Colin-on-Cars - Extended warranty from Isuzu

A five-year and 700 000 kilometre warranty is on offer for new Isuzu truck buyers for less than R10 000 and guarantees the truck against breakdowns and mechanical failure for the duration of the warranty.  

Craig Uren, Senior Vice President: Revenue Generation at Isuzu says: “Isuzu is committed to helping our Customers keep their trucks on the road for longer and guarantees their durability and reliability. With the extended warranty on offer, for a nominal upfront cost of the purchase cost of the truck, you are getting more than double your normal warranty.

“The warranty guarantees the truck against breakdowns and mechanical failure for the duration of the warranty, as long as the customer correctly maintains their truck according to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual,” says Uren.  

Customers will need to elect to purchase the extended warranty at the same time as they purchase the new vehicle.  

“So, for example, if you buy your truck today, an extended warranty cannot be purchased six months down the line,” adds Uren. “If a failure occurs, and the Customer has maintained their truck according to the schedule, Isuzu will ensure the issue is resolved and return the truck to its original specification.

"Owning and using your Isuzu enables you and your organisation to continue to build your business with the total value offered by our trucks,” he adds.  

https://bit.ly/3rDhA3b

Colin-on-Cars - Maximise efficiency

Fleet and transport operators are under massive pressure to contain operating costs as much as possible to offset the steadily increasing price of diesel fuel.

Fleets have no control over national fuel prices so, looking beyond the fuel pump is where a fleet manager can make an actionable difference.

“FAW Trucks is, and always has, been cognizant of the need to provide fleet owners with a range of vehicles that maximise the total cost of operation in their respective categories,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa.

“Right from the design stage, FAW engineers carefully marry the engine power and performance to the design specifications of the actual vehicle to ensure the right fit for the job with maximum efficiency and our performance in the recent Focus Truck Test 2022 backs this up.

“However, besides having the right vehicle for the job, there are a number of things fleet managers can do to try and keep costs down.”

FAW Trucks has compiled a list of solutions.

1. Driver Comfort

The driver has the biggest impact on fuel use. A driver sat in an uncomfortable cab will not be thinking fuel saving while trying to get the journey over with as quickly as possible.

“Driver comfort is something we build into all our trucks,” says Yongjun Li. “For example, our JH6 28.500FT is a full floating extended high roof cab with innovative flat floor design for optimal comfort and offers a  Sleeper Cab with air-conditioning, radio with USB and a suspension seat.”

“Our 8.140FL comes standard with a full air dual circuit WABCO braking system with ABS, air-conditioning, radio and MP3 player with USB.”

2. Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance programs can help keep vehicles operating at optimal efficiency. While this may sound obvious, scheduling vehicle maintenance can go a long way to save money on fleet fuel. Vehicle servicing improves fuel use by ensuring all components function properly and efficiently. Also, it identifies and fixes any issues before they thwart fuel efficiency.

A task as simple as checking and adjusting a vehicle's tyres boosts fuel efficiency by up to 3%, according to the US Department of Energy.

“A huge part of our heritage is FAW Trucks’ reputation for strength, reliability, ease of operation and value for money. This goes hand in hand with our focus on providing customers with dedicated service and support of the highest quality,” Li continues.

Today, FAW Trucks has more than 29 dealerships and service centres located around the country and continues to cater to the unique needs of local customers by providing vehicles that are built in South Africa, for Africa.

3. Manage Driver Behaviour

Over and above training, driver behaviour can cut fuel spend by 5% to 10%. For example, drivers should adhere to speed limits for optimal fuel efficiency - at 120 km/h, a truck can use 27% more fuel than one travelling at 100 km/h.  

Promote safe driving, possibly through a reward system – avoiding reckless, distracted and erratic driving reduces fleet wear, accident risk, and fuel costs. For instance, eliminating engine idling, especially heavy-duty trucks, can save fleets significant amounts each year. 

FAW Trucks is committed to ensuring operating efficiencies throughout its vehicle range and constantly compares the figures it achieves against other comparative brands.

4. Telematics

Telematics play an essential role in giving fleet managers and their drivers greater insights into operations by identifying and correcting costly driver practices.

“By implementing programs, fleet managers can help detect and improve driver behaviours such as speed control, idle reduction, harsh braking, and route optimisation — all of which impact fuel usage,” says Yongjun Li.

Critical to the whole process of optimising efficiencies is getting the company drivers on-board with the process – and, equally important, having the whole of the management team of the company buy-in to the programme.

“The goals must be actionable and achievable by drivers and must be fair and clearly understood. There should be a positive impact, as well. Actions needed by the drivers cannot negatively impact their ability to deliver freight and provide great customer service.

"By offering driver incentive programs tailored to the fleet, fleet managers can reward positive driver behaviour, effectively encouraging them to follow efficient fuel practices,” says Yongjun Li.

https://bit.ly/3O6RR97

Colin-on-Cars - Ford unbundles service plans

Ford South Africa is to unbundle all the Ford Protect Service Plan costs from the price of new vehicles with effect from November 1 in terms of the new Automotive Aftermarket Guidelnines that were established in response to the successful public cmapaign called ‘Right to Repair’.

Accordingly, in line with the guidelines, customers that purchase a new Ford vehicle from  November 1 are able to purchase a Ford Protect Service Plan separately, should they wish to do so, as has been the case with the optional comprehensive Ford Protect maintenance plans and extended warranties.

Furthermore, customers that choose not to purchase a Ford Protect service or maintenance plan have the option of servicing at a Ford franchised dealer. Servicing at a Ford dealer guarantees quality workmanship using factory-trained and certified technicians, genuine Ford parts and lubricants, and access to the latest diagnostic equipment.

“We are committed to delivering the very best products, services and customer experiences, and are focused on treating each customer as part of the Ford family,” says Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company Africa. “Ford is acutely aware of consumers’ growing desire and right to choose where they wish to service, maintain or repair their vehicles.

“As a result, we have been working to implement the systems and processes necessary to unbundle the Ford Protect service plans,” Hill says. “It has taken some time to deal with the complexities of unbundling the service plans from the price of the vehicle, but we have now implemented the changes and customers can choose to purchase these separately when buying a new Ford.

“Customers have the option of selecting where to service their vehicle, but it’s important that they familiarise themselves with the guidelines,” Hill explains. “For example, if you choose to service your vehicle outside of the Ford dealer network while you have a Ford Protect Service Plan in place, Ford is not obliged to pay the Independent Service Providers (ISP) for any services rendered. The ISP cost will be for your own account - and although the Ford warranty remains in place, should there be a failure as a result of the parts used or the workmanship of the ISP, that portion of the repair may not be covered by the Ford warranty.”

Customers should note that only Ford dealers are authorised to conduct recall repairs on Ford vehicles, which are performed at no cost to the owner. Similarly, factory warranty repairs may only be performed by a Ford dealer.

While the Service Plan is now an added-cost option, the vehicle’s standard original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranty remains in place. The Ford Protect package on all new Ford vehicles comprises a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.

Should a customer choose to use an ISP for the service and maintenance of their vehicle, the standard warranty will not be affected. However, if there is a failure as a result of a part or the workmanship, that portion of the repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Services also need to be done according to the manufacturer’s applicable service intervals.

“Guaranteeing the quality of work done and the parts used on what are increasingly sophisticated vehicles is essential in delivering the best ownership experience,” Hill states. “This is part of Ford’s commitment to ensuring that the reliability, durability and safety of the vehicle meets the needs and expectations of our customers.”

Ford Protect Service Plans, Maintenance Plans and Extended Warranties are fully backed by Ford Motor Company, which gives the customer peace of mind that all work on their car is performed to the highest standard, and that all workmanship and parts are guaranteed.

https://bit.ly/2ZV3Jra

 

Car Not Starting? 6 Reasons and How to Fix 

This is probably one of the worst ways you can start your day. Imagine getting out of bed and getting through your daily routine just to walk to your car and find out it won’t start, guess you’ll be late to that meeting or appointment you have. 

Cars are exceedingly complicated and have thousands of moving parts that help you get from point A to point B so when your car won’t start you can only really only begin to guess at the reason why. Is it mechanical, is it electrical, can you even tell the difference? We will help to determine some reasons why your car won’t start and how to potentially fix them.

Broken down car by Joel Carranza / CC BY 2.0

The cost to have your car towed can be very expensive depending on how far you need travel. You can avoid getting your car towed if you can determine why your car won’t start and potentially fix it yourself before paying for a two and a mechanic.

Dead Battery

One of the most common reasons your car won’t start is because of a dead battery. The battery is what provides the initial power to start the car and can run the electronics even if the vehicle is not running. Batteries do need to be replaced every few years or so but can die much quicker if you leave your lights on overnight. Like any other battery, if drained completely of its energy it becomes useless. So, if you turn your key and you hear it cranking but not actually starting it may be an indicator your battery is dead or just doesn’t have enough power to fully get the starter going. Another way to check is by trying some of the electronics in your car. If you can’t even turn on the headlights then it’s a good sign it’s the battery. However, sometimes you may be able to turn on the headlight and not actually start your car. This is because turning on your car requires more energy to start than just turning on your headlights.

Now that you have determined it is a dead battery what are you supposed to do next? Jump starting a car with the help of pal and their car is an immediate way to get your car started.

After jumping your car, you will want to give it a decent drive so your alternator can recharge the battery. If your battery is old and near the end of its life the jump start may only be a temporary fix so you should opt into buying a new battery. What if there is nobody around to help jump your car and you can’t get to the store to buy a new battery though? A great device to have on hand is a battery charger. A device like this plugs into your outlet and actually has jumper cables to attach to your battery.

Bad Ignition Switch

You went through the trouble of buying a new battery and installing it and your car still won’t start! What else could it be? A bad ignition switch may be your root cause. Can you even turn the ignition switch? If not it may be a sign that it is broken, or you have the wrong set of keys which is an easy mistake to make if tired. Although more cars are turning to the ‘push to start’ ignitions, many vehicles on the road still rely on a key and standard ignition switch. The ignition switch has a few positions, off/lock, accessory, on, and start.

If your car suddenly stalls while driving it can be a sign of a bad ignition switch. The car would stall because it is failing when in the on position, which is the position meant for powering the ignitions and fuel systems. Sometimes you will be able to start the car and then it abruptly stalls without even the chance of driving it. This is due to the same issue of the ignition switch failing in the on position. When turned to the start position it will briefly provide energy to the ignition system and fuel pump, but once returned to the on position the power will be stopped. This can be frustrating to say the least and isn’t necessarily an easy fix but can be done by yourself if you have the available tools and time.

Try trouble shooting the ignition switch a little more by checking it in the accessory position. When the key is turned in this position the electronics in the car should be working. This includes interior lights and your center console. If your accessories remain off while in this key position it could be another indicator of a faulty ignition switch. This could be just one of several possible reasons why, so if you are still uncertain going to a trusted mechanic to diagnose is your best bet.

If you are feeling ambitious and want to try and replace your ignition switch yourself, follow the steps listed here. The steps will vary from vehicle to vehicle but for the most part they are all similar.

Broken Starter

The starter is another important component to the starting system in your vehicle and like the other parts, if it’s broken or faulty your car won’t start. The starter is a small motor that receives its power from the battery to initially get the engine going. If the starter is broken or faulty then your car isn’t going anywhere without a tow. A broken starter may be tough to determine and can have similar symptoms to an ignition switch, but there are some ways to help determine which is exactly the problem. Listening to the noises from your engine when attempting to start will be a good way to check. When turning the key to the starting position listen carefully for a clicking noise. If you’re uncertain about the noise you can also try jumping your car too and if this doesn’t work it is another indicator it could be the starter. Unfortunately, a car starter is not that cheap of a part and can be difficult to install yourself without a lift and proper tools so you will most likely need to enlist the help of a mechanic to replace.

 

Although this particular car starter has a warning right on it not to hit with a hammer, an old school technique to trying to get it to work is to, well, gently knock on it with a hammer. The same way you would tap on a malfunctioning television or electronic to maybe knock a wire back in place, could be attempted on a car starter at your own discretion. Although not recommended this could be a last-ditch effort while troubleshooting.

Clogged Fuel Filter

 

The fuel filter is another potential reason why your car won’t. As the name implies, it is a filter in the fuel line that keeps any debris or material out of the fuel before reaching your engine. Your owner’s manual should indicate how often to replace, but some mechanics recommend replacing every 20 000 kilometres or so because of the importance of clean fuel. If left unchecked they can potentially get clogged to the point where your car won’t even start. You may notice your car driving sluggish in advance to a full blockage and if you don’t handle it then it will become even worse to the point your car won’t even start. Keeping up on the basic maintenance of your car or RV is important and will help to avoid these types of issues.

fuel_filter by InfoCog / CC BY 2.0 Bosch is just one of many reputable brands that offer affordable fuel filters for a variety of vehicles.

Empty Fuel Tank

One of the more obvious reasons your car won’t start could be from an empty fuel tank. We have all skipped out on getting gas once or twice, whether it be you’re in a rush to get home or maybe you think you have enough left even with the gas light on. But if you’re ‘running on fumes’ and decide to just get it tomorrow you may be causing more problems than you think. For one, your fuel pump works better with a substantial amount of fuel, but you also need to have enough fuel to actually start your vehicle. If you are also dangerously low on gas and park on a significant hill the little gas you have in your tank may not be reaching your fuel pump so in turn that gas won’t be enough. This is a relatively easy problem to fix but can still be annoying.

If you don’t have gas on hand, you will have to get to a gas station and fill up a jerry can, the classic red containers you probably have seen lying around your garage. Typically, they hold right around 5 gallons but that should be more than enough to get you the closest gas station.

Photo by Michael Anderson from FreeImages The classic red gas can, also known as a jerry can, can be purchased at most gas stations or online. It’s not a bad idea to have one on hand and filled but keep in mind gas does have a shelf life and cannot sit untreated forever.

Locked Steering wheel

Another potential reason your car won’t start is because of a feature put in place on some vehicles that will lock the steering wheel, and in turn stop the ignition switch from initiating. Thankfully this won’t require buying any new parts or taking your care to the shop. The first thing you will notice is that your steering wheel is probably turned at a pretty drastic angle. This could be done on purpose for the previously mentioned reasons or could be done unintentionally if you are just squeezing into a tight parking spot and didn’t straighten out all the way. Either way the wheel will be locked at that angle and only have a couple degrees of wiggle room. The most common way to solve this is by turning your wheel, key ignition, and stepping on the gas all at the same time. If done correctly your car will start and the steering wheel will unlock.

 

Basic Troubleshooting Steps in Order

• Is your wheel locked? Check your owner’s manual to see if your car comes standard with this anti-theft feature, or if it has safety features to keep it locked when the steering wheel is turned while the car is off.
• When was the last time you got gas? Check how much gas is in your tank and if you are near empty this is most likely the cause.
• Check your headlights to see if they turn on, if those lights dont turn on it is most likely a dead battery. If you need to buy a new battery we recommend getting a higher end model so you don’t have to replace it as often. If you’re an RV enthusiast good batteries are a must.
• Try turning the key in the ignition switch. Listen when in the starting position. Does it sound like the engine is struggling to turn on? This is also a good sign the battery is dead. Even if your lights are still able to turn on, the car starter needs more power than your lights so don’t rule out the dead battery too quickly.
• Turn the key to the start position and release it back to the on position. Did the engine start but then stall. This is a potential sign the ignition switch is broken. Does it run for a little bit, then abruptly turns off? Another sign of a potential broken ignition switch.
• Not getting any of the above symptoms? Think about the last time you drove. Was your car driving sluggish or seemed to be underperforming? Could be from a clogged fuel filter. See if you can remember the last time it was replaced or call your mechanic and ask him if they had done within the last 20 000 kilometres or so.
• Since broken starters aren’t all too common you can probably have this last on your list. But when troubleshooting it’s important to cover all your bases so try turning your key to the starting position again and listen for a clicking noise. If jumping your battery didn’t work and you hear the clicking noise it could be a broken starter.

Conclusion

There is no exact science for a normal driver to diagnose a car that won’t start, but having the basic knowledge of the related car parts can help to give you an idea of the potential problems and how to fix them. Since each car model has their own nuances, Googling why your particular car model won’t start may help to give you a better idea of the part that is malfunctioning or broken. But as always, sometimes it is best to have a mechanic investigate because there could be underlying reasons that are not obvious to even the most informed driver and safety is always the top priority.

 

In co-operation with Your RV Lifestyle: https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/car-not-starting/

 Volkswagen launches new service plan

Legislation changes making it possible for car owners to service outside of a franchised delaer group and the fact automakers have to specify the cost of service plans and make them optional mean the processes have to be re-imagined. 

Volkswagen has kicked this off with its EasyDrive Vehicle Plans that offer a comprehensive service and maintenance programme. 

“The EasyDrive Vehicle plans give our customers peace-of-mind motoring and benefits like protection against inflation as prices are fixed at today’s rates for future servicing and maintenance costs, transferability from the current owner to a new owner and enhanced resale value with a full service history,” says Steffen Knapp, Head of the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.   

Customers have the option to extend the EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000 km. 

The comprehensive EasyDrive Maintenance Plan covers all costs (parts and labour) associated with scheduled vehicle services, repairs of defective components and wear and tear items (excluding tyres) that need to be replaced as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance. The EasyDrive Service Plan covers all manufacturer-specific scheduled service requirements, including parts and labour costs. 

“At Volkswagen, we offer a seamless after sales customer experience. Included in our EasyDrive Maintenance and Service Plans is access to and the technical expertise of the 109-strong Dealer Network in Southern Africa, more than 40 000 genuine Volkswagen vehicle parts that are available in the country as well as customer care in the form of 24-hour Roadside Assistance,” added Knapp.  

The added benefit of the vehicle plans is the availability of parts in South Africa; Volkswagen has one of the biggest footprints when it comes to vehicle parts in Southern Africa. In South Africa, Volkswagen has 32 000 sq/m Parts facilities in Cape Town and Centurion, Pretoria. 

Using the WeConnect Go App, Volkswagen drivers are able to book a vehicle service on the app. Using the digital Service Cam feature, a technician is able to diagnose an issue on the car and show this to the customer via video, the customer is then able to give approval before repairs are made on the vehicle.

 The Volkswagen Dealer Network uses master technicians who utilise cutting-edge tools and equipment for repair work and to update the latest available software so that drivers can enjoy the best performance and driving dynamics.

The 24-hour Roadside Assistance also offers Volkswagen customers benefits like towing, fuel (for the customer’s account) and jump-starting in the unlikely event of a flat battery.