The Road Safety Authority is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads over the next 72 hours following the weather warning. Sleet, snow and ice are also forecast from Thursday.
The RSA is asking road users to check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip.
The RSA has issued the following advice:
- Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
- Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey.
- In snow and icy conditions slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.
- Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front. This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy fog, turn off your radio and let down your driver’s window a fraction, so as you can hear other traffic.
- Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
- The best thing to do in extremely bad weather is to stay off the road. Take heed of warnings not to go out and travel only if absolutely necessary.
The NCT have announced their Christmas draw. You could win €1,000. Simply get your car tested before 20th December 2016 and you could be in with a chance of winning one of their 12 days of Christmas prizes of €1,000!
You can read all terms & conditions over on the NCT Website
Preparing for your NCT
1. Your car has adequate oil and water.
2. The boot is empty and your vehicle is clear of all valuables and personal belongings.
3. The vehicle is reasonably clean (especially the under-body).
4. The wheel hubcaps are removed (only in the case where wheel nuts are not visible) and the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
5. The engine is in a fit state to be tested e.g. cam belt /timing belt. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer at the test centre.
6. All seat belts and clips are fully visible (including rear).
7. We also recommend that you have your lights checked and set prior to the NCT.
8. Your Vehicle Registration Book, Registration Certificate or Licensing Certificate is with you when you arrive at the test centre.
9. You bring identification (driving licence) with you on the day of the test. The person who brings the car for inspection brings their identification with them (driving licence) as failure to provide the required identification will result in the vehicle not being issued an NCT certificate at the time of testing
10. You have your test fee of €55.00, plus any cancellation fee (if applicable) payable by cash, laser card and all major credit cards (excluding American Express).
11. Your vehicle is at a normal operating temperature prior to arriving at the test centre for inspection
12. Your registration plates comply with current regulations
If the above items are not taken care of, NCTS may be unable to test your vehicle.
You can read more about why a Pre NCT is Important here http://tinyurl.com/j8k3btj
As we rush about our daily lives in the hectic build up to Christmas, take a moment to think about how you can help those less fortunate than yourself.
In the run up to Christmas, Martina will be collecting food supplies or a Christmas gift box for a facebook group “You’re Not Alone” who feed and give clean clothes to the homeless on Dame Street.
To get involved in the appeal, simply find an empty shoebox, wrap the box and the lid separately, and label whether it is suitable for a male, female or child (including age and gender Take a shoebox, and fill it with some of these gift suggestions for general shoebox
Socks, a hat, gloves, scarf, Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shower gel, soap, deodorant, moisturiser, baby wipes, hair brush/comb, face cloth, new underwear, new warm socks, and warm hats/gloves/scarf
Treats: sweets, chocolate, Coffee, Sugar, Deck of cards
If you do not have time to make a shoebox but would like to get involved you can put your donations in a bag or a box and the group will arrange them into christmas gifts.
Drop Off Point :
You can bring your packed boxes into Martina at Baldoyle Auto Centre Ltd,
Unit 138-139 Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle Dublin 13.
If you have any questions email martina@baldoyleautocentre.ie
Final day for drop off will be 19th December
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 require directions please call 01-8321045
Current Vacancies – Fully qualified Mechanics
Baldoyle Auto Centre is a fully Irish owned company and a leading provider of motoring services in the North Dublin area. The company is based in the Baldoyle Industrial Estate in a convenient location which offers easy access to both Dublin city and the surrounding area via the M50.
The company has built an excellent reputation as a one stop automotive repair and service centre offering top quality mechanical repairs and servicing, a full accident repair service and many other additional motoring services.
Many staff at the company previously worked at the well respected Teeling Motor Company in Howth and have been working as part of a close knit team for over 20 years. This experience, as well as on-going training, enables them to offer motoring services and customer care of the very highest standard.
Complementing the expert staff team, Baldoyle Autos workshop facilities fully equipped with the latest automotive equipment technology to carry out almost any job be it mechanical, electrical, diagnostic or bodywork to the highest of standard to keep customer vehicles safe, in perfect running order and in pristine condition.
We offer service, repairs and bodywork on all makes and models of car as well as light commercials vehicles.
we are now looking to recruit for fully qualified Mechanics to join our team at Baldoyle Auto Centre.
The applicant must have good communication skills, be able to work on own initiative and be able to work well as part of a team.
To apply call 01-8321045
Buying second-hand tyres: Am I Saving Money?
Second-hand or part worn tyres are tyres which have been used on another vehicle. If you are thinking about buying a part worn tyre, you must ensure the tyre is safe and meets the minimum legal requirements. You should also think about whether or not you’re getting real value for money.
The following are some important points to look out for before buying a part-worn tyre;
- Check for an E-Mark on the tyre. Your tyres will need to carry an E-mark for the NCT
- Check that there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm on the tyre. Anything less is illegal for use on a public road. Always measure in the middle of the tyre surface, and not at the edges.
- Tyres also have a ‘tread wear indicator’ block set into them at a depth of 1.6mm. You should check this block to ensure that this indicator is not at the same level as or lower than the tyre tread.
- Ask the seller if the tyre has undergone a condition check (including when it is inflated) to make sure it meets the minimum legal requirements and is free from defects both internally and externally. Common defects include tears, lumps, and bulges. A tyre that is not roadworthy will result in a car failing its NCT as well as reducing your safety on the road.
- Ask the seller to confirm that the tyre you are buying is the correct size and design for your vehicle, and that it has the correct load and speed rating for its intended use. If you’re not sure about what tyre is best suited for your vehicle, you could consult your vehicle manufacturer or look it up in the owner’s handbook.
- Find our the age of the second hand tyre and make sure that is is not more than six years old. A tyre that is six years old is a ‘pass advisory’ item at the NCT. A tyre’s age can be determined by the serial number on the tyre sidewall. This serial number comprises of a four digit code and refers to the tyre’s date of manufacture. The last two digits refer to the year or manufacture: the first two refer to the week in that year. For example 1411 = week 14 of 2011. Tyres deteriorate with age. Signs of tyre aging include cracking or crazing (lots of fine cracks) on the side wall of the tyre caused by the tyre’s flexing movements. The shape of the tyre tread can become distorted too. Tyre aging increases the risk of tyre failure. Tyres may begin to show the signs of aging from when they are six years old.
- Be aware that there could be damage to the inside of the rubber which you mightn’t be able to see from just looking at it, but that it would be possible to see in an x-ray. The seller might be able to show that the tyre was x-rayed to prove that there is no internal damage.
- Be satisfied that you are getting value for money. The remaining tread depth of a second hand tyre is very important, and this is something you need to consider carefully in terms of the value for money.
Part Worn Tyres: Am I Saving Money ?
Example
A part worn tyre costing €30 has tread thickness of 3.6mm. Therefore, it has 2mm of usable tread before it reaches the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6… This works out at €15 per mm of usable tread.
On the other hand, a new tyre costing €80 has 8mm of tread. Therefore, it has 6.4mm of usable tread before it reaches the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm. This works out at €12.50 per mm of usable tread, and therefore offers better value.
In addition to the increased costs in this example, you would have to buy three sets of these part worn tyres in order to get the same life as one new set of tyres.
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