Understanding the Off-Peak Car scheme

The OPC (Off-Peak Car) scheme was introduced by the Singapore government to curb the amount of vehicles on the road during peak hours. For newly registered cars, there is an attractive upfront rebate of S$17,000 off the COE (Certificate of Entitlement) and ARF (Additional Registration Fee) in exchange for the reduced usage. There is also a S$800 discount per year from the normal car road tax, subject to a minimum road tax payment of S$50 a year. An OPC is marked by a red car plate to separate them from normal cars.

In the event that you wish to convert the OPC to a normal car, you would have to pay the government a pro-rated refund on the OPC rebate based on the number of years of COE left for the car.

Usage of OPC during restricted hours

A supplementary license has to be purchased for usage of OPC during restricted hours. The supplementary license can be bought during office hours from the following places:

- Automobile Association Of Singapore (Tel: 6333 8811)
• 336 River Valley Road
• 2 Kung Chong Road
- Any Singapore Post offices
• List of Singpost branches
- Land Transport Authority office (Tel: 1800 2255582)
• 10 Sin Ming Drive

Failure to display or usage of invalid supplementary license during restricted hours is a serious offence. Offenders can be fined up to S$20,000 and/or imprisoned up to 12 months.

New car collection checklist

Collecting your new car soon? A car has thousands of components, and it will be impossible to check that all are in order. However, checking the important parts is essential for safety and ensures that you are not being short-changed.

The below guide serves as a checklist for you to examine your new vehicle.

* Download it here and bring it for your new car collection.


Do make sure that all the keys and remote controls are working. A key could cost up to $400 to replace. Locks

Keyless Entry (Lock and unlock using remote)
Manual Entry (Lock and unlock using key)
Master Lock
Individual Lock
Alarm
Alarm reset switch

Windows

Power Windows(Check that the driver side auto window is working)
Windows control Lock

Electric Mirrors

Electric Mirrors Control ( Up, Down, Left & Right )
Folding Mirrors(Check that the Mirrors can be retractable by either manual or electrical folding.)

Console

Engine Start Button (if any)
Air-Conditioning
Fan Speeds
Rear Demister
Radio/CD/DVD Player
Reverse Camera (if any)
Steering controls (if any)

Switches

Headlights
Directional Signals
High Beam
Hazard Lights
Parking Lights
Tail Lights
Brake Lights
Fog Lamps
Interior light
Wiper (Make sure each speed is correct)
Wiper Spray
Horn

Dashboard

Dashboard lights come on when headlights are on
Information lights (eg. Parking brake ) are lit at relevant time
Check that odometer does not display excessive mileage

Transmission & Brakes

Smooth Gearshift
Automatic transmission
Over Drive button
Shift Lock button
Footbrake
Handbrake

Things to look out for:
Test auto-transmission for shock while engaging gear.
Make sure that the brake has to be depressed to shift out of Park mode.
Make sure that the car can only start in Neutral or Park mode.

Other Interiors

Steering wheel properly aligned
Steering wheel adjusting lever
Bonnet release lever
Boot release lever
Fuel tank release lever
Check for stains and holes on seats
Seat adjuster (Forward, backward, recline)
Seat belts (Check that the Seat belts lock when pulled hard)
Seat belts height adjuster
Check for scratches and dents on the trims
Rear Mirror
Glove box
Check for stains on carpets
Air-con vents (Check that they are able to move freely)
Speakers
Moonroof (Opens and closes fully)

Exterior

Check that car plate is correct
Check that body surface is free from dents and scratches.
Check that windows and windscreens are free from stains and scratches
Check that lights are clear and undamaged
Check that door handles are working
Check that tyres are free from holes and punctures
Check that rims are free from scratches
Check that the radio antenna is working
Check that fuel cap is secured

Under The Bonnet

Engine Oil level
Brake Fluid level
Battery Water level
Transmission Fluid level
Coolant level
Air-Conditioning gas level
Check engine compartment with any obvious defects and damage

Inside the Boot

Base board
Boot light
Tool kit
Spare tyre

Documentation

Road Tax Disc
Vehicle log card
Certificate of insurance
Car owner manual

Miscellaneous

Check tyres pressure
Cruise control (if any)
All goodies promised are given