Your driving habits have a significant impact on the health and longevity of your tyres, as well as your safety on the road.
To maintain the health of your tyres and ensure your safety on the road, it’s important to adopt safe driving habits. This includes driving within the recommended speed limit, taking corners carefully and smoothly, avoiding overloading your vehicle, and driving on well-maintained roads as often as you can.
Here are some ways your driving style can affect your tyres:
1. Speeding and Hard Acceleration
The most common driving style that damages your tyres is hard acceleration and driving at high speeds, both of which cause your tyres to wear out faster due to increased heat and friction. High friction produces increased heat, which in turn leads to tyre wear. Additionally, hard acceleration causes bits of rubber from the tyre to shred and chip off, thereby further increasing wear and tear. Similarly, speeding increases heat and friction, putting more stress on your tyres. The best thing to do is drive gently to help improve the longevity of your tyres.
2. Hard Braking
Similar to hard acceleration, hard braking can also lead to premature tyre damage. Frequent emergency braking has an adverse effect on the car’s suspension and leads to uneven wear of tyres. Driving in city traffic often includes hard braking, but this can be minimised by maintaining a safe following distance, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
3. Cornering
Taking corners too quickly or aggressively can also cause your tyres to wear unevenly, as the outside edges of the tyres are constantly under stress. This can lead to poor grip and reduced handling, making your vehicle less safe to drive.
4. Overloading
Overloading your vehicle beyond its recommended weight limit causes excessive stress on your tyres. The tyre of a car is designed to carry a particular maximum weight as prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer. This weight is known as the load rating and is marked on the tyre’s sidewall and in the car owner’s manual. By overloading your vehicle, you increase pressure on the tyre, weakening its internal structure which not only leads to faster wear and tear, but an increased risk of tyre bursts.
5. Driving On Rough Roads, Debris And Over Curbs
Driving on rough or poorly maintained roads such as potholes and debris causes your tyres to wear out faster, as they are exposed to more friction. Hitting harshly against a curb can easily cause cracks on the rubber of a tyre and damage the wheel, rim, steering components and suspension. Remember to drive slowly and carefully in built-up areas and look out for unmarked curbs.
Regular tyre checks and maintenance can help detect any potential issues before they become major problems. By changing your driving habits, you can extend the life of your tyres and enjoy a safer drive.
An important part of owning a car is keeping it in good running condition, but as we all know, services and car parts aren’t cheap.
Life is becoming increasingly expensive, so it’s understandable that you’d want to find the most affordable ways to get all those important things taken care of – including your car. If you’re on a tight budget, you’d be happy to know that there is an option beyond genuine parts to fit onto your vehicle, and that comes in the form of generic alternatives.
Manufactured and sold at a significantly lower price than what you’d pay for the original parts from the manufacturer, generic parts allow people to maintain their cars on a budget.
But what are the differences really, and is it safe to opt for generic parts?
What Is The Difference Between Genuine and Generic?
In all honesty, there isn’t much of a difference. Generic parts are very much like generic medication: they were designed to be exact replicas of the original.
Generic parts are typically directly reverse-engineered from the original components and look exactly the same. In fact, often, the difference between the two comes down to a brand name or packaging.
Original parts, also called OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, are the exact same parts your car was fitted with when it was originally assembled. Generic parts are very much like generic medication: they were designed to be exact replicas of the original.
Is It Safe To Have Generic Parts Installed?
A lot of car manufacturers and manufacturer-approved service technicians insist that it’s unwise and unsafe to install generic parts in your vehicle if you care about its longevity and your own safety. However, as long as you purchase parts from a reputable retailer or auto parts franchise, the choice to buy a generic part should be quite safe.
One aspect that may differ is that generic car parts may not have the same warranty as original parts – or may not even come with any warranty at all, but this comes as part of the territory as you’re paying less for the part.
Another potential drawback is that the actual materials used to make the part may not be as durable as the OEM version, which means the part could wear down much sooner and have a reduced lifespan than the more expensive OEM part.
If you’re presented with the option of going for OEM or generic parts, be sure to find out about the reputation of the brand being offered to you. If a trusted car parts franchise sells generic parts and recommends them, you should be quite safe in making the purchase.
Again, just be aware that while the part will cost you significantly less, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” always rings true, so don’t expect the same durability and lifespan when fitting a generic part.
The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) is actively working to address the issue of illicit trade of tyres in South Africa, which are an enormous danger on our roads and contribute to the country’s high accident rate annually.
The SATMC is the representative body of the four leading global tyre manufacturers with manufacturing facilities established in the country, namely Bridgestone Southern Africa, Continental Tyre South Africa, Goodyear South Africa and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa.
Chairperson and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, Lubin Ozoux, said illicit tyre trade is a growing concern and has far-reaching impacts on the industry, as well as the safety of drivers and passengers on the road.
“The production, import, export, purchase, sale or possession of tyres that fail to comply with the domestic legislation of South Africa must be taken seriously and stamped out. We as the SATMC, representing local tyre manufacturers, are particularly concerned about the entry of substandard and counterfeit tyres into the South African market. These tyres often do not meet the required safety standards, are made with inferior materials and are prone to failure, placing millions of lives at risk on our roads,” he said.
Illicit trade must be stopped, as this will create a safe and fair market for South Africa, helping to keep millions of lives safer on the roads
–Lubin Ozou, Chairperson and CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa
Tyres which are illegally brought into the country pose a serious threat to the safety of South African consumers. While this issue has been a persistent problem for several years, the recent increase could be attributed to the rise in illegal trade activities globally as globalisation and e-commerce continue to expand.
SATMC Managing Executive, Ndu Chala, said the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), in collaboration with the SATMC, has been working closely with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to root out illicit trade in the industry.
SATMC Managing Executive, Ndu Chala, said the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), in collaboration with the SATMC, has been working closely with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to root out illicit trade in the industry.
“This influx is concerning, and we have endeavoured to collaborate with the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA) and the government through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to detect non-compliant behaviour, and ensure consequences for those found to have resorted to this illegal and criminal behaviour,” added Chala.
Ozoux said all role players in the tyre industry including manufacturers, importers, dealers and distributors are aligned and collaborating to tackle the scourge of illicit tyre trade. The SATMC has also introduced a number of solutions, including increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enforce regulations, and increased public awareness through targeted campaigns.
“Illicit trade must be stopped, as this will create a safe and fair market for South Africa, helping to keep millions of lives safer on the roads, and protecting local jobs. If reducing the unacceptably high number and cost of road deaths in South Africa is a priority for us all, then we simply cannot continue to allow illegal and often inferior tyres to keep proliferating the local market. Only legitimate and safe tyres should be available to South African consumers,” said Ozoux.
What does the future of car insurance look like for the average driver, and how will these digital changes affect your overall car insurance premiums?
With an ever-changing economic landscape and the coming-of-age evolution of the car insurance industry, it is best to keep abreast of these changes for your financial benefit.
Imagine a digitalised world of car insurance where driving behaviour monitoring tools could help you save on your monthly insurance premiums? That future is not far off. With insurance companies looking for ways to streamline their car insurance packages and digitalisation is quickly growing as a means of doing just that. Digitised automation tools help provide a streamlined process as well as provide users with valuable insights.
As the digital world rapidly expands and the demand for seamless interaction grows, insurers are dependent on automated tools to deliver a seamless and well-integrated user experience.
Here are the three ways in which technology will be driving the future of auto insurance.
1. Digital
The inner workings of the car insurance industry are relatively the same as it has been since its inception. The assessment of risk and payment of claims has not changed much since the offset of the insurance industry.
Advancement in technology has not only provided tremendous room for growth and improvement but has also presented a unique set of challenges. By introducing the necessary automated tools to meet these demands, insurance companies can stand above their contemporaries.
Here are a few digital innovations sure to positively disrupt the car insurance industry with advanced automated technology.
Future digital technological advancements for car insurance
Online sales technologies. Progressive technology will provide the insurer with state-of-the-art methods for targeting customers and analysing consumer patterns.
Advanced analytics allows insurers a comprehensive insight into the specific needs of their clients.
Machine learning allows information systems to adjust to new data without having to reprogram the system.
The internet of things is a convergence of multiple technologies such as real-time analytics and machine learning.
The versatility of the digital landscape combined with the advancement in technology will be beneficial to the car insurance industry.
How digitising car insurance will be beneficial for future sustainability:
An enhanced digital experience can boost overall customer satisfaction levels.
Digital enhancements and technological advancements can save the car insurance industry money by reducing costs.
A digitalised approach to car insurance will significantly increase organisational speed and agility.
The digital journey provided by car insurance companies can drastically reduce the loopholes needed to complete the customers’ online journey.
An evolving digital landscape allows insurers to utilise data gathered from social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for a more holistic insurance experience. Social media platforms connect insurers with customers, growing brand awareness and sales outreach.
2. Predictive
Simply put, predictive analytics provide the necessary insight into customers’ behaviour and can flag potential fraud risks, among other things. Predictive technology allows the insurer to understand the customer in a more precise and targeted manner. Essentially, predictive analytics keeps track of a customer’s online historical data.
Predictive analytic tools assist in forecasting events while providing valuable insight into consumer patterns, making for a more customised solution. Car insurance policyholders could benefit from these advancements by enjoying lower premiums based on the data collected from predictive analytics. Not only does the customer benefit from predictive analytics, but the incorporation of predictive analytics into the claims management and underwriting process also proves to be profitable for the car insurance industry. There are a few more benefits associated with predictive analytics for car insurance.
Benefits of predictive analytics for car insurance:
The use of predictive analytics can anticipate customer trends and needs. Because the car insurance industry is so competitive, forecasting events ahead of time allows the insurer to minimise risk while keeping abreast of the latest consumer trends.
The data gathered from social media platforms can assist insurers with customer service satisfaction levels by solving general insurance issues relatively quickly. Predictive analytics has the potential to bridge the gap between consumer satisfaction and customer service delivery.
Predictive analytics can assist insurers by helping to identify specific target markets, increasing potential sales and new insurance prospects.
Identifying a client’s potential risk of cancellation is vital to the car insurance industry. Predictive analytics can help insurance specialists to establish which customers are most likely to lower their coverage or cancel entirely. Armed with this valuable information, insurers can plan accordingly. Predictive analytics provide the insight needed for contingency plans that boost the sustainability of the car insurance industry.
The last and most beneficial of predictive analytics is that it allows an insurer to identify potential fraud before it happens. Predictive analytics can flag potential fraud ahead of time, minimising the risk factor for insurers.
The two main advantages offered by predictive analytic tools are detailed insight and a cost-effective approach to problem-solving. Here are a few more ways in which predictive analytics will shape (or may already be shaping!) the future of car insurance.
How predictive analytics will shape the future of car insurance:
The traditional and slow approach to underwriting in the car insurance industry will be radically transformed and reshaped by the advancement of predictive analytics. Because of the speed and efficiency with which predictive analytics can process data, the process of underwriting is faster and more accurate. The data collected by predictive analytic tools sift through multiple sources of online information, assesses potential risk based on a customer’s profile, and underwrites accordingly.
Predictive analytics is steadily shaping the future of car insurance companies by gathering data from customers and workers alike. Predictive analytics allows the car insurance industry to meet clients at their point of need and retain existing clients. It also allows insurers to monitor staff and provide them with the tools that they will need to do their jobs more efficiently.
Marketing in the motor insurance industry is vital for attracting new business. Using predictive analytics can assist insurers in identifying the most common and effective platforms to deliver their marketing content.
In essence, the use of predictive analytics helps insurers to create a database of valuable information. The information gathered from predictive analytics can revolutionise the car insurance industry by providing historical online customer data that predict future behaviours for both clients and staff.
3. Usage-Based
Gone are the days when your car insurance premiums are calculated on your age, demographic location, marital status, and the number of dependants. Usage-based car insurance will revolutionise car insurance premiums by resulting in cheaper premiums, drastically opening up the market for potential new business.
Usage-based car insurance calculates your monthly premiums based on the factual data retrieved from your vehicle via a mobile app or plug-in device. Technically, a usage-based approach means that your premiums depend on the actual amount of time you spend driving your car. The idea is that less time spent driving reduces the risk of an accident. Safe drivers also have an added advantage as the premiums decrease based on the safety levels of driving.
Usage-based car insurance models provide vital insight into the real-world driving experience of a car insurance policyholder. It also makes it possible to assess risk based on the individual’s real-time driving behaviour.
Usage-based car insurance works well for infrequent and safe drivers. There are, however, benefits associated with usage-based car insurance. Let’s have a look at what those are.
Other technology trends in the car insurance industry:
Telematics– The inner workings of telematics technology combines telecommunications, vehicular technology, electrical engineering, and computer science to monitor moving vehicles. The ground-breaking advancement is wearable technology for your automobile and progressively tracks and monitors driving habits. As an example, our app comes with the option to activate Emergency Alert. Emergency Alert automatically detects whether you’ve been in a serious car accident directly from your phone and triggers an alert to our 24-hour emergency call centre to get you help as soon as possible.
Conversational Chatbots-Gone are the days when car insurance queries were agent-driven. Conversational chatbots are now a popular and efficient means of assisting car insurance clients with everything from claims to general FAQs.
Given the ever-changing landscape of both the car insurance industry and the digital landscape, it is not difficult to see why the future of car insurance is heavily dependent on evolving with the digital times. Because of the competitive nature of the car insurance industry, it is crucial for car insurance companies to stay on top of the motor insurance game.
The use of automation tools in the car insurance industry is hastily reshaping the digital landscape, disrupting car insurance companies positively in the process. Technological advancements will only do more good for the future of car insurance in the long run by streamlining processes, cutting down on underwriting time, and making fraud detection easier. All in all, it is a win-win situation for both the insurer and the car insurance policyholder.
Keeping abreast of the changes at the forefront of the car insurance industry makes for exciting times ahead. Not only will digital, predictive, and usage-based car insurance take the edge off some already stressful car insurance processes, but it will provide a more comprehensive approach to car insurance as a whole.
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.
Let’s be honest; no one gets excited about insurance and having to pay for it. It is a necessary ‘evil’ which all motorists should have because like it or not, the day will come when its desperately needed.
When you consider the state of our roads and the reckless behaviour of most drivers in South Africa, coupled with the high occurrences of car hijackings, vehicle theft and frequency of road accidents, vehicle insurance is something all motorists should invest in.
In the event something happens to your vehicle, it is comforting to know that you have insurance to fall back on. Comprehensive car insurance is the most recommended option to protect both you and your vehicle, and is usually mandatory if you have a vehicle finance agreement in place. However, if your household budget does not allow for comprehensive cover, then the minimum insurance you should take out on your car is third-party insurance that includes fire and theft. Bear in mind though, that third-party vehicle insurance only covers the damage that your vehicle causes to other people’s vehicles or property.
According to the AA (Automobile Association of South Africa), between 65 and 70% of the estimated 12 million vehicles on South African roads are uninsured, and this percentage is growing annually. If you are involved in a crash, you only have a three in ten chance of the other driver being insured and able to cover any damages. If the accident is your fault, it is even more important to be covered comprehensively.
“It’s for this reason, among others, that, if you are considering cancelling your car insurance to cut back on expenses, to rethink this. If something were to happen to your car, knowing you are covered is one less thing to worry about,”says Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank Motors communications specialist.
Car insurance is a way of protecting your car – and yourself – against the harm and the costs if your vehicle is involved in an incident such as an accident or theft. By paying a monthly insurance premium, your personal return on investment is knowing that your vehicle is covered by your insurer. If your vehicle is comprehensively insured with a reputable insurer, you will be covered for a vehicle accident, a natural disaster, fire, or theft. If the unfortunate incident is your fault and damage is caused to another vehicle, driver or passengers, or a pedestrian, your insurance would cover you for that too. Having car insurance is similar to having a safety net should something go wrong.
“Knowing why you need car insurance is one thing, but making sure you choose the policy that will best safeguard your vehicle, is another. The right policy ensures that your vehicle is safe from natural disasters, the threat of theft or fire, third party cover, damages, or even a total write-off of the car resulting from an accident,” explains Mogatusi.
“The best car insurance policies include vehicle repairs and replacements, reimbursement for damages to the other party or parties from an accident you cause, car hire while your car is being repaired and even roadside assistance. When you report a claim to your insurance company, a representative will manage the claims process and assist you with any questions you may have. Shopping around for a policy that suits both your needs and your pocket is advisable. Be sure to read, and understand, the terms and conditions within the fine print too – you don’t want any nasty surprises if you need to make a claim.”
Understanding the factors that can affect the amount you pay on your monthly premium will also help you make an informed decision on which insurance policy to invest in. This starts with the type of vehicle you drive – a luxury car will attract a higher insurance premium, while an older vehicle or a second-hand car with a lower market value will cost less to insure. Even the colour of the vehicle can impact the insurance cost, with white or lighter-coloured cars attracting a lower premium, as will other factors such as your age, where you live and work, and the length of time you have been a licensed driver.
If you are a recent graduate or young professional, and have been driving for less than five years, you are considered to be an inexperienced driver to the insurance company, no matter how competent a driver you may be. The insurer considers an inexperienced driver to pose a greater risk, which will affect your monthly premium amount. How you manage your personal finances, and your credit history will also be considered as the insurance provider needs to ascertain your risk profile when determining your premiums.
While the monthly premiums for insurance may seem like a grudge payment, it is important to consider the alternative: if you are involved in an incident and have no insurance cover, you will have to pay for the damages to your car and the other vehicle from your own pocket, if it is your fault.
“There are many insurance deals for vehicles on the market, so shop around. Also consider the extra benefits on offer such as roadside assistance, discounts for good driving or lowering your premiums annually as your vehicle depreciates in value. Look for the best deal to suit your pocket,” concludes Mogatusi.
In this day and age, time is a very important resource. People seem to get busier and busier every day, cramming more and more into their packed schedules making car maintenance a chore they could do without.
Increases Safety Sticking to your regular car maintenance services increases your safety while on the road and prevents break-downs. Ensuring that your vehicle is serviced accordingly to the manufacturer’s prescription gives you peace of mind as the risk of malfunctions decreases significantly.
Keeps Your Car Performing at its Best Along with the increased safety, your car will also perform better than it would if you were inattentive to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance service schedule. Regular maintenance ensures increased engine performance, better fuel efficiency, consistent steering control and prolonged tyre life.
Saves You Money Taking care of your vehicle on a consistent basis, prevents larger, more costly issues from arising. Its far cheaper to pay a set amount every few months to keep your car in check than to have to fork out thousands when you have a major breakdown.
Lowers The Cost of Fuel Servicing your car regularly maintains its fuel consumption. But skipping a .When you take good care of your car, it won’t waste any drops of fuel. But if you skip one of the services, your car is likely to burn more fuel, causing its consumption to increase exponentially. As a result, you will quite likely become a regular visitor at your nearest fuel station, which in turn will cost your time and money.
Saves You Time By staying on top of your maintenance schedule, you will be preventing larger issues which could keep your car from running. If you get really unlucky and have to deal with a huge auto repair issue, you may not be able to drive your car for days or even weeks.
Keeps Car Value High you should stay on top of your car maintenance schedule if you are planning on selling your vehicle at some point. Regular services with an industry recognized workshop helps keep the value of your car high. Should you wish to sell your car, chances are you will get more money for it than you could have hoped for.
Swerving on pothole filled roads makes you look like a very intoxicated driver.
Potholes have become the norm on South African roads and it is not always possible to avoid driving through them. Here are a few guidelines on what to do if you hit one or more potholes.
Be Aware Of Weather Conditions and Dim Light
Be especially cautious when driving in wet and low light conditions as potholes are very difficult to identify in such circumstances.
Be Aware of Oncoming Traffic
When trying to avoid a pothole drivers may automatically swerve into the lane of oncoming traffic road but this could be risky and highly dangerous. If you do need to move into the lane of oncoming traffic be utterly confident that it is safe to do so.
Stay The Course
If you realise too late that you are about to hit a pothole, it is advisable that you drive straight towards it and not make any sudden steering movements as this might unsettle your car. Sudden braking or accelerating could also jeopardise your safety and that of people around you.
After hitting a pothole….
Assess the damage
Stop to check for damage to your tyre and rim if it is safe to do so. Look out for cuts or bulges on the sidewall of the affected tyres.
If it is not safe to stop, reduce your speed and continue driving while actively listening out for anomalies coming from your tyre such as the hissing sound of air escaping from your tyre.
Also check that your car is not pulling to one side.
Check Your Insurance Cover
Review your insurance policy and make sure that it covers damage caused by potholes, if it does not, shop around for a more progressive insurance company which offers this very vital cover.
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.
In this day and age, time is a very important resource. People seem to get busier and busier every day, cramming more and more into their packed schedules which makes car maintenance a chore they could very well do without.
Increases Safety Sticking to your regular car maintenance services increases your safety while on the road and prevents break-downs. Ensuring that your vehicle is serviced accordingly to the manufacturer’s prescription gives you peace of mind as the risk of malfunctions decreases significantly.
Keeps Your Car Performing at its Best Along with the increased safety, your car will also perform better than it would if you were inattentive to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance service schedule. Regular maintenance ensures increased engine performance, better fuel efficiency, consistent steering control and prolonged tyre.
Saves You Money Taking care of your vehicle on a consistent basis, prevents larger, more costly issues from arising. Its far cheaper to pay a set amount every few months to keep your car in check than to have to fork out thousands when you have a major breakdown.
Lowers The Cost of Fuel Servicing your car regularly maintains its fuel consumption. But skipping a .When you take good care of your car, it won’t waste any drops of fuel. But if you skip one of the services, your car is likely to burn more fuel, causing its consumption to increase exponentially. As a result, you will quite likely become a regular visitor at your nearest fuel station, which in turn will cost your time and money.
Saves You Time By staying on top of your maintenance schedule, you will be preventing larger issues which could keep your car from running. If you get really unlucky and have to deal with a huge auto repair issue, you may not be able to drive your car for days or even weeks.
Keeps Car Value High you should stay on top of your car maintenance schedule if you are planning on selling your vehicle at some point. Regular services with an industry recognized workshop helps keep the value of your car high. Should you wish to sell your car, chances are you will get more money for it than you could have hoped for.
A car with only one functioning headlight is an annoyance to all road users and diminishes the proper visibility of its driver.
Being visible to other road users requires that both your headlights – driver’s and passenger’s side – are in good working order. Headlights are a basic safety feature and increase your ability to see where you are going and what is around you.
A couple of generations ago, car headlights worked similar to household lights and needed to be changed whenever the bulb burnt out. But, through the evolution of technology, the science behind headlights has progressed from the use of filament bulbs to something much more effective in the form of the following types of bulbs:
Halogen
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
Light Emitting Diode (LEDs)
How do these bulbs differ from one another?
Halogen
Halogen bulbs are the most commonly used bulbs in the vehicle industry. They are filled with halogen gas, hence the name.
Halogen bulbs are easy and cost-effective for manufacturers and car buyers to use and replace. They operate by tungsten filament which creates heat and light when a current flows through it. The halogen gas within the halogen bulbs prevent the bulb from turning black. For this reason, when the globe fails, sometimes there is a black mark on the side of the glass.
The shortcoming with halogen bulbs is that they are not as bright as other options and need a lot of energy to power up which puts a lot of pressure on the vehicle’s electrical system.
Image credit: Ford Motor Company
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
HID headlight bulbs are much brighter than halogen lights and increase visibility substantially. The bulbs are filled with xenon gas which is ignited via an electric arc between two electrons inside the bulb.
High-intensity discharge bulbs first made an appearance in luxury sedans and high-priced sports cars but have steadily become more common in vehicles ranging from SUVs and bakkies to premium passenger cars.
The downside of high-intensity discharge bulbs is that they are costly to replace and can cause injury if not handled correctly.
Image credit: AutoEvolution
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED bulbs are the latest innovation in headlight technology. The LED headlight bulbs consist of numerous small ‘bulbs’, which light up when the voltage passes through them.
LED headlights are long-lasting and use considerably less energy than HIDs and halogen bulbs, while providing a substantial among of light.
The simple truth is that you need both of your car’s headlights working at 100% to be safe on the road. If not, you become invisible to other road users, thereby putting all road users – yourself included – at risk.
Park in front of your garage door with the headlights on and flick between the switch between dim and bright to ensure that the lights work well in either mode. Should you suspect that your headlights aren’t working the way they should, have them looked over by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
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