Are You Using Your Skoda Kodiaq to Tow Illegally?

The Skoda Kodiaq is an excellent SUV that is great to drive around town during the week and out on the highways at the weekends. Being able to take weekend adventure trips is one of the main reasons why people buy off road vehicles. Some of these trips involve towing a trailer, caravan or boat trailer as well as your usual luggage. The towing laws in Australia can be a little hard to understand, so we have put together a short introduction to help you to tow safely and legally.  

Towing in Australia

The safety standards for cars and vans are set down by the Federal government. As an example: the laws regarding trailer standards are detailed in a document called VSB1. These laws are then enforced by each individual state and territory that also have their own laws. In fact, each state varies quite a lot in how some of these safety standards are interpreted. This is similar to the way that Australian road rules are applied, and they actually have no legal effect until those rules are applied in each state or territory. A great deal of effort has been made to standardise road rules, but some rules remain unique to each state or territory, and towing rules are amongst these exceptions. It’s important to know how things differ and there are many rules and regulations related to towing. If you fall foul of the law in the state you’re driving through it could result in a fine and demerit points.  

Towing Overweight Trailers

The single biggest issue that could cause a towing driver to run into practical and legal problems is the towing weight. It’s incredibly important to ensure that you don’t exceed your maximum allowed trailer weight or Aggregate Trailer Mass to give it the correct title. The only accurate way to check this is to take your loaded trailer and towing vehicle to a public weighbridge. Trying to guess the weight isn’t worth the risk and the fines can be very steep. Random weight testing for trailers and caravans has become more frequent in recent years, and it generates a lot of fines making it a worthwhile exercise. Always ensure that your towbar isn’t restricting the visibility of your registration plate.

If they are interested in the Skoda Kodiaq, Perth based drivers should get in touch with us here at Skoda Perth. We have a large selection of new, ex demo and used cars available including the latest Skoda Kodiaq models. We would like you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can try out the fantastic Kodiaq for yourself. If you need to finance your new car purchase we have financing with competitive rates and the repayments will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Our team is standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Kodiaq for sale price, and they will be delighted to answer any further questions that you may have.

How to Wash Your Skoda Superb Wheels

The Skoda Superb is an excellent family car that you will enjoy driving in the city and out on the open highway. However, like any other car over time you may notice that your car is going to get very dirty. It’s essential that this dirt is removed correctly to maintain your paint integrity and keep it looking great. Let’s take a closer look at the best way to wash your car wheels effectively without causing damage.

A Quick Note on Prevention

As the old adage goes “prevention is better than the cure,” and this can easily be applied to keeping your car clean. If it’s possible, try to avoid parking under trees or power lines where birds routinely deposit dropping underneath. Out on the highway stay clear of quarry or cattle trucks that can deposit debris on your paint surfaces. If you can, keep your car parked in a garage when not in use. If you do have heavy staining from bird dropping, tree sap, and tar, make sure to use a professional cleaning product.


Preparing to Wash the Car

The car will need to be washed in a flat, shady area that has access to a hose and enough room to get around the car. Use a hose with a variable nozzle head, get a pair of buckets, some microfibre cloths will come in handy, an auto towel can be used for drying later and always use a good quality car washing product. If your wheels are very dirty, you may also want to use a wheel cleaning product.

Washing the Wheels First

The wheels are often the dirtiest part on any dirty car, and so it makes good sense to tackle them first. Avoid harsh cleaning products and use a dedicated microfibre cloth that will not be used anywhere else on the car. The last thing you want to do is rub dirt from your wheels onto your paint; this will scratch your paintwork. Get some soapy water into a bucket only used for washing wheels and wash the wheels down with the microfibre cloth. If the dirt is really bad, use a soft brush to loosen the dirt deposits. When the wheels are especially dirty, you may need to use a spray on wheel cleaning product. Follow any instructions on the bottle carefully to get the best results. Once the wheels are clean, rinse the detergent off with plenty of clean water, and you can move on to the rest of the car.

If they are looking for Skoda Superb dealers in Perth, drivers should come down and visit us here at Skoda Perth. We have a wide selection of new, demo and used cars available, including the latest Skoda Superb models. We invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can try out the Superb for yourself. If you need finance for your Skoda purchase, you will find that our rates are highly competitive with repayments that can be tailored to suit your needs. Our sales team is standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Superb for sale price, and they will be happy to answer any further questions that you may have.

The Skoda Octavia Wagon is the Sole RS for MY19

The Skoda Octavia wagon has had a decent run of success in a hotly contested segment. However, Skoda has announced some changes that could change the landscape for Skoda in Australia. The first thing to notice is that Skoda has announced that there will be no more manual or diesel models to come, thanks to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Protocol (WLTP) changes. So from 2019 onwards, there will be no manual Skoda Octavia variant. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other details that have emerged so far.

What is the WLTP?

This is a European body that is enforcing stricter environmental controls in Europe from September onwards this year. The Skoda Octavia RS is the first casualty, and now the line up will be culled back to the RS245 DSG. This will also mean that the RS 169 TSI petrol variant and the RS 135TDI diesel variant will also be removed from the range.

How Will This Affect Sales?

Skoda is expecting a sales split of 70% wagons and 30% liftbacks. This is a conservative estimate based on previous sales of the Skoda Octavia RS. This seems to put to bed the often touted theory that wagons are a dead car market segment here in Australia. Although it is true that SUV sales and now crossover vehicles have taken the lion's share of sales in recent years, there are still significant numbers of drivers that prefer a wagon.

Skoda sold 590 cars here in a record May sales month, and just under 200 of those sales were Octavia cars. Of those sales, approximately 60% were RS variants, and most of those were RS245 wagons fitted with DSG. In total, around 70% of the Octavia sales are wagon sales with a variety of option packs fitted. This new legislation is already affecting other manufacturers, VW could lose the Golf R manual, and the Audi S3 could also be on the chopping block. It’s also expected that the release of the new BMW M3 could be delayed for further testing and the rest of the Skoda lineup will see engines rationalised with new particulate filters to meet the new requirements.

If you’re in the market for a new Skoda Octavia wagon, get in touch with us here at Skoda Perth. We have a vast selection of pre-owned and new cars available including the latest Skoda Octavia wagon models. We would like to invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can sample the Skoda driving ethos firsthand. If you need to finance your purchase, you will discover that our rates are favourable and your repayments can be tailored to suit your specific circumstances. Our sales team is standing by to advise you on the latest Skoda Octavia wagon price, and they would be happy to answer any further questions that you may have.

The Skoda Superb Estate Now Has a Bulletproof Variant

The new Skoda Superb estate equipped with bulletproof armour has a hefty price tag that would put it out of the range for most of us. This is an extremely niche market for people that face attempts on their life or kidnapping. These people have plenty of money to secure their protection and Skoda seem willing to provide a solution. Let’s take a closer look at this unusual Superb variant and see what it has to offer.

Not a Limousine
The first thing that many people think about when you mention bulletproof cars is the limousine. These are still used in formal settings, but they can be a poor option in many other real world circumstances. In fact, having a limousine can make you even more of a target and many wealthy or important people now prefer a car that is not immediately recognisable as a protected vehicle.

The Skoda Approach
Skoda has made a radical departure from their day to day business of supply affordable and sensible cars to make this bulletproof variant. The armoured Skoda Superb commands a price of $200,000 in Europe which may seem steep until you see the specifications. For your money, you get a Skoda wagon that is certified to have PAS300 protection. In real terms, this makes the car resistant to bullet impacts and missile strikes!

This is possible because of a reinforced safety cell, and the tyres are designed to run flat if they are damaged. As one might expect, the glass is all bulletproof and shatterproof to keep the passengers safe.

Beyond these few details, Skoda is staying tight lipped for security reasons about what else may be installed on the car. Obviously, both the suspension and braking systems would need to be upgraded to deal with the additional weight. We do know that there is an optional subtle blue lighting system available and onboard sirens are also fitted.

The engine is a 2.0 litre turbo diesel unit that can generate 140 kW of power and there are no acceleration figures for obvious reasons. One would expect that this powerplant has been significantly tweaked to get the most performance to facilitate defensive driving and evasion maneuvers.

If you are looking for a Skoda Superb wagon for sale in Perth, get in touch with us here at Skoda Perth. We have an extensive range of pre-owned and new cars available for sale including the latest Skoda Superb models. We would like you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can experience the Skoda driving difference for yourself. If you need to finance your purchase, you will discover that our rates are favourable and the repayments can be structured to suit your lifestyle. Our team is standing by to advise you on our latest Skoda Superb wagon 2018 deals, and they will be happy to answer any additional questions that you may have.

Tips for Test Driving the Skoda Rapid Spaceback

So, you’ve read reviews about the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback for sale and think it is a good fit for your requirements. Before you head into the dealership to sign on the dotted line, it is important that you take a test drive. However, this shouldn’t be a quick five minutes, as you need to know that you are completely happy with this model. So, here are some tips to ensure a successful test drive.

Plan a Route

It is important that you feel comfortable in your normal driving conditions, so it is a good idea to plan out a route for your test drive. Think about a quick route that will allow you to drive in the conditions you’re familiar with. So, if you need to negotiate tight turns and busy streets every day for the school run, plan an urban route. If you rack up plenty of kilometres on the highway, plan some sections of highway on your test drive route. A planned route will help you to determine if the Spaceback can handle all of your specific demands and ensure you feel comfortable after long periods of driving.

Try Out All the Seats

While your first instinct may be to hop into the driver’s seat and get driving, you need to try out all the seats. If you have small children, look at access in the rear. Can you comfortably reach in the back to put your kids in their seats? Will your kids be able to see out of the windows? Do the rear seats provide enough legroom for your growing teens? While you may enjoy driving the new Skoda Rapid Spaceback, your enjoyment will be marred if your kids are in the back complaining.

Don’t Get Distracted by the Sound System

While you may be keen to investigate the infotainment system and all the onboard gadgets, it’s important that you’re not distracted on your test drive. You can always take a little time at the dealership to play around with the sound system, but on your test drive, you need to be alert to any noises or other issues that may compromise your ownership enjoyment. Something as simple as a boot rattle can really get on your nerves, so you need to be fully alert during your test drive, so you can highlight any issues and ask the sales team pertinent questions.

If you are interested in learning more about the Skoda Rapid Spaceback 2018 range, you should call in and see us. We have an impressive stock of new and used models including the Skoda Rapid Spaceback. You’ll also find our sales staff is ready to answer any queries or questions, discuss finance options or arrange your test drive.

Skoda Dealers Perth Driver Advice for Finding the right SUV

The SUV segments have never been more popular, and it seems that every manufacturer has at least one or two models to offer. Visit your local Skoda dealership, and you’ll find that our new Kodiaq fits the bill. However, before you start shopping, you need to be aware of what you are looking for in an SUV. So, here we will provide some expert advice for all Perth drivers.

Do You Want to Get Dirty?

Many drivers are looking for an attractive SUV that provides a spacious vehicle about town. These drivers have no intention of ever hitting off road terrain, so they have different requirements to the outdoor adventurer crowd. Think about the situations where you will be using your SUV. Are you looking to head out into the wilds or do you need a vehicle that is easier to squeeze your gear and kids in compared to a standard passenger car? If the latter applies to you, you won’t need a massive four wheel drive and may prefer some more luxurious touches.

Do You Need a Serious Tow Vehicle?

A four wheel drive SUV can be very desirable for a myriad of towing situations from off road work and driving on unsealed roads to dealing with slippery boat ramps. Many 2WD models offer similar maximum towing capacities as 4WD variants, so you need to ask yourself whether you will be towing occasionally or if it will be a part of your regular driving routine.

Your Budget:

2WD models have fewer drivetrain components compared to their 4WD siblings, so they are cheaper to produce and buy. So, if you have a tight budget and need to shop at the bottom of the range, you may have little option but to opt for a 2WD. 

Your budget may also dictate the choice of engine and transmission. Many 4WD SUV models are only available with an automatic transmission, so if you really prefer a manual, you may be forced to choose a 2WD base model. Similarly, diesel options tend to be available on the higher spec variants, so your budget may limit you to a petrol model. 

You will also need to consider running costs. 4WD models are heavier than a 2WD equivalent, which means that they require more fuel. This can mean a difference of several hundred dollars in fuel costs if you drive the average 20,000 kilometres each year. So, if your budget is particularly restricted, be sure to check the fuel economy rates of each variant.

If you are looking for Skoda dealers, Perth drivers should visit us. We are an authorised Skoda car dealers, with an impressive stock of both new and pre-owned models. Our sales team members are also available to answer any queries and would be happy to arrange your test drive. 

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.