With South African petrol prices at a record high, motorists brace themselves for more petrol increases as the Russia and Ukraine war worsens amid rising international fuel prices. And if the mid-month data supplied by the Central Energy Fund is anything to go by, motorists will be forking out close to R20.88 for a litre of 95 Unleaded coastal while inland will cost around R21.60. The cheaper 93 Unleaded will stand around R21.35 per litre. A service centre visit might be overdue. Have you had your car serviced yet? If not, maybe it's time you visited your nearest service centre to maintain its longevity and fuel efficiency. As many South African motorists brace themselves for more petrol increases this April due to the Russia and Ukraine war worsening, many will look for fuel-efficient ways to keep their vehicles running for longer and more efficiently. And if the mid-month data supplied by the Central Energy Fund is anything to go by, motorists will be forking out up to R20.88 for a litre of 95 Unleaded coastal while inland will cost R21.60. The cheaper 93 Unleaded will now stand at R21.35 per litre. So, maybe that vehicle service you have been avoiding is overdue and needed. And while these increases may have motorists and commuters buckling their belts even tighter, not all is lost with these fuel-efficient guidelines to keep you and your vehicle going for longer. Service Your Vehicle A serviced car is like a healthy body, good maintenance and nurturing will keep it running for longer and extend its lifespan. And it all starts with which service centre you use. An accredited service centre will provide your vehicle with adequate professional service ensuring that the necessary oil changes, spark plugs, brake pads and air and fuel filters are timeously changed. As any vehicle owner will tell you, regular vehicle service and maintenance play a pivotal role in extending the lifespan of your vehicle and maintaining its value. More so, regular servicing prevents the vehicle from unforeseeable mechanical problems which tend to be expensive. An unserviced vehicle can use 50% of its fuel by running poorly through having to use extra energy. Take a spark plug, a cleaned one could mean cleaner and more efficient combustion, allowing your vehicle to go further with every litre of fuel. Tyre Pressure This is one aspect of vehicle servicing that is often overlooked. When we visit our nearest petrol garage, we often ask the petrol attendant to “fill our tyres” and he/she will do so with what they know best. However, that is the incorrect way to go about it. The best way is the recommendation from your dealership or manufacturer. Many vehicles will have the tyre pressure number on the inside of the driver's door or in the vehicle's service book. This is to maintain vehicle safety for you on the road as well as other road users. But more importantly, to fill the tyres with the correct air pressure. As a motorist, this ensures efficiency from a financial and fuel-efficient standpoint. A flat or deflated tyre causes poor performance, creates uneven tyre tread and wears out quicker. This increases resistance leading to the engine working harder and more fuel used up. In a nutshell, more energy is used to move a car with a flat or deflated tyre. Drive Slower This is easier said than done but it will save you a few rands and trips to the garage. We all know that driving fast uses more fuel and decreases fuel economy. So, try to accelerate gently because the harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Also, driving within the recommended speed limit is more efficient and safer. For certain vehicles that allow, opt for cruise control for highway driving. Fuel Economy- Window or Air Conditioner? To open the window or use the air conditioner? The answer lies in personal preference. In cases that are extreme like humid weather, maybe an air conditioner is a more likely choice, however where the weather permits, an open window will work just as well. However, we can not ignore the fact that an open window will bring in a little draft with it. If you are trying to save fuel, try parking where there is a shade for cooling. Also, get tinted windows to deflect the heat. If you have a lot of errands to run, plan a circular trip rather than several individual trips. If you need to go to Makro in Meadowdale, why not pop in after work when you are already travelling on the R24 from Benoni to Greenstone, then make a standalone Makro trip on a Sunday morning? Planned Trips Combine your errands into one, rather than having several trips. Where it is possible to do so, use the car for important trips that can be rounded off as one trip. This will save you fuel and put more money into your pocket where possible avoid traffic by travelling earlier or a little later. A fully serviced and maintained car will give you many years on the road and save you a lot of money in repairs and unforeseen eventualities. And while having tips for using your fuel sparingly, we hope this article has done its job in highlighting the importance of getting your vehicle serviced. Visit www.autopedigree.co.za for a service centre near you.

What defines the “right” pre-loved car? Well, that one is up to you. Broad and vague … we know, although it is true. But do not worry, do not fear, Auto Pedigree is here! We have compiled a useful list of steps to assist your approach infinding the right pre-loved car for you. What Do You Need From Your Pre-loved Car? What you need from your pre-loved car depends entirely on your preferences and the lifestyle you maintain, so finding a used car that is capable of your requirements is first on the list. Specific cars cater well to specific needs. From a functional standpoint, trucks and bakkies are well suited for heavy-duty lifting and transportation. If you simply like to drive in style, we can suggest an array of classy top-tier pre-loved cars that fit the bill. Know Your Spending Limits Analyse what you bring home after all expenses, set a budget, and keep to it as much as possible. Financing your pre-loved car is a reality for most unless you will be paying in cash. Staying within the green area from month to month, your used car should be around 10-15% of your monthly income after expenses. This may lessen the number of options in the hunt for you, making it that much easier to narrow down your dream vehicle. Remember That Nothing Set In Stone It is likely that many shoppers enter the market with hearts set on a specific make and model, but after test driving a few, they fall in love with something else. It is extremely likely that the pre-loved carfor you is one that you haven’t even considered yet. It is definitely worth your while having an idea of what you wish to see yourself driving out of the dealership in, but prepare to have your head turned! The options are boundless. Test-Drive Your Chosen Pre-Loved Car A test drive is absolutely mandatory in your decision-making process, so set aside a few hours for this one. Here is your opportunity to feel the wind in your hair before making any commitments. This step is overlooked by many, and some pay a hefty price for it. Take this opportunity to ensure that from top to bottom, you are satisfied with the carin question. Take Your Pick Once you’ve tasted each option and test-driven each pre-loved car on your list, take your pick. Don’t feel pressured if your mind is in a muddle, this decision should be crystal clear and you should feel entirely confident with the car you choose to take you home. Remember that perfect may be inaccessible or it may look different to what you initially thought. However, we will bring you as close to it as we possibly can. Ask us for our advice... find a dealer near you and fire off a few questions about your chosen car brands. We hope these steps have offered you some guidance in locating the right pre-loved car for you, and we are available to you for any other questions or concerns. Chat to the Auto Pedigree team if you have any doubt.

Many things are considered when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, namely budget, mileage, style, reliability, comfort, and safety. Additionally, different vehicle types are suited to different lifestyles. We'll be going over a few different lifestyles and which vehicles suit each. Second-Hand Cars For Adventurers Are you the type that’s always out on an adventure? The main second-hand car to consider is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). SUVs have excellent cargo and cabin space, four to eight seats, and a rear door that lifts up, as well as being equipped with four-wheel drive. Off-road, they really perform, which means the outdoors are your oyster! City Folk Driving If you reside in a city with bustling traffic, a hatchback or sedan could be for you. Hatchbacks usually seat five and are perfect for nipping through traffic. Sedans are an option for those who need a little more cargo space as they have a detached trunk. If clutch control in traffic isn’t your strong suit, look into automatic second-hand cars for those gridlocked days in Jozi central. On-The-Roaders Those that work on the road for long periods of time could go for sedans, in the case of drivers who need space for passengers; or trucks for those that carry more cargo. Whichever second-hand car you choose, make sure to test-drive for comfortability. Luxurious And Driver-Focused If you like comfort, style, and power, a convertible or coupe could be the second-hand car for you. Both vehicles seat two, the difference being a coupes’ roof is fixed, while a convertibles’ is retractable. Family-Orientated Used Vehicles For smaller and regular-sized families a sedan or station wagon (with five seats and lots of cargo space) could be the car for you. For larger families, a minivan would be better suited as they seat six to eight with plenty of cargo space. To choose a second-hand car that reflects your lifestyle: consider your size requirements, where you live, and where you’ll be driving. If you need guidance in your decision or are ready to commit, contact Auto Pedigree todayor find a car dealer near you.

Whether it’s price, space or preference there are many reasons why people go for smaller vehicles. No matter the reason, you’re in the right place as we’ve put together a few ideas on who makes the cut forthe best small cars for 2021. New Small Cars Many people enjoy the financing, reliability, and new car smell that comes with buying a new car. Second-hand cars can also come with all of the above, as well as a significant drop in price. So, if you have a bit of wiggle room in the budget and have your eye on a newer model, here is a list of the best new small cars of 2021. If you care for sustainability and a more premium vehicle, the electric BMW i3 could be for you. Next is the Citroen C3, with an optional dashcam and air bump protection for those drivers wrestling with traffic, crowded parkings, or careless children. The 2021 Fiat Panda also makes the list, with five doors and a decent selection of engines. The Renault Clio as well as the Renault Zoe, which is another electric vehicle, also feature. Second-Hand Cars Of The Small Variety While some of the small cars mentioned on the above list can be found second-hand, it may be a little difficult as they are relatively new to the car market. On that note, one of the best second-hand cars is the Ford Fiesta, the popularity of this vehicle makes for a large second-hand market. The Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i10 are additional reliable, notable options when looking to buy a second-hand, small car. If you’re more into German engineering, the VW Polo may be the vehicle for you. Last but certainly not least is the Suzuki Jimny, a sports utility vehicle without the large size, what more could you ask for? Small cars are perfect for crowded parking, dense traffic, and beginner drivers among many other things. Whatever the reason for your interest, we hope our list of the best small cars for 2021 has clarified your decision. If you are in the market for a second-hand car, contact us today.