August 28, 2020 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

The importance of using an accredited dealership or repairer: Part 1

vuyi on August 28, 2020

To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training
– JAKKIE OLIVIER, CEO OF THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

You are looking for a mechanical workshop, motor body repairer, or even to buy a new car and you don’t know where to start. Well, accreditation is a good place to start, says Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

“By using a business accredited by a reputable association such as the RMI, you can be assured of good workmanship and recourse in the unlikely event that the job is not completed to acceptable standards,” he says. “Accredited businesses will be run by highly-skilled professionals, with excellent service-levels, administrative support and quality parts and repair equipment.”

He explains that during the accreditation process a business undergoes a thorough assessment. Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinised, as are the premises, tools and equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on.

It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price.
– Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry OrganiZation (RMI)

Even aspects of the business such as insurance of the client’s vehicle whilst on the property of the repairer, parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected. “It is a rigorous process that we believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected,” he says.

The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process. “Unfortunately, skills shortages are a reality. To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training and on-the-job experience as well as specific qualifications to meet the needs of their customers,” says Olivier.

Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited business is the knowledge that there is an association you can deal with in the event of a bad service or poor workmanship experience. “Owning a motor vehicle or a fleet is a big investment. The purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don’t come cheap,” says Olivier. “It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price.

Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business
– JAKKIE OLIVIER, CEO OF THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

If this is not your experience then you need to approach the accrediting association, such as the RMI, to assist in a dispute resolution process. The same applies when buying a car. If you are not happy with the product or promises have not been met by the selling agent then there is a body to hear your side of the story.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business. Alternatively contact the accrediting body and ask for a referral in your area. It is worth the extra admin to ensure you receive the service you deserve,” he concludes.

This article was first published by the RMI

5 ways unnecessary idling damages your car

vuyi on August 28, 2020

The best and fastest way to properly warm up your car’s engine is to start driving gently for the first few minutes

Over the years, there have been many inherited beliefs about car idling that have influenced our driving habits. Many drivers still idle their cars to warm up the engine despite driving the latest car models. Others also believe that idling doesn’t use a lot of fuel and that it’s better for the car’s engine to idle than to restart.

However with use of modern technology in today’s vehicles, these are nothing more than outdated myths. It is important to understand that while idling isn’t inherently harmful to your car, when done excessive and unnecessary, it can have a negative impact.

Here’s why excessive idling damages your car.

Idling in cold weather harms your engine Before the 1980s, car engines relied on carburettors to keep the engine going. Idling was essential to warm up the carburettor before driving. Today’s cars use electronic fuel injection systems that, together with more sophisticated engines, alternators and leading start/stop battery technology, make idling unnecessary. The best and fastest way to properly warm up your car’s engine is to start driving gently for the first few minutes.
Idling wastes petrol A common myth is that idling uses less fuel than starting your car. The truth is that 10 to 30 seconds of idling burns more fuel than restarting your car. For every two minutes you idle, you could have driven 1.5 kilometres. Save more fuel by turning off the engine whenever you’re going to stand still for more than 10 seconds.
Idling drains your battery Your car battery powers all the electronics in your vehicle and needs to be recharged by the alternator. When your car is idling, the battery charges slower and takes more strain from electronics.
Idling burns up oil The moment you start your car, engine oil gets circulated and used. Idling for long periods will therefore use more oil and you’ll need to refill your oil more often.
Idling causes engine damage While idling, the fuel in your car is only partially burned. Long periods of idling can produce a build-up of fuel residue and cause engine damage. Keep in mind that fuel is also an excellent thinner and cleaner, which means it can also wash away oil that keeps the engine components lubricated.

There are more than 12 million registered vehicles in South Africa and if everyone cut down on unnecessary idling, we would significantly reduce pollution. Idling is history, the future of driving is start/stop.
*Source: Battery Centre