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How To Defog Your Windows When It’s Cold

vuyi on April 17, 2023

By Vuyi Mpofu

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.

5 Driving Habits That Affect Tyre Wear and Safety

vuyi on March 31, 2023

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.

10 Common Driving Mistakes South African Motorists Make

vuyi on March 30, 2023

We all know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a big no-no and as such cannot be categorized as a mistake.

Drunk driving plays a huge factor in road fatalities annually but there are other causes of accidents and fender benders.  Here are just 10 of the most common bad driving practises which can be seen on our roads almost daily.

1. Speeding

Driving at a speed that is unsafe for the current road, weather and lighting conditions can make it difficult, if not impossible to control your vehicle effectively.  Bringing a speeding vehicle to a stop or trying to avoid an obstacle on the road can have fatal consequences as you may lose control completely.  Speed limits are designed to keep drivers safe and it is dangerous to exceed them. Regardless of your environment, aim to drive at a pace which allows you to safely manoeuver your vehicle through curves, down a hill or in the rain.

2. Unsafe Lane Changes

Executing a safe lane change involves quite a few essential steps such as checking your mirrors and blind spot, adjusting your speed, turning on your indicators, finding a safe gap then merging smoothly into the lane.  It is important to remember to look out for cyclists and bikers as these motorists are incredibly vulnerable in an accident.

3. Distracted Driving

Three things are critical for safe driving being: your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on the task at hand.  Driving distracted negates these essentials, putting all road users at risk.  Multi-tasking is not something motorists should attempt to do because of the ever changing environment of the road and general traffic.  Anything can and most likely will happen without notice and you need to be ready to react immediately – something you may not be able to do if you are texting, eating or your eyes are on the radio controls.

4. Not Maintaining A Safe Following Distance

Many motorists drive distracted resulting in their following the vehicle ahead of them too closely.  The best way to ensure you have a safe cushion of space between your car and the one ahead is to wait for the leading vehicle to pass a fixed point on the road, then start counting to three.  Should you pass the same point before reaching the count of three then you are most likely following too closely.  As a general rule of thumb always increase your following distance at night, when driving behind a truck, in bad weather or when driving behind a motorcycle or cyclist.

5. Driving Too Slowly

This may surprise a few but driving too slowly for the current traffic conditions can be dangerous.  Driving too slowly forces other drivers to either slow down or attempt to pass you and the more often cars pass each other, the greater the chances of there being a collision.

6. Failing To Read/Understand Road Signs

Road signs are there to give motorists information relating to the road or traffic conditions.  It is important not to ignore them as you could find yourself driving too fast into a curve or blasting through a stop sign.

7. Drifting Between Lanes

Failure to stay in your lane is a definite way of annoying other motorists or causing an accident.  In many instances drifting between lanes is due to driving distracted but can also be thanks to poorly marked roads or unskilled driving practises.  With the exception of changing lanes always aim to steer your vehicle within your chosen lane.

8. Driving An Unroadworthy Vehicle

Sadly, driving a less than mechanically sound vehicle is common practise on our roads which leads to avoidable road accidents.  Ranging from worn brakes, faulty indicators and tail lights, to cracked windscreens, dim headlights and damaged wiper blades, driving a vehicle which isn’t in tip-top condition puts you and other road users at risk.  When you think about it, the cost of changing certain car parts is far less than the cost of repairs to a car so it’s worth getting your vehicle regularly by a professional.

9. Poor Evasive Skills

Being attentive on the road is a highly underrated driving skill, but one which could save your life.  Should a toddler dash onto the road in front of you, or if a parcel falls off the truck in front you, you need to be ready to take evasive action.  Attentive driving includes being aware of your surroundings and knowing where the open spaces are that you can escape to.

10. Driving While Drowsy

Similar to driving under the influence, there is no excuse for driving while drowsy.  A safe drive includes being alert, attentive and in control of your vehicle, all of which you cannot do if driving while drowsy.  Make sure you get sufficient rest before getting behind the wheel as tiredness can be fatal.

6 Instances When You Shouldn’t Drive While Pregnant

vuyi on March 30, 2023

Is it safe to drive during pregnancy? Most of the time, yes — but there are instances when you have to take extra precautions

Don’t Drive When …. You Have Severe Nausea

If your nausea is so bad you can’t get off the bathroom floor, you probably shouldn’t be getting into the driver’s seat.  Barfing while in the car can be unpleasant but barfing while driving is pretty complicated, especially when you consider that nausea often comes with dizziness and light-headedness, which are just two more no-no’s for driving while pregnant.

Don’t Drive When …. You Can’t Get Into A Safe Seating Position

If you have to push your seat back from the steering wheel so much you can’t reach the brake pedal; or you need to tuck the shoulder belt behind you because it’s too tight across your newly endowed chest etc.

Whatever the accommodation you’re making, if your pregnancy is forcing you to drive in an unsafe position, you need to quit — at least until you can go back to sitting the way you’re supposed to.

Doing anything else increases your risk for traffic accidents, not to mention bodily injury with even normal driving, like if you need to make a sudden stop.

Don’t Drive When …. You Can’t Make Frequent Stops

Speaking of sudden stops, don’t get in the car if you won’t be able to schedule a few breaks along the way to your destination.

When you’re pregnant, you’re at a higher risk for something called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that often starts in the leg and can move up to your lungs, causing severe and potentially fatal consequences.

The best way to avoid a serious blood clot while driving is by doing everything possible to keep that blood flowing, and that means lots of breaks to walk and stretch. Also, you’ll need to stay hydrated, which means lots of loo breaks!

4. Don’t drive when… your pregnancy limits your movement 

If you can’t turn around to see your blind spot, you’re going to have a problem which could compromise your safety.

When your belly is enormous, your back pain is raging, or you’re just too stiff and awkward to check your mirrors or rotate your upper body from side to side while driving, you should opt not to drive at all.

5. Don’t drive when… you can’t pay extra-close attention to the road

Everybody everywhere should be focusing on the road while driving, and this word of warning rings especially true when you’re pregnant because you’re already more susceptible to distractions thanks to nausea, heartburn, insomnia, aches and pains, stress, anxiety, and pregnancy brain.

And distraction makes you extra vulnerable to human error.

If you don’t trust your ability to drive like you’re pre-pregnant self, its bet to catch a ride with someone else.

Don’t Drive When … You Are In Labour

This might sound like a no-brainer, but try to avoid driving yourself to the hospital when you’re in labour! It’s just not safe: Even the mildest of contractions can escalate and intensify out of the blue, leaving you incapacitated.

Additional driving precautions 

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, getting in a car during pregnancy usually won’t harm you. You should still take some basic precautions, though, to keep yourself extra safe on the road.

  • Bring snacks and drinks

Pregnancy hunger is real. You don’t want to be caught far away from home without any way to hydrate and refuel your body with.

If you’re still experiencing morning sickness, keep crackers, ginger ale, and mints — or whatever your personal nausea remedy is — in your car, as well as a stash of plastic shopping bags, tissues, and disinfecting wipes to handle any sudden-onset of the vomits.

  • Turn off your cell phone (and any other sources of distraction)

Your pregnant brain is already all over the place — you don’t need anything else taking your attention off the road. Silence those texts and calls until you reach your destination.

  • Always see your doctor after any traffic accident

No matter how minor the fender bender or how fine you feel afterward, call your OB-GYN or midwife and ask to be seen for an exam, just to be sure. The best-case scenario is that this ends up feeling unnecessary — but we doubt you’ll regret getting that peace of mind.

There are situations when you should let someone else get behind the wheel or skip the drive altogether. But these aren’t the norm: If you can comfortably and safely sit in the driver’s seat without worrying about distractions, sickness, or limited movement, you’re set to keep driving well into your pregnancy.

Generic vs Genuine: What Is The Difference?

vuyi on March 29, 2023

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.  

Service Plan vs Maintenance Plan: What Is The Difference?

vuyi on March 28, 2023

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?

  1. Fixed and affordable monthly premiums for regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance.
  2. Specified item wear and tear cover.
  3. Qualified technicians and professional service.
  4. 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?

  1. Accessories, electrical wiring items, wheels, wheel alignment, tyres, and all glass such as windshields and car windows.
  2. Paint and bodywork brought on by standard wear and tear.
  3. 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.

Tips To Help Your Aging Parents Drive Safely For Longer

vuyi on March 21, 2023

Aging brings new medications, vision decline, slower reaction times and reduced hearing — all of which can pose challenges when you get behind the wheel.

Getting older comes with both positive and less-than-positive changes. On the one hand, you have more time to do the things you love in retirement. 

The following safe driving tips can help you stay safe on the road.

1. Get Your Hearing and Eyesight Checked Regularly

Many people experience impaired hearing and vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma, as they get older. This can make it difficult to drive at night or to hear the sounds of approaching traffic. To ensure your senses are functioning as they should, ask your doctor how often you should schedule vision and hearing tests — then follow up on those appointments in a timely manner.   

2. Talk with Your Medical Provider

When you experience changes to your health or start taking new medications, it’s important to discuss side effects with your healthcare provider. Some medications may have side effects that can impair your ability to drive, like increased drowsiness, sensitivity to light and dizziness.

3. Avoid Distractions

No matter your age, avoiding distractions while behind the wheel is a smart decision for everyone. Practice safe driving practices like putting your phone away or turning on the do not disturb function, lowering the volume on the radio, avoiding eating while driving. Rather, do all these things, including adjustments to the vehicle’s mirror and seat settings, before hitting the road.

4. Limit Driving at Night or During Inclement Weather

Driving in low-visibility conditions, like when it’s dark outside or during heavy rain or fog can be dangerous. If possible, try to drive during the daylight and in good weather conditions whenever possible.

5. Choose Routes Carefully

Try to avoid higher-speed roadways like main roads and highways. It’s also good to limit routes that call for making turns onto busy roads. If you have a destination you visit with regular frequency, pick a route that you know well and are comfortable driving.

6. Sign Up for Driving Courses

Not only does a defensive driving course offer a refresher on the rules of the road, it also offers you an opportunity to brush up on your driving skills and possibly earn discounts on your auto insurance.  

7. Allow Extra Space

Give yourself and other drivers extra space to allow for more time to brake or change lanes.

8. Pick a Car with Safety Features

When shopping for a car, consider newer vehicles that include features that can help reduce the likelihood of crashes. Look for options like:

  • forward collision warning;
  • automatic crash notifications;
  • parking assist, backup cameras; lane change assist and
  • self-parking and navigation assistance.

While these features can’t guarantee an accident-free driving experience, they are proven to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents .

9. Be Honest About Your Abilities

Every driver is different, and there’s no set age for when you need to hand over the car keys. So how do you know when it’s time to stop driving? Evaluate your skills and be honest about your abilities.

Here are some signs that might indicate your driving is jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others:

  • Frequent “near-misses” that could cause accidents;
  • Inability to control consistent speeds;
  • Difficulty recognizing the distance between cars and other objects;
  • Difficulty switching lanes;
  • Failure to stop or yield at traffic lights;
  • Forgetting to signal; or
  • Getting lost in familiar areas.

10. Ask for Help

When driving becomes difficult, or if you find yourself confused while on the road, ask for help from a trusted friend or family member. Starting this conversation doesn’t mean you have to completely give up driving; it just might mean you no longer drive at night or you ask a relative to drive when you need to travel long distances. You can also research public transit, taxi services, rideshares, or check with local senior centers to see if they offer transportation in your area. 

Here’s What Happens To Your Body After A Car Accident

vuyi on March 21, 2023

Often what happens in a car accident isn’t immediately seen, felt, or known. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may walk away and think you feel fine, only to have symptoms occur over the next few days.

After a car accident, you are very likely to feel stiff, sore, and bruised. It is very important that, even if you think you came away from a car accident without a scratch, to still see a doctor and get a medical check-up and evaluation.

If symptoms arise later, you will be glad you did because you will already have a physician’s report of your condition immediately following the car accident. Do not ignore any symptoms as the longer you wait to get treatment, the more reduced your chances become of making a complete recovery.

What To Expect Physically After A Car Accident

Some symptoms after a car accident include a headache, shoulder and neck pain, back pain, abdominal pain, bruising or numbness, and emotional distress.

Headaches could possibly be due to a concussion, brain injury, blood clot, or whiplash. Shoulder or neck pain could indicate whiplash or a spinal injury. Back pain could be a sign of a spinal or ligament injury or whiplash. Abdominal pain could indicate possible internal bleeding. Bruising or numbness could be a sign of a spinal injury or herniated disk. Emotional distress could suggest a possible brain injury, concussion, or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Common car accident injuries include neck and head trauma, brain injuries, broken bones, back and spinal cord trauma, burns, and skin scrapes.  Even when wearing a seat belt, you can get shaken around regardless of the rate of speed of the accident. 

Impacts From A Head-On Collision

This is one of the worst impacts you could suffer. The speed the car would have been traveling at is also the speed at which your body would be traveling at, and that can allow for a severe impact.

After the collision, deceleration drops rapidly from the car’s travelling speed to the car coming to a complete stop. The effect that deceleration has is the consequence of an enormous energy transfer that is felt by your body as well as the car. This transfer of energy is what can result in injuries.

Seatbelts help, of course, and that is why there is a law that seatbelts should always be worn. A seat belt can prevent your head from crashing into the front windshield or the steering wheel. While a seatbelt can most assuredly save your life, injuries can still be suffered.

Common injuries with seatbelt use include a collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken collar bone, and internal injuries. Still, it is far better than not wearing a seatbelt, which could result in death.

Impacts From A Rear-End Collision

A rear-end collision can also carry a tremendous force. In both scenarios, your head is greatly at risk of some type of physical or mental injury. In a rear-end collision, that transfer of energy propels occupants backwards, which can cause your head to jerk or snap violently, resulting in a variety of head and neck injuries. Potential injuries from a rear-end collision include a concussion, a herniated disc, soft tissue injuries, or a compression fracture.

  • Concussion: A concussion occurs when your head takes a direct hit and induces trauma. Symptoms include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, headaches, or difficulty concentrating.
  • Herniated Disc: A herniated disc can occur when your vertebrae slips out of place and interferes with your spinal cord.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries are those caused by your head whipping suddenly, back and forth. This motion can cause ligaments, tendons, and muscles to tear.  Whiplash is a soft tissue injury. 
  • Compression Fracture: A compression fracture is serious and can occur in the spine when a bone collapses in it. Numbness in legs and arms is common, along with back pain.

Impacts From A Side Collision

Side impacts from car crashes can cause some of the most dangerous and severe impacts to a body. The energy transfer that is produced from the crash has only a door to help absorb the impact. The chances for a human body to be crushed are much higher in a side impact collision (also known as a T-bone collision). Potential injuries from a side impact crash include:

  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries from colliding with a window
  • Spinal and neck injuries due to the force with which the head is whipped about
  • Upper body injuries

Psychological Impacts

What happens in a car accident can leave many people in a state of shock. It is a jolt to your entire system. Anxiety and depression are two other impacts that are not uncommon. Some people even develop PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) from being involved in a car accident.

Know what to expect physically after a car accident, as well as mentally. Be aware that you may not feel abnormal right away, but symptoms can show up days later. It is extremely important to notify your doctor and get a complete physical check-up.

International Car Safety Standards vs. South African Standards

vuyi on March 20, 2023

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.

Curtailing Illicit Tyre Trade Will Help Improve Safety On Our Roads

vuyi on March 16, 2023

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.

The Future Of Car Insurance is Digital

vuyi on March 16, 2023

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

  1. Online sales technologies. Progressive technology will provide the insurer with state-of-the-art methods for targeting customers and analysing consumer patterns.
  2. Advanced analytics allows insurers a comprehensive insight into the specific needs of their clients.
  3. Machine learning allows information systems to adjust to new data without having to reprogram the system.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Welcome to the future!

Source: Mi-Way Insurance

Do You Really Need An Extended Car Warranty?

vuyi on March 15, 2023

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!