Preparing for a Trip North

There’s no better way to get around on holiday than having your own car – especially in a country as big as Australia – and as Tasmanians the best way to do this is to take the car north across the Strait.

We are happy to hear that the Spirit of Tasmania II has now been repaired and fully operational after suffering damage to its boarding ramp during a wild storm in Port Melbourne in January.

If you’re considering a trip north this year, here are our top tips for making the most of your driving holiday.

Before you go

• Take your car for a pre-trip safety check. Be sure to book in advance to give you time to rectify any issues.

• If travelling with children check that their current seats are still appropriate for their height and age. See Department of Transport for full details: http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/publications/tasmanian_road_rules/road_safety_rules/child_restraints

• Update the software in your GPS for latest maps.

           

On board the ship

• Once on board, take note of where your vehicle is parked on the ship. It may help to take a photo with your phone to remind you of the level and section.

• Bicycles on racks on the back of your car can stay in place - no need to remove them for sailing. (There may be extra charges to carry bikes so check when booking.)

• As there won’t be access to your car during the voyage it’s important to pack essential items such as medicine and toiletries in your overnight bag to be taken with you into your cabin.

On your road trip

• Have the details of the local roadside services handy in case you get caught with a breakdown.

• Let family or friends know roughly where you’ll be during your trip and check in with them periodically.

• Check tyre pressure along the way and take into account any big fluctuations in temperature that may affect it.

Taking a road trip can come with its ups and downs – especially when travelling with the family. If you follow these top tips you will save yourself unnecessary worry, and get you on the right track for a wonderful trip.

Now open in Sorell

Today we've opened our 9th service centre, in the southern Tasmanian town of Sorell. We'll be providing all our usual car servicing and repairs as well as carrying on the tyre business of the location's previous owner - South East Tyres.

The service centre will also stock a large range of automotive and marine batteries at Battery Shop.

Opening hours are 8am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.

We look forward to welcoming you there.

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Opening hours at Cooper Automotive

Our service centres will be open over the festive period, except for the weekends and public holidays. 

The exception is Hobart which will be closed from 12 noon on 24th December through to Monday 4th January as they are having their floor painted over the holiday!

Introducing Battery Shop!

About Us 

We have been selling batteries for 20 years through Cooper Automotive Service Centres and have now added the convenience of roadside assistance and fitment. If it’s on water or wheels we have the battery to suit. We only stock and sell quality batteries, all our batteries are backed by a replacement warranty.

Need a specialty battery for your vehicle?

From prestige cars with the latest technology right through to trucks, motorbikes and marine batteries, if it’s on wheels or water we have the battery to suit. We’ve been supplying Tasmanians with batteries for over 20 years.

Why DIY, when we can Do It For You?

Battery and vehicle technology have changed a lot over the years to the point where sourcing and fitting your own battery can be fraught with danger. So why DIY and risk getting it wrong when we can Do It for You. Our technicians can provide expert advice and professional fitting and it’s all part of the service.

Environmentally Friendly

When Battery Shop replaces your battery, we’ll ensure your old battery is recycled and doesn’t end up as land fill. Even if you don’t buy a battery from us you can drop your old battery in to any battery shop for recycling.

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So when you need your next battery call the Battery Shop. And watch the video below for an easy way to remember our phone number!

What has the cold done to my car?

We’ve been feeling a bit of spring in the air lately and it’s most welcome! It seems to have been a long winter and most definitely a cold one.  And while we know that the winter months can take a toll on the human body, we often forget that our cars can suffer too!

These pictures show some of the weather we've put up with this winter.

If you’re not lucky enough to have a nice warm bedroom (garage) for your car, just think about all the cold nights and weather extremities it’s had to endure!

With temperatures on the rise and fine driving days just around the corner, it’s an opportune time to take stock and check on some bits of your car that might be a little worse for wear.

Winter is tough on batteries. Firstly the battery cannot produce its normal amount of power because of the cold, and secondly the chemical reactions that generate electricity can be slower at lower temperatures. We often talk about the importance of checking your battery, but just because it’s made it through the colder weeks doesn’t mean it hasn’t been influenced. So check your battery cables and clamps for fraying or corrosion and also make sure that your battery contains enough of the liquid electrolyte. Come and ask us if you’re not sure.

Wiper blades can crack in the cold, so becoming much less effective. Even as spring approaches we may still have foggy mornings, and low visibility hindered by damaged wipers will be dangerous. So make sure your wiper blades are in good shape.

Poor visibility can be due to worn wiper blade    

Extreme shifts in temperature can affect your tyre pressure and driving with inadequate pressure in your tyres can be dangerous. Be wary though of checking your tyres first thing on a cold morning – it’s better to check them when they’re warmed up a little.

Overall your car has to work harder during the winter, which means it’s had to use more energy.   If you’ve been in consistently cold temperatures fluids like oil and transmission fluid may have thickened up too.  Not only does working harder affect the fuel efficiency at the time but it also means that in an older car especially your whole engine may be a little exhausted.

Winter can wreak havoc on just about every part of your vehicle, so if you haven’t had a service for a while, or just want a check up call into a service centre soon.