Category: #nznews

TRANSPORT

Between the seemingly innumerable types of ‘gunk’ that end up on the average street, it’s safe to say that roads are dirty. The only thing standing between all that road dirt and vehicles is the small, unassuming (but vital) air filter. Yet, many car owners overlook the state of these filters.

Although some mechanics might include an air filter check and possible replacement in their general service plans, the fact that manufacturers differ in respect to how often a specific make of car’s filter should be replaced means that owners often need to expressly request this service. If filter servicing is neglected, various issues can result, including higher fuel consumption and decreased engine power.

A car’s air filter works specifically to draw away all road dirt from the rest of the engine. When this filter is clogged or broken, bits of debris can enter the system and cause serious and generally costly damage – the worst of which being potential wholesale engine seizure.

This is why having a car’s air filter serviced is so important. While willing and able owners can potentially conduct a filter check and clean themselves, it is recommended to have a professional conduct this service, do any necessary replacements, and/or double check the owner’s work just to ensure that everything is running smoothly. A good mechanic will also conduct a filter service in such a way as to ensure a longer lifespan of the filter itself; thereby saving owners additional money both in the short- and long-terms.

If all other general services have been conducted – oil changes, engine cleanings, fluid top-ups, and so forth – but a car is still underperforming, smoke is seen coming out of the exhaust, or strange noises are heard, it might be time to double check that air filter.

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BUSINESS – CHRISTCHURCH

Not all electricians are made equal. In a field where a fault could literally mean the difference between life and death, it’s vital to ensure that an electrician’s work is top-notch.

Poor electrical work can spell disaster on a number of fronts. Aside from the obvious potentially dire consequences of electrocution and fires, bad electrical installations can mean anything from constantly tripping circuit boards to higher electric bills. Key identifiers of problematic wiring include shorter lightbulb lifespans; circuit board overloads; and/or too bright, too dim, or flickering lighting. Problems can also be spotted in terms of sparking plug points or switches, or visibly fraying wires. While it might be tempting to treat many such issues as mere annoyances, the longer they continue, the more likely they are to progress into something far more serious and costly to repair.

In any such cases, it’s always best to hire some qualified Christchurch electricians to fix the problem. To ensure a good hire, a valuable place to start would be online customer reviews. But more than that, it is necessary to confirm that the electrician holds some kind of valid qualification, has undergone formal practical assessment, and/or is affiliated to an organisation such as Master Electricians or the EWRB. A good track-record of meeting deadlines, requirements, and budgets, as well as an extended time in business are also key checks that offer peace of mind when hiring an electrician.

Another good check relates to pricing and turnaround. Oftentimes, highly qualified electricians cost more upfront, but their work is of a higher quality and the guarantee of a job well-done outweighs the additional costs associated with hiring a cheaper electrician only to have to correct their mistakes later on. In respect to any kind of electrical work, then, the safest option is always ‘quality first’.

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NEWS

Climate change is significantly impacting the natural world. From rises in overall global temperatures and melting ice caps to increased reports of natural disasters like floods, droughts, and landslides, much has changed over the years. Combining the consequences of climate change with additional factors like urbanisation has further exacerbated these issues.

Indeed, urban development has been found to play a major role in increased cases of, amongst others, flooding and soil erosion. Both such natural disruptions can have a substantial knock-on effect in terms of, for example, food production and general sustainability. It is necessary, therefore, to ensure that human development is undertaken in such a way as to support and improve the environment, rather than contribute further to the problems already being faced.

This is where 3D mapping may prove helpful. With the adoption of drone technology, such as UAV LiDAR, urban planners, architects, and environmental conservationists can all ensure beneficial and sustainable human development. What makes UAV LiDAR-based 3D mapping better than its predecessors is that, through the use of laser technology, land surveyors can gain more accurate readings of an area; thereby creating clearer and more precise topographical and other maps that can be employed for things like land use assessments and/or the identification of flood or erosion risk areas.

A better understanding and analysis of an area can, thus, help stakeholders determine where interventions to prevent cases of flooding or erosion from occurring should be employed. They can also make better determinations regarding whether or not building in a certain location might negatively impact the environment or place a residing population at risk in case of a natural disaster.

By embracing technology and adopting a sustainability approach to human development, it may be possible to better ensure that humans positively, rather than negatively, impact the world around them.

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