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You’ve finally found the car you’ve been looking for. You’ve arranged for the necessary third party and car insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances. And now you are well equipped for a good and long relationship with your vehicle. For South Africans, our cars have become more than just plain transportation. For different people they have the most diverse of uses, functioning as workplaces, temporary homes, a place of education, or even a sanctuary. Clearly they play an important part of our lives, so aside from regular cleaning and maintenance, we would naturally want to equip them with a few extra nice-to-haves. Mag Rim Protectors No matter how carefully we drive, it’s almost inevitable that our rims will incur damage from kerbs or unexpected obstacles on the road. Buying a new set of rims are often too expensive to be worth the cost and hassle. Rimskins™ are made of an advanced polymer that helps protect your wheel rims by providing a barrier between the wheel rim and kerb while parking. For rims that have already been scratched they work well to cover the existing damage. They come in a wide variety of colours from the more classic white and silver all the way to the brighter shades of red and blue. Portable Power Bank And Car Jump Starter This power bank and car jump starter is a multi-purpose device that takes care of any emergency situations you may find yourself in. It’s also a great accessory for camping trips and long road trips. The power bank will charge your mobile device when you’re stuck and have run out of battery power both on your car and your phone. It will keep you independent if you don’t want to wait or call for help by assisting with jump-starting your car. It’s also the only device of its kind that we know of that comes with additional uses such as an LED lamp, safety hammer, and SOS alarm. This model is no longer available. Window Laminating Laminating your windows has a variety of uses. Tinted lamination adds a stylish look to your vehicle, but also has very practical uses as well: Cuts glare by 60%, keeps your 20% cooler. Resists an attack with a crowbar, hammer, or brick. The thick laminate helps protect vehicle occupants from flying glass in the event of an accident. Choose from several levels of protection and thicknesses. SmashProof offers a perfectly smooth finish with no unsightly joins. Get it:http://www.pgglass.co.za/ MOTO-QUIP Vacuum Cleaner When we spend so much time in our cars there are bound to be accidental smoothie spills, cookie crumbs, or dirt and debris dragged in from the outside. Cleaning up isn’t always easy especially when trying to get into the corners and small crevices that come with vehicles. A small portable vacuum cleaner that you simply plug into your cigarette lighter is still one of the best solutions. It deals with both wet and dry applications and comes with a long crevice nozzle and brush. Get it in-store: www.makro.co.za or online www.takealot.com Solar Trickle Charger If you’re going to leave your car standing for long periods for whatever reason, this trickle charger keeps your 12V lead battery from running down using the power of the sun. It is designed to charge and maintain a battery with no additional running costs. Not only will it keep your car’s battery topped up while you’re away, you can use it for maintaining the batteries in other vehicles such as a caravan or boat. Get it online – go to the Solar Power category section at www.sustainable.co.za Rear View Camera with Night Vision Whether a beginner driver or an experience done, sometimes we still need a little help seeing what’s behind us while we’re parking. With a camera attached to the back of your car, it will feel like you have eyes at the back of your head. No more nicks and scrapes. The handy rearview camera even comes with night vision LEDs to light up the area behind your car at night or dark undercover parking spaces. Get it online: www.wantitall.co.za/ Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

When buying a second-hand car, we often expect the car to feel and seem second-hand too. If you’re in the market for a used car, you want to get the best possible value for your money. The following accessories are not essential, but they form a part of the most basic and implied accessories that you will want in your car and may easily overlook. Keep an eye out for the following accessories in the second-hand car that you choose to buy: 1. Floor Mats A detail that many will easily overlook is the floor mats. Your second-hand car should definitely have removable floor mats. They’re specifically sized to the footwells of your car and catch dirt and mud in an easily removable and cleanable mat. 2. Spare Tyre Spare tyres are important for the most basic reason. If you’ve ever been stuck with a flat tyre and no replacement, you’ll understand why. Tyres also come at a cost, so it’s imperative that the used car you buy comes with one that is new and ready to fit in an emergency. 3. Jack And Wheel Spanner A jack is a mechanical lifting device that raises the car when the tyre needs to be changed, and a wheel spanner loosens and tightens the nuts and bolts on a wheel. These tools are mandatory for changing a tyre, and also for the roadworthiness of your car. They can be expensive to buy if not included in the second-hand car deal.They are often also overlooked during purchase. 4. Decent Sound System The sound system in your car can keep you company on long drives, making the commute to work a more pleasant experience. Check that the speakers in your used car are not blown or that the sound has not degraded over time. Check any aerials and make sure you test the overall sound quality of your used car sound system before buying the car. 5. USB Or AUX For Smartphone Connectivity Over time, lots of us threw out our CDs and stopped buying our favourite albums because all our music became available on our smartphones. Many cars now have Bluetooth, USB, or AUX options to connect your phone to the car sound system. Older models will be sold with only a CD player, which the car dealer may neglect to tell you. If you only listen to music off your smartphone, look out for these features. With all the excitement surrounding the purchase of a used car, you may forget to pay attention to the finer details. These five suggestions on what accessories to look for in your used car will offer you some direction.

Not everyone can afford a new car, in fact 75% of purchasers choose a second-hand car over a new one. However, the quest to find a good used car can be daunting, no matter what age or gender demographic you fit into. Your choice will be determined by your work, family or hobbies (think where you're going to put your bike(s), pram, dogs, or bags of compost!) Do you want an automatic or manual? Chances are it will be automatic as they outsell manual by 10 to 1. Not everyone is lucky enough to buy last year's demo model but don't stress, a ten year old car can still be a great second-hand car. Most used cars have an average of three owners throughout their lifetime. The favourite colour is silver, followed by black, and then white. Whatever the colour, make sure there's no patch ups or previous damage to the body work. A sneaky way to check is to look under the carpets to see if it matches the outside paintwork. Once you think you've found your dream second-hand car then make use of the following user-friendly checklist for buying a second-hand car: Tyres with little tread pose a serious safety issue and cost a lot to replace. Less than 3mm is not good. Insist on replacement tyres if you don’t want to foot the bill. The VIN number must match the one on the registration papers. Both the master and spare key come with the car. Airbags are working. Seatbelts aren't frayed or damaged. Brakes work efficiently and don't pull to the side. Also check the handbrake. The steering also doesn't pull to the side or vibrate. The service book is up to date and correlates with the odometer. Check for signs of flood damage. It's pretty shocking how many flood damaged, second- hand cars get palmed off on unsuspecting buyers. The locks, wipers, aircon, lights and any other control buttons work. Warning lights that stay on will indicate a fault. The second-hand car comes with removable floor mats. There should be a spare tyre. Check for a jack and wheel spanner. Is there a decent sound system? Check for USB, AUX cable or Smartphone connectivity. If you follow our recommended user-friendly checklist for buying a second-hand car you should find a decent used car that is both safe to drive and roadworthy. For any support or assistance in buying a second-hand car, contact Auto Pedigree at any time.

Most people have a favourite car brand, which makes it easier to choose a new vehicle when the time comes, but how do they come to this decision? Choosing the right car brand is a personal choice. A few things people consider when shopping for a car are reliability, style, interior comfort, workmanship, technological advancement, and safety. Different car brands appeal to different people in each of these areas, so let's look at how to personalise your decision. Consider Your Needs Think about your lifestyle priorities for your car brand: family size, geographical environment, distance to work, etc. Finances Consider how much you can afford to spend, then look at cars that meet your needs and budget. Research And Compare Second-Hand Cars Take time to research your top car brands and models individually. Look at which vehicles accommodate the majority of your main requirements. Speak To A Professional Once you have a few ideal car brands, discuss repair hurdles and any questions or concerns you have with a trusted mechanic. Ask them which brands they see issues in the most. Fuel Consumption Consider how many kilometers your car will see and consequently how important fuel economy is to you. Longevity And Durability Are you the type to replace cars after a few years or stick with a vehicle until its end? In the case of the latter, you should consider car brands that will go the distance. Consider Ownership Costs Look into the general cost of maintenance and parts. Ensure that you can afford the vehicle as well as everything that comes with ownership. Test Drive Your Favour Car Brands Finally, it's time to test drive your top choices because you won’t truly know if you enjoy the car until you’ve driven it. Head to a dealership for zero-commitment test drives and let your favourite car brand find you. Choosing the right car brand for you may seem daunting, but following these tips is sure to make it easier. The Auto Pedigree team is always here to support you. Find a car dealer near you and get in touch.

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.

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.