LB Car Automotive Discussion

In Australia, there are thousands of motor vehicles being transported interstate on a yearly basis, the many thousands of Australians that need to move their cars across state borders have asked themselves that one question. Is it worth paying for interstate car transport? Considering Australia is such a large continent, moving a vehicle between states or multiple states can be a frightfully frustrating job. Car enthusiasts, motor heads or just moving the family car, the process doesn’t get any easier as so many of us have become so attached to our cars, we require it on a regular basis and rely on them to get us to where we want to be.

For any Australian, relocating a bulky asset like a car or motorcycle is unlike moving all your furniture in a moving truck, the options are relatively a few. The choices available when it comes to relocating automotive vehicles are to drive interstate or seek the service of professional interstate car transport providers.

Driving the Car Yourself VS Interstate Car Transport Company

Time

On average, an interstate drive between major capital cities require at least 8 hours of continuous driving. Compare this to an hour flight between some Australian cities and by coordinating your flight based on when your car is due to arrive at your new location, will ultimately save you time that could be better spent on something else.

Expenses

Depending on where you are driving your car to, it may take more or less time, however one thing is for certain and that it the expenses are bound to pop up. The first that comes to mind is the expense of fuel, no doubt a more fuel efficient car will save you more money on the open road but if you have a fuel guzzling V8, expect to fill up more than a couple times. Meal breaks is another expense that most people tend to forget, unless you packed you lunch, expect to pay top dollar at the diner that is conveniently situated along the trip. Accommodation is something you’ll have to look into to get decent shut eye, having rest and adequate sleep is crucial to arriving safely to you destination but that adds to your expenses in moving your car. On the other hand, a plane trip between destinations may be more expensive but you could search for cheap flights and plan your trip around that to bring down costs.

Safety

Driving on a highway over 100 km/h for an extensive period of time is not for everyone and there is always a chance of driver fatigue when the roads in front of you seem to go on forever. There are also other drivers on the road that you need to be careful of. Wildlife and road kill are all prevalent on the roads and driving requires strict concentration and discipline whilst driving at night can be extremely dangerous. Car carrying companies employ professional truck drivers that are trained and skilled on long haul transportation. Operators of heavy trucks are required to keep a strict log book of compulsory breaks taken during their shifts and are highly trained to lookout for road hazards.

Price

No doubt that driving a car yourself interstate may be the first thing that comes to mind when deciding to move a car. It may automatically seem like the most budget friendly option compared to the services of professional car transport companies. Like any business, interstate car transport companies are there to provide a service at the same time make a profit to allow them to run a successful business. Paying for interstate car transport is worth it after all, it is actually saving you time driving, saving you taking time off work, providing cost savings on expenses that you didn’t think of, less wear and tear, eliminates the chance of an inconvenient break down in the middle of nowhere and overall a safer option.

Cars and most automotive vehicles operate on an internal combustion engine, power is generated when the matters are combined such as fuel and air sucked into the chambers known as cylinders. When this occurs, the force pushes the piston that rotates the drive shaft and generates enough power for the wheels to move the car. This is ultimately how energy is transferred from the engine to the wheels, however there is much more to it than combining a mixture of fuel and air to create energy.

A major part of any cars ability to operate mechanically is due to arguably the most crucial component of all, the timing belt. The belt is designed to synchronize the crankshafts and camshafts so the engine’s valves open and close at precise times for the intake of fuel and air within each cylinder. Keeping this component well maintained and regularly inspected is an integral part of avoiding a disastrous timing belt failure that could cost you more than a simple inconvenience.

Timing Belt Component

The timing belt plays such an important role and runs between the camshaft and the crankshaft and is adjusted with precision to ensure the valves open and close at the precise second it is required. Without the timing belt, the engine will be unable to carry out its role in creating energy and transferring it to the wheels. The timing belt is made from durable material that is designed to withstand extensive rotation, extreme temperatures whilst constantly performing at its peak.

Timing Belt Maintenance

Considering how important the role of a timing belt is, it needs to be kept in great condition to perform at its best. Timing belts in general require replacement every 100,000 kilometers and inspection on the belt should be carried out every time the car engine oil is changed. To inspect the belt, begin by looking at the outside of the belt for micro cracks that may be developing. Although the belt may seem like it is made only from rubber, however it is reinforced with metal within to create a strong belt. There is nothing to really worry about if there are one or two tiny cracks on the outer surface but take note if you begin to see lots of cracks developing, which is a sign of extreme wear and an early sign to replace the belt. Ignoring these signs can lead to a catastrophic failure, causing the belt to snap during vehicle operation and leading to severe engine damage. It is much more cost effective to replace the belt rather than risking irreversible engine failure, costly repairs and major inconvenience. Avoid the risk by seeking a mechanic for their professional opinion on whether your timing belt is due for a replacement.

Is it Worth Paying for Interstate Car Transport?

Do You Want to Risk Failure of Your Car’s Timing Belt?