Autoworld awarded 'most valued distributor' certificate by GUD Filters

Autoworld is proud of its recent award from GUD filters - 'Most Valued Distributor'! G.U.D. Holdings is South Africa's leading automotive filter brand. GUD has been manufacturing filters since 1949, with production facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Cape Town and Zimbabwe. GUD places great emphasis on quality to exceed the requirements of all its market.

A load shedding solution at 15% off!

Photo credit The Post Newspaper Zambia

Load shedding is still a major issue wherever there is electric power. Back up generators and battery storage are popular solutions. Autoworld supplies ECOGEN generators, Su-Kam Digital Signal Processor Sine Wave inverters and EnerSys PowerSafe batteries, with spare parts always in stock. ECOGEN generators easily integrate into an inverter and battery storage system.

We are offering a massive 15% discount off all ECOGEN generators (and ABAC compressors) from April 7th to 13th. Visit one of our showrooms by Wednesday April 13th to take advantage of this amazing discount!

Discuss your specific power supply needs with our expert team. We’ll talk you through everything and refer you to an electrician who can help install the system you choose.

Autoworld participates in International Women’s Day event - by Margaret Mali

Autoworld staff at the International Women's Day event at Lusaka Showgrounds

8th March marks International Women’s Day. Each year Autoworld ladies participate in this colourful event. This year’s theme was ‘PLANET 50/50 BY 2030: STEP IT UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY’. Women from Government, private sector, NGOs and political parties, all convened at Lusaka Showground to celebrate the day.

His Excellency President Lungu graced the occasion and toured the various stands where organisations were showcasing their products and services. The President pointed out that International Women’s Day has been an opportunity to recognise, build and support the contribution of women as critical partners in national development since Zambia’s Independence in 1964.

There were also several women speakers: Prof Nkandu Luo the Gender Minister, Sara Longwe from NGOCC and Janet Rogan, United Nationals resident coordinator.

The nine Autoworld women, with four male counterparts, had a great time touring the stands and taking the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was lots of fun and many ‘selfies’ were taken. Our lovely outfits were complemented by all and we totally agreed!

We are looking forward to our participation next year when we plan to showcase more of our products. Special gratitude goes toward management for making it possible for us to attend this event. Many thanks also to the gentlemen who came to support us on the day.

A great day out for Autoworld staff at the International Women's Day event

March monthly special — 15% off all GUD filters

Why do your air, fuel and oil filters need changing regularly? Find out what all the fuss is about here.

And enjoy a great 15% discount off all GUD filters this month with Autoworld's latest offer. Available at all Autoworld participating branches across Zambia, and Impala Service Station in Lusaka, while stocks last.

(GUD filters are made to the highest standard and have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 status.)

The single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring in Africa

You can change the air filter yourself - or go to the professionals ...

As Jaguar Land Rover Academy's Trevor Drawwater says, "In Africa, filter maintenance is the single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring." If you get that right, then a big percentage of your vehicle worries will never even start! The two golden rules are:

1) Replace all three filters regularly (air, fuel and oil)
2) Always use a good quality filter brand

So why is it so important to keep changing the filters?
In Africa we get a lot of dust. Your vehicle's air filter has to absorb all that dust from the air sucked into the engine, purifying it before it reaches the engine's delicate parts. Secondly the fuel may not always be as pure as it should be. This time the fuel filter has to set to work purifying the fuel. Thirdly Africa tends to be hot. So the oil filter has to do a perfect job, as the oil going into the system has to transfer the heat out as well as grease the engine's moving parts.

All in all, filters need to be in tip-top condition to ensure a car engine is able to function optimally.

Why GUD?
The quality of GUD Filters is audited regularly by OEMs to ensure their specific requirements are met; and they have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 Status. In addition, the South African Bureau of Standards regularly assesses GUD Filters to TS 16949: 2009. 

Autoworld is offering a generous 15% off all GUD filters this month, starting Thursday 3rd march 2016. So now's a 'gud' time to replace your filters! You can do it yourself, but it may be a better idea to go to the professionals. This service is available at all Autoworld branches except for Buseko in Lusaka.

Autoworld Accounts Dept outing to Protea Safari Lodge, by Margaret Mali

Accounts Dept staff at Protea Safari Lodge

Thanks to Autoworld management, Feb 13th 2016 was not the usual humdrum day for Autoworld’s Accounts Department. Everyone was anxious to wrap up early, looking forward to a relaxing afternoon at Protea Safari Lodge in Chisamba. We arrived just in time for lunch – a sumptuous meal that quickly had everyone in a good mood, laughing and chatting.  

Then the group took a stroll to see the lions. What a sight! We watched at very close range as the lions mauled a piece of meat. Then on to the game viewing trip. This was a splendid experience, getting back in touch with nature in the bush. Antelopes of all kinds were spotted - hartebeest, zebra, kudu, waterbuck, impala and sable.

As we crossed the road, the tour guide pointed out a large and rare monitor lizard crawling into the long savannah grass. Apparently this was a very poisonous type that people should be wary of.   

On returning to the lodge, the group sat in a circle and played a “brain teaser” game. The first person begins by clapping twice then mentioning a letter, for instance A to the person seated next to them. That person had to immediately say any word beginning with A. If he or she hesitated, then they dropped out of the game. The game progressed well with no drop outs at first: A for Apple, P for Paul, C for Cat and so on. But then it reached Q and the next person shouted “Cucumber”; followed by G and the next person blurted out “Jump”. Hilarious! By then we were in high spirits and laughed all the way home.

February monthly special — 15% off all Castrol lubricants

Read more about Castrol lubricants and how Castrol technology is currently being used to improve the performance of a leading sports challenge.

Castrol, the America's Cup and your engine lubrication needs

The Landrover BAR boat and racing team

Castrol is the world's leading manufacturer of premium lubricating oils not only for the automotive and marine trades but also for applications such as industrial, aviation and oil exploration. The America's Cup is the oldest international sports trophy, originally awarded in 1851. Next year Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team is seeking to bring this cup back to the UK by winning the challenger Louis Vuitton Cup and then the America's Cup itself.

And what's the America's Cup got to do with Castrol? On January 22 2106 it was announced that Castrol's liquid engineering will flow through Land Rover BAR’s challenge! Castrol lubricants will be used to improve the performance of the boat’s hydraulics and its overall efficiency in its America’s Cup bid.

“Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or just someone looking for quality engine oil for your car, you can also experience the benefits of Castrol technology right here in Zambia! ”

Autoworld is one of the foremost distributors of Castrol lubricants in Zambia. As vehicle experts we have carefully selected engine oil brands and products that withstand the demands of Zambia’s driving environment. So, check your car’s manual for engine oil specifications and visit in-store to discuss what’s best for your vehicle.

And this month Autoworld's offering a 15% discount on Castro lubricants at any of our branches - from 4th - 10th February 2016!

P.S. Get kitted out for the coming fishing season at the Autoworld Downtown branch which specialises in boats. If you're a water sports enthusiast, you'll also find lots to interest you at Autoworld Downtown.

Engen, customer service and health and safety training provided to Autoworld staff

At Autoworld we recognise the value of regular training. We make an effort to constantly offer our employees the opportunity to improve and increase their knowledge through a variety of learning programmes. Here’s a couple of recent training events organised for Autoworld staff.

Drivers and support staff proudly display their certificates with Autoworld trainer Dr Davis Malembeka

Engen Lubricants training session

On January 15, 2016 we received a team of experts from Engen Petroleum Zambia to train our salesmen in Engen lubricants. Participants first learned a little background to Engen the company.

“With headquarters in South Africa, Engen is present in over 20 countries, and exports its products to over 30 more countries, mostly in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. ”

Petronas Lubricants International, is a major Engen shareholder and supplies Engen products to even more countries. Petronas also supplies Syntium products through Engen distributors. Syntium and Engen products are both made to the same high standard using the identical techniques that are tried and tested.

Our salesmen learned that Engen produces two types of lubricants:

1. Mineral oils - made from ‘crude oil’ that occurs naturally
2. Synthetic oils - man-made oils carefully engineered in laboratories using hydrocarbon as a raw material.

Synthetic oils are preferred by many engine manufacturers because of their improved fuel economy, wider operating limits and better wear protection.

The Engen trainers explained in depth about particular Engen products such as:

• Agritrac Super Universal
• Dieselube 700 Super
• Xtreme 5W-40
• Different multigrades

Participants were briefed on the importance of supplying customers with the right specification and quality of lubricant for their particular vehicle and usage. Oils are made to suit a particular engine or gearbox in terms of the year of make of the engine, type of fuel (petrol or diesel), and the required viscosity (depending on temperature). Quality lubricants will extend the life-span of the engine.

You can buy a full range of Engen lubricants at Autoworld branches throughout Zambia.

Training for drivers and support staff

Recently, Autoworld trainer Dr. Davis Malembeka also ran a training session. This was for Autoworld drivers and support staff covering the importance of having a positive professional attitude at all times. It covered important topics like customer service principles as well as health and safety at work. 

As usual, certificates of attendance were issued to all participants - something we all take great pride in.

New year = new car battery? Autoworld Zambia can help

According to Battery University (yes there is one out there), “All batteries have one thing in common: they run for a while, need charging, progressively fade with each cycle and eventually need replacement. The dream of a continuous energy source is not going to happen soon.” http://batteryuniversity.com.

Replacing your vehicle’s battery

When it comes to replacing your battery, selecting the right one can make all the difference between a battery you rarely think of, and one that becomes a constant source of frustration. It may be helpful to check out the Willard Battery Replacement Guide for passenger vehicles http://www.willard.co.za/passenger-cars-and-suvs/ (This website also has a replacement guide for batteries used for agriculture, trucks and leisure products)

The Hi-FASE brand stocked by Autoworld is made to the same specifications and on the same production line as the Willard Battery brand. Hi-FASE offers exactly the same product quality, warranty and technical support, giving customers “The Power of Technology”. Willard is acknowledged as a reliable, quality product that offers value for money, also a hard-working brand in terms of its ability to meet the needs of a diverse market. Willard Batteries is part of Powertech Batteries, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Powertech Group, one of the largest power electronics and telecommunications group in Southern Africa.

Not sure if you need a new battery?

If you don’t know whether your battery needs replacing, visit any of Autoworld’s fitment centres. While you wait, our staff will check your battery terminals and battery water levels (distilled water levels) ensuring your battery remains in good condition. We will also happily test the charging system on your vehicle, as well as your battery condition. Our equipment will report the alternator voltage (very important in prolonging battery life).  The equipment will also test the condition of the battery, identifying any damaged cells. You’ll get a printed report of this assessment of your vehicle’s charging system and battery.

Battery testing and component prices
Charging system test
Battery test
Battery fitting
Pair of brass battery terminals
Single battery terminal
Battery water (distilled water) 750ml
Battery water (distilled water) 2.5l

Note: all prices inclusive of 16% VAT
ZMW150.00
ZMW50.00
Free if battery purchased at Autoworld
ZMW50.00
ZMW24.00
ZMW7.00
ZMW19.00

Batteries for recreational use

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.

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 permanently connected to a 220v power supply as well as both terminals of the 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 the Autoworld Downtown Marine shop.

We trust this information has been useful to you. Visit our fitment centres and Autoworld stores for your Hi-FASE battery. And check out the incredible January 2016 Hi-FASE battery offer!

January monthly special — 15% off all Hi-FASE batteries

+ New year = new car battery? Let Autoworld help you decide. Read our latest battery article.

December monthly special — 15% off all tyres and wipers

Wiper blades and the rainy season

December has brought in the long-awaited rains. That makes it time to change your wipers! Use our wiper blades and visibility tips and get 15% right now. Read the wiper blades article.

Tyres and the rainy season

Watch out for oil slicks on wet roads. Drive slowly in wet weather. To avoid skidding make sure your tyres have a good tread on them.

“To help you keep safe, we’re offering 15% off all our stock of tyres and wipers for the next 14 days! So visit your nearest Autoworld branch from today, the 3rd of December to benefit. And because it’s Christmas, the 15% off deal is valid for two whole weeks, until Wednesday 16th December 2015.”

Monthly Specials are available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last.

Plus get free wheel balancing when you buy tyres from us!

The giveaways don't stop! As well as 15% off tyres our team is also ready to give you free wheel balancing. Stay safe this rainy season with our tyre and wiper blades offer.

Wiper blades tips for the Zambian rainy season

The start of the rains means action time for your wipers! They have been basking in the sun for several months and probably become brittle and cracked. If so, they're not going to be much good at keeping your windshield clear in the middle of a good old Zambian downpour.

What you need to look for in a good wiper blade

Here’s what the Wirecutter, a gadgets website, has to say about wiper blades. 

“You have to find a wiper that fits and change it frequently. If your blades are the right size and they’re less than a year old, you can drive out into a storm with confidence that you’ve got a good chance of being able to see out the windshield.”

— The Wirecutter

— Flat versus metal blades

Flat wiper blades are lighter and more wind resistant than conventional metal-framed blades. But some motorists prefer to stick to the metal-framed type. Autoworld stocks both designs.

1.       Moon brand (flat plastic) wiper blades

2.       Kstar brand (steel frame) wiper blades

Both of these are available in sizes 11” – 28” to fit any type of vehicle from a small saloon right up to a large truck or coach. Autoworld will happily fit them for you at no extra charge — and that will help ensure you buy the right size.

— Quick tips on how to keep visibility high when driving

1. In the rainy season, insects on the windscreen can be a problem, especially at night. Make sure your windscreen washer tank is full and use a good quality windscreen washer additive. Ordinary detergents tend to block the thin piping which leads to the windscreen washer jets. We stock two leading windscreen washer brands — Spanjaard Windscreen Cleaner and Holts’ Motorcycle Bug Shifter (specifically for bug removal).
2. Avoid misting inside the vehicle by using a silicon spray. We have a range of different brands in stock. Put some on a cloth and wipe on the inside of vehicle windows. (You can also spray this on door rubbers to reseal them).
3. If your wipers leave lines on the windscreen when in use, its a sign that the rubber is brittle and needs replacing.
4. Always keep a spare set of wiper blades in case you need to change them in a hurry.

Autoworld’s continuing support of Linda Compound Hospice in Zambia

Children in Linda Compound, Lusaka

For some time Autoworld has been donating medicines needed for the hospice in Linda Compound. 

Here is the background and context of this initiative. For the last decade Cossie and Noble Findlay (Chairman of Autoworld) have been involved in helping VisionAfrica, now VisionZambia, fulfill their promise to the community of Linda Compound in Lusaka, Zambia. When Psychology of Vision started visiting Zambia in the late 1990's Cossie was asked to find a worthwhile project for VisionAfrica.

“From that request was born this project to bring clean water to the 35,000 inhabitants of Linda Compound. This resulted in a profound drop in deaths from diseases born from dirty water. ”

And so the fund VisionAfrica was born and grown into a charity called VisionZambia. Over the years this charity has been helping the community by:

• Providing clean water and infrastructure
• Supporting the hospice in Linda Compound with access to drugs and palliative care
• Feeding the children
• Providing education
• Working with the people to on appropriate income generating projects 
• In 2013 the Friends Helping Friends Community Centre opened.

Cossie Findlay, Autoworld Co-founder

Cossie Findlay is still a committed trustee of the Mother of Mercy Hospice Trust and a trustee of VisionZambia.

“Together with support from Autoworld Limited, we have accomplished what we believed to be impossible.”

— Cossie Findlay, Autoworld Co-founder

And so the journey continues ...

More load shedding solutions for Zambia

Following on from our previous article "An answer to power cuts - Ecogen generators with back-up spares",  Autoworld is offering an alternative to give customers a choice of power back-up options.

Su-Kam DSP Sine Wave inverters

The Su-Kam Digital Signal Processor Sine Wave Inverter with EnerSys PowerSafe batteries gives a complete UPS system (Uninterrupted Power Supply). When there is normal electrical power, the inverter converts the AC supply to DC so that the batteries charge. When there is a power cut, the system can be instantly switched so that the DC supply from the batteries goes through the inverter. This converts it to an AC supply for use in the home or office. 

The Su-Kam DSP Sine Wave inverter protects your batteries from damage caused by over-discharging by automatically shutting itself off when the battery voltage falls below a certain level.

EnerSys PowerSafe V batteries

 
EnerSys’ PowerSafe V range of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries have been designed specifically for use in applications which demand the highest levels of security and reliability. They have a long service life and an excellent rate of performance.

Features of Su-Kam inverters

• Available in 2.5, 3.5, 5.0 or 7.5 KVA sizes
• Automatic computerised testing
• Regulated pure sine wave output
• Designed for heavy duty applications
• User friendly LCD panel for status, messages, faults and remedies
• Can run air conditioners, microwaves, geysers and submersible pumps
• PWM controlled 5 stage ATM battery protection
• Can be expanded at a later date
• Field-settable heavy-duty SMPS charger (7-20 amps) for different capacities of batteries (100Ah - 200Ah)

Features of EnerSys PowerSafe batteries

• Deliver superior performance
• Occupies less space than conventional standby power batteries
• V-0 rated, flame retardant, ABS plastic for both containers and covers – for high mechanical strength and excellent safety features
• Oxygen from the positive plates diffuses through micro-porous separators to the negative plates and recombines to form water
• Each cell incorporates its own safety valve, allowing controlled release of gas when pressure builds up within the cell

“Autoworld offers these inverters and batteries at highly competitive prices. See any of our fully trained sales men to help you select the correct size for your needs. You’ll be up and running in no time.”

November monthly special — 15% off Castrol, Caltex, Shell and Engen lubricants

November engine oil deal — Castrol, Caltex, Shell and Engen lubricants

Autoworld holds a substantial stock of these engine oils. Find out about the importance of changing your vehicle's engine oil especially in hot weather in this article 'What's so cool about engine oil'.

“Get 15% off all engine oils by Castrol, Caltex, Shell and Engen. That makes it a great time to stock up on quality engine oil!”

The November Monthly Specials start today, Thursday 5th November. Get discounted prices on Autoworld’s full range of engine oils. The 15% off deal is valid for one week until Wednesday 11th November 2015.

Monthly Specials are available at all participating Autoworld branches as well as Impala Service Station while stocks last.