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Why Do Car Batteries Die?

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Your car’s battery is important. It provides the power it needs to start. It also stores electricity the alternator creates and powers accessories when the car is off. Obviously, you need your battery to function. Oftentimes, however, the battery wears out or “dies.” There are various reasons why car batteries die. Here are the most common: • Forgetting to Turn Off Headlights or Internal Lights. These days, most cars signal whenever the headlights or internal lights are left on and many modern vehicles automatically turn off the headlights. Yet, people still own older vehicles and there are still occasions when the headlights or internal lights remain on. • Not Fully Closing a Door. If a door is not fully closed, it will cause the interior lights and/or the dashboard lights to remain on, which will drain the battery. • Using Accessories with the Car Off. If you listen to the radio or put on the air conditioner or heater or use any other accessory without putting on t
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What is Causing the Problem?

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When your car starts giving you trouble, it’s not easy to figure out why. It could be the battery or it could be the alternator. It’s a good idea to try and determine what’s happening early, before your car won’t start. Here are some tips to help you figure out where is the problem. Check the Battery If it’s cold outside, it’s most likely the battery. Check the battery after you shut off the car. If you see a dim flickering light, something is using the battery’s power. Check everything - windows, wipers, brakes, etc. When they are all off, try the battery again. Then check the battery voltage with a voltmeter (you can purchase one very inexpensively through Gumtree or Fragram). It should read around 12.6 volts. Turn on the engine and recheck. If the voltmeter reads between 14-15 volts, the battery is normal. If, however, the voltmeter reads over 15 volts or less than 13 volts, you have a problem with the wiring, voltage regulator, or the alternator. If it also won’t
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Most common Reasons for cars breakdown

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No one ever plans for their car to breakdown. And, of course, when it does happen, it’s always during the worst time. Whenever you’re late to work, when you’re on your way to a “can’t miss” appointment, when you’re trying to get your kids off to school, or just after you’ve set of off to vacation. It never, ever fails. Most car breakdowns happen for the following reasons: o Dead Auto Car Battery o Faulty Alternator o Defective Starter Motor o Electrical Problem Auto Car Battery The auto car battery’s key purpose is to provide power to the systems that start the engine and run the electrical systems when the engine isn’t on. Warning signs that the battery is about to die include: o powdery sediment on the battery and cables. o Slow turning engine o Low water quantities o Dimming dashboard lights o loose cables. Check your auto car battery at least once a month for warning signs and have a professional inspect and test it. It’s not uncommon for
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October is National Transport Month

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October is National Transport Month in South Africa. The month was marked as such to advocate highway safety awareness. South Africa’s roads are amongst the worlds most treacherous. In 2016, over 14,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents. Sadly, that was a nine percent increase in deaths from 2015. Celebrate National Transport Month by making sure you know traffic laws and do all you can to make sure you stay safe at all times while on the road. Here are some tips: o Traffic Circles. Traffic circles continue to confuse many drivers and numerous accidents continue to occur in them. The basic rule in a traffic circle is simple: always give way to the car approaching from the right. If you stick to this rule, you’ll avoid most problems. o Amber Lights. Some see an amber light as an invitation to speed, rather than slow down. Remember, an amber light means that the light is about to change to red. It’s a warning, not a challenge. o Cell Phones. Cell phones have distracted dr
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Tips for Purchasing a Used Car

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Though about 36,794 South Africans registered new cars in January 2017, more residents can better afford used cars. In May 2016 alone, 89,390 completed applications for used cars. In addition to lower cost, used cars cost less to insure and you can oftentimes get more interesting features. Of course, there’s always the concern that an individual selling a used car will take advantage and hand you a bunch of problems on four wheels. Take heart, most used sales are legitimate and most sellers are honest. Still, with all sales, the buyer must always be careful. Here are some tips to make sure the used car in which you’re considering purchasing doesn’t have problems: o Don’t fall in love. This is admittedly hard, especially when the car has great looks and features. o Stay ordinary. With used cars, ordinary is safer. Of course you want the car you loved a kid, but it’s better to save that for the dealers, where warranties are offered. Plus, dealers can some of those
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The Main Reasons Cars Breakdown

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As of 2014, 28,5% of South African households had access to a car. That reflected a 5,6% increase in ten years. Since then, car sales have gone up and, in July 2017 alone, they increased 4,1% (the Ford Ranger, as in past years, sold the most). While sales haven’t always been perfect and the economy has fluctuated, the industry nonetheless has a positive influence on the market. Car makers highly pursue the industry and just last year, Toyota opened a plant in KwaZulu- Natal, Durban. Driving certainly is a fantastic convenience that also offers independence. In 2016, about 4,3 million workers drove a car at least to and from work. If you don’t already own a car, perhaps you ride along as a passenger or plan on someday owning a car yourself. The statistics indicate that these situations are possible now or very likely in the near future. Cars, however, occasionally breakdown. Even the most highly rated, most expensive cars experience trouble once in a while. The South Afric
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How to Safely Jump-Start Your Car

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When most people get a flat battery, they right away seek out another car and reach for the jumper cables. But, many actually don’t know how to correctly use them. Or, perhaps, you’ve never used them before. Here’s an easy guide:  o First read your car manual. Some cars have a certain procedure when it comes to using jumper cables. o If possible, wear gloves and eye protection. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and other dangerous chemicals. If you’re in the dark, use a flashlight. Many smartphones have one. o Use high-quality jumper cables. Use cables that are at least 2,5 meters long and colour coded. Poor quality cables could cause sparks and fires. o Ready the cars. The cars should be close enough for the cables to reach, but shouldn’t touch - such could create a shock. Turn off each car’s ignition and electronics (radio, air conditioner, etc.). o Hook cables in correct sequence. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on each ca
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