Choosing the right car stereo

To choose the right car stereo equipment, there are seven key questions:
1. Determine how much money you have to invest in your system.

2. Decide whether you are seeking "audiophile quality" or the modern equivalent of the AM radio.

3. Are you an "audio enthusiast" who wants all the bells and whistles, or is an FM Stereo all that you require?

4. What types of music do you usually listen to? Are you strictly jazz or do you like heavy metal?

5. How long do you think you'll own your car or the equipment you purchase?

6. Lastly, what special things do you have to watch out for with your car stereo? Does it have odd-shaped openings for speakers or the "head-unit?"

7. Is your car or truck designed to accommodate after-market systems?
Once you've answered these questions, you'll be on your way to making an informed buying decision.
Audio equipment comes in a wide range of prices, quality, and performance, from the least expensive mass-produced CD players, tuner/amplifiers and all-in-one systems with navigation and even TV screens, to precision-crafted "reference" components costing several hundred dollars. The key is to obtain the best possible sound quality at the most reasonable price.

If you enjoy bringing your music from our home into your car then you need a good sound system. This is why most people turn to after-market products to enhance their listening experience. Having a good quality sound system can be quite costly and this is why you should consider your purchase carefully.

One thing to consider is your car itself. Is it a 2 door, 4 door, hatch or sedan. This is important as it can greatly influence the type of sound system you purchase. Smaller cars don't need as much power as larger cars, simply because there is not as much space for the sound to travel within.
Smaller cars generally have 4 speakers. Simply upgrading these speakers will not be enough to greatly increase the sound quality. Upgrading the stereo to one that puts out 50watts per channel will give a greater increase in sound quality.

For larger cars it gets a little more complicated. In some large cars there are up to 6 speakers. It's not necessary to replace all 6; replacing 4 should be sufficient. One thing to consider in larger cars is getting a sub-woofer. Sub-woofers usually sit in the boot of the car and can put out a good amount of bass depending on the sub-woofer. To run the sub-woofer and amplifier is also necessary.

Finally go and visit your local Supercheap Auto store where our friendly team members will be able to help you in choosing the stereo that's right for you.

-->More

Servicing Your Cooling System

With summer motoring now here, it's even more important to ensure that your car cooling system is running at its best to cope with our harsh summer.
What You'll Need
HOSESLeaking or split hoses will significantly reduce the efficiency of your cooling system and can lead to severe engine damage. Always check the condition of the heater and radiator hoses when you check over your engine. Super Cheap Auto have a vast range of all types of hoses to match your car.
THERMOSTATThe thermostat is a temperature sensitive valve that regulates the coolant flow in your engine. Proper operation is vital to correct cooling. They are usually found in a housing that sits at the top end of the engine and connects to the top hose of the radiator. You'll need to remove this housing to get to the thermostat.
COOLANTThere are many types and grades of coolant fluid available. They all do different jobs and some are better at it than others. A Super Cheap Auto team member will be happy to steer you to the right one for your car's age and running conditions. Just ask! NOTE:- If you use a quality coolant at appropriate service intervals the system should stay clean.
RADIATOR FLUSHAlways flush out your cooling system and radiator whenever you change the coolant. It gets rid of harmful sludgy deposits and rust scale which can damage your system over time.
FANBELTFanbelts can stretch and fray in time and can also get contaminated with oil which makes them slip. Perfect operation of the fan is vital to any cooling system. Also, don't forget that the fanbelt drives the water pump which keeps everything flowing.
RAGSGrab a rag bag. No matter how careful you are there will always be a little mess and it's usually on you.

What to do
1. DRAIN THE COOLING SYSTEM
First allow the system to cool down. If there are taps fitted to your radiator and engine block, open these and remove the radiator cap to relieve the pressure in the system. Alternatively remove the bottom hose to the radiator and allow the system to drain. Catch the old fluid in a suitable pan or container. Dispose of the fluid carefully and remember: it's poisonous!
2. FLUSH THE SYSTEM
Refit any hoses and close the taps. Pour the contents of a can of radiator/cooling system flush into the radiator and top up with clean water. Run the engine until warm and then allow to cool before draining the system again. You may see quite a bit of rough deposit and sludge come out with the water. Preferably, run a hose through the system with the taps open to make sure the system is really flushed clean.
3. CHECK AND REPLACE WORN HOSES
Undo any hose clips and attachments, joining the hoses to the engine and radiator and pull off the hoses. Throw away any that are split or looking tired and replace with new ones. Use new hose clips where possible (we have lots of those).

4. FIT A NEW THERMOSTAT
Locate and remove the thermostat housing (usually two or three simple bolts). Lift out the old thermostat and drop in a new one. We have the exact match for your car. Refit the housing with a new gasket.

5. REFILL THE SYSTEMMake sure all the hoses are replaced and the clips are tightened properly. Close any taps and fill up with new coolant to the correct quantity for your car.

AND THAT'S IT!

source: supercheapauto

-->More

Rust repair

As many Supercheap Auto customers would know rust is a common problem particularly in older vehicles. Repairing rust is a job that is often put off, however following a few simple steps and using products that can be found at Supercheap Auto it can be easily fixed.

The Five simple steps of rust repair are as follows:

1. Remove Paint & RustThe first step is to remove all paint and loose rust from around the affected area. This can be done by either using a 24 – 36 grit grinding disc or sandpaper of the same grade. Ensure the surface is brought back to bare metal and left in a rough state.

2. Treat the Rusted AreaOnce the area has been sanded back to bare metal and flaky rust is removed it is ready to be treated. This is done by applying Septone Rust Converter by brush to the affected sections and left to dry. It is important to adhere to safety instructions on the bottle when using rust converters.

3. Apply Fibreglass or Metal Tech FillerUse a panel hammer to tap the affected area to ensure a level finish after filling. Then use a filler such as Septone Metal Tech by mixing it with the supplied hardener to a ratio of 50:1. Once the mixture is constant it should be firmly applied to the rusted area and forced into all cracks and holes.

4. Rough Sand Filler.The Metal Tech filler will take approximately 20 minutes to cure and be ready for sanding, once cured rough sand with dry 36 – 40 grit sandpaper. At this stage the application of a Septone Rust Proofing product will prevent further rusting.

5. Mix and Apply Body FillerThe final step is to seal the surface using a Septone Car Filler product. Mix car filler on a clean mixing board made of plastic or metal to the ratio 50 parts car filler, one part hardener using a plastic applicator pad. Once a uniform colour is achieved it is ready to apply directly over the Metal Tech filled area. The final step to return the panel to its original condition is to sand and re-paint the surface.

-->More

Installing a new aerial

A car radio aerial can be replaced in as little as 30 minutes and is a car repair that you can complete in only 9 easy steps!
1) Take notice of how the old wiring/cable is routed through the body panels. This is the first step in ensuring the job is a quick one. If you start pulling at wiring without knowing how it runs through the car, your job could turn from 30 mins to a couple of hours.
2) Unplug the old cable from the radio jack located at the back of the cd/cassette/radio head unit.
3) Mark the cable by taping a length of string to the cable plug. This enables you to compare the length of the old cable to the new, so when you go to install the new cable it will be long enough to be routed through the car and reach the radio jack.
4) Free the cable from any clips or brackets.
5) Remove the nut at the aerial and slide other parts off (see illustration).
6) With a screwdriver, push through the hole down one side of the clamp and pull the aerial and old cable out. Carefully pull the cable & string through, tugging them gently as they clear through any tight spots.
7) Tape the new aerial cable to the string and simply pull it through.
8) Plus the new cable into the radio jack.
9) Attach the new aerial

-->More

Car Care made easy

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
A HOSE AND FITTINGS.CAR WASH BRUSHES, SPONGES

Get yourself a good long hose and a really effective spray or jet head fitting to blast away any mud and grime adhering to the bodywork, especially under the wheel arches and underbody areas. We have a great selection of quality hoses in different lengths, fittings, special car wash fittings and brushes to go with them. Just ask. Pick out a good sized brush that’s not too harsh. We sell ones that will fit on the hose end to make life easier! A rinsing bucket is also a great idea.

CAR WASHThere’s a terrific range of carwash available these days and many have built-in polish and anti-streak additives. Don’t pinch the budget on this time, it really does make a difference to the finish.

POLISHMuch like the wash, don’t penny pinch on your choice of polish. There are several excellent polishes available that are not expensive yet give you a much better shine and protection for your buck. Many come with important paint protective additives and lasting glazes for a brilliant showroom shine.

CUTTING COMPOUNDSIf the paint finish on your car is a little dull or faded, you can restore the finish with a cutting paste. Available in several grades to suit the amount of restoration you have to do, these are invaluable aids to restoring that show shine to older vehicles.

CHAMOIS AND POLISHING MITTSBuy yourself a good quality chamois leather to dry off the paintwork before polishing. Also get a polishing mitt or pad from our range of sheep skin and synthetic models. A really good polishing product will make the difference between an OK job and a pro finish.

INTERIOR PROTECTANTS ETC.We carry a large range of polishes and specialty cleaning products for the interior of your car. You’ll find a solution for any cleaning task inside your car.
TACKLE THE INTERIOR BEFORE YOU WASH! More

-->More

Changing a tyre

It may seem easy to some but there a few tips that can make changing a tyre just that little bit easier and more importantly, safely.
Remember that any unnecessary driving of the car whilst the tyre is flat can result in further damage to both the flat tyre and rim.
Try to find the most level and firm ground available to perform the operation.
Once a suitable location has been selected ensure that the handbrake is applied and the transmission is in gear (P for an auto)
If a safety triangle is available place this well before the vehicle to warn on coming motorists.

Handy Tip: Supercheap Auto stock mechanics gloves which can be a very useful glove box addition to keep hands clean for any roadside repairs or when refuelling.
If the one of the front wheels are going to be raised ensure that the rear wheels are chocked. Likewise, if one of the rear wheels are to be raised ensure that the front wheels are chocked.

Remove the jack, jack handle, wheel brace and spare tyre from the car and place on the ground. This is to avoid any unnecessary movement of the car once hoisted.

The car is now ready to be jacked up; different jacks have different instructions and every car has a specified jacking point. Be certain to familiarise yourself with these before hoisting the vehicle. Instructions must followed exactly and NEVER PLACE YOURSELF UNDERNEATH A VEHICLE THAT IS HOISTED BY A JACK.

Jack the car up slightly (to secure the jack under the car but not to raise the wheel off the ground).If necessary, carefully remove the wheel cover.
Using the wheel brace, slightly loosen (do not remove) all wheel nuts.
Continue jacking the car up until the tyre is approximately 5cm – 10cm off the ground.

Remove all the wheel nuts from the studs and keep in a handy place.
Remove the flat tyre, roll it out of the way and lay it down on its side so that it doesn’t roll away
Roll the replacement tyre up to the vehicle
The tyre now needs to be lined up with the wheel studs. It can be a little tricky but with a little effort it should slip on without too much hassle.

Expert Tip: When placing the replacement tyre on, try to keep the wheel as upright as possible, this will help the studs align with the holes first time.

Once the tyre is located, replace the wheel nut onto the top stud as this will help to keep the other studs located on the rim.
All wheel nuts can now be secured finger tight.
Using the wheel brace, slightly firm up the wheel nuts. (they do not need to be completely tightened at this stage).
Lower the jack and vehicle.
The wheel nuts should then be further tightened using the wheel brace. There is no need to stand/jump on the wheel brace as the correct torque can be achieved using arm strength.
Replace the wheel cover if necessary.
Collect the flat tyre, wheel brace, jack, safety triangle and store securely in the relevant location.
Remember to get the flat tyre serviced by tyre repairer as soon as possible.
Should you require jacks, wheel braces, safety triangles, mechanics gloves or wheel chocks be sure to drop into your local Supercheap Auto store.

* This is a general guide only* Supercheap Auto does not accept any responsibility for any detriment incurred whilst following this instruction.

-->More

What causes overheating

Overheating engines are a common problem for motorists during the hot summer months. No one wants to experience the frustration of engine breakdown and costly repair bills due to a failed cooling system. That's why it pays to check your cooling system regularly and change the coolant as required.
The most common causes of engine overheating are:
Low coolant level
Faulty thermostat
Faulty coolant fan
Leakage
Faulty water pump
Broken water pump fan belt
Blown cylinder head gasket
If you haven't changed your coolant for a while or you're heading off on a long trip you should take the time to service your cooling system by following the simple instructions below.
What you will need
CoolantRadiator flushRagsHoses

Step 1: Drain the cooling system

First allow the system to cool down! If there are taps fitted to your radiator and engine block, open these and remove the radiator cap to relieve the pressure in the system.
Alternatively, remove the bottom hose to the radiator and allow the system to drain. Catch the old fluid in a suitable pan or container.

Step 2: Flush the system

Refit any hoses and close the taps. Pour the contents of a can of radiator/cooling system flush into the radiator and top up with clean water. Run the engine until warm and then allow to cool before draining the system again. You may see quite a bit of rust deposit and sludge come out with the water. Preferably, run a hose through the system with the taps open to make sure the system is fully flushed.

Step 3: Check and replace worn hoses

Once the system has been completely drained, thoroughly inspect all hoses, clamps and fittings. Check rubber hoses for signs of splitting, swelling or deterioration. Metal fittings should be checked for evidence of cracking or corrosion.
Your local Supercheap Auto store will be able to help you with the new parts to replace the worn or broken items.

Step 4: Refill the system

Make sure all hoses, fittings and clamps are secure and ensure drain tap/s are closed. Refill the system using the correct type and amount of new coolant. Supercheap Auto team members will be able to help you find the right coolant for your car if you are unsure.

Step 5: Check coolant level

Regularly check the level of coolant, especially before long trips. It is normal to have to add coolant occasionally, but the need for regular addition suggests there may be a leak or another problem.

-->More

Protect your car paintjob!

Your car looks its best when it is clean but not only that if you have a fairly new car, its paint job probably still looks pretty good, but unless you regularly wash and wax your it, it won't be long before the colour starts to fade and rock chips begin to rust.
Paint manufacturers recommend people wash their cars weekly, and wax at least three times a year. Waxing does more than help maintain your car's pristine look, it can prevent damage to your car’s paint, whether your car is old or new. Waxing also makes washing easier.

FAQ's ABOUT CAR WASHING

What is the difference between a polish and a wax?

Polishes contain compounds designed to remove scratches from the surface of your paint, while waxes protect your car with a clear, hard coating. Polishes provide the "shine" for your paint, while wax provides the "protection."

Can I use household cleaners to wash my car?

Household cleaners like dishwashing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease. Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car's wax finish; leaving you with little shine and no protection. Also, some household detergents have micro-fine abrasive in them. These can permanently scratch your car's surface. Always use a premium quality liquid designed specifically for cars. They are formulated to dissolve dirt and grime without removing your car's shine.

What about the car washes at the petrol station?

Generally speaking, these are not recommended. Many of those car washes use mechanical brushes which can damage your paint surface. In some parts of the country, the water is recycled, meaning your car is getting the same water as the one before it.

What can I do about water spots on the paint?

Simply get them off as soon as possible. Attack those water spots before the sun has a chance to evaporate them, and they'll come right off.

-->More

GPS tips for cars

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigational aid originally urbanized for the military. If you have used a map or compass, you will understand a little about how the GPS works. In order to find your location on a map, you will need to have three points of reference. The point where these connect will show your location. While map and scope work use triangulation (bearings), GPS uses trilateration (distances) to pinpoint location. Satellites orbiting the earth emit sole signals that can be detected by a GPS. The GPS software interprets the signal, identifying the satellite that it came from, where it was located, and the time that it took for the signal to be detected by the system.
Three satellites impart the intersection spit and a fourth is used to limit that the positioning is accurate. Accuracy depends on the synchronization of automatic clocks in the satellites with the regulator in the GPS system. Though the regulator in the GPS is not automatic, utilizing the fourth satellite gives it that ability as the domestic regulator adjusts itself to amend any discrepancy discovered.
GPS has progressed far past its opening military application. Drivers can find their way through city streets, long reserve trekkers use the technology to navigate unfamiliar terrain, mariners and pilots use GPS enhanced data to annoy the seas and skies.
In-vehicle GPS can be integrated into the car entertainment system or can be installed as a removable device. These systems can tell the driver where he/she is and how to arrive at the desired destination. The information includes relevant points along the way such as gas stations, points of interest, etc. Auto GPS uses voice orders so that the driver can concentrate on the road.
Hikers and trekkers use analogous technology, but typically without the inclusion of street systems on their devices. Mapping software defines the territory that the user will encounter. The user can indicate waypoints (points of reference) so that the route taken may be saved for future reference. They can add points of benefit such as water sources, viable campsites, and other items of benefit on their trail. However, the portability demanded by hikers will also limit the functionality of the system as small screens mean that some detail will be lost.
It is GPS technology that is worn to footstep individuals on home arrest, to locate misplaced pets, stolen vehicles, and misplaced people. Small systems can be incorporated into pet collars and wristwatches. As long as the receiver is active, it can be detected.
Units have been urbanized for use on soar tubes also - as GPS technology advances, the systems become more and more compact and their uses more and more extensive.
If you are considering purchasing a GPS, make sure that it can be used easily. This is especially important if you buy a multi--function GPS or one that is worn where conditions change regularly. An in--vehicle GPS shortly loses its usefulness if it is not efficient as boulevard systems change.
Updates vary accordingly. They can come in CD/DVD post or as laptop downloads. GPS units vary in worth according to their usefulness. Prices may range from less than one hundred dollars to units costing more than one thousand dollars. What your desires are will be an aspect in the outlay of your unit. If you are a backpacker then portability is a main consideration. If you are a trucker, you want to be able to find a freedom spit as hastily and conveniently as possible. anything design you go for, outlay is normally related to quality. Buy the best you can afford.

-->More

HELP! MY COLD ENGINE WON’T START

It is a cold Melbourne morning. Your feet are freezing, your scarf is so tight you feel as though you are strangling yourself and your fingers will not work because they are blue and cold. You slide into the front seat behind the wheel and turn the key. Nothing happens. Well it is winter! Now what do you do? Call the automobile club, buy another car, or you can do a few simple things to prevent this happening.
Starting a car with a cold engine can be easier said than done and there are times it can be a real frustration, particularly if you live in the hills or areas that can become exceptionally cold. If you are like me, and have experienced this problem, then you will understand how valuable it is to learn why and how it happens, so that you can avoid it happening too often. If you search online, you will find a number of sites that can give you more information in articles about cold engines. One of them is caradvice.com.au and it can tell you almost anything about your car.
Cold engines do not start for various reasons. Firstly, it could be One of these reasons can be because of the effect which cold weather has on liquid evaporation. When it is cold, petrol evaporates less, causing difficulties as a result of being burnt when it is evaporated.
Secondly, a cold engine might have problems in starting because oil happens to get thicker in cold weather. Oil, just like any liquid, changes consistency when exposed to very low temperatures. Due to this, the oil may have a real effort trying to circulate in the car engine. If you really hate your car and it seems to be causing you more headaches than you need, why not search OzFreeOnline.com. In their cars pages, you can search through thousands of cars for sale and list your vehicle on the market with the private listings service. To list your vehicle quickly and easily, register as an individual - it’s free to join.
Thirdly, car batteries may experience problems during cold weather too, and consequently this could affect the engine. Batteries function through chemical reactions, which lose velocity when cold and therefore, will not function appropriately. As a result, the cars energy becomes ‘distressed’ and this is the reason why your engine will not start.
When the three difficulties occur at once, starting your engine may become uncompromising. How can you overcome the lack of petrol evaporation? You can spray ether into the engine, which would evaporate quickly and help your engine to start. The other thing you can try is using thin synthetic oil, which will not thicken in the cold. Parking your vehicle in a garage out of the cold is another way of preventing the engine becoming too cold. Using these simple methods may assist you in having fewer problems in starting your motor cars engine in cold weather.

-->More

Tips to Buy Used Cars

Here are 10 things to keep in mind before you sign the dotted line on a used car. 1. Before selecting a used car you want to buy, read some reviews and check if the car has a good track record in terms of reliability. You may get an unreliable car cheap, but it'll likely break down. Spend a little more money on something more reliable as repairs are still expensive on cheap cars. 2. Find out the fuel economy rating of the vehicle(s) you're interested in, and how much it'll cost to insure. If this is your first car, insurance will be high especially if you're getting a sporty, 2-door vehicle. Staying with a 4-door sedan will help you get better insurance rates. Also, with gas prices on the rise, fuel economy is becoming even more important. 3. Once you've selected a vehicle, make sure you know the history of it. There are a variety of companies that will run a history report on the car by checking that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of that vehicle was not reported in an accident, stolen, flooded, or repossessed. Most people are not up front as they want to sell the car. Do your research and stay away from anything or anyone you're suspicious of. 4. Find out the used vehicle value. Check online, local newspapers, and the Kelly Blue Book for what the vehicle is worth. Keep in mind that the 'book value' is not always the best measure for what the vehicle is worth as it just gives you the average value. Knowing what other people are asking in the area will help you negotiate and determine if you're getting a good deal. 5. Have the car checked by a mechanic. Sure you'll know if the car was in an accident through the history report but a mechanic can tell if the car was properly maintained. It would be a shame to buy a car and then realize that it needs a $1000.00 repair. A mechanic may find something that you did not notice and it could save you thousands. 6. Always stay level headed when looking at a used car for sale and try not to go alone. Having a second opinion is very important. 7. If you decide to take the car on a test drive, make sure to try everything out, including the a/c, radio, and power features (windows, mirrors, locks, etc) if so equipped. Drive the vehicle on a variety of roads and go to an empty parking lot to test the brakes and handing. But remember, this is someone's car so be respectful. 8. Stay away from older cars that have a lot of electronic gizmos. These are often costly to repair and are not as reliable as vehicles that are more basic. 9. Although a lower mileage vehicle is great, a vehicle with a lot of highway miles is not bad at all. Highway driving is very easy on the car. Stop and go driving is much harder. The condition of the car is more important than the mileage so long as the car was properly maintained. 10. Stay away from ex police cars, cabs, or rentals. These vehicles are traditionally driven very hard and sometimes not as well maintained. They're cheap, but risky to buy. About the Author: Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://all-about-car-selection.com/

-->More