Happy employees = happy customers

There's an old adage - happy employees makes for happy customers! Well if there isn't one then there should be! We're of the sound belief that the attitude of our staff can make all the difference to a customer's experience of having their car serviced at Cooper Automotive.

We did the rounds recently and spoke to members of staff at different service centres to see what makes them tick at work and what they like about their jobs.

Here's what they had to say!

Tim at Lindisfarne

Tim is a mechanic at Lindisfarne

“I’ve been here over 5 years and came straight here after Grade 11. I’ve done my mechanical apprenticeship and am now training as an auto electrician as well as learning more about the management side. They’ve provided all the training. They really look after their staff.”

Mike at Hobart

Mike is Branch Manager at Hobart

“My wife and I wanted to come to Tasmania from South Africa and I found the opportunity with Cooper Automotive. I had run a workshop back home in South Africa so had the right experience and was sponsored through a 457 skilled visa. I’m really happy here – we have a great team culture and feel well looked after.”

John at Mornington

John is a mechanic at Mornington

“This is my second time around at Cooper Automotive and I’ve now been here 9 years. I’ve worked everywhere but came back as I know the people and like the work. It’s a good atmosphere and even with the wide variety of cars we get we have the right procedures in place so we know what’s on for the day. It helps if you’re motivated and tech-savvy nowadays. And of course interested in cars!”

Keeping Pets Safe in Cars

Travelling with pets in your vehicle is sometimes a necessity. Whether it’s to the vet, the park or on a long haul journey, keeping them and you safe is of utmost importance. Failing to restrain animals properly is illegal and can cause an accident involving harm to your pet, yourself, your passengers, bystanders and your car. By taking these precautions you can help keep everyone safe.

Travelling with dogs

·      Prior to travel - Just like a child, ensure your dog is fed and has been to the bathroom. Keeping them calm and making sure their immediate needs are met before you leave will allow them to settle easier in the car. A little exercise beforehand is a good idea too, so that your dog is happy to have a rest once inside your car.

·      Restraints - It is mandatory in all states of Australia to have your dog properly restrained so they cannot interfere with your concentration while driving. No matter how small, a dog sitting on your lap is a big no-no! Dog restraints can be purchased from pet stores and tethered to the back seat belts or onto the back of your utility tray. If your dog is small enough for a pet carrier, it must be kept secure behind a cargo barrier in the rear of your wagon or with a seatbelt around it. Pet carriers can become lethal weapons in an accident if left unrestrained.

·      Water and food - Be sure to take a small container of water and some snacks for your dog, particularly on a long trip. Becoming dehydrated or hungry may upset your dog and see them become anxious during travel. Taking a rest break for some exercise and food is also a good idea on an extended journey, helping your dog to resettle and remain calm throughout.

Travelling with cats and other small pets

·      Apply these tips to cats and other small animals when travelling too. The main thing to remember about these types of animals is they cannot sit in a restraint as dogs can. Instead, they must be transported in an animal carrier, properly secured behind the cargo barrier or with a seatbelt. Cats and smaller animals love to hide, so if they are let out of the carrier they can easily upset your concentration and get into unsafe places such as behind the steering wheel or under the pedals. Very dangerous!

Happy travelling!

A safe way for small dogs

Better for the larger dogs!

Keeping Kids Safe during Holiday Road Trips

Christmas holidays are full of fun and excitement, but driving to your vacation destination can be difficult if you and your family are not suitably prepared. With a lot of traffic on the roads, a fully loaded vehicle and everyone eager to get to the end of the journey, safety can be jeopardised. Keep your family safe this Christmas holiday period with these tips.

·      Sleep and rest - As the driver you need to be alert at all times. Get to bed early the night before your trip to ensure you are well rested. If your journey is a long one, stop along the way for some rest time, or even an overnight stay halfway into your trip to break up the driving.

·      Check child restraints - It is of utmost importance to get your child restraints installed or at the very least, checked by professionals. Also check that your child is in the right restraint for their age, weight and height.

·      Charge it up - Kids tend to get bored on long drives, so to keep the whinging and sibling fights at bay, charge up the electronic devices before you leave home and buy a movie or two for the long haul. This will provide at least a couple of hours before “Are we there yet?” gets played on repeat.

·      Play a game - Once the devices have gone flat, have your passenger play games with the kids such as Spotto or Eye Spy. Keeping children busy is the best way to avoid those back seat distractions that may lead to unsafe lapses in your driving concentration.

·      Pack some snacks - A healthy protein-based snack can keep you alert at the wheel for a while longer, as will keeping hydrated with lots of water. Packing snacks is an additional way to keep those back seat enquiries at bay while you concentrate on the road.

·      Safety service - Before you leave, booking in for a complete safety service of your car will have it running smoothly and give you peace of mind that your family will arrive safely and enjoy the trip. Book your family car in today at http://www.cooperautomotive.com.au/book-online-now.html