Author: lisabackup

Do you know how to ship a car the right way? Whether you are moving to another country, buying a foreign vehicle or you are selling your car across the country, this 6-step car shipping guide is for you. 🚢⁣⁠

How to ship a car the right way

🚗 Step 1: Consider time⁣⁠

How quickly do you need the vehicle shipped? Plan ahead to avoid the extra charges of shipping last minute.⁣⁠

🚗 Step 2: Research types of shipping companies⁣⁠

Decide whether you’ll use an auto transport broker that finds a shipment company for you (this is more expensive). Or will you work directly with an auto transport carrier (this requires more research on your end).⁣⁠

🚗 Step 3: Verify check⁣

Check the legitimacy of the company you choose. You can do this by reading reviews, checking if they are registered, and avoiding large upfront deposits. Also, check your country’s laws regarding imports/exports with certain countries. ⁣⁠

🚗 Step 4: Consider shipping method ⁣⁠

Will you go the open vehicle route- on an open truck? Or the more expensive but safer route of enclosed shipping. You can also consider airlines or boats that do car shipping.⁣⁠

🚗 Step 5: Contract ⁣⁠

Legal companies will provide a contract. It should contain a price, estimation delivery date, claims, policies, fees, and most importantly insurance coverage info. Check and understand this fully.⁣⁠

🚗 Step 6: Car check⁣⁠

If you’re selling/moving your own car then it is essential to clean and empty it. Take pictures of your car before shipping. Also, disable all alarms and any body modifications on your car to avoid damage. If you’re purchasing a vehicle, ask for pictures of the condition of the car before shipment. Compare this to post-delivery conditions. Note any damages for insurance claims. ⁣⁠

Your car might seem fine, but is it? 🤔 Sometimes our cars leak, rattle and smoke to tell us there is a problem. Other times the telltales are so subtle, that you don’t recognise a problem, and one month later something is suddenly broken beyond repair. ⁣⁠

Hidden signs of a car that needs to be serviced 

Let’s avoid this by talking about the 5 less obvious signs your car needs a checkup:

• unusual subtle sounds- typically all you should hear is your engine, AC, and radio.⁣⁠
• your brakes aren’t that sharp and responsive ⁣⁠
• your car doesn’t have a crisp and strong start⁣⁠
• transmission isn’t smooth ⁣⁠
• power loss ⁣⁠

Good car maintenance and servicing allow you to stay alert for any issues that could begin. Consider us for your next service, we know cars!⁠

Boom! An explosion just protected your life! 🧨🚗⁣⁠

That’s right, your airbag is activated by a controlled explosion, which protects you in an unfortunate accident. Here’s how the whole thing works. ⁣⁠

How an airbag system works

When you hit something and start decelerating very quickly, an accelerometer in your car picks up on this very quick change. This triggers your airbag circuit which then allows a heating element to spark a chemical explosive. A nylon bag behind the steering wheel gets filled with gas, blows the plastic cover off, and inflates in front of the driver. With impact, the driver pushes against the bag which allows it to deflate again in time. Saving your life. ⁣⁠

Remember to always wear your safety belt because it works with your airbags to keep you safe. ✔🏆

Did you know your car will tell you if it needs a brake replacement? 🚗🤔 ⁣⁣⁠

Here are 3 signs to look out for when you need to replace your brakes to ensure your car responds effectively when you engage your brakes- in turn saving your life.⁣⁣⁠

Look out for these 3 warning signs 

• Persistent screeching or grinding sound⁣⁣⁠
• Brake fluid leak⁣⁣⁠
• Vibration when you brake⁣⁣⁠

You’ve found the perfect BM for you. Now it’s time to pay… You can’t figure out whether you should lease it or buy it. Which one is better? 🤔🚗⁣⁠

Leasing vs Buying a car

The benefits of buying a car

Both leasing and buying have their benefits. The benefit of buying your BM is that it becomes a lot easier to resell it at a later stage. Buying also ensures it will eventually be paid off and you’ll own it. This is a little more financially freeing as you have versatility in your means of payment. ⁣⁠

The benefits of leasing a car

The benefit of leasing your BM is that you can turn in your car for newer models at the end of your lease (within mileage) with no extra cost. Another benefit is that you do not own the car which means all the non-visible problems aren’t yours to fix once you return it. It’s also the cheaper option. ⁣⁠

Both options have their downsides too. Buying means you pay a lot more and all repairs are entirely from your pocket. Leasing has a mileage restriction that restricts your free maintenance and you’ll always be making car payments because you’ll never actually own the car. ⁣⁠

Is an extended warranty worth it in 2022? 🤔 Let’s talk.⁣⁠

An extended warranty

What is an extended warranty?

An extended warranty is basically extra coverage for mechanical damages. This usually extends after your manufacturer warranty is depleted.

What are the benefits of an extended warranty?

The benefit of it is that it saves you money on costly repairs- all you pay is your deducted share of the warranty and the company does the rest. With roadside assistance and other uncontrollable car events, it also puts you at ease. ⁣⁠

What are the cons of an extended warranty?

It can, however, become expensive as you might never even use your warranty. Another thing to consider is that some plans have a lack of coverage and you could end up in damages that your warranty doesn’t pay for. ⁣⁠

Here at 3 Service Centre we only want the best for you and your car. This is why we advise you to carefully evaluate coverage, cost and the company’s reputation when considering an extended warranty.⁣⁠

Whether your loved one owns a BM or you are a BM fanatic looking for something nice for yourself- here are some of the best gifts to buy any BM owner. 🎉😉⁣⁣⁠

Top gifts suitable for a BM driver

• A BM car cover to protect the expensive paint against both cold and hot weather⁣⁣⁠
• Turn any BM car brand new with a great detailing job ⁣⁣⁠
• A BM watch to spice up anyone’s watch collection⁣⁣⁠
• A BM motorsport key-chain for the busy bees always losing their key⁣⁣⁠
• A BM i8 Concept Remote Control car for the kids or the kids at heart 😉⁣⁣⁠
• Custom BM Artwork to turn any car into a piece of art⁣⁣⁠

Do you know what’s worse than a hot day? Climbing into your hot car and your aircon blows warm air into your already heated face. 🥵🔥 ⁣⁠

Reasons an aircon could be hot

Why is my aircon not cold?

• refrigerant is low or leaking⁣⁠
• electrical system malfunction⁣⁠
• dirty air filter⁣⁠
• cooling fans broke⁣⁠
• AC compressor wear and tear⁣⁠

Whatever the reason is, 3 Service Centre will help your car stay cool. 🧊 Consider us, we know cars!⁣⁠

Preventative maintenance allows your car to be diagnosed and maintained before it leads to long-term and costly damages. So obviously, you want the right person for the job. 👨🏻‍🔧🚗⁣⁠

Look at this checklist for qualities of a good mechanic

Here’s a checklist of the qualities of a good mechanic for preventative maintenance:⁣⁠

• their prices are reasonable when compared to the level of service provided⁣⁠
• their reviews are mostly good⁣⁠
• they have a certification to back their passion⁣⁠
• their business is licensed⁣⁠
• they listen to your needs and explain everything carefully

Consider 3 Service Cente – we have over 40 years experience & we love cars!⁣⁠

Here are 5 quick tips to keep your baby in tip-top shape, to make it last longer and function optimally. 

Tricks on making your car last longer

• Do a monthly oil check and maintenance ⁣⁠
• Check tyre pressure monthly and before long road trips⁣⁠
• Dirty mirrors and windshields are safety hazards- keep them clean ⁣⁠
• Get a good wax and wash equipment for your car to avoid rust and preserve your paint⁣⁠
• Get your regular service scheduled⁣⁠

Congratulations on your new car! May you have many safe kilos. 🥳🚗⁣⁠