Gomes Nsobe Safari Rally 2015 — sponsored by Autoworld

On 1st August 2015 the Zambia Motorsport Association held its first Motorsport Rally in Ndola in over 20 years. Autoworld hosted and sponsored the scrutineering of the Gomes Nsobe Safari Rally.

This exciting Gomes Nsobe Safari Rally event began at noon at the Autoworld workshop and fitment centre in Ndola. All participating cars were carefully scrutinised for safety and road worthiness. Once the last of the 26 cars had been checked, the event moved to Ndola Motor Cross along the Ndola - Kitwe dual carriageway for the official start at 15.00 hours. The finishing line was Nsobe Game Camp off the Ndola – Kapiri Mposhi road.

Autoworld would like to congratulate the team of Farook Ticklay and Jasmeen Singh for scooping 1st position in the 2015 Gomes Nsobe Safari Rally. They were closely followed by the teams of Muna Singh Jr, Leeroy Gomes, Vyon Pinto, Toofail Dalal, Kumaren Naidu, Azim Ticklay, Mujo Simakoloyi, Yazdaan Ticklay, Wellington Matimba and Kleevan Gomes, who all put up a spirited fight and crossed the finish line.

The Gomes Nsobe Safari Rally team prize went to Ticklay Motorsport Team. Mohammed Essa and Farook Ticklay won first and second ‘power stages’ respectively.

The next Zambia Motorsport Association rally is the 6th National Rally Championship, commonly known as the Monze Rally. It will be held on 12th - 13th September 2015 in Monze, Southern Province.

---

August Monthly Specials – Castrol Lubricants

Autoworld stocks a full range of quality lubricants from Castrol, to help keep your vehicle in tip top condition and running efficiently. For six simple tips on how to ensure you have a smooth running engine, see our latest article: What a difference a quality lubricant makes.

The August Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 6 August. Discounted prices for Autoworld’s full range of Castrol lubricants will be valid for one week until Wednesday 12 August 2015.

Monthly Specials are available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. Contact information for all our branches can be found here.

View fullsize

Click to view a bigger version

What a difference a quality lubricant makes

Most car owners understand that engine oil is used to lubricate the various components of the engine to prevent friction.

However many are not aware that the efficiency of an engine is directly related to the quality of the engine oil you put in it. The engine is the ‘heart’ of your vehicle. You need to treat it well in order to keep your vehicle in the best working condition. Autoworld stocks a full range of quality lubricants from Castrol, to help keep your vehicle in tip top condition and running efficiently.

Autoworld stock an extensive range of Castrol quality lubricant products

Many are not aware that the efficiency of an engine is directly related to the quality of the engine oil you put in it. 

Here are our six simple tips to ensure you have a smooth running engine:

• Always use the correct engine oil for your valuable vehicle. To identify the right oil for your particular vehicle, refer to your owner’s manual or contact our Fitment Centre for advice.
• It’s advisable to do a lube service at least every 5,000km. This service should include the replacement of engine oil and the oil filter, checking of clutch fluid levels (where applicable), checking of automatic transmission fluid levels (where applicable), checking of gearbox oil levels, checking of diff oils, checking of engine coolant level and, where necessary, flushing of the radiator.
• Autoworld Fitment Centres will always indicate the mileage point at which your car will next be due a service. It’s important to keep a note of this.
• Check your oil dip stick at least once a week in case your vehicle might need a top up of oil. This could be done while you are filling up with fuel. The fuel attendant can help you.
• The coolant lubricates all the gullies and water pump components. It’s important to check the coolant level at least once a month, depending on the usage of the vehicle. At the same time check your radiator water level where applicable.
• Some new vehicle models have a fully sealed radiator that can only be filled through the coolant bottle. Such models require long life radiator coolant which is available in all Autoworld retail stores. Ensure you only top up levels with long life coolant for these applications.

Follow this advice to minimise the risk of breakdowns and unnecessary wear and tear.

---

Visit one of our Autoworld stores and choose from our extensive range of Castrol quality lubricant products.

---

View more information about our lubricant products.

Bosch Training Workshop hosted by Autoworld

Background to the Bosch Training Workshop

Bosch was established in 1902 and is one of the leading global companies in the field of automotive technology. The company has identified that the complexity of their high tech products and the diverse uses of their latest testing devices require their clients to build up an in-depth knowledge of Bosch auto spares and testing equipment. Therefore Bosch has developed a range of training programs to optimise the support companies like Autoworld are able to give to their customers.

The Bosch Training Workshop itself

On 28th May 2015, Autoworld organised a product-specific training session with Bosch South Africa at the Autoworld Head Office in Lusaka. The session was attended by the Autoworld sales staff. The Bosch trainers travelled from South Africa to give the training which focused on gasoline systems and spark plugs – both essential for vehicle reliability and fuel economy. Some of the advantages of using quality spark plugs and electric fuel pumps were identified as:

• Better fuel consumption in general, helping to save money
• Increased driving comfort through reduced engine noise
• Bosch spark plugs have a longer service life
• Bosch spark plugs prevents arcing (which causes misfiring)
• Bosch electric fuel pumps lead to longer engine life due to their filter surface being as large as possible

This was another successful training event for Autoworld staff. For further details concerning the Bosch range of products, visit any Autoworld store countrywide. After this excellent training session, our sales team will certainly be ready to give you all the information you require!

July Monthly Specials - Hi-FASE Batteries

July Monthly Specials – this month enjoy 15% off the full range of Hi-FASE batteries 

Autoworld are battery experts, whether for cars or trucks. A wide range of batteries are available in all Autoworld branches across Zambia. Batteries are charged and ready for installation by qualified staff. All Hi-FASE batteries come with a handy three month guarantee.

Learn about keeping your battery in good working order in our latest article Have an easy start right through winter.

The July Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 9 July. Discounted prices for Autoworld’s full range of Hi-FASE batteries will be valid for one week until Wednesday 15 July 2015.

July Monthly Specials are available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. Contact information for all our branches can be found here.

Have an 'easy start' right through winter!

Is your vehicle battery giving you an ‘easy start’ during these winter months?

We realise the importance of having a reliable vehicle that starts first time. If this is an issue on a cold morning, perhaps your battery needs some attention to keep it alive. It’s a real inconvenience to get in your vehicle in the early morning rush, kids in the car and time ticking for you to get to work on time, and all you hear is a horrible “click”! That noise indicates the battery voltage is too low to start the car. You’re definitely going to be late ….

This month we're giving our customers an ‘easy start’ to help ensure their cars start first time and just as soon as they turn on the ignition. We are offering the full range of Hi-FASE batteries at 15% discount from 9^th July to 15^th July 2015!

How do I know if my battery is in good order?

We have more good news for you. At our Freedom Way fitment centre we can test your charging system on your vehicle and your battery condition - while you wait. Our equipment will report the voltage that your alternator is giving out (which is most important in prolonging battery life).  The equipment will also test your battery’s condition and identify any cells that might be damaged. All this information can be presented on a print out. (We will have this equipment at all our other fitment centres in the near future.)

Our fitment centre can help with all your battery needs, ensuring your car always has an easy start

Visit our Freedom Way fitment centre for your charging system to be fully tested. If you know that your charging system is in good order but you would specifically like to check your old battery, we can also help you with a battery test!

1. The charging system test costs just ZMW120.00
2. The battery test costs just ZMW50.00
3. Battery fitting is free of charge if the battery has been purchased at any Autoworld branch

At the same time our staff will check your battery terminals and battery water levels (distilled water levels) ensuring your battery remains in good condition.If anything needs replacing:-

• A good set of battery terminals (made of brass) costs just ZMW30
• We also have single battery terminals (negative and positive) costingZMW15 each
• Lastly we have battery water (distilled water) in two sizes - 750ml and 2.5l - costing ZMW6 and ZMW13 respectively

Note: All prices are inclusive of 16% VAT

A few helpful points to ensure you keep your battery in good working order:

• Battery terminals - Make sure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion. It’s advisable to grease the battery terminals each time your vehicle has a routine service to avoid terminals from corroding. All Autoworld branches stock best quality brass terminals.
• Battery water (distilled water) - Check battery water level at least once a month. Ensuring that all the cells are full of battery water will avoid the danger of battery cells boiling, which permanently damages the battery. The battery cells should not be over filled; the distilled water level should be just above the plates in each battery cell. Our fitment centres can help with this.
• Treacle battery charger (smart charger) - Never store batteries for long periods of time without charging them up regularly. This shortens the life span of a battery significantly, even if it is brand new.

More about the Treacle smart charger

If you have a recreational vehicle, boat or motor cycle that is not used on a regular basis, it is advisable to connect its battery to a treacle smart charger. This is a battery charger that is permanently connected to a 220v power supply as well as the negative and positive terminals of the vehicle's battery while it is stored away. The charge of the battery is permanently kept above 12v. As soon as the battery drops below 12v then the charger automatically begins to charge the battery. Once the battery has reached 12v the charger will immediately turn off. This charger can be left connected for very long periods of time and will protect your battery from permanent damage. Smart chargers are available from our Autoworld Downtown Marine shop branch for just ZMW650. 

We trust this information has been useful to you. Visit out fitment centres and Autoworld stores for your Hi-FASE battery. Check out our incredible July 2015 Hi-FASE battery offer.

Wishing all our customers an ‘easy start’ experience right through the winter!

From the Autoworld team

Staff News - competition winners

We recently held a couple of in-house promotions: Best Spanjaard Salesman and Hardest Working Warehouse Storeman. Here are the competition winners.

1. Competition winner - Best Spanjaard Salesman

In April 2015 salesmen at Autoworld and its sister company Impala Service Station were set a challenge – to sell as many Spanjaard products as they could! Just to make the challenge worth fighting for, Spanjaard South Africa generously donated a smart phone. With such a great prize up for grabs, conversation amongst the salesmen centred on the great Spanjaard product range stocked across all Autoworld branches, as well as Impala Service Station.

For a whole month every salesman put in their best effort marketing Spanjaard. However there could only be one winner! The “man with a plan” for the month of April was Mr Lloyd Simwami, a key salesman at Impala Service station.  Well done Lloyd for this remarkable achievement!

Lloyd has worked for Impala Service Station for the last 8 years. Before taking up the role of salesman Lloyd was an impressive fuel attendant, the first face you would see on the forecourt. Now he sells, and has acquired a great deal of knowledge on a huge range of products.

2. Competition winner - Hardest Working Warehouse Storeman

The Autoworld warehouse at Head Office recently held a competition to award the hardest working employee in that department over a 15 week period. The warehouse is the heart beat of Autoworld and it wasn’t easy to choose a winner as everyone works hard. We used the following criteria to choose the one who most deserved to be in first place:

1. Identify the fastest moving items in your product range and make sure these items are fully stocked at all times
2. Notice any items that are damaged or defaced and have them removed or replaced
3. Spot items with bar-code errors and correct them
4. Regularly keep management informed about your stock

The winner was Mambwe Chanda, who walked away with a Samsung S4mini cell phone. 2nd place was Musa Mumba; and 3rd place was Paul Machwani. Many congratulations to Mambwe.

So what do we know about the winner? Mambwe Chanda, nick named ‘the walking computer’, joined Autoworld in 2001. He enjoys being part of the team that ‘keeps Zambia moving’. On receiving his prize he thanked management for recognising the hard work he puts in. He warned the rest of the warehouse team that he is ready to compete and win everything in the near future!

Let’s not forget that without team work all this would not be possible.

Shock absorbers - June 2015 Monthly Specials

June 2015 Monthly Specials - this month enjoy 15% off the full range of SHOCK ABSORBERS

Autoworld stocks shock absorbers for all types of vehicles, catering for even the roughest roads in Zambia.

Available brands TJM, KYB, Monroe and many others. The TJM brand is specifically for 4x4 vehicles.

The June 2015 Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 4 June. Discounted prices for Autoworld's full range of shock absobers will be valid for one week until Wednesday 10 June 2015.

This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. Contact information for all our branches can be found on our website.

Shock absorbers in Zambia — what every motorist should know

Heavy duty TJM shock absorbers in action

KYB, one of the world's largest manufacturers of shock absorbers, state the basic function of a shock absorber - to keep the vehicle's tyres in contact with the road.

Worn out shock absorbers may cause the following:

• Reduced braking efficiency
• Less control on cornering or in windy conditions
• Increased risk of skidding in wet conditions
• Quicker wear on tyres and other suspension components
• Driver fatigue and reduced driver’s responses
• Last but not least, uncomfortable ride

In summary, a shock absorber is designed to take or absorb all the unpleasant effects of a bumpy road. This allows the driver to have control over the vehicle, and ensures passengers have a comfortable ride.

The better the suspension of the vehicle = the better steering control and handling of the vehicle.

Tell tale signs of worn out shock absorbers:

1. the 'bounce test' - the vehicle oscillates more than once after downward pressure is applied to the bonnet of the car
2. load shift when cornering
3. poorer handling on uneven road surfaces

How often should shock absorbers be checked?

Shock absorbers should be checked by a qualified mechanic annually or every 20,000km, ensuring the safety of the driver, their passengers and other motorists. If shocks do need replacing, it's very important to replace them in pairs, to give an even balance on both sides of the vehicle.

Suspension - the importance of good shock absorbers

How Autoworld can help

In July we're offering motorists a 15% discount off all our shock absorber brands which include Kyb, Monroe and TJM. Our fitment centres are also available to inspect your shocks and general suspension to look for any wear and tear (for just ZMW100). Shock absorbers installation charges range from ZMW120 to ZMW175 depending on the model. If you buy your shocks from an Autoworld branch, the inspection charge is waived; so the only charge will be for the fitting of the shock absorbers.

Wishing all our customers a safe drive!

Autoworld team

Labour Day 2015 - Autoworld participates

Friday 1st May 2015 was Labour Day - an annual public holiday celebrating the achievements of workers. The Labour Day 2015 theme was “Promoting National Economic Growth through job creation, Free collective bargaining and respect for workers rights.” The president HE Edgar Lungu was present during the celebrations, announcing a lifting of the wage freeze to give encouragement to employees across the country. Autoworld was part of the procession, with a good number of its staff taking part.

Labour Day awards

At this year’s ceremony, two of Autoworld's members of staff, Timothy Samugule and Charles Bowa, were given awards in recognition of their hard work and achievements.

Timothy Samugule has been a tyre fitter at Autoworld for the last seventeen years. He joined Autoworld head office in 1998 and was the first tyre fitter at the fitment centre under Mr. Smith’s supervision.

Charles Bowa from Autoworld’s Downtown branch is the longest serving member of staff there. He is an assistant in the warehouse, in charge of rims and tyres.

Timothy and Charles each received a generator as a prize, and went home smiling.

Dialoguing to improve Marine Safety

A Marine Safety Dialogue Workshop was held on 23rd March 2015 at Sandy's Creations in Lusaka. The workshop was sponsored by Autoworld, who are stockists of an extensive range of automotive, marine and lifestyle products in Zambia. It was promoted by the Zambia Business in Development Facility (ZBiDF) and graced by Hon. Yamfwa Mukanga  representing Zambia’s Vice President, Hon. Inonge Wina. This Marine Safety workshop was organised as a response to the tragedy that happened on Independence Day 2014 when 22 school children and 3 adults drowned in Lake Kariba.

About ZBiDF

ZBiDF (the Zambia Business in Development Facility) is a multi-stakeholder platform comprising of champions from business, government, donors and civil society in Zambia. It is designed to engage business and facilitate dialogue and innovation, as well as directly support public-private partnership action on key business and development challenges. ZBiDF’s mission statement is to “systematically support and catalyse cross-sector partnerships in order to unleash the power and resources of business on poverty reduction and improve development outcomes, while achieving business benefits”.

Sector Representation and Composition

The workshop comprised of a cross sector meeting with representatives from government, business and development agencies:

1.  Government- Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply & Communication (Marine Department) and the Zambia Police Service (Marine Unit)
2. Business - Madison General Insurance, Autoworld (Z) Ltd, ZISC General Insurance and Aliboats
3. Development agencies - the African Management Services Company

Deliberations and Resolutions

The Marine Safety Dialogue Workshop discussed three presentations from different stakeholders as follows:

• Presentation 1: Safety of Navigation in Zambia - a presentation made by the Maritime Department at the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (MTWSC). The department reiterated the importance of marine safety in stating that ‘Safety was not a Game of Chance, but an action that required deliberate interventions like the mandatory use of seat belts in our motor vehicles that enhance the safety of road users.’The department highlighted several factors that contribute to marine safety, including the seaworthiness of vessels and the loading capacity of vessels. The department shared that implementations of safety measures are hindered by several challenges such as the inadequacy and weakness of marine regulations and low staff levels which hinder effective water patrols. The Ministry nevertheless has recently contracted Aliboats to supply a number of vessels for monitoring purposes.The need for a nationwide education and awareness raising campaign on marine safety was recognised as one way of ensuring that people adopt safe practices whilst on water. Also pointed out was that the Inland Waters Shipping Act of 1961 (Chapter 466 of the Laws of Zambia, otherwise known as CAP 466) excludes non-motorised vessels such as dugout canoes; and the meeting was informed that many of the marine accidents that occurred on the water bodies are largely from such crafts.
• Presentation 2: Marine Safety Enforcement initiatives and challenges - A presentation was made by the Zambia Police Marine Police Unit who concurred with the observations made by the Department of Maritime and Inland Waters with regard to the challenges of enforcing marine safety. It also pointed out that in its current form, CAP 466 does not empower the Marine Unit to effectively enforce marine safety in the same way that the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002 empowers the Road Traffic Police Unit and the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) with regard to licensing, penalties and sanctions. The Marine Police Unit stressed the need for investment in radio communication equipment (VHF channels) by both boat owners and government.
• Presentation 3: Private Sector Proposition - Autoworld Zambia’s marine division presented that the private sector users in areas such as Mongu-Kalabo had adopted a mandatory practice of life jacket use. Contrary to the notion that life jackets are expensive, it stocks a variety of life jackets with the cheapest being K100.However there were other significant factors related to water safety - specifically the state of the boat engines and water crafts, and the presence of bilge pumps, portable horns, paddles, running lights, communication equipment and fuel containers, all in good working order.

Six point action plan

The stakeholders identified six important issues that needed to be resolved in the short term in order to enhance marine safety:

• Overhauling CAP 466 - the responsibility of the Department of Maritime & Inland Waters - by end Dec 2015
• Building a marine safety awareness partnership - the responsibility of ZBiDF - by end March 2015
• Issuance of a press statement to highlight the meeting and the way forward - the responsibility of ZBiDF - by end March 2015
• Soliciting for more funding – prepare monthly budgets to motivate for more funding - the responsibility of MTWSC/MoFnp - by end March 2015
• Increasing the number of marine staff – employ more staff to man harbours, and purchase new boats - the responsibility of MTWSC/MoFnp - by end Dec 2015
• Increasing marine infrastructure – specifically offices, patrol boats and navigation beacons - the responsibility of MTWSC/MoFnp - by end Dec 2015
• Enhancing ship to shore communication (radio) - the responsibility of MTWSC/ZICTA - by end Dec 2015

Vice President’s address

Honourable Yamfwa Mukanga, Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications welcomed the initiative in a speech he read on behalf of the Vice President, indicating it had come at the right time. She directed that the outcomes of the meeting incorporated the following:

1. Increased community awareness and education
2. Better adherence and enforcement of regulations
3. More affordable access to lifesaving devices and vessels
4. Enhanced communication and rescue measures

Wrap up by Autoworld’s Chairman

In conclusion, Autoworld Chairman Mr Noble Findlay gave a vote of thanks to the Vice President’s speech and noted that as a business, Autoworld appreciated that government had taken time to join the gathering to deliberate on marine safety. He also encouraged the Minister to consider removing VAT on life jackets as a way of making them even more affordable for the communities that live near water bodies.

In response, the Minister instructed staff from the Maritime and Inland Waterways Department to immediately commence action that would lead to the repealing and replacement of CAP 466 and the removal of VAT on life jackets in the 2016 Budget, as a measure of the government’s commitment to improve marine safety in Zambia.

May 2015 monthly specials - Autoworld

May 2015 Monthly Specials - this month enjoy 15% off the full range of TYRES and TUBES

Select from Autoworld's exclusive range of high performance tyres and tubes to guarantee your vehicle will be fit for both on and off road driving. Truck and tractor tyres are also available from Autoworld, as well as high quality rims for passenger and 4X4 off roading vehicles. Autoworld stocks the following quality brands of tyres and tubes: Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental, Deestone, Falken, Firestone, Linglong, Pirelli, Sumo Firenza, Sunny and Wanli.

The May 2015 Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 7th May. Discounted prices for Autoworld's full range of tyres and tubes will be valid for one week until Wednesday 13th May, 2015.

This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. Contact information for all our branches can be found on our website.

TJM tubeless repair kit & mini compressors - Avoid the flat tyre nightmare

Get yourself equipped, so you can stay safe and enjoy your journey!

Have you ever been on a long journey and noticed one of your tyres was slightly flat? Have you enjoyed a day at the mall only to find you have a puncture? Your heart may sink further when you realise there are no workshops nearby (especially if you are on a long Zambian road in the middle of nowhere). A flat tyre can be a real pain.

In most cases you will find a puncture is caused by a nail or a foreign object that has engaged itself in the tyre resulting in low pressure. To stay safe and enjoy your trip, we recommend changing your tyres well before the tread gets low. This will help avoid flat tyres altogether. To help you on your way, this month’s 15% off special is on tyres and tubes (from 7th-13th May).

Even with a good tread, a tyre may still sometimes develop a puncture. When this happens, you can ensure you finish your journey safely with the TJM tubeless repair kit and mini compressor which come with an instruction manual and guarantee. Both are small enough to permanently stay in the boot of your vehicle. With the kit you can be equipped for any quick fix regardless of the car you drive.

Nowadays most vehicles run on tubeless tyres. This makes it very easy to repair them without needing to remove the tyre from the vehicle.

How can I tell the difference between a tyre with a tube or one without?

Tyres with tubes have a valve protruding from the tube. Tubeless tyres have a tubeless valve which is fitted to the rim of the tyre. Our workshop and sales staff are happy to help you identify the difference so you can establish if the tubeless repair kit is right for your vehicle.

What does the TJM tubeless kit consist of?

1. A cord needle tool
2. A tyre rasp (file)
3. Replacement needle for the needle tool
4. An allen key to fix the needle tool when replacing needles
5. A trim tool (sharp cutter) and tyre lubricant to help make it easy to insert the rasp (file)
6. 20 x tubeless repair chords (patches)
7. Robust storage case
8. Spare valve cores
9. Valve key and long nose pliers

How much will it cost you? At any Autoworld branch you can get the tubeless repair kit for K330* and the mini compressor at an amazing K1,815*.

7 steps to repairing your tubeless tyre with repair kit and compressor

1. Use the pliers supplied to remove any obstructions in the damaged area of the tyre.
2. Clean out the hole using the rasp tool (file). Inserting the rasp tool into the hole a few times will sufficiently clean the hole and make room for finally inserting a patch.
3.  Apply the lubricant supplied to the shaft of the rasp tool (file). This will assist when the rasp is inserted into the hole created by the removed obstruction.
4. Thread the repairing cord (patch) through the eye of the needle tool. The lubricant can be applied to the tip of the needle tool to help you easily insert the cord (patch) into the tyre.
5. Press the needle tool and cord (patch) into the filled out hole in the tyre. Ensure a small amount of the cord (patch) is visible even after it’s inserted into the tyre. Slowly pull out the needle tool by slightly pulling up on the handle. The cord (patch) should remain in the tyre sealing the hole. Do not twist the needle tool in this process.
6. With the cutter supplied trim any excess cord (patch) protruding from the tyre.
7. Re-inflate the tyre with your TJM air compressor to the desired pressure. Check the repaired area for any leaks by simply pouring a little bit of water and checking that no bubbles appear.

As a safety measure, consider taking your car to the nearest Autoworld garage once you are able to drive. It's important to have your tyre re-checked by a professional to ensure it is permanently sealed.

Contact any of our Autoworld stores for more information on tyres, tubes, the TJM tubeless repair kits and mini compressors. Visit us or reach us on Twitter and Facebook.

Don’t miss out on this month’s 15% discount on tyres and tubes - visit us before 13th May.

Safe driving!

* All prices include 16% VAT

Autoworld's International Women's Day celebrations in 2015

2015 International Women's Day theme: Gender is my agenda, make it happen

Sunday 8th March was International Women’s Day, a day designed to give women all around the world confidence and joy through the celebration of women and their achievements. This year’s theme, ‘gender is my agenda, make it happen,’ applied to Zambian women in a more touching way because at present, women in Zambia are gaining momentum in holding positions of influence. Our Vice President Inonge Wina, Chief justice Ireen Mambilima and other women participating in national matters traditionally classed as ‘manly’ are certainly setting the standards for Zambian women of the future. On that Sunday morning Autoworld women joined events in Lusaka beautifully dressed in traditional Chitenge outfits.

International Women's Day celebration

The day was filled with singing and interaction as people marched from Muleya Basic School in Emmasdale to the National Heroes' Stadium. Although International Women’s Day is obviously about women, it was such an encouragement to have men from all walks of life support the event, including the President Mr. E. C. Lungu who graced the occasion at the stadium together with women from different political parties and organisations. We commend men who can honour our women and work with us to make this a more equal society that encourages Zambian women to do more and reach higher for the good of the country. And as Autoworld women might be few in number, working in an industry that is dominated by men, it was very encouraging to be one of the few in our sector to take part at this prestigious occasion.

A speech by the Minister of Gender

A speech was given by the Minister of Gender Prof Nkandu Luo. She bravely addressed an issue concerning abuse and gender based violence. Sadly, this continues to be a concerning matter in our country. Men, women, girls and boys are entitled to have equal rights under the laws of Zambia and the Human Rights Commission supports this noble and right cause.

Our International Women's Day experience

The International Women's Day occasion was a humbling experience and a well deserved break. It instilled the feeling of being appreciated as women in society. We would like to thank Autoworld management for the effort and help rendered towards the eventful day. In fact Autoworld continues to lead the way by being open to employing more women who would like to work in the automotive sector. It may take guts but success is there, as demonstrated by the inspiring Phanny who is our Workshop Supervisor at Downtown Fitment Centre. Indeed, ‘Gender is my Agenda, make it happen’. I am doing what I can to make it happen!

By Annie Zulu

Avoid power cuts with ECOGEN generators — top purchasing, setup and maintenance tips

How frustrating is it when you are in the middle of watching your favourite football game or soap opera and BANG! Total blackout and powercut! We all dread load shedding.

Have you heard of an ATS unit?

This month's special is 15% off (from 9th - 15th April ) ECOGEN generators that come with an ATS unit (Auto Transfer Switch). This switch will automatically change the power supply from your main supply (ZESCO), to the your backup generator in just a few seconds. So, with a backup ECOGEN generator and ATS unit, you can count to 10 and you’re back to watching your match - you’d have to be having a real bad day to miss a goal in those few seconds!

And, when ZESCO’s main power supply returns, don’t you worry about having to get up - the generator will automatically switch back, saving you from burning that fuel.

*Please note that only certain Ecogen models are compatible with the ATS unit.

How much will it cost you?

ECOGEN generator prices start from K1,565. For the price of K650 the ATS unit is yours and our sales staff will refer you to an electrician who can guide you on how to connect your new generator and ATS unit (for a minimal fee).

Top tips on purchasing and setting up a generator

1. Know how much power output you need. To estimate this, most electrical appliances indicate how much power is needed to run them. Since this information is key to purchasing the right generator, it is advisable to have an electrician help you with this. If you need help, visit one of our showrooms. We’ll talk you through everything and refer you to an electrician who can help with these services for a minimal charge.

2. Always choose a generator that has a slightly higher output than your requirements. This will allow your generator to operate at a cooler temperature and never at maximum capacity. If you overwork your generator in this way you will negatively affect its lifespan as a result of overheating. In a few cases regulators and electrical components can burn out.

3. Ensure your generator is placed on a flat surface. This is important so that oil is levelled and all engine parts are lubricated. This will avoid engine damage.

4. Ensure your generator is earthed. This will avoid power surges or lightning strikes (have an electrician carry out this work).

Top tips on maintenance

1. Check oil and water (where applicable) at least once a month and maintain a service history. Every 100 hours of operation, the generator will need an oil change.

2. Ensure you check your fuel levels regularly. This will help avoid airlocks (on diesel models) and power fluctuations that can destroy electrical appliances. When fuel runs out the engine revs will be irregular. This constant fluctuation affects the output power of the generator, in turn affecting the power being supplied to your electric appliances.

3. We  offer an extensive range of ECOGEN back up parts. These include all service filters and electrical components that may be required to keep your generator working in good order.

Buy now — 15% off between 9th and 15th of April 2015

We trust this information has been a great help. If you have any more questions just ask via the comments below or reach us on Twitter and Facebook. If you visit our showrooms you’ll be able to view the Ecogen generators and talk to our expert team for further guidance. Don’t miss out on the 15% discount - visit us before 15th April.

April 2015 Monthly Specials

APRIL special offer details - 15% discount

This month take advantage of our Monthly Specials with 15% off the full range of ECOGENS and ABAC compressors.

The April Monthly Special offer starts today, Thursday 9th April, and the prices will be valid until Wednesday 15th April 2015.

This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. All the different branch contact information can be found here. Be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!

Latest Autoworld Staff News

We as employers like to recognise the achievements of Autoworld staff and the value they bring to the company. Through the things we do as employers, we want to make a lasting impact on our employees, helping them feel part and parcel of the company and motivating them to be even more committed. The month of March was a busy but exciting month for us all. We had training with our team, a competition and two birthdays.

Pirelli Tyres Sales Training

We had the privilege of having some of our staff members undergo tyre sales training. There were 15 Autoworld participants from different departments. The trainers were a team of three who arrived in Zambia on 3rd March, 2015 to conduct the product and marketing session which lasted a day and a half. This training was held at Intercontinental Hotel.

The participants were trained on how to read tyres in terms of size, width, profile and even the rim size. They were also trained on how much pressure should be pumped into the tyre, making it easier for a salesman to immediately point out what a customer needs. At the end of the session participants from various organisations mingled, shared knowledge and took pictures.

Sales Staff Competition

In our quest to serve our clients better, we believe our Sales Staff are our ambassadors as they are the people who uphold the image of the company. In this regard, we introduced a competition to motivate and appreciate their hard work and contribution and to acknowledge the value they bring to the organisation.

We asked our sales team to be attentive and note down products that were not current stock items but could possibly be on demand. This information would come from customer requests at our sales counters.

The response was tremendous and we received very helpful feedback every day. Of course there can only be one deserving winner. As with many other competitions, this one came with a surprising winner, a man popular for controversy also known as the 'mad scientist.' Mr Arnold Chooka, a Senior Salesman walked away with the prize - a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini which was presented by Director Mr Glenn Findlay. Mr Chooka put in unprecedented effort which was jokingly described by the Purchasing Manager Mr. David Findlay as that of a 'moving computer.' Mr Chooka had a very good month as he also celebrated his birthday with his team mates on 20th March.

Why choose GUD?

The function of a filter in your vehicle is the same as the vital job that your kidneys perform in your body.  So when given the choice of which filter to help keep your engine healthy, it's important to choose wisely.

At Autoworld our brand of choice is GUD and here are our 5 reasons why:

• Offer great engine protection
• Made with only superior quality materials and to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) specifications
• GUD carries a comprehensive warranty on their filters
• Extensive product range and expert technical support
• 65 year track record

The purpose of a filter in your engine is to keep out harmful contaminants which are carried by the engine’s air, oil and fuel supplies.  Contaminants can be in the form of dust, sand, soot, water and engine wearing metals. If these contaminants are not filtered out, rapid engine wear will occur or worse, complete engine failure.

A sub-standard filter will eventually result in premature wear. On the face of it, and to the untrained eye, sub-standard filters often don't look bad from the outside and are therefore deemed to be good quality. This is where the unsuspecting are led astray. Filtration performance far outweighs physical appearance.

To ensure you fit the best quality filter to your vehicle, follow these simple rules and be assured of great engine protection and maximum engine life:

1. Always buy a reputable and trusted brand, such as a GUD Filter.
2. Always look for a comprehensive product warranty, as offered by GUD Filters; as opposed to a warranty that will replace only the filter and not cover the damage done to the vehicles' engine.
3. Always ensure that the brand you fit to your vehicle meets or exceeds the original equipment vehicle specification, as GUD Filters do.
4. Its recommended to change your oil, fuel & Air filter every 5000km (depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle)
5. Always keep a record of your service mileage so that service intervals are never missed.

March 2015 Monthly Specials

This month take advantage of our Monthly Specials with 15% off our full range of GUD filters.

On the first Thursday of each month we offer our customers money saving deals with our Monthly Specials. The Monthly Specials start on the first Thursday of each month and prices are valid for that whole week – ending on the following Wednesday.

The March Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 5th March, 2015 and prices will be valid until Wednesday 11th March, 2015.

This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details - you can find the contact number on our website.  Be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!

February 2015 Monthly Specials

This month take advantage of our Monthly Specials with 15% off our full range of Castrol Lubricants.

On the first Thursday of each month we offer our customers money saving deals with our Monthly Specials. The Monthly Specials start on the first Thursday of each month and prices are valid for that whole week – ending on the following Wednesday.

The February Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 5th February, 2015 and prices will be valid until Wednesday 11th February, 2015.

This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details - you can find the contact number on our website.  Be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!