Tips on How to Maintain Your Car During Lockdown #ImperialAuto #staysafe #stayathome

Hi Friends, 

During lockdown, most of us are staying home, and thus our cars are not being used. For the most part, vehicles would only be used for quick and necessary supply pick-ups. It is however important to care for your car during this time, and maintain a few essential components, especially if it’s an older model.

Here’s Imperial Auto’s lockdown vehicle care, to-do list:

• Take this opportunity to give your car a good clean – inside and out. Rope the family in and make it a fun activity
• If possible, park your car under cover while it’s not in use. If it must be parked out in the sun and you don’t have a cover for it, put sunshades or towels over the dashboard to protect it from the sun
• Cover any air intakes with a cloth and if the car is going to be standing for a good few weeks, you may consider stuffing a rag into the exhaust. (These measures will prevent bugs and unwanted critters getting in there)
• If you have not started your vehicle since lockdown began –you should do so now. Start it every few days. If you have an older vehicle you should consider disconnecting your battery to prevent it from draining
• Place cling wrap under the wiper blades to prevent them from sticking to the windshield. (Don’t forget the rear wiper blade)

Once lockdown is lifted it will be a good idea to do an overall check on your vehicle and remember to undo all the storage prep you did originally.

Here’s our post lockdown to-do list:

• Remove rags you may have placed in the exhaust pipe
• Inspect the windshield wipers to see if the rubber is cracked or brittle and remove cling wrap
• Check the tyre pressure and, if necessary, re-inflate to the recommended pressure
• Check all fluids
• If you’ve disconnected the battery, reconnect and check that the battery terminals are clean
• Wash off any dust or dirt your car may have accumulated whilst standing
• Should your car be sounding a bit rough or feel a bit sluggish, you may need to take it for a workshop check

Visit our blog for further info and tips, and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperialauto.co.za/

Namaste!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to send your products, launch event invites, and services to be consumed. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay. Follow me on www.instagram.com/thelifesway for all travel-related photo posts. Namaste!

Family Growing? Time to Get A Family Car! #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Tips to ensure the car you buy is safe to carry your precious cargo

The thought of giving up your sporty car to buy a bigger one, suited to a growing family might initially be mildly depressing, but after the initial heart-rendering thought, you are bound to find yourself feeling excited to look for a car that will cater to your growing family’s needs.

With all the other expenses that you will be facing, you might want to opt for a second-hand car. According to an article posted by Standard Bank, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) cautions that while used car prices can be friendlier on your pocket, some pre-owned vehicles might have mechanical gremlins and body damage issues that are undisclosed by the seller!

Safety is sure to be one of your highest priorities at this stage. This is not just a car now… this is the vehicle that will be transporting very precious cargo. How would you know if you are buying someone else’s problems? Here are some tips to ensure you eliminate the risks of buying anything that is not mechanically sound:

Do some general used car research

Start by knowing what body type (shape) of car you would need e.g. SUV, sedan or hatchback. Once you’ve decided, you can then make a list of the car models you’re targeting. The next step would be to do research on each car model to find out common defects, repair costs and maintenance costs as they begin to age.

Knowing the going rate

Mileage and added features can affect a car’s value, so cars of the same model and year may have different price tags. A good place to start would be to find out the book value of the standard models.

Ask, Ask, Ask

When contacting a dealer or an individual seller, get as much information about the used car as possible. Find out how many previous owners there have been, what mileage the car has done and if it has a full-service history

Check check check

Check the mileage: high mileage cars generally have higher maintenance costs and are more prone to costly repairs.

Check the tyres: tyres that are smooth or unevenly worn could mean anything from bad wheel alignment and balancing to worn shock absorbers, to a collapsed suspension system.

Start and test drive the car: a well-maintained car shouldn’t have any trouble starting or running smoothly.

Safety check: safety systems like seatbelts, Isofix and airbags are an absolute must to check. If any of these systems aren’t functioning, rather steer clear.

Test the tech: make sure that all electric and electronic systems are working.

When you’ve tested everything else, turn off the radio and pay attention to any odd sounds that could indicate problems.

Find the best deals

Dealerships, like Imperial Auto, will have the widest selection of used cars available. Dealers can also do history checks on the car for you.

For more useful info on purchasing a car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

Cheers!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to discuss your products, launch events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #7YearsofTheLifesWay #NoFreePosts. TheLife'sWay charges a blogging fee for the time and efforts to join a new campaign or an existing one based on your requirements. Namaste!

In the Market for A New Car? Tips to Ensure You Don’t Buy a Box of Troubles #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Once you have made the decision to buy a car, it is tempting to want to get it NOW! The fact, however, is that buying a car is a big purchase and it is advisable to contain your excitement. It is also a good idea to do some research and tick some boxes in order to eliminate the chances of buying yourself a box of troubles. According to an article on Forbes.com, the number one mistake made when purchasing a vehicle is not doing your homework![1]

Do that homework

Start off by knowing the market value of the car you like before you consider buying. Knowing the market value, for both new and second-hand options, will allow you to tell whether the seller is overcharging or not. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews of the car you prefer to see what drivers are saying about it. It’s also a good idea to get an idea of the upkeep and maintenance costs too. It is best to go into the sale equipped with all the knowledge available to you.

What questions should you ask the seller?

It’s really important that you ask direct questions about the car. Some private sellers may think that they can sucker you into buying a problem car.

The questions you should ask include:

• How old is the car?
• How many previous owners have there been?
• How many kilometers has the car done?
• Does it have a full-service history?
• Has the car been in any accidents? 
• Does the car have an existing warranty or maintenance plan? 

You will need to ensure that you receive honest answers to these questions, so it is a good idea to take someone experienced with you.

Perform an inspection and test drive

Dealerships, who are part of the Imperial Auto group allow customers to perform inspections, but with a private seller, this might be difficult to arrange. If you are able to arrange an inspection of the car with the seller, then you will need to inspect it both internally and externally for any damages or irregularities. 

During your test drive, you will need to listen out for any strange noises coming from the engine. You will also need to feel the suspension and note how the steering and brakes feel on both town roads and on the highway.

Taking a car for a test drive at a dealer, as an Imperial Auto dealer is really easy to arrange. Just don’t forget to take your valid driver’s license with.

Inspect the paperwork

Even if the car looks great, drives well and the price is right, the next vital step in the buying process is to inspect the paperwork. Ask to see the ownership documents and any service documents, and the car logbook. The benefit of buying your car through a reputable dealer is that they make sure all of that is done for you.

For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehlg45edej/mistake-1-not-doing-your-homework/#2f79a77d18d1

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Financing a New Car? Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Deal…#ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Purchasing a brand-new car is really exciting – and once you have made the decision you are likely to want to get your car NOW! Be careful not to let your excitement interfere with financing option decisions. Here are some tips from Imperial Auto to ensure that find you the best finance deal possible.

• Speak to the finance and insurance (F&I) manager at your nearest dealership. This will allow you to interact with a specialist and clarify any questions you may have. They can also assess your specific situation and offer you advice on structuring your finance agreement.
• Ensure you structure your deal the best way for you. Here are some options: 
• Deposit – paying a deposit reduces your monthly repayment. If this is possible – it would be a smart move to make from the get-go!
• Fixed VS linked interest rate – during periods when interest rates fluctuate, you may want to consider discussing a fixed rate with your bank. This option has pros and cons to consider.
• The contract period – remember that a longer period reduces the monthly instalments but attracts more interest payable over the period. This is entirely based on what you can afford on a monthly basis.
• Balloon payment – opting for a balloon payment means that you will need to settle a lump sum in order to own the vehicle at the end of the contract period. Although a balloon payment will reduce your monthly repayments, it increases the financial burden at the end of the contract period. You need to be consciously aware of the future implications of this type of deal structure.
• There are a range of insurance products available that cover both the car (warranties, service and maintenance plans) as well as yourself (death, disability and retrenchment cover) which you can consider. Whichever you choose, would depend on your personal situation as well as the car you intend buying.

The F&I will submit a single application to all the banks and obtain quotes from the various banks on your behalf, thereby making the process transparent for you to choose the best interest rate.

There’s no guarantee that you will be approved for vehicle finance, but there are things you can ensure you do which will help improve credit health and greatly increase the chances of being granted credit. 

1. Work out your affordability 

Find out how much you can afford to spend on a car. To do this, simply take your income (after taxes and deductions) and subtract all living expenses. These costs must be deducted from your total income to find out your disposable income.

2. Don’t forget the running costs 

Affording a car isn’t just about the monthly installment. Fuel, maintenance, and insurance are additional monthly expenses that need to be budgeted for.

According to an article on Business Insider, the latest motor trade sales from Statistics South Africa show that South Africans are spending more on fuel than on buying new vehicles. [1]

3. Save up for a deposit 

Financial responsibility reflects well on your credit profile and will assist in ensuring your finance application will be approved. If you’ve shown the bank that you can budget responsibly, you’ll really impress them with a deposit. Paying a deposit reduces the amount of credit required for the transaction which, means lower monthly repayments and improved affordability.

4. Get rid of unnecessary debt 

The National Credit Act requires the bank to take all credit facilities into account, so your credit card and overdraft debt is assessed. These figures are used in assessing your affordability.

For more useful info on purchasing a car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1]https://www.businessinsider.co.za/south-africans-now-spend-more-on-fuel-than-on-new-cars-2018-7

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

Is Your Car Battery Giving You Troubles? Checkout #BatteryCentre #Contest & #Giveaway!

Hi Friends, 

The battery is an essential part of the car’s life as oxygen is part of human life. I have faced the problem of pushing the car to get it started via friction but these days cars don’t work on that principle. New cars need all the items to be checked properly before they can even start. In India, I used to drive a car which could be pushed to get it going in case of emergencies but when I started driving Fiat 500 here, the same didn’t hold true on the same. I was on my way to the office when I faced this problem of the car not getting started and somehow used the slope of the parking to push the car to start. I didn’t stop the same till I reached the Astrotech Conference Centre in Parktown for a half day conference. I knew from the start that by the time I will finish at 1pm I won’t be able to start the car again. My biggest fear came true but somehow I had one of my friends with me dropping me in the parking who helped me push and directly I took it to car hire manager to replace the battery. I didn’t know where to buy the battery from and as the car was rental, everything was covered by the agency.

Moving some years later to some days back, when I have bought my own car and as I went to a birthday party on Sunday night in Parkview, everything was fine but as I tried to start the car, it didn’t work out. It didn’t strike me that a car battery will be the problem because it didn’t show any sign of losing out on power earlier. Batteries are like a sweet little monster which grown heavily when you least expect the same. I was thinking that my car is still only 2 years old, how can the battery be gone? Anyhow, AA – Road Assistance was referred to me by my friends and restaurant owners who asked if the car is new, they will gladly assist. Being Sunday night I was a little skeptical but when I gave them the details, they came in around 1 hour and I could get into my car using jump start and reached home at 1120pm. Next day morning, I had to request AA – Road Assistance again to get to the nearest Battery Centre shop in Fourways Crossing. I had called them to inquire about the availability of the battery.

As I reached the venue, I could find a clear parking spot and the person guided me to a battery changing station. He explained to me about the various batteries while checking the battery power left and soon he told me that it’s a dead battery and needs to be replaced. He told me the various options for my car and I chose to get the good powerful Energizer battery to go with my Honda car. He checked the brand new batteries from the shop’s store which was pre-charged to the limits. There was though a hitch as the person was not aware of the voucher print out I showed him and told that it’s only valid on local batteries and not international ones. But as we told him that there is nowhere written on the same, he contacted his manager over the phone and soon got approvals within seconds. I was walking out with a brand new battery and without paying even a single cent on the battery from the Fourways Battery Centre. My car is again ready to take on the road for at least 2 years because the warranty covers the same till that time. I am so grateful to Battery Centre for putting the soul into my car just like Iron Man has Arc Reactor in his chest.  

Guys, If you want to win vouchers like me to get your car batteries replaced free of charge at Battery Centre branch anywhere in South Africa, follow my social media handles on twitter @thelifesway and follow Battery Centre on Facebook and tell me of the time when you faced problems with your battery or show me the current condition of your battery and 1 voucher will be in your inbox once I take out 3 winners on 12^th May! Go for it!

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

How to Protect Your Car Battery From High Temperatures? #Summer #BatteryCentre #SouthAfrica

Hi Friends, 

Summer is in the air and the holiday season was well past us now, but if you’re planning on getting some more sun as it's happening in Johannesburg, South Africa, it’s important to remember that your car battery doesn’t share your love for the heat which you did in Christmas holidays. While extreme cold temperatures are known to reduce engine starting performance, sweltering summer days are more taxing, especially if you’re making use of all the electrical equipment in the car. 

Here are five tips to protect your car battery from high temperatures:

Know where you stand

When batteries are damaged by high temperatures, they are not always able to meet the higher charge requirements of winter use, but a free battery test at any Battery Centre nationwide will quickly let you know your battery’s health. The battery specialists also recommended that you check your battery twice a year, and summer is the perfect time before you travel extended distances.

Tighten up on DIY maintenance

Clean off any dirt, grease and corrosion that can trap heat and make your battery hotter than usual. If the cables connecting the battery to your car are not correctly installed and tightened, they can shake loose and cause a failed start, so make sure all connections are secure.

Keep it cool

Hot weather can cause the water inside your battery to evaporate and limit its ability to hold a charge. You can get the water level topped up at a Battery Centre near you, but if you have to do it yourself, it is recommended to use deionised water; tap water may contain impurities that can damage battery cells. Remember to park your car in a garage or shaded spot in summer to keep your battery working optimally.

Reduce battery drain

On those long road trips, avoid having all your electricity-dependent devices tapping power at the same time. To reduce battery drain, use your GPS, phone charger, air-conditioner and radio only when your car is running. 

Inspect the fan belt

The optimal charging of your car battery depends on a proper functioning fan belt. Make sure the fan belt is sturdy and adjust the tension to guarantee optimal performance.

A little extra care during the hot South African summers will go a long way in preventing premature battery failure, so visit any Battery Centre for a free battery test before you hit the road to office if not checked the same during the festive season.

To find out more about how to protect your car battery from high temperatures from the specialists visit a Battery Centre near you! I am planning to go visit and get my battery checked on the last saturday of January and more experience and knowledge I will acquire will be shared on my twitter, Instagram and facebook pages. 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!