Check your tyres before long journeys this festive season

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Traffic volumes on the busiest national roads increase to over 2000 vehicles per hour¹ during the festive season when many people travel long distances to visit family or enjoy a summer holiday away from home. The South African Tyre Manufacturers’ Conference (SATMC) urges all motorists to check their tyres and ensure their vehicles are safe before starting their journey.

“The number of road accidents over the festive season last year was disturbing, especially because so many fatalities are preventable,” said SATMC CEO Dr Etienne Human.

According to the Ministry of Transport², between 1 December 2013 and 6 January 2014 there were 1147 crashes and 1376 fatalities on South African roads. KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng’s roads were the most dangerous with 284 and 268 fatalities respectively. Accidents were caused by un-roadworthy vehicles, drunk driving, speeding, driver fatigue, failure to wear seatbelts and unlicensed drivers.

“We can all play a role in reducing these statistics if we are responsible citizens and have respect for life. Every motorist should make an effort to protect themselves and their passengers by ensuring that their vehicle is roadworthy, starting by checking the condition of their tyres,” said Human.

Daily inspect the tyres of your vehicleby ensuring that there are no cuts, bulges, foreign objects or visible irregularities. Passenger car tyres should not have any damage or repairs on the sidewalls. If in doubt, rather replace the tyre. The tyre pressures should always be spot-on for the load and speed to be travelled.

To reduce the risk of sliding across the road, check tyre tread and replace tyres well before they reach the regulatory minimum depth of 1.00 mm. Tread wear indicators in the grooves of the tyres are a quick way of checking the tread depth. Maintain the correct tyre pressure and be sure not to overload your car according to your tyre and vehicle load limits.

Unchecked tyres can lead to flat tyres, tread detachment and tyre blowouts. Drivers lose control of their vehicle when their tyres fail and this can cause fatal road accidents costing thousands of Rands of damage.

“Nobody wants to delay their holiday or find themselves stuck on the roadside with problems. It makes sense to check your tyre quality before beginning your trip – it is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent an accident,” said Human. The benefit of proper and regular tyre maintenance could also improve vehicle handling, fuel economy and extend the life of your tyres.

While regularly checking your tyres is recommended, the quality of the tyre is also important. “It is estimated that the majority of all tyre blow-outs can be attributed to defective second-hand tyres or improperly repaired tyres. You get what you pay for and oftentimes low cost and second-hand tyres do not constitute safety or quality,” warned Human.

Human provided motorists with another useful tyre preservation tip: “Speeding is one of the quickest ways to destroy your tyres. The tyres heat up and this means they are likely to wear down quickly or damage easily if you drive over a sharp object. SATMC advises against this kind of reckless behaviour and asks motorists to respect other road users and pedestrians by driving under the specified speed limit.”

For more information about the SATMC, visit www.satmc.co.za or email info@satmc.co..za.

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

Check your tyres before long journeys this festive season

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

It is natural to think about the joys of starting the New Year in your dream car when your bank account is filled with an end-of-year bonus. However, is it advisable to buy a brand new or pre-owned car during the festive season? Yes, as long as you carefully consider all the options available.

“The major benefit of buying a car just before the end of the year is that there are bargains to be had – especially if you are buying a new vehicle,” says Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank. “In addition, you could get in ahead of car price increases that are expected to be higher than the inflation rate during 2015.”

“Many manufacturers have already announced their intentions to bring new 2015 ‘face-lifted models’ into the local market. For dealers, this means that 2014 models that are still on the floor have lost some value, as many buyers would prefer to wait for the 2015 models before buying.”

“If you are happy to drive a brand new vehicle that may not have the ‘bells and whistles’ that could be featured on the 2015 models, you will find most dealers happy to offer incentives for your purchase. If you can locate a demo model with a low mileage, you could do even better.”

Also to be considered, says Mr Nkosi, are the announcements from various manufacturers that the dropping value of the rand, rising inflation and stable interest rates that have characterised the market for several years are about to change. “Car prices are set to increase significantly in 2015, so buying ahead of the rises could mean significant savings in monthly instalments and interest payments.”

However, he adds, buying a vehicle should only come after the necessary research and implications on your personal budget have been considered. “After a house, a car is the most important purchase made by most people. Making sure that it is affordable is important if you are to be happy driving the car for the next few years,” says Mr Nkosi.

So, before taking the December plunge and buying your dream car consider:
• The financial implications. Be sure that your budget can not only cope with instalment payments, but with the costs of insurance, maintenance and ‘add-ons’ such as warranties and service or maintenance plans that are not part of the purchase price.

It is great to own the car of your dreams, but maintaining it can prove to be quite costly. For example, although the price tag on an SUV may be appealing, replacing all 4 tyres on an SUV can easily cost between R 10 000 and R 20 000.

• The cost of insurance rises with a car’s price tag. Trying to reduce insurance premiums by opting for a higher excess payment could backfire if you have an accident and have to pay a massive bill before your car can be repaired.

• If you can, always pay as large a deposit as you can on a car. The bigger the deposit, the less you will have to pay back over the term of the loan.

• Think about the possibility of interest rates increasing while you are paying off the vehicle. This could mean having to pay more for the car every month. If your bank offers you the opportunity to fix your rate, consider this option. It will cost you up to 2 percent above the going rate, but will provide you with financial certainty.

• Consider leasing a vehicle, with the option of retaining ownership at the end of the contract. There are various types of lease options available, including full maintenance leasing. While this option may cost you more than buying, it covers all costs including servicing, tyres and insurance for a set monthly fee, for the duration of the contract.

• Consider your repayment period carefully. Banks now offer flexible monthly repayment terms so that cars can be financed for up to 6-years (72 months). Many people opt for this to make car payments more affordable, as the longer term reduces the monthly expense. However, the longer the finance period, the longer it will take for the settlement value to reach break-even point with the asset value, due to depreciation.

Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank

The difference between instalments over payment periods can often be fairly low. It is advisable to ask the dealer or bank to calculate the costs of various repayment options. You could save yourself months of repayments and interest costs by investigating this option thoroughly.

“If the sums do not add up satisfactorily, consider buying a pre-owned vehicle or downsizing your purchase.”

“A car’s value usually depreciates fastest during its first 2 years on the road. You can save thousands in capital and interest by buying a low mileage car that is still in good condition. You will also benefit through extended maintenance or service plans,” says Mr Nkosi.

Furthermore, opting for a diesel vehicle instead of petrol will result in better fuel consumption, which is something to consider given the escalating fuel costs.

“When considering buying a new or pre-owned vehicle, always keep one thing in mind; it is better to compromise on luxury than having a car that adds to your financial woes,” concludes Mr Nkosi.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

It is natural to think about the joys of starting the New Year in your dream car when your bank account is filled with an end-of-year bonus. However, is it advisable to buy a brand new or pre-owned car during the festive season? Yes, as long as you carefully consider all the options available.

“The major benefit of buying a car just before the end of the year is that there are bargains to be had – especially if you are buying a new vehicle,” says Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank. “In addition, you could get in ahead of car price increases that are expected to be higher than the inflation rate during 2015.”

“Many manufacturers have already announced their intentions to bring new 2015 ‘face-lifted models’ into the local market. For dealers, this means that 2014 models that are still on the floor have lost some value, as many buyers would prefer to wait for the 2015 models before buying.”

“If you are happy to drive a brand new vehicle that may not have the ‘bells and whistles’ that could be featured on the 2015 models, you will find most dealers happy to offer incentives for your purchase. If you can locate a demo model with a low mileage, you could do even better.”

Also to be considered, says Mr Nkosi, are the announcements from various manufacturers that the dropping value of the rand, rising inflation and stable interest rates that have characterised the market for several years are about to change. “Car prices are set to increase significantly in 2015, so buying ahead of the rises could mean significant savings in monthly instalments and interest payments.”

However, he adds, buying a vehicle should only come after the necessary research and implications on your personal budget have been considered. “After a house, a car is the most important purchase made by most people. Making sure that it is affordable is important if you are to be happy driving the car for the next few years,” says Mr Nkosi.

So, before taking the December plunge and buying your dream car consider:
• The financial implications. Be sure that your budget can not only cope with instalment payments, but with the costs of insurance, maintenance and ‘add-ons’ such as warranties and service or maintenance plans that are not part of the purchase price.

It is great to own the car of your dreams, but maintaining it can prove to be quite costly. For example, although the price tag on an SUV may be appealing, replacing all 4 tyres on an SUV can easily cost between R 10 000 and R 20 000.

• The cost of insurance rises with a car’s price tag. Trying to reduce insurance premiums by opting for a higher excess payment could backfire if you have an accident and have to pay a massive bill before your car can be repaired.

• If you can, always pay as large a deposit as you can on a car. The bigger the deposit, the less you will have to pay back over the term of the loan.

• Think about the possibility of interest rates increasing while you are paying off the vehicle. This could mean having to pay more for the car every month. If your bank offers you the opportunity to fix your rate, consider this option. It will cost you up to 2 percent above the going rate, but will provide you with financial certainty.

• Consider leasing a vehicle, with the option of retaining ownership at the end of the contract. There are various types of lease options available, including full maintenance leasing. While this option may cost you more than buying, it covers all costs including servicing, tyres and insurance for a set monthly fee, for the duration of the contract.

• Consider your repayment period carefully. Banks now offer flexible monthly repayment terms so that cars can be financed for up to 6-years (72 months). Many people opt for this to make car payments more affordable, as the longer term reduces the monthly expense. However, the longer the finance period, the longer it will take for the settlement value to reach break-even point with the asset value, due to depreciation.

Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank

The difference between instalments over payment periods can often be fairly low. It is advisable to ask the dealer or bank to calculate the costs of various repayment options. You could save yourself months of repayments and interest costs by investigating this option thoroughly.

“If the sums do not add up satisfactorily, consider buying a pre-owned vehicle or downsizing your purchase.”

“A car’s value usually depreciates fastest during its first 2 years on the road. You can save thousands in capital and interest by buying a low mileage car that is still in good condition. You will also benefit through extended maintenance or service plans,” says Mr Nkosi.

Furthermore, opting for a diesel vehicle instead of petrol will result in better fuel consumption, which is something to consider given the escalating fuel costs.

“When considering buying a new or pre-owned vehicle, always keep one thing in mind; it is better to compromise on luxury than having a car that adds to your financial woes,” concludes Mr Nkosi.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

It is natural to think about the joys of starting the New Year in your dream car when your bank account is filled with an end-of-year bonus. However, is it advisable to buy a brand new or pre-owned car during the festive season? Yes, as long as you carefully consider all the options available.

“The major benefit of buying a car just before the end of the year is that there are bargains to be had – especially if you are buying a new vehicle,” says Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank. “In addition, you could get in ahead of car price increases that are expected to be higher than the inflation rate during 2015.”

“Many manufacturers have already announced their intentions to bring new 2015 ‘face-lifted models’ into the local market. For dealers, this means that 2014 models that are still on the floor have lost some value, as many buyers would prefer to wait for the 2015 models before buying.”

“If you are happy to drive a brand new vehicle that may not have the ‘bells and whistles’ that could be featured on the 2015 models, you will find most dealers happy to offer incentives for your purchase. If you can locate a demo model with a low mileage, you could do even better.”

Also to be considered, says Mr Nkosi, are the announcements from various manufacturers that the dropping value of the rand, rising inflation and stable interest rates that have characterised the market for several years are about to change. “Car prices are set to increase significantly in 2015, so buying ahead of the rises could mean significant savings in monthly instalments and interest payments.”

However, he adds, buying a vehicle should only come after the necessary research and implications on your personal budget have been considered. “After a house, a car is the most important purchase made by most people. Making sure that it is affordable is important if you are to be happy driving the car for the next few years,” says Mr Nkosi.

So, before taking the December plunge and buying your dream car consider:
• The financial implications. Be sure that your budget can not only cope with instalment payments, but with the costs of insurance, maintenance and ‘add-ons’ such as warranties and service or maintenance plans that are not part of the purchase price.

It is great to own the car of your dreams, but maintaining it can prove to be quite costly. For example, although the price tag on an SUV may be appealing, replacing all 4 tyres on an SUV can easily cost between R 10 000 and R 20 000.

• The cost of insurance rises with a car’s price tag. Trying to reduce insurance premiums by opting for a higher excess payment could backfire if you have an accident and have to pay a massive bill before your car can be repaired.

• If you can, always pay as large a deposit as you can on a car. The bigger the deposit, the less you will have to pay back over the term of the loan.

• Think about the possibility of interest rates increasing while you are paying off the vehicle. This could mean having to pay more for the car every month. If your bank offers you the opportunity to fix your rate, consider this option. It will cost you up to 2 percent above the going rate, but will provide you with financial certainty.

• Consider leasing a vehicle, with the option of retaining ownership at the end of the contract. There are various types of lease options available, including full maintenance leasing. While this option may cost you more than buying, it covers all costs including servicing, tyres and insurance for a set monthly fee, for the duration of the contract.

• Consider your repayment period carefully. Banks now offer flexible monthly repayment terms so that cars can be financed for up to 6-years (72 months). Many people opt for this to make car payments more affordable, as the longer term reduces the monthly expense. However, the longer the finance period, the longer it will take for the settlement value to reach break-even point with the asset value, due to depreciation.

Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank

The difference between instalments over payment periods can often be fairly low. It is advisable to ask the dealer or bank to calculate the costs of various repayment options. You could save yourself months of repayments and interest costs by investigating this option thoroughly.

“If the sums do not add up satisfactorily, consider buying a pre-owned vehicle or downsizing your purchase.”

“A car’s value usually depreciates fastest during its first 2 years on the road. You can save thousands in capital and interest by buying a low mileage car that is still in good condition. You will also benefit through extended maintenance or service plans,” says Mr Nkosi.

Furthermore, opting for a diesel vehicle instead of petrol will result in better fuel consumption, which is something to consider given the escalating fuel costs.

“When considering buying a new or pre-owned vehicle, always keep one thing in mind; it is better to compromise on luxury than having a car that adds to your financial woes,” concludes Mr Nkosi.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

It is natural to think about the joys of starting the New Year in your dream car when your bank account is filled with an end-of-year bonus. However, is it advisable to buy a brand new or pre-owned car during the festive season? Yes, as long as you carefully consider all the options available.

“The major benefit of buying a car just before the end of the year is that there are bargains to be had – especially if you are buying a new vehicle,” says Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank. “In addition, you could get in ahead of car price increases that are expected to be higher than the inflation rate during 2015.”

“Many manufacturers have already announced their intentions to bring new 2015 ‘face-lifted models’ into the local market. For dealers, this means that 2014 models that are still on the floor have lost some value, as many buyers would prefer to wait for the 2015 models before buying.”

“If you are happy to drive a brand new vehicle that may not have the ‘bells and whistles’ that could be featured on the 2015 models, you will find most dealers happy to offer incentives for your purchase. If you can locate a demo model with a low mileage, you could do even better.”

Also to be considered, says Mr Nkosi, are the announcements from various manufacturers that the dropping value of the rand, rising inflation and stable interest rates that have characterised the market for several years are about to change. “Car prices are set to increase significantly in 2015, so buying ahead of the rises could mean significant savings in monthly instalments and interest payments.”

However, he adds, buying a vehicle should only come after the necessary research and implications on your personal budget have been considered. “After a house, a car is the most important purchase made by most people. Making sure that it is affordable is important if you are to be happy driving the car for the next few years,” says Mr Nkosi.

So, before taking the December plunge and buying your dream car consider:
• The financial implications. Be sure that your budget can not only cope with instalment payments, but with the costs of insurance, maintenance and ‘add-ons’ such as warranties and service or maintenance plans that are not part of the purchase price.

It is great to own the car of your dreams, but maintaining it can prove to be quite costly. For example, although the price tag on an SUV may be appealing, replacing all 4 tyres on an SUV can easily cost between R 10 000 and R 20 000.

• The cost of insurance rises with a car’s price tag. Trying to reduce insurance premiums by opting for a higher excess payment could backfire if you have an accident and have to pay a massive bill before your car can be repaired.

• If you can, always pay as large a deposit as you can on a car. The bigger the deposit, the less you will have to pay back over the term of the loan.

• Think about the possibility of interest rates increasing while you are paying off the vehicle. This could mean having to pay more for the car every month. If your bank offers you the opportunity to fix your rate, consider this option. It will cost you up to 2 percent above the going rate, but will provide you with financial certainty.

• Consider leasing a vehicle, with the option of retaining ownership at the end of the contract. There are various types of lease options available, including full maintenance leasing. While this option may cost you more than buying, it covers all costs including servicing, tyres and insurance for a set monthly fee, for the duration of the contract.

• Consider your repayment period carefully. Banks now offer flexible monthly repayment terms so that cars can be financed for up to 6-years (72 months). Many people opt for this to make car payments more affordable, as the longer term reduces the monthly expense. However, the longer the finance period, the longer it will take for the settlement value to reach break-even point with the asset value, due to depreciation.

Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank

The difference between instalments over payment periods can often be fairly low. It is advisable to ask the dealer or bank to calculate the costs of various repayment options. You could save yourself months of repayments and interest costs by investigating this option thoroughly.

“If the sums do not add up satisfactorily, consider buying a pre-owned vehicle or downsizing your purchase.”

“A car’s value usually depreciates fastest during its first 2 years on the road. You can save thousands in capital and interest by buying a low mileage car that is still in good condition. You will also benefit through extended maintenance or service plans,” says Mr Nkosi.

Furthermore, opting for a diesel vehicle instead of petrol will result in better fuel consumption, which is something to consider given the escalating fuel costs.

“When considering buying a new or pre-owned vehicle, always keep one thing in mind; it is better to compromise on luxury than having a car that adds to your financial woes,” concludes Mr Nkosi.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

It is natural to think about the joys of starting the New Year in your dream car when your bank account is filled with an end-of-year bonus. However, is it advisable to buy a brand new or pre-owned car during the festive season? Yes, as long as you carefully consider all the options available.

“The major benefit of buying a car just before the end of the year is that there are bargains to be had – especially if you are buying a new vehicle,” says Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank. “In addition, you could get in ahead of car price increases that are expected to be higher than the inflation rate during 2015.”

“Many manufacturers have already announced their intentions to bring new 2015 ‘face-lifted models’ into the local market. For dealers, this means that 2014 models that are still on the floor have lost some value, as many buyers would prefer to wait for the 2015 models before buying.”

“If you are happy to drive a brand new vehicle that may not have the ‘bells and whistles’ that could be featured on the 2015 models, you will find most dealers happy to offer incentives for your purchase. If you can locate a demo model with a low mileage, you could do even better.”

Also to be considered, says Mr Nkosi, are the announcements from various manufacturers that the dropping value of the rand, rising inflation and stable interest rates that have characterised the market for several years are about to change. “Car prices are set to increase significantly in 2015, so buying ahead of the rises could mean significant savings in monthly instalments and interest payments.”

However, he adds, buying a vehicle should only come after the necessary research and implications on your personal budget have been considered. “After a house, a car is the most important purchase made by most people. Making sure that it is affordable is important if you are to be happy driving the car for the next few years,” says Mr Nkosi.

So, before taking the December plunge and buying your dream car consider:
• The financial implications. Be sure that your budget can not only cope with instalment payments, but with the costs of insurance, maintenance and ‘add-ons’ such as warranties and service or maintenance plans that are not part of the purchase price.

It is great to own the car of your dreams, but maintaining it can prove to be quite costly. For example, although the price tag on an SUV may be appealing, replacing all 4 tyres on an SUV can easily cost between R 10 000 and R 20 000.

• The cost of insurance rises with a car’s price tag. Trying to reduce insurance premiums by opting for a higher excess payment could backfire if you have an accident and have to pay a massive bill before your car can be repaired.

• If you can, always pay as large a deposit as you can on a car. The bigger the deposit, the less you will have to pay back over the term of the loan.

• Think about the possibility of interest rates increasing while you are paying off the vehicle. This could mean having to pay more for the car every month. If your bank offers you the opportunity to fix your rate, consider this option. It will cost you up to 2 percent above the going rate, but will provide you with financial certainty.

• Consider leasing a vehicle, with the option of retaining ownership at the end of the contract. There are various types of lease options available, including full maintenance leasing. While this option may cost you more than buying, it covers all costs including servicing, tyres and insurance for a set monthly fee, for the duration of the contract.

• Consider your repayment period carefully. Banks now offer flexible monthly repayment terms so that cars can be financed for up to 6-years (72 months). Many people opt for this to make car payments more affordable, as the longer term reduces the monthly expense. However, the longer the finance period, the longer it will take for the settlement value to reach break-even point with the asset value, due to depreciation.

Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Finance – Personal Markets at Standard Bank

The difference between instalments over payment periods can often be fairly low. It is advisable to ask the dealer or bank to calculate the costs of various repayment options. You could save yourself months of repayments and interest costs by investigating this option thoroughly.

“If the sums do not add up satisfactorily, consider buying a pre-owned vehicle or downsizing your purchase.”

“A car’s value usually depreciates fastest during its first 2 years on the road. You can save thousands in capital and interest by buying a low mileage car that is still in good condition. You will also benefit through extended maintenance or service plans,” says Mr Nkosi.

Furthermore, opting for a diesel vehicle instead of petrol will result in better fuel consumption, which is something to consider given the escalating fuel costs.

“When considering buying a new or pre-owned vehicle, always keep one thing in mind; it is better to compromise on luxury than having a car that adds to your financial woes,” concludes Mr Nkosi.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

Make festive season car buying a happy occasion to take you into the New Year

Protect your family with a roadworthy vehicle this holiday season

With spring having arrived and the end of the year in sight, many families will already be thinking about annual holidays and getting planning underway. Those with a plan will also be thinking about the way they will get to their holiday destinations and about the family car that will get them there safely.

One of the most vital parts of the car is undoubtedly the tyres. It is these 4 items that literally carry the load – the weight of the car, the holiday gear and the family. It is also often the last thing consumers want to spend money on just before a big family holiday.

The minimum legal tread depth on South African tyres is one millimetre across the entire circumference of the tyre. Spots on a tyre could wear down un-evenly so the tread in some places could be over one millimetre and other places it could be less than one millimetre, depending where you measure it. It is extremely important to check if your tyres meet the legal requirements of thread depth.Unfortunately, this small safety margin is one that is often ignored by up to 40% of all South African drivers, probably because of the cost involved in replacing tyres, something that is not often budgeted for, says Standard Bank UCount Rewards programme and their partners in road safety, Tiger Wheel & Tyre.

Joe du Plooy of Tiger Wheel & Tyre, points out that the risk of travelling with worn tyres can be magnified by the costs which could be incurred if a driver is even involved in just a minor bumper bashing.

“Insurance assessors can reject a claim if tyres are worn on the basis that a vehicle is not roadworthy. A motorist could therefore find himself having to pay for the damage incurred on 2 vehicles. The potential cost of an event of this nature should be considered against the cost of buying tyres when a driver notices that the tread on the tyres are becoming worn.”

“Standard Bank acknowledges that tyres are one of the main components required for a roadworthy vehicle. It can also be a costly exercise and an added expense, often not budgeted for. It is for this reason that UCount Rewards have joined forces with Tiger Wheel & Tyre says Fayelizabeth Foster, Head of UCount Rewards at Standard Bank.

“We believe that by swiping a qualifying Standard Bank personal debit, cheque or credit card at our Participating Rewards Retailer, Tiger Wheel & Tyre, our members can collect rewards points on your purchases at Tiger Wheel & Tyre which allows for a saving and help reduce the cost of keeping their car tyres in good condition. Our members can also redeem their rewards points at Tiger Wheel & Tyres.  We believe that a safe car is a gift that benefits the entire family, especially when the family car tackles the long road to holiday destinations.”

Before embarking on your holiday, Tiger Wheel & Tyre recommends that the following checks be conducted to ensure safe motoring:

• Tyres including the spare tyre should always be inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Over-inflated tyres erode quickly at their centre, while under-inflated tyres wear quicker on the outsides. Under-inflated tyres also overheat easily and can cause tyre bursts, leading to road fatalities.


• Wheel balancing and alignment should take place every 10 000 kms, after you hit a pothole or obstacle or before every major trip. This not only improves the handling of your car, but also extends the tread life of your tyres.


• Consider filling your tyres with nitrogen instead of air. With nitrogen, tyres run cooler, which means they last longer. Tyres running on nitrogen don’t lose pressure as quickly as tyres inflated with air. Inflating your tyres with nitrogen can extend tyre life by up to 20%.


• Heavy loads put extra strain on your tyres, so if your car is jam-packed with luggage, make sure you increase the tyre pressure. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended tyre pressures for “heavy loads” before you pack your car.

For your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre visit www.twt.to

Also view:

Tyre Safety and Road Safety

Vehicle Maintenance and Road Safety

Protect your family with a roadworthy vehicle this holiday season

Driving Safely for the duration of Summer season

Most people feel that they only have to be concerned about staying safe on the roads in the course of winter when the weather is poor, nevertheless the truth is that there are dangers on the road all year round. Even although it is constantly preferable to drive in dry weather, there are still issues you require to maintain in thoughts when heading out in your auto. Right here, we look at the dangers you could face driving throughout summer time:

Visibility Troubles

Heavy rain is a single of the largest causes of poor visibility in the UK, even so during the summer time drivers have to contend with vibrant sunlight and dust. If you need glasses it is therefore essential that you invest in a pair of subscription sunglasses to put on on bright days otherwise you will struggle to see the road in the course of particular times. Dust can also create up on your windscreen really rapidly in the course of the summer time and if you haven’t topped up your windscreen wash lately you will struggle to get it off. If you routinely drive on the motorway or other busy roads this is something you need to be especially aware of as dust can develop up even on brief journeys.

Site visitors

Most folks have a tendency to go on vacation in the course of the summer season months, each abroad and in the UK. If you are organizing on going abroad then you will need to factor in time for acquiring to the airport which can be a considerable quantity if there is bad visitors or an accident on the roads. The same can be said if you are going away in the UK, specially if you are heading to a common occasion as there will be thousands of other individuals all going the very same way. Even even though getting stuck in targeted traffic is not dangerous per say, if it is a hot day you can swiftly become dehydrated if you don’t have enough water with you. You need to also make positive that just before you head off on any journey you have surplus petrol in case you are stuck in visitors for a substantial amount of time.

Hazardous Drivers

The sun genuinely does go to some people’s heads for the duration of the summer season months, and sadly this implies that they are much more careless on the road. Speeding is a specific problem in the course of the summer months, specifically by those that have ‘weekend cars’ that they want to make the most of. In addition to from this becoming illegal it is also incredibly hazardous, which signifies that you want to hold an eye out for hazardous drivers and avoid them exactly where attainable. Police are already launching crack downs on drivers that drive also rapidly as nicely as these that attempt and get away with driving more than the legal alcohol limit. Keep in mind, even although absolutely everyone feels a lot more care free of charge for the duration of summer season it is still important to remain secure although on the road!

Everyone who lives in the UK appears forward to summer season, however it is nonetheless essential to keep in mind that the guidelines of the road don’t adjust just because it is a sunny day. Stay protected, prepare for your journeys and keep in mind to constantly abide by speed limits and drink driving laws.

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The post Driving Safely during Summer appeared 1st on First Insurance Weblog.

Driving Safely for the duration of Summer season

Driving Safely for the duration of Summer season

Most individuals consider that they only have to worry about staying safe on the roads throughout winter when the climate is bad, even so the truth is that there are dangers on the road all year round. Even though it is usually preferable to drive in dry climate, there are nevertheless items you need to keep in thoughts when heading out in your automobile. Right here, we appear at the dangers you could face driving in the course of summer time:

Visibility Issues

Heavy rain is a single of the biggest causes of poor visibility in the UK, however for the duration of the summer season drivers have to contend with vibrant sunlight and dust. If you require glasses it is therefore vital that you invest in a pair of subscription sunglasses to put on on vibrant days otherwise you will struggle to see the road during certain instances. Dust can also build up on your windscreen really quickly in the course of the summer season and if you haven’t topped up your windscreen wash not too long ago you will struggle to get it off. If you routinely drive on the motorway or other busy roads this is one thing you need to be especially conscious of as dust can develop up even on short journeys.

Visitors

Most men and women have a tendency to go on holiday throughout the summer months, each abroad and in the UK. If you are planning on going abroad then you will need to factor in time for getting to the airport which can be a considerable amount if there is poor targeted traffic or an accident on the roads. The very same can be said if you are going away in the UK, especially if you are heading to a well-liked occasion as there will be thousands of other folks all going the very same way. Even even though getting stuck in visitors is not harmful per say, if it is a hot day you can quickly grow to be dehydrated if you do not have enough water with you. You must also make confident that just before you head off on any journey you have surplus petrol in case you are stuck in traffic for a substantial quantity of time.

Harmful Drivers

The sun really does go to some people’s heads throughout the summer time months, and however this implies that they are a lot more careless on the road. Speeding is a certain issue in the course of the summer months, specially by these that have ‘weekend cars’ that they want to make the most of. Besides from this being illegal it is also incredibly hazardous, which signifies that you need to have to maintain an eye out for hazardous drivers and stay away from them exactly where feasible. Police are currently launching crack downs on drivers that drive also speedily as nicely as these that attempt and get away with driving over the legal alcohol limit. Keep in mind, even even though everyone feels far more care free for the duration of summer time it’s nonetheless essential to stay protected while on the road!

Everyone who lives in the UK appears forward to summer, nevertheless it is nonetheless critical to bear in mind that the rules of the road don’t modify just simply because it is a sunny day. Remain safe, prepare for your journeys and bear in mind to often abide by speed limits and drink driving laws.

Photo by Pixabay

The post Driving Safely throughout Summer season appeared very first on Initial Insurance Weblog.

Driving Safely for the duration of Summer season