3 Things Which Help Reduce Your Monthly Insurance Premiums
Car insurance is an investment that provides peace-of-mind in the event of accidental damage or loss to your vehicle; however, it can be pricey.
Here’s Why Cancelling Your Car Insurance Is A Terrible Idea
If you don’t have insurance and are hit by an uninsured driver, your medical care won’t be covered, and neither will the repairs to your car.
Show Your Teen Some Love By Enrolling Them For A Defensive Driver Training Course
By H&H Admin
Obtaining a driver’s license signifies freedom for many teens. It is an exciting time for them but a scary one for parents.
Teens are fast learners and usually retain more of what they learn and practice much quicker than adults; which is why enrolling them in a defensive driver training course will help them learn techniques that they can use for years to come.
Why every parent should enrol their teens for defensive driver training instruction
Driving is a skill that requires dedicated training and focus and in order to survive on a daily basis, teens and new drivers need to upskill themselves behind the wheel. Although some parents take their teens to driving schools for professional guidance, the most consistent influence is parents themselves.
In spite of what teens are taught at driving schools, their training may be negated by parents who advise teens to drive as they do; and given that not all parents are equipped with defensive driving practices themselves, teens may very well pick up bad habits simply by driving with their parents.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is driving in a way that enables motorists to utilize safe driving technics to identify and address hazards in a predictable manner. Defensive driver training teaches motorists to improve their driving skills by anticipating potential threats and making safe, well-informed decisions, based on road and environmental conditions.
What is included in a defensive driver training course?
Elements of defensive driver training courses conducted by reputable training companies generally include:
- Crash prevention techniques
- The correct driver seating position
- Vehicle safety features
- Car control on different types of road surfaces
- Safe swerving around hazards (i.e., without rolling over or losing control)
- Recovery from skids
- Entering and exiting corners
- Braking dynamics
- Brake and distance recognition
- The dynamics of a car crash
- The dynamics of secondary/internal collisions
- Psychological factors of driving
Benefits of defensive driver training
Defensive driver training offers many long and short term benefits such as:
- Being taught by experienced and qualified instructors
- Reducing the risk of accidents
- Reducing fines and points
- Increased confidence when driving
- Obtaining driving skills that go beyond the basics
The goal of good driving is to reduce being involved in an accident and to that end, defensive driving training is something all motorists should consider doing, regardless of driving experience.
Just imagine how safe our roads would be if every motorist completed a defensive driver training course and implemented the safety techniques they learned. While you can’t control what happens around you, you most certainly can equip yourself to overcome risky situations you may encounter when driving.
7 Essential Items Every Motorist Should Keep In Their Car
By H&H Admin
Given the amount of time we spend in our cars we could be forgiven for treating them as if they were our second homes; so much so that there are items which we simply must keep in our cars which come in handy in emergency situations.
If you’re unfortunate enough to have a break down, you will need reflective triangles to alert other road users. Similarly, wearing a high-visibility jacket will ensure that you’re seen by other road users — this is especially vital if you’re walking to find help.
It’s a good idea to keep a spare tyre and the tools you need to use it such as a jack, wheel spanner and nut lock — otherwise, you won’t be able to change it!
A flat battery is another common reason for breakdowns. If you have a set of jumper cables, you will be able to get a jump start your car, (with the help of another driver) and be on your way in no time.
Good Samaritans aren’t very common and if you want to avoid waiting around for help, pack a portable phone charger so that you can call for help as soon as you get into trouble. you’ll be back up and running in no time.
Another essential item to keep within easy reach is a rechargeable or solar powered torch. If you can get a water resistant torch you will really have scored well as such an item will come in handy no matter the weather nor time of day (or night as the case might be).
Duct tape is something most people associate with the kid’s school project but you would be amazed how handy it is as a temporary fix for car related problems. Duct tape can hold cables together, keep a globe in place or act as a seal for a leaking pipe. Think of duct tape as the swiss army knife of the tape world and is a must-have in all toolboxes.
Keeping a fire extinguisher comes in handy in several instances ranging from (obviously) putting out a fire in your car as well as assisting others. It may not be common practice in South Africa but it is so important that it is a legal requirement in other countries.
While on the subject of fires, a pair of heat-resistant gloves is a good idea to keep in your car too as they will help you handle hot surfaces (particularly in the engine) while keeping your hands protected.
Other absolute must-have items include:
Wet wipes, sanitizer, an extra face mask, 2 red reflective triangles, a reflective vest/jacket, a well-stocked first aid box, and an umbrella.
These items are small and light and will not take up too much space in your luggage area but will definitely come in handy.
Involved in a car accident? Here’s what to do…
With international travel restricted for South Africans due to the latest COVID-19 variant, there will be an increased number of vehicles on our roads which could lead to a higher than usual rate accidents.
Volvo Cars recognised for its leadership in climate action
Volvo Cars has been recognised for its sustainability strategy by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing an A-score for its actions aimed at cutting emissions, mitigating climate risks and becoming a climate-neutral company.
This places Volvo Cars in the highest tier of CDP’s climate change list, together with only a smaller number of companies. More than 13,000 companies participated by disclosing data on their environmental impacts, risks and opportunities, and Volvo Cars’ high score reflects its position as a leader in environmental ambition and climate action.
“We are very proud to see that our hard work to cut emissions and becoming climate neutral is being recognised by CDP,” says Anders Kärrberg, Head of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars. “Receiving the prestigious A-score shows that we are on the right track, and hopefully we can inspire other companies to do even more.”
Volvo Cars aims to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and plans to roll out a whole new family of pure electric cars in coming years, one of the auto industry’s most ambitious electrification plans. This is part of its ambition to become a climate neutral company by 2040, as it works to consistently cut carbon emissions across its business.
The company seeks to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint per average car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025, including through reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain by 25 per cent by 2025.
Volvo Cars is taking active steps to address these emissions, including through planned collaborations with Swedish steel maker SSAB to develop fossil free steel and with Swedish battery company Northvolt to develop and manufacture the next generation of sustainable battery cells.
In conjunction with signing the zero emission road transport declaration at the UN climate change conference COP26 in November, Volvo Cars also introduced an internal carbon price of 1,000 SEK for every tonne of carbon emissions from across its entire business, becoming the first car maker to implement such a carbon pricing mechanism across its complete operations.
The panoramic sunroof is the most popular optional feature in the Volkswagen model range
Press Release: Volkswagen South Africa
Of the 55 737 Volkswagen cars (including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles) sold in the first 10 months of 2021, the majority of them were sold with the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof – making it the most popular optional feature across the model range.
“The panoramic sunroof is especially popular in the Polo GTI and Golf GTI model ranges, which have seen 90% of all of these vehicles being sold with this optional feature. The panoramic sunroof is a standard feature in the Golf R and Touareg. The only reason we do not have a 100% uptake in the GTI models is due to the fact that some of our corporate customers do not opt for the panoramic sunroof for their fleets,” said Steffen Knapp, head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand.
The panoramic sunroof was also the most selected optional feature in the Tiguan model range. In the outgoing Caddy model range however, only the fixed sunroof is available and this was the most popular optional feature in 2021.
In the T-Cross and the T-Roc model ranges, Park Assist with the rear view camera was the most popular. In the Touareg, the Advanced Safety Package, which consists of Lane Assist and Side Assist with Night Vision and Head-up display, was the most selected optional feature in 2021.
Due to the utilitarian nature of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and particularly the Amarok, the best-selling optional feature was the heavy duty suspension and tow bar which enhances durability and practicality.
The Volkswagen model range has a host of class-leading driver assistance systems. The Advanced Safety Package was the best-selling driver assistance system with 80% of Touaregs sold in South Africa having this feature.
In the Kombi range, Trailer Manoeuvring Assist was the most popular optional feature. Due to its size, most Crafter customers ordered Park Assist with the rear view camera for improved visibility and manoeuvrability.
A total of 41 exterior colours (solid paint, metallic paint and pearlescent paint) are offered in the Volkswagen range and Pure White was the best-selling exterior colour.
Drive Defensively For A Safer Holiday Season
Compiled by H&H Admin
December is the most eagerly anticipated time of the year. It is also the most dangerous time to drive.
Wikipedia defines defensive driving as driving to save lives, time, and money, despite the conditions around you and the actions of others.
You may have covered the basic principles but you may have forgotten them over time, so it’s important to refresh your memory and stay abreast of current trends.
Here are a few practical steps that you can take to increase your safety and that of your loved ones.
There are, essentially, three principles to defensive driving.
1. Put safety first by following the rules of the road
- Speed kills, as you have less control of your vehicle and less time to react to hazards on the road. So, go easy on the accelerator.
- Obey traffic signs and lights. They are there to maintain a rules-based road network and, if everyone followed them, it would drastically reduce road dangers.
- Tailor your driving style to the weather. For instance, if there are Highveld storms, visibility is reduced, so cut your speed, increase following distances, and turn on your lights or hazards.
- Office parties are a great way to end the year but don’t drive under the influence of alcohol, or when you’re sleep-deprived.
2. Be courteous on the roads, but never assume it of other drivers
Manners cost nothing. It could mean letting someone into your lane or showing gratitude to other courteous drivers. If everyone drove with manners and predictability, the roads would be a much safer place.
As we all know, however, not everyone does. So, assume the worst of others and drive accordingly. Give everyone ample space, and you’ll protect yourself, no matter what they do.
3. Keep your car running optimally with regular maintenance
Defensive manoeuvres such as quick braking and swerving to avoid dangers will only work if your car is capable. Ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, especially before a long trip over the holidays.
Top up your car’s fluids. Ensure hoses and belts are in good condition and properly attached. Make sure your tyres, as well as the spare, are in good shape and inflated to the correct pressure.
Let’s look at the unique challenges motorists face on South African roads
- Lack of road maintenance, such as potholes, streetlights not working, non-existent signage, and soft or deep road edges means our country’s roads are a disaster waiting to happen. Drive accordingly.
- Nature can also be a threat, especially flooded roads after torrential rain. Stay alert to official warnings. Listen to radio traffic reports. Increase following distances. And make sure your tyres are in good condition and have ample tread.
- Stay alert for stray animals, (domestic and wild), pedestrians, cyclists and bikers on the roads.
- Criminals lay spikes on the road to puncture tyres. Motorists are forced to stop and in so doing, become vulnerable to attacks and robberies.
- Don’t drive over anything in the road, such as plastic bags, as these can be used to disguise spikes. Keep a safe following distance so their driving behaviour can alert you to potential threats.
And remember, you’re on holiday and it starts from the moment you hit the road. Don’t be in such a rush that you forget to enjoy the journey. Take a break every two hours to stretch your legs. You’ll stay fresh and alert to dangers.
Start your preparation for the holiday season by ensuring your tyres are in top condition.
Source: TI Auto
A Million Reasons To Choose Chery
by H&h Admin
Chery South Africa is giving South African motorists a million reasons to choose its modern and stylish SUVs.
Chery South Africa is giving South African motorists a million reasons to choose its modern and stylish SUVs.
The company recently launched its Tiggo 4 Pro with an astonishing 10-year or 1-million-kilometre engine warranty. This beats the best industry warranties by 40%.
The warranty has two elements. A standard 5-year / 150 000 km factory warranty applies to all new Tiggo 4 Pro models sold. This warranty remains with the vehicle. The second, a free extension for another 5 years and a massive 850 000 km focussed on the engine, is added automatically at the end of the first warranty, provided that the vehicle is still owned by the original owner.
As is the standard practice throughout the industry, the warranty requires the service and repair of the vehicle by Chery Dealerships, within Chery standards and using original Chery parts and components.
Added to this industry leading warranty, Chery recently announced its agreement with the Automobile Association of South Africa to provide roadside assistance and support for five years unlimited kilometres. This means that Chery owners can expect roadside support – with services ranging from help with flat tyres or batteries to safe overnight vehicle storage in case of an accident.
In the past decade, Chery has completely reinvented itself as a global design, engineering and manufacturing powerhouse.
“Modern Chery vehicles represent the best in terms of technology and performance while meeting CNCAP five-star safety standards,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa.
At the same time, explains Liu, Chery has partnered with industry leaders like Aisin, Getrag, Bosch and Schaeffler to perfect its internal combustion, hybrid and all-electric powertrains. All this forms part of Chery’s 457 plan, which will see Chery focus on four new energy product platforms, five universal subsystems and seven core technologies, including all types of propulsion.
“We have invested heavily in our own capabilities and now employ over 5 500 people in our Research and Development department that now develops everything from traditional petrol engines to all-electric powertrains, hydrogen systems and even aeronautical engines.
“It is with this in mind that we are supremely confident in offering this decade-long, 1-million-kilometre engine warranty,” says Liu.
Chery has partnered with 30 dealers across South Africa and will soon expand its partnership to more dealers with the aim of offering complete coverage of all the major towns and cities. This will ensure that Chery owners have easy access to Chery technical specialists for services and warranty support.
“We hope the 1-million-kilometre engine warranty will set the benchmark and that our service and parts support through our dealer network will seal the deal. There is now no reason at all not to test drive a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro,” says Liu.
Toyota Hiace Ses’fikile Now Equipped with Active Safety Systems
Toyota’s venerable people mover, the Hiace Ses’fikile, serves as the lifeblood of the South African economy, shuttling people to work and back home.
Following the addition of the driver guard in January this year, Toyota South Africa is pleased to announce the addition of a range of active safety systems to the Hiace – in the pursuit of enhanced safety for all occupants.
Headlining the change is Vehicle Stability Control, which is complemented by Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Traction Control (TRC). These new functions join the existing ABS system, to provide enhanced safety while assisting the driver to maintain vehicle control when conditions require.
Emergency Brake signal (flashing of vehicle taillamps to warn other road users), forms part of the safety spec upgrades, as well as a new. A new hooter design with enhanced durability has also been included.
Model Line-up & Pricing
Hiace Ses’fikile 2.7 16-seater – R 478 500
Hiace Ses’fikile 2.5 Diesel 16-seater – R 508 300
Peace of Mind
All models are sold with a 6-services/60 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are set as 12-months/10 000 km. Customers can also purchase service plan and warranty upgrades from any of the 220 Toyota dealers nationwide.
Car Filters and Their Purpose: A Quick Look at the Unassuming Oil Filter
Engine oil is necessary to lubricate the numerous components within the car’s engine that work together to make a vehicle run. Without oil, the engine would quickly overheat and the many parts within it would wear out prematurely.
An oil filter is a component in your car’s engine which filters the oil and is about the size of a can of tinned fish. But, every time oil circulates through the engine it can become contaminated. Contaminates can be anything such as specks of dirt, tiny stones, or chips of stones and pieces of metal or glass.
Should any of these get into the engine oil stream, they could rub against key engine parts or get lodged between different engine parts and could cause severe damage. The type of damage could range from worn bearings, blockage of air to oil jackets and jammed hydraulic lifters, to mention a few.
Reasons Why Your Filter Needs To Be Changed:
Over time, as the filter attracts impurities, it begins to get clogged up and slowly stops working as effectively as it could. When the filter becomes too blocked up to do its job properly, dirty oil begins (and continues) to circulate within your car’s engine. Therefore it is extremely important that you have your car serviced timeously as this is when the oil filter is replaced.
A failing oil filter will allow impurities to pass through and slow down the delivery of oil, leading to early engine wear, poor performance, or even complete engine failure.
1. Poor Performance
Poor performance can be any number of things, the most noticeable being that when you press down on the accelerator your car does not respond instantly. Instead, you will notice that there is a slight delay before power kicks in.
That said, this type of damage is not exclusive to a failing oil filter but could also be an indication of a carburetor problem, a clogged air filter, or a blocked fuel filter, among a myriad of things.
2. Terrifying Metallic Sound
When there isn’t sufficient oil to lubricate the various parts within the engine, the result is a startling metallic sound as a result of the engine parts grinding against each other. Should you hear this type of sound, pull over immediately and turn off the engine to cut power to the engine and stop the parts from moving. Failure to do so could result in your engine seizing.
3. Low Oil Pressure
Should you notice a dip in your oil pressure gauge, chances you have an oil pressure problem. Oil pressure drops can be caused by a clogged filter or a serious oil leak. No matter the cause, if your oil pressure gauge drops quickly, pull over and call for a tow. Do not continue driving as this could be a death sentence to your engine.
4. Dirty Exhaust
A clogged oil filter can also affect your vehicle’s exhaust system. One of the most common tell-tale signs of a clogged oil filter is seeing smoke coming out of your tailpipe (and not just the normal wisp of white smoke which gets emitted when you start the car on a cold day). Rather, brown or black smoke could be an indication that your vehicle is burning an excessive amount of oil or fuel.
While the fuel filter is generally an inexpensive component, it has the potential to cause incredibly extensive and expensive damage; and as with many car-related problems taking your vehicle for service at regular intervals could save you time and money.
First ever all-Black African Team Enters Kyalami 9-Hour Race
Press Release: South African GT Racing Association
When the teams line up on the grid for the start of the Kyalami 9-Hour race on Saturday, 4th December, a piece of South African motorsport history will be made with the appearance of the first all-Black African team tackling the famous race.
The final round of the Intercontinental GT Championship will see Xolile Letlaka, Tschops Sipuka and Philip Kekana take on the best GT3 racers in the world behind the wheel of their Into Africa Mining Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.
Letlaka and Sipuka raced their Huracan GT3 to two victories and a second place finish from their four starts in the 2021 SA Endurance Series, providing a taste of things to come in the Kyalami 9-Hour where they will be aiming to win the National Class. Despite missing the first round of the Endurance series, and a non-finish at the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) round, Letlaka and Sipuka lie third in the championship standings.
48-year-old businessman Xolile Letlaka became the first man of colour to win a round of the Endurance series last year, his first race in a pukka GT3 car, teamed with Charl Arangies.
“It will probably be one of the proudest days of my life”, said Letlaka about how he will feel when standing on the grid with his teammates while the National Anthem is played. “Fielding a team with two drivers who grew up in rural villages in the Eastern Cape and one from Soweto speaks to my motto of “we lift as we rise.”
Tschops Sipuka needs no introduction to SA motorsport fans. He won the Polo Cup title in 2002 and 2003 before progressing into production cars in a factory-backed Audi. After a seven year absence from the sport, he returned to GTC racing in 2019, winning the East London round. The 43-year old Sipuka raced a Mercedes Supertruck and tested an Indy Lights car during his varied career.
“It will be an honour to showcase ourselves on an international stage,” said Sipuka. “Consistency and speed will be our watchwords. The Kyalami 9-Hour is going to be a very special moment for our team.”
Philip Kekana is both excited and nervous about his GT3 racing debut; having been out of the sport for a long time, he is relishing his test session ahead of the big race.
“It’s going to be a steep learning curve for me; I have to become accustomed to the car – understand how the machine works and how far I can push it. I was very excited when Xolile called to offer me the drive. I’ve been training hard since then”, said the 55-year-old Sowetan resident.
Kekana started racing Group N cars in 1997 before winning the title in 2002 and hopes the Into Africa Mining team will inspire young black children to take a bigger interest in motorsport, especially from an engineering perspective.
