Tips to Parallel Park Your Honda Civic Sedan

The new Honda Civic sedan is an impressive vehicle with a myriad of safety features and equipment. This makes it a great city car, but what about if you need to parallel park in a tight urban street? While the current Honda Civic sedan for sale is not the largest vehicle around, it can still be a challenge to park if you lack confidence. So, here are some tips to perfect your parallel parking.

The Parallel Parking Basics:

Parallel parking is well known to intimidate drivers. The main reasons for this are never having properly shown, poor spatial awareness or a lack of knowledge about the size of your vehicle. Parallel parking requires you to coordinate reversing your vehicle into a space along the kerb, often between two parked cars. This type of parking is often found in metro areas and is normally on the left hand side of inner city roads.

Successful parallel parking means that you should be within 40 centimetres of the kerb. This may seem simple, but it can be intimidating, particularly as pedestrians may be wandering near the car or traffic starts to build up. Fortunately, there are some tips to help you parallel park your Honda Civic sedan like a pro.

Let Other Drivers Know:

The first step to successfully parallel parking your Honda Civic sedan, Perth drivers should know is to alert other drivers. You should stop alongside the vehicle ahead of your intended parking space and put on your indicator. This will warn the other drivers that you are about to attempt a parallel park. Most drivers will appreciate this can be challenging and give you a little more space.

Get the Swing Right:

The basic technique for parallel parking hinges on swinging your car into position. For this, you need to know where your car needs to be to properly execute the maneuver. Swing the steering wheel into full lock in the direction you want to move. Don’t try to move or creep backward while you’re doing this. You can then start to slowly reverse with full lock.

Know Your Reference Points:

Many drivers struggle with parallel parking as they don’t know when they should start adjusting their steering. This is a matter of knowing your reference points. When you are checking your mirrors, you should stay on full lock until you can see the front left corner of a vehicle behind you, or your front wheels are opposite the back wheels of the car in front. This will enable you to stop and straighten up in the space.

Bring in the Nose:

Once you are reversing slowly into the space, you need to get the nose of your vehicle into the space. When your outside tyre is behind the outside tyre of the car in front, stop and swing full lock in the opposite direction.

Straighten Up:

Finally, many drivers are so relieved to get into the space; they forget to straighten up. This can make it more difficult to get back out of the space and could cause problems for other drivers. So, once your Civic sedan is straight in the space, straighten up the steering wheel and check you’re in the middle of the spot.

If you are looking to buy a Honda Civic sedan, Perth drivers should visit us. We have a wide selection of vehicles including the new Honda Civic sedan. We aim to make it easy to buy Honda Civic models. Our sales team can answer any Honda Civic sedan review questions or arrange your test drive.

A Brief Overview of the 2017 Nissan X-Trail ST

The 2017 Nissan X-Trail ST is a common sense entry point into the range. This car offers the maximum level of practicality for the least amount of money in the lineup. We now have this mid life update, that upgrades the cabin design and adds other touches. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer and help you to make an informed choice.

At a Glance:

For those drivers totally unfamiliar with the Nissan X-Trail ST, it’s a roomy five seater available as either a 2WD or an AWD. The price starts at $30,490 plus on roads, and it has a five star ANCAP safety rating. The engine puts out 126kW of power and has a combined fuel economy of 7.9L/100km. This update has added AEB, some nice cabin upgrades, and improved functionality. On the downside, we still have the older infotainment system and servicing intervals every 10,000km.

The Nissan X-Trail:

Although, this car may not be as glamorous as the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5 it has plenty of admirers. The Nissan X-Trail is very popular amongst Australian buyers that want a well priced and practical family car that won’t let them down. It then comes as no surprise that the X-Trail is actually Nissan's best seller, pipping the Navara ute to the finish line. The ST is the entry level model that plays to the affordability angle of the range nicely. The cost to benefit ratio is very appealing, and you really get a lot of car for the money. Speaking of which, the cost for this particular model, an X-Trail ST with automatic transmission is $30,490 plus on roads. This puts the X-Trail up against cars, such as the CX-5 Maxx, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Toyota RAV4 GX. As an added bonus, an additional row of seats can be added for $1,500 for more passenger space.

The Mid Life Update:

The big news here is the addition of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and some nice changes in the cabin. The cabin still feels cavernous and even with all five seat in use, the cargo space is 565 litres. This is 20% more space than the popular Mazda CX-5, and there is, even more, space located in an under floor Divide N Hide compartment. Some of the standard features, include cruise control, AEB, push button start, plenty of airbags, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, 17” alloy wheels and a reversing camera.

If they are searching for a Nissan X-Trail for sale. Perth based drivers should speak to us here at Duncan Nissan. We have a large selection of both used and new cars available, including the new Nissan X-Trail for sale. We would like you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can try out the Nissan driving difference for yourself. If you need financing, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments will be tailored to suit your circumstances. Our sales team is standing by to offer advice and to answer any additional questions that you may have.

3 Motoring Mistakes that Cost You Money

Nissan finance is a great way to fund the purchase of your next car, but there are other mistakes that can cost you money. From avoid essential maintenance and being disorganised, cutting corners can cost you money. Even if you buy the most economical car that has the best fuel economy, and you have the best financing, it’s still possible to get things wrong. Here are three common motoring mistakes that are costing you money.

1. Streaming Music and Maps:

If your car comes with a Satellite Navigation system, you’re fine for mapping to your destination. However, if you’re streaming Google maps as an alternative, you will eat into the data plan for your phone in short order. This is especially true on longer trips, where the extended usage costs even more. This is also true if you’re streaming content, such as podcasts, videos, and music, for yourself and your passengers. This can be addressed by using a little pre planning for your road trip. A Satellite Navigation device can help, the offline option for Google Maps is useful, and you could load up a device with the media for your journey to save on data costs.

2. Making Too Many Right Turns:

Back in 2004, UPS carried out an experiment with their delivery routes and instituted a policy for their drivers to avoid left turns. This followed a study that showed that routes with many left hand turns might look shorter on paper but actually consumed more fuel. This occurred, because of traffic lights and junctions where fuel usage was raised, and there was a greater chance of an accident occurring. In Australia, this would be the equivalent of turning right across traffic, and this should be kept in mind when you plan a route for a trip.

3. Aggressive Driving:

Driving aggressively, engaging sports mode and screaming around corners can be fun, but it isn’t great for your wallet. The most obvious aspect here is the increased fuel use that occurs when you go to heavy on the accelerator. However, there are other things to consider; heavy accelerating usually leads to heavy braking. This can cause excessive wear and tear for your brake pads, causing them to need replacing earlier than necessary. Driving fast also wears down the tread on your tyres faster and puts additional strain on your suspension. The cost of correcting these problems can be prohibitive and is easily avoided by driving more conservatively.

If they are looking for Nissan finance, Perth residents should contact us here at Duncan Nissan. We have a large selection of new and used cars for sale, and we can help you to fund your purchase. Nissan financial services, offer terms that are very competitive and the repayments are tailored to suit your lifestyle. Our sales team can offer further advice, and they will be happy to answer any other questions that you may have.

Understanding Nissan Parts: What is a Catalytic Converter?

Many of us would like to learn more about how our cars work to ensure that we can keep them running well. Some people prefer to have the work on their cars carried out by a trained Nissan technician. However, some rudimentary understanding of how your car works can help you to understand any issues that a technician may uncover. One of the least understood aspects of modern cars is the catalytic converter. Here is a brief primer on what a catalytic converter is and how it actually works.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is an essential part of the exhaust system in most modern cars. It is located near the engine, and its purpose is to break down pollution that is expelled via the exhaust system. Essentially, the catalytic converter is a metal box that cleans exhaust emissions to bring them into line with stringent environmental standards.

How Does a Catalytic Converter Work?

The catalytic converter contains catalysts, which are chemicals that speed up chemical reactions that don’t change throughout the process. These catalysts break down the exhaust gases that are generated by the regular operation of your engine. This is achieved by separating the atoms apart that make up these gas molecules.

There are usually two different catalysts present in a three way catalytic converter. The first catalyst deals with the nitrogen oxide by removing the oxygen, which is called reductions. The second catalyst, adds oxygen to the carbon monoxide and turns it into carbon dioxide and this process is called oxidation. A second oxidation reaction also occurs, which addresses any unburned hydrocarbons and turns them into water and carbon dioxide. At the end of this process, there will be less smoke and smell coming out of the exhaust pipe.

Why are Catalytic Converters Important?

The reason we use unleaded fuel in our cars is because leaded fuel prevents catalysts from breaking down exhaust pollution. If this technology was not in general use, our cities and towns would suffer from the effects of smog. The reduction in air pollution is considered to be beneficial, but some scientists have voiced concerns. Some climate bodies, have made claims that the amount of nitrous oxide produced via catalytic converters could cause long term environmental damage. However, the latest catalytic converters are far more efficient and produce less nitrous oxide than older units.

If you’re looking for Nissan parts and accessories online, contact us here at Duncan Nissan. We supply a large selection of genuine Nissan spare parts to keep your Nissan car running as intended. We only ever use genuine Nissan parts in our servicing program to ensure that your car is kept within factory tolerances. Our sales team is standing by to offer further advice and to answer any remaining questions that you may have.

Do You Need a Ute or a Van for Your Business?

If you’re running a business, it may be difficult to decide upon which type of vehicle will best suit your needs. Should you choose a ute, such as; the Nissan Patrol cab chassis for sale here in Australia, or would a van be more appropriate? Let’s take a closer look at this issue, explore some of the pros and cons and hopefully help you to make an informed decision.

The Ute Pros:

A ute offers a great amount of cargo space, that is easily accessed thanks to the open topped nature of the cargo bay. This is great for moving loose cargo, such as sand or soil, that can be tipped into the tray. A Ute can also accommodate pallets and have better side access than even a van with a side door. The ground clearance for a ute is usually better than a van, which makes them a good option for offroad use and rough ground. A ute is generally more comfortable for carrying passengers; a dual cab will keep your passengers separate from the cargo being carried. A ute will usually have better connectivity and infotainment systems than a van, which makes them more useful as a family vehicle at the weekend.

The Ute Cons:

The main problem with utes is security; the open nature of the cargo area makes it an easy target for criminals. Of course, covers and lock boxes for tools can mitigate this risk a great deal. There is no protection from the elements for cargo carried in a ute and loads that are sensitive to the elements are not a good fit. The loading height for a ute cargo tray is higher than a van; this means that heavier or bulky items can be problematic. Some utes have rear wheel wells that can make loading and shifting pallets around a tedious task.

In Conclusion:

The ute is generally a better option for business owners that need to transport a crew and cargo to a site that is located in a rough or off road area. The security concerns can be offset by the addition of a canopy or a lockbox for valuable and tools. A van would be a better fit for a business that is transporting heavier or bulky parcels. However, a van is a poor option if you want to use the vehicle as a family car at the weekend or for offroad trips.

If you’re looking for a Nissan Patrol cab chassis for sale, contact us here at Duncan Nissan. We have a large selection of both new and used cars available, including the Nissan Patrol cab chassis. We would like to invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive at your earliest convenience. If you need ute financing, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments are tailored to suit your circumstances. Our sales team members are here to advise you on the latest Nissan Patrol cab chassis price and to answer any other questions you may have.

2018 Honda CR-V Sale Price and Specifications Confirmed

The latest 2018 Honda CR-V range is now available for sale in Australia, and for the first time, we now have turbocharged power. This range now adds seven seat versatility to this line up of popular medium SUVs. The prices start at $30,690, and there are four tiers in the range, they are VTi, VTi-S, VTi-L, and VTi-LX. If this model designation seems familiar, it’s the same as the new Honda Civic line up. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer in the new Honda CR-V range.

The Engine:

The CR-V gets the Honda 1.5 litre, VTEC turbocharged petrol engine across the entire range. This engine generates 140 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque. This is mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) only and used to drive either front wheels or all four wheels dependant upon the model.

Standard Equipment:

The entry level CR-V VTi is a front wheel drive offering, including standard equipment, such as: a driver attention monitor, a tyre pressure monitor, an electric parking brake, trailer stability assist, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, keyless entry, push button start, dual zone climate control, active noise control, a 7” infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, an eight speaker stereo system, 17” alloy wheels (including a full size spare) and a rear view camera.

The next in the CR-V in the lineup is the VTi-S, which comes as either a front wheel drive or all wheel drive model. This model has all the equipment on the VTi and adds extra kit, including an electric tailgate, satellite navigation, LaneWatch cameras, front and rear parking sensors and 18” alloy wheels.

The CR-V VTi-L is front wheel drive only, and it’s the only model in the range to offer seven seats. In addition to all the previous model's equipment, the VTi-L adds kit, such as leather appointed seating trim, a panoramic sunroof, a powered eight way driving seat with memory locations, heated front seats and automatic wipers.

The flagship of the range is the VTi-LX variant, which is AWD only and has five seats. In addition to all the equipment previously listed, the VTi-LX also adds other gear, including a four way powered front passenger seat, full LED headlights with active cornering, LED front fog lights, privacy glass, a DAB+ digital radio and an automatically dimming rear view mirror. Another important addition is the Honda Sensing driver assistance suite, which includes: lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

2018 Honda CR-V Pricing (All prices exclude on-roads)

CR-V VTi (five seater) – $30,690

CR-V VTi-S (five seater) – $33,290 (2WD) or $35,490 (AWD)

CR-V VTi-L (seven seater) – $38,990

CR-V VTi-LX (five seater) – $44,290

If you’re looking for the best Honda CR-V price in Australia, contact us here at Prestige Honda. We are your local Honda specialist with a wide selection of both new and used cars for sale. We invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive at your earliest convenience. If you need Honda financing, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments will be tailored to meet your needs. Our sales team members are ready to advise you on the latest Honda CR-V price and to answer any further questions that you may have.

The 2018 Honda City Australia Review

The 2018 Honda City VTi-L is now available for sale here in Australia, and now the hype has died down a little we can take a more measured look at this interesting car. This is a fresh update, improving on the outgoing model with new looks and some equipment enhancements. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer so that you can make an informed choice.

At a Glance:

The Honda City VTi-L is a practical small car that drives smoothly and is well insulated from road and wind noise. It has a combined claimed fuel economy of 5.7L/100km and a CO2 emissions rating of 132g. Although it has a five star ANCAP safety rating, some industry insiders have criticised its lack of active safety measures. The price starts at $21,590 plus on roads.

The Details:

The 2018 Honda City VTi-L is being pitched as a true next year model even though we are still in the middle of 2017. This is Honda’s smallest sedan car, with an attractive body shape and new looks for the front and rear. The VTi-L is the top specification, and it only comes with an automatic drivetrain. The only real competitor for the Honda City at this price point in the Mazda2 GT sedan, which has a six speed manual priced at $21,680 and a six speed automatic at $22,085 plus on roads. This makes the Mazda2 GT sedan more expensive than the Honda City, but there is a choice of drivetrains available. On the practicality front, the City scores very high, the boot space has a massive 536 litres of space, which is more than some midsize SUVs.

Standard Equipment:

All City models get the following standard equipment: a 7” touchscreen infotainment system, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, power windows, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX inputs, rear parking sensors, and a rear view camera.

The City VTi-L adds, even more, equipment, such as electric folding mirrors, a leather wrapped steering wheel, leather appointed seats, front fog lights, keyless entry, push button start, climate control, satellite navigation and 16” alloy wheels.

The safety equipment, includes: brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, hill start assist and ABS. This gives the City a 5 star safety rating, but there are sadly no active safety features included.

If you’re looking for a Honda City for sale locally, contact us here at Prestige Honda. We have a wide selection of both new and used cars available, including the 2018 Honda City. We invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can try out the Honda driving experience for yourself. If you need Honda financing, our rates are very reasonable, and we tailor the repayments to suit your lifestyle. Our sales team is ready to advise you on the latest Honda City Australia price and to answer any further questions you may have.