Category: Sean Buckley Ultratune

Key checks for your car in Spring:

Driving in spring in Australia requires some adjustments and maintenance to keep your car in optimal condition as the weather changes. Here are some key steps from Ultra Tune to prepare your vehicle for spring driving:

1. Check and Change Your Tires

  • Tire Condition and Tread Depth: Inspect your tires for any signs of wear or damage and make sure the tread depth is sufficient. Spring can bring heavy rain, and adequate tread depth is essential for good traction on wet roads.
  • Tire Pressure: Temperature changes can affect tire pressure, so ensure they are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. Inspect and Top Up Fluids

  • Engine Oil: Make sure your engine oil is at the correct level and consider an oil change if it’s due.
  • Coolant: As the weather warms up, having the right coolant level is crucial to avoid overheating.
  • Windshield Washer Fluid: Spring weather can kick up a lot of dust and pollen, so keep your windshield washer fluid topped up for clear visibility.
  • Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid: These should also be checked to ensure they’re at proper levels for safe operation.

3. Check the Battery

  • Battery Health: Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Make sure your battery is in good condition and that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
  • Charge Level: If your battery is older than three years, have it tested to ensure it holds a charge.

4. Clean and Inspect Wipers

  • Windshield Wipers: Spring can bring rain showers, so replace your windshield wipers if they are worn or leave streaks. Good wiper blades are essential for clear visibility.
  • Rear Wiper (if applicable): Don’t forget to check the rear wiper on hatchbacks or SUVs.

5. Air Conditioning and Cabin Air Filter

  • Air Conditioning Performance: Make sure your A/C is working efficiently as temperatures can rise quickly in spring.
  • Cabin Air Filter: Replace the cabin air filter to ensure clean airflow into the vehicle, especially during allergy season.

6. Brake Inspection

  • Brake Pads and Rotors: Have your brakes inspected for wear and ensure they’re functioning properly. Spring road conditions may include slippery, wet surfaces due to rain.

7. Inspect Belts and Hoses

  • Condition of Belts and Hoses: The changing temperatures can affect rubber components. Look for any signs of cracks, wear, or leaks, and replace them if necessary.

8. Clean and Wax Your Car

  • Exterior Cleaning: Spring is a good time to give your car a thorough wash to remove dirt, road grime, and any salt from coastal areas.
  • Waxing: Applying a coat of wax can protect your car’s paint from harmful UV rays and rain.

9. Check the Lights

  • Headlights, Brake Lights, and Indicators: Make sure all the lights are working correctly. Spring days can still be foggy, and early mornings may require good lighting.

10. Adjust Driving Habits

  • Watch for Wet Roads: Spring showers can make roads slippery. Be cautious on wet surfaces and increase your following distance.
  • Watch for Wildlife: Spring is also a time when animals are more active, so be vigilant, especially in rural or bush areas.

By following these steps, you can ensure your car is ready for the unique conditions that spring in Australia brings, making for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Contact Ultra Tune today for a tune up and check before you hit the road!

Car servicing at Ultra Tune after winter:

Servicing your car with Ultra Tune after winter has several important benefits, as the colder months can take a toll on various components of your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of why a post-winter car service is beneficial:

1. Ensures Safety

  • Brakes and tires: Cold weather can affect brake performance, and roads may have more debris or wear from winter conditions. Checking brake pads, discs, and tires (including tread depth and pressure) ensures your vehicle is safe and responsive.
  • Suspension: Driving on icy or uneven winter roads can stress your suspension. A service can detect any damage early, ensuring safety.

2. Prevents Long-Term Damage

  • Fluid levels: Cold temperatures can affect engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. A service will check these fluids for consistency and levels, as well as replace any that have degraded over the winter.
  • Battery health: Winter can drain a car’s battery faster, especially in cold starts. Testing and potentially replacing a weak battery can prevent breakdowns.

3. Improves Fuel Efficiency

  • Oil and filters: Winter driving can cause oil to become thicker and filters to clog. Replacing oil and air filters will allow your engine to run more smoothly, improving fuel economy.
  • Tire pressure: Cold weather lowers tire pressure, increasing rolling resistance. Restoring the correct pressure can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wear on tires.

4. Restores Performance and Comfort

  • Heating and air conditioning: After heavy use of the heating system in winter, a service can ensure the A/C is working properly for the warmer months ahead.
  • Windshield wipers and washer fluid: Winter use can wear out wipers or deplete washer fluid, essential for clear visibility during spring rains.

5. Identifies Hidden Issues

  • Exhaust system: Salt and moisture from winter roads can cause corrosion in the exhaust system. A post-winter check can identify any rust or damage.
  • Rust prevention: Salt and road grit can cause rust on exposed metal parts. A service can inspect for any early signs of rust and apply treatments to prevent further damage.

6. Boosts Longevity

  • General maintenance: Regular servicing extends the life of your vehicle by addressing wear and tear caused by winter conditions. Catching small problems early helps avoid larger, more expensive repairs later.

A post-winter car service not only improves the performance and safety of your vehicle but also helps maintain its value over time. Visit Ultra Tune for your nearest service centre.

Ultra Tune – Roadworthy Inspection

A rego inspection, also known as a roadworthy inspection or safety inspection, is an assessment conducted to ensure that a vehicle meets the safety standards required for registration in Australia. The inspection is often a prerequisite for registering or renewing the registration of a vehicle, especially under certain conditions.

When a Rego Inspection is Required:

  1. New Registrations: When a vehicle is being registered for the first time in a state or territory.
  2. Transfer of Ownership: When a vehicle changes ownership, particularly for used vehicles.
  3. Interstate Transfers: When a vehicle is being registered in a different state or territory from where it was previously registered.
  4. Lapsed Registration: If the vehicle’s registration has expired for a certain period, a roadworthy inspection may be required to renew it.
  5. Periodic Checks: In some states or territories, older vehicles may require periodic inspections to maintain registration.
Sean Buckley_UltraTune

What a Rego Inspection Covers:

A rego inspection typically covers a range of safety and mechanical checks to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. These checks may include:

  • Brakes: Condition and effectiveness of the braking system.
  • Tyres: Tread depth and overall condition of the tyres.
  • Lights: Functionality of all lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reflectors.
  • Suspension: Condition of the suspension system and shock absorbers.
  • Steering: Steering functionality and condition.
  • Seat Belts: Integrity and proper functioning of all seat belts.
  • Exhaust and Emissions: Exhaust system condition and adherence to emission standards.
  • Windows and Windscreens: Condition of glass, visibility, and functionality of windscreen wipers.
  • Body and Chassis: Structural integrity, no significant rust, and no loose panels.
  • Fluid Leaks: Checks for any leaks from the engine, transmission, or other components.

Who Conducts the Inspection:

All Ultra Tune stores across Australia are authorised to conduct these inspections, depending on the state’s regulations, as an Approved Inspection Station, Authorised Inspection Station (AIS), or Licenced Vehicle Tester. This authorisation allows us to issue Roadworthy Certificates (RWC) upon completion.

Outcomes of a Rego Inspection:

  1. Pass: If the vehicle passes the inspection, a certificate of roadworthiness (or equivalent document) is issued. This certificate is necessary to proceed with registration or renewal.
  2. Fail: If the vehicle fails the inspection, the issues identified must be repaired before the vehicle can be re-inspected and approved for registration.

Importance of Rego Inspections:

  • Safety: Ensures that vehicles on the road meet minimum safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Legal Compliance: A valid rego inspection is often required by law for registration, making it a critical step in the vehicle registration process.
  • Peace of Mind: Provides vehicle owners and buyers with confidence that the vehicle is in a safe, roadworthy condition.

Different states and territories may have specific rules and procedures for rego inspections, so it’s important to check local regulations.

Ultra Tune Partners – Afterpay

Ultra Tune has partnered with Afterpay at selected centres which is a “buy now, pay later” service that allows customers to make purchases and pay them off over time in four equal, interest-free installments. It’s widely used in Australia and other countries as a flexible payment option for various goods and services, both online and in-store.

How Afterpay Works:

  1. Purchase: When making a purchase, customers can choose Afterpay as their payment method at checkout.
  2. Installments: The total purchase amount is split into four equal payments. The first payment is made at the time of purchase, and the remaining three payments are automatically deducted every two weeks.
  3. No Interest or Fees: As long as the payments are made on time, there are no interest charges or fees. However, if a payment is missed, late fees may apply.
  4. Approval Process: Afterpay conducts a quick approval process at the time of purchase, which typically does not involve a credit check. Approval is based on factors like the purchase amount and the customer’s history with Afterpay.

Using Afterpay at Ultra Tune:

Ultra Tune is a car service and repair franchise in Australia led by Sean Buckley, and many of its locations accept Afterpay as a payment method. Here’s how Ultra Tune customers can use Afterpay:

  1. In-Store or Online: Depending on the Ultra Tune location, customers can use Afterpay either in-store or when booking services online.
  2. Choose Afterpay: At checkout, customers select Afterpay as their payment method.
  3. Pay in Installments: The total cost of the service or repair is split into four equal payments. The first payment is made immediately, with the subsequent payments scheduled every two weeks.
  4. Account Management: Customers can manage their Afterpay account through the Afterpay app or website, where they can view their payment schedule, make additional payments, or update their payment method.

Benefits for Ultra Tune Customers:

  • Flexibility: Allows customers to spread the cost of car repairs or services over time, which can be helpful for managing unexpected expenses.
  • Interest-Free: As long as payments are made on time, there’s no additional cost to using Afterpay.

Important Notes:

  • Not all Ultra Tune locations may accept Afterpay, so it’s recommended to check with the specific location beforehand.
  • If a customer misses a payment, Afterpay may charge late fees, and the customer’s ability to use Afterpay in the future could be affected.

This service provides Ultra Tune customers with a convenient way to manage the costs associated with car maintenance and repairs.

What are the benefits of regular tyre checks?

Performing regular tyre checks on your vehicle offers several benefits:

Safety: Ensuring your tyres are in good condition is essential for road safety. Regular tyre checks can help identify issues such as tread wear, punctures, or damage that could compromise your vehicle’s traction and handling, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.

Improved Handling: Properly inflated tyres with adequate tread depth provide better grip and handling, enhancing your vehicle’s stability and responsiveness on the road. Regular tyre checks allow you to maintain optimal tire pressure and tread depth, ensuring optimal handling and control.

Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tyres can increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and higher fuel consumption. By keeping your tyres properly inflated, you can improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs over time

Extended Tyre Life: Monitoring tyre wear and addressing issues promptly can help extend the lifespan of your tyres. Regular tire rotations and alignments, which are often part of a tyre check service, can also promote more even tyre wear, maximizing tyre longevity and saving you money on premature replacements.

Prevent Blowouts: Tyre blowouts can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. Regular tyre checks allow you to detect signs of wear, damage, or aging tyres that may be at risk of failure, reducing the likelihood of experiencing a blowout while driving.

Comfortable Ride: Properly maintained tyres contribute to a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. By ensuring your tyres are in good condition and properly inflated, you can minimize vibrations and noise, leading to a more enjoyable ride for you and your passengers.

Legal Compliance: In many jurisdictions, there are legal requirements regarding tyre tread depth and condition. Regular tyre checks help ensure your tyres meet these standards, reducing the risk of fines or penalties for non-compliance.

Overall, regular tyre checks are essential for maintaining safety, performance, and efficiency in your vehicle. By monitoring tyre condition and addressing any issues promptly, you can enjoy a smoother, safer, and more cost-effective driving experience.

UltraTune offers a wide range of services, including routine maintenance such as oil changes, brake repairs, and tyre replacements, as well as more complex repairs and diagnostics. They cater to both private vehicle owners and fleet customers, providing reliable and professional automotive services across their network of service centers throughout Australia.

Sean Buckley interview – Does he regret selling Nature Strip for $80k?

The short answer is no! Sean Buckley discusses the success of Ultra Racing and Nature Strip in an exclusive interview with racenet.com.au:

“It is a business that is developing every day and it is an industry I love being a part of,” Buckley said.

But when you strike early in your racing career, like Buckley did with Miss Andretti, that is risk reward. But in this sense, winning a race at Royal Ascot, with a horse sourced from Western Australia, is not about the bottom line.

“I still remember seeing trainer Lee Freedman singling Waltzing Matilda and drinking out of the trophy in the car park. I had my wife and kids with me, we had been to Dubai for a holiday, we got invited to the Royal Box, it was just the best day ever,” Buckley said.

Sean Buckley
Sean Buckley celebrating Miss Andretti’s King’s Stand win with Lee Freedman and Craig Newitt Picture: Gary Crispe

And it was a whirlwind week from the Tuesday when Craig Froggie Newitt getting home, leading fellow Aussies, Magnus into third and Takeover Target into fourth.

“I got offered $10 million from an Arab Sheik for her to run in his colours on the Saturday in the Golden Jubilee, but knocked that back. It wasn’t about the money.”

Miss Andretti failed in the Golden Jubilee, finishing 15th, with Takeover Target second to Soldier’s Tale but she’d come home and straight up in the spring won the Group 2 Schweppes at The Valley and Group 1 Age Classic at Flemington in Cup Week.

So too it wasn’t about the money with watching Nature Strip win on Tuesday night either.

“You could say I sold a horse for $80,000 that has won $18m, but honestly that is good for business, I don’t regret selling, I strive to breed a horse like that, I breed plenty of horses every year, I can’t keep them all,” Buckley said.

$500,000 for Strikeline:

“I have a budget every year to buy mares and I think we paid $500,000 for Strikeline off the track, sent her to Star Witness and she produced a horse called The Barrister that we sold to Hong Kong.”

And Sean Buckley now has Strikeline, the mother of Nature Strip, back in foal to Nicconi and you would suggest without much argument, that it won’t be sold.

It might seem though a touch ironic that is was both Miss Andretti and Strikeline which gave Buckley unwarranted headlines over an alleged embryo transplantation scheme. It was something that saw Buckley banned from racing horses (only) in Victoria until the matter settled with no action taken (but some damage done reputationally).

“I complied with every direction of the authorities and the stewards in relation to the inquiry. I was open and transparent, there was never any intention of any subsequent foal being registered with the studbook, we were simply regenerating their breeding cycles and it has worked.

“It was an embarrassment at the times, but we had never done anything wrong, and the right outcome

was reached with Racing Victoria.”

Horseracing - racehorse Miss Andretti (l) ridden by jockey Craig Newitt winning race 6 from Gold Edition ridden by Damien Oliver at Caulfield 10 Mar 2007. a/ct

Miss Andretti defeating Gold Edition at Caulfield in 2007

Buckley and headlines are no strangers. His expensive UltraTune advertising campaigns features the likes of Mike Tyson, Charlie Sheen, Pamela Anderson and other Hollywood celebrities, featured almost annually as the most complained about to with the Australia’s Advertising Standards.

“They kept changing the laws and we kept changing the ads,” said Buckley, “it was like a cat chasing a mouse, but we might have spent $3m on blocking out ads for a month and get $1.5m in publicity out of the backlash, they almost paid for themselves,” he said.

But that business nouse isn’t lost on Buckley as an investor or entrepreneur.

“It’s a good question what we can do to boost the image of racing or attracting a younger appeal. I still say it’s a rich man’s game. Horses are getting more expensive, and as good as syndication has been, I am not sure how much more recommitment on spend or new money is coming in.

“It is a sport and industry that relies heavily on the gambling dollar, as well as one that struggles with public perception on cruelty, the whip and animal welfare.”

A Buckley like UltraTune campaign mightn’t be the answer. He had actor Alec Baldwin – as Donald Trump signed to be his next advertising star – I’m not sure that could carry over into a racing relevance, but it is worth listening to someone who works and lives and has been successful outside of the – dare I say – racing bubble – while a major investor in it at the same time.

Read more from this interview with Sean Buckley over at racenet.com.au