Fogged up windows are both dangerous and frustrating and although it may seem like the quickest way to deal with fogged windows is to simply wipe them with your hand – that is not a safe solution.
What causes your windows to fog up?
Understand that warm air holds more water vapor than cold air, and the warm air inside your car absorbs moisture from your breath and other damp items within your car. When it’s cold, the outside air cools the glass on your car (windows, windscreens, mirrors, etc), making it possible for the moist air inside the car to condense and fog up the glass.
While it might seem like the quickest way to deal with fogged up glass is to simply wipe it off with a cloth, your hand or a piece of tissue, but that is not the solution. The safe option is to adjust the environment that is causing the fog so that more condensation doesn’t form.
How to Defog Your Windows When It’s Cold
In cold temperatures, the answer to defogging your windows – and keeping them clear – is warm, dry air. Simply turn on your car’s heater and air-conditioner to warm up and dry the inside air. Don’t forget to adjust the vents towards the glass so that the warm air is directed at it. Once the glass is clear you can turn off or lower the temperature of the heater and air-con.
Tip
Another say to reduce fog from forming on your windows is to simply keep them clean and clear, particularly the inside of the glass. When dirt and fog combine, your visibility is drastically reduced. Regularly use window cleaner to help prevent fog from forming to begin with.
The difference between a service and maintenance plan can be stressful and easily misunderstood but in this article we clarify the differences and take the confusion out of the two.
What Is a Car Maintenance Plan?
A car maintenance plan is more comprehensive than a service plan. It covers both the labour and expenses of parts while also providing cover for wear and tear replacement items such as fuses, wiper blades, and brake pads. A vehicle maintenance plan also covers mechanical components such as the gearbox, engine, and exhaust system. Windscreens, alignment, and tyres are not covered in maintenance plans.
What Are The Benefits Of A Maintenance Plan?
Fixed and affordable monthly premiums for regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance.
Specified item wear and tear cover.
Qualified technicians and professional service.
Remain unaffected by the ripple effect of inflation on labour and parts cost increases.
A maintenance plan differs from a service plan in that it provides cover for the more important and costly replacement parts of the vehicle. A service plan, on the other hand, is somewhat different.
What Is A Vehicle Service Plan?
A service plan covers the cost of regular services on your car as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. In essence, a service plan pays for the servicing of your car – either on an annual basis or according to the vehicle manufacturer’s mileage requirements. Service plan lengths are generally stipulated by the manufacturer and the cost of the plan is affected by the make and model of the vehicle, with luxury and sports vehicle owners paying more for service plans. Replaceable items on your car that are predetermined by the manufacturer to keep your car running perfectly such as oil, air filters, and spark plugs form part of the service plan. Other items included in the service plan are cam belts, brake fluid, and coolant. Labour is also covered in a service plan.
While many perceive a service plan to be comprehensive, the reality is that a service plan is not enough to safeguard you against the financial strain that comes with owning and maintaining a vehicle. For example, here is a list of general service plan exclusions.
What Does A Service Plan Not Cover?
Accessories, electrical wiring items, wheels, wheel alignment, tyres, and all glass such as windshields and car windows.
Paint and bodywork brought on by standard wear and tear.
Maintenance and repair work caused by abuse and misuse of the vehicle, damage caused by an accident, and damage caused by negligence.
These are only a few exclusions and service plans should be read through carefully for a thorough understanding of how the plan works, what it covers, and what the general exclusions are.
What Are The Benefits Of A Service Plan?
A service plan assists vehicle owners to ensure that the future services of their car are taken care of in advance and helps avoid budget interruptions that may take months to recover from. Service plans also help drivers avoid car breakdowns and additional towing fees.
Every driver will attest to the driving pleasure of an efficiently running car. A fully serviced vehicle is a pleasure to drive and costs less to maintain in the long run.
A well-looked-after vehicle that is regularly serviced can be sold at a higher value because the vehicle is in good condition and has an up-to-date service history.
Parts on your car will be replaced with components specific to the make, model, and chassis number of the car.
The final and most important benefit is that a service plan will not only provide you with peace of mind but with great driving experiences and many unforgettable road trip memories.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Service Plan?
A service plan provides cover for serviceable parts only.
A service plan could limit your services to approved centres only.
A service plan does not provide cover for the wear and tear of parts.
Service plans are a good addition to comprehensive car insurance as it allows for a broader range of financial cover for your vehicle. With the basics of service and maintenance plans for vehicles covered, here are a few more terms as well as their explanations that will serve you, the driver well and possibly save you some money by providing you with the necessary information to make the best motor plan decision.
When it comes to motorcycling, there is no such thing as weather that is too wet, too cold or too hot, it all depends on having the right outfit.
BMW was the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to present its own complete rider equipment. At that time the gear was made of impregnated cowhide, but was equipped with protective zones as well as safety reflectors to increase visibility at night. This proved to be the starting signal for an unprecedented success story.
The world’s largest range of motorcycle rider equipment.
In the following decades, BMW Motorrad consistently followed its goal to make motorcycling as safe and as comfortable as possible as well as fashionably attractive and stylish.
Today it offers an unparalleled range of rider equipment surpassing all motorcycle manufacturers – always driven by the developers’ urge to make existing products even better and to develop new innovative solutions to make motorcycle riding even more fun and carefree.
More than 100 new rider equipment products for the 2023 motorcycling season.
For the coming season, BMW Motorrad presents the Gear & Garment Collection 2023 with more than 100 new products ranging from helmets, gloves and boots to rider suits, jackets, trousers, casual wear, functional wear and accessories. Developed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists, with enthusiasm, passion and a lot of love for functional details and stylish design.
To keep everyone safe on the road, car safety standards are typically heavily regulated and very strictly enforced globally.
In regions like Europe, there are very specific criteria that have to be met for a car to pass as roadworthy, and the penalties attached to not meeting those criteria are heavy. However, in South Africa, the laws are a bit vague, which makes it harder for car owners to know for certain if their vehicles are completely compliant.
Car Bodywork And Windows
Firstly, your car’s bodywork needs to be intact and in good condition. This means there should be no obvious signs of rust or damage that may cause the vehicle to be a danger to surrounding vehicles, bikers, cyclists or pedestrians.
Any panels that are loose, hanging, dragging, or sticking out are considered dangerous and need to be fixed. Your doors need to all be in good working condition, and handles should work on both the inside and the outside of the vehicle for safety reasons.
The same applies to all windows that can be rolled down, and both your windscreen and back window need to be clean and free from cracks, with windscreen wipers that are still in good working condition.
Wheels And Lights
Your tyres are a vital safety element of your vehicle and need to be kept in good condition. Legally, this means your tread should be at least 1.6mm deep – if you find the rubber has worn down below this depth, it’s time for a new set. The tyres also need to be of the correct size for your vehicle.
Check that all your lights are in good working order by turning them on and off and ensuring everything from your indicator lights to the fog lamps and brights are still operational.
Undercarriage And Engine Compartment
Check that your car’s brakes are in working order and that the brake pads are still in good condition. Look out for any rust formation under your vehicle, as this is often not spotted until it starts giving functional problems. Ensure that all components are still well-secured to the framework and that nothing is dragging or loose.
In your engine compartment, make sure that the battery is still secure and that no deposits have formed on the terminals. Also, look out for any loose components or wiring that looks unsecured.
Once you’ve gone through all of these checks, the last important check is to test all of your car’s seat belts to ensure they’re still working like they’re supposed to.
If you notice any issues or aren’t confident about your car’s current condition, it’s best to book it at a car repair workshop for a quick check. After all, safety and prevention are key.
Anyone who talks about the US customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, and now, for the first time, Kodlin has customized a BMW R 18 B.
Anyone who talks about the US customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, from radically modified creations to sophisticated new designs. He was the very first non-US citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame; and now, for the first time, Fred Kodlin has set about customizing a BMW R 18 B.
BMW R 18 B: The perfect bike for customizing.
Featured at the 2023 Daytona Bike Week in Florida recently, the customized R 18 B HEAVY DUTY is a spectacular work of functional ‘art’.
Viewed from the side, the fly-line drops sharply to the rear from the chopped windshield taken from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range and finally runs harmoniously into the side cases made by Kodlin out of glass fibre-reinforced plastic and the low rear end.
From the top the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY is characterised by a strong waistline in the seat area and a flowing connection to the side cases.
Finally, the technical chassis highlight is an air suspension system at the front and rear, supported by a compressor placed barely visibly behind the left side case. This allows the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY to be lowered and raised in a fraction of a second.
A front spoiler including a 3-colour underfloor lighting system and a front mudguard, are also made of sheet metal, with the mudguard fitting snugly around the 21-inch front wheel.
Kodlin also created a corresponding counterpart for the rear wheel from two R 18 B rear mudguards joined together, in which the rear and side indicator lights are integrated in a very discreet manner.
R 18 B boasts loudspeakers by Marshall and has an amplifier fitted inside.
The customizing job is rounded off by a seat made by Kodlin and an instrument cover with covers made of Alcantara and imitation leather, as well as specially made handlebars and a self-created exhaust system.
Elaborate paintwork by tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell
Marcel Sinnwell has painted other Kodlin showbikes in the past.
For this project, the colour gradients were completely airbrushed with translucent paint. The inspiration for this was the mixing of colour pigments in the paint and especially the way they form streaks in the milky basecoat when first stirred. The result goes along very well with the Daytona Bike Week, where complex and colourful paint schemes are more than just good form.
Additional design touches on the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY are provided by hand-painted pinstripes and an airbrushed pattern on the rear mudguard that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad”.
The brake callipers, gearshift and foot brake levers and footrests, however, are BMW Motorrad standard components that have been colour-matched.
Extended car warranty is something not many people understand nor believe they should have, but with more and more people keeping their vehicles for longer than ever before, having it might just be a cost effective idea.
An extended car warranty is an additional form of insurance that covers the electrical and mechanical components of a vehicle in the event of damage or mechanical failure. The value of the plan taken directly affects the level of cover provided by the insurer.
While some people choose to purchase an extended warranty when purchasing a new car, others prefer to wait until just before the service or maintenance agreement of their vehicle ends.
What Does An Extended Warranty Cover?
Extended motor plans generally provide cover for expensive and unforeseen repairs such as mechanical breakdowns or electrical failures should they occur during the extended warranty agreement.
What Do Extended Warranties Not Provide Cover For?
Extended warranties generally do not cover scheduled service or maintenance components such as tune-ups, timing belt replacements, and oil changes. The majority of extended warranties also do not cover wear and tear items such as wiper blades and brake pads.
Here are 3 things vehicle owners should know about extended warranties:
Extended warranties do not necessarily need to be purchased on the same day as your vehicle. If, however, you are purchasing your vehicle using a car finance plan, then purchasing the warranty at the same time is advantageous as the cost for the extended warranty will be included in the loan.
Keep an up-to-date service and maintenance schedule as your cover can be affected by breaks in between scheduled service and maintenance.
Always check to make sure whether extended warranty plans are a prerequisite for financing, as this may not always be the case.
As with any warranty cover, it is vital to read through and understand the fine print before deciding to purchase. Navigating your way through any motor vehicle related documentation can be confusing and frustrating, which is why we highly recommend that you always consult an industry professional to shed light on complicated terminology and legalese!
Thanks to modern automotive innovation, most cars are now equipped with electronic components that can be monitored and checked without taking apart the entire system and manually inspecting each part.
Car diagnostic tests take a great deal of guesswork out of assessments and can identify the source of problems quickly and efficiently. They’re also easily accessible and can be done at a good service workshop.
Here’s what you can expect to learn from a diagnostic test.
What Does A Car Diagnostic Test Do?
Car diagnostics are typically run when your car’s ‘check engine’ light comes on, or if any of the other warning lights on your dashboard light up and stay on for an extended period of time. These warning lights don’t specify exactly what the problem is, as it could be one of several potential issues. However, a car diagnostic test will scan your car’s components one by one, and flag anything that doesn’t check out. From there, the automotive specialist will determine what needs fixing or which parts need replacing.
What Gets Checked?
All the major components of your car get checked, including the engine, exhaust system, brakes, airflow, transmission, and sensors. A diagnostic test also detects problems before they become obvious, potentially saving you thousands of Rands in repair costs down the line.
When Should You Get A Diagnostic Test Done?
There’s never a bad time to have your car checked, as it could help identify problems before they worsen. If your car has been feeling a bit ‘off’ or if any warning lights have turned on but you haven’t quite figure out what the problem is, it’s best to book an appointment for a diagnostic test as soon as possible.
A ‘check engine’ light or other warning light coming on does not always mean there’s a serious issue with your vehicle; at times it could be as simple as a bolt becoming loose or a faulty cable.
Car diagnostic tests are fairly quick to conduct but are crucial to keeping your car in perfect running condition. Whether you currently have a problem with your vehicle or simply want to get ahead of any potentially serious issues, taking it to a reputable car service workshop could be a worthwhile investment.
For expectant mothers, the thought of being in a car accident is a very scary thing to contemplate. In addition to the injuries the mother can sustain, the growing baby can also sustain a variety of injuries.
Pregnant women who are involved in car accidents may face more serious damages and expenses than other injured people.
This is due to the increased cost of monitoring the health of the pregnancy, the increased number of visits to the gynae, and, potentially, the need to treat your baby for any injuries stemming from the accident.
What Types of Injuries Can Occur After a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Miscarriage
The baby is very well protected in its amniotic fluid, so unless the stomach and uterus is punctured, or the woman undergoes a period of cardiac arrest, without breathing, the baby should survive. A miscarriage is rare in the case of most accidents, but you should still get checked as soon as possible.
Premature Birth
Preterm birth is the birth of an infant prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. A car accident can cause premature birth because of the stress put on the mother’s body during and after the accident.
Birth Defects
Direct injuries to the fetus or the baby being born prematurely as the result of a car accident can cause birth defects. Injured and premature babies do not always develop serious disabilities. The earlier a baby is born and the more severe the injuries; the higher the risk for disabilities.
High-risk Pregnancy
Pregnancies are labelled “high-risk” when there are complications with either the mother or the baby that need careful monitoring and observation. Many times, high-risk pregnancies are labelled as such because of a pre-existing medical condition of the mother. However, a high-risk pregnancy can develop after the mother incurs health problems due to a car accident.
Coup and Contrecoup Injuries
When a moving object impacts the head while stationary, a Coup injury can occur, while Contrecoup injuries are produced when the moving head strikes a stationary object. These injuries often happen during car accidents.
The mother is more likely to be affected by Coup and Contrecoup injuries, but her unborn child can also be injured. In the case of an unborn baby, this type of injury is commonly referred to as “shaken baby syndrome.”
Placental Abruption
A placental abruption is a serious condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before your baby is born. Abdominal trauma sustained during a car accident increases a mother’s chances of placental abruption.
Fetal Trauma
Fetal deaths can occur as a result of a car accidents. Injuries to the baby’s body and or brain can have long-term, life-threatening results. Fetal trauma can result during a car accident from a blow to the mother’s abdomen, or a lack of oxygen if the mother is in distress, but there are other infections and injuries which can have the same results.
How to Prevent Pregnancy Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents:
Driving may become more uncomfortable as you progress in your pregnancy, but there is no reason you can’t use a car while pregnant. As long as you can fit behind the wheel comfortably, feel free to drive unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Use these tips to stay safe while driving:
Follow the rules of the road. You are protecting your unborn child. Many accidents are caused by failing to obey traffic laws and not leaving enough space between your vehicle and others.
Make sure you are comfortable in the car. Plan your route accordingly, and make sure you have enough time to stop if needed.
Always wear your seatbelt. It is a common misconception that a seatbelt could cause harm to your baby if you have to brake quickly or are involved in an accident. By placing the seatbelt in the correct spot across your chest (over your bump) and across your pelvis (under your bump) will not negatively impact the baby, rather, it will protect you both in the event of an accident.
If you are in a car accident while pregnant, see your doctor right away regardless of the severity of the accident as a precautionary measure for your unborn baby.
Bridgestone now offers Lamborghini drivers the world’s first-ever supercar all-terrain tyre featuring Run-Flat Technology
Bridgestone has been chosen as the sole and exclusive tyre partner for the new Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, providing All-Terrain and Winter fitments for the world’s first all-terrain super sports car equipped with a V10 engine and all-wheel drive powertrain.
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Specifically designed for the unique engineering requirements of the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, the new Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain AT002 tyre offers drivers maximum on-road and off-road performances.
The Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain AT002 is the world’s first-ever supercar all-terrain tyre to feature Run-Flat Technology (RFT), supporting drivers to continue driving safely even after a puncture – for 80km at 80kph with 0-bar pressure.
These custom-designed Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain AT002 tyres are available in two dimensions: 235/40 RF19 96W XL RFT for the front wheels, and 285/40 RF19 107W XL RFT for the rear.
Bridgestone’s partnership with Lamborghini is part of the company’s vision to provide customer and social value as a sustainable solutions company.
After nearly 35 years in the business, Chris de Kock is retiring as CEO of WesBank and handing over to Ghana Msibi.
WesBank today announced that after nearly 35 years in the business, Chris de Kock is retiring as CEO of WesBank and handing over to Ghana Msibi who is the current CEO of WesBank’s motor retail division.
Chris joined WesBank in 1987 and has held the role as CEO since September 2013.
Chris de Kok
Commenting, Chris said that it was time to hand over the reins to the next generation of leadership.
“I am very proud of the business we have collectively built over the years. WesBank is a market leader in vehicle and asset finance with an unparalleled portfolio of partnerships. Our unique model has allowed us to deliver a long track record of growth and returns to the shareholders of WesBank’s parent FirstRand Limited. I am pleased that Ghana has agreed to take on this role and I have every confidence that he will make it a great success.”
Ghana Msibi
Ghana who has been with WesBank for the last 7 years, said he was excited to step up and lead WesBank.
“It’s a very special business, with passionate people and high quality, long-standing partnerships. It’s a privilege to take over from Chris,” says Ghana Msibi.
Chris will retire as WesBank CEO effective 30th June 2022 but will remain with the FirstRand group for the next twelve months to ensure a seamless handover and finalise a number of strategic projects currently underway.
Global Land Rover ambassador Kingsley Holgate and well-known local Land Rover ambassadors musician Lira and rugby legend Bryan Habana recently embarked on an 8 day adventure to deliver food parcels to an early childhood development centre in Thembisa, Johannesburg.
What started as an objective to deliver 200,000 meals to impoverished South African communities during national lockdown in 2020, has become one of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s biggest ever humanitarian successes with the total tally now reaching more than 2-million meals over the past two years.
The mission was captured in a short film under the banner of #TeamDefender which is an initiative to build a community of like-minded people, who aspire to go above and beyond to make more of their world.
Kingsley Holgate, said: “When we set off almost two years ago on our Mzansi Edge expedition – an 8-day, 16,000km journey to track the land borders of South Africa, we set a target of 200,000 meal deliveries to families in rural areas bordering game reserves that were suffering losses of income due to the pandemic. By the end of the expedition in December 2020, we had surpassed our goal and delivered 250,000 meals in the form of nutritious porridge.”
Award-winning vocalist Lira, said: “I may have only played a small part in the 2-million meal accomplishment, but charity and volunteering are close to my heart. Witnessing the joy that Kingsley and his team have brought to millions of people for many decades first hand has left me with an immense sense of pride. I encourage anyone to seek new experiences and find the courage it takes to make more of their world.”
Former Springbok Bryan Habana, said: “It’s a privilege to use my role as a Land Rover ambassador to give back, and I’m honoured to have joined Kingsley and his team for part of his latest expedition. The work his Foundation has done throughout the pandemic is of massive importance to communities in South Africa, and I bid him and his team farewell as they leave Mzansi’s borders to continue humanitarian efforts across Africa and into Europe.”
Kingsley Holgate’s year-long Defender Transcontinental expedition promises to be one of his most challenging geographic and humanitarian journeys to date. The expedition involves a 30,000km journey through 30 countries from the southern tip of the African continent to the most northern point of Europe, and then on to the birthplace of Land Rover at the mystical Isle of Anglesey in Wales.
It will be the first real-life expedition test for Land Rover’s new Defenders outside of South African borders, across two continents and over some of the most extreme terrain on Earth, undertaken by an experienced team that has already completed 39 gruelling expeditions to every country on the African continent and beyond – many of them world-firsts.
Humanitarian objectives for the Defender Transcontinental expedition include eye tests and reading glasses for the elderly in remote areas, the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to mothers and children, the delivery of two million meals to creches, educational conservation work near elephant and rhino populations, and the supply of water to communities with water shortages.
Watch the film featuring Lira, Bryan Habana and the Holgates here:
Land Rover South Africa has opened order books and confirmed prices for the New Range Rover Extended-Range plug-in hybrid.
Land Rover South Africa has opened order books and confirmed prices for the New Range Rover Extended-Range plug-in hybrid, while revealing performance figures are even stronger than originally estimated.
The P510e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) offers exceptional efficiency, producing CO2 emissions as low as 18g/km and providing up to 113km of EV range* – exceeding initial expectations and offering customers even greater breadth of capability. At its reveal last year, Land Rover suggested an EV range of 100km and CO2 emissions below 30g/km would be attainable.
Nick Collins, Executive Director Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “New Range Rover is the most desirable, elegant and capable luxury SUV in the world. Our efficient new Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains elevate the driving experience with a fine balance of performance, refinement and efficiency, enabling owners to complete whisper quiet zero emissions journeys of up to 113km.”
Electrified future
New Range Rover will become the first in a series of all-electric Land Rovers when the 100 percent electric model debuts in 2024, with every Land Rover set to be available with pure-electric propulsion by the end of the decade – helping Jaguar Land Rover achieve net zero carbon across its products, operations and supply chain by 2039 as part of its Reimagine strategy.
New Range Rover Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid is available to order now from R3,527,000.
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