What Aspects of a Skoda Service Can You Do Yourself?

If you want to take care of your new Skoda, car service should be your first priority. Regular servicing is essential to keep your new vehicle operating at peak efficiency, safety, and performance. However, while many of us are happy to leave this task to the professionals, there are some who insist on DIY car maintenance. Unfortunately, modern cars are extremely complex, so what aspect of a service should you attempt yourself?

Things to Avoid:
If you have a reasonably new vehicle, you need to first look at the aspects of a Skoda service you shouldn’t tackle. Unfortunately, this list is fairly extensive, as most vehicles have sensors and computers attached to practically everything. Some models don’t even have a dipstick so you can check your oil. Even changing a battery or headlight bulb can have some unseen complexities. This means that unless you want to invalidate your warranty, you need to be very careful not to mess with any key systems including safety systems, such as the brakes.

What’s Safe for DIY?
In a fully warrantied, new car, the prospects for DIY elements of a Skoda service are limited to monitoring and performing minor top ups. You should check that fluid levels are topped up, tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressures and that all your lights are working. You should also check and replace your wiper blades where necessary.

On simpler new cars or older models, you can also attempt battery and light maintenance. Standard light globes shouldn’t pose an issue, and if your battery has caps, you can adjust the levels if needed.
Older vehicles tend to be simpler. With minimal DIY skills, you can tackle spark plug, oil, and filter changes. However, you need to be aware of your own limitations. Even these seemingly straightforward tasks can create problems if you don’t tackle the job in the right way. Don’t just start a task without proper research beforehand. Additionally, you shouldn’t rely on watching one video online; you’ll need extensive knowledge of how your particular model operates before you attempt any maintenance.

Err on the Side of Caution:
As with any aspect of DIY, it is best to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure how to tackle any element of your Skoda service, it is a good idea to check in with an experienced technician.

If you need a Skoda service, Perth drivers should speak to us. We are not only an authorised Skoda dealership but also offer a full after sales program including Skoda car service and maintenance. Our team of experienced technicians would also be happy to answer any queries you have about any aspect of Skoda service or maintenance.

3 Reasons to Use Genuine Skoda Accessories and Parts

When you purchase a car, it’s a significant investment, for many people it may be the largest purchase that they ever make. If you decide to add accessories or need to replace parts, it’s important to use pieces that are engineered to work with your car. This will ensure that they are tested rigorously and have met Skoda's safety, quality and performance standards. This will help to protect your investment because fitting non genuine parts can compromise your entire system. Let's’ take a closer look at three reasons why you should only ever use genuine Skoda parts and accessories.

1. Superior Engineering

We have seen a spate of cases here in Australia of counterfeit parts being sold as genuine. These parts are usually a little cheaper, but they are simply copies and will not stand up to any real test. It should come as no surprise that these fake parts fail earlier that genuine parts and are unsafe to use. A car is a complete system, and poor quality parts can affect how well connected parts work and shorten their useful lifespan. Fitting fake parts may seem like good financial sense at the time, but the actual cost of fitting them may be far higher in the medium to long term.

2. Parts Performance

A part may look genuine, but the quality goes far further than skin deep. The fake part may even work OK under certain normal operation, but it will not have the tolerances necessary to work under other pressures. A prime example of this would be a vehicular collision where a fake part would most likely fail. If this is a non critical part, it could be an annoyance, but in other cases, it could make a crash far worse and result in a casualty or even a fatality.

3. Good Financial Sense

Genuine equipment lasts longer because it’s engineered to higher tolerances and designed to work with the other systems and parts in the Skoda car. Many people judge the value of a car by how many kilometres of driving they can get out of it before it finally is uneconomical to fix. The world record holder for running a vehicle is Irvin Gordon with 5 million kilometres driven in a 50 years old Volvo P1800, and it should come as no surprise that he only ever used genuine parts in his car.

If you’re in the market for some genuine Skoda genuine accessories and parts, contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a large selection of aftermarket  Skoda accessories available. If you book your car in for a service, we only ever use genuine Skoda parts or designated alternatives. Our staff is standing by to offer advice on servicing and accessories, and they can answer any other questions that you may have.

3 Ways to Protect Your Skoda Rapid from Heat Damage

Here in Australia, we have very hot summers that can cause a lot of damage to a car. This can occur even when your car is parked up, and the effects can be devastating for the value of your car. A Skoda car represents a significant investment, and it makes good financial sense to protect it as much as possible. Let’s take a closer look at three ways that you can protect your car from the fierce heat of the Australian summer months.

 
1. Use a Solar Shield
A solar shield or windscreen sunshade will not just keep your car cooler when you’re away from it. It’s a great feeling to get in a car where your legs are not burning on the seats, and the seat belt buckles feel painfully hot. However, one of the other benefits that a solar shield can provide is protection for the interior surfaces in your car's cabin. Don’t forget the rear window when you’re considering using shields to cover car windows. Solar shields will prevent sun damage to areas, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and seat coverings.

2. Get Tinted Windows
Following on from the solar shield you could take it up a notch and invest in some tinted window treatments for your car. A tinted window will offer a great deal of protection for the occupants and interior surfaces of the car from the damaging effect of UV rays. This investment will also pay off when you decide to sell the car later on.

3. Clean the Car

If your car is shiny and clean, it will be better able to reflect away the harmful rays of the sun. A dirtier car is far more likely to absorb heat and make the interior feel far hotter. The surface of a car that is covered with debris, such as bird droppings, dead buys, and tree sap, will bake this debris into the paintwork in hot sunshine. This will damage the paint, it will lose its lustre over time, and eventually, it will begin to peel away. This will seriously affect the resale value and make your car more prone to corrosion issues. Regular washing followed by a good quality car wax is the best way to protect your car paint.

If you’re looking for a Skoda Rapid for sale, contact us here at Skoda Perth. We have a large selection of both preowned and new cars available including the latest Skoda Rapid models. We invite you to book a no obligation test drive with us, and you can try out the Skoda driving experience for yourself. If you need to finance your purchase we can help, our rates are very competitive, and your repayments will be tailored to suit your needs. Our sales team is standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Rapid price, and they will be happy to answer any remaining questions that you may have.

How Far Should You Be From the Steering Wheel in New Skoda Cars?

The correct driving position is vital to avoid fatigue and ensure that you are safely in control of the vehicle. With the variety of sizes of new Skoda cars for sale, how do you know if you are sitting the correct distance from the steering wheel?

The Dangers of Sitting Too Close:
Most of us have pulled up a traffic light and looked across to see a driver practically pressed against the windscreen. This not only looks silly, but it can be potentially dangerous. A relaxed seat position helps to avoid exhaustion while driving, but this is not the only potential danger. At a close distance to the steering wheel, an airbag detonation could cause terrible injuries, particularly since your arms will be unable to brace you as your hands are already close to your shoulders.

Choosing the Right Seating Position:
Regardless of which Skoda new cars you are driving, you need to ensure that you are sitting in a comfortable and safe position. To check that you are sitting back enough from the steering wheel, push your shoulders into the seat, extending your arms over the steering wheel. If you are sitting at the correct distance, you should be able to rest your wrists easily on the rim of the steering wheel. If you are any closer, then it is too close.

Adjusting Your Seat:
The main difficulty for some drivers is that they sit too close to the steering wheel because they need their feet to comfortably reach the pedals. However, this is where properly adjusting your seat comes into play. In modern vehicles, you have more than the simple option of moving forward or back. If you are sitting too close, but have your legs at a comfortable distance, you will need to play around with your seat settings. Try adjusting the seat back and angling the seat pad to find a happy balance between sitting far enough back without compromising on your foot reach.

Whether you are getting into new Skoda cars or driving your current vehicle, it is well worth checking if you are sitting in a safe and comfortable position. When testing new Skoda cars for sale, don’t feel embarrassed about taking a few moments to find the right driving position. This will not only help you to confirm that you can enjoy a comfortable driving position but also allow you to fully explore the vehicle safely.

If you are interested in new Skoda cars for sale, Perth drivers should visit us. We have a massive choice of quality pre-owned and new Skoda cars. Our sales team members would be happy to discuss any queries about Skoda cars, new finance deals or current offers. We would also be delighted to arrange your test drive.

5 Things You Should Carry in Your Skoda Superb

If you are considering a Skoda Superb for sale, you are likely to be aware that this model is incredibly versatile. With its massive selection of cubbies, pockets and storage compartments, there is plenty of rooms for all your essentials. So, what should always be carried in your Superb?

Spare Tyre:

A spare tyre or repair kit should be vital in any vehicle. While your Skoda Superb is sold with a spare, you will need to make sure that it is roadworthy. When you check your tyres, ensure that you check the pressure on your spare and that it isn’t worn. The last thing you want is to get a flat only to find that you’ve been carrying a useless spare.

Your Owner’s Manual:

Many drivers notice they have an owner’s manual when they purchase their vehicle, but then it is left untouched. However, your owner’s manual should be considered essential in your car. It provides you with a wealth of information should anything go wrong with your vehicle. For example, you will find tyre pressures, and the details of the jacking point right there in the manual. This could provide you with valuable information should you get a flat.

A Torch:

A torch may seem unimportant, but if you breakdown at night, you will find it invaluable. Fortunately, you may not need to worry about packing a torch if you have a new Skoda Superb. This model has a removable LED torch that clips into place as your boot light. So, in the event of a problem, you always know you have a torch on hand.

A Basic First Aid Kit:

While no one is suggesting carrying a full emergency medical kit, there are some basic items that should always be in your Superb. Sticking plasters, antiseptic cream, allergy medication and other simple supplies can help you if you have a medical issue. You should also have water in your kit in case you are stuck in extreme weather.

Your Phone Charger:

Many of us rely on our devices for almost every aspect of our lives, so it is important that you have charge if you have an emergency. The Superb has a myriad of ports, so you can charge your devices as you drive, but you will need to carry your charger unit. However, be sure to keep the charger and your device tucked away in the centre console if you are away from your vehicle to deter potential thieves.

If you are shopping for a Skoda Superb for sale, you should visit us. We have a massive choice of vehicles including new and used Skoda Superb models. The Perth City Skoda team is also on hand to answer any queries about the Skoda range, assist you with finance options or arrange your test drive.

Is It Time for a Car Upgrade?

If you are shopping for new car deals, Skoda has plenty to offer, but when is it the right time for a car upgrade. Many of us try to nurse our vehicles along as we want to avoid needing to shop for a new vehicle, but there are some clear signs when it is time for an upgrade.

A Growing Family:

If your family is expanding, then your requirements for a car are also growing. While you may have loved that small hatch you had when you were younger, it is unlikely to be practical if you have more than one child. You may need to start considering new Skoda deals for more family friendly vehicles that make life a little easier. Larger models have easier access to the rear seats, more child seat anchor points, and a larger boot capacity, making them a better option for a family.

New Commute:

The reverse of the above situation can also be true. If you now need to commute into work each day, you may find that a large family vehicle is not practical. You can reduce your fuel costs and find it easier to park if you have a smaller vehicle. In this type of scenario, you may not need to trade in your old vehicle, but rather think about purchasing a second car for your household.

Mechanical Issues:

Another and more common reason to upgrade a vehicle is that your current vehicle may be struggling with mechanical issues. If you have persistent problems or experience breakdowns, then your car may be reaching the end of its natural lifespan. Of course, most mechanical problems can usually be rectified by a professional technician, but as vehicles age, the parts tend to be harder to find and may be more costly. You may also find that your fuel bills start to skyrocket, as you lose fuel efficiency. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy a brand new car to overcome these issues. There are plenty of Skoda car deals on quality used vehicles, so you can upgrade within your budget.  

The End of Your Finance Agreement:

Finally, if you are reaching the end of your finance agreement, you may need to consider whether you want to purchase your vehicle or upgrade to another. Many people enjoy having a brand new car every three years, so they opt for a new finance agreement on a new vehicle. You will need to assess your requirements and financial commitments, but most dealers offer attractive terms that could make an upgrade no question.

If you are thinking about new Skoda deals, you should visit us. At Perth City Skoda, we have some fantastic Skoda deals and new car deals. Skoda enthusiasts will find that our sales team members are very knowledgeable and ready to answer any queries. We can also assist with vehicle finance options and insurance deals.

Five Steps to Prepare Your Skoda Fabia Wagon for Your New Baby

When you are preparing for the arrival of your new baby, you are likely to have a seemingly endless list of tasks. However, one that should definitely be at the top of your list is preparing your vehicle. The new Skoda Fabia Wagon for sale is an excellent family vehicle, but there are still some steps you will need to take to ensure that it is ready for your new arrival.

Step One: Choose a Baby Seat:

Many parents opt for a car seat/pushchair combo, but this may not be the best option for you. Many of these models involve a pod that is carried in and out of your car. While this may seem convenient, it will mean that you need to ensure that the seat is properly locked into place every time you use it. A better option may be to have a child seat that is fixed in place. The Skoda Fabia Wagon provides ISOFIX anchor points, so you can have confidence that your child seat is safe and secure.

Step Two: Install Your Baby Seat:

You will need your baby seat in place for bringing your child home from the hospital, so it is a good idea to install it before this potentially stressful time. Most seats are provided with full installation instructions, but if you are not 100%, then have it checked. The Perth City Skoda team of technicians would be happy to check the installation, or you can refer back to the store where you purchased the seat.

Step Three: Have a Tidy:

We’re all guilty of feeling a little too at home in our cars. This means that there may be wrappers stuffed in door pockets, old gadgets lurking in the centre console and other miscellaneous bits of junk hanging around the cabin. With a new baby in your car, you’ll want your Fabia neat and tidy, so take the opportunity to clear out any unwanted junk and give it a good clean.

Step Four: Stock all Your Baby Accessories:

Anyone who has taken a baby on any kind of journey is aware that they require a whole lot of accessories. From extra nappies and wipes to sunshades, sunscreen, and toys, you will need lots of things to keep your baby comfortable and entertained. Now is a great time to put all of these accessories in your Fabia Wagon, so you know you’ll have everything you need on hand.

Step Five: Check Your Roadside Assistance:

Finally, you need to ensure that you have full roadside assistance coverage. There is nothing worse than being stuck at the side of the road with a crying baby if you have a flat tyre or mechanical issue. So, make sure you’re covered.

If you are shopping for a Skoda Fabia Wagon, you should visit us. We have a massive choice of vehicles including the Fabia, and the Perth City Skoda sales team members are on hand to answer any queries about the Skoda Fabia Wagon, price listings or current deals.