From August 31st 2016 until further notice, eFlow tags will no longer work at tolls plazas operated by the Celtic Roads Group (CRG)
The following toll roads will be affected:
- M1 (Gormanston – Monasterboice)
- M7/M8 (Portlaoise – Castletown/Portlaoise – Cullahill)
- N25 (Waterford City Bypass)
This means that you will have to pay with cash at these toll plazas, your tags will not be recognised, the barriers will not raise.
At present, in order for a tag to be recognised as you pass through a toll plaza, the operator of the toll (CRG) must have an Agreement with the tag provider (eFlow). Unfortunately, due to reasons out of Eflow’s control, an Agreement has not yet been made. This means until further notice, eFlow tag customers will not be able to use their tags at CRG toll plazas.
Your eFlow tag will continue to operate as normal at the following toll plazas:
- M50
- M3 (Clonee – Kells)
- M4 (Kilcock – Enfield – Kinnegad)
- N6 (Galway – Ballinasloe)
- N8 (Rathcormac – Fermoy Bypass)
- East-Link Bridge
- Dublin Port Tunnel
- Limerick Tunnel
Air conditioning is essential for your comfort and can contribute to your safety. Its main purpose is to provide a comfortable environment inside your car, regardless of the outside temperature.
However, if your air conditioning system has been switched off for a while, who knows what it could be hiding? Condensation in the pipework combined with heat from the engine creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. And its not just unpleasant odours you will have to suffer, your health could also be affected with sore throats, sneezing and irritated eyes
In addition, a vehicle that has an inefficient air conditioning system uses more fuel meaning its costlier to run
So why should you have your air conditioning checked?
If your air conditioning system isn’t checked and serviced regularly it can deteriorate, causing:
- Increasing difficulty in maintaining a comfortable temperature
- Musty or damp odours, as bacteria builds up inside the system
- Windows steaming up when it is damp outside
- An escape of refrigerant gas, leading to inefficient operation and increased fuel consumption
Baldoyle Auto Centre Recommends:
An annual check and treatment of your air conditioning system which will ensure optimum efficiency and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant odours.
“We Recommend you read: Why You Must Have Your Car’s Air-Conditioning Re-gassed” Even if it is Working Okay
Speak to one of our Customer Advisers for pricing at 01-8321045 or make a booking online
The Braking System
Braking systems are complex and involve a number of different components, including
Brake Discs
- The brake disc is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel it is in motion
- Brake discs are sensitive components and come under significant stress during braking
- For your brake pads to work at maximum efficiency, your brake discs need to be in perfect working condition
- If the disc is deeply scored, glazed, cracked or rusty, replace them immediately
- You must always replace both discs on the same axle to avoid unequal braking
- Baldoyle Auto Centre recommend that discs are checked each time the pads are changed
Brake Pads
- The material which the pads are made from is softer than the discs and will therefore wear out more quickly
- Worn pads can damage the brake disc
- Have your brake pads replaced when the thickness of the material is worn down to 2mm
- Brake pads should be replaced on both wheels on the same axle to prevent asymmetrical braking
Brake Drums and Shoes
- This is another type of brake where the friction is caused by a set of brake shoes pressing against a rotating drum-shaped part called a brake drum
- When brake drums are replaced, the brake shoes, wheel cylinders and springs should also be replaced because they are subjected to the same type of pressure as a brake pad
- The brake shoes should be replaced as soon as the thickness of the lining is less than 1.5mm
Brake Fluid
- Braking components are linked by a series of hoses and pipes containing brake fluid
- Brake fluid is a vital part of the braking system and the vehicles anti-lock braking system
- Over time, brake fluid deteriorates. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked vehicle fluids.
- It should be regularly changed at least every two years to ensure that the braking system is not affected
- If it falls below the MIN level in the reservoir (or if the brake warning light comes on), brake fluid should be added to the MAX level
- If your brake fluid needs topping up regularly, you should have your braking system checked by Baldoyle Auto Centre for possible leaks
What are the warning signs there is a problem with my brakes?
The brake warning light comes on
If the brake fluid levels is too low or the pads are badly worn (The brake warning light also comes on when the handbrake is applied)
The brake pedal is stiff
If you have to press hard to the brake it may be caused by a failure in the servo assisted braking unit, hydraulic pipes, wheel cylinders or callipers.
The brake pedal is soft
If the brake pedal becomes “spongy” or has no resistance and you have to “pump” the pedal to brake, then its a clear sign that there is a serious fault in the hydraulic system
The car pulls to one side
If the car is pulling to one side it may be that a wheel cylinder or a calliper is seized up or quite simply a tyre may be under-inflated. Worn shock absorbers can cause the same effect.
The vehicle “judders” when braking
This indicates a problem with the discs, the linings or that one of the brake parts is loose or broken
Vibration
On braking, the brake pedal, steering wheel and sometimes the whole vehicle starts to vibrate: the brake discs are probably faulty, or there is a loose part or excessive play in the front or rear suspension.
If you experience any of the above, contact Baldoyle Auto Centre as soo as possible to arrange for them to check the condition of your braking system.
Important: even if you do not experience any of the above symptoms, you should ensure that your brakes are still regularly checked and maintained.
Baldoyle Auto Centre Recommends:
- As braking components wear over time it is important to get your braking system checked and maintained on a regular basis
- You get your brake fluid replaced every two years, normally this would happen at your vehicles scheduled service.
- Dont forget that any braking system is only really effective with shock absorbers and tyres that are in good condition.
- Your brakes are checked by professionals. Our technicians know your vehicles braking system inside out so you can be sure they will provide you with the right advise
Why are brakes so important?
The braking system is your vehicles most important safety feature, enabling you to slow down, stop and stop quickly in an emergency. Like all components, your brakes and braking performance will deteriorate over time, but because it happens gradually, many people may not notice the difference
It is a legal requirement that your braking system is performing correctly and your brakes will be tested as parts of your NCT. If the braking system is not up to standard your vehicle will fail.
It is therfore vital that your braking system is regularly checked and maintained to an optimum level, ensuring your vehicle is safe and to avoid potential costly repairs.
Timing Belts – Is it time to get yours changed?
The timing belt is a crucial part of your vehicles engine that controls the timing of its moving components, including the crankshaft, camshaft and valves. It is essential that it is not allowed to deteriorate.
Why get your timing belt checked?
- To avoid expensive repair costs: If you timing belt breaks, your engines moving parts could collide, causing significant damage or possibly leading to a complete replacement engine
- To avoid breakdowns: Even if the engine is not damaged, timing belt failure will lead to your vehicle breaking down
- To avoid potentially dangerous accidents: If your timing belt fails while driving, it could cause a serious accident, especially at high speeds
The timing belt is made of a rubber-based compound, which means it can deteriorate over time due to general wear and tear.
It is essential that your timing belt is replaced in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. Please refer to your warranty and maintenance handbook.
Baldoyle Auto Centre Recommends:
Timing belts can fail without warning, so we recommend that it is checked regularly, in case of contamination or signs of wear and tear, particularly if the vehicle has been used in arduous conditions such as low mileage stop start journeys.
Get your timing belt regularly checked or you may face the expense of replacing your engine.
The replacement of a timing belt is a complex and labour intensive service requiring the use of specialist tooling. Speak to one of our Customer Advisers for pricing or to make a booking call 01-8321045
Pollen Filters – If you could see how filthy your pollen filter gets. You would get it changed
If you could see how filthy your pollen filter gets… You would get it changed
A pollen filter is designed to protect you from airborne particles (dust, pollen, fumes, bacteria, pollutants etc) which enter the vehicles cabin space.
By eliminating most pollutant particles, it provides cleaner, healthier air for both driver and passengers. It also prevents deposits forming on the windscreen that can reduce drivers visibility.
5 Good Reasons why your pollen filter may need changing:
Your health: Fully functioning pollen filters reduce air pollutants that create fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, nausea and allergic reactions
Protection: the filter helps allergy and asthma sufferers by filtering out pollen
Comfort: they reduce unpleasant odours, especially those arising from heavy traffic
Hygiene: they help to reduce the build up of deposits in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Air Flow: reduced flow of air through a blocked pollen filter will result in a less efficient operation of the system
Baldoyle Auto Centre Recommends:
We recommend that your pollen filter is replaced regularly at every scheduled service. But, if the air in your vehicle is stale or if your windscreen is taking too long to de-mist, its probably a sign that the pollen filter is clogged up and needs changing now.
Speak to one of our Customer Advisers for pricing by calling 01-8321045 or make an appointment online
Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, brought new legislation to cabinet on 14th July 2016 which will compel insurers to notify his Department of Category A and Category B write-offs.
At present a voluntary system of notification is in place but for years Cartell.ie has called for regulation which will place the procedure on a statutory footing.
John Byrne, Cartell.ie, says:
We welcome this initiative which is a necessary step in the Government’s efforts to make our roads safer. Since 2007 Cartell.ie has campaigned for regulation of written-off vehicles in Ireland to obligate insurers to notify the Department of Transport where a vehicle has been written-off. While the proposals which have been submitted to cabinet are confined to Category A and Category B write-offs – which are the most serious types – we would like to see this obligation extend in future to other write-off classifications.”
Earlier this year Cartell.ie reported that 10.75% of all UK imports registered in Ireland over a 6-month-period in 2015 were previously written-off in the UK.
The ABI Total Loss Categories (‘Write-Off’)
Category A: Scrap only – The vehicle has not been repaired following extreme damage. It was deemed too damaged to be repairable with little or no salvageable parts.
Category B: The bodyshell should have been crushed. The vehicle has not been repaired following significant damage. It was deemed too damaged to be repairable however did have salvageable parts.
Category C: This vehicle was repairable, but the repair costs exceeded the vehicle value. The insurer chose not to repair for economic reasons.
Category D: This vehicle was repairable, but the repair costs were significant compared to the vehicle value. The insurer chose not to repair for economic reasons.
Why is it Important to Have Your engine oil Changed Annually?
A rule of thumb is to have your engine oil changed annually regardless of how many or how few miles it has clocked. Once a year or every 12,000 kilometres – whichever comes first, and definitely once before winter sets in. This applies for new and old cars, and no matter how strongly you feel that everything is just fine with your car. Only the appropriate diagnostics at an mechanical repair centre can reveal if all the parts and components are in fine working order. It extends to oil, which is essential in keeping the engine lubricated properly. The main cause of engine sludge is ignoring the engine oil change when it is due.
The engine sludge problem
Over time, oil breaks down, combines with contaminants and collects on the engine as a solid or gel-like formation known as sludge. Sludge prevents the optimal lubrication of your engine’s moving parts. It increases friction and leads to excessive wear; in a worst case scenario, cause engine failure and require a full replacement.
If you’ve bought a used car whose oil change and routine maintenance was neglected by the previous owner, you may face sludge and engine problems even if you change the oil every 5,000 kilometres or so.
Your car’s been inactive for a long time? There’s even more reason to get its oil changed. That’s because short and irregular commutes are among the common causes of engine sludge formation. When you don’t drive your car regularly, the engine won’t get adequately heated to burn off water vapour. The vapour will then mix with the oil and cause a milky sludge. You will then have to get an earlier oil change, at intervals of 5,000-6,000 kilometres or every six months.
Check your owner’s manual
Your owner’s manual will have information on oil change. For instance, the Toyota Prius has a recommended oil change interval of one year. The interval can depend on the type of oil used. It is one year for Toyota cars using 0W-20 synthetic oil. For cars using 5w-20/5w-30 mineral oil, the interval is six months. Regardless of whether the oil change interval is short or extended, it is important to have oil level checked periodically and top-off as required.
Should you rely on your oil life monitor?
Your car may have a basic oil life monitor that looks at the mileage range to remind you that your next service is due. Or it may have an advanced monitor that uses sensors and algorithms to predict the life of your oil. Problem is, if you don’t do short commutes or engage in stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic, your oil life monitor may not turn on the maintenance light for 20,000 km or more. It is therefore, advisable to opt for annual oil change to prevent engine problems and expensive repair or replacement.
You might also be interested in Signs a car service is required
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter?
If you’re looking to buy a new diesel car, it will come with a Diesel Particulate Filter . In 2009, European laws mandated that diesel cars must be outfitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for environmental benefits. Though it is no doubt an eco-friendly solution, a clogged DPF has become a source of expensive repairs for drivers.
What exactly does a DPF do?
A diesel particulate filter traps exhaust soot particles. Soot particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Their extremely small size and toxic composition means that they can easily travel deep into people’s lungs, causing asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and other illnesses.
DPF traps soot particles caused by the compression-ignition combustion process, preventing the emission of harmful smoke into the atmosphere.
Does it mean that the DPF gets clogged with soot?
Yes, as with any filter, your diesel car’s DPF will accumulate the soot it traps. But it will heat the residue, convert it into ash, and expel it. This occurs every 500 km or so when the Engine Control Unit raises exhaust temperatures artificially in a process known as regeneration.
Does all the soot get expelled as ash?
Here’s the problem. During short journeys, or in stop/start traffic, the Engine Control Unit may not get time to fully complete regeneration. It causes a partial blockage in the DPF, and the orange warning light in your dashboard will flash/turn on. If you ignore the light and continue driving slowly or through stop-and-go traffic, the engine will start losing power and eventually stop.
What to do when the warning light comes on?
When the warning light starts flashing, change your driving strategy. Move to driving on a faster road, such as a motorway or dual carriageway. Maintain a steady high pace for ten minutes or so. This will prompt the diesel particulate filter to switch to regeneration mode and burn off soot, thereby preventing blockage.
Should you go to an auto centre?
If the DPF does not regenerate and the warning light comes on repeatedly, a trip to the auto centre will become necessary. Auto service technicians will check if the pressure sensors are working properly; remove the filter and replace it with a change-over filter; use ultrasound cleaning to clean the filter or replace the filter with a new DPF filter.
The point of installing diesel particulate filter in diesel cars is to meet the increasingly stringent emission legislation. By attempting to remove your car’s DPF and reprogramming your engine software – as suggested by some websites will adversely impact your car’s roadworthiness and invalidate your warranty.
Why is it Important to Have Your Wheel Alignment Checked Annually?
No matter how advanced your car’s engine or on-board electronics, if the wheels don’t point the same direction, you’ll be driving funny on the road! The warning signs of issues with wheel alignment are:
- Tyre wear on some areas of tyre, mostly on the outer edge
- If you can’t see the wear on the tyre, run your hands over it to feel where the tyre has worn off. Do it slowly and gently as a severely worn out tyre may have exposed wires.
- You may notice your car drifting to the left or right when driving even on a straight and even surface. It increases your steering effort or it may pull in either direction when you brake.
- Your steering wheel won’t remain straight, even when you’re driving straight.
What causes wheel misalignment?
Wheel alignment is affected by multiple factors. Besides incorrect adjustments and worn-out suspension parts, the effects of daily driving – especially if you hit the kerb or potholes – can throw out your wheels’ alignment. Changes to alignments occur over a period of time, and if left unattended, result in severe misalignment within 12 to 18 months. It will then become a full-blown safety issue, and merit an emergency visit to your auto centre. That’s why we suggest getting a wheel alignment check at least as part of an annual vehicle inspection. If you spot any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to get your wheels checked out immediately.
What are the benefits of wheel alignment?
- Optimal vehicle stability that makes your car safer to drive on the road.
- Tyres don’t wear out prematurely on the inside or outside edge. Misaligned tyres can wear out within a couple of thousand miles, and drive up your replacement costs.
- Out-of-alignment tyres increase rolling resistance, which is the energy lost when the tire rolls on the road while you’re driving. To overcome the resistance, your car’s engine works harder, and in turn, uses up more fuel than it normally would. This will naturally show up in your fuel costs.
- Your car’s suspension is attached to your wheels and tyres. Wheel misalignment speed up the rate at which suspension parts wear out, impacting ride comfort and handling.
Getting all four wheels aligned at Baldoyle Auto is cheaper than replacing the cost of a single tyre. Don’t put off wheel alignment for another day, or you will be compromising the safety and fuel-efficiency of your car. Make an appointment online http://tinyurl.com/y72hdage or call our office 01-8321045
Directions to us
Turn into Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Take a left and then a right, half way down the road on the left you will see Kane Kitchens & Heat Merchants, take this left turn and we are located in the second last building on your left. If you have any questions call our helpline 018321045