driver safety Archives Page 3 of 11 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

What You Auto Know About Car Headlights

vuyi on March 8, 2022

By Vuyi Mpofu

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.

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.

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.

4 Car Parts You Must Get Checked After Hitting A Pothole

vuyi on March 1, 2022

By Vuyi Mpofu

Our roads might look sturdy and capable but in reality, they are much softer than you think.

Potholes are a motorist’s worst nightmare and a nuisance on our roads. They form on almost all the roads in our country and cause considerable damage to our vehicles.

Whether you are avoiding one or driving straight through it, potholes make you cringe and leave you worried about the cost of repairing various components of your car.

Before talking about which parts you should have checked after hitting a pothole, let’s start by looking at what causes potholes in the first place.

How Potholes Form

Potholes develop when water on the road seeps under the pavement through cracks in the road. When the temperature drops below 32°, the water freezes and expands, forcing the pavement to rise.

As the day heats up and the temperature rises, the compromised section of the road contracts and breaks as vehicles drive over the pavement. The result is a pothole in the road.

In cold climates, the freeze-thaw cycles during winter and spring are a key contributing factor to the formation of potholes. The more freeze-thaw cycles a pothole goes through, the larger the pothole can become.

When it’s warmer, heat is the culprit. Heat causes splits in the road that serves as an entry point for water. The pothole forms as traffic goes over the gap in the pavement causing the top layer of the road to crumble.

Car Parts Which Get Damaged By Potholes

Tyres and Rims
Tie Rod Ends
Control Arm
Shocks and Struts

What Are These Parts and What Do They Do?

1. Tyres and Rims

Mowing straight into a pothole impacts your tyre first. If the tyre is underinflated, the sidewall is most likely to pinch and the tyre will immediately lose air and go flat in seconds.

On the other hand, the impact created by hitting a pothole can separate the liner from the tyre body, causing a bubble to develop on the sidewall which could eventually result in a blow-out.

Hitting the pothole with extreme force could cause the rim to chip, crack or bend. A bent wheel won’t roll smoothly and will most likely make a lot of noise asides from creating an uncomfortable riding experience; and besides, the tyre could deflate almost immediately there is a problem with the rim. Sometimes a bent rim can be repaired but those with cracks and chips will have to be replaced as they will eventually collapse.

2. Tie Rod Ends

Tie rod ends are small, swivelling ball joints that connect your power steering gear to the wheel. Prone to damage and wear, tie end rods can bend and in extreme cases, come apart altogether, leaving you in need of a tow.

3. Control Arm

Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb impact while providing a smooth ride. When driving under normal circumstances, various components of the suspension system rebound to soak up the effects of shock along the road while your car’s control arms maintain the vertical position of your wheels.

In the event of a jarring hit against a pothole, the impact can cause a control arm to bend. This will result in your steering being off-center and your alignment becoming misaligned. Other damage could result in broken ball joints and damaged shocks and struts.

4. Shocks and Struts

Hitting rocks the entire suspension system and can cause premature wear and tear on shocks and struts, but spotting damage to shocks and struts can be tricky.

A flat tyre or bent rim are obvious signs of damage after slamming into a pothole and you’ll have a hard time driving with either of these problems afterward.

However, damage to your shocks and struts can be difficult to spot, so you need to be on the lookout for the followings signs.

Excessive bouncing
Loss of control
Swaying and rolling when turning
Excessive vibration
Front end diving when braking
Squatting when accelerating
Sitting lower in front or rear
Uneven tire wear

Fixing Pothole Damage

If you have hit one or more potholes and suspect you may have damaged more than just your tyre and rim, it would be best to take your car for a thorough inspection at an accredited tyre service provider.

They will most likely check your vehicle’s alignment among other things and provide you with a report of what may need to be fixed or replaced.

Remember that the longer you put off getting your vehicle inspected the more damage you may cause by continuing to drive it.

What the truck?! How to drive safely around big rigs

vuyi on March 1, 2022

Driving around commercial trucks can be dangerous, so you must exercise caution when in their vicinity.

Listen: Traffic Rules Motorists Habitually Ignore

vuyi on February 28, 2022

Tune into #SAfmLivingRedesigned on SAfm, every Tuesday between 13:40 and 13:50 for an update on all things motoring.

Safety Tip of the Week: Driving on old tyres is extremely dangerous

vuyi on February 28, 2022

By H&H Admin

One of the biggest risks to motorists is driving on old or expired tyres.

Similar to most things in life, tyres become less effective the older they become, even if your car is parked for a long your tyres haven’t run for a long while.

Being exposed to the elements can cause the rubber and other critical components in your tyres to degrade; cracks can form and the steel belts inside your tyre can gradually begin to separate.

Most tyre manufacturers recommend that you replace your tyres after 10 years, regardless of their appearance.

Nitrogen in your tyres: What are the benefits?

vuyi on February 23, 2022

By Vuyi Mpofu

Nitrogen gas is an alternative to compressed air but did you know that it’s good for your tyres too?

Many motorists use air in their tyres but very few seem to know about the benefits of using nitrogen instead. Since converting to nitrogen many years ago I can confidently attest to the numerous benefits of using it instead of air.

Before getting into an overview of the benefits of using nitrogen in your tyres, let’s first discuss what nitrogen is.

What is nitrogen?

The air we inhale comprises approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. In its purest form, nitrogen is simply dry air that is completely devoid of oxygen. Nitrogen is:

Non-combustible
Non-corrosive
Non-flammable
Environmentally friendly

Unlike air, nitrogen does not oxidize (or weaken) the rubber of the tyre.

Of all known gasses, nitrogen has the biggest molecules which means it seeps through tyres much slower than air. As a result, it takes longer for a tyre pumped with nitrogen to lose pressure than one filled with air.

The benefits of using nitrogen:

As mentioned I am a firm believer in using nitrogen for the following reasons.

Tyres run cooler because nitrogen does not hold heat, which drastically reduces instances of having a burst tyre.
Cooler tyres also mean better handling on the road, here’s why: When tyres heat up, their inflation pressure increases, resulting in a smaller tyre footprint (the area in contact with the road). The smaller the tyre’s footprint, the less grip, so the cooler the tyre the better it grips
Nitrogen reduces tyre pressure variation normally caused by fluctuating temperatures.
Due to its molecular structure, nitrogen escapes through the tyre’s inner liner at a slower rate than air, meaning the pressure in your tyres will hold for longer.
Nitrogen does not contain moisture, meaning a notable reduction in corrosion to the rubber of the tyres.

With the above in mind, I am sure you’ll agree that using nitrogen in your tyres is a good idea. As a result of the above-mentioned benefits, tyre manufacturers agree that nitrogen can improve a tyre’s lifespan by up to 20%.

While I’m not an expert, I am further encouraged by the fact that Formula 1 race car drivers use nitrogen in their tyres, and if it’s good enough for Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, it’s good enough for me!

Illegal automotive friction materials destroyed

vuyi on February 23, 2022

By H&H Admin

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) welcomes the recent destruction of non-conforming automotive friction materials.

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) welcomes the recent destruction of non-conforming automotive friction materials at the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in Midrand.

Vishal Premlall, national director of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and Regulatory Compliance Manager at the RMI, was a guest at the event at which about R80-million worth of illicit products were destroyed.

Vishal Premlall (National Director of the South African Petroleum Retailers’ Association and Regulatory Compliance Manager at the Retail Motor Industry Organisation) and Acting CEO and Head of Automotive at the NRCS Duncan Motengwa.

Products were classified into four main categories: automotive, electronic, chemical, and legal metrology.

The automotive products destroyed included brake pads, brake shoes, headlamps, globes, foam tyre cleaners, and infant car seats. At the destruction event, Phambili Services coordinated the destruction processes, which included crushing with a baler, hammering, cutting, chemical processing, dumping into landfill sites, and, where possible, recycling.

Only 10% of the products were destroyed that day, with the balance to be destroyed over a period of three weeks.

“We are pleased to see progress and for the first time in many years; a public display of non-conforming product destruction. Now we need a database of the conforming products as a starting reference for the consumer because the continued trade in inferior products impacts the safety of road users,” he said.

*Confiscated headlamp globes being crushed by a bailer*

Premlall explained that the collaboration between the RMI and the Automotive Friction Material Industry to regulate brake friction materials has existed over an extended period, but had often been hampered with frustrating results for the parties involved.

The project seemed to lack momentum by the regulatory and compliance bodies despite the fact that the growth of brands of friction material over the past two decades has been exponential.

Most concerning, Premlall says, is there has been no means to confirm the quality and validity of these products in the local marketplace.

“The illegal trade is evolving daily. Careful tracking is essential. Accordingly, the RMI will partner efforts with all relevant stakeholders to bring guilty perpetrators to account,” he says.

*Confiscated brake pads, shoes, and linings to be destroyed*

To further this agenda, the RMI will take steps to ensure that products entering the automotive market are safe and are of acceptable manufacturing standards.

“RMI member workshops pride themselves in only dealing with reputable parts suppliers with trusted products that meet the regulatory standards. We must stand together to rid the industry of unscrupulous traders,” Premlall concludes.

The NRCS is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition and was established on 1 September 2008.

Source: Retail Motor Industry

Don’t Buy That Car If It Doesn’t Have These Features

vuyi on February 22, 2022

One of the most important decisions you will ever make is the type of car to buy.

10 safety tips for driving in the wind

vuyi on February 21, 2022

Strong windy conditions create dangerous driving conditions, particularly if accompanied by hail or rain.

To help keep you safe, we have created a list of tips to help keep you safe should you find yourself driving in windy conditions.

Always check the weather forecast before embarking on a long trip as they may issue a warning relating to high winds or stormy conditions along your journey.

Keep your windows closed as drag can hamper your progress while allowing debris, dust, and other objects into the vehicle as these will affect safety and visibility.
Reduce your speed and be alert as you may need to stop unexpectedly.
Keep an eye out for uprooted trees/branches, and debris that may have been blown onto the road.
Keep an eye out for people, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children who may be hurriedly seeking shelter.
Be prepared for people and animals who cannot hear your horn in these types of conditions.
If you are carrying cargo, make sure it is securely tied down.
Keep your distance to allow other motorists the time and space to avoid obstacles on the road.
Turn on your headlights to intensify your visibility as well as to increase the chances of other motorists seeing you.
Heavy wind can make it difficult to handle and steer a vehicle, so it is a good idea to keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
Be aware of large cargo vehicles, buses, and vehicle towing trailers as there are vulnerable to losing control or tipping over in high winds.

Remember that the best safety feature at your disposal is your own sense of safety. If you don’t feel confident driving in windy conditions, pull over as soon as you can and wait for the wind to die down.

Reader Query: What causes a tyre to bounce?

vuyi on February 17, 2022

By Vuyi Mpofu

We receive a lot of queries via email and social media from readers enquiring about various aspects of motoring. Rather than answer each individually, we have decided to share the queries here as there may be other readers faced with similar car problems.

Palesa Mokoena* of Diepkloof, Soweto sent us this query….

When driving on the highway, I have noticed that some cars have at least one tyre that bounces up and down like a tennis ball. It looks scary and dangerous but I wonder what causes this and how I can make sure I don’t have a bouncy tyre too!
Palesa Mokoena

Let’s start off by saying that the only contact you have with the road’s surface is a small patch of rubber which is about the size of the palm of your hand. That patch of rubber, multiplied by 4 to represent the number of tyres your car has, is all that keeps your car on the ground. If one tyre constantly bounces, then the driver of that vehicle only has 3 ‘palms of rubber’ in touch with the ground.

Based on Palesa’s description, we believe that that a bouncing tyre presents an extremely dangerous situation and here’s why.

Main cause of bouncing tyre: Worn or broken shock absorbers

The most likely cause of the bouncing tyre are worn or broken shock absorbers. Next to your braking system, the shock absorbers are probably the next most important safety item on a car. Not only do shock absorbers serve to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, but they also control the movement of the suspension of a car, allowing you to effectively control the vehicle.

When one or more tyres are not in constant contact with the road, your ability to control the vehicle becomes critically compromised, particularly when you attempt to steer or brake.

Shock absorbers which need to be replaced can result in the following:

Loss of traction – which increases stopping distance and negatively affects control and acceleration.
Tyre cupping / Uneven tyre wear and tear – which shortens the life and performance of the tyres and can also increase road noise.
Body roll (side-to-side movement) – which negatively impacts the car’s handling and your ability to control it optimally.
Bottoming out when going over bumps – which results in the premature wear and tear of the car’s suspension components.
Nosediving (the bonnet of the car dips upon deceleration) – which results in premature front-brake wear.
Acceleration squat (the rear of the vehicle drops upon acceleration) – which adversely affects traction, vehicle handling and control.

Source: Gabriel

If you suspect that your tyres may be bouncy, then we suggest you have your suspension system checked as soon as possible.

Alternatively, you can occasionally ask someone to watch each of them as you drive. Just make sure you are on a fairly straight road with very little traffic on it – to be on the safe side.

*Name has been changed

Is It Safe To Drive On A Cracked Rim?

vuyi on February 16, 2022

By Vuyi Mpofu

Even though rims are generally sturdy, they aren’t immune to getting damaged and can result in blow-outs.

There is a joke which says that if you drive in a straight line on any road in South Africa, chances are you are intoxicated; whereas if you drive haphazardly are you are most likely to be sober. Why? Well, when you zig-zag across the road the assumption is that you are avoiding potholes.

Cracked rims are just as much of a threat to your safety and the overall performance of your car as any other component of your vehicle. Sometimes, it is quite easy to spot a crack on the rim but at other times, the crack can be quite fine, making it difficult to spot.

Either way, most motorists may be unaware that there is a problem, hence it is important to regularly check the integrity of your vehicle every other day and even more so before going on a long-distance drive.

Common causes of rim damage

It may not always be possible to avoid damaging a rim but to avoid costly repairs, here are a few things you might want to steer (pun intended) clear of.

Hitting a pothole

Potholes are the bane of our lives. They vary in width and depth and should always be approached cautiously particularly because they are a serious threat to the longevity of a car’s tyres and rims.

A lethal combination of the speed of a car, coupled with the depth, width and sharpness of the edge of a pothole has been known to rip a tyre right off its rim; shredding it almost instantly on point of contact.

At other times, the damage is not as visible to the naked eye but can reveal itself over time.

2. Driving on a flat or poorly inflated tyre

A properly inflated tyre can absorb impact from bumps and other anomalies on the road. However, a tyre that has low pressure will not absorb any impact from any irregularities on the road’s surface. Instead, the force of such impact will hit the rim directly thereby causing damage such as cracks or dings.

3. Driving over a curb

On roads such as ours which are, in some instances, devoid of even the faintest remnants of paint, one can occasionally drive over an unmarked curb or similar hard shoulder. This is more prevalent when driving on unfamiliar or poorly lit roads.

How can I tell if my rim is damaged?

A visual inspection of your tyres and rim is one way to check the health of your wheels.
Another is noticing a continuous vibration through the steering wheel or an unfamiliar sound emanating from the direction of the affected wheel.
Lastly, when you notice that your tyres can no longer retain pressure for long, forcing you to pump them more often than normal, chances are there is a problem with your wheels.

Is it safe to drive with a cracked rim?

My quick and short answer is no.

No matter how small or fine the crack might be, it would be best to have the rim replaced as soon as possible. Cracks on your rim are a hazard and can jeopardize your safety and that of other motorists around you.

The smallest crack could either grow over time or widen exponentially at the slight of impacts. In either scenario, where there is a crack on your rim there is a very real possibility that the air from our tyres could escape abruptly and without warning. Should this happen, even the most skilled drivers would have a hard time controlling the vehicle.

If you suspect that you have a cracked or bent rim, it is best to have it attended to immediately. Remember that your rim holds your car’s tyres and that the only contact you have with the road is about the size of the palm of your hand.

Should there be an abnormality on your rim, then suffice it to say there will be an abnormality with your tyres, causing a ripple effect which could result in a tyre blow-out, serious injury, expensive damage to your vehicle and at worst – death.

It’s better to be safe – and out of pocket due to having replaced a rim – than injured or sorry.