National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA Archives

Water Puddles: A Hazard To Your Car

vuyi on January 21, 2022

By H&H Admin

With the current weather pattern of frequent rain, keeping your vehicle safe from water damage has become a very important consideration for motorists.

With the current weather pattern of frequent rain, heavy down pours and flooding around large parts of the country, keeping your vehicle safe from water damage has become a very important consideration for motorists.

The problem is exacerbated by sizeable puddles of water forming over the roads due to ineffective storm water drains not draining effectively and insufficient road maintenance.

“Not only does this present a road safety hazard, but the water can be equally hazardous to your car,” says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

Ranft says possible damage from water can impact a number of different components in one’s car ranging from your engine control unit (ECU) to gearbox control unit. Water can enter the electronic components and cause the engine to stall. This presents a danger to the driver if he/she is left stranded on the road.

Excess water can also impact a car’s air cleaner intake which is usually fitted low on a car. “This presents a great risk as taking in excess water can damage the car engine. Water sucked into engine can cause hydro lock. This will destroy the inner working of the vehicle engine at great cost to the driver.”

One also has to watch out for seemingly insignificant if parking a car outside. “It is important to drain under the windscreen wipers as they can become blocked due to leaves and twigs. If left unattended, the debris could lead to damage to the engine ECU as water can enter the ECU (engine control unit) and/or the gearbox control unit. As a result the car can stall leading to expensive repairs. “It can be easily avoided with regular maintenance like cleaning cowl panels and water draining systems,” says Ranft.

In order to prevent damage motorists should follow the following guidelines:

Never drive too fast into a pool of water if you are not sure of the depth of the puddle. This can lead to the vehicle being damage or even being totally flooded with water. Dangerous aquaplaning is also a risk and can cause the driver to lose control.
Avoid fast-flowing low water bridges. Fast flowing water over low water bridges as little as 6 inch can sweep a vehicle downstream.
Be alert for hidden potholes covered by water which can cause damage to the vehicle rims, tyres and alignment.
Always drive with your headlights on when it is raining to make your vehicle more clearly visible. In heavy rain or misty conditions it may even be necessary to switch hazard lights on to be more visible
Never speed in the rain. Drive slowly and maintain additional following distances.

Remember: It doesn’t take much water to cause a car to stall, particularly as is can be difficult to gauge how deep the water actually is.

Depending on the conditions, it could be difficult to tell how deep the water actually is and almost impossible to detect if there isn’t a pothole lurking under its surface. It is best to approach any amount of water with caution.

Source: MIWA / Retail Motor Industry

Women determined to be the change the Automotive Industry needs: Part 3 – Meet Sandra Corbett

vuyi on August 25, 2020

Five women in the automotive industry, all accredited members of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud Association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), talk to us about what they love and don’t love about the industry, and how they see the industry evolving.
– ARTICLE COURTESY OF RETAIL MOTORING INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

SANDRA CORBETT, co-owner of Kessel Motors, Cape Town, says her passion for business and creating jobs got her and her husband into the motor trade. “I believed our strong business acumen could be adapted to any industry, so we embraced the challenge and bought our first branch of Kessel Motors – we now have six branches and have learnt a lot along the way!”

Over the years, I have proven that not only can I do the job well but I excel at any given task
– SANDRA CORBETT, co-owner of Kessel Motors, Cape Town

While confident and at her best when solving complex employee, customer or even mechanical problems, Sandra admits being discriminated against as a female affected her on a personal level.

“Some customers insisted on dealing with a man. I had to overcome this and push through by equipping myself with more knowledge in the field and providing the best service I could. This has grown my confidence and empowered me in managing all my branches. My family has always been an incredible support.

Women determined to be the change the Automotive Industry needs: Part 1 – Chantel Steyn

“Over the years, I have proven that not only can I do the job well but I excel at any given task. I encourage more women to get involved and pursue their dream of either becoming a mechanic or a business owner.”

Sandra sees education as key to getting more women into the industry. “We need to teach young girls that a career in the motor trade industry is worth pursuing and back this with bursary, mentorship and study programmes.”

Kessel Motors will branch out even more if Sandra accomplishes her long-term plan and customers will be dealing with more women in her branches too.

“There are definite challenges for women but my advice is to never stop believing in yourself and embrace challenges, because these are opportunities for personal growth,” Sandra says.

Women determined to be the change the Automotive Industry needs: Part 2 – Meet Sebola Mahura

vuyi on August 21, 2020

Five women in the automotive industry, all accredited members of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud Association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), talk to us about what they love and don’t love about the industry, and how they see the industry evolving.
– ARTICLE COURTESY OF RETAIL MOTORING INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

SEBOLA MAHURA, who works in admin and marketing at KGK Motors, says it was a dream to join the automotive sector. Her job keeps her on her toes and she loves this, along with interacting with clients and learning something new every day.

“It inspires me to want to learn and achieve more and grab every opportunity,” she says.

…all you need is to find where your passion and skills lie and go for it without looking back
Sebola Mahura, Admin and Marketing – KGK Motors

Her excitement wanes though when asked about people’s reactions to her job. “They don’t believe a woman can know anything about cars. At work, my advice or opinion is often not trusted by a client because I’m female, so I always make a point of demonstrating whatever it is to them, to show I’m capable.”

Strong, fearless women is what the sector needs, says Sebola. “Women must leave the perception of it being male-dominated behind and get involved – there are lots of opportunities, from sales and admin to technician or panelbeater.”

Her plans ahead include expanding branches nationwide and hosting workshops to educate clients about their vehicles.

“My advice to women wanting to break into the automotive sector – all you need is to find where your passion and skills lie and go for it without looking back. There are no limitations except those you impose on yourself.”

Women determined to be the change the Automotive Industry needs: Part 1 – Chantel Steyn

vuyi on August 19, 2020

Five women in the automotive industry, all accredited members of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud Association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), talk to us about what they love and don’t love about the industry, and how they see the industry evolving.
– article courtesy of retail motoring industry organization (RMI)

CHANTEL STEYN had to leave her job in the government sector to join her husband at his Car Service City branch in Pretoria in 2018, after the business expanded rapidly within two months of opening. She bought her own Car Service City branch, also in Pretoria, a year later.

I’ve often been told ‘what do you know about vehicles?
– Chantel Steyn

The branch was awarded Best New Branch and Best Branch Overall in the franchise in 2019.

She was fortunate to experience full support from male colleagues and suppliers, but there is no doubt women are not seen as equals in the industry.

“I’ve often been told ‘what do you know about vehicles?’ when people find out what I do for a living. I tell them you don’t have to know everything about vehicles to manage a business well. Men tend not to take your opinions seriously until they get to know you and can see what you are contributing to the business.

“There is no glitz and glam, so you need to be a strong character. You have to remember customers are your bread and butter, so you must be competitive; always one step ahead of the rest when it comes to customer service and quality workmanship.”

Determined to set an example for women by being the best in her field, Chantel also wants to empower women to excel in the industry. She adds that she will always champion excellent customer service and quality workmanship.

“You are the creator of your own destiny, so never give up on your dreams,” she says.

The Importance of Timeous Vehicle Maintenance

vuyi on July 17, 2020

A proverb reading, “the squeaky wheel gets oiled,” can be applied to your car maintenance.

Paying attention to obvious niggles that occur during daily trips can avoid disappointment and save money.

Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), points out the importance of timeous car maintenance. “Rather than leaving a small issue to develop into an inconvenient breakdown, always be alert for any tell-tale niggles. Attending to minor maintenance issues pro-actively, can avoid extensive collateral damage to other parts,” he says.

He advises motorists to stay alert for warning signs in some of the most common areas like brakes, tyre care, warning signals, windscreen damage, steering mechanism, oil consumption, radiator, starter motor and fuel economy.

Warning signs to take heed of:

1. Brake Pads

Although most modern cars have sensors to warn a driver when brake pads are due for replacement, one should take note of other warning signs. When brakes tend to squeak or develop a grinding sound, get this checked out by a professional mechanic as a matter of urgency. In addition to brakes being an essential safety feature for any vehicle, worn brake pads can cause expensive damage to the brake discs. “The more serious and costly result when ignored, would be brake failure at a critical moment,” says Ranft.

2. Tyre Care

Uneven wear can be an indication of alignment or suspension issues, especially if there is vibration on the steering wheel while cruising on an even surface. Have it checked out urgently to avoid more damage. A sensible practice would also be to rotate the tyres according to the manufacturer’s specifications every time the car has an oil change or regular service.

Attending to minor maintenance issues pro-actively, can avoid extensive collateral damage to other parts
– Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA

3. Warning signals

Different models have various alert systems, enabling a driver to act swiftly and attend to mechanical or electronic issues. Be knowledgeable about the signals and warning lights by studying the owner’s manual. Any uncertainty about warning signals should be taken up with a professional mechanic.

4. Windscreen damage

Depending on the kind of windscreen make, a small crack can grow and cause a safety hazard. Ensure timely replacement of damaged windscreens. Most insurance packages make it quick and easy to resolve.

5. Steering mechanism

A shaking steering wheel while travelling at reasonable speed needs to be checked out. It might only take a simple adjustment of wheel balancing to fix the problem. Should there be noticeable movement on the steering wheel at very low speed or even when the car is idling, it could be suspension or wheel bearing issues.

Stay alert for warning signs in some of the most common areas like brakes, tyre care, warning signals…

6. Oil consumption

An oil light grabbing your attention is a no brainer to take action. But a more subtle symptom would be a gradual increase in oil consumption. This could also be accompanied by less perky performance by the vehicle. Get a reputable mechanic to check out the basics by replacing the oil and oil filters. It also pays in the long run to use high quality oil brands.

7. Leaky radiator

Hot steam coming out of Radiator, Car engine over heat.

It is important to keep the radiator in tip top condition. Any signs of leakage could be attributed to corrosion. The best medicine would be to replace the unit and avoid any overheating, which could cause major and expensive engine damage.

8. Starter motor

Any signs of the starter mechanism playing up will need urgent attention. There could be a wide variety of causes that would need to be assessed by a professional. The root of the problem could be with the motor mechanism itself, a number of electrical issues or damage to the solenoid. Because it is all but impossible to predict when the starter motor would finally say its goodbyes, a professional assessment and resolution should be completed sooner than later.

9. Fuel economy

During lockdown some motorists boasted they were getting ‘two months per tank’. Ironically during the time when we were unable to travel, fuel prices also plummeted to record lows. And now that we can travel again, prices are rising. Therefore, we need to avoid unnecessary high fuel consumption. Apart from sensible driving habits that can reduce excessive consumption, a few other measures can be applied:

• check tyre pressure regularly to be in line with the carload and road conditions;

• keep to regular prescribed service intervals;

• ensure that the fuel cap locks tightly;

• avoid unnecessary idling;

• when driving, use the highest possible gear, without labouring the engine;

• fill up with the manufacturer’s prescribed fuel and oil type; and

• reduce drag and excessive weight;

Ranft concludes that sustained maintenance will ensure that car owners can have peace of mind when taking to the road. Keeping a vehicle in good shape, particularly now, makes good economic sense and ensures safety for the owner and passengers.