She Drives

Princess on Wheels - Aisha Mulligan

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:11:00 GMT

Aisha Mulligan loves her new Holden Barina. Wakeling's WOW Club has a chat with Aisha about her car buying experience at Paul Wakeling Holden.

Why did you buy a new car instead of used?

When I looked around at cars the used cars were approximately the same price as the Barina an a new car warranty was more beneficial.

After owning a used car previously I felt a new car would be more reliable and not to mention I could choose the colour I wanted.

What made you choose the Holden Barina?

Holden is a reliable make of car and it was within my price range. I was looking for a small car which was fuel efficient, safe and very cute.

What other cars were on your shopping list?

I looked at many small hatchbacks of various makes and models but I decided I liked the Holden Barina the best.

What would your advice be to girls buying their first car?

My first advice would be to set yourself a price limit and stay within it, as it is very easy to spend more than you can afford. I found it really helpful to have a lady salesperson (Brooke Mallard of Paul Wakeling Holden) to speak to and answer my questions as she was much easier to relate to.

How Much Do You Love Your Car?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:38:00 GMT

Yes, girls love their cars too!

DECLARE YOUR LOVE AND YOUR CAR COULD WIN!
Post a pic of you and your other half (the automobile one) on our Facebook Page and a few words on why you love it so much and you could win a Premium Car Wash to give to your beloved car for Valentine's Day worth $55 which includes:

Hand wash
vacuum
fragrance
bug scrub
interior glass clean
alloy wheel 'pedicure'
tyre shine

and some Meguires Car Care products worth $60 including

Soft Wash Gel
Wet Look Polish
Polish Applicator Pads
Soft Buff Chamois

Entries close at 9:00am 14th February and winner will be announced shortly after and notified via Facebook.

Sick of Getting Car Sick? What are the best remedies?

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:47:00 GMT

Sick of getting Car Sick? The best remedies for car sickness, as well as travel sickness tablets, are ginger and sucking on lemon slices.

Some other tips that may help are:

- Eat lightly before travelling. Avoid a heavy meal or one that's high in fat.
- Sit where you're as stable as possible, like in the front seat of a car.
- Get plenty of fresh air on your face.
- Avoid reading, because your eyes need to keep in constant contact with the surroundings.

(From the article http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/694104/travel-sickness-151-whats-the-best-cure)

If you have your own remedy that works - share it with us here.

Holiday Flashback - Taking the Hyundai iMax CRDi to the Gold Coast

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:23:00 GMT

Last year our Marketing & Communications Manager, Janina Geraghty, took the Hyundai iMax CRDi People Mover on holidays to the Gold Coast. Here's the flashback....

The annual summer holiday road trip conjures up images reminiscent of a B-grade horror movie. Hot and sweaty family members frustrated and on the verge of killing each other. Sharing their limited space for endless hours in a crowded metal box and all to the spine-chilling looping soundtrack of “Are we there yet?”

However, this year’s trip to the Gold Coast was to be a welcome break from that nightmare. This year my family was driving up in the new Hyundai iMax and we were actually looking forward to the trip as much as the destination. Our travelling tribe consisted of three adults, two teenagers and two young children and we had originally planned to take two cars. Now with the iMax we were able to travel together, share the driving and save money on fuel.

Our concern with having only one vehicle for seven people was predominantly luggage space. Many people movers have plenty of passenger room but compromise on space in the luggage area. Our jaws dropped at the sight of the massive 851 litre boot in the iMax which had more than enough room for all our luggage plus a stroller.
We put the booster seat in the third row, loaded up the kids with their pillows and blankets and hit the open road while it was still dark and quiet.

The kids were quick to get comfy in the spacious seats and sleep for the first few hours of the trip. The middle row of seats reclined for additional comfort and there was plenty of leg room. Independent rear seat air conditioning let the kids in the back alter the temperature in their space.

The Hyundai iMax CRDi has a diesel engine which offers amazing power as well as fuel efficiency. With a van loaded up to capacity with passengers and luggage I expected sluggish performance, particularly on inclines, however, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. The iMax travelled effortlessly and smoothly the whole way. Up hills, the diesel engine powered away at speed without the need to go down a gear! I was very impressed.

Diesel has become a popular option for many reasons, but mainly for its fuel efficiency. The distance from Sydney to the Gold Coast is approximately 1,000km. The iMax has a 75 litre fuel tank and does about 8.5 litres/100km. The price for diesel per litre at this time was $1.25 so the total price for the trip up was roughly around $110.00.

Diesel cars chug like small trucks when you’re idle but once in motion the iMax travels smoothly and quietly. The iMax definitely doesn’t handle like a truck either. Reverse parking large cars is a little scary, however, with Rear Park Assist, Power Steering and decent sized mirrors, parking was a breeze.

Other additional stand out features of the iMax include cup holders galore (good sized ones too), practical storage compartments such as over head for sunglasses and dual glove compartment. Sliding doors on both sides, 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system and interior lights everywhere (even on the driver and passenger vanity mirrors). All this luxury encased in a sleek exterior available in four stylish colours, grey titanium, sleek silver, blue diamond and ceramic white.

Overall, it was very easy to see how the iMax Turbo Diesel Manual rose above the likes of Honda Odyssey Luxury, Mitsubishi Grandis VR-X and Toyota Tarago to take out Australia’s Best People Mover in 2008 (and also won in the category 2009). http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au and at only $46,224 drive away (2009 price) it also wins my vote on true value for money.

‘MUST HAVE’ OF THE WEEK: I have mentioned this in a prior review, but I can’t speak highly enough of the Schneider roof mounted DVD player. It doesn’t come standard but is truly worth installing for peace and quiet from bored passengers in the back. It includes two infrared wireless headphones and is Playstation compatible.

Want to transport your tribe around in the Hyundai iMax for a day? Contact me on 46 28 1444 to arrange a 24 hour test drive.

Enjoy the rest of the summer holidays and drive safely!

Shopping for a Green Machine

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:45:00 GMT

When purchasing a new car, you usually take into consideration safety features, reliability, price, warranty and other factors. Buyers can also factor in fuel efficiency and the environmental impact of their purchase with the help of the Fuel Consumption Label.

Introduced in 2003, the Fuel Consumption Labelling scheme requires all new vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass to have a fuel consumption label fixed to the windscreen. The information on the label includes the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as fuel consumption.

There are three different figures on the left side of the label for fuel consumption

COMBINED:          Urban and Extra Urban driving
URBAN:                 City Driving
EXTRA URBAN:    Includes suburban and freeway driving

The figures indicate litres of fuel consumed per 100 km. As an indication, the i30 SLX CRDi which won the Green Car of the Year 2008, consumes 4.7 litres and the High performance V8 HSV Clubsport GTS consumes 15.1 Litres. If you are after a "greener" vehicle you would be looking at cars consuming under 7.0 litres combined.

The right side of the label shows how many grams of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits per kilometre. A good figure for the Green Car buyer would be under 150Grams/km.

The labels are to be used as a general guide only. Other factors such as how the car is driven, traffic conditions and maintenance can alter the results.

Avoiding the Monster on the Road

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:34:00 GMT

We all know, there doesn’t have to be a full moon in the sky to bring out the maniacs on the road. We are living in a society on the edge. People are always in a rush, traffic congestion is getting worse and good old fashioned courtesy is almost dead. All these factors contribute to stressed out drivers and potentially dangerous road rage incidents on the road.

So what can we do? Well, the only behaviour we can control is our own. We need to practice patience and remember that everyone makes mistakes on the road at some time. No one deserves to die because they didn’t indicate or cut in front of someone in traffic. If the mistake doesn’t cause any harm, forgive and forget. Don’t appoint yourself the one to teach that driver a lesson – that’s a job for the police.

If it’s you who has made a mistake, gesture to show you are sorry. Even if it appears no one else on the road is using manners, set an example to others, especially if you are a parent with children in the car.

If you are confronted with an enraged driver:

Lock your doors and wind up windows
Do not respond as this may antagonise and make the situation worse
Avoid making eye contact
Allow them to pass you and hopefully they will leave you alone

However, if you are being followed and feel threatened drive to the nearest police station or call the police on your mobile phone.

Eau de New Car

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:25:00 GMT

The first thing a lot of people do when they sit in a new car is take a deep breath in and say “I love that new car smell!”

"New car smell" is so popular, that Air Freshener companies have tried to bottle it, but just can't seem to imitate the scent.

The new car smell emanates from a combination of factory fresh plastic, vinyl, leather, carpet, upholstery and glues which form the brand new interior of the car. The smell may be stronger in some cars than others.

Most people enjoy the waft of their new cars however, people with allergies may have reactions including headaches or even skin rashes, depending on the sensitivity to the “off gassing” process in the first couple of months.

It's a good idea to ventilate your new car by opening windows while you drive, particularly on hot days, until your first service to avoid any discomfort. Most of the off-gassing would have occurred by then.

Off gassing is the release of gas into the air from products treated with chemicals during their manufacture.
Another tip is to park your new car in the sun with the windows slightly open to speed up the off-gassing process a little.

New furniture and newly built houses also have an off-gassing period which may leave some owners feeling a little light headed. Again ventilation is important, opening windows and doors to allow the gases to escape will have you enjoying your new possessions in no time.

Most car manufacturers are making changes to manufacturing including using more natural materials and resins to minimise the effect of “new car smell”.

Getting Personal with Pink Plates

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:59:00 GMT

Personalised number plates have been around for a while but in April this year, the RTA partnered with the McGrath Foundation to offer a range of pink number plates. Until the 31st October 2009, $15 from each set sold and $50 from the Prestige Hot Pink plates, will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

The money raised will help fund the important work of McGrath Breast Care Nurses throughout NSW as well as increase breast awareness among young women.

So if you have been eyeing off the snazzy pink number plates - get in to the RTA before the 31st October to help the McGrath Foundation.

To design and order your number plates visit http://www.myplates.com.au

Soccer Tickets - Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:18:00 GMT

Do you love A-League soccer as much as we do?

We have 3 x tickets for the Sydney FC Vs Brisbane Roar game at the SFS on the 25th October to give away to a lucky member of the Wakeling's Women on Wheels (WOW) Club & Facebook Page!

Just let us know why you would like these tickets on our Women on Wheels Facebook Page wall or on the comments below and the best answer will win!

Make sure you have your answer in by the 20th October!

Good luck!

Pinky ad causing a stir

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:04:00 GMT

You are probably all aware of the RTA "No One Thinks Big of You"campaign aimed at getting young hoons to slow down on the road by giving them the "pinky".

I, for one, am a big fan of the campaign and have even taken to giving hoons the pinky myself. However, while cruising the net, I stumbled across a news article that may curb my new pinky-wiggling ways.

In November last year, Simon Jardak blamed the "Pinky" campaign for his road rage attack on a woman while driving on the Anzac Bridge. He claimed he was not phased when she flashed her lights and gave him the middle finger gesture after a lane change incident, but took extreme offence when she wiggled her pinky at him. He then threw a plastic bottle out the window which caused damage to her car and was fined $400.

It goes to show, the "pinky" advertising has hit the nerve of it's target. But has it made a real impact on stopping their stupid and dangerous behaviour on the road?

According to a survey commissioned by the RTA’s NSW Centre for Road Safety:

53 per cent of the general population and 53 per cent of young males (17-25 years) said that they would be more likely to comment on someone’s driving as a result of seeing the ‘Pinkie’ campaign.
64 per cent of the general population, and 63 per cent of young male drivers, believed the campaign to have some effect in encouraging young male drivers to obey the speed limit.
74 per cent of the general population and 75 per cent of young males revealed strong recognition of the anti-speeding message, aimed at making speeding socially unacceptable and at undermining the perceived pay off for speeding.
60 per cent of the general population and 59 per cent of young males recognised the meaning behind the message, that speeding is not cool, does not impress, or is stupid.

So what are your thoughts on the "Pinky" ad? Have you ever flipped the Pinky in traffic?

Where has January gone?

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Don't you find that by the time you have recovered from the Christmas and New Years break, come back to work, settled in - January had almost gone? I can't believe it's already the Australia Day weekend!

It may have gone quickly but a lot has been achieved in the past couple of weeks - especially in the planning of our first Princess on Wheels service night. I'm particularly excited about this event - it's something I would have loved to have gone to myself many moons ago when I was on my P's and driving my first car (the family hand-me-down) and it has become much more complicated since then. The laws have changed greatly over the years to help young people become better and safer drivers and less likely to become another fatality statistic on the road. There is alot to learn and in a short time. That combined with school and a hectic teenage social life...well, how is a girl meant to cram it all in?

We hope the Princess on Wheels service night will help the girls attending become more independant and confident on the road. We will be doing this by showing them through some presentations on basic car and tyre maintenance, showing them around the engine and under the car and tips on what to do in the event of something going wrong as well as preventing possible emergencies. Having the presentations in the Service Centre allows our Technicians to show the attendees real life demonstrations and allow them to have a hands-on experience on changing tyres, checking the oil, water etc.

Also, the local police will be holding a 45 minute presentation on the Provisional Licences laws and rules and also safety for females on the road.

All the attendees get a "Loot Bag" with plenty of information and goodies to take home with them.

The night will be full of information but will also be a lot of fun. The C91.3 Road Crew will be kicking the night off with a BBQ for the attendees at 6:00pm so that they have energy for the night ahead.

The Macarthur Chronicle had an article last week about the Princess on Wheels event featuring a lovely photo of our own Wakeling P-Princess Alana who works in the Hyundai Service Department. From that article alone, we have already booked 20% of places for the night - it may be over a month away but places are filling fast. My advice would be to book early and quickly to avoid disappointment.

Click here to book online.

The Princess on Wheels night replaces our regular Ladies Service Night for this quarter. Ladies interested in the next Ladies Service Night (which will be held at a date to be advised around June) can call me on 46 28 1444 to submit their interest in attending.

It's so great to see these events becoming so popular - we get nothing but great feedback from the ladies who attend - and our Technicians and Service Managers love hosting the events too - it gives them a chance to share their knowledge with people who really want to learn.

Movember Madness

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:04:00 GMT

You may have noticed a few of our boys looking abit more rugged and unshaven lately. It's not because they have been partying for nights on end (or it may be that too..) - it's because they are the Wakeling Movember Mo Bros!

The Movember initiative is raising awareness for men's health issues, in particular prostate cancer and male depression - so lets support our fathers, sons, brothers, friends, boyfriends, grandsons, grandfathers, nephews etc. and get behind Movember in November. For more info about Movember visit www.movember.com.au.

The Wakeling Movember Bros have been bravely battling itchiness, discomfort and ridicule to raise money for Movember and Wakeling's is also donating $50 from every car sold this weekend to the cause.

Visit our Movember Page to see pics of our Mo Bros and to see how you can sponsor our team.

I'm sure most of them can't wait till the 1st of December to get their razors to those whiskers! Keep up the good work Bros!

Ladies Weekend is on again!

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:47:00 GMT

It's amazing how fast time flies! It seems like only yesterday that we held our first Ladies Service Night and it's on again tonight. The rainy weather shouldn't stop those who have booked to have a great time and learn all things auto - many of them come recommended from those who went to the last one and have heard how great it is.

The rest of the weekend also promises to be full of surprises, so get out your umbrellas and make the trip to Wakeling's and Camden Holden. Buy a new car this weekend, ladies, and you could win $2,400 worth of car protection including paint protection, window tint, fabric protection and nature guard. This prize was kindly donated by one of our great supporters, MotorOne.

There is a great Holden Merchandise sale on selected stock at the Paul Wakeling Service & Parts Shop in Mill Rd Campbelltown which is open Saturday 8:30am - 12:00pm. Don't miss out on HSV, HRT, JDR t-shirts, shirts, jackets, caps, glasses and heaps of other stuff cleared to go. Great xmas pressies for Holden fans - young and not so young.

And for when the grey clouds finally clear, all carwash packages are half-price this weekend for female drivers only.

So get out of the house this weekend and pop into Wakeling's for Ladies Weekend even if it's just to feast your eyes on some of the new range of cars at our dealerships.

Drive safely especially in the wet weather.

Don't miss Show & Shine 07!

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:31:00 GMT

It's on again - the Wakeling's Show & Shine where the proud owners of HSV and Monaro masterpieces get to show them off to envious car lovers. It's also a day of famiy fun with jumping castle, velcro wall, plaster painting, BBQ hosted by C91.3 and alot more. A gold donation entry is all is costs which will be donated to the Campbelltown and Camden hospitals.

Don't forget to visit the Paul Wakeling Parts Shop where you can grab some early xmas pressies for yourself and family. Holden and HSV, HRT and JDR t-shirts, polos, jackets, underwear, bags and heaps of other great stuff at ridiculously low prices eg. HSV T-shirts at $10, HSV shorts $15, HSV reversible jackets at $39...can you afford to miss out? First in best dressed! Doors open at 8:30am.

Enjoy a great day out for all at this year's Wakeling's Show and Shine - Sunday 28th October - 9am - 3pm - Paul Wakeling Service & Parts Centre Mill Rd Campbelltown.

See you there!

Men in Utes Considered Sexy...

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:47:00 GMT

From the land of useful online surveys comes this particularly interesting piece of information.

According to an online survey conducted by car maker Mahindra - 53% of women surveyed thought men driving utes were sexy - throw a dog in the back and the sexiness rate increases, according to 15% of them.

66% of those women who think men driving utes are attractive, said the style and maintenance of the ute indicated the amount of pride the male driver takes in his work and appearance. I'd like to see what the local girls think about this - add your comment below.

Seriously though, the modern ute isn't what it used to be. With the sleek, sporty look, comfy interior and bright new colours, the new models such as the HSV Maloo and VE Commodore have stand alone head-turning appeal for both men and women.

So guys, there's something to think about when looking at the new VE Commodore Ute this summer - we can also recommend a pet store for that four-legged accessory!