Retail Motor Industry Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Why do modern cars crumple up when they crash?

vuyi on January 27, 2022

A car which has been involved in a high impact collision usually resembles a crumpled up piece of paper, making you wonder if you wouldn’t have been safer in a car that had remained more rigid.

Imagine jumping from a significant height and keeping your legs straight when landing? That wouldn’t be very comfortable as there would be nothing to absorb the shock. If however, you attempted the same jump and landed with your knees slightly bent you’d most likely experience a slightly softer landing.

The difference between the two jumps would be the bent knees which help absorb impact upon landing.

The same principle applies when you have a car accident. Of course, stepping out of a vehicle that looks much like a crumpled piece of tissue is sure to make you wonder just how safe you are. Most of us would feel more secure if we believed we had the protection of a rigid, unyielding tank. But, in fact, the opposite is true.

Why Manufacturers Develop Crumple Zones

According to Richard Green, National Director of SAMBRA (South African Motor Body Repairers Association) an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), most car manufacturers develop crumple zones on automobiles because they help absorb the shock of an impact.

Crumple zones also help absorb the force of the impact within the crumple zone, rather than being transferred to the safety cell which envelopes the occupants of the car.

This is a delicate balancing act as Green points out. “On the one hand, a car’s frame has to be strong enough to resist a certain amount of force, but too much resistance may lead to injury for the car’s inhabitants. Getting this balance right means considering the size and weight of the vehicle.

You also need to think about the force that may arise if a car collides with a moving object as opposed to a stationary one. All of these dynamics must be taken into account,” Green explains.

He adds that it’s not all up to the vehicle manufacturer. The driver and passenger also have a role to play, by ensuring they are wearing seatbelts. “If not, the idea of a safety cell is compromised, because no matter how carefully a car’s crumple zones are designed, it is inevitable that some force will remain unabsorbed. However, when you wear your seatbelt, you make sure that this is mitigated as far as possible.”

This raises another question.

If crumple zones ensure that most of the force of impact is absorbed or at least directed away from those inside the car, why not make the whole car a crumple zone? The answer to this, Green says, is because the ceilings, floors, and doors folding on the passengers would spell certain disaster.

“The crumple zones are usually located at the front and back of the car, while the passenger cabin is far more rigid. Where crumple zones handle external force, airbags ensure the driver and passenger do not make contact, upon impact, with the rigid dashboard or steering wheel inside the car,” he says.

Crumple Zone & Safety Cage

The capsule in which inhabitants sit – the safety cage – is also reinforced with pillars running the length of the car (from floor to ceiling), side-impact bars, the roof, and the floor itself.

These features ensure that the safety cage maintains its shape in the event of a collision.

Side impact bars in a car Image Credit: SKODA

Crumple zones have been a key part of car design since as far back as 1932 and were first introduced by Bela Barenyi, an engineer for Mercedes- Benz. Although cars have obviously changed and evolved dramatically since then, Barenyi’s concept of a vehicle sectioned into a rigid central zone surrounded by the front and back crumple zones remains unchanged.

Numerous tests have shown that a crumple zone can stop a car upon collision in 0.2 seconds as opposed to 0.1 seconds if the car, theoretically, did not have crumple zones. In this scenario, the crumple zone therefore literally cuts the force of the crash in half. This means that you have very little to worry about if your car is severely damaged in a crash.

The idea of such an expensive item folding in on itself in this manner can be quite disconcerting, but for your safety, this is precisely what your car should do if you are to remain as safe as possible.” Green concludes.

Source: Press release prepared on behalf of SAMBRA by Cathy Findley PR

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

What to do when your tyre explodes at high speed

vuyi on December 20, 2021

Anyone who has ever experienced the shock of a burst tyre while travelling at a relatively high speed, will relate to this article particularly given our country’s unacceptably high road accident rate.

Tips To Ensure You Don’t Buy A Write-Off

vuyi on July 7, 2021

To the untrained eye, pre-owned cars may look roadworthy, but on closer examination one may be shocked to learn just how many cars on some dealership floors are write-offs.

Over the past two years, the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), has campaigned to have cars that have been written off as a result of being critically damaged from being repaired and resold to the unsuspecting public.

Richard Green, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) has repeatedly stated that currently, there is no way for the public to verify if a car has been previously written off in an accident.

Until such a time as the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) makes information relating to a vehicle’s accident history available to the public, the public will remain at risk of unknowingly purchasing cars that have been written off.

Should you be on the market for a pre-owned car, it is vital that you have it professionally assessed. Green advises consumers as follows:

Never buy a vehicle without physically checking it and taking it for a test drive. Turn off the radio when driving it and listen to any tell-tale noises which may alert you to mechanical and other faults.
Never purchase a vehicle that does not have a full-service history from a reputable service provider.
Insist on getting an independent dealer or repairer to assess the vehicle further. You can find a list of accredited South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA)service providers on the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) website. The same applies should you be purchasing the vehicle from a private seller. A legitimate seller should not take issue with your suggestion of bringing in an independent assessor.
Spend time reading previous customer reviews about the dealership you intend to purchase your car from.

Remember that accredited SAMBRA members adhere to strict criteria and service levels designed to protect themselves as well as customers.

Sources: BusinessTech and Retail Motor Industry

Buying a Pre-Owned Car: What You See Is Not Necessarily What You Get

vuyi on July 1, 2021

For many South Africans, buying a car means freedom but many vehicles, which have been written off re ‘repaired’ and sold to unsuspecting people. Richard Green, National Director of SAMBRA weighs in on this illegal practice

Buying a second-hand car can be an exciting purchase and a good economical decision provided there are no surprises. Typically, the reliability of a second-hand car is at the forefront of most buyers’ minds. Meanwhile, to others, the fear of purchasing a vehicle that was previously involved in a serious accident could be that deal-breaker.

Cars that have been severely damaged are often repaired and end up back on the road, but the quality of the repair job and the severity of the damage play a huge part in ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of a vehicle.

There is no way of checking if a car has been written off previously in an accident
– Richard Green, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA)

Richard Green, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) says the problem in South Africa is that there is no way of checking if a car has been written off previously in an accident making it difficult for consumers to access if the showroom-condition car they bought is exactly what it claims to be.

Green share a story of a customer who brought in a two-year-old Nissan into a SAMBRA Repair Shop in Bela Bela. With just 28 267km on the clock, the owner had no idea her vehicle had been in an accident previously and had been so poorly repaired that it was structurally unsafe.

“The front body bumper absorber, which is a structural and stabilizing component in most cars, (and this case forms part of the front cradle panel), had been heated or welded together so poorly that the metal strength had been compromised. This had resulted in rust developing in the panel – a sign of early metal fatigue. As it forms part of the crumple zone of a vehicle, the panel should have been replaced with a new part,” Green said.

There were numerous many other serious repair faults on the car too, but the consumer in question had no way of checking the history of the car. “Not only does this have serious legal and cost ramifications, but it talks to the safety of motorists and a growing pool of un-roadworthy and perhaps even stolen vehicles on our roads,” says Green.

If the South African Insurance Association would agree to make write-off information available buyers would be better informed

RICHARD GREEN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOR BODY REPAIRERS’ ASSOCIATION (SAMBRA)

“If the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) would agree to make write-off information available on a public register where the VIN of a vehicle could be checked; buyers would be better informed before making a decision to purchase a used car.

Currently, write-off information is routinely forwarded to SAIA from all insurance companies. SAIA then creates a Vehicle Salvage Data (VSD) system which contains information on salvage vehicles. These are vehicles that have been deregistered by the respective insurers and thus declared salvage after policyholders have been indemnified of their motor claims. A vehicle is considered salvage by the insurance industry if it is written-off following, for instance, a motor accident.

By not making the information publicly available, SAIA is enabling the very two things they claim to be attempting to avoid.
– RICHARD GREEN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOR BODY REPAIRERS’ ASSOCIATION (SAMBRA)

SAIA however, argues that making the database public, would not only be unlawful, but would allow criminals to have access to the entire motoring insurance industry database of scrapped vehicle VINs, leading to a dramatic increase in false financing and insurance of cloned vehicles.

The reality however, is that “uneconomical to repair” cars continue to be bought by fraudsters and syndicates on salvage yards – complete with Code 2 papers. In many instances they are then poorly repaired before being sold to dealers and unsuspecting consumers who have no way of checking the bona fide history of their second-hand purchase. The papers of these same vehicles are also being used to re-register stolen vehicles as bona fide 2nd hand (code 2) vehicles.

Consumers would be better empowered and enabled through the access to additional data on a used vehicle.
– RICHARD GREEN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOR BODY REPAIRERS’ ASSOCIATION (SAMBRA)

“In essence, by not making the information publicly available, SAIA is enabling the very two things they claim to be attempting to avoid – criminal activity and an impact on the safety of motorists,” Green concluded.

TransUnion’s Kriben Reddy states that being unable to verify if a vehicle has been previously written off, is a significant problem as many vehicles are being cloned, especially in a consumer-to-consumer environment. “Consumers would be better empowered and enabled through the access to additional data on a used vehicle. As it stands consumers’ access to additional information is limited,” says Reddy.

It seems clear the conversation is not over and there is merit for all parties to revisit a system that is clearly not working.

Soure: Automobil Magazine, RMI

Cars in lockdown: Keep an eye on your service schedule

vuyi on May 20, 2021

Whether you rely on an old-school service booklet in your cubbyhole or a clever onboard system that displays a notification on your car’s instrument cluster, it’s important to keep a close eye on service schedules in order to not miss an important workshop visit.

With the effects of the pandemic still impacting regular commuting patterns and social distancing measures resulting in alternative work arrangements, many South African drivers simply aren’t accumulating the same distances as they were pre-Covid 19.

While lower mileages do come with the potential of increased vehicle trade-in or resale values further down the road, they also mean that servicing routines have been thrown out of kilter for those drivers who normally reach distance allowances before allotted time intervals.

There have been a number of recent instances at NADA member dealers where customers have missed their service deadlines
– Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA)

Whether you rely on an old-school service booklet in your cubbyhole or a clever onboard system that displays a notification on your car’s instrument cluster, it’s important to keep a close eye on service schedules in order to not miss an important workshop visit.

“There have been a number of recent instances at NADA member dealers where customers have missed their service deadlines,” said Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA). “In many of these cases, it’s because vehicle owners are driving less, and they aren’t aware that service schedules are based on a combination of distance and time allowances.

Where possible, these dealers and respective Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will work with customers to reach amenable solutions, but it’s important for owners to know that the responsibility for servicing their vehicles at the right time lies with them.”

It’s also important to remember that service intervals are not standardized across all vehicles and vehicle brands
– MARK DOMMISSE, CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE DEALERS’ ASSOCIATION (NADA)

Depending on which carmaker is involved, and by how much a service deadline is missed, failure to adhere to your car’s service schedule can result in various penalties.

In very minor cases it’s possible that a respective OEM will overlook the lapse as a gesture of goodwill, but this is a leeway that certainly should not be relied upon as a get-out-of-jail-free scenario.

Various brands will handle lapse situations differently, but generally speaking, a failure to have your vehicle serviced on time can make warranties and/or service plans immediately voidable. In certain instances, these can be reinstated with an extensive vehicle check – at a customer’s expense – but in severe cases, a completely voided warranty can have a devastating impact on the value of your asset. If your car is financed there may be further implications, as vehicle maintenance forms part of the loan terms agreed with your bank.

Today’s dealers will often call customers ahead of planned services, but this is an added courtesy and should not be relied upon
– MARK DOMMISSE, CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE DEALERS’ ASSOCIATION (NADA)

“It’s also important to remember that service intervals are not standardized across all vehicles and vehicle brands,” added Dommisse. “It appears there may be a common misconception that schedules are set at 15,000km or one year, regardless of what vehicle you drive and this is definitely not true. I recommend familiarizing yourself with your particular vehicle’s service schedule, either by looking in your owner’s manual or service booklet or by calling your nearest franchise dealership for information.

“Today’s dealers will often call customers ahead of planned services, but this is an added courtesy and should not be relied upon. Again, the onus of meeting maintenance deadlines falls solely on the customer. Even if your car is out of plan, it’s a good idea to keep on top of vehicle upkeep. Not only will this potentially increase its value, but it’s also good for the health of your car.”

NADA is a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

What are Shock Absorbers?

vuyi on October 14, 2020

Your shock absorbers are critical safety components on your car and can be classified into two basic types:

Standalone shocks that attach to the vehicle suspension and frame
Shock-absorber cartridges that are integrated into a suspension strut

Some cars have struts in the front and individual shocks in the rear. If this is the case, it’s possible to replace the rear shocks with the help of a friend who knows what they’re doing, but it’s safer to have your shock absorbers replaced by a professional.

The purpose of Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers limit overall vehicle body movement or sway. They support the springs in your car ensuring they don’t rebound on impact over rough surfaces. In this way they absorb and level out jolts to your car. They also do the job of keeping your tyres in contact with the road at all times.

Symptoms of worn Shocks Absorbers

Your tyres and shocks work together so if your shocks are worn your tyres do not grip the road firmly. As shocks gradually wear out you unconsciously adjust your driving to compensate. You may only notice the decreased efficiency when your car struggles to hold the road while cornering or braking quickly.

Your shock absorbers are worn and require replacement if you experience:

Vibrations while driving
A tapping sound while driving caused by cracked bushing at attachment points
Swerving or nose diving when braking
Longer braking time
Uneven tyre wear
Leaking fluid

What to do about worn Shock Absorbers

New cars are fitted with original equipment shock absorbers while on the auto-manufacturer’s production line and are sourced from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Worn shocks will be replaced by the dealership as long as it is within the vehicle’s warranty period.

If you experience problems after your vehicle’s warranty has expired before the next service is due, visit a reputable auto fitment centre affiliated to the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) and who comply with its codes of conduct and Consumer Protection Act guidelines.

The benefit of fitting shock absorbers at a reliable fitment centre with a national footprint is that should any problems arise, you can have it resolved at any of the branches, wherever you happen to be in the country.

Extract from an article published by SupaQuick South Africa

Pay attention when your car complains

vuyi on October 13, 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leaky radiator: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Extract from article published by the RMI

5 top tips for preserving the paint on your car

vuyi on October 1, 2020

There are several ways common household items and materials can destroy car paint
– Richard Green, national director of the South African Motor Body Repair Association (SAMBRA)

It is not only vintage car enthusiasts who spend hours buffing and polishing their “babies” on a weekend. Most people love their cars, whether it is because they are a symbol of success or whether they want to keep them in tip-top shape to pass onto their children.

Whatever the reason you are spending a lot of time keeping your car shiny and new, Richard Green, national director of the South African Motor Body Repair Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) says it is important not to damage the paintwork.

He explains that automotive paint not only plays an integral role from an aesthetic point of view, but also aids in rust prevention. It is fairly easy to damage the paintwork, hence the importance Green places on being aware of what materials you use to clean your car.

“There are several ways common household items and materials can destroy car paint from the surface down to the bare metal, resulting in serious damage,” he warns.

Here are 5 top tips for preserving the paint on your car:

DON’T clean your car with dirty cloths. The dirt will stick to the paint and scratch it as you clean, causing hairline scratches all over the bodywork. Instead, rinse your car to get rid of dirt particles before you start cleaning and always clean with a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
DON’T let bird poop dry on your car as it contains several acidic components which can stain the surface. Instead, try to wipe bird poop off before it dries with a clean, wet cloth and a dedicated carwash product. Also avoid rubbing the spot because seed particles in bird poop can scratch the surface.
DON’T park your car near an area where construction is taking place. The cement, falling rocks and dust can ruin the paint and even cause damage. Instead, remove cement when it is still wet. Trying to remove dry cement with a sharp object is just asking for trouble. Rather approach an accredited professional from the South African Motor Body Repairers Association to solve the problem.
DON’T allow any petrol to be spilled on your car when filling up your tank as it can dis-colour the paintwork and leave permanent stains. Instead, wax your car several times a year after you have had it washed as this makes it easier to clean these types of spills up without damaging your car.
DON’T forget the damaging effect the salty air of coastal regions can have on your paintwork. Salt makes your vehicle more susceptible to rust and speeds up corrosion. Instead, wash your car often if you live at the coast and wax it several times a year to build up a protective layer for the paintwork.

Another item commonly used for cleaning cars is dishwashing liquid, but this is not a good idea.
– RICHARD GREEN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MOTOR BODY REPAIR ASSOCIATION (SAMBRA)

Green says these are some of the more common ways paintwork is damaged, but there are also some unusual things people do for fun which are not paint friendly.

“In the name of fun, people slather things like silly string, mustard, shoe polish, eggs and shaving cream all over cars. It may be a good laugh for those carrying out the fun, but not such a hoot for the owner of the car when they realise all these items damage paintwork,” he said.

“Shaving cream and shoe polish contain chemicals which can leave permanent marks and eggs are acidic enough to eat through paintwork in a short time, especially if left to dry overnight. I recommend spot cleaning with a dedicated carwash product diluted in water or a full carwash if the car is badly covered in any of these substances.”

Another item commonly used for cleaning cars is dishwashing liquid, but Green adds this is not a good idea. “If your car is regularly waxed, dishwashing liquid will remove the thin protective wax layer. It is very harsh on paintwork and not very kind to rubber either, so rather stay clear.”

He concludes that not all car cleaning products are all-purpose and the wrong product could damage the paint, clear coat or other finishes.

“If you are in doubt about any substance or material which has caused damage, always seek the advice of an accredited professional from the South African Motor Body Repairers Association to help you restore your vehicle’s paint job to its former glory,” Green concludes.

Vehicle cloning is a reality: Part 3

vuyi on September 15, 2020

Never buy a vehicle without a NaTIS registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the registration certificate will be held by the bank and it will only be released if the vehicle is paid in full.
Check that the information on the registration certificate and/or license disc match the information on the vehicle in all aspects. Check that all the VIN/chassis numbers on the vehicle match each other and the certificates and that it has not been tampered with.
Check for spelling mistakes on the registration certificate and that it is not a photo copy.
Never buy a vehicle advertised or displayed with foreign number plates.
Never buy a vehicle that is registered in a foreign country – even our neighbouring countries. The probability of you being allowed to import the vehicle is very low. It is also illegal to ordinarily operate a foreign registered vehicle in South Africa.
Illegally imported vehicles can visually be identified by, for example, models that are clearly not sold in South Africa, mirrors on the front fender of the vehicle, mirrors in the back window, labels in the side windows in foreign languages and wipers on the front headlights.
It is strongly recommended that used vehicles be bought from reputable dealers. Although this is not a guarantee, chances are better that the vehicle you are buying from such a dealer is legal. It is important for dealers to protect themselves, not only from losses but to a greater extent from a tarnished reputation. These dealers normally check that the vehicles being sold are legal and have the knowledge to identify imported vehicles. It is also easier to hold them liable if it is found that the vehicle was illegally imported or stolen.
In the same vein, it is strongly recommended that used motor vehicle dealers, auctioneers of used vehicles and even salvage dealers, do not purchase any motor vehicles that was registered in South Africa after 1 September 2012 without first verifying the microdots physically on the vehicle. The Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009) makes it a requirement that second-hand motor vehicle dealers must record motor vehicle details in the prescribed register, including the microdot number read from the microdot on the vehicle. This makes the microdot information readily available to be verified.
It is strongly recommended that buyers of used motor vehicles should insist; from the dealer/seller, on a microdot fitment confirmation certificate issued for the vehicle by a reputable accredited microdot fitment centre. For information on accredited microdot fitment centres near you, please contact Microdot Association of Southern Africa, DataDot Technology, Veridot and Recoveri Tag What’s Yours.
It is recommended that financial institutions (banks) not finance; and that insurance companies not insure vehicles of which the microdot fitment and its originality has not been verified.

The golden rule is, if the deal looks too good to be true, walk away, because it probably is. Use your head, not your heart.

Vehicle cloning is a reality: Part 2

vuyi on September 1, 2020

If you do end up buying an illegal vehicle, you will lose both the vehicle and the money used to purchase it when recovered by the police.

To prevent the cloning of motor vehicles and the use of parts from stolen motor vehicles, micro-dotting of motor vehicles was recommended and the implementation supported by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) as early as 2003.

Microdots are disc-shaped particles, typically 1mm or less in diameter, containing a unique identification number. In the case of motor vehicles, thousands (minimum of 10,000 for most vehicle types) of these microdots are sprayed on a number of overt and covert places. It is proven that it is close to impossible for criminals to remove all the microdots. The microdots effectively provides the vehicle with its own DNA. There is a once off cost to fit microdots and no monthly payments.

The fitment of microdots to new vehicles and vehicles presented for police clearance became compulsory from 1 September 2012. Every fitment is recorded on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS). By the end of January 2019, NaTIS statistics showed that 5.06 million vehicles registered in South Africa had microdots fitted. This represents more than 40% of the total live motor vehicle population of South Africa at the time and 100% of all vehicles manufactured and/or imported after 1 September 2012.

It is incomprehensible that microdots are not used by everyone as a standard to mark assets

The use of microdots to identify vehicles has become a standard practice within the SAPS and forms an integral part of vehicle identification and the investigation process. Microdots are central to the process of identifying cloned vehicles. It is however rarely used by motor vehicle dealers and other businesses to identify possible cloned vehicles.

It is incomprehensible that microdots are not used by everyone as a standard to mark assets and later identify possible stolen motor vehicles and other valuable items.

BACSA, with the help of the accredited members of the Microdot Association of Southern Africa, DataDot Technology, Veridot and Recoveri Tag what’s Yours, are currently training more than 2,000 SAPS Designated Second-Hand Goods Officers to enforce the legal requirements of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009. More than 16,000 SAPS members, mostly detectives, have already been trained to use the technology.

This article was first published by the RMI

An illegal vehicle never becomes legal

vuyi on September 1, 2020

No matter how long you keep an illegal vehicle in your possession it never becomes legal, says Lee Dutton, Executive Director, International Vehicle Identification Desk (IVID) Southern Africa.

While some people who have bought an illegal vehicle try to register the vehicle as ‘built-up’ locally, their origins are invariably discovered over time and the vehicle seized
– Lee Dutton, Executive Director, International Vehicle Identification Desk (IVID) Southern Africa

In the light of a recent article issued by Business Against Crime (BAC)stating that all illegally imported vehicles are seized by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and are destroyed (compacted) by government, Dutton and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) are urging citizens not to even consider buying an illegal vehicle.

“While some people who have bought an illegal vehicle try to register the vehicle as ‘built-up’ locally, their origins are invariably discovered over time and the vehicle seized,” says Dutton. “At some point in time, in a road block or when given attention by the authorities for any reason, the owner will be asked to produce proof of the vehicle’s legitimacy. If it is foreign registered it may only remain in South Africa for a maximum of three months per annum, passports and proof of residence in the foreign state can be requested, likewise temporary import permits (TIPs).”

Jakkie Olivier, CEO of RMI, says it is a very complicated issue but ultimately the banning of imported vehicles into South Africa was done to protect local manufacturers. “We have seen cases in other countries where the import of foreign vehicles has decimated the local market.”

Often vehicles are brought into the country under the guise that they are only in transit heading onwards to another country.

He says often vehicles are brought into the country under the guise that they are only in transit heading onwards to another country. “But really they are being dumped in South Africa and sold illegally. There is also a cloning practice where the identity of a legitimate scrapped vehicle is stolen and used for a matching imported vehicle. We often see this with a specific model which has a direct impact on that model in the local market.”

According to an article by the Citizen online last year, SARS destroyed imported illegal vehicles valued close to R4 million as part of a clampdown on noncompliance in various customs sectors. “If you visit any state warehouse it will confirm the volume of vehicles seized by the SAPS and traffic officers then handed over to Customs to deal with,” says Dutton.

With some 87% of all used vehicle imports into the region using SA ports, the country continues to be the focal point for this trade. “The problem of controlling used vehicle imports and exports in the region continues to grow, despite various remedial actions taken since the late 1990s. Sadly successful, control regimes have been abandoned over time as the lessons leading to their introduction are forgotten due to high staff turnover, mostly due to re-organisation,” he says.

Stolen, undervalued, distressed and contraband vehicles being offered locally lead to additional cost to the fiscus, and a direct loss of income to the countries targeted. “While the fiscal loss involved in an illegal vehicle import is taken up as profit by those involved, local industry suffers indirectly, but the various States affected lose direct income. Five years ago, the loss to the Customs Union States was conservatively estimated at over R500m per annum. This number has probably grown substantially since then,” says Dutton.

If you are looking for a second-hand car, deal with a reputable, accredited dealer

While the problem persists, Olivier is urging motorists not to support this illegal activity and to buy ‘legal’. “If you are looking for a second-hand car, deal with a reputable, accredited dealer. We do see cases where buyers don’t intend to buy an illegal car but are duped by unscrupulous dealers. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition and get a second opinion if in doubt. A reputable dealer will be able to tell the difference between an illegal or cloned vehicle.”

Business Unity South Africa offers these additional tips:

Never buy a vehicle advertised or displayed with foreign number plates.
Never buy a vehicle that is registered in a foreign country – even our neighbouring countries. The probability of you being allowed to import the vehicle is very low.
Never buy a vehicle without a NaTIS registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the registration certificate will be at the bank and it will only be released if the vehicle is paid in full.
Check that the information on the registration certificate and/or license disc match with the information on the vehicle. Check that all the VIN/chassis numbers on the vehicle match each other and have not been tampered with.
Check for spelling mistakes on the registration certificate and that it is not a photo copy
It is strongly recommended that buyers of used motor vehicles should not buy a vehicle if a microdot confirmation certificate was not issued for the vehicle by a reputable accredited microdot fitment centre. All motor vehicles, locally manufactured or imported, registered for the first time in South Africa after 1 September 2012 must be microdotted. If a vehicle has not been fitted, it should be verified and fitted with microdots. The Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009) makes it a requirement that second-hand motor vehicle dealers must record motor vehicle details, which includes the recording of the microdot particulars on the microdot. This makes the microdot information readily available to be verified.

“Simply, why bother to go to all the effort and risk, for a short-term gain, when a local vehicle holds its value better and can be legally disposed of,” concludes Dutton.

This article was first published by the RMI