavy-duty usage and promotes convenience for fleet managers and the like, as it allows two vehicles to be charged simultaneously.

Now more than ever, the electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding in Australia. Ocular Charging is the next generation of EV chargers as a result of fine craftsmanship and expert engineering to suit the needs of all EV drivers. The future is here with our partners Ocular Charging.

BHP divesting its liquid Fossil Fuels, Saudi Arabia investing in EV’s and the British Conservatives banning combustion engines. Can the Australian Government continue to argue that EV’s will ruin your weekend?

“The world is going to need more copper and nickel for more renewable power and electric vehicles, iron ore and high-quality metallurgical coal to produce steel for infrastructure – and that includes infrastructure for decarbonisation – and potash for sustainable global food production”

BHP chief executive Mike Henry.

BHP is preparing for the future with its move away from petroleum and clearly backing the electric future through their investments in battery metals. While we note that BHP has “merged” the business with Woodside, it’s clear that the newly formed company allows BHP to walk away from these assets.

The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation BHP was planning to get out of the petroleum business as part of an exit from fossil fuels. BHP has also retreated from thermal coal in electricity production – there’s an Adani ready to pick up the slack.

However it’s not all good news. The reality is, petroleum production will continue under a merger with Woodside to essentially create an Australian version of Exon Mobil.  However, the shifting winds are clear and the divestment represents another domino in the race to clean energy. As I’ve always said, transport is getting from A to B. If it can be provided at a lower cost, with cleaner energy and without tailpipe emissions then we must embrace the technology.

But BHP isn’t the only ones to join the EV party and enjoy a weekend in their new EV. The Saudi investment arm has already banked strong gains through the Aramco IPO and in both Tesla and Lucid motors stock. I’m not trying to be funny but this Hedge against oil may not work out in the Kingdoms favour.

Saudi Arabia has even hired advisers including Boston Consulting Group to explore the establishment of its own domestic electric-car maker, according to people familiar with the matter. The project is linked to existing plans to build up automotive infrastructure in the country and boost local manufacturing. This investment in EV technology is a true indication of the future of the technology – akin to a thermal coal baron investing in solar panels.

Finally, the UK Conservatives have effectively banned petroleum-based vehicles from 2030. The Conservatives are stealing the environmental agenda back from Labour in the UK, leaving rival parties, Labour and the Greens, frustrated.  Boris Johnson has laid out a ten point plan to create a Green Industrial Revolution – which will generate and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the UK. Importantly, EV’s are the front and centre of this policy with EV charging infrastructure being built to support this across the UK.

This has me questioning the wisdom of the Australian Federal government’s continuation down the current path when it comes to clean technology, the nature of which is leading Europe and now North America’s race to zero net emissions. We know that the overwhelming majority of Australian’s support this transition, but for some reason this seems lost on many of our leaders.

The Lowy institute study in 2021 shows that Six in ten Australians (60%) say ‘global warming is a serious and pressing problem. We need to be taking steps now, even if this involves significant costs’, with a 4-point rise from 2020. In a significant 8-point increase since 2019, a majority of Australians (55%) now say the government’s main priority for energy policy should be ‘reducing carbon emissions’ But if that’s not enough of a swing to change policy then look further in the report to see 91% of Australians say they would support the federal government ‘providing subsidies for the development of renewable energy technology’. That’s a supermajority only enjoyed by dictators rigging elections or when a country has a firm belief that we can invest in a cleaner and greener future.

What’s clear by the announcement by BHP and others is that the economics, social and political factors are all aligning in Australia to finally put it’s full support behind EV technology. The argument from the last federal election that an EV will “ruin your weekend” or ‘leave a tradie in a Ute stranded on the Pacific Highway’ are clearly not a long term argument for the Australian Government. I’m expecting a dramatic shift in policy as we head to the polls in 2022 as this data filters into the hands of policy makers.

The only thing that’s ruining my weekend as an EV driver is COVID and not an electric future.

Sam Korkees

EVSE Australia Director