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.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fair-weather rider or a daily commuter, regular motorcycle maintenance is not just essential, but achievable at home.
If your bike is reasonably modern, it will often have an inspection window, low down on one side of the engine. You may have to get close to the ground to see inside properly, and we recommend doing this in daylight, so you can get an idea of the level and the condition of your oil.
The inspection window will have marks at the top and the bottom, and your engine oil level should be somewhere between the two. If the level is above or below these lines, you must act immediately to either drain a little oil away or to top off your oil level.
Just as importantly, you also need to assess the condition of the oil. It should be either green or yellow, as well as shiny and semi-transparent.
If your oil is dark brown or black and you can’t see through it, or you can see sludge deposits, it is definitely time for an oil and filter change.
Alternatively, if you can see metal particles in the oil, this can be an early indication of engine problems ahead; while if the oil looks at all milky, it can often indicate a coolant leak. In either of these two cases, you should consult a mechanic or repair shop to rule out or deal with serious problems as soon as possible.
For expectant mothers, the thought of being in a car accident is a very scary thing to contemplate. In addition to the injuries the mother can sustain, the growing baby can also sustain a variety of injuries.
Pregnant women who are involved in car accidents may face more serious damages and expenses than other injured people.
This is due to the increased cost of monitoring the health of the pregnancy, the increased number of visits to the gynae, and, potentially, the need to treat your baby for any injuries stemming from the accident.
What Types of Injuries Can Occur After a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Miscarriage
The baby is very well protected in its amniotic fluid, so unless the stomach and uterus is punctured, or the woman undergoes a period of cardiac arrest, without breathing, the baby should survive. A miscarriage is rare in the case of most accidents, but you should still get checked as soon as possible.
Premature Birth
Preterm birth is the birth of an infant prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. A car accident can cause premature birth because of the stress put on the mother’s body during and after the accident.
Birth Defects
Direct injuries to the fetus or the baby being born prematurely as the result of a car accident can cause birth defects. Injured and premature babies do not always develop serious disabilities. The earlier a baby is born and the more severe the injuries; the higher the risk for disabilities.
High-risk Pregnancy
Pregnancies are labelled “high-risk” when there are complications with either the mother or the baby that need careful monitoring and observation. Many times, high-risk pregnancies are labelled as such because of a pre-existing medical condition of the mother. However, a high-risk pregnancy can develop after the mother incurs health problems due to a car accident.
Coup and Contrecoup Injuries
When a moving object impacts the head while stationary, a Coup injury can occur, while Contrecoup injuries are produced when the moving head strikes a stationary object. These injuries often happen during car accidents.
The mother is more likely to be affected by Coup and Contrecoup injuries, but her unborn child can also be injured. In the case of an unborn baby, this type of injury is commonly referred to as “shaken baby syndrome.”
Placental Abruption
A placental abruption is a serious condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before your baby is born. Abdominal trauma sustained during a car accident increases a mother’s chances of placental abruption.
Fetal Trauma
Fetal deaths can occur as a result of a car accidents. Injuries to the baby’s body and or brain can have long-term, life-threatening results. Fetal trauma can result during a car accident from a blow to the mother’s abdomen, or a lack of oxygen if the mother is in distress, but there are other infections and injuries which can have the same results.
How to Prevent Pregnancy Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents:
Driving may become more uncomfortable as you progress in your pregnancy, but there is no reason you can’t use a car while pregnant. As long as you can fit behind the wheel comfortably, feel free to drive unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Use these tips to stay safe while driving:
Follow the rules of the road. You are protecting your unborn child. Many accidents are caused by failing to obey traffic laws and not leaving enough space between your vehicle and others.
Make sure you are comfortable in the car. Plan your route accordingly, and make sure you have enough time to stop if needed.
Always wear your seatbelt. It is a common misconception that a seatbelt could cause harm to your baby if you have to brake quickly or are involved in an accident. By placing the seatbelt in the correct spot across your chest (over your bump) and across your pelvis (under your bump) will not negatively impact the baby, rather, it will protect you both in the event of an accident.
If you are in a car accident while pregnant, see your doctor right away regardless of the severity of the accident as a precautionary measure for your unborn baby.
Motorcycle maintenance can be intimidating, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up tinkering with bike engines.
The thought that you could do something wrong such as not tighten a screw sufficiently or forgetting where a particular bolt came from can be a huge deterrent to DIY maintenance. Although we highly recommend having your motorcycle looked over by a professional, there are a few basic things you can do to ensure a safe ride
Use this motorcycle maintenance checklist to help keep yourself (and those around you) safe on the road.
Change the oil Just as you need clean fuel, you also need to change the oil and replace the oil filter before you take your bike out for your first ride. Neglecting this step can affect the performance and longevity of your motorcycle.
Check the battery life Some riders disconnect their motorcycle batteries and only recharge them every month or so; but once you reconnect the battery, you’re probably ready to roll. However, if it’s been sitting for a few months, you might have a dead battery. If it’s a fairly new battery, charging it is fine, but if it’s three or four years old, you may find it doesn’t keep a charge, or you might have a hard time charging it. In that case, you’re probably better off purchasing a new battery and playing it safe.
Check your tyres Tyres are an important part of any vehicle, so they deserve your time and full attention. Check their air pressure to make sure it’s at a safe level for riding. You’ll also want to check the tread to determine if the depth offers you sufficient traction. If your air pressure and tread are all set, then your next step is to look for any cracks or bulges in the sidewall of the tyres before straddling your metal horse and revving down the road.
Inspect your chain Your bike’s chain is one of its most critical components, but constant exposure to the elements can cause it to deteriorate or become loose. Check to ensure it’s still tight and well-lubricated. You may need to clean the chain and reapply lubricant.
Get plenty of fluids Oil and gas aren’t the only fluids your motorcycle depends on. Brake fluid and coolant are important for motorbike maintenance, but they can sometimes leak if your bike is left standing for a long period of time. Double-check your levels and refill or top them up. Or, flush out the old fluids and replace them with fresh fluids.
Don’t forget your cables Oil and grease in your cable housing can dry up over time and that can affect the performance of your clutch and throttle. Inspect your clutch, brakes, throttle, choke, and any other cables to ensure they’re still responsive and not frayed.
Make your bike shine As a final step, make sure you give your motorcycle a thorough cleaning. Not only does it protect your paint and make your bike look fantastic, but cleaning your bike frequently keeps it in better working condition.
Why is it important to wear a seat belt when I travel during pregnancy?
Although your fetus is protected inside your body, you should wear a lap and shoulder belt every time you travel while you are pregnant for the best protection, including in your final weeks of pregnancy. You and your fetus are much more likely to survive a car accident when you are buckled in.
How should I wear a seat belt while I am pregnant?
When wearing a seat belt, follow these rules:
Buckle the lap belt below your belly so that it fits snugly across your hips and pelvic bone.
Place the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts) and over the mid-portion of your collar bone (away from your neck).
Never place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
Pull any slack (looseness) out of the belt.
If you are in an accident, seek medical attention right away, even if you are not injured.
What should I know about air bags when I travel in a car?
Follow these tips if your car has air bags:
Keep 10 inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone.
If the car has an air bag “on/off” switch, check to be sure it is turned to “on.”
As your belly grows, you may not be able to keep as much space between you and the steering wheel. If the car has a tilt steering wheel, make sure it is angled toward your breastbone, not your belly or head.
If I am pregnant, when should I buy a car seat for my baby?
You cannot take your newborn home from the hospital without a car seat. Plan to have the car seat at least 3 weeks before your due date so you will have time to install it correctly and learn how to buckle the baby in safely.
Where should child car seats be installed in the car?
All car seats for children should be used in the back seat of the car—never in the front seat. Air bags in the front seat can cause serious injury to children. Until they reach age 13 years, children should always ride in the back seat.
What types of car seats are available for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children?j
Rear-facing car seat—In a rear-facing car seat, the baby is turned to face the back windshield of the car. Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight and height allowed by their car seat’s maker.
Forward-facing car seat—A forward-facing car seat faces the front windshield of the car. Toddlers and preschoolers who have outgrown the height and weight limit of the rear-facing seat should use a forward-facing seat.
Booster seat—A booster seat raises and positions your child so that the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit properly. Your child should use a booster seat until the car seat belts fit properly. This usually occurs when the child is between the ages of 8 years and 12 years and is at least 4 feet 9 inches in height.
What should I keep in mind when choosing a car seat?
Know whether your car has the LATCH system. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. Instead of seat belts, special anchors hold the seat in place. If your car and car seat do not have the LATCH system, you will need to use seat belts to install the car seat.
Try locking and unlocking the buckle while you are in the store. Try changing the lengths of the straps.
Read the labels to find out the seat’s height and weight limits.
What should I know if I am considering buying a used car seat?
Do not buy a used car seat if you know it has been in a car crash. Also, used car seats may be missing parts or instructions.
Avoid a used car seat that looks old or worn or is missing labels with the model number and maker’s name. Keep in mind that car seats have expiration dates.
You can check the expiration date for any car seat on the maker’s web site.
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, along comes the world’s first bullet proof Golf, proudly armoured in South Africa.
Armormax has just taken the wraps off its latest project – a VW Golf 8 GTI – armoured to a B4 ballistic level. This is the first armoured Golf 8 GTI both in South Africa and globally. While it may seem misplaced to have a bullet-proof hatchback offering, the demand for such a vehicle is quite high.
Using the lightest synthetic armour available globally, the armouring conversion adds less than 180 kg to the vehicle ensuring that economy and performance remain largely unaffected.
The armouring package on the Golf 8 GTI includes replacement of all standard glass with Optima ballistic glass, which, from the outside looks no different from that found on a standard vehicle.
All doors, panels, pillars, rear seats and hatch are armoured with lightweight synthetic armour. The same ballistic protection is included in the roof and sunroof, the latter remaining operational just as the front windows are.
A PTT intercom system finishes off the package giving you the safest performance hatchback on the road today.
‘The B4 Golf was a daring project back in 2018 but was met with immense interest and several orders were taken. There was never a question that we would develop the world’s first armouring package for the new model. Its most popular application remains in the private security sector as a chase, rapid response and principal extraction vehicle’ says Michael Broom, Marketing Manager for Armormax.
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.
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