Fun Stuff

Volkswagen Golf GTi commercial.

Volkswagen: Un-pimp Your Ride commercial.            

The Easter break is such a short one, that many people don’t bother to do any extra checks to make sure their car is up to a road trip. But any journey outside your normal daily limits should mean running through a checklist – especially if you’re going to be travelling through areas where very few businesses are open. Prior to departureTyres: Check air pressure of your tyres, including the spare. Under-inflation is a leading cause of tyre failures and blowouts.Warnings lights: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on and that any outstanding vehicle services have been performed.Checks: Ensure all weekly checks recommended in the owner's handbook have been performed:Batteries: Weak batteries can lead to breakdowns, possibly at the worst time and place.Brakes: An expert inspection can determine whether brakes are functioning properly with full braking capability.Windshield wipers: Old or worn windshield wipers can lead to poor visibility.Headlamps: Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimal visibility.Oil: Change the oil and filter at recommended intervals to minimise engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage. Check the owner's manual for recommended intervals.Fluid levels: Improper fluid levels (coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid and even washer solvent) can negatively affect vehicle performance, durability and safety.Belts and hoses: A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.Wheel alignment: Maintain correct front and rear wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the wheels drag, which increases fuel consumption and causes uneven and premature tyre wear.Restrain loose items: Whenever possible, stow articles in the luggage compartment. Perhaps consider, if driving a wagon, fitting a cargo barrier to avoid loose objects entering the cabin. Check load capacity in the owner's manual.Mass distribution: Loading the vehicle changes the handling of the vehicle. After loading, be sure to take time to become familiar with the feel of the vehicle.Warnings: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on.Towing: Check wiring, lights and towing hitch tyres and pressures (trailer tyre pressures should be higher than car tyres around 40PSI). Make sure caravans are loaded correctly, placing most weight forward of the trailer axle to ensure there is sufficient weight on the tow bar. This reduces sway. On the roadDo not speed: Stay within the speed limits at all times.Power naps: Try to avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. If tired or fatigued pull over and sleep for 15 to 20 minutes.Share the driving: If your passenger or passengers are licensed, share the drive. Change drivers at least every two hours.Safe distance: Leave a minimum two second gap between your vehicle and the one in front. If towing, driving four-wheel-drive or if it's raining increase to a four-second gap.Time: Accept that during the holiday period it may take a little longer to get to your destination.Child occupant safetyBack seat: The back seat is the safest place for children of any age. Where possible install the child restraint in the centre rear position.Child seats: Remember to use the child seat for all journeys, however short. A baby is not safe in your arms. Even in a minor crash, collision forces may tear the child from your grip. Where legally allowable, you may install a forward facing child seat in the front seat (without a side impact airbag), but always move the passenger seat as far back as possible.Child restraints: Fit child restraints properly. Follow instructions and make sure the capsule or child seat is firmly fitted, with minimal sideways or forward movement on the car seat. Don't use a child restraint that's been in a crash. The protective structure could be invisibly damaged. Every trip, make sure that the child restraint harness is properly adjusted, checking that only the thickness of two fingers can be inserted between the harness and the child's chest.Child safety: It's never safe to leave children in cars, particularly in summer when temperatures inside a closed car can quickly rise to more than 60C. Leaving windows open a little does not reduce the temperature enough.Concentrate: Make sure you keep your child occupied on long journeys (with soft toys, music and stories). A bored child can distract the driver, fiddle with buckles and wriggle out of position.Assistance: If you require assistance in the fitting of child restraints, contact your local state roads authority or auto club such as RACQ. 

...much to the delight of camera phone weilding onlookers.              

Why not get the dozer up on two wheels?  

The event runs throughout the Easter long weekend, with Sydney’s Eastern Creek racetrack set to become a temporary shrine to help celebrate the life of Barry Sheene.It will also double as a mecca for lovers of all things two-wheeled with plenty of activities including a swap meet and trade and club displays.This year, the festival will feature four-time World Grand Prix champion Kork Ballington and two-time World TT Formula One champ Graeme Crosby, who will appear as guest riders in several parade laps over the weekend.Ballington will be riding either his Kawasaki H1RA 500cc or his KR250 GP motorcycles — bikes that helped him become one of only 16 riders to win consecutive double titles on 250/350cc machines in 1978 and 1979.On top of his World TT F1 win, his Isle of Mann Senior TT victory and several successful rides with Suzuki, Crosby will be riding the Suzuki GS1000R that netted him the Australian Swann series in 1980. 

The $19,000 prize trip in July is open to anyone who calls Shannons on 134646 for a quote on their insurance needs, from classic cars to home and contents. Entries close on May 28 and the contest can also be entered at www.shannons.com.au/goodwood

If your colleagues have been in the office all weekend, be very suspicious. If you’ve been sentenced to weekend detention, here’s an idea to brighten up the time...      

Australian model car collectors are a lucky bunch. We have two incredibly good manufacturers physically documenting our automotive history --  in 1:18th scale it is Biante, in 1:43 (and now 1:24) it is Trax.Robert Hill has been responsible over the past 23 years for building accurate models of Australian transport history, from the 1948 FX Holden to the 1990s Falcons as well as a comprehensive history of our bus transport through that period.His latest book on his models -- the fourth on the subject -- covers every model and all colour variations in its comprehensive 280 pages, including 30 pages of images. The book is well produced for a small run low cost publication and works not only for Trax collectors but also for enthusiasts of Australian motoring history.The models are so broad in their diversity that the material covers ground you would probably not see in any other book … from old green rattler Leyland and Ansett Clipper buses to Repco Parts delivery vans, HQ One-Tonners complete with plumbers supplies and Bathurst Racers.While the layout is different to other books covering Matchbox and Hotwheels -- in that images are clustered in the centre -- the depth of information works well and makes up for the slight annoyance of having to keep referring to the centre to find the relevant image.If the stated current values are accurate (and I believe they would be) collecting Trax models over the years has proven to be not only a pleasurable pastime but also a reasonably good investment.Overall this is an excellent book.RRP: $34.95. Available from topgear.com.au

The result came with a win in the 10th round of the 18-round series at Daytona International Speedway.The Australian Suzuki rider went into the event tied on points with Yamaha's James Stewart and now leads by 11.He avoided a first turn pile-up caused by his Stewart, which claimed much of the field, but was shuffled back to 10th.Reed posted the fastest time on lap 15 and took the lead with three to go, finishing six seconds ahead of Yamaha rider Jason Lawrence with Stewart seventh."The start tonight was insane, I was almost at the bottom of that pileup when Stewart went down, and I felt lucky to make it through turn one clean," Reed said."With seven rounds to go I really feel like we have got the momentum going again."The next race is this weekend in New Orleans. AMA Supercross Season Standings(After 10 of 17 rounds)1. Chad Reed, Suzuki, 2242. James Stewart, Yamaha, 2133. Andrew Short, Honda, 1634. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki, 1535. Ivan Tedesco, Honda, 140