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?)

Safety update: Stranded and Alone - How to keep safe and get help fast

Imagine this scenario: One night you’re driving home from netball training and the kids are fighting in the back seat of the car. There are two ways you can drive home: the long way in a well populated area, or the short way which is along an isolated road without lighting.

Exhausted, cold and hungry you decide to go the short way – something you never usually do at night – in an effort to get everyone home quickly. As you are halfway along the dark, remote road you hear a thud, a clunk and realise that one of the tyres on the car has gone flat. Great! Just what you needed!

Here are some tips to help you keep calm, safe and get help as quickly as possible:

• Although this may be obvious, avoid travelling on isolated roads at night if possible. Breaking down in a well-populated area is not nearly as bad. If you are low on petrol or have had car trouble in the past, always choose a well-populated route.

• Ensure your mobile phone is always charged and have a back-up charger in the car for emergencies.

• If you do find yourself stranded, try and keep calm so your children don’t start to get anxious. They can easily pick up on signs of panic and you don’t need them to be freaking out in addition to having to solve car troubles!

• If you know someone who is nearby, call them first to come and pick you up. You can always deal with the car later by calling roadside assistance or attending to it the next day.

• Stay in the car and use a blanket to keep yourself and the kids warm till help arrives.

• If a passing motorist offers help, it’s best not to get out of the car to talk to them, just to be safe. Instead, tell them that you are fine and have help coming right away. Keep your mobile phone in your hand and call the police if you feel unsafe.

Although it’s not pleasant to think about the possibility of being in this situation, a little thought and planning can be the difference between a smooth ride home and a stressful emergency.

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

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.