Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
HYBRID & ELECTRIC CARS
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park Tel: (345) 946 8697 Email: customercare@tonystoys.net www.tonystoys.net An independent car dealer operating in the Cayman Islands for over 20 years, Tony’s Toys offers a wide range of pre-owned vehicles in various sizes, makes and models. Special orders are also available along with financing options to suit any budget and approval within 72 hours (terms and conditions apply). The Centre also services and repairs American, Japanese and European vehicles. SE E AD PAG E S 272 & 275 Vampt Motors 368 Walkers Road, George Town
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Tel: (345) 949 2245 Email: service@vamptmotors.com
CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
www.vamptmotors.com Vampt Motors sells second hand Toyota and Ford cars that were previously bought from
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
them.
FREE ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATIONS
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The Kimpton Seafire Resort (SMB)
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Sunshine Suites Resort (SMB)
Governors Square (WB) The Westin Grand Cayman Beach Resort & Spa (SMB)
Comfort Inn Suites (SMB) Camana Bay A.L. Thompson’s Home Store (GT) The Department of Immigration (GT) Foster’s (Airport Location) Foster’s (Camana Bay) The Crighton Building (GT) Grand Harbour (RB) Lornas Rubis Gas Station (BT) Wyndham Reef Resort (EE) Kaibo Restaurant Beach Bar and Marina (RP)
CAYMANRESIDENT 2022
Electric vehicles are a common sight on Cayman’s roads and can be imported duty free as long as they are for personal use and valued up to CI$29,999. In addition, hybrid vehicles, for personal use, valued under CI$29,000, have a duty of 10% – substantially less that the average rate of 22% to 42% for regular gas and diesel powered vehicles. Electric vehicles can, on average, be driven for 200 miles on a single charge (assuming a 66kWh battery capacity and three miles/ kWh performance). This would, on the basis of the 1st January 2021 residential CUC rates, lead to an estimated cost of CI$14 per full charge.
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The combination of the sun’s rays and Cayman’s salty air can be hard on your car, but fortunately road conditions in Cayman are much better than other Islands in the Caribbean. However, driving in Cayman is similar to city driving where you are stopping and starting constantly and that causes the most wear on your engine, suspension, brakes, battery and tyres. We recommend checking your tyre pressure and fluid levels monthly. Probably the worst thing that your car will face is the silent invisible rust maker, the salty air! If you plan on living on or near the water, your car will rust faster than normal if not taken care of. Getting your car undercarriage coated with a rust-proofing agent is also a very good idea. It costs roughly CI$250 (or CI$450 if you want the entire car done) and one coating properly maintained will indefinitely protect your car. Washing your car on a regular basis will also extend the life of your car. The sun can also damage your car. You can help prevent damage by waxing it at least once every six months and a simple sunshade for your windshield will keep your car interior cooler and protect the dashboard from cracking. You may also want to invest in window tinting, but
make sure you follow current regulations regarding the percentage of tinting you are allowed to use. The following is a guideline on car maintenance and average costs, though the maintenance schedules vary by manufacturer and costs may increase if new parts are required:
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Every six months or 5,000 miles/7,500km a mid-service is recommended. This should cover almost all points on the car, as well as check your air conditioning filters, rotate the tyres and top up all of you car’s vital fluids (roughly CI$150).
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A
full
service
for
your
vehicle
is
recommended every two years, it includes all the above plus spark plugs, providing a complete check of your car. This service costs roughly about CI$400.
It’s important to have your car serviced regularly to keep it running smoothly. As a separate note, remember that in a hot climate like Cayman, the plastic interior in your car, such as dashboard and ducts, will heat up during the day and may release benzene, which is a known carcinogen, into your car. Remember to open the windows and allow your air conditioning to run for a moment, clearing the air before you close up the car and start driving. The following are reliable car maintenance shops and dealerships: Advance Automotive 113 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 945 9191 www.advancechevrolet.com Arch Automotive & Goodyear Tyres 15 Portland Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8221 Authorised service centre for most makes and models of Audi and Volkswagen. Automotive Art 480 Shedden Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7102 Email: service@autoart.ky CARS Ltd. (Campbell’s Auto) 117 North Sound Road, George Town
