noel – Page 12 – Transfercar Blog

How to care for your car windows

We all love that new car smell and that beautiful experience of sitting in a new car and looking at the world through those wonderful windows.

Everything looks pretty and vibrant. Like wearing a pair of new glasses and the world just looks clearer. But as time progresses, the world doesn’t seem so vibrant anymore.

Everything looks obscure as the sun light bounces off the windows. Cars function well when they are cleaned, oiled and maintained well. Car windows need to be cleaned too.

They need more than just cleaning, they require other requirements that help keep the windows in good condition.

To help your car windows last longer and have the same quality and effect it did when you first bought it you must follow some basic requirements.

Wash them regularly

There is more than just dirt sticking to your car windows especially the rear window. Water residue and even bird droppings get stuck on your glass and can obstruct your view of the world outside.

You can still get that view back. All you’ve got to do is clean your windows with a high quality cleaner. You will need to clean them both inside and out and this helps restore your windows clarity, removes all the dirt out of the way and helps it last longer.

New wiper blades

Wipers wear out over time and can cause minimal damage to the windows. The metal edges can cause scratches on the windscreen that will be irreparable.

wiper-blades

You need to replace the wipers as soon as you begin to notice that they are wearing out or they develop a tear in the rubber of the wipers.

You first begin to notice this when there are streaks on your windscreen or a little of the rubber comes loose.

Safe distance

One of the first principles we learn when we start driving is to keep a safe distance between the car ahead of us as well as the one behind us.

The cars in front of us can spin gravel onto your windscreen and rear window that can chip or crack it.

They can even chip the paint of your car. There are instances when there is a crack or chip in the windscreen that can cause a glare that will bounce off the windscreen and can be dangerous to you as well as those on the road. The only way is to replace the windscreen altogether.

Repair them right away

The best thing to do for any damage is to repair it right away. The chips caused by differing stones of different sizes can impact your window in a bad way, causing your car windows to chip or crack.

windscreen-chip-repair

The smallest of craters formed can create air to flow in and spread the crack on to a bigger surface. And so if this is left unrepaired, it can be dangerous as well as pricey to fix later on. Repairing a chip is better than an entire windscreen or window.

Avoid sunlight

Whenever possible, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Temperatures can be a major contributing factor for the shattering of the windscreen and/or rear windows.

The chips and cracks can spread and can cause more damage to the car. Parking in the shade is the best option available that can help prevent damage.

About the author:

Darren Pay and Justin Oakes head A1Windscreens, and are known to offer services for car windscreen replacement and repair. Their years of expertise coupled with the latest technology makes them one of the best professional services for car window replacement and tinting windows in Melbourne.

New Zealand’s Secret Havens for Dreamy Summer Getaways

This time of year is perfect for exploring the scenic landscapes of New Zealand, the land of majestic mountains and sandy beaches. Whether you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, or you just want to unwind on a secluded beach, New Zealand certainly won’t leave you disappointed. Here are some truly amazing off-the-beaten track destinations to help you in your summer quest.

Earnslaw Burn

Although this alpine region is among the most popular destinations in New Zealand, you can still get off the beaten track and enjoy it in solitude. Located on the Glenorchy, 40 kilometres from Queensland, Earnslaw Burn is a glacier and one of the locations where The Hobbit was filmed.

After a challenging hike of four to six hours, you’ll have an opportunity to admire beautiful waterfalls that the glacier has created and retrace the footsteps of Bilbo and his company. In addition, there’s a variety of activities that you can try, including horse-riding through river crossings and unspoiled beach forests, paragliding in the Glenorchy area, and kayaking in some of the most beautiful waters of New Zealand.

Himatangi

The coastal climate providing plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, beautiful sun-drenched sandy beaches, and almost no rain will welcome you to Himatangi. You can get to know the small local community, learn how to surf among the waves and explore the coastline that was once a Maori gathering place.

The Maori used to catch fish and shellfish there, and then they would leave the shells in piles known as middens, thus creating the archaeological record of the place. If you head inland, you’ll come across a series of lagoons and the oldest middens in the area. Other activities that you can participate in are hiking, fishing, whitebaiting, bowling, golfing, camping or just relaxing and sleeping.

Mokoia Island

The Mokoia Island, which is just 1.35 square kilometres large, is located in Lake Rotorua, on the North Island. You can access the Island only by joining a small boat tour group, since it’s considered sacred by the locals. The Mokoia Island has the reputation of the location where the most famous love stories have taken place.

This area is also renowned for its many natural wonders, including the eruption of a rhyolite lava dome approximately 200,000 years ago and many geothermal springs, one of them being the famous Hinemoa pool or Waikimihia, as the locals call it. You can go on a cruise around the island, soak in the Waikimihia pool and find out more about the Maori history.

Mount Hikurangi

Mount Hikurangi is located southwest of the East Cape, on the North Island and it’s the area of the highest non-volcanic peak of New Zealand. If you’re ready for an adventure, you can hike for seven hours following the Mt Hikurangi Track and reach its peak. However, keep in mind that this is quite an endeavour, so make sure to be fit and prepared for undertaking it.

Mount Hikurangi is considered sacred by Ngati Porou Maori, since they believe that it’s the resting place of Maui’s waka (canoe). While you’re in Eastland, you can explore the wild Urewera national park, known for many lakes and unspoiled forests, or enjoy panoramic views from the East Cape Lighthouse.

Waipu Caves

If you’re ready to try something daring, then exploring the Waipu Caves is right up your street. Since there aren’t paths and tracks in the cave that you can follow, you’ll have to go through water, mud, and narrow passages. Don’t worry about getting a bit dirty – there’s a cold shower waiting for you outside the cave. If you ever imagined what a cave would look like, the Waipu Caves will be just like that – stalactites hanging from the ceiling, bones of birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians lying around and pitch dark.

After exploring the caves, you can go bird, dolphin and whale-watching. Make sure to include a decent camera in your equipment to take some truly memorable pictures of the local flora and fauna at its finest. You should also take some time to visit the nearby Waipu town and discover the Waipu history at the local museum.

Rere Falls

Down the Wharekopae River you’ll come across the beautiful Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide, one of the main attractions in the area. The running water of the Wharekopae River has smoothed the rocks, thus providing tourists with the opportunity to slide on boogie boards and inflatable mattresses.

The picturesque Rere Falls are on the other side of the river and you can walk behind its cascading water. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the view by having a picnic next to the Rere Falls. While in the area, you should visit the New Zealand’s National Arboretum Eastwoodhill, where you can take a look at both the exotic and native trees, shrubs and other plants.

Summertime is the perfect period to pack your bags, get your free transfer car, and explore the secret natural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. This land of countless breath-taking sites won’t make it easy for you to choose some of them, but whatever choice you make, you won’t regret it. On the contrary.

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Snacks & Drinks for a Fabulous Summer on the Road

Summer is the time for adventures, so many of you might decide to engage in a fun road trip. Whether it’s a cross country trip or a short one, you will need something to keep you fresh and energized. That is why you should always be prepared and pack some snacks and drinks.

Nuts for Snacks

The most popular snacks are crisps, but they are packed with sugar. For hot days on the road, you will need something that has more nutrients. Thus, nuts make a perfect snack for the road. They are travel-friendly, salty and can satisfy your daily cravings. Grab a few plastic containers or bags and make your favourite nutty mix with walnuts, peanuts, almonds and so on. You can even throw a few dried pumpkin seeds and raisins into the mix and have a healthy snack filled with the good stuff only. In case you need some inspiration, here are several great mixes.

Plenty of Water

Let’s face it – you will be stuck in a metal box for a good part of your trip. It is hot outside, but the AC might only cause more damage than good. You will be sweating a lot, therefore losing a lot of water and energy. That is why you really need to hydrate your body.

The best solution is water, of course. However, bottled water is quite expensive and it’s not really eco-friendly. That is why you should prepare your own water. You could use, for instance one of those reverse osmosis water filters with cartridges to remove the bad stuff and keep the water in a thermos or recycled bottles. This way you can save some money, since you will need plenty of water for the trip, and manage to stay hydrated and happy.

Trip-Friendly Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables offer a perfect light snack that hydrates your body. Berries, apricots, grapes, apples, peppers and tomatoes are perfect refreshments, but you can also eat most of them dried. You can easily store fruits in smaller lidded containers and keep them in a travel cooler, so your healthy snack will always be at hand. However, you might want to stay away from fruits that could cause a mess in your car, such as cherries and watermelon, since you wouldn’t know what to do with the pits.

Cooling Cocktails

If you are looking for some additional fun on the road, you can always rely on alcohol. However, never drink and drive; this type of refreshment is only suitable if you are going to park you campervan and stay somewhere overnight or if you are travelling by bus or a train. Mix a few of your favourite cocktails and put them in a thermos bottle or a flask to keep them cool. Whether you like them fruity and sweet or not, they will certainly cheer you up, hydrate you and make the heat and travelling more bearable.

fruit

Energy Bars

Most of us turn to candy bars for energy while on the road. However, those delicious treats are packed with sugar and bad calories. So, whenever you are craving sweets on the road, you should turn to energy bars that have less sugar and more nutrients. You can pack a few granola bars to boost the protein and fibre intake or you can make your own energy bars. With these you will surely get the energy you lack during a hot summer day, but avoid the sugar trap.

Cheese and Crackers

For some extra boost during your trip you can turn to this classic combination. Cheese and crackers are filled with protein with whole-grain carbohydrates that will keep your hunger at bay. Prepare slices of your favourite cheese and some crackers and store them in a cooler. As soon as you start craving some food, take a few of those and you will be good for the rest of the trip. However, if you wish to combine them with something sweet, you can always throw a little peanut butter or apple slices on top.

Yogurt the Almighty

This dairy product can serve both as a light snack and a refreshing drink. Whether it is in a travel-friendly tube, mixed into a smoothie or combined with fruits and granola, it will be perfect for you and your family. It keeps you fresh, adds calcium and vitamin D to your daily nutrition and contains plenty of probiotics to keep your stomach healthy and prevent diarrhea. Just make sure to keep it in a cooler and you are good to go.

sandwich

Healthy Sandwiches

Sandwiches are one of the most perfect and favourite snacks, and they can provide you with enough protein and grains to keep you well-fed. Not to mention how delicious and satisfying they are. Depending on the ingredients you choose, you might have to store them in a cooler. However, you can opt for some peanut butter jelly combinations that will satisfy both your hunger and a sweet tooth, but you don’t have to keep them cooled.

Nearly everyone loves road trips, but making frequent stops to get some food and drinks can be expensive and tiring. In order to solve both of these problems, make sure you have some of these snacks and drinks packed before you start the engine of your free campervan.

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Summer Campervan Escapades in Australia

If you’ve decided to visit Australia in summer and have a trip of the lifetime, cruising across it in a campervan is probably the best way to explore this marvelous country. Once you set the dates for your visit, you need to take a look at the options for a road-trip that might prove to be an unforgettable experience for you and your companions.

As you know, Australia is a vast country, offering every landscape you can imagine, which means it’s only up to you to decide what kind of treat you’re going to be served. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting routes before you get your free campervan and hit the road.

Great Alpine Road

All the way from Wangaratta to amazing Gippsland Lakes you have a great opportunity to enjoy the most amazing and breathtaking scenery that Victoria has to offer. If you’re looking for mountain ranges and valleys, stunning dense forest or vineyards covering hillslopes, this road is for you.

Although you can enjoy it all-year-round, summer is particularly attractive, since you can go hiking, fishing, cycling or even camping along the route. What you have to be careful about is driving, since the road is quite narrow in parts. Needless to say, even though you plan to drive in the hottest season, you still need to have plenty of warm clothes, because the temperature can quickly change in the mountains.

gippsland-lakes

Bass Highway

If your plan is to spend time in Tasmania, you should definitely consider heading along Bass Highway. It starts in Launceston and ends on the northwest coast. The most attractive features along the road are definitely the towns, such as Penguin, Burnie, Wynyard, Stanley and Smithton.

Yes, you’re right, there’s a town called Penguin and you can guess what kind of street installation dominates the place. So, if you have a thing for places with peculiar names or simply have children in tow, you’re bound to have a great time there.

Other renowned features include the juiciest and sweetest cherries in the world, according to the locals. Be prepared to pay a bit more than you’re probably used to, but everyone says you won’t regret it.

penguin

Grand Pacific Drive

If you think that your road trip along the Californian coast will never be matched by anything like it, think again. Fabulous views of the ocean, amazing stretches of sandy beaches and rainforests are just some to the treats you can enjoy if your destination is New South Wales.

If you make the right turns, you can visit the Royal National Park or one of the word-famous beaches along the way. One of the highlights on this route is a walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended in mid-air between Clifton and Coalcliff. From there you can see Sydney in the north and Wollongong in the south. This route also gives you an opportunity to take a break on one of secluded sandy beaches and treat yourself to fish and chips.

thredbo-river

Alpine Way

Another option in New South Wales is this road leading from Snowy Mountains to Corryong in Victoria. This long and winding road passes through some parts which offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking and hiking. You’ll also see many people camping along the banks of the Thredbo River.

If you have a modern wireless trail camera with you, you might be able to capture some local wildlife, such as wallabies and wombats, since they are known to roam around the area. What you need to be careful about is the fact that a day pass for driving through Kosciuszko National Park costs $16 per vehicle. Also, it’s wise to get your fuel and food in Cooma, since the prices in Jindabyne are much higher, since it’s a popular tourist destination.

Landsborough Highway

If you’re looking to experience the outback, this might be just the thing for you, particularly the section between Longreach and Cloncurry. You can visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, if you’re interested in fossils, or the Qantas hangar monument in Cloncurry.

As you can expect, one of the crucial things to remember is to bring enough water and fuel, since the temperatures can be extremely high and petrol stations are scarce in the outback.

Whichever option you choose, you are bound to have a whale of time. If you plan carefully enough, you might make the most of the offer along the road you take, which will probably be enough for everyone involved to remember this escapade for the rest of their lives.

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Summer in the Coromandel Peninsula

Thanks to its golden beaches, relaxed seaside villages and stunning coastline, the Coromandel is a favourite holiday spot for Kiwis over summer. Providing the perfect complement to the Coromandel summer is the fine local food and fresh produce. Artisan producers are dotted throughout the region – cheesemakers, brewers, and a few nice vineyards…

The east coast boasts the best white-sand beaches in the area, extremely popular with the people from Auckland. On the west coast we have quaint gold-mining towns, wetlands and stony bays that tourists seem to be a little less interested in, but definitely worth a visit. Right in the middle of the peninsula, there is a web of walking tracks allowing you to inspect the breath-taking nature.

gemstone-bay

Accommodation

There’s plenty to choose from, ranging from campgrounds and holiday parks to luxury holiday resorts. If you’re looking for something more intimate, there are many B&Bs and self-contained apartments. We recommend you stay at Coromandel Town, Hahei or Whitianga, because they are perfect bases for any trips you wish to make around the area. For a comprehensive list of the accommodation categories available and reviews, please have a look at this.

Things to do

Depending on what you’re after, you might enjoy one of the attractive options, such as the Goldmine Experience (a walk through a mine tunnel, followed by you giving it a go at panning for gold), Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (4.5 km along a disused railway line to the Ohinemuri River Waikino station, where you may take a vintage train to Waihi) or Lost Spring (a thermal complex consisting of a number of hot pools surrounded by lush, tropical greenery and an erupting volcano).

There is also the famous Cathedral Cove, whose stone arch is recognized worldwide. If you want to enjoy the natural waterfall shower, we recommend being there either early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds. Quite close to it is Gemstone Bay, a place great for snorkelling.

ohinemuri-river

Food and drinks

Since pretty much all locals have a boat, fish and other seafood are not only fresh and of exceptional quality, but you also won’t have to break the bank. You may try Coromandel Mussel Kitchen, Bistro at the Falls or Luke’s Kitchen for various types of food served in unusual and memorable environment.

When it comes to drinks, apart from the internationally renowned wines, New Zealand is famous for its craft beers and this region is no exception. Check out Hot Water Brewing or the Pour House to get a taste of what’s on offer.

For the most comprehensive and updated list of events in the area this summer, please visit this site.

New Zealand and the Coromandel Peninsula have been attracting millions of tourists every year. In case you have issues with financing your trip, it is good to know that now you can get a free transfer car there and redirect the extra cash towards something that could easily turn out to be the holiday of your lifetime.

karangahake-gorge

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Family-Friendly Springtime Activities in Adelaide

Adelaide is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the South Australian tourism, with an array of attractions and activities suited for all family members. With everything from glorious beaches and food festivals to cultural and historical routes, you can hardly find a reason not to visit this amazing place as the spring is approaching. Take a look at our selection of family-proof springtime activities in this great city.

The “Postcard” Park

Let’s open up with one of the most affordable outing ideas – Elder Park. The “postcard” park nickname comes from the fact that the scenes from this park are found on almost every mailing-card picturing Adelaide. After all, who can complain about the sight of magnificent rotunda, and pastimes like Popeye ride and paddleboats. This site can be easily accessed via train with a nice water-view perk on the side. The park is ideal for strolls, runs, paddling or chilling in the shade with a beverage of choice.

Storybook Trail

If your kids are avid book readers, or even more so if they’re not, the Children’s Storybook Trail is ideal for a whole-family trip (dogs are welcome as well!). The journey includes a splendid walk through a set-up filled with plot elements of 12 different classic tales. This will allow the youngsters to experience the benefits of tactile learning as they interact with the environment by climbing, jumping, feeling and touching everything around them. Spark up their imagination with sights like Frog in a Log statue from The Water Hole book, Hobbit’s and fairy house, and scenes from Charlotte’s Web and The Jungle Book.

Haigh’s Chocolates Experience

There’s nothing that unites people quite as easy as their common love for chocolate. This confectionery outlet placed in the heart of Adelaide is the closest you can get to being a character in Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

A little patch of heaven on earth for chocolate lovers, Haigh’s Chocolates produces one of Australia’s finest cocoa-based delights. The location is a factory-store amalgam with a hint of historical flair that offers a variety of truffles and out-of-the-ordinary treats fresh off the line.

Excursion to Barossa Valley

As one of the three most famous wine regions in Australia (other being Hunter Valley in SW and Yarra Valley in Victoria), this location is definitely worth the trip for both the connoisseurs and enthusiasts. This unofficial wine capital can take pride in its production volume, as well as in variety and quality of their wine, Shiraz in particular.However, this place is not all about the grapevine tours. An entire family can taste the locally produced cheeses, fresh meats and pastries in one of their best restaurants.

Art Gallery of South Australia

To get a hefty dose of Adelaide-related culture, taking your family members to the Art Gallery of South Australia will doubtlessly fill the bill. This place is conveniently rid of the standard modern, clinical look and offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere with the meandering hallways and themed displays.

Its signature colonial-style walls house an eclectic combination of the old and the new, presenting some compelling pieces for people of all ages. Brush up on your knowledge of art history and allow your kids to learn about it on-the-go.

Hahndorf Exploration

By visiting this unique site you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the old-times ambience that’s characteristic for the area. This German settlement features a series of craft shops, pubs, bakeries and other distinguishable European specialties throughout the main street. Apart from its shopping and sightseeing potential, Hahndorf’s valley location also offers beautiful and soothing green surroundings your family will appreciate.

Dolphins at the Glenelg

Kids are invariably drawn to animals and wildlife of all kinds, and Glenelg seaside is sure to offer all of this in one place. Come here to swim with the playful dolphins (non-swimmers will get a flotation device!), chat with the sea lions or simply enjoy the coastal sights and fresh salty air.

If you’re eager to start your family vacation with one of these activities, it is good to know that you can now rent a free car and set off on a comprehensive and magical Adelaide spring-time family adventure. No matter if you’re leaning more towards the educational or the fun content, this selection of sites is certain to meet your preferences.

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