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Illegal automotive friction materials destroyed

vuyi on February 23, 2022

By H&H Admin

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) welcomes the recent destruction of non-conforming automotive friction materials.

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) welcomes the recent destruction of non-conforming automotive friction materials at the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in Midrand.

Vishal Premlall, national director of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and Regulatory Compliance Manager at the RMI, was a guest at the event at which about R80-million worth of illicit products were destroyed.

Vishal Premlall (National Director of the South African Petroleum Retailers’ Association and Regulatory Compliance Manager at the Retail Motor Industry Organisation) and Acting CEO and Head of Automotive at the NRCS Duncan Motengwa.

Products were classified into four main categories: automotive, electronic, chemical, and legal metrology.

The automotive products destroyed included brake pads, brake shoes, headlamps, globes, foam tyre cleaners, and infant car seats. At the destruction event, Phambili Services coordinated the destruction processes, which included crushing with a baler, hammering, cutting, chemical processing, dumping into landfill sites, and, where possible, recycling.

Only 10% of the products were destroyed that day, with the balance to be destroyed over a period of three weeks.

“We are pleased to see progress and for the first time in many years; a public display of non-conforming product destruction. Now we need a database of the conforming products as a starting reference for the consumer because the continued trade in inferior products impacts the safety of road users,” he said.

*Confiscated headlamp globes being crushed by a bailer*

Premlall explained that the collaboration between the RMI and the Automotive Friction Material Industry to regulate brake friction materials has existed over an extended period, but had often been hampered with frustrating results for the parties involved.

The project seemed to lack momentum by the regulatory and compliance bodies despite the fact that the growth of brands of friction material over the past two decades has been exponential.

Most concerning, Premlall says, is there has been no means to confirm the quality and validity of these products in the local marketplace.

“The illegal trade is evolving daily. Careful tracking is essential. Accordingly, the RMI will partner efforts with all relevant stakeholders to bring guilty perpetrators to account,” he says.

*Confiscated brake pads, shoes, and linings to be destroyed*

To further this agenda, the RMI will take steps to ensure that products entering the automotive market are safe and are of acceptable manufacturing standards.

“RMI member workshops pride themselves in only dealing with reputable parts suppliers with trusted products that meet the regulatory standards. We must stand together to rid the industry of unscrupulous traders,” Premlall concludes.

The NRCS is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition and was established on 1 September 2008.

Source: Retail Motor Industry

Safety Tip of The Week: Check Your Wheel Alignment

vuyi on February 14, 2022

Incorrect wheel alignment can take a toll on your car’s tyres resulting in you having to replace them soon than expected. Misaligned wheels significantly contribute to the diminished lifespan of your tyres, so it is vital that you check your wheels’ alignment regularly.

Safety Tip of the Week: Things Expectant Moms Need To Know – Part One

vuyi on January 24, 2022

By H&H Admin

Expectant mothers have a lot to contend with, ranging from swollen feet, mood swings, nausea and the constant need to pee! Sadly, not many can afford to sit back for the duration of their pregnancy and may need to occasionally drive themselves.

Here are 4 things that expectant moms need to adjust to when driving:

Position Yourself Further Back

It is important to create space between yourself and the steering wheel & airbag whenever you drive. A distance of about 20cm to 25cm should allow you to continue to reach the controls safety but should you feel overextended, make the necessary adjustments. At this distance, the airbag would still be effective should it deploy, however, the point is to minimise the full force of its impact on your delicate cargo.

Tilt The Steering Wheel

Instead of leaving the steering wheel pointed at your abdomen, tilt it safely up towards your breastbone on account for your change in seating position. Tilting the wheel automatically changes the angle at which the airbag will deploy in the event of an accident.

Check out Part Two of this 2-part series in the link below:

Safety Tip of the Week: Things Expectant Moms Need To Know – Part Two

Remove Extra Layers

Wearing a lot of bulky, restrictive clothing is likely to make you uncomfortable when driving. Rather, stick to one layer of clothing which won’t restrict your movement.

Gauge How You Feel – Emotionally and Physically

Given all the emotional and physical changes women go through at various stages of their pregnancy, it is a good idea to check in with your body and mind before getting into the driver’s seat. Your emotions and state of mind are vital to your ability to drive safely so be honest within yourself. If you feel that you shouldn’t be at the wheel but still need to get about, get someone else to drive you instead.

The Final Word

Driving when expectant is, for the most part, safe, you wear your seatbelt correctly. If you can comfortably and safely sit at the wheel without concerns about sickness and distractions you should be fine.

It is always a good idea however, to clear any doubts you may have with your healthcare provider.

Tip of the Week: Here’s Why It’s Hard To Spot Motorcyclists

vuyi on January 10, 2022

By H&H Admin

There are many reasons why motorcyclists are not always visible to other road users; the main one is that too many motorists drive distracted.

Another relates to the simple fact that human vision has limits and cannot easily detect small objects moving at high speed.

If motorists had vision similar to that of a hawk, humans would be better equipped to identify small, fast-moving objects from afar, which would go a long way towards reducing incidents between cars and motorcycles.

The thing is, a motorcycle takes up very little space on the road compared to a car, bakkie, truck, or bus. Coupled with speed, motorcycles not only take up a small portion of space on the road but also takes up a small portion of a motorists’ vision.

If a rider is travelling at high speed, a driver may not register the rider’s presence until it seemingly ‘pops up from nowhere’.

The answer is for all road users to be vigilant at all times and aware of their surroundings. Using Bluetooth and indicators (yeas, those stalks on either side of your steering wheel), go a long way towards keeping the road a safe space for motorcyclists, and other motorists.

Safety Tip Of The Week: Don’t Drive While Tired

vuyi on December 20, 2021

By H&H Admin

As exciting as the holiday season is, it can be extremely exhausting. Especially if you have to do last minute shopping and preparations for a long road trip. Being tired could seriously impair your ability to keep safe behind the wheel, putting your family and other road users at risk.

It is highly recommended that you get a minimum of 8 hours sleep prior to setting off for your holiday destination. Also, sticking to the recommended speed limit as well as keeping a safe following distance could significantly reduce your chances of becoming a road accident statistic.

WATCH: New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Virtual Media Launch

vuyi on December 14, 2021

By H&H Admin

A new type of comfort zone is here to challenge the status quo. The 6th generation C-Class boasts minimalist design, luxurious comfort and innovative assistance systems.

Safety Tip Of The Week: Ride Within Your Comfort Zone

vuyi on December 13, 2021

By H&H Admin

Know your abilities and make sure that neither your chosen route nor motorcycle is more than you can handle.

Your bike should fit you, meaning:

You should easily be able to reach the handlebars and controls
Your feet should reach the ground
Your bike shouldn’t be too heavy for you

Also, you should familiarize yourself with your intended route prior to starting your trip. The better acquainted you are with how to reach your destination, the easier it is for you to focus on your surroundings and safety.

Lastly, always ride within your comfort level regardless of whether you are in a group or riding solo.

Car Tip Of The Week: Look Out For Motorcyclists

vuyi on December 6, 2021

Motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road and there is a need for increased vigilance for motorcyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

Too many motorists who have hit and injured a motorcyclist claim that the motorcycle “came out of nowhere.” Because of its small size, a motorbike can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots.

Take an extra moment to look for motorbikes, when you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.

Car Tip of the Week: Dangers of Fitting Illegal Tyres

vuyi on November 29, 2021

While second-hand passenger car tyres can seem like a more cost-effective alternative to purchasing brand new tyres, these are unregulated and expose road users to a major hazard.

There is a dangerous and illegal practice called ‘re-grooving’ where unscrupulous operators buy worn, used tyres and carve out the rubber of the tyre to make the tread depth appear deeper than it actually is.

The cost of buying second-hand or part-worn tyres runs deeper than the cost of a new tyre. The potential loss of vehicle control, injury or loss of life are just a few of the devastating consequences of using unsafe tyres.

No matter how desperate you feel you are, NEVER compromise on your safety, that of your family and other road users. Rather save up and purchase tyres from reputable outlets.

Car Tip of the Week: How to get the most out of your clutch

vuyi on November 22, 2021

Ideally, your car should drive smoothly and one of the best ways to ensure this is by using the clutch properly. However, bad driving habits not only cause an uncomfortable ride, but could also damage your car and clutch in particular. Here is what you should know about getting the most of your clutch:

Tips to reduce wear and tear to your clutch

Do not ride the clutch; only use it when necessary
Do not treat the clutch as a foot rest
Avoid downshifting each time you slow down the vehicle
Fully disengage the clutch between gear changes
Fully engage the clutch when changing gears
With a manual transmission, it is best to put the car in neutral and take your foot off the clutch – this will prolong the life of the clutch release bearing. When it’s time to go, just push the clutch and select first gear ready to go.

Common clutch failure symptoms

Clutch pedal makes noises when engaging and disengaging
Clutch pedal is hard to engage, or feels loose or feels ‘spongey’
Clutch pedal sticks to the floor

Should you suspect or experience any problems with your clutch, we highly recommend that you have a qualified technician attend to it immediately to avoid further damage, expensive repairs or causing an accident.