Car Tips

Buying a Car for Your Australian Adventure

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Chris Notte

Are you planning to travel to Australia and considering buying a car for your journey? Understanding the process of buying and selling a car in Australia, especially in Western Australia, is crucial for a smooth experience. Here’s what you need to know, including some handy tips to help you along the way.

Choosing the Right Car

The type of car you should get depends on your needs. For off-road adventures, popular 4×4 models include the Toyota Prado, Hilux, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Triton. If you’re looking for a standard car, consider models from Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, and Mitsubishi. However, not all models and years are recommended, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Buying a Car in Western Australia

When buying a car in Western Australia, there is no legal requirement to have it inspected beforehand. However, we strongly recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run by identifying any issues that could become costly repairs later on. At Autoplus WA in Midvale, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase inspections. If you’re traveling around Western Australia, consider workshops from the AASDN Network or RAC WA, which offers mobile inspections.

Pre-Purchase Inspections

In other Australian states, cars require an annual inspection to ensure they are roadworthy. These inspections vary in thoroughness, so a pre-purchase inspection is still advisable. It checks additional items that might not be covered by the government’s roadworthy procedure.

Department of Transport Inspections

It’s important to understand the difference between a Department of Transport inspection (often referred to as a Pink Slip or Roadworthy) and a pre-purchase inspection. Government inspections have minimum requirements, such as brake tests, which can vary between states. For example, Western Australia requires a road test for brakes, while other states might use a machine. Additionally, a Department of Transport inspection typically does not include checking fluid levels or conditions and is mostly visual. Therefore, even if you’re getting a government inspection, we recommend a pre-purchase inspection for a more comprehensive check.

Selling a Car in Western Australia

If you end your travels in Perth, Western Australia, and plan to sell your car, you’ll need to register the vehicle in the state, which requires a Department of Transport inspection. Be aware that the standards for roadworthiness can differ between states. An item deemed acceptable in New South Wales, for example, might not pass in Western Australia. This can lead to unexpected repair costs before you can sell the car.

Final Thoughts

When buying a car, always opt for a pre-purchase inspection. Familiarize yourself with the rules for buying and selling cars in the states you’ll be traveling through to avoid unforeseen expenses. Remember that Department of Transport inspections vary between states and territories and might not cover everything checked in a pre-purchase inspection. If you have any questions about inspections in Western Australia or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Autoplus WA. Enjoy your journey in this beautiful and vast country of ours, and remember to keep left on the roads!

For more information or to schedule an inspection, visit our website or contact us directly. We’re here to ensure your vehicle is safe and ready for your Australian adventure.

Get Your Car Ready for Summer

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Chris Notte

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s time to prepare your car for the hot summer months ahead. At Autoplus WA, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle in top shape to ensure a safe and comfortable summer driving experience.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of things to look out for as we roll into summer.

1. Cooling System Check:

The cooling system is crucial during the summer to prevent your engine from overheating. Check the coolant level and inspect hoses for any signs of leaks or damage. If the coolant is dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, consider a flush and refill.

2. Air Conditioning Inspection:

Don’t wait until the first scorching day to discover your AC isn’t working. Test your air conditioning system to make sure it’s blowing cold air. If you notice weak airflow or warm air, it may need servicing or a refrigerant recharge.

3. Tyre Maintenance:

Hot pavement can be tough on your tires. Inspect the tread depth, look for signs of uneven wear, and ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre as well.

4. Battery Health:

High temperatures can accelerate battery fluid evaporation, leading to battery failure. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition and clean any corrosion from the terminals.

5. Brake Inspection:

Reliable brakes are essential year-round, but especially when you need to stop quickly on hot roads. Have your brake pads and rotors inspected for wear and tear, and make sure the brake fluid is at the correct level.

6. Oil Change:

Regular oil changes are vital for engine health. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval, and if you’re due, make an appointment. Fresh oil helps keep your engine running smoothly in the heat.

7. Windshield and Wipers:

Visibility is critical for safe driving. Inspect your windshield for any cracks or chips and replace worn-out wiper blades. Fill up your windshield washer fluid reservoir to ensure you can keep your windshield clean on dusty summer roads.

8. Air Filter Replacement:

A clogged air filter can reduce engine efficiency and air conditioning performance. Replace it if it’s dirty, and consider upgrading to a high-performance filter for better airflow.

9. Check the Belts and Hoses:

Inspect your engine belts and hoses for signs of wear, such as cracks, fraying, or soft spots. Replacing worn components can prevent breakdowns during hot weather.

10. Clean and Wax:

Give your car a thorough wash and wax to protect the paint from the sun’s UV rays and keep it looking its best. Don’t forget to clean the interior as well, as hot weather can cause materials to deteriorate faster.

Conclusion

By following this summer car maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of the hot months ahead. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your car but also enhances safety and performance.

If you need assistance with any of these tasks or have concerns about your vehicle’s readiness for summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Autoplus WA. We’re here to help you enjoy a worry-free and comfortable summer on the road. Stay safe and happy driving!

Car Tip #4 – Safety Systems

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Chris Notte

Is it normal what my car is doing!?

The safety systems on the modern car really do require a great amount of education to understand! But who has the time to read the 500 page manual right???

We for one believe we should all have to do a driver safety course to learn and understand just what your car is capable of doing and what is considered normal and not normal?

It is not uncommon for a modern vehicle to:

  • Shake the steering wheel to alert you
  • Change your steering course
  • Brake for you

And if you ever have to do an emergency brake or are accelerating in the wet it is not uncommon for:

  • The brake pedal to pulse whilst activating ABS
  • The engine to feel like it’s missing when reducing power to prevent slipping
  • Or the accelerate pedal to change feel when accelerating.

Our advice – every car’s safety system is different 🙂 At least read what there is to know about these systems so when your car does something that feels different, you might know why it’s doing it.

Have a car question? Not sure if something is normal or not? Send us a question and we will be more then happy to help!

Car Tip #3 – Looking After Your AC

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Chris Notte

Question. Do you use your vehicles air-con throughout winter?

Did you read the first question and think to your self, “is Autoplus out of their mind?” If you did then its important to read whats coming next.?

To keep your cars air-con fit for the warmer months that are fast approaching, make sure you run your air-con a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing and causing it to fail. Also by operating your air-con system it will circulate the refrigerant which will keep the seals throughout the system soft and pliant. So NO we’re not out of our minds, we’re just looking out for you. How many times has a hot day arrived and your air-cons let you down? Get your car summer ready!