Automobile Association of South Africa Archives

A Million Reasons To Choose Chery

vuyi on November 29, 2021

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.

Fuel hits record highs in SA – breaches R18/l

vuyi on August 3, 2021

The price of all fuel will, from midnight tonight (3 August), hit record highs across the country, outstripping by some margin the priciest fuel has ever been in South Africa. According to the Automobile Association (AA) fuel first hit record highs in April when 95 ULP in Gauteng was priced at R17.32 a litre, and R16.61 at the coast. Record highs were again recorded in July with the price pegged at R17.39 inland, and R16.67 at the cost.

The last time fuel was priced above R17/l was in October/November 2018 when the price reached R17.08 for 95 ULP in Gauteng. In the same months a litre of fuel was priced at R16,49 at the coast, the priciest it had ever been before.

However, these figures pale against the R18.30/l (Gauteng) and R17.58/l (coast) which come into effect for August. Petrol 95 ULP is now 23.15% more expensive than it was in January in Gauteng, and 24.15% more expensive at the coast. Diesel is between 20.31% and 21.13% more expensive in Gauteng and the coast compared to January numbers. The biggest shock is the steep increases to illuminating paraffin prices; a litre of paraffin in Gauteng is now 30.31% more expensive than it was in January and 33.84% more expensive at the coast than in the beginning of the year.

The AA says given the fluidity of the two key factors which influence the local fuel price – the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and international petroleum product prices – it’s impossible to forecast the trajectory of future fuel price movements in the coming months.

June fuel forecast: Good news on Petrol but not such good news on Diesel

vuyi on May 28, 2021

The Automobile Association (AA) is forecasting that petrol users are set for some month-end relief at the pumps.

The Association is predicting that petrol will be 11 cents a litre cheaper in June. Diesel, meanwhile, is set to increase by about 22 cents a litre and illuminating paraffin by 21 cents.

“The Rand continued to strengthen against the US dollar throughout May, while international oil prices remained mostly flat. But the sharp spike in oil at the start of the month is still spilling over into the data, with the prices of refined diesel having seen a bigger impact than petrol,” notes the AA.

The AA says this will be disappointing news for transport companies who rely on diesel to power their fleets.

“It will also not be welcomed by citizens who use illuminating paraffin for cooking, lighting, and especially heating during the winter months,” says the AA.

Grim fuel outlook continues for South African motorists

vuyi on March 16, 2021

Fuel levy increases at a difficult time in the country’s economy will contribute to what are expected to be extremely high fuel price increases at the end of March going into April 2021. These increases will exacerbate the already dire financial position many South Africans find themselves in.

The Association says steepening climbs in international petroleum prices are being worsened by a dipping Rand/US dollar exchange rate, painting a grim picture for local fuel prices. The forecasted increases are worrying and could have a severe impact on an economy already reeling from a number of negative factors namely corruption, over-spending on the civil service, and the largest contraction in a century.

“As things stand today, petrol is set for a 90 cents-a-litre rise, diesel for an increase of 66 cents, and illuminating paraffin an increase of 62 cents,” the AA says.

These expected increases do not include the 26-cents a litre increases to the General Fuel and Road Accident Fund levies (excluding the one cent increase to Carbon Tax) announced by the Minister of Finance in his February Budget, which come into effect in April.

Within the current scenario with the addition of the levies, petrol is expected to increase by a whopping R1.16 a litre and diesel by 92-cents a litre.

With the expected increases factored in, a litre of 95 ULP Inland (currently at R16.32/l) will now cost R17.48/l of which R6.10 will be taxed through the GFL and RAF. This means that at least 35% of the cost of a litre of this petrol will be taxed. The price of diesel (currently pegged at R14.12/l) will increase to R15.04 of which R5.96 (including increased levies) will be taxed – or at least 40% of the total cost.

Petrol is set for a 90 cents-a-litre rise, diesel for an increase of 66 cents…
– Automobile Association (AA)

The Association says that either the Rand or international oil prices will require a sharp reversal if the picture is not to deteriorate further by month-end.

“The rampant upward march of international oil prices has quickened alarmingly in the first weeks of March. The basic fuel price for petrol, for instance, shot up from R6.55 a litre at the February close-out, to R7.40 a litre in the first two weeks of March.

Over the same period, the average Rand/US dollar exchange rate weakened by about 30 cents,” notes the AA.

New Alcohol Laws Might Not Reduce Road Carnage in South Africa

vuyi on November 19, 2020

Drinking and driving is a serious offense but the proposed laws changes to the law regarding drunk driving might cause more chaos than clarity for innocent motorists.

Proposed amendments to the National Road Traffic Act to reduce the legal blood alcohol limits for drivers to zero will criminalise innocent motorists, and is unlikely to have the results authorities think it will. This is the view of the Automobile Association (AA) in response to the National Road Traffic Amendments Bill, published at the end of October.

Included in the Bill is an amendment of Section 65 which effectively changes the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres to 0.00g/100ml, and the breath alcohol concentration from 0.24g/1000ml also to zero.

Someone who is using medication which contains alcohol will now be arrested, charged and possibly prosecuted for having a small dose of alcohol in their blood while their driving ability has not been impaired

“These proposed changes are concerning on a number of levels and although the stated reason for the change is the promotion of road safety, within the current framework of traffic law enforcement, nothing will change, except that innocent drivers are likely to be criminalised. For instance, someone who is using medication which contains alcohol will now be arrested, charged and possibly prosecuted for having a small dose of alcohol in their blood while their driving ability has not been impaired,” notes the AA.

The Association says the proposed amendment is again making motorists soft targets for traffic law enforcers, and that the desired outcomes of improved road safety will not be met.

“How will traffic law enforcement change to accommodate this proposed amendment? And, perhaps more importantly, how will a single piece of legislation change driver’s attitudes when nothing else around traffic law enforcement changes at the same time?

“Without proper and implementable actions, we don’t believe the amendments relating to the alcohol levels will have a material impact on our abysmal road fatality statistics,” said the AA

The Association says simply drafting legislation does not equate to meaningful road safety intervention and that other more important steps must be taken. These include a more intense, widespread and constant focus on national road safety education, an increase in the number of traffic law enforcement officers, and improved prosecution of current drunk driver cases.

Another important aspect of effective traffic policing is to ensure law enforcement is visible and active around known areas of drinking and driving, and that proper action is taken against offenders.

The Association notes, “We need to be in a situation where people are afraid to drive if they have been drinking, and we stand by our messaging of drink or drive. However, within this framework – and the interventions we have outlined – we believe a reduction of the BAC limit to 0.02g/100ml would be a more effective, just, and appropriate approach to drunk driving in the country”.

The AA says motorists who drink and drive must assume they will be arrested because there are many alternatives available to those who want to drink and still be mobile. But, it says, legally reducing the BAC to zero is not the answer.

“We cannot have a situation where authorities are amending legislation in the hope that this will change our shocking crash statistics. The average of 13000 deaths on our roads annually is a national crisis and amending this one piece of legislation is not going to make a difference unless those interventions we mention all the time are also implemented,” says the AA.

5-ways to save on your monthly insurance bill

vuyi on October 9, 2020

Even though most car owners feel that insurance is a grudge purchase, the consequences of not being covered by a reputable insurance company can be severe

According to the Automobile Association of South Africa, there are approximately 12 million vehicles on South African roads and that only between 65% and 70% of them are uninsured. Given the startling number of theft, accidents, smash-and-grabs and hijackings which occur daily it is imperative that motorists ensure that their vehicles are insured.

Although many car owners feel that insurance is a grudge purchase, the consequences of not being covered by a reputable insurance company can be severe; resulting in catastrophic financial losses and debilitating personal inconvenience.

It may seem like a good idea to cancel one’s insurance policy (in an attempt to save money) but rather than drive uninsured, here are a few tips to consider, which may help reduce premiums and still allow you to enjoy vehicle insurance cover:

Shop around: It’s a good idea to check if your current insurer has new products and services which you can benefit from. These products and services would likely maintain adequate cover, but at a reduced monthly amount. If not, check what other insurance companies may have to offer as keeping abreast with new insurance products could save you a pretty penny monthly.
Keep your claims to a minimum: Filing a claim for every ding, scratch and dent is a sure fire way of increasing your premiums, especially when such minor damages could be paid for out of your own pocket. You may argue that you pay monthly premiums and are entitled to make claims as and when you see fit, however, bear in mind that the more you claim, the more of a high-risk driver your insurer sees you as being. Rather, make claims only for damage which you well and truly cannot afford.
Update your details: You would be amazed at how much you could save if you no longer use your vehicle as often, for example, as you did in pre-lockdown days. Should your car spend more time parked in your garage at home than on the road to and from work, be sure to inform your insurer.
Increase your excess: The ‘norm’ for many motorists is to pay the lowest excess in anticipation for the event of a claim. However, this practise generally results in higher premiums. By turning the ‘norm’ on its head, and opting for a higher excess, you could save money by paying lower premiums. This would free up cash on a monthly basis.
Insure your vehicle correctly: Some car owners make the mistake of not ensuring that their vehicles are insured at the correct value. This results in motorists unnecessarily over paying for insurance on a monthly basis.

There are other ways in which motorists can reduce their monthly insurance bill, especially in the difficult economic times we find ourselves in. No matter how tightly you have to fasten your belt do not make the mistake of cancelling your insurance cover. Rather, discuss your options with your insurer. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much you stand to save on a monthly basis.

10 Engine parts which should be checked frequently in high-mileage cars

vuyi on October 1, 2020

Due to turbulent economic times, exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis, many South Africans are keeping their cars for longer.

The more people keep their cars for longer the more high-mileage cars there are on the roads. This results in a higher safety risk for all due to increased chances of mechanical failure, as well as financial risk to owners whose vehicles are out of warranty. Research by the AA shows 90% of South Africans say they are keeping their cars for longer, with just over 40% keeping their cars for between five and 10 years.

The following list of parts that are more likely to fail on higher mileage vehicles and should be frequently inspected and maintained:

1. Wheel bearings: The wheel bearing can disintegrate and cause the hub assembly to detach from the vehicle. Literally, the wheel coming off, resulting in no steering control.

Warning signs: A shudder in the steering wheel during braking or cornering is an early warning. A good shake of the wheel top to bottom with the wheel jacked up off the ground will indicate a slight knocking feel or sound as well.

2. Starter motors: Bearings wear out over time, causing increased effort to turn the engine and, very quickly, a flat battery.

Warning signs: The engine will turn sluggishly and take time to start, with symptoms similar to those of a flat battery, even when the battery is still charged.

3. Oil pumps: Failure means insufficient lubricant to the engine, parts seizing/engine failure.

Warning signs: The oil pressure gauge or oil level warning light will indicate the low oil pressure. It’s imperative to stop immediately.

4. Engine & gearbox mountings: Failure results in the engine and gearbox not being kept in their correct position/ alignment, causing damage to engine and gearbox parts.

Warning signs: Engine – a loud knocking sound or vibration on start-up and pull away. Gearbox – a knocking sound or vibration during pull away and gear changes.

5. Shock absorbers: Failure will cause an inability to efficiently control the vehicle. Generally designed for a service life of approximately 80,000 km.

Warning signs: Poor ride quality. Reduced directional stability, increased braking distance, nosediving when stopping, poor handling and increased tyre and brake wear. Fluid leaking from the shock absorbers.

6. CV joints: The CV can collapse, causing the vehicle not to move and require removal and replacement. It’s best to replace CV joints on both sides of the vehicle.

Warning signs: A loud clacking sound will be heard at low speed when turning sharply.

7. Clutches: A slipping clutch will not allow the gearbox to engage fully with the engine, leaving limited or no drive. Poor driving skills, such as riding the clutch, make a clutch wear faster.

Warning signs: Shuddering on pull away, the engine revs without the vehicle accelerating.

8. Engine and gearbox seals: Failure leads to loss of lubricant and engine or gearbox seizure.

Warning signs: Oil leaks from the front or rear of the engine, or rear of the gearbox. High oil consumption. Oil dripping onto the road surface. Total loss of lubricant.

9. Alternators: Failure means the battery and electrical system won’t be kept at the necessary charge, leading to electrical failure.

Warning signs: Loud screeching noise from the alternator if its bearings are failing. The vehicle’s charge/battery light may be on constantly. The vehicle may also struggle to start.

10. Water pumps: Failure will result in insufficient circulation of the coolant in the engine, causing the engine to overheat and, if not rectified, engine failure.

Warning signs: Elevated temperature reading on the temperature gauge. Signs of water leakage at the front of the engine.

This is a broad guideline of things that more commonly go wrong, but there are, of course, quite a few more systems that could fail, even on newer vehicles.

A good extended or pre-owned mechanical warranty is a smart investment as it gives you the opportunity to be fully prepared for non-wear and tear damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, drive train, electrical system, turbo assembly and more. It can also help you out of a pickle when it comes to a rental vehicle and/or accommodation when you’re stranded far from home.

Extract from an article first published by the RMI

To be towed or not to be towed: Here’s what you need to know

vuyi on September 22, 2020

We hear too often of motorists who are involved in crashes and the have their vehicles towed away from the scene without their permission

Being stuck on the side of the road is an unpleasant, and sometimes scary, situation for anyone. This can be even worse if you are stuck because of a crash. The Automobile Association (AA) advises all motorists to be aware of their rights, and in control of events, in such a situation.

“We hear too often of motorists who are involved in crashes and the have their vehicles towed away from the scene without their permission, or where their vehicles are taken and then towed and stored at excessive daily rates. There is no need for this to happen; motorists have rights and they must enforce these if they are able to,” notes the AA.

The Association says it is important to note that not all tow truck operators are unscrupulous, and that there are more professional, ethical operators out there than those who aren’t. These are accredited service providers who adhere to strict rules and ethics.

It is, says the AA, also important to recognise that tow trucks provide a valuable service to motorists who are stranded on the side of the road due to mechanical breakdowns or as a result of crashes. “Towing can be costly. If you are not in a financial position to pay a large once-off fee for towing we would advise vehicles owners to explore options which cover these costs,” says the AA.

It is important for motorists to understand they are in charge of the vehicles, and that they do not have to be intimidated into doing anything they don’t want to do

Among the tips the AA gives to motorists in relation to towing services are:

If you are involved in an incident, and are able to do so, contact your insurer first; don’t let someone else contact them on your behalf,
“It is your right to choose a tow truck driver, not anyone else’s. If you are incapacitated and only under these circumstances may police or emergency personnel on the scene make a decision on who should tow your vehicle
Always check and read any documentation carefully before signing anything,
Motorists should be encouraged to use a branded tow operator wherever possible and preferably one that belongs to an association so that there is accountability should there be any problems.
If you are insured, contact your insurance provider for advice,
If your insurance includes cover for towing, contact the emergency number provided with your cover,
Get all the relevant information from the tow truck operator before allowing him to move your vehicle. This should include their name, company name, company registration or association registration number, contact number and physical address (and address of their storage yard if it is different to their physical address), and the registration number of the vehicle. If possible, take a photograph of your vehicle with the tow truck before it leaves,
Establish upfront, and in writing if possible, how much the service is going to cost (including per kilometre rates), and how much any storage costs will be, especially if you do not have any cover,
Remove all valuables from your vehicle before it is towed (remember to check everywhere), and,
Contact the AA for assistance, if you are Member.

“It is important for motorists to understand they are in charge of the vehicles, and that they do not have to be intimidated into doing anything they don’t want to do. Being covered through insurance is the best option, but even without it, no-one has the right to take your vehicle without your consent,” advises the AA.