FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || ISSUE 005
INSIDE >>
P6 HAVAL H9 >> P8 Girl Torque with L’Koda Britton
>>
P13 Animals on the Road
USED 2015 FORD RANGER
WILDTRACK PAGE 3
PATH TO PURCHASE
TRADE-IN TRADE OFF BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
PAGE 5
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE Welcome to a blast of winter on our roads and an unexpected problem often associated with the mid-year season – rain. In those first few minutes of any downpour accumulated oils sitting in the road surface will float to the top with the first water to hit the road and it’s likely you can lose traction. Braking performance will be affected also as your vehicle struggles on this glassy surface. After a period, the oil will disperse, but let’s face facts, we should have slowed down already and be driving to the conditions. Speaking of driving to conditions, I received an interesting email this week titled Speeding from Bruce Harper in Wagga. It reads:
If you would like to be included in next week’s edition please contact Kieren on:
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0406 533 569 | 02 6923 3900 99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
“Obeying speed limits is not only a legal requirement, but a good idea. It is designed to lead to good outcomes, but there’s more to it. Being safe is very much about driving with a speed and space combination that allows conditions to be assessed and time to avoid a collision. The rules are a good starting point, but they can’t allow for all the circumstances encountered on the road. How should a speed limit be treated, knowing that it’s a maximum speed rather than an expectation? Should it be used as a safe target speed? Is exceeding a speed limit safe if it’s only by little bit? Is a speed limit always safe regardless of such variables as the weather, traffic conditions, time of day, nature of vehicle, visibility or driver experience? The RMS (NSW Roads and Maritime Services) defines speeding as “excessive speed for the prevailing conditions”. It’s interesting that the speed limit doesn’t get a mention in this brief definition. Could a speed be excessive for the conditions if it’s below the
Drivers Side
2
What’s On
2
Thank you Bruce, greatly appreciated and an interesting point for discussion so feel free to provide some feedback. Also see What’s the rush: Weekly Torque issue 4, page 11. As well as feedback please feel free to provide images of vehicles, ideas for stories or information about a success in competition. Weekly Torque has received great support from local businesses and on a personal note thankyou to all those organisations which continue to support us. Please buy local whenever you can and let’s keep this great city prospering. And this week’s bad joke. Jack and Jill just climbed a steep hill on their tandem bike, “Phew that was a tough climb said Jill leaning over the handlebars breathing hard, we were going so slowly I thought we would never make it. Yeah good thing I had the brakes on said Jack, or we would have slid all the way back down.” Safe Travelling, Cheers, Kieren.
ON
Horsepower Madness
2018 Volksmuller Rally sprint
Got horsepower? Find out how much at Horsepower Madness with an onsite dyno competition and a variety of show and shine categories, face painting and jumping castle for the kids, Its free entry for kids under 10.
Hosted by North Shore Sporting Car Club the sprint event on a 2.5km 100 per cent gravel track promises great motor sport action for spectators and competitors. Club President, Brett Middleton, says the event will give drivers an opportunity to hone their skills and have fun in a controlled environment.
Saturday 19 May Cowra Showground, 32 Grenfell Road, Cowra
Path to Purchase The Trade-in trade off
5
KING for a Day - Haval H9
6
Willans Hill Miniature Railway
Sunday 20 May Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street, Wagga
Girl Torque 8
The Joy of Torque Animals on the Road
It’s legal but probably unsafe to drive in a school zone at 40km/hr when there are children everywhere getting into cars or crossing the road. It’s legal to drive at 100km/hr on a gravel road in farmland with no signposted corners and a narrow, loose surface with trees close by. It’s vital to consider more than the speed limit when driving. Many crashes and fatalities occur at legal speeds. There is no substitute for a thinking, aware and focused driver!”
WHAT’S
|| IN THIS ISSUE
with L’Koda Britton
limit? Safety conscious drivers need to make a sensible choice of speed in all conditions. Imagine travelling at 50km/hr in Baylis St on a weekday. It’s a legal speed but does it allow time to see danger and safely avoid it?
13
2 || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Hosted by the Wagga Society of Model Engineers, a fun time is guaranteed as you climb aboard these wonderful model trains and see the sights of the gardens and Willans Hill and the friendly society members are only too happy to talk about their trains.
Sunday 20 May Sydney Dragway, Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek
42nd Historic Winton Race Meeting Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May Winton Motor Raceway (near Benalla Vic)
Historic Winton, Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting features two big days of racing involving 400 historic racing machines along with a large static display of Heritage vehicles.
ON THE COVER USED 2015 FORD RANGER
WILDTRACK 4X4 DUAL CAB || BY KIEREN L. TILLY This 2015 Ford Ranger Wildtrack 4x4 Dual Cab, with just 37,315km presents its next owner an opportunity to step up to an eye-catching modern workhorse and/or recreational vehicle.
sight. And speaking of camping, there is a tow bar ready for the caravan or for the tinny. Sidesteps are a practical and useable addition to the vehicle and roof racks emphasise its practicality.
A local one-owner vehicle with log books, this dual cab is great a value for those looking to secure a special vehicle at a one off price.
Tumut Toyota owner, Tim O’Malley, believes this turbo diesel vehicle offers great value for money.
The striking paintwork makes it stand out in the crowd. Its modern, user-friendly interior and leather seating complete with matching racing stripes will impress drivers and passengers alike. With the power of a 3.2 litre turbo diesel engine and automatic gearbox it’s a great vehicle for towing, carrying loads and cruising. A practical package capable of so much business and pleasure. A lockable rolling hardcover over the tray and lockable rear tailgate ensures your tools or camping gear is kept safely out of
Fully workshop tested, and ready to go, come in and have a test drive today. Tumut Toyota opened its doors in 1992, and over the years the dealership has built a reputation for being reputable and available to help identify the perfect vehicle to suit your needs, whether new or from the wide range of pre-owned and pre-love vehicles. At Tumut Toyota you will be treated like a local every time you walk through the door. You can own this stunning used vechicle for $46,990. To test drive or view contact the team at Tumut Toyota on (02) 6947 1744 or visit at 145-147 Wynyard Street, Tumut.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || 3
Tumut Toyota 2009 Toyota Rav4
2007 Toyota Landcruiser Prado
2009, Toyota, Rav4, CV, 2.4 Litre petrol, 5 speed manual, wagon, silver, one owner, DPX12U.
2007, Toyota, Prado, GXL, wagon, 3.0 Litre turbo diesel, automatic, towbar, bullbar, silver, CC40BU.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 2400 cc Colour Silver Pearl Transmission Manual Body Type Wagon Kilometres 144,870 VIN JTMBD33V405235851 Stock Number N000688
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Silver Ash Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 336,739 VIN JTEBZ29J500162045 Stock Number N000695
$14,990
2013 Toyota Corolla Levin ZR Hatchback
$16,990
2014 Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2014 Toyota Yaris, SX, 5 door hatch, 1.5 litre petrol, manual, alloy wheels, one owner, blue, CSG46Z. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1500 cc Colour Tidal Blue Transmission Manual Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 39,969 VIN JTDKT3D360D599341 Stock Number N000728
2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL Wagon 3.0 Litre turbo diesel, manual, glacier white, towbar, one local owner, 115434 kms, YCF57K.
1.8 Litre petrol engine, bronze, automatic, COF40C. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1800 cc Colour Positano Bronze Transmission Automatic Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 41,869 VIN JTNKU3JE30J021486 Stock Number N000550
$16,990
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Glacier White Transmission Manual Body Type Wagon Kilometres 115,436 VIN JTEBH3FJ50K149314 Stock Number N000709
$39,990
2013 Nissan Juke Ti-s (AWD) Hatch Hatch, 1.6 Litre petrol, automatic, red, 24,940 kms, CSC44W.
$11,990
2008 Toyota Avensis
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1600 cc Colour Red TransmissionContinuous variable Body Type Wagon Kilometres 24,940 VIN SJNFANF15A6443924 Stock Number N000698
2013 Nissan Pulsar St Hatchback
2008, Toyota, Avensis, Verso, GLX, wagon, 7 seater, 2.4 Litre petrol, automatic, black, CL17HG.
2013, Nissan Pulsar, ST, hatchback, automatic, 1.8 litre petrol, silver, DTD45J.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 2400cc Colour Ebony Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 168,945 VIN JTEGD23B400074058 Stock Number N000699
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1800 cc Colour Silver Transmission Constant Variable Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 74,502 VIN MNTFAAC12A0002421 Stock Number N000725
$10,990
$19,990
$10,990
145-147 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720 • Ph: (02) 6947 1744
PATH TO PURCHASE
THE TRADE-IN
TRADE OFF || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
If you are replacing an old car or motorbike with a new one, you need to decide whether to trade it in or sell privately. What’s the best option? As a general rule, selling privately will realise a higher value. But you need to balance that premium with the cost, the time and the hassle of the selling process. It can be quite a journey.
offer a ridiculously low price. Other will be late and plenty more won’t show up at all. If you want a quick sale, be realistic about the price. If you have time, do a bit of research online about how much cars of similar specifications and manufacture date are selling for. If you haven’t sold in a month, market forces are probably telling you the price is too high, unless it’s a vehicle that appeals to a niche market.
It’s a pretty simple equation, the more people who see the car, the more interest there’ll be and therefore a quicker sale.
Let’s have a look at the private sale option first, which means you will need to advertise. The easiest way is to stick a For Sale sign in the window and park it where as many people as possible will see it. A more effective way is to advertise in your local newspapers, online, social media or, best of all, a combination of them all. It’s a pretty simple equation, the more people who see the car, the more interest there’ll be and therefore a quicker sale. Photographs of reasonable quality from different angles with a well worded description make a big difference. Make sure you have service records or receipts ready for inspection. Remove any personal items from the car. Prospective buyers may not share your taste in bumper stickers, air-fresheners or wobbly head Elvis dolls. Repair any damage or wear and tear because dents, scratches or worn tyres will either put buyers off or have them subtracting the repair bill from the purchase price. Over the selling period, the vehicle for sale needs to be kept clean and tidy – both inside and out. Private vehicles rarely sell quickly, so think about how many weekends you’re willing to spend waiting for prospective buyers to make an inspection and take a test drive. Many will be tyre kickers who’ll
You will be handing out your phone number, and possibly address, to strangers so think about whether you are comfortable with that. Serious prospectives might want to arrange a professional inspection which means more time and organisation. Throughout the process, be honest and transparent about the present condition and history of the car or bike. Dishonesty at any time during the selling process can come back to bite you on the backside bigtime, especially if you are selling to friends or family.
which is then credited to the cost of your new vehicle. You are literally selling your car or bike on the spot. Yes, a dealer valuation will most likely be at the lower end of the value spectrum, but that’s the cost of convenience. However, some brands and models hold their value much better than others so you might be pleasantly surprised. On that point, re-sale value is well worth considering when on the path to purchase a new vehicle. It’s worth getting trade-in valuations from a few different dealers. If one has half a dozen Toyota Corollas already on their lot, that dealer probably isn’t going to pay much for another. If you choose to go down the trade-in path, it’s advantageous to agree on the price of your new car or bike from a dealership before the price of the trade in vehicle. At the end of the day, it probably comes down to how patient you are and how quickly you need a new car or bike in the driveway. Happy selling with whichever option you choose.
Finally, be prepared for the haggling and negotiation when it comes to closing the deal. No one will believe your advertised price is the lowest you will accept.
Sound exhausting?
Then maybe a trade-in is a better option for you because the big advantage of trading-in is convenience. It’s a much simpler process. The dealership values your old car or bike, YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || 5
KING FOR A DAY Since Asian car makers first entered the Australian market they have, over time, equalled European vehicles in terms of both performance and functionality. And going by mine and other’s experience of the Chinese built HAVAL H9, it is taking great strides against its competitors in the Australian luxury 4WD SUV market in terms of value for dollar and the features now regarded as standard. China is the world’s largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods, so with Chinese built motor vehicles it was never going to be a case of if they would be coming to the Australian market, but when. Chinese transportation has been available in Australia since 2009 when Great Wall appeared on the scene. HAVAL is the SUV arm of Great Wall, (named incidentally after the Great Wall of China). There is nothing small about Great Wall in terms of car production because, in 2016, it racked up total sales worldwide of more than one million motor vehicles, an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year. Picking up and driving more than $45,000 of luxury SUV in the pouring rain from HAVAL Wagga was a little unnerving, but five minutes into the drive I felt right at home. Adam Humbert, sales manager at HAVAL had turned on the heated steering wheel function, and my rear end was feeling the love too, heated seats of course. However, the most pleasing feature straight out of the box was the driving position. In traffic it felt like a regular car, but with a height advantage over the majority of other drivers. I’m sure many will agree a good test of any suburban vehicle is Wagga in a rainstorm during afternoon peak.
Borrowing the H9 for the weekend, our family used the SUV in the way I am sure many families would; travelling cross country from one major centre to another, clocking up about 500kms along freeways and major secondary roads, suburban streets and car parks. We went on dirt purely for the photos.
An entertainment centre incorporating a 10 speaker Infinity sound system, Bluetooth, CD player with steering wheel mounted controls and reversing camera come as standard. A demand by consumers for an electronic speedo sees colour changes when switching driving modes, I did not find these changes distracting. Among its safety features are lane departure warning and blind spot warning as standard. The test didn’t involve taking the HAVAL off road but having seen the smiles among members of Wagga Wagga 4 Wheel Drive Club at their grounds in an evaluation video, it would appear that this vehicle is as capable as any 4WD in its class.
Steering was responsive, seating was supportive with plenty of leg room and fully adjustable and parking for a vehicle of its size was not particularly difficult. Shopping and/or luggage space I thought was ample enough for my camera gear.
Fuel economy is listed officially as a combined figure of 10.9L/100km with a fuel tank holding 80 litres. Higher rated fuel is regarded as a necessity with this engine.
At no time did it feel underpowered considering a 2-litre, albeit a turbo petrol version, occupied the space under the bonnet. The vehicle has a curb weight of 2230 kilograms, and, while it’s not a sports car, whether transmission/gearbox is in the set and forget mode or the sport selection it gets moving when the right foot is applied. The upgraded 8-speed automatic gearbox (yes with flappy paddles) produced by Euro gearbox company, ZF Group, which supplies BMW and Land Rover, is mated to an engine producing 180kW. Even at its busiest overtaking on the Hume Highway, engine noise and road noise did not drown out conversation with kids in the back. The interior trim and finish appears European and the hero item has to be the panoramic sunroof which, when open, gives the vehicle a distinctly airy feeling. Massaging front seats, both warming and ventilated in the rear are a special touch, and triple zone air conditioning. Coloured mood lighting and a number of bright white interior lights through the cabin adds a bit of flair to the in-cabin experience.
6 || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
The vehicle we trialled was the HAVAL Ultra automatic 4WD and is aimed at families wanting a touch of luxury for their dollar and seeking solid 4WD ability. The price is $45,990 drive away, the paint colour featured is pewter, a metallic paint which costs $495 extra. All new vehicles come with a five year 100,000km warranty with five years complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance. To arrange a test drive of the HAVAL contact Thomas Bros on (02) 6926 0559.
$ 1000
$ 1500
* All prices are drive away. Premium paint (Metallic/Pearlescent) and Two Tone paint (excluding White Silk) + $495. Gift Card offer applies to new and demonstrator HAVAL H2 and H6, 2017 plated cars only. Available for May and June only. E&OE
THOMAS BROS HAVAL
77 Dobney Avenue, Wagga Wagga | 6926 0559 thomasbroshaval.com.au thomasbrosgreatwall.com.au
“The great thing about this career path is the diversification. If you want to branch off and specialise in a particular field such as electrical you can do it.”
GIRL TORQUE
APPRENTICE AIMING HIGH || BY KIEREN L. TILLY L’Koda Britton’s confidence shines through during a photoshoot at CADMAC Wagga. The 15-year-old Apprentice agricultural technician is embarking on a career repairing agricultural machinery and refers to all the staff at CADMAC as family, a statement that comes with a big smile lighting up her face. Three months into her apprenticeship, her enthusiasm for her chosen occupation is obvious with her being the first female to undertake the agricultural technician course at Wagga TAFE. “The great thing about this career path is the diversification. If you want to branch off and specialise in a particular field such as electrical you can do it. In fact when I finish my apprenticeship I could teach at TAFE,” L’Koda said, laughing at the suggestion she may well become a role model for others. But she does have some advice for others entering employment. “It is very important that young people starting work find someone they can trust to bounce things off and ask what they themselves might think are silly questions.” Her first apprenticeship in the building trade was not so positive. “I started along with a young guy. We were both the same age with the same experience and very quickly it became apparent that I was the odd one out on the site”. L’Koda’s explained that her former employer believed she was capable of cleaning up the site only, not construction, a situation she put down to sexism. With the support of her family, L’Koda made the move to CADMAC and has not looked back. “CADMAC made it clear that all employees would, and should be respected. No matter their gender, they would be judged on their performance,” she said. L’Koda describes herself as a hands-on person and has the nickname of “oily”, “Because normally there is oil on the ground when I am around an engine working on it,” she explains. Another passion of L’Koda’s is hunting. “I use a .308 rifle when it comes to deer hunting. It’s a big calibre but I have been around firearms all my life. Even though I am fairly small I am not at all worried about recoil or the inevitable bang” she said. L’Koda is a keen motor quad rider also and is the owner of a 75 series Land Cruiser, for which she has plans of what she terms “doing it up”. L’Koda also plans to buy land in the future. She discloses that her inspiration comes from her grandfather, Cliff Britton, who manages the family dairy farm. She also mentions her father, Phill Britton, as inspiring, while he sits out of earshot, waiting to chauffer when L’Koda completes the interview.
8 || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
220W Bluetooth® CD Receiver With USB BLUETOOTH
• Dual phone connection • NFC one touch Bluetooth® connection
USB
SKU ME24354
SAVE $77~
35
142
$
% of f
~
PRICE AFTER PROMOTION $269
197
$
Full HD Dual Recording Dash Cam Wi-Fi & GPS Pack
• Front 1080P / Rear 720P Resolution • G-Sensor • 140° FOV • Park Mode • Motion Detection • Photo Mode SKU ME25676
% 0 5
SALE ENDS SUND AY 27 MAY 2018
off
~
BLUETOOTH MADE FOR
USB
40%
COMPATIBLE
of f ~
SAVE $165~
SAVE $80~ 4.3” Clip On Rear View Mirror Monitor & Reverse Camera Pack
• Dual video inputs • Automatically switches to rear camera image when reverse gear is engaged
119
$
SKU ME19377
WAGGA WAGGA 42 Hammond Avenue PH: 6931 9455
Locally Owned & Operated
220W Bluetooth® Double Din CD Receiver
164
$
• NFC one touch bluetooth® connection • External Mic • Hands-free calling & music streaming • Variable illumination • 3 Pre outs SKU ME22284
OPEN
7
DAYS
RIVERINA: 252 HAMMOND AVE WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 ALBURY-WODONGA: 233 MCKOY ST WODONGA VIC 3690
NEW, USED SALES, HIRE & REPAIRS
STARTING FROM $30 PER DAY
DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL QUALITY SERVICE 346 Edward Street, Wagga Wagga Phone: 0447 046 528 wagga@liftek.com.au
www.liftek.com.au
OWN THE ROAD MAKE IT YOURS
AT 2.99% P.A. FINANCE* THERE’S NO MORE EXCUSES. | COMPARISON RATE 4.99% P.A.†
PHIL’S GARAGE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 401 WAGGA ROAD, LAVINGTON 2641 0260400072 Dealer Motor Licence Number: MD20328 www.philsgarage.com.au
*Finance to approved consumer applicants on a secured fixed rate loan product. Finance is under a consumer fixed rate loan with a maximum 48 month term. 10% deposit required. †4.99% P.A. Comparison Rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges and terms and conditions apply. Standard Lending criteria applies. Terms and conditions available on request. Subject to suitability. Harley-Davidson Finance is a registered brand name of Harley-Davidson Financial Services International, Inc. and is operated under sub-licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit license 233714. Offer available 3 April 2018 and expires on 31 May 2018. Applications must be submitted and approved by 31 May 2018 and vehicles must be delivered by 15th June 2018. Offer available on selected Street, Sportster® and Softail® model HarleyDavidson® Motorcycles. Offer excludes Touring, CVO’s™, Trike and Anniversary models. While stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. © H-D 2018. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
THE JOY OF TORQUE
ANIMALS ON THE ROAD
|| BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
This week’s topic is roadkill, and I’m not talking about my favourite brand of Beef Jerky discovered on a recent trip to the Northern Territory. My interest in this slightly morbid topic was triggered during one of my first drives from Wagga to our new abode near The Rock. A galah, that either enjoyed living dangerously or was part of a dare with the rest of the flock, waited until I was meters away before launching itself with a shriek and colliding with the windscreen. I’m sure the tens-of-thousands of Riverina residents who regularly drive on country roads would say this is simply a part of country life – and I realise it is, but in my defence, when you’ve spent 30 odd years driving through inner Sydney where the only roadkill you see is the odd dead fly on the dashboard, I found it an unpleasant experience. I’ve always thought galahs were pretty birds and had one as a pet years ago. To make it worse, the one I hit got stuck underneath the windscreen wipers. I turned them on in the hope this would free the bird and help it fly away – it didn’t. So I pulled over and found the poor thing as dead as the parrot in Monty Python’s famous Dead Parrot sketch. But on the upside, the windscreen was remarkably clean. Since then, I’ve been amazed at the amount and variety of dead animals on the roads. So far I’ve seen dead ducks, crows, owls, kookaburras, magpies, parrots, rabbits, kangaroos, wallabies, brown snakes, wombats, hares, foxes, goannas and something that I’m guessing was of reasonable size with black fur before it had its first and last encounter with a B-double. Maybe it shows there’s a healthy population of these species in the region. Or maybe roads and roadsides provide a source of food and water during dry spells. Either way, the point of this week’s article is this: although colliding with an animal can be incredibly dangerous, I’ve realised that my instinctive reaction to try to miss wildlife when driving is potentially just as dangerous. So the question is: to swerve or not to swerve? In search of an answer, I went to my usual source of information on everything, the internet.
One piece of advice that appeared on several web sites is avoid driving at dusk and night time. I’ll check with my boys, but I’m not sure walking the 45 odd kilometres home after footy practise on Thursday nights mid-winter is a realistic alternative. Another is slow down at night. But I already drive like there are elephants roaming The Rock Reserve. According to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: “If you see an animal on the road (alive or dead), do not swerve violently to avoid the animal as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or to hit oncoming traffic.”
BEFORE
Yes, but when an animal leaps unexpectedly in front of me, how do I control that instinctive swerving response? Does this reaction recede over time? Will I eventually train my brain to steer straight ahead? I’ve heard mixed reports about devices that claim to scare animals away several hundred meters before they are a hazard to your car and occupants. Do these devices work? If they do, why doesn’t every car have one? If anyone has any advice on how to best prepare or manage these situations, I’m all ears. While researching this article, I came across this statistic: At least six per cent of accidents on country roads are caused by animals. That’s tragic, especially when half these involve motor bikes. So drive carefully, there are animals on the roads – and not just the ones behind the steering wheel.
TRUCKING HELPFUL
While on the topic of safe driving, I thought I’d mention that on my fortnightly drives between Sydney and The Rock, I have generally found truck drivers to be extremely road aware, safety conscious and helpful. Actions such as a quick flash of the headlights to let me know I had time to pull out of a rest stop and merge onto the highway or a wave to confirm it was safe to overtake. They are little things, but they demonstrate to me that most truckies drive with the best intentions. Especially when you imagine the appalling driving they must witness in passenger cars on a daily basis.
AFTER The sub-editor at Wagga Weekly, Alan Reid, had a confrontation with a kangaroo last Tuesday night. Despite the death wobbles Alan managed to keep the bike upright after the ‘roo stripped off the RH faring. The important lesson was – don’t swerve. Lean into the hit and take the impact and you’ll come out OK, but the bike will be a little the worse for wear. This time it was still rideable, but not always the case. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 || 13
LOAD UP! The $20,000 Instant Tax Rebate ends soon! Don’t miss this opportunity to have a 100% tax write off for Small Business with purchases under $20,000, before June 30th 2018.* *Terms & Conditions apply See in store for details.
SATURDAY 26TH MAY 2018 Come on down to your local John Deere Demo Day! Hutcheon & Pearce will have discounts and deals on John Deere Tractors, Gators and Mowers, a BBQ, plus some fun for the kids. Contact your local Hutcheon and Pearce for more details.
Whatever the job. Get it done. 57 Moorong Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone: (02) 6933 7900 www.hutcheonandpearce.com.au
From our range of John Deere zero-turn and ride-on mowers through our compact tractor range to the largest farming machinery in agriculture today, Hutcheon & Pearce have you covered. Whether it’s sales, service or parts, our customers are our focus. So come and see the difference we can make to your work, whatever it is.
ANYTHING ON WHEELS CARS – CARAVANS – TRAILERS CHEAPIE OF THE WEEK!
PH. 6925 0003
LIC No.20362 54 DOBNEY AVE WAGGA WAGGA
$17,9 90 or finance from
$8,990
or finance from $46 per week*
$76 per week*
2010 NISSAN NAVARA D40 Manual 4x4, turbo diesel, 209,813km, 3 months rego, power windows, air conditioning, central locking, loads of extras.
2011 TOYOTA YARIS Automatic, 108,475km, dealer warranty, 3 months rego, air conditioning, power steering, power windows, central locking.
$9,990
$1,650
or finance from $49 per week*
2009 SUBARU IMPREZA Automatic, 142,509km, 3 months rego, dealer warranty, sun roof, central locking, power windows, air conditioning, cd player plus loads more.
FAST AND EASY NO DEPOSIT FINANCE
Good credit, bad credit, discharged bankrupt, employed, self employed, receiving government benefits**, our finance rep can assist you with purchasing your next vehicle! *To Approved Purchasers, conditions Apply **Newstart, abstudy and youth allowance not accepted
2001 HOLDEN COMMODORE VX Automatic, 228600km, September rego, air conditioning, alloy mags, central locking, power steering, power windows.
54 Dobney Ave, Wagga Wagga
02 69250003
WWW.ANYTHINGONWHEELSWAGGA.COM www.facebook.com/Anythingonwheelswagga
Get everything you need to fill your shed. Air Equipment & Accessories | Fibreglass supplies Woodworking Equipment | Wood finishes Nailers & Nails | Hand Tools, Boxes and Toolkits Peerless Air-compressor | Trax Products Eastwood Restoration Products | Abrasives and Adhesives
... AND MORE! (02) 6925 2112
43 Pearson St, Wagga Wagga - www.rogerstoolsandmore.com.au
Tumut Toyota 2015 Ford Ranger Xl Cab Chassis 2015, Ford, Ranger, XL, dual cab, traytop, 4x4, 3.2 litre turbo diesel, 6 speed automatic, steel bullbar, towbar, winch, steel tray, white, CE35FM. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3200 cc Colour White Transmission Sports Automatic Body Type Cab Chassis Kilometres 87,455 VIN MNAUMEF50FW437251 Stock Number N000724
$29,990 2014 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL Wagon
2013 Nissan Juke Ti-s (AWD) Hatch
3.0 Litre turbo diesel, manual, glacier white, towbar, one local owner, 115434 kms, YCF57K.
Hatch, 1.6 Litre petrol, automatic, red, 24,940 kms, CSC44W.
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Glacier White Transmission Manual Body Type Wagon Kilometres 115,436 VIN JTEBH3FJ50K149314 Stock Number N000709
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1600 cc Colour Red TransmissionContinuous variable Body Type Wagon Kilometres 24,940 VIN SJNFANF15A6443924 Stock Number N000698
$39,990
2013 Toyota Corolla Levin ZR Hatchback 1.8 Litre petrol engine, bronze, automatic, COF40C. Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 1800 cc Colour Positano Bronze Transmission Automatic Body Type Hatchback Kilometres 41,869 VIN JTNKU3JE30J021486 Stock Number N000550
$19,990
2007 Toyota Landcruiser Prado 2007, Toyota, Prado, GXL, wagon, 3.0 Litre turbo diesel, automatic, towbar, bullbar, silver, CC40BU.
$16,990
Type Used Vehicle Engine/Fuel 3000 cc Colour Silver Ash Transmission Automatic Body Type Wagon Kilometres 336,739 VIN JTEBZ29J500162045 Stock Number N000695
$16,990
145-147 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720 • Ph: (02) 6947 1744