Ethanol in Petrol. Is it ok for my car?

With more than one bowser to choose from at most service stations, we thought we'd give you the low down on Ethanol. What is Ethanol? Ethanol is a by-product of the processes of fermentation and distillation. It comes from crops and plants that are high in sugar including sugarcane, barley, wheat and corn. In the current climate of global warming (said to be caused by high greenhouse gas emissions such as those produced when burning fossil fuels), governments around the world have started to look for alternate ways to do things to reduce their carbon footprint. One of these things is fuel production and use. Ethanol used as fuel has been around for many, many years, but in the last 15 years it has become more popular as fuel for cars. There has been much debate about using Ethanol as fuel in vehicles, so let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons. Advantages of Ethanol in fuel ·      It is a renewable resource, meaning less use of fossil fuels such as oil. ·      It is a good use of by-products, which equates to less waste disposal. ·      Ethanol burns more cleanly than petroleum, which produces less carbon monoxide, making it better for the environment. ·      Ethanol increases the octane rating of fuel, which means less damage to car engines. ·      Ethanol production is good for agriculture as it adds value to crops and creates employment opportunities. Disadvantages of Ethanol in fuel ·      Ethanol has a shorter shelf and tank life due to the fact that it absorbs water which can contaminate it as a fuel. This factor also makes it harder to ship through pipelines. ·      To maintain high production of Ethanol, large amounts of land are required to grow the crops, which can lead to deforestation and other associated problems including erosion. ·      Some of the emissions of certain pollutants caused by burning ethanol may be increased. ·      As Ethanol is more corrosive than traditional petrol, older cars may experience engine damage, so it is best to avoid using it if your car was manufactured prior to the years 2000 - 2005, depending on brand. See your car’s manual or local service centre for whether Ethanol based fuel is right for your car. If you still have concerns, speak to us for advice on your particular vehicle.

Our favourite apps for motoring!

We all love apps on our phones. Whether it’s just to play a mindless game or keep track of appointments, apps have transformed the way in which we organise, play and create. Check out our favourites for your vehicle here:

Fuel Buddy

Free

Track fuel, mileage, services and expenses for multiple vehicles and drivers on this one app. Perfect for the sales team on the road this app captures lots of information for you to monitor. We hear that an automatic driving detection component will soon be implemented by the developers which will be great. No more logging trips each time you get in the car! Available on Android and iPhone.

AAMI Safe Driver and ING Direct Safe Driving Apps

Both Free

 

These apps were developed to give drivers key metric information on their driving. A risk score is calculated depending on harsh acceleration, deceleration or exceeded speed limits.

AAMI Safe Driver App is available free to everyone, regardless of whether you are a customer or not. Their point system rewards safer drivers with bonuses on insurance once certain points are reached.

ING Direct requires the ING On-board diagnostic (OBD) device to be installed in order to use the app. Both apps available on Android and iPhone.

XLR8

Free/In App Purchases

Ok, this one is fun! This will make your old Toyota sound like a Chevy, playing the sounds of prestige cars like Chevrolet Camaro, Ford GT40 or Ferrari 458 Italia through your car’s speakers. Fantasise that you’re driving the car of your dreams as it plays engine sounds of acceleration, braking and revving in accordance with your driving. Kinda daggy, but kinda cool too ;)  Can be used via Bluetooth or plugged in via an aux plug. Android, iPhone and iPad.

Appy Driving! (ha! See what we did there?)

What you need to know about Buying a Car for your Teenager

Not so long ago, your child was just a toddler, reaching out their pudgy little hand for you to hold as they crossed the road. It seems that no time at all has gone by and now they’re suddenly old enough to not only cross the road by themselves, but to actually drive a car!

Our parental instincts stay with us regardless of the age of our children so when it comes to your teenager’s first car, it’s no wonder that safety is at the top of the list of priorities. If you’re buying a car for your child, here are the top considerations to ensure you make the right choice:

• What will the car be used for? Sounds like a silly question, but will they be driving younger siblings around? If so, consider suitability for car seats and for youngsters to safely get in and out of the car.

• Brand new or second hand? Cost will probably come into the equation for this one, but take into consideration the cost of any repairs on an older vehicle that may outweigh the upfront cost of having a new car warranty.

• Not all new cars are created equal! Be sure to research and compare safety ratings and features of new vehicles. Look closely at items such as airbags, brake systems, crash test results, reversing camera, electronic stability control.

• If buying a second hand car, have a professional mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. Although it’s not a guarantee that the car is in perfect condition, it will point out any weaknesses that need to be addressed and give you a realistic view of the condition of the car.  You can come and see us at any of our service centres for a pre-purchase inspection.

• Once you’re happy with the car you’d like to purchase, make sure it is clear who is responsible for the upkeep. Who will pay for petrol, insurance, repairs, service and general maintenance?

In their eagerness to get on the road (and look cool), your teenager may be pushing for a little red vintage convertible, but when push comes to shove, you can always pull out the ‘parent card’ and remind them just who is paying for it. J