Committed to Keeping New Zealand Motorists on the Road

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 664, 26 November 1996, Page 9

Committed to Keeping New Zealand Motorists on the Road

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nanship that is backed , | The MTA regularly r ntain high standards | i changes to safety st Dgnise the right of \ The MTA activt e looking for the , / * - apprentices froir p by a national MTA its share throu Group Ap ' 1 happy with ^ throughoul nediation stFOfaQ members one, we f Ol& Ift The ] ensuring the mei consumers st i . v r ; ood service from MTA members.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is proud of its presence in New Zealand. The MTA represents New Zealand' s motor trade industry and today are proud to boast MORE THAN 5,000 members from all avenues of the industry. The MTA mission is to provide leadership and services to assist the business success of the members. In addition, the MTA have a strong role in ensuring consumers receive good service from members.

The MTA logo stands for professionalism, reliability and quality workmanship up by a strict Code of Ethics. A1 1 MTA members sign an agreement to maintain . of business practice, provide value for money for the service, and to recognise oi

the customer to courteous, prempt and honest dealings. More motorists are MTA sign as an assurance of a quality job. Value for money is backed up organisation of industry professionals. J§§

The MTA takes these standards very seriously and if a customer is not an MTA member's service, they can get action through the MTA's mediation ^ service. The MTA always try to make things right. For these reasons alone, think it makes good sense for consumers to look for the MTA sign.

MTA COMMITTED TO SAFETY AND HEALTH AND IMPROVING STANDARDS WITHIN THE MOTOR INDUSTRY As an organisation, the MTA is committed to improving standards across all areas of the motor industry. The MTA was recently involved with the new rust guidelines that help keep dangerous rusty vehiclcs

off the road. We're also constantly looking at ways of improving our members' businesses. Just recently, we sent all 5,000 members, Occupational Health and Safety packages which give them simple and clear guidelines on how to make their workshops safer and healthier places for their staff and, most importantly, for customers. It might be something as simple as signs to caution customers of

I dangerous areas, or it could be improved lighting in

the workshop. Whatever the changes, they all add to a safer working environment. Regular audits will be carried out to ensure a health and safety standards are maintained. The MTA is committed to TRAINING members and offers comprehensive training programmes, ranging from up-to-date technical training, to how to run their business more effectively. The introduction of a correspondence course in Small Business Management has proved very popular with a number of members taking the opportunity to further their learning.

The MTA regularly Warrant of Fitness training courses to keep members aware ot any k standards that could affect the safety of your car. actively promotes the motor industry as a career. As most people will be aware,

all industries have found it harder to get intojobs and so the MT A is doing through its

Apprenticeship Scheme which currently employs around 120 apprentices throughout the country. In fact, if you look at the statistics, you'll find that our 5,000 i indirectly employ around 35,000 people. MTA also play a strong role in protecting

interest of our members' customers the motoring public. All MTA members subscribe to a Code of Ethics which is aimed at promoting high : standards of business practice and service. MEDIATION SERVICE

The MTA provide a mediation service for any concerns and comt plaints from the public. The MTA would hope there wouldn't be a problem with a member, but in the event there is a dispute, the MTA offers a mediation service. The first person to call for help with a

problem is the MTA local Branch Secretary. If the problem is not solved amicably, you may then take your case to a disputes tribunal. The Association encourages the public to phone the local Branch Secretary, in the first instance, for any questions or concerns. The local MTA secretary is equipped to handle concerns in your local area so please feel free to call them for any information you may need. The Central Main Trunk branch secretary is Phillip Hayman, ph 06-388-0622. Alternatively, you may wish to call the MTA fcelpline on 0800 367 682. NEW MTA PRESIDENT The Motor Trade Association is pleased to announce that David Loughlin has been elected TurntoPagelO

FROM PAGE 9 President of the Motor Trade Association (MTA). David has been involved with the MTA since 1988, representing the T auranga Branch on the MT A executive, as well as being an MTA board director since 1993, more recently as its Vice President. David has held a long and successful career in the automotive repair and alternative fuels business, and today operates one of Tauranga' s leading nonfranchised repair workshops. His expertise and knowledge of the motor trade industry has seen him head numerous national MTA specialist groups, as well as being involved in a number of Bay of Plenty regional committees including the B.O.P. Polytechnic Automotive Advisory Committee. He is also an executive member of the Motor Industry Training Organisation. David is also a member of the NZ Automobile Association, LPG Association, Gas Association of New Zealand and Kiwifruit Coast Chamber of Commerce. David Loughlin heads a board of 10 members, including newly-elected Vice President, Trish Campbell. MTA'S FIRST WOMAN VICE-PRESI-

DENT The Motor Trade Association is pleased to announce that Trish Campbell has been elected Vice President of the MTA. Trish, a successful company director of numerous companies including BP Metro, BP Palmerston and BP Car Care, has served on the MTA board of directors since 1995 (first woman director). A current member of the MTA Palmerston North branch executive, Trish has over 20 years experience in the service station industry and plays an active role in developing and promoting

this industry through the MTA's Service Station Specialist committee. Trish is also a business mentor with the Palmerston North Enterprise Board, strongly supporting business growth in the Palmerston North region. MTA GIFT VOUCHERS The MTA provide an additional service that consumers may be interested in. MTA Gift Vouchers are handy for last minute gifts and come in $5, $10, and $20 dominations. These vouchers are also accepted by any MTA member

for any product or service they provide - from chocolate to seat covers, flowers to cars parts etc there are many uses for these vouchers. What better way to save for your holiday motoring costs than collecting MTA Gift Vouchers each week. This can be a lot less painful than $300 out of your holiday budget. You can purchase these vouchers from any participating MTA member, or alternatively contact the local branch secretary for your nearest sup-

plier. HOLIDAY MOTORING TIPS A pre-holiday motoring check can save motorists unwanted and costly delays and may even save lives. Cars that have spent the year consistently commuting short distances are likely to need a check up in order to prepare them for safe, hassle-free long distance travel. Most MTA service stations and workshops offer a suitable preholiday checkup Usually this entails warantable items and other safety features. Foremost, check that the vehicle has a

current registration and warrant of fitness, and therefore valid insurance. Often cars that havespent the year in short distance travel can have condensation build up in the motor. This can contaminate the oil,causingit to break down and be ineffectivein preventing engine wear and tear and

more serious damage. Radiators should also be serviced as blockages can develop, causing overheating. The radiator cap should be clean, the sealing surfaces in good condition, and the water level full. Further, the water should be clear. If it is cloudy or hasn' t been cleaned in the past two years, the system should be drained and antifreeze or anti-corrosive added. Antifreeze keeps the water cool in summer as well as preventing it from freezing in the winter, Turn to Page 1 1

Tyres are very important for safe motoring and should be checked for correct tread depth and pressure in order to prepare them for increased load, hotter roads, and faster speeds. Tyres must have at least 1 .5mm of tread across three quarters of their width. They should be inflated to the correct pressure otherwise they will make the steering heavy and can add up to 20 per centto the fuel bill. Low tyre inflation causes

more heat build up in the tyre, thus, increasing wear. Check the air pressure when the tyres are cold. If a tyre is wearing on the inside or outside edge, it indicates a problem with wheel alignment or balancing. Both are jobs for a tyre shop or service centre. Bad wheel alignment can cause a car to shake and shudder at high speeds. The spare tyre should not be over looked. It should have enough tread to pass a warrant of fitness and the pressure checked. Ninety-seven percent of all punctures occur in the last ten percent of a tyre's life. Sharp

objects such as stones, nails, wire, and glass have less rubber to penetrate on a worn tyre. The extra rubber on a newer tyre provides a greater barrier to external objects and can only be penetrated by large items such as long nails or screws. Motorists with newer tyres can avoid punctures by checking their tyres for sharp objects and removing these before they have a chance to work in to the rubber and cause a puncture. A general tune up to enhance the vehicle's performance is also advisable. It is important to get the most out of the vehicle when handling comers and overtaking

etc, and also with regard to economical fuel consumption. A summer motoring check will probably also include a - grease and oil change and a check of the oil and air filters. Spark plugs should be replaced, and the fan belt checked. It is also a good idea to make sure the brakes, steering and lights are in good working order to assist in safe

motoring. If the windscreen wipers do not cut a clear path through rain on the windscreen then they should be replaced. A good windscreen detergent will also help to keep the windscreen clean when travelling during the summer months when bugs and moths are more prolific and the less frequent rain produces a greasy road film. Finally, it is a good idea to check that the jack is in working order. A basic car tool kit will also include a wheel brace and screw driver for removing the hub caps, pliers, a spanner, a spark plug spanner, a first aid

kit and acar torch. Jumper leads and atow rope can also come in handy, along with a rain coat and gloves to keep the unlucky driver clean and dry. It is also important to know where to attach a tow rope. The bumper or body work should not be used as anchor points for towing. Motor Trade Association members can give a comprehensive, reasonably priced holiday motoring checkover. If your car passes all these checks, it should take you safely to your holiday destination. The MTA wishes you a safe and happy holiday.