Ask an expert: Accessories and extras

Re: Dash Cameras

Cade — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 12:19:13 +1200

Hi there,
There are many out there to choose from. Here is a link to an article we have written.
I would speak to a supplier for advise to suit your application. Maybe Repco, SuperCheap ect, as these guys will give you good after sales backup, rather than a cheap product from an unknown supplier.
http://www.aa.co.nz/cars/motoring-blog/motoring-advice/catch-everything-on-camera/

Posted to: Dash Cameras | Show Thread | Post Reply

Dash Cameras

onyxdog1 — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 11:03:20 +1200

Which are the best ones to buy,price and technical, please

Posted to: Dash Cameras | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Honda Odyssey 2004 DVD navi player

Cade — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:36:40 +1200

Hi there,
It does look like the two little side panels unclip and you should be able to access the mounting screws that are holding the unit in.
You will need to carefully unplug the connections, and I recommend placing a cloth on the dashboard to prevent scratches.
It may be necessary to take the vehicle to an installer company to remove and fit a new unit or pocket to fill the hole.

Posted to: Honda Odyssey 2004 DVD navi player | Show Thread | Post Reply

Honda Odyssey 2004 DVD navi player

c_mayur — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 13:05:56 +1200

Hi,

I bought a 2004 Honda Odyssey Japan import. It has a navigation system with DVD navi player which ihas some Japanese language and is not working. Looks like manufacturer brand is GATHERS.

I want to remove the player but I don't know how to open it.

Can you please guide me how to un- install it.

Cheers!
Mayur

Posted to: Honda Odyssey 2004 DVD navi player | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: tyre longevity

Cade — Tue, 03 May 2016 14:22:37 +1200

Treadwear Rating:
The treadwear grade is a comparative numerical rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 200 would wear twice as well on the course as a tire graded 100. The rating increases in 20-point increments. It is important to note that the true performance of a tire depends upon the actual conditions of its use. Actual conditions may depart significantly from the test conditions due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climates.

Posted to: tyre longevity | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: tyre longevity

NZScout — Tue, 03 May 2016 14:15:53 +1200

Can you elaborate please on the tyre wear rating indicated on the side of the tyre? What numbers am I looking for and what do they mean? I would love to compare a $130 Starfire with a $220 Bridgestone. For 70% more cost am I going to travel 10, 20, or 50% further?

Posted to: tyre longevity | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: tyre longevity

Cade — Tue, 03 May 2016 14:05:45 +1200

Hi there, we recommend using Bridgestone/ Firestone tyres for best value for money and quality options available.
As far as longevity is concerned, there are too many variables to calculate a time period of how long a tyre would last. Tyre wear is dependant on the road surface, tyre pressures and conditions placed upon it during its life. Living in a hilly are with lots of winding roads would need regular tyre rotation and may use tyres faster than open motorway driving or flat towns. Tyres themselves usually have an indication on the side of tyre wear rating, you may use this as a test to compare.

Posted to: tyre longevity | Show Thread | Post Reply

tyre longevity

NZScout — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:30:49 +1200

I need to purchase 4 new tyres for my family vehicle, Toyota Ipsum. There is a huge amount of tyres to choose from and a corresponding large variation in price. Is there any way to know how many kilometres you might expect from one tyre vs another? I'm on a fairly budget but obviously don't want to buy the cheapest tyres if they will last only half the distance a medium priced tyre might. You help would be appreciated

Posted to: tyre longevity | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Towing

Cade — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:07:06 +1200

Hi there,
The Caravan stabilizer kit looks like it would be of good value, I haven't heard of anyone using one or commenting about them yet.
I think your Rav and Pop-top combo will not cause too much trouble. But I do recommend having more gear in your vehicle in order to lessen the tow load. NZTA safe towing practices recommend that the tow load does not exceed 3/4 of the vehicle unladen weight, which would equal a load of 1,125kg. However we would call into question the CVT transmission operation or longevity, this is why the tow rating is quite low. Just something to keep in mind. I would be more concerned about this than being a few kg's over the manufactures tow recommendation.

Posted to: Towing | Show Thread | Post Reply

Towing

garyd55 — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:58:24 +1200

Hi, I have a NZ new 2013 Toyota Rav 4 (new model) and am looking to purchase and tow a pop top type trailer / caravan. The Rav4 is a two litre front wheel drive only.(2WD) The weight of the trailer is listed as 795kg and has brakes. (Trailer is a UK model Pennine Pathfinder 660).
I understand the towing limit of the Rav is 800kg.(braked trailer) By the time we add camping gear including the awning and poles etc we may be adding 80-90kg in weight to the trailer. This will put it beyond the safe towing weight of the RAV.
I have read about stabilizer bars that can be fitted which will transfer one third of the coupling weight to the front wheels of the towing vehicle. Would this be a viable option in order to make the trailer a more safer towing option. Last thing I need is to start wheel spinning in the wet towing the trailer uphill , or being pushed around when coming downhill. Any advice would be much appreciated. eg. If I loaded the car down with camping gear instead of the trailer , would that be a safer option. Thanks

Posted to: Towing | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: On screen displays 2004 Honda Odyssey

Jaedyn01 — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 19:14:37 +1300

We also have a 2004 Honda Oydyssey & we have all the same troubles as you. We have had it 5 years now & the radio may have worked for the first 6 months & now it just comes on occasions then stops again. Did you manage to find out what was wrong with your car? Any advice would be great! Thanks

Posted to: On screen displays 2004 Honda Odyssey | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Outdoor care for convertible

Cade — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 08:25:48 +1300

I can't recall the brand but it is the middle of the supercheap store range, slightly thicker blue cover. I found the entry one too thin and tore on me.

Posted to: Outdoor care for convertible | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Outdoor care for convertible

vincent.cf — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 20:52:09 +1300

Hi Cade,

Do you have a specific brand/type of car cover that you would recommend? Which one do you use? Thanks

Posted to: Outdoor care for convertible | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Outdoor care for convertible

Cade — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:40:43 +1300

Hi there,
You could buy a gazebo type temporary shelter that would keep most of the weather out.
However, I use a good quality car cover found at Supercheap that does the job for me, they are designed to breathe and keep moisture out. They are not a super tight fit, so allow a bit of air under them to dry any moisture.
The main thing is, you want to keep large amounts of water out, and stop uv, leaves ect from tarnishing the paint. If you are concerned with moisture I the car, you can buy little moisture catchers/ damprid to keep in the car and replace every few months over winter.

Posted to: Outdoor care for convertible | Show Thread | Post Reply

Outdoor care for convertible

vincent.cf — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 19:16:59 +1300

I have a 1989 Eunos Roadster which has been garaged for much of it's life and driven only on weekends.

I have recently moved house, and now the only parking space available for the Roadster is on the driveway next to the house (no carport or garage space).

I realise this isn't the best parking solution, as the first generation Roadster can be susceptible to rust, leaks and clogged drains. I have previously had to unclog the rain rails after a heavy downpour.

I have been considering buying a car cover to protect it from the sun and rain. However, since I only drive it on weekends, I am wary about the possibility of the cover trapping moisture under it.

Do you have any alternative suggestions to keep the car's bodywork in decent shape? The other alternative I am considering is to sell it on and buy a slightly newer model car where rust is less of a concern.

Posted to: Outdoor care for convertible | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Camry Hybrid Towbar

Cade — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:52:44 +1300

Hi there, I recommend speaking to best bars for this information. http://www.bestbars.co.nz/

Posted to: Camry Hybrid Towbar | Show Thread | Post Reply

Camry Hybrid Towbar

TonyLch — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:01:31 +1300

I have a 2011 Camry Hybrid I-Tech and want to know if a tow bar can be fitted (WITHOUT cutting into the rear bumper) so I can carry our bikes around. Thanks, Tony

Posted to: Camry Hybrid Towbar | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Tyre questions for my 2006 Toyota Auris import

Cade — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:49:59 +1300

Hi there,
This can be done with little noticeable difference, as long as the tyres don't foul on any suspension and body components. You can see the difference using this calculator. http://www.inawise.com/tyre-calculator/tyre-size-calculator.html

Posted to: Tyre questions for my 2006 Toyota Auris import | Show Thread | Post Reply

Tyre questions for my 2006 Toyota Auris import

deerta — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:00:23 +1300

I got a japanese import 2006 toyota Auris. I checked it online that it requires 205/55R16 tyre.

Can I put on 205/60/16 92H instead ?

Thank you

Posted to: Tyre questions for my 2006 Toyota Auris import | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Reversing camera

Cade — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:33:44 +1300

Hi there,
I haven't heard of any one brand being better than others. I think if you are a bit creative, you could wire up two cameras to one screen, with a switch to toggle between the two.
You may need to buy a wireless camera for the caravan and a wired camera for your vehicle,but you would need to check the range of the camera, and if you can wire in a corded camera to th esame screen, in order to eliminate the need for two screens.
I would recommend speaking to an auto electrician with some ideas and see what they recommend.

Posted to: Reversing camera | Show Thread | Post Reply

Reversing camera

RobnRae — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:13:24 +1300

What is the best reversing camera and screen for backing up to a caravan. Can a second camera be put on the rear of the caravan for parking it?

Posted to: Reversing camera | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Trailer

Cade — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 08:42:33 +1300

I think measures can be taken to minimise this situation.
Sounds like the tyres would have to be in poor condition, high speed and load situation, may also factor to have a scary blow out.

Posted to: Trailer | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Trailer

Crossley19.6 — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 20:20:26 +1300

Great - thanks.
I had been reading lots of "horror stories" re blow outs on single axle trailers. Is this not really a problem?
Thanks again

Posted to: Trailer | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Trailer

Cade — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 14:59:50 +1300

Hi there,
I would recommend the smaller lighter single axle braked trailer. A tandem would be more stable, but a lot more trailer to manage. I would also think a tandem may take your combined load in excess of 2000kg. There are plus and minuses for both and it may even come down to personal preference. Tandem may be overkill for your vintage car?.

Posted to: Trailer | Show Thread | Post Reply

Trailer

Crossley19.6 — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 14:47:42 +1300

I want a trailer for my vintage car so that I can attend rallies without driving in motorways etc.
The car is 1400kgs and I have tow bar rated at 2000kgs
Some trailer people advise single axle braked trailer at 1700kg rating. Others advise 2000kg braked tandems. I would like as light a trailer as possible so that I can move it around my driveway.
What would you advise for me please?
Thanks

Posted to: Trailer | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Battery going flat due to low usage

Cade — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:53:02 +1300

Hi there,
Our battery service will be able to supply the charger to suit your requirements, or give advise where to find one if they can't help. I imagine you will need a maintanance charger.
Please phone teh battery department on 09 636 7350

Posted to: Battery going flat due to low usage | Show Thread | Post Reply

Battery going flat due to low usage

webike — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 22:33:16 +1300

Hi, I have a 2014 Subaru Forester XT (2.0 litre) and have had problems with the battery discharging to flat because of low usage and frequent short trips. I had the battery tested by my local Subaru service department, who said that it is not defective, it is charging normally and the drain on the battery is less than 300 milliamps. They recommended turning the side-lights on during short trips (this will override the fuel-saving feature of the alternator to only charge the battery at the rate of 70%) and using a battery charger/maintainer to keep the charge topped up. I got the impression from them that it would be better to trickle-charge the battery, which I guess means using a battery charger with lower amps.

Would you recommend a “charge and maintain” battery charger and, if so, how many amps should it be? I have a 12V-48AH (55D23L) battery with a CCA rating of 390A. The car manual says not to use more than 10 amps when charging the battery because it will shorten battery life. Thanks.

Posted to: Battery going flat due to low usage | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Navigation System

Cade — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 09:02:41 +1300

Hi there,
Unfortunately I don't have any information on this system. You may need to find someone who can translate for you. Or you may just need to search through every menu/ press every button untill you find the clock menue.

Posted to: Navigation System | Show Thread | Post Reply

Navigation System

savitrid — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 22:29:58 +1300

I bought a Japanese used car recently and it has come with a Gathers HDD Navigation system model VXH 062C unit. Unfortunately everything is in Japanese language and I am keen to get the time reset to local time. Would you be able to give me some information on this please? Thanks. Savitri

Posted to: Navigation System | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Battery maintainer/tender

Cade — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:01:08 +1300

Hi there,
For your little March, I would prefer to disconnect at least the negative terminal.
I do know that you can leave the terminals connected when using a trickle charger.
But I would prefer to disconnect one terminal just to be sure.

Posted to: Battery maintainer/tender | Show Thread | Post Reply

Battery maintainer/tender

gs — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 07:45:46 +1300

Hi,

I've got a battery charger/tender that is supposed to be used to maintain the battery over extended periods when I'm not using the car - is it ok to have this connected to the battery and battery still connected to the car as I know with regular chargers, you're supposed to disconnect the battery first. The car is a 2002 Nissan March if that makes any difference.

Thanks.

Posted to: Battery maintainer/tender | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Trailer Lights Question

Cade — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:36:54 +1300

Hi there,
This will be fine, there is no regulation that states this would not be allowed.

Posted to: Trailer Lights Question | Show Thread | Post Reply

Trailer Lights Question

amasters — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:59:13 +1300

I'm putting some new submersible trailer lights on my boat trailer. Because of the position of the number plate light I need to rotate the mounting of the light. This means the indicator would be above the stop light (i.e vertical rather than horizontal). The lights are square so this doesn't mean any of the lights get obscured by being too high up or anything.

Is this legal?

Assumed it was OK as many cars have a vertical light arrangement, but thought I'd check.

Appreciate your help.

Posted to: Trailer Lights Question | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Window tinting

Cade — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 09:57:20 +1300

Hi there,
I personally think it's a good idea. It will keep the car cool and protect the interior from uv. Aswell as provide extra security.

Posted to: Window tinting | Show Thread | Post Reply

Window tinting

patthehat — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:00:08 +1300

Hi we have just bought a Nissan tida 2011 and it is in great condition and we want to keep it this way. We were wondering about window tinting to not only provide u v cover for ourselves but also protection for the interior of the car, do you think this is a good idea. The cost is $455 for 35% tint.
Thanks
Regards
Patrick

Posted to: Window tinting | Show Thread | Post Reply

Re: Converting ex-Japanese Mercs to NZ audio/video.gps

gubgub — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 09:55:52 +1200

Regretfully. I must agree.