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01 July 2017
Top motoring news in June 2017
Future Car Technologies What does the future hold for the automotive industry? Driverless cars are already being tested on the road and internet connected systems are being integrated into vehicles, but there are a number of new technological advances still to come in the near future. http://www.wheels24.co.za/Fuel_Focus/infographic-12-technologies-that-will-feature-in-future-cars-20170619 Planned Taxi Protest in July A national taxi strike is on the cards just one month after the protests in Johannesburg in mid-June took place. The protests will target government entities with the purpose of highlighting issues the taxi industry is experiencing, such as operating licenses, transport subsidies, and the exclusion of the taxi industry from state-owned lending institutions. The strike is planned for 15 July, with no taxis operating for the full day. http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/another-taxi-protest-planned-for-next-month-9879322 Fuel Price Fall Phase 1 The price of all grades of petrol decreased by 25 cents on Wednesday, 7 June, while the price of diesel dropped by 23 cents. A welcome relief for motorists who saw a 30 cent increase in May. The reduction was the result of the rand’s gain against the US dollar in May, along with retreating international petroleum prices. The AA’s medium-term outlook for the fuel price is that lower international petroleum prices will be key to maintaining local fuel price stability if the rand weakens again. http://www.shell.co.za/motorists/shell-fuels/petrol-price.html Fuel Price Fall Phase 2 After the fuel price fall in early June, another drop is expected in July, according to the Automobile Association. Again, this is the result of a strong rand and a declining international oil price. The AA said thatthe rand remained mostly stable against the US dollar in the first half of June, with strength in the currency contributing 3 cents a litre to the drop. The sharp price decrease for petrol is between 60 – 64 cents a litre and 60 cents for diesel. https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/179917/big-petrol-price-drop-coming-in-july/ Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
27 June 2017
What makes a car fun to drive
Fun means enjoyment and the fact that it puts a smile on your dial, mile for mile. If you’re on the market for a car you’ve likely read a lot of car reviews and listened to many a car commercial in the hope that you’ll be better informed by the time you spend your hard-earned money. During this period you may have all too often heard the phrase "fun to drive". Perhaps this means nothing to you or even leaves you more confused about your car buying decision. Car enthusiasts will be able to debate the question for days and each will know exactly what it means to them. It is completely subject to personal opinion and differs from one individual to the next. However, if you haven’t experienced the ‘fun factor’ yet or you’re a new driver, this list may help give you a broad idea of what makes a car enjoyable to drive. Suspension and handling – for the feel of control and focus, and smooth twists and turns around bends Ability to maintain a consistent speed on the open road - makes for a relaxing and soothing drive. Torque and speed – no struggling uphills but also for the adrenaline rush! Small, light and nimble – for zipping around corners. Refined steering and pedal shifting – smooth action, no wrestling. Quirky styling – enough to make those heads turn. Spirit - encourages you to accelerate a little harder and corner a little faster. Grip and performance to handle the power of the motor. Communication and connection – Being able to feel the car and how it responds back to you through the steering and throttle could be the number one fun factor. It makes you want to just drive with no destination in mind. Smiling - if there’s a big grin on your face while you’re driving, then you know you’re finally experiencing the fun factor! Experience the fun of driving.Visit an Auto Pedigree branchnear you and see our range of quality used cars for sale. You could drive away with a smile the very same day! Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
12 June 2017
Car safety features for young drivers
Research shows that car accident rates are highest amongst teenagers than any other age for both males and females. This risk is highest soon after they obtain their drivers license, and increases with late night driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving with friends in the car. Safety is undoubtedly the most important feature for inexperienced drivers, and while the best safety system is driving responsibly and attentively at all times, young drivers need all the help they can get. So while your teenager might want a car that reflects their personality and lifestyle, before you begin shopping, always put safety ahead of everything and consider the following factors. Buy Low Mileage, Newer Models Dont buy an old car for your teen. The old mini you have had from the 70s may be filled with character and still going strong, but is not quite suitable for a teenager. Though it may be romantic to hand down the heritage from your youth, vehicles this old have no safety features fit for a young driver. Sturdy Over Light Buy the sturdiest vehicle you can afford for your young driver. Though lighter cars have the advantage of better fuel economy and are more nimble to handle, heavier cars tend to be sturdier and provide better protection in an accident. Safety in New Technology Older models lack the new technology that newer models have. These are some safety features for you to consider: Electronic stability control ESC technology detects the skidding or swerving of a vehicle and helps stabilise and apply brakes to help control the vehicle. This is an important life-saving feature for inexperienced drivers. Anti-lock brakes" When roads are slick or wet, responsible drivers know to slow down and be patient. Young drivers have yet to develop this habit, and need a fair amount of help in rainy conditions or oil patches on the road. Brakes can lock up, making the driver lose control of steering and braking. Many older cars dont have anti-lock brakes, another reason why buying a newer model for your teenager makes better sense. Forward collision warning system" FCW helps reduce collisions in the front of your car. It does so with the use of radar that detects vehicles or other obstacles in front, and calculates the distance between the car and the obstacle. If the distance is close enough for risk of a collision the system alerts the driver in time to react, thus avoiding a potentially fatal accident. Automatic Emergency Braking" This system is sometimes paired with Forward Collision Warning as a back up in case the driver fails to heed or react fast enough to the warning signal. Finally, we have to reiterate that there is no better safety system than careful and attentive driving. No safety system offered by technology can prevent an accident on its own. Young drivers should not see these systems as a replacement for good driving in any situation. If you are looking for a quality, low-mileage car for your young driver, you have come to the right place! Auto Pedigree stocks a wide range of popular vehicles from Audis to VWs and more. All our vehicles undergo a 118-point quality check for your peace of mind.Contact ustoday and book a test drive. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
08 June 2017
Top news in June
Traffic Fine Differences: Western Cape vs. Joburg A study by Compareguru.co.za found that the cost of fines in the Western Cape is notably higher compared to other areas of the country. It was revealed that traffic fines in the Western Cape were often double or triple the AARTO equivalent. Local government hopes to clamp down on reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles with the higher fines as a deterrent. http://compareguru.co.za/news/western-cape-vs-joburg-traffic-fine-costs-shock/ Diesel Cars Increasing in Popularity in South Africa The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa(Naamsa)reported that in 2016, for the third successive year, new vehicle sales in South Africa recorded a year-on-year decline. They also noted that the popularity of diesel-engine models has been steadily increasing over recent years - still comparitively low to western Europe. https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/176301/diesel-vs-petrol-vs-electric-car-sales-in-south-africa/ Licences for Tuk-tuks on South African Roads The number of tuk-tuks has grown rapidly over the past couple of years, but the laws around the legality and safety of transporting good and people are not so clear. It seems that tuk tuks may be operated without licences as long as they are not transporting people. They are absolutely required to be licenced if they are being used as a means of public transportation. https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/175263/what-the-law-says-about-tuk-tuks-on-south-african-roads/ Do Not Disturb While Driving With the volumes of road deaths caused by distracted driving, much of which cell phones are a cause of, Apple aims to assist drivers by blocking text messages. The phone detects that its owner is in a car and not using Apple CarPlay, and mute notifications, sending a automated text message. Do Not Disturb While Driving (DNDWD) will launch this autumn as part of iOS 11 for the iPhone and iPad. http://citizen.co.za/motoring/motoring-news-motoring/1534181/soon-iphone-will-block-texts-driving/ Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
26 May 2017
Driving with a baby on board
As a parent, safety should be a top priority for our children. However, a study by the Medical Research Council showed that road injuries are the eighth leading cause of death of children between the ages of 0 - 4. And that figure jumped to a shocking second position for children between the ages of 5 - 14. What are the contributing factors? Listen to this 2-minute podcast with Xolani Gwala:http://ewn.co.za/2017/03/13/listen-child-road-death-stats-too-high The regulation by the National Road TrafficAct in South Africa regarding child car seats state that children may only travel in a car if they are secured in a car seat. Choose the Correct Child Car Seat With so many choices from the many different styles of baby car seats how do you know which is the right one best suited to your needs? There are a number of aspects to consider such as: Age and size of child Proper fit for your child Proper fit of the child seat to your specific car Safety ratings of the child seat It is commended that children face sitting the rear of the car until at least the age of two or until they reach the maximum height or weight for the car seat. Read more aboutChild Car Seat Guidelineshere. Acclimatise Your Baby To The Car Seat It's important to familiarise your baby with their new car seat before strapping them in and driving off. Let them spend some time in it around the house so that they become more comfortable with it. Avoid Choking Hazards While it may help with acclimatisation by giving them toys to play with while you're able to watch them, when baby is strapped up in the back seats behind you, you cannot watch him while driving,and even less see him if he is facing the rear of the car. When in the car and driving, avoid giving babies anything that can cause choking - even food. Avoid Loose Objects While we always try to drive as safely as possible when travelling with precious cargo, the reality is that driving on the roads is not always guaranteed plain sailing. Swerving, braking, or any other sudden jerking movements of the vehicle can send loose objects flying and cause serious injury to passengers. Put baby bottles, toys, bags, pens, etc.away in a secure place such as the boot or the cubbyhole. WHAT TO READ NEXT:Car Features for Mom Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
12 May 2017
Top Car Features Moms Will Love
Being a mother is one of life’s great gifts but also one of life’s biggest challenges. Wouldn’t it be great if there were cars that were designed specifically with features that made life easier for moms? We chose five top car features that we wished upon for Mothers’ Day, but that would continue to be useful even after the children have grown up. 1. In-Car Vacuum Cleaner Absolutely one of the most useful,non-essential car feature any mother will pay good money for is an on-board vacuum cleaner - one that will suck up biscuit crumbs, melted chocolate, spilt smoothie, and beach sand efficiently and effectively. 2. Dual-Level Cargo Floor When it comes to kids one thing we can never have enough of is space. Boot spaces that cleverly incorporate an extra level of storage allows for neater packing for the daily commute, shopping trips, or family road trips. The lower level is ideal for storing things that are kept in the car, such as extra clothes, shopping bags, umbrellas, blankets and other just-in-case items. 3. Conversation Mirrors For moms, handier than a vanity mirror for the driver seat is a conversation mirror that is convex-shaped and allows you to see a full view of the back seats. Sleeping babies can be checked upon from time to time, mischievous children can be watched and spoken to sternly without having to turn your head and take your eyes off the road. 4. Foot-Activated Tailboard With a baby in one arm, a pushchair under the other and grocery shopping to load, moms often wish they had two extra limbs. Foot-activated tailboards were invented for those moments. A sensor under the tailboard recognises your foot movement and opens the rear door automatically – as long as the remote car key is in within close enough range. 5. Self-Driving Car And finally, the ultimate feature for any mom must be the driverless car (a.k.a. an autonomous car), one that navigates between traffic on the road with very little human interaction. Although this reality is still a few years away, it won’t be very long before moms of the future can look forward to enjoying stress-free rides with their children while giving them the attention they need. Looking for a quality second hand car? AutoPedigree has great used car deals in 65 dealerships across the country. Visit us today! Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
08 May 2017
Tips for your mobile office
The age of digital technology has enabled us to connect to just about anyone, anywhere in the world, and from almost anywhere and at anytime. Gone are the times when we had to think about time zones before picking up the phone, or wait for a message to be read by email. Now we have the ability to relay a quick message across continents - confident in the knowledge that for the most part it will be read almost immediately. Both lifestyle and work has taken advantage of telecommuting, and workers of all types now have the ability to work from coffee shops, their garages, and even their vehicles. Whether you’re a sales person, a contractor, or a designer, we’ve put together a few tips on how to make the daily commute as pleasant and conducive to productivity as possible. Stay Connected Staying connected is the most important aspect to an efficient office on wheels. A hands-free smartphone with 4G SIM keeps you in contact as well as enables you to tether your laptop to. If much of your work involves working on a laptop and you have a limited plan on your cellphone contract, a 3G or LTE mobile broadband is handy as a USB to plug into as another option. Your car office is like a mobile replica of your real office on a smaller scale. You will need to keep your devices charged at all times, so don’t overlook the importance of a simple car charger for your phone or tablet. If you spend a lot of time talking on your phone while on the go, it may be worth investing in a portable power bank as USB car chargers could be too slow for your needs. Be Organised Even with everything digitised now,business cards, documents and other paperwork still seems to creep in, and it’s easy for these to be thrown into the cubby hole or onto the back seat and forgotten about. A car seat organiser with various pockets and slots keeps all of your paper files in one place, and you’ll never get caught hunting for that lost pen again. Car seat organiser scan be slung in the front of the passenger seat as well as the back. Stay Presentable Some car manufacturers make specialised clothes hangers that can be mounted on the headrest of the front passenger seat.Without this luxury, the old-fashioned conventional clothes hanger hooked over the back passenger handle works too. Invest in a nice, sturdy, wooden one and throw away the wire hanger from the dry cleaners. Keep Energised Performing at your best doesn’t mean working non-stop. Without the necessary breaks your body and mind both need,your productivity levels begin to deteriorate. Strange as it may sound, if you’re on the road in your mobile office for the entire day, it helps to step out for a change of scenery. Have lunch at a restaurant or coffee shop occasionally, but to cut costs and for variation, invest in a sturdy cooler box that gets replenished with fresh water, healthy food, and some favourite edibles. Road Safety Of course, staying safe is a top priority in all situations. While technology can be a big help in staying productive while on the road, it is imperative that you do not operate anything else but your vehicle while driving. Cell phone usage - whether texting or talking - is one of the major causes of road accidents today. Stay Safe With hijacking rates in South Africa as high as they are, when you buy a car from Auto Pedigree, you have the option to installvehicle securitymeasures such as tracking services, or protective window film,helping you protect you and your valuable assets. We hope you find these car office hacks useful. For the more sophisticated mobile office worker, there are many gadgets out there such as laptop desks and mobile printers that can help turn your vehicle into a high-powered mobile office. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
03 May 2017
Top motoring news stories - May
May Fuel Price Increase Though fuel prices are set to increase on Wednesday 3rd May, the strengthening rand and softer international oil prices have lowered the anticipated fuel price increase. The predicted price of petrol in April by theAutomobile Associationwas 55 cents litre but will now be 49 cents litre, while diesel will increase by 33 per litre. http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/rand-softening-may-fuel-price-blow-8827032 Top Ten Passenger Car Sales in March 2017 by Wheels24 1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2383 units 2. Volkswagen Polo - 1997 units 3. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest - 1511 units 4. Toyota Fortuner - 1312 units 5. Ford Fiesta - 1041 units 6. Toyota Etios - 859 units 7. Ford EcoSport - 759 units 8. Toyota Rav4 - 640 units 9. Ford Everest - 577 units 10. Volkswagen Golf 7 - 549 units http://slides.com/charlenraymond/deck-3 Surviving SA’s Junk Status Rising fuel and car prices are just some of the costs that will start eating into the budgets of South Africans, butWesBankhas sound advice for buyers who want to keep their budgets intact and ensure their personal credit records do not get downgraded. Some of that advice includes keeping some breathing room in your budget, keepinghealthy credit record, staying debt free, and borrowing as little as possible. https://www.wesbank.co.za/wesbankcoza/pressroom/archive/2017/04/25/consumer-education/how-car-buyers-can-survive-junk-status MIBCO Releases the New Minimum Wage Rates Ever wondered how much forecourt attendants(petrol attendants) in South Africa earn? According to a report by theSouth African Petroleum Industry Association, the majority of petrol attendants are young men with an average age of 27 earning a minimum wage of between R1 126.35 - R1 126.35 per week depending on the area. TheMotor Industry Bargaining Council(MIBCO) released the new prescribed minimum wage rates and guaranteed wage increases for the period ending 31 August 2017. The same circular indicates the minimum wage for parking garage attendants (car guards) of R657.45 per week. http://www.mibco.org.za/images/PDF/2017/2017.13.pdf
23 March 2017
Vehicle insurance vs motor car warranty
When buying a second hand car, it’s important to understand the difference betweenvehicle insuranceand a car warranty. Both cover you for expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, but both are meant for very specific purposes. Vehicle Insurance This is a policy that covers the expenses incurred in the event of an accident. There are different types of vehicle insurance with varying costs associated with each. In South Africa, there are three: Comprehensive Third Party, Fire and Theft Third Party Comprehensive Insurance Covers: Accidents caused either by yourself or by another driver Theft of your motor vehicle damage caused by natural disasterssuch as floods or hail Third parties involved in the accident and their property Third Party, Fire,& Theft Covers: Third parties in incidences that you are responsible for, whether a passenger in your car or a driver of another vehicle that was involved in the accident Fire,natural disasters such as flooding, hail, or falling rocks Theftof your motor vehicle It excludes any accidental damage incurred to your vehicle. Third Party Though it forms part of a vehicle insurance policy, it does not cover any part of the vehicle, only damage caused to someone else. Car Warranties Also known asvehicle component cover, a motorcar warranty covers the expenses incurred should your car malfunction due to a mechanical breakdown. When buying a car from a reputable dealership, you might get a basic warranty for a specific period, but be aware that motor car warrantiesdo notcover wear and tear of parts such as brakes and brake pads,wiper blades, tyres, batteries, or fan belts. Car warranties can be extended should you wish to do so,but before committing to do so read the fine print and make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying, what percentage of the expense is contributed, and what parts are covered. Warranty providers all have their own inclusions,exclusions, and terms and conditions. Remember that there’s a likelihood that you’ll need to service your car within a specific period of time or mileage clocked. In Summary As you can see, vehicle insurance and car warranties are completely different types of cover. They both offer second hand car owners some peace-of-mind knowing that should anything go wrong they won’t be left without a car, or unable to pay for crucial expenses. By taking cover from both, this will help maintain and extend the life of your car and keep it running at optimal condition for as long as possible. When you buy a second hand car from Auto Pedigree, you get the option to choose ourVehicle InsuranceorVehicle Component Cover.Contact usfor a free quote. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
06 March 2017
Top motoring news in 2017
Tesla Roadster Unveiled Elon Musk announced a surprise new vehicle that was to be“the fastest production car ever made”. The Tesla Roadster would be capable of achieving 0-60mph in less than 2 seconds, the first car to ever to break the mark. Production is expected to begin in 2020. Image credit: @ElonMusk/Twitter http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2017/11/17/tesla-unveils-electric-big-rig-truck-amid-manufacturing/ Prepare for a Fuel Price Increase this Month A weaker rand puts a damper on the festive season as motorists have to pay an extra 74c a litre for petrol, and 63c for diesel.Another reason for the extra cost is the increases in international fuel prices in November. https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/get-ready-for-a-steep-fuel-price-hike-in-december-12007512 Child Car Seat Campaign Raises Awareness Imperial Road Safety’s Car Seats for Kidscampaign aim was to raise awareness of child safety on South African roads and the importance of buckling up while driving. 259 car seats were collected from donors, restored, checked for safety, and distribution to families in need. https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/car-seats-for-kids-campaign-at-full-speed-11902844 Is this the End of Aston Martin? A Brexit no-deal could mean the end of production for the icon of British Motoring, the Aston Martin. Chief of finance Mark Wilson explained that a no-deal would mean British cars would lose the certification they needed in order to be sold in the European Union. He added: "We're a British company. We produce our cars exclusively in Britain and will continue to do so.” https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/879776/Brexit-news-Aston-Martin-car-manufacturer-no-deal-UK-EU-European-Union-market-video When you buy a used car from Auto Pedigree, you get quality,value, and choice from a wide variety of vehicles at dealers nationwide. Take advantage of ourdeal assistance promotiontoday and get more value from your trade-in vehicle. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
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