The Australian weather can take an extreme toll on both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Now that Spring has arrived, it’s time to get those tyres scrubbed and rims shined, interiors deep cleaned and vacuumed, and that exterior washed and waxed. It’s time for some serious spring-cleaning.

Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett provides some expert spring-cleaning advice to spring into full vehicle-vibrancy.

“There are five important steps to spring-cleaning: undercarriage washing, exterior washing and waxing, tyre cleaning, replacing wiper blades, and interior cleanup,” says Lett.

Undercarriage washing: “The initial step to preparing one’s vehicle for the freshness and radiance of spring is to remove road salt and grime from the vehicle’s undercarriage. Using either a high-pressured or garden hose, try and reach every nook and cranny of the underneath with water,” says Lett.  Should one utilise a high-pressured hose, use diluted detergent and mix with water to wash the undercarriage thoroughly.

Exterior washing and waxing: Start with an initial hose down to weaken the dirt before the actual and thorough wash. Select the most effective car wash liquid, mix with water and wash with a soft sponge. “Avoid any abrasive materials like steel wool when cleaning the outer body of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is soapy and touch stains are neutralised, hose the vehicle down, and wipe the vehicle dry with a chamois cloth,” says Lett.

It’s time to start waxing. Get the ideal waxing product out and apply with a micro fibre cloth. Remember to apply wax in circular motions to get full surface coverage. Allow to dry. After that, polish the vehicle with a good waxing machine.

Tyre cleaning: Hose down tyres to weaken any soft dirt. Then apply a tyre and wheel cleaner to the outer surface and then brush with strength using a tyre brush. “One can also use an unused paintbrush to remove any debris. Rinse tyres with water, then dry with a micro fibre cloth,” says Lett.

Replacing wiper blades: “Remove any cracked wiper blades. If one notices that blades are skipping and streaking, it’s time to replace the wiper blades,” says Lett. Before refitting the new blades, use a standard window cleaning solution and thoroughly clean the front and rear windows to remove built up dirt and grime.

Interior Cleanup: Get vacuuming and remove all the fine dirt in the nooks and crannies in and around the seats and on the floor. “Vacuum car seats thoroughly, or use a wet vacuum on the car seats for better results. Based on the material of your interior, utilise the correct products to wipe down arm rests, headrests, dashboards and side areas of the interior,” says Lett. The same applies to the boot, wet or dry vacuum it and lay a plastic tarpaulin across the floor of the boot to keep it as clean as possible. For an extra boost to a clean and fresh interior, place a scented air freshener on the rear view mirror.

At Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett and his team ‘go green’ and are experts in the recycled tyre business. Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. Branches are situated at 13 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads, contact number (07) 5535 2660 or 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd, Southport contact number, (07) 5591 8633.

Written and Syndicated by: YDMA News

Vehicles that display fuel efficiency run with lower carbon-emitting fuels that are pivotal in meeting both climate and energy security. Additionally, improved aerodynamics in vehicles, materials and drive train efficiency, among other qualities, influence a vehicle’s coherence. Technological growth continues steadily in the automotive industry, improving vehicle efficiency as new energy sources are developed.

Owner of Branigans Tyres, and renowned Australian tyre recycling specialist, Chris Lett discusses vehicle efficiency, what it is, and how it can be measured to ensure environmental preservation.

“Vehicle efficiency is measured holistically and takes into account the vehicle’s design and performance, and how that directly influences it’s on-road capabilities,” says Lett. “More notably, driving behaviour also impacts fuel consumption, which ultimately leads to greater efficiency. Smooth acceleration and deceleration, gear-changing at higher speeds, idle reduction and removing clunky accessories that weigh down the vehicle support improved efficiency,” Lett adds.

Idle reduction is important as it heavily influences vehicle and fuel efficiency. “The longer a vehicle is left to idle, the more fuel is wasted, additionally posing a health risk to people, both in and around the vehicle. Idling also reduces a vehicle’s fuel economy, costing the owner money to recuperate that lost fuel. Luckily, diesel engines are mostly calibrated to optimum performance at travelling speeds, combusting fuel less efficiently when idling,” says Lett.

There are many vehicle and fuel efficiency techniques that promote vehicle efficiency. “The most notable techniques are: an integrated starter/generator, variable valve timing and lift, continuous variable transmission, and direct fuel injection,” says Lett.

An Integrated starter/generator allows engines to shut down and immediately restart for short stops (e.g. at a red traffic light), rather that idling at the light. Variable timing and lift enables the intake and exhaust valves to react according to the engine speed, which supports improved fuel economy and emissions. Continuous variable transmission limits the revolutions per minute (rpm) for any speed, reducing vehicle fuel consumption. Direct fuel injection is when fuel is injected directly into the cylinder barrel, allowing more efficient combustion than when fuel and air are mixed outside of the cylinder.

Accompanying these, are a few aerodynamic and weight reduction techniques that support improved efficiency. Lighter materials like carbon fibres and lighter metals allow manufacturers to reduce vehicle weight and promote engine efficiency. Vortex generators are small, triangular shaped roof mounted devices in front of the rear window.  Properly shaped, sized and positioned vortex generators reduce drag by causing air flow along the rear windshield and boot lid. Lastly, and very importantly are wheels. “Thinner, smaller wheels and low rolling resistant tyres reduce road friction and air drag, thus increasing fuel efficiency. Concave rims that are fully closed are much more dynamic than open rims,” says Lett.

Understanding vehicle efficiency does not need to be a tedious experience. It can be practical and beneficial if one takes the time to best understand their vehicle. Researching professional vehicle efficiency methods can benefit a vehicle’s performance in the long run.

At Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett and his team ‘go green’ and are experts in the recycled tyre business. Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. Branches are situated at 13 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads, contact number (07) 5535 2660 or 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd, Southport contact number, (07) 5591 8633.

Written and Syndicated by: YDMA News