ACE Tips
Stinky air conditioning?
25 August 2022
Does your car air conditioning smell a bit musty or like a sweaty sock?
There's a few things that could be causing it, either mould, fungus or mildew could be growing on the evaporator. Or your cars cabin air filter whos job it is to to keep the air inside the car nice and clean might need changing. Try the following and see if it helps:
- You could wear a gas mask...
- Buy a air-con cleaning spray that will kill mould and bacteria. Start your car, turn the air-con on to cool and run the fan on high with the windows open. Spray the cleaner into the intake vents on the outside of your car below the windscreen. Then switch to heat and repeat the spray.
- Or you can change your cabin air filter. Check your cars instruction manual to see how often you should change this. You may be able to do this yourself (check you tube for how to videos) or you can take your car in to your local mechanic and they can do it for you.
- You could try some prevention tactics to stop mould, mildew or fungus growing on your evaporator. Basically your evaporator needs to dry out which means turning your air-con off 2 blocks before your destination, open your vents and put the fan on full.
Of course there is chance the issue could be a bit more technical and you may need to take your car to a mechanic or air-con expert to be fixed.
Tyre tread OK?
18 August 2022
When was the last time you checked your cars tyres?
The condition of your car tyres affects your grip on the road, your stopping distance and even your fuel bill. To keep you safe on the road AA New Zealand recommends:
- Checking your tyre tread depth by getting a NZ 20c coin and inserting it into the tread. If you can see the whole of the number 20 on the coin it is time to replace your tyres (check out our image for an example). Most tyre shops will check your tread depth for free.
- Check your tyre pressure at a service station. To see what your pressure should be look for a sticker inside the drivers door pillar, in your cars manual or use the handy tyre pressure tool at https://tools.genless.govt.nz/individuals/tyre-pressure-tool.
- Check the overall condition of your tyres. Take a quick look at your tyres and if you see any cracks or bubbles in the side of your tyre, or the tread is wearing unevenly take your car to a garage or tyre retailer. Turn your front tyres hard left and check the inside of the tyre, and repeat with them turned hard right.
Headlights OK?
11 August 2022
- Park your car facing a wall or garage door with the engine switched on but not running and hand brake applied
- Turn headlights to Park function and then walk around your car checking that your park/tail lights are working. (You should have 1 light on each corner of your vehicle and 1 lighting your number plate)
- Switch headlights on to low beam. Check the beam pattern in front of you on the wall and walk to the front of your car and check each light is working on low beam
- Switch headlights to high beam. Your beam pattern should change to higher up the wall in front of you. Also walk to the front of your car and check that each light is working on high beam
- If your car has fog lights, turn them on and walk to the front of your car and check that they are both working
- Check your indicators by switching the hazard lights on. Walk around your vehicle and ensure both the front and back indicators are working.
- Finally check Brake and Reverse Lights are working. Place your foot on the brake and get someone to check that both brake lights are working. Keeping your foot on the brake and the handbrake on, place your car in reverse gear and get someone to check that your reverse lights are working. If you don't have someone to help you, reverse your car up to a wall either in a dark garage or outside at night and you will be able to see the reflection of the lights on the wall.
Doing some DIY?
11 June 2022
- Do I know the steps I need to complete my project - google is your friend!
- What tools will I need and do I have them all?
- What materials do I need? Make sure you measure twice so you get enough of your materials
- What fasteners do I need - screws, nails, specialists glue, liquid nails?
- Have I read the application instructions, eg letting glue partially dry before joining items together or unable to be used in wet areas
- Do I need to do a patch test, eg glue won't show through fabric or paint will adhere to surface
- Do I have enough time to complete my task or part of my task, eg is it going to rain before my paint is dry!
- Can I do this alone or will I need help at some stage, eg to help brace, lift or move heavy items
- Dress for the occasion - this applies to yourself (wear old clothes or coveralls) and the work area (eg protective sheets for painting)
- How will I clean up any spills if they occur - check the label of the product you are using and make sure you have the right cleanup products on hand
Do you have a car emergency kit?
3 June 2022
- First Aid Kit
- Spare cash (very well hidden - at least so the kids can't find it!)
- Umbrella or poncho
- Water
- Snacks
- Jumper Leads or a Jumpstarter
- High Vis Vest
- Blanket
- Torch (either dynamo or with spare batteries)
- A multipurpose tool to break windows, cut seatbelts
- Tow Rope
- Gloves
- Baby wipes
Trouble with your wiper blades?
7 May 2022
- Your wipers are squeaking or squealing
- Your wipers are shuddering across the windscreen rather than a smooth wipe
- Your wipers are smudging rather than clearing the windscreen
- You have a new windscreen
Time to plant your bulbs?
29 April 2022
- Check the planting instructions for each type of bulb you are planting (on the pack or google) to see if you need to store them in fridge before planting and to ensure you plant at the right depth
- Prepare your garden bed by digging in some compost and sheep pellets (I got ours out of our paddock!)
- If you are planting in pots then you can use a mix of soil, compost and sheep pellets or a specialist bulb mix from a garden centre
- Loosen the soil and pop a handful of a specialist bulb mix in the hole
- Plant the pointy end up (or if you can't tell which is the pointy end you can plant on it's side and it will find it's way)
- Fill in the hole with bulb mix and press gently around your bulb
- Feed your bulbs with a liquid fertilizer and water well
- Put a layer of mulch around the garden or in your pots to help retain moisture and keep those weeds away!
- If you feed your bulbs with a liquid fertilizer when you see the green shoots they will flourish even more
- Water your bulbs once a week to keep the soil moist
Car interior need a refresh?
11 March 2022
- Make sure you give all surfaces a really good clean with a wax and grease remover
- Mask off the areas you don't want to paint to avoid accidentally painting them
- Check the application instructions for the paint you are using to see if you need to use a primer first
- Make sure you are in a well ventilated area
- Start with a light coat first, then follow up with two medium coats to build the colour
- Leave to dry for at least 30 mins before removing the masking tape
- Always check the manufacturers instructions for the paint you have before starting your renovation.
It's time to be sun smart
22 October 2021
- look for sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or above, plus water resistance and broad-spectrum protection
- apply sunscreen at least 20 mins before being in the sun
- apply about 2 teaspoons for each leg, 1 teaspoon for each arm, your back, your front and your face
- reapply often, at least every 2 hours you are outside
- reapply after swimming or lots of sweating
- cover up with suitable clothing, a hat and sunglasses
- spend as much time in the shade as you can especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are the most intense
Struggling with visibility?
8 October 2021
Need a break from painting?
1 October 2021
Tar Spots on your car?
13 August 2021
Try using peanut butter. Yes, you read that right, peanut butter! Apply smooth peanut butter with a microfibre cloth by dabbing it on to the car on your car. Allow the peanut butter to penetrate the tar - this will take up to 30 mins. Then wipe the peanut butter off with the microfibre cloth and repeat if necessary.
You can also try WD40 by spraying it directly onto the tar spots and letting it soak in for 10 to 30 mins. Rub off with the microfibre cloth, and repeat if needed.
Finally you can try a commercial tar removing product like Bars Bugs Bug and Tar Remover. Just spray it on, let it sit for a while and wipe it off with a microfibre cloth.
Cold engine won't start?
11 August 2021
Got that "rrr rrr rrr" sound when you are trying to start your cold car?
Your car battery produces less electrical current when it's cold, due to the chemical reaction being slower than on a warm day. Cold batteries simply don't produce the same amount of power as warm batteries, which is what could be causing your "rrr rrr rrr" sound.
Try turning all your accessories that use battery power off before you start your car - stereo, heater, windscreen wipers, headlights. That might just give you enough energy to start the car. Still won't start?
Try spraying CRC Engine Start into the air intake (check your user manual to locate it). Hold the can 20cm away and spray for 2 seconds, try turning the engine on, and repeat if necessary.