Batteries And More

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...

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...