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The Modern Woman’s Guide to Replacing Worn Wiper Blades

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Wiper blades provide the driver with a clear view out of the windscreen and quickly and easily wipe away water, leaves, dust and even bird poo!

Because wiper blades are made of rubber, they naturally deteriorate over time, and have a rather short life span.  They need to be replaced when you notice the following defects: 

  • Streaking when they wipe away water
  • Unusual noises
  • Irregular movements
  • Ragged or cracked blades

Some modern cars have extremely technical wiper blade mechanisms and require the attention of a technician.  For other cars though wiper blades are still quite basic and can be changed quickly and without much fuss.  But before going into the step-by-step tutorial on how to do so, we first need to understand that wiper blades are generally made of three basic parts: the lower wiper arm that extends from the base of the windscreen, the metal or plastic blade attached to the lower arm, and the actual rubber blade which is the portion which is in contact with the windscreen.  

Here are the basic steps to follow when changing a wiper blade. 

Step 1: Raise the metal or plastic arm from the windscreen and allow it to stand unaided in its natural position which is at a slight angle to the windscreen.  Make sure it soft-locks in that position as the wiper blade is spring-loaded and could easily snap back against the windscreen, pinching your fingers or damaging the screen.

Step 2: Unlock the old, damaged wiper blade: Look at the joining where the rubber portion of the blade meets the metal arm and identify the small plastic stopper holding the blade in place.  Press the stopper and unhook the old rubber blade to separate it from the metal arm. 

Note: 

  • Use one hand to hold the wiper blade at all times to prevent it from snapping back against the windscreen
  • Protect your windshield with a folded towel just in case the arm accidentally snaps back while you attempt to change the wiper blade.
  • Some wiper blades may have pins rather than hooks

Step 3:Slide the new rubber wiper into the same end of the arm where you pulled the worn blade from and gently pivot the new wiper until the hook snaps into place to secure it.  Slowly release the wiper blade back against the windscreen

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 to replace the other wiper blade.

Step 5:Test that you have replaced the blades properly and that they work, by allowing the reservoir water to run down the windscreen and turning on the wiper blades.  They should wipe the water away noiselessly, and without streaking.

Why You Need UV Protection On Your Sunglasses

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach

– thembela moyo, founder and owner – fresh vision optometrists

As a driver, you must fulfil many requirements, often simultaneously: you must react quickly, follow the speed limits, and correctly assess the driven distances and distances to hindrances. You rely on your eyes more so than any other sense.  Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach, and contending with distractions, such as oncoming headlights or the glare of the setting sun.

One of the biggest threats to your eyesight is the harmful effects of Ultraviolet* (UV) rays and nothing causes discomfort when driving quite like bright sunlight reflecting off the tarmac or car windows, sending searing pain directly into your eyes.  Not only do UV rays cause sunburn and wrinkles around your eyes they also damage your retina which is why you should only wear sunnies with UV protection.  

There are 4 areas that can help you make an excellent sunglass choice. 

  1. The Material Of The Lens: Take a look at what the tag says about the composition of the lens, which is the most important aspect of sun protection. Make sure the material blocks the harmful UV rays. This will usually be indicated by a percentage which ideally should be 100 %.
  • Lens Colour: This is an area where you can surrender yourself to your fashion whims as the colour of the sunglass lens does not affect UV protection. People would tend to think that the darker the colour of the sunglasses the more protection from UV rays they are but this is a myth. 
  • Polarization: Simply put, polarization functions like miniature blinds on your sunnies.  The coating blocks out horizontal rays whilst letting in vertical light but these ‘blinds’ do not protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.  Hence, even if you have polarized sunglasses you still need a UV-blocking material or coating for protection.
  • The Right Frame. When choosing the right frame, look for comfort and as much coverage your face size can support to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Wrap-around styles are especially helpful because they block light from the sides as well as the front.

It is important to point out that certified UV protective sunglasses do not necessarily equate to a pricier tag either and there are several brands on the market that offer stylish sunglasses with the required UV protection at affordable prices. Cheap imitations can be temptingly priced but remember that they often do not have any UV protection at all, therefore you must think twice about prioritizing stylish looks above protective functionality.

The importance of eye health in relation to driving, cannot be emphasized enough and as important as it is to purchase the right type of car for your needs, it is similarly important to purchase the correct type of eyewear for your eyesight and ever changing requirements of our daily driving conditions.  

Be kind to your eyes and look after them by choosing wisely because without healthy eyes you compromise your driving safety.  Remember, protection is key.

Ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy produced by the sunand some artificial sources* 

Installments, Balloons And GFVs – Which is Best for you?

vuyi on July 8, 2020

“The temptation of a new car can sometimes lure a buyer into a commitment that isn’t an ideal fit for their budget,”

– Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive Head MotorING Division

WesBank has taken three of the most common purchase plans and simplified the jargon to help buyers choose the best payment plan for them. 

  1. Instalment finance

This is the most straightforward of all vehicle finance options. Monthly repayments are calculated on the purchase price of a vehicle minus whatever deposit is put down at the start of the deal. 

Finance terms can be structured into time frames of between 12 and 72 months. The longer the term, the lower the monthly repayment will be, but be aware that interest will add up over longer terms and the total amount repaid to the bank will increase proportionally.

  • Instalment finance with a balloon payment

Similar to instalment finance, except a portion of the purchase price is set aside so that the repayments are calculated on a lower amount. Simply put, balloon payments are similar to deposits except they’re payable at the end of a term instead of at the beginning. 

“Fortunately, there are flexible finance options for buyers to choose from. WesBank wants to ensure that all consumers fully understand what’s available so they can make smarter, more responsible decisions on their car-buying journey.”

– GHANA MSIBI, WESBANK EXECUTIVE HEAD of MOTORING DIVISION

Buyers must be cautious of the amount put into a balloon because they will be responsible for the lump sum once the finance term is finished. While it may be attractive to have lower monthly repayments because a larger chunk of the purchase price is placed into a balloon, the repayment of a balloon can be an unexpected debt as this amount will either need to be settled or refinanced at the end of the deal.

  • Guaranteed future value 

Guaranteed future value, also known as GFV or any number of brand-specific titles, is becoming an increasingly popular form of vehicle finance in South Africa. It is important to note that a vehicle’s value begins depreciating (losing monetary value) from the moment it leaves the showroom floor. In line with this depreciation, a GFV plan calculates what the future monetary value of a vehicle will be if specific conditions of vehicle condition, mileage and maintenance are met. This future value is guaranteed at the start of the agreement.

This makes planning ahead easier as consumers know exactly what their car will be worth once the pre-determined contract term (usually between three and four years) is reached. The customer is given three choices at this point – they can either enter into another GFV deal and drive away in new vehicle, settle the outstanding amount and own the vehicle, or simply return the vehicle to the respective dealership and walk away (provided the driver didn’t exceed the allotted mileage and the vehicle is in an acceptable condition).

With a GFV plan, a consumer is essentially only paying for the use of the car. This is why it’s important to know more or less the distance the vehicle will cover during the GFV term. Consumers are liable for penalties if any conditions of the GFV agreement aren’t met.

Every WesBank-approved car dealership has a Finance and Insurance (F&I) executive to inform and assist consumers in their buying journey. The F&I can give you financially sound advice and explain what you can and cannot afford because their role is regulated by the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act as well as the National Credit Act (NCA).

Vehicle finance can be daunting and difficult to understand but that is not an excuse as information is readily available. It’s simply a matter of asking questions without fear and ensuring that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your vehicle finance contract prior to signing it.  

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Fuel Tank

vuyi on July 8, 2020

The ever fluctuating petrol prices are beyond our control but practicing good driving habits could save you money

Motorists often underestimate the impact their driving style has on the fuel efficiency of their cars but the truth is that a few adjustments could make a huge difference.  Here are a few useful tips to help motorists be greener and more fuel-efficient drivers.

  • Drive smoothly
    Aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower your fuel mileage significantly. So, accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they also prolong the life of your brakes and tyres. 
  • Slow down
    Speeding wastes fuel. Aim for a constant speed. Driving at 90 km/h instead of 100 km/h can improve your fuel efficiency by 10-15%. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine, emptying the tank faster.
  • Don’t keep your engine idling
    Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when stationary for more than 30 seconds, this avoids unnecessary energy consumption of an idle running engine.
  • Remove unnecessary cargo
    Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your boot or on your back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.
  • Only use A/C on the highway
    Your fuel economy drops by up to 15% when you use the air conditioner at low speeds. So, if it isn’t too hot, turn off the air conditioner and roll down your windows instead. However, at 90 km/h or higher, using the air conditioner is preferable to opening windows because your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed; and because the engine produces more power at higher revs, so it is able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.
  • Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated: Incorrect wheel alignment and underinflated tyres lead to increased resistance between the tyres and the road.  This makes your engine work harder than it ordinarily would, leading to higher fuel consumption, and increased wear on the tyres. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before and after a long distance drive. Alignment should be checked at least every six months, or after run-ins with potholes.

BMW SA embraces a vision of life-long learning, will build all-new school in Ga-Rankuwa

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future

– Iika Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW SA will build a brand-new school in Ga-Rankuwa. The R113m school will accommodate 1600 pupils from grade RRR to Grade 12, and supports the company’s vision of life-long learning.

The new school will close the gap between the company’s Early Learning Centre at Plant Rosslyn and its graduate and training programmes, and makes the concept of life-long learning with BMW possible.

The investment underlines BMW Group South Africa’s continued commitment to education and to the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa, where so many BMW Group Plant Rosslyn associates live. In co-operation with the Gauteng Department of Education a site has been located and construction is expected to begin in 2021.

BMW Group SA is currently reaching out to education experts to partner with us on the project. Fees at the school will be benchmarked to other schools in the area and linked to average incomes in the neighbourhood the school will serve.

Education at the heart of BMW Group SA’s commitment to South Africa

Education, training and skills development are at the heart of BMW Group’s activities in South Africa. In 2018 year the company opened a R73m Training Academy at Plant Rosslyn, and at Midrand head office in April 2019, a brand-new R109m Dealer Training Centre was opened to support our retail network partners.

We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning

– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa is handing over 20 BMW X3s to schools, universities and science centres around the country. The first car was handed over to Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation in May 2019, with another six following over the course of 2019. The remaining cars will be distributed over the course of the year.

A long-term commitment to Education in South Africa

“Education is the motor that drives our society and prepares the economy for the future” emphasized Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources of BMW Group.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa said this was “one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever embarked upon in this country”.

“We have a dream of people taking their life-long journey of education with BMW, from pre-school to a graduate programme and on-the-job learning. We’ve supported more than 140 schools across the country over the years, but this project plugs that gap permanently,” Mr Abbott said.The BMW Group is committed to improving education worldwide.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces annual 2019 Global Dealer Of The Year Award results

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the results of the company’s celebrated Global Dealer of the Year Awards, with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando being awarded the prestigious 2019 Global Dealer of the Year Award. The Awards included:

Global Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando

Regional Dealers of the Year: 
  1. UK, Western and Southern Europe, Russia: Avilon, Authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealer
  2. Germany, Northern and Eastern Europe: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Prague
  3. Asia Pacific: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Phnom Penh
  4. Middle East & Africa: Rolls-Royce Motor AGMC, Dubai
  5. Greater China: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Shenzhen
Additional Awards: 
  1. Global Sales Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beijing
  2. Ownership Services Dealer of the Year: Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive
  3. Global Provenance Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo
  4. Global Bespoke Dealer of the Year: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Toronto

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “I am proud to announce the results of our annual Global Dealer of the Year Awards. I congratulate all the successful dealers, but especially Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando – a professional, well-organised and high performing team, with outstanding achievement in all key areas of the business. A worthy overall winner.”

Rolls-Royce motor cars are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide through a global network of 135 dealerships. The dealers support the business’ ongoing dedication to customer hypercentricity, putting the marque’s extraordinary clients at the very heart of the Rolls-Royce brand.

Are Green cars safer than ‘normal’ cars?

vuyi on July 3, 2020

Songo Didiza, a true ‘greenie’, entrepreneur and green economy expert is the founder of Green Building Design Group. She is a contributor for Driving In Heels, focusing on green mobility in the motoring sector

This past December holiday I was overjoyed to join my sisters on our annual Ubuntu road trip to the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. The trip was particularly interesting because some of our party were on Honda sponsored motorcycles whilst others we cocooned in the comfort of the spacious 7 seater Isuzu mu-X. We travelled a distance of over 2000kms of tarmac and rough wild coast terrain which was evenly matched by both the adventure motorcycles and the dynamically powered SUV.

The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’

– Songo didiza, founder – green building design group

Our drive was pleasantly uneventful, that is until we turned off the highway and headed towards Coffee Bay when driver and riders had to employ some pretty nimble skills in order to manoeuvre between gigantic sized potholes and stray animals. It got me wondering if there were any electric vehicles (EV) on the market that would be up for this challenge? 

As an EV pundit, I must say I had to scratch my head for this one. (In my previous article I had touched on the safety of EVs. This was addressed from a performance perspective. It was clear as the EV technology improves that these cars can also be held to the same performance standards as convention internal combustion engines). The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’

Before I delve into the safety and durability of EVs we need to understand the different types that are out there on the market. 

There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs), classed by the degree that electricity is used as their energy source. BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, PHEVs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles.  

Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs (and more frequently called EVs), are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no petrol/diesel engines. Battery electric vehicles store electricity on board with high capacity battery packs. Two of these are currently available in South Africa in the form of the BMWi3, Jaguar I-PACE and the Nissan LEAF. Two of these are suitable for city driving. They are not recommended for long distance drives at the moment ( > 1000 kms).  

Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs, are hybrid vehicles powered by both petrol/diesel and electricity. The electric energy is generated by the car’s own braking system to recharge the battery. This is called ‘regenerative braking’ which is a process where the electric motor helps to slow the vehicle and uses some of the energy normally converted to heat by the brakes. Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric batteries to power electric motors. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV gets all its energy from petrol, however, the HEV’s engine is smaller and maybe run at various speeds, providing more efficiency. The Toyota Prius is one of the most commonly available HEVs within the global car market. All Prius’ sold in South Africa are HEVs. 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEVs can recharge the battery through both regenerative braking and ‘plugging in’ to an external source of electrical power. PHEVs have batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an electric power source. It shares the characteristics of both conventional hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, having an internal combustion engine and batteries for power. 

While ‘standard’ hybrids can (at low speed) go about 1-3 kms before the gasoline engine turns on, PHEV models can go anywhere from 16-64 kms before their petrol/diesel engines provide assistance. Hybrid cars are all the rage these days with every automobile manufacturer moving into the forte to make its mark. Whether you are driving a cost-effective Toyota Prius or a costly BMW i8 these provide the owner with benefits like better fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions. 

Launch of the 2020 BMW Lifestyle collections

vuyi on July 1, 2020

 The pleasure of driving can be experienced not only with BMW vehicles, but also with new products from the BMW Lifestyle collections. The focus of all BMW collection items is on striking design and first-class, durable quality.

BMW COLLECTION. Simplicity that is full of ideas.

The core of the collections is the classic BMW COLLECTION. The design concept is modern, functional and urban – always based on the well-known BMW vehicle design. Minimalist, timeless products provide more freedom in everyday life thanks to smart functions.

The range is supplemented by lifestyle articles such as the BMW LOGO T-SHIRT for women with a large BMW logo for fans of the brand. Strong, harmonious colours underline a modern, self-confident style. In addition to subtly elegant shades such as sand and midnight navy, the trend colour orange ensures an expressive look.

The highlights of the collection include the BMW SOFT DOWN JACKET for men and women and the BMW CHRONOGRAPH with BMW kidney design. BMW is also introducing innovations in lifestyle accessories. In addition to the popular BMW THERMAL MUG for hot drinks, the BMW LUNCH CUP THERMAL for muesli etc. as well as for hot meals is perfect for everyday work and leisure.

  • Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
  • Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
  • Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
  • Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
 
BMW COLLECTION. Confident style.

The BMW COLLECTION is complemented by accessories and lifestyle products created in cooperation with first-class premium brands. Among other things, the long-standing cooperation MONTBLANC FOR BMW uses BMW design for exquisite writing instruments, luggage and the finest leather goods that are made in Italy. This year, the products of this cooperation feature the embossed MONTBLANC FOR BMW pattern and royal blue jacquard lining.

New products of the cooperation include the MONTBLANC FOR BMW BACKPACK, which is made of Italian leather with an embossed pocket. The generous compartments inside offer enough space for various utensils as well as a laptop.

The new MONTBLANC FOR BMW LIQUID POUCH made of PVC with details made of Italian leather is also a smart addition to the existing luggage of the MONTBLANC FOR BMW cooperation.

Other products from cooperations are the high-quality HORIZN STUDIOS FOR BMW BOARDCASE and TROLLEY.

  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
 
BMW M COLLECTION. Power meets performance.

The design of the BMW M COLLECTION reflects the strong combination of high-performance technologies and experienced craftsmanship, which is also a decisive factor in the design of the BMW M vehicle models. A strong colour scheme, modern and high-quality materials, innovative textile features and the BMW M branding characterise the collection. The red is based on the Toronto red vehicle colour and underlines the sporty designs of the BMW M COLLECTION. The colour of the golden BMW M brake calliper in combination with classic black creates a dynamic and high-quality look.

The highlights of the new collection include the reversible BMW M JACKET for women, the BMW M SWEATJACKET for men with an intelligent ‘watch window’ and the BMW M BOARDCASE in gold.

  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
 
BMW M MOTORSPORT COLLECTION. Made for fans.

The BMW M MOTORSPORT COLLECTION features a modern, sporty design based on the legendary look of BMW motorsport. The unmistakable BMW M stripes in combination with black and white prominently present the new BMW M motorsport brand identity. The self-confident branding in combination with colour blocking and cool, graphic elements gives the collection its modern, avant-garde character.

New highlight products in 2020 complete the collection with the BMW M MOTORSPORT PUMA LEADCAT SHOES, a sporty slip-on shoe for both men and women for the gym, at the swimming pool or simply at home.

The BMW M MOTORSPORT WATCH, a three-hand watch with silicone strap in the distinctive BMW M motorsport design, rounds off the look for all motorsports fans.

  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
  • Image courtesy of BMW South Africa
 
BMW KIDS COLLECTION. Great BMW driving fun for the little ones.

The dream of owning a BMW is now becoming even more real for the smallest BMW fans with the BMW KIDS COLLECTION. The popular BMW BABYRACER III is getting an electric boost. The new BMW M8 GTE RIDEON and the BMW i8 RIDEON ensure active driving pleasure. Genuine BMW engine sounds, lighting effects and opening doors transform children’s rooms and gardens into a racetrack. With the integrated MP3 interface for playing music and audio files, the little ones don’t have to miss out.

The BMW Lifestyle collections are now available to order and purchase at selected BMW dealerships, and at BMW South Africa’s online store.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Fuel Tank

vuyi on June 30, 2020

Motorists often underestimate the impact their driving style has on the fuel efficiency of their cars but the truth is that a few adjustments could make a huge difference. Here are a few useful tips to help motorists be greener and more fuel efficient drivers.

  1. Drive smoothly: Aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower your fuel mileage significantly. So, accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they also prolong the life of your brakes and tyres. 
  2. Slow down: Speeding wastes fuel, so aim for a constant speed. Driving at 90 km/h instead of 100 km/h can improve your fuel efficiency by 10 – 15%. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine, emptying the tank faster.
  3. Don’t keep your engine idling: Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when it is stationary for more than 30 seconds, this avoids unnecessary energy consumption of an idle running engine.
  4. Remove unnecessary cargo: Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your boot or on your back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as lightly as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.
  5. Only use A/C on the highway: Your fuel economy drops by up to 15% when you use the air conditioner at low speeds. So, if it isn’t too hot, turn off the air conditioner and roll down your windows instead. However, at 90 km/h or higher, using the air conditioner is preferable to opening windows because your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed; and because the engine produces more power at higher revs, so it is able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.
  6. Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated: Incorrect wheel alignment and under-inflated tyres lead to increased resistance between the tyres and the road. This makes your engine work harder than it ordinarily would, leading to higher fuel consumption, and increased wear on the tyres. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before and after a long distance drive. Alignment should be checked at least every six months, or after run-ins with potholes.

3 Ways Parents subconsciously put their toddlers in danger: Part 1

vuyi on June 30, 2020

As parents, keeping our kids safe from external factors is the norm, but what if we the parents, are the ones our kids need to be kept safe from! 

As parents, we know the importance of driving safely but not many of us consider that our own habits and practises could be more detrimental to our little occupants than the actions of other drivers around us. Here are a few behavioural traits that are harmful to the psyche of our loved ones which many of us are guilty of but can modify.

ACTION

  1. Arguing while driving

DANGEROUS SITUATION

It doesn’t happen very often but parents have been witnessed fighting, yelling and even getting physical in the car. Not only does this type of irrational behaviour distract (and amuse) other motorists, it also puts everyone in the car in grave danger and has long term negative effects on the minor passengers. 

SOLUTION

Keep the heated discussions for the privacy of your bedroom.  Not only is it emotionally unhealthy for the little ones to be exposed to the effects of the family’s dwindling finances or suspected extra marital affair, but verbal altercations can lead to reduced concentration resulting in near misses, fender bumpers or full on crashes.

ACTION

2. Speeding

DANGEROUS SITUATION

Being a working wife and mother, who also triples as a gym bunny, Michelin-star chef and support to her husband is a lot for any human being to manage on a daily basis. Hence it is understandable that a woman may find herself running late from time to time. As logical as speeding may seem it is highly imprudent and could result in death or serious injury to other motorists, yourself or your toddlers. 

SOLUTION

Time management is one of the arduous aspects of adulating, but one which could save your life and the lives of those in and around your vehicle.  Applying your make-up can wait until you get to the office parking lot or restrooms even if it does mean you may have to hold your ID picture up to your face and sign in at the main gate.

ACTION

3. Not having car insurance

DANGEROUS SITUATION

More than 80% of the cars on our roads are uninsured which means at any given time you could be driving within the proximity of 2 – 3 uninsured vehicles; which sounds scary unless yours is also uninsured in which case you would be in the company of a minimum of 4 uninsured cars. The thing about being uninsured, even at a basic level is that you run the risk of being liable for the costs of repairs of your car and that of the other vehicle(s) you may have run into.

SOLUTION

Most would agree that the responsible thing to do would be to investigate the various types of insurance policies you can sign up for which cover you for taking care of the other parties vehicle. We, however would advise that you get cover for your vehicle and occupants too so that you and your kids can receive the necessary medical attention in the event of an accident.

ACTION

DANGEROUS SITUATION

In some countries, driving distracted is ranked more dangerous than driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In our view however, regardless of the kids being in the car or not, driving without having your hands at the wheel or with your eyes fixed on the road ahead and around you is a recipe for a life threatening disaster. 

SOLUTION

For the record, distracted driving includes fiddling with the radio controls, eating and drinking, applying make-up, grooming and trying to appease the little ones among other things.

 

BMW SA partners with South African and German governments to upgrade eight hospitals in Covid-19 response

vuyi on June 30, 2020

In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else

– Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group

Midrand, South Africa – BMW’s contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19 stepped up a gear today.  In a virtual signing ceremony, CEO BMW AG Mr Oliver Zipse, Federal Minister Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany, Mr Gerd Müller together with Professor Mkhululi Lukhele: Head of Department Gauteng Department of Health, and Tim Abbott, CEO BMW South Africa, announced upgrades to eight hospitals and four clinics, in three provinces – Gauteng, North West and Limpopo.

Improvements will include the upgrade for the Soshanguve Combined Clinic, near the company’s Rosslyn manufacturing plant, to a testing and screening centre. The company has provided a fully equipped ambulance and cars for transporting patients to the various hospitals in the region.

At Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Soshanguve, the Accident and Emergency facilities will be significantly upgraded and 300 beds added.

An additional 300 beds will be added across the region, with a further 150-bed overflow facility to be provided in Bronkhorstspruit. Supplementary to this, four community clinics in Soshanguve will be provided with a supply of face masks, disinfectant and PPE.

The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program

-GERD MÜLLER, Federal Minister Economic Development

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of management of BMW Group said “In a global crisis like the Corona pandemic, solidarity matters more than anything else. We help where help is particularly needed. That is why, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Development and the South African Government, we support the development of the health infrastructure at our site in Gauteng.”

Effective assistance at the right time.

Federal Minister Economic Development, Gerd Müller, said “The project in Gauteng is part of our Corona response program, which we use to combat not only the health crisis, but also the severe economic crisis in South Africa. Here companies that are represented locally like the BMW Group are important partners in German development policy.”

We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well

– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Local partners make it all possible.

Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the plan was to intervene in an area of need at the most critical time.

 “I’m pleased we are able to co-operate with the German government in a R76m investment into eight hospitals and four community clinics across three provinces. We will provide 750 beds, an ambulance, an upgrade to Accident and Emergency facilities, additional testing and screening facilities to support our communities when they need it the most. We’re providing BMW X3s built here in Rosslyn to help transport patients as well. We build more than just cars and we need international solidarity and governments working together with the private sector during a global crisis. Together we can fight this crisis.”

 “We’ve been building cars in Rosslyn for almost five decades. We’re part of this country and we’re committed to its future. More than at any time I can remember, now is the time society needs pool its resources.”

Ongoing targeted assistance.

In April, BMW South Africa responded the call for help from the Gauteng Department of Health for donations of face masks and other protective gear for emergency services personnel.

In response, the company handed over 40 000 high-quality protective respiratory (FFP2) face masks to the department in order to help protect health services workers.

In May, BMW South Africa loaned 17 cars – mainly BMW X3s built at Rosslyn – to the Red Cross, to assist them with contact tracing and the delivery of hot meals, food parcels and the dissemination of information in rural and marginalised communities.

Seamless servicing of essential services vehicles.

Many essential services use BMW Group vehicles and it has been important to the success of the national lockdown that these people have remained mobile. Specified BMW retail partners have stayed open across the country throughout the lockdown to ensure the quick and effective servicing of these vehicles. Now, under Level Four lockdown, all BMW service centres are open for business.

This has meant that vehicles driven by the South African Police Services, Metro Police departments, medical personnel and the private vehicles of essential services workers have had the servicing and roadside assistance support they have required from the outset of the lockdown.

When do I need to consider wheel alignment?

vuyi on June 30, 2020

Alignment should be checked every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever occurs first unless you know that you have hit a pothole, or some other object, in which case it should be done immediately as a precaution.

Other facts drivers should know about wheel alignments:

  • A proper wheel alignment should best start and end with a test drive.
  • The front end and steering linkage should be checked for wear before performing an alignment.
  • The tyres should all be in good shape with even wear patterns. 
  • If you have a tyre with excessive camber wear, for instance, and you correct the alignment problem that caused that wear, the tyre will now be making only partial contact with the road
  • Pulling problems are not always related to wheel alignment.  
  • Problems with tyres (especially unequal air pressure), brakes and power steering can also be responsible.