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
Headlight Restoration
When you have a headlight restoration complete with us you will have clear, bright, durable long-lasting finish that will enhance safety and appearance.
A vehicle’s headlight enclosures come with factory original equipment manufacturer ultra violet protective coating. These types of enclosures are polymer based coated. They are bonded together before installation under intense UV light to be optically clear, durable and long lasting, but the natural elements over time (sunlight) will cause headlight lens to slowly oxidize and discolour. This cloudy look does not only look unappealing but actually restricts the brightness of the headlamps.
Benefits of headlight restoration
- A long lasting finish
- It is very cost effective
- Helps the environment by not throwing away the old headlight
- You can see better during night driving
- Adds value to the car
- Makes the front of your car look fresher
- Head lamp aim check is carried out after the restoration
Toyota Yaris headlight restoration saved our client €355
Two new headlamps & headlight alignment would cost approx €435
Headlight restoration completed at Baldoyle Auto Centre cost €80
Toyota Yaris Before Restoration
Toyota Yaris after Headlight Restoration
Book online Click Here
To view more photos on our Instagram Page
Operation Slow Down – Safety Camera Locations
Operation Slow Down May 2016
An Garda Síochána and GoSafe are conducting a large scale national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down” between 7am this morning, Friday 27th May and 7am Saturday 28th May 2016.
The objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, Garda National Traffic Bureau wishes to thank those drivers who continue to be compliant and drive within the speed limit and reiterates the message, to all motorists, drive safely and slow down.
Chief Superintendent Reid continued:-
“We are asking all drivers to support the National “Slow Down” day and not exceed the posted speed limit, but also as importantly, by adjusting their speed to all the road, traffic and weather conditions they face at that time. It goes without saying this is not only for one day, but for every day. We are asking people to support it, slow down and save lives.”
The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement activities to include all 1,031 speed enforcement zones, as well as the delivery of a road safety message through the use of national, local and social media. In addition, Garda personnel will man display stands in key venues to provide road safety advice and distribute road safety leaflets.
Click here to view safety camera locations
For further information and updates check out An Garda Siochana Facebook Page & Twitter Page @GardaTraffic
Your car air conditioning system not only blows cold air into the cabin, but also removes hot air from it into the air outside. In doing so, it keeps the interior of your vehicle cool and comfortable. An air-conditioner comprises of mechanical components such as the evaporator, compressor and condenser, which need to be serviced from time to time. As part of your normal car air conditioning service plan, your auto centre may or may not offer re-gassing or recharging. Ideally, re-gassing must be done every two years or so. Here’s why.
Car air conditioning! What are the advantages of re-gassing?
On an average, your car will lose about 10 per cent of gas annually. When this happens, it will stop cooling you off as much you would like it to! In other words, it will stop producing cold air or not produce enough of it. It will be particularly problematic in summer and you won’t be able to stay comfortably cool inside the car to escape the outside heat.
Air conditioning systems that are not re-gassed periodically will have to work harder to produce cool air. It adds more stress on the engine, and consequently increases fuel usage. If your car air conditioning systems that hasn’t been re-gassed in the last two years, its efficiency would have reduced substantially. So, avoid waiting for signs of problems – such as a fall in cold air production – and get the unit recharged at the earliest, if you have put this service off for a while now.
What does regassing involve in car air conditioning ?
If your car’s AC is low on refrigerant oil, it may not cool effectively. Re-gassing/recharging involves removing old refrigerant gas and oil from your air conditioning unit and replacing it with the right amount of new refrigerant and lubricant in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. Service technicians may also perform a vacuum test to ensure that your car air conditioning does not have cracks through which the gas is escaping. The process may also include system de-bug/decontamination to remove bacterial build-up. It may also be accompanied by deodorization and sanitization to remove the musty odour from the system.
Re-gassing usually takes about an hour. If you think your car air conditioning needs re-gassing, stop by at Baldoyle Auto Centre today.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, today (Friday) announced a new Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) offence for motorists who drive with defective or worn tyres on their vehicle. Although it is already an offence to drive a vehicle with defective or worn tyres, there will now be a fixed charge (or fine) of €80, with two penalty points endorsed on the licence on payment of the fixed charge for commission of the offence, or four penalty points following conviction in court. The new regulations take effect from Sunday, 17th April 2016.
Speaking today, Minister Donohoe said: ‘Following consultation with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, I have decided to extend the fixed charge notice system to vehicles with defective or worn tyres. This new measure is intended to promote greater awareness among motorists of the hazards of driving with tyres that are not in roadworthy condition.
“Since the penalty points system was introduced in 2002, there has been a dramatic fall in the numbers dying needlessly on our roads. The penalty points system has played an important role in reducing fatalities and improving road safety since that time. We need to keep up the pressure to reduce road deaths, and I am confident that the measure I am introducing today will make an important contribution to achieving that.
“Just this month, the Road Safety Authority reported that vehicle factors played a role in one in eight fatal collisions across the period 2008 to 2012. Defective tyres were the most significant factor, representing almost two thirds of all vehicle factors identified as contributing to a collision and to the deaths of 71 people on Irish roads in the past five years.
“The RSA report also highlighted just how important it is that every aspect of a vehicle is in proper roadworthy condition. None of us can predict what will happen on our roads; we may encounter other drivers behaving poorly or adverse weather conditions. However, we can take personal responsibility for ensuring that our vehicle is properly maintained and be confident that our tyres can reliably respond to whatever conditions we may encounter. In a bid to highlight how critical this issue is to road safety, I have expedited the work to bring the offence of defective and non-roadworthy tyres within the penalty point system. I am urging people to take preventative measures today by checking their vehicles regularly and ensuring they are up to standard and roadworthy. It may just save your life.”
Why is it Important to Have Your Tyres Checked Regularly?
One of the most important yet often ignored car safety precautions is checking your tyres on a regular basis. After all, tyres are the sole point of contact between your car and the road, with the air inside them supporting the weight of your vehicle. When they’re in perfect working condition, they help secure your safety and don’t disrupt the driving experience.
- Monthly tyre pressure check
The recommended tyre pressure will be mentioned in the user manual, on the inside of the fuel flap, or on a label on your car door. It is critical that the tyres maintain this tyre pressure. Over or under inflation can cause uneven wear and affect their longevity. Importantly, it can affect cornering, stability and braking. Low tyre pressure can also increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Tyre under inflated by even 1 bar can drive up fuel consumption by 6 per cent.
Get your tyre pressure checked at least once a month; more regularly during warm weather when they usually lose more air; and before and after a long journey.
- Monthly tire tread wear check
Low tyre tread depth increases the risk of tyre failure and hydroplaning, where standing water, slush or snow causes the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and makes your vehicle slide out of control. It is especially important to check tyre tread depth during the winter months.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. Tread wear indicators are also moulded into the base of the main grooves. When the tread surface wears down to the same level as the indicators, it means the tyres are at the legal limit and require replacement. A tread depth gauge is used to measure tread depth. But if you have any doubts or feel like you’ve not measured the tread depth accurately, it is best to let auto centre experts handle the job.
- Tyre valves
Over time, the rubber valves of your tyres will wear out and deteriorate, causing air loss. The valve cap can also suffer damage and fail to perform its main function: keeping out dirt and dust particles. By checking tyre valves and caps periodically, you can ensure an airtight seal, the correct tire pressure, and extend the life of your tyres.
- Tyre servicing
The performance of and wear-and-tear sustained by your car’s tyres is dependent on a variety of factors. Periodic tyre inspection can reveal if your tyres need servicing or they must be replaced. At the very least – an annual inspection must be performed – and if your tyres have been in use for ten years now, it’s time to get a new set.
Baldoyle Auto Centre’s free tyre digital scan provides a detailed thread analyist of the condition of your tyres. Get your report and take the best course of action for optimal safety and a superior driving experience.