The simplest way to check if you need a new car battery is to turn on the ignition and see if the car starts. But this could be due to other factors. See our article All about car batteries to find out more. If you do need to replace a car battery, now's a great time - get 15% off!
All about car batteries
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.
Choose a reliable battery brand
Willard is acknowledged as a 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.
Autoworld also stocks Raylite batteries. Established in 1931, Raylite has been a solid performer on the world battery scene for decades.
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 (This website also has a replacement guide for batteries used for agriculture, trucks and leisure products)
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.
Batteries for recreational use
Never store batteries for long periods of time without charging them up regularly. This shortens the lifespan of a battery significantly, even if it is brand new.
If you have a recreational vehicle, boat or motorcycle that is not used on a regular basis, it is advisable to connect its battery to a trickle 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 new battery.
Autoworld and the Fuchs 2017 Elephant Charge
Content credit © https://www.elephantcharge.org/ 2017
The Fuchs Elephant Charge 2017 is just around the corner - it will be held on Saturday 14 October, and 30 teams have already entered.
“Team Autoworld has entered seven Elephant Charges since 2010. We’ve had a whole lot of fun and raised a total of $128,343 for conservation. And we’re already registered for the 2017 Charge!”
All about the Elephant Charge
The Elephant Charge is an extreme 4x4 event held annually, at a different location each year. It challenges teams of cars and motorbikes to complete a gruelling course through the Zambian bush. It raises considerable sums of money for conservation in Zambia, focussing on conservation through education. In the ten years since it began, the event has raised over $640,000 supporting 17 conservation organisations and projects. This has been distributed to conservation organisations working across the country.
On the day of the Charge, the winning team is the one that completes a course of ten checkpoints in the shortest distance possible within the allowed 8 hours. Given a map and with skill and determination, each team must find their own route between the checkpoints through valleys, over ridges, across rivers and up escarpments in a trial of driving, navigating and endurance.
A carefully guarded secret
The exact location of the Elephant Charge is a carefully guarded secret until the day before the competition when directions to the charge site are released. It’s only then that the Teams are told where to meet for sign-in and vehicle scrutineering, and receive directions to their camp sites.
Maps are issued to the teams on the evening before the race. The maps show the location and GPS coordinates of each of the ten checkpoints. Each team is also given - by random draw - a starting checkpoint. The Teams then frantically study their maps and pick their intended route, aiming for the shortest possible distance across the course while avoiding the chasms and peaks, and their own shortcomings. During the race, the teams must visit each of the ten checkpoints before returning to their starting checkpoint. Each team can visit the checkpoints in any order and in any direction they like.
The objective of the race
The Elephant Charge is about covering the terrain in the shortest possible distance and there are no prizes for speed. However, the race does have a time limit and, to be considered for the honours, each team must return to their starting checkpoint by 3pm on the day, having completed the course.
There are bush roads cut to each of the checkpoints and these are marked on the competitors maps. These roads never give the shortest distance but teams can use them if they are running short of time or are having trouble convincing their vehicle to carry on!
The Gauntlet and Tsetse Lines
Three of the checkpoints on the course are designated as the Gauntlet. These checkpoints are close together and include some extreme terrain. The Gauntlet allows the spectators to get close to the action and the teams to show off their abilities.
When the final results are calculated, each team's distance through the Gauntlet checkpoints is multiplied by three. This means it is especially important that teams aim for the shortest distance possible through the Gauntlet as it has a greater impact on their overall result.
There are two Tsetse Lines on the course which teams can decide to attempt. Each Tsetse Line is between two checkpoints where the shortest distance would be extremely challenging. There is a special prize for the shortest distance achieved on each Tsetse Line.
Team Autoworld 2016
Get involved with the Fuchs Elephant Charge 2017 on 14 October 2017
Support the teams or enter your own and take part in an extreme 4x4 event supporting wildlife conservation in Zambia.
The Fuchs Elephant Charge 2017 relies on the sponsors who support Zambia's largest conservation fundraising event with donations, in-kind assistance and helping out through the year and on the day of the event.
15% off Yamabisi and Ecogen Generators!
This is the week! Sort out your out-of-town power needs, with a generous 15% discount off all Yamabisi and Ecogen generators. From Autoworld - keeping Zambia moving since 1992.
Autoworld at the annual 20/20 Cricket Tournament
Autoworld was present at the annual 20/20 Cricket Tournament hosted by Lusaka South Cricket Club. displaying a range of marine products. This tournament ran from 25th to 27th August 2017.
Autoworld has supported this event for a number of years, with a selection of boats and outboards becoming a focal point for both spectators and cricketers … particularly the kids.
15% off Castrol Lubricants in August 2017
Our August 2017 Monthly Special is on Castrol lubricants - a full 15% off all our Castrol lubricant range. This offer starts today, Thursday 3rd August 2017 and prices will be valid for 7 days - until Wednesday 9th August 2017.
The offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details. And be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!
Marine products feature - catch the spirit!
Zambia offers water enthusiasts some great opportunities to enjoy themselves. Mercury Marine has spent over 75 years creating the tools that give those passionate about being on the water the ability to Go Boldly in the pursuit of their ultimate on-the-water experiences. Watch this Mercury Marine 'Go Boldly' video and catch the spirit!
Autoworld provides boat owners in Zambia with the highest possible levels of quality products, servicing, satisfaction and enjoyment.
Autoworld's marine workshop is well equipped with cutting edge facilities, and a team of technically competent mechanics trained in Belgium and Dubai by Mercury Marine. Bring your boat into the workshop in Lusaka where the marine team performs warranty coverage and servicing. (Autoworld supports the travel and tourism industry by providing mobile marine technicians to lodge customers across Zambia.)
As well as offering professional boat maintenance and servicing, Autoworld is a leading supplier of boats and marine products. The quality and professionalism of the company is evidenced by the leading boat brand distributorships it holds - Angler, Bayliner, T-Craft and Tracker.
15% off GUD filters in July 2017
Thinking of servicing your vehicles? Enjoy a generous 15% discount on Autoworld's full range of GUD filters from today until next Wednesday (6th to 12th July 2017 inclusive). Offer available while stocks last, at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station!
GUD filters are South Africa's premium automotive filter brand. Find out why
15% off Raylite and Willard batteries in June 2017
Get ready for the cold with new batteries for your fleet at discounted prices! Choose from the full range of Raylite and Willard batteries - now in stock at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station. (Offer ends June 7th.)
Team Autoworld features in Zambia’s Labour Day 2017 celebrations
Autoworld was out in full force on Monday May 1st 2017 to support the Labour Day celebrations in Lusaka. Employees of Autoworld received several prizes, along with many other companies. Congratulations to all those who received awards as well as those who participated in the march past!
Vasco Siulapwa, a Salesman at Impala Service Station, receiving a Labour Day Award for being Hardworking from the Minister of Labour and Social Security Joyce Simukoko.
Autoworld/Impala was awarded a trophy for being second in the Best Marchers category. This really motivated the staff – they are keen to get the first prize in 2018!
All the prizes that were handed out at the Freedom Statue. On the extreme left is Vasco Siulapwa, a Salesman at Impala Service Station, who received a Labour Day Award for being Hardworking. On the extreme right is Sepiso Mwikisa, a General Worker at Autoworld Main Shop, who also received a prize for being Hardworking. The two gentlemen were awarded a generator each for their hard work. Annabel Zulu, Autoworld’s HR Manager, is holding the trophy awarded for coming second in the Best Marchers Category.
15% off shock absorbers in May 2017
Enjoy a smooth ride and reduce wear and tear!
Take advantage of this offer on the full range of shock absorbers: KYB, Monroe, TJM, and many other assorted brands.
Prices valid 4 May - 10 May 2017.
15% off GUD filters
Now's a great time to replace your car filters - with a generous 15% discount on Autoworld's full range of GUD filters from today until next Wednesday (6th to 12th April 2017 inclusive).
Available while stocks last, at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station!
Learn why GUD filters are a great brand choice here
International Women' Day Zambia 2017
15% off tyres, rims and tubes
Keep safe on the road by keeping your tyres in good condition! We’re offering 15% off all our tyres, rims and tubes for the next 7 days.
Safety tips
Watch out for oil slicks on wet roads. To avoid skidding, drive slowly in wet weather and make sure your tyres have a good tread on them.
Buy discounted tyres, rims and tubes at your nearest Autoworld branch from today, 2nd March!
15% off all Castrol Lubricants while stocks last
Continuing our series of 2017 money-saving deals, the February 2017 Autoworld Monthly Special is on Castrol lubricants - a full 15% off all our Castrol lubricant range. This offer starts today, Thursday 2nd February 2017 and prices will be valid until Wednesday 8th February 2017. Yes prices are valid for a whole week – ending next Wednesday.
This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details - contact details are given here. Be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!
January monthly special — 15% off GUD filters
Throughout the year, on the first Thursday of each month we're offering our customers money saving deals with our Monthly Specials. Prices are valid for that whole week – ending on the following Wednesday.
This month take advantage of our Monthly Specials with 15% off our full range of GUD filters. This offer starts today, Thursday 5th January 2017 and prices will be valid until Wednesday 11th January 2017.
This offer is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station while stocks last. Call your nearest branch for further details - contact details are given here. Be sure to check back next month for more Monthly Specials!
“When choosing which filter to help keep your engine healthy, it’s important to choose wisely. At Autoworld our brand of choice is GUD. Find out why here http://www.autoworldzambia.com/blog/why-choose-gud”
GUD Salesman of the month competition
Autoworld out and about
December monthly special — 15% off tyres and wiper blades
“Because it’s Christmas time, our 15% off deal is valid for two whole weeks, until Wednesday 14th December 2016.”
To help you keep safe, we’re offering 15% off all our tyres and wipers for the next 14 days.
Safety tips
Watch out for oil slicks on wet roads. To avoid skidding, drive slowly in wet weather and make sure your tyres have a good tread on them.
The rainy season is also a time to change your wipers! Read our wiper blades article to find out more.
Buy discounted tyres and wiper blades at your nearest Autoworld branch from today, 1st December!
Elephant charge 2016, Zambia
“The dust has settled on another Elephant Charge 2016 in Zambia. And what a spectacular one it was! Held on the weekend of 1st October 2016, this year’s teams raised $63,433 for ‘causes that support conservation through education in Zambia’. ”
With the threat to our country’s wildlife unrelenting, this money will provide valuable assistance to organisations on the conservation front line as well as those teaching the next generation about the importance of preserving Zambia’s natural heritage.
In total 18 teams took part in this year's Elephant Charge, but only seven of the starters completed all 10 checkpoints in the allocated time. This particularly challenging course was set amid the rolling hills that straddle the Chongwe River, with plenty of steep inclines, rocks and, of course, water. Tough, but, by all accounts, enjoyable.
Autoworld team wins
The “A” team (Autoworld team) was at its best! Being one of the first teams in the race to tackle the 'gauntlet' was the greatest challenge for us as a team! And winning it to get first prize, made our day!
We moved on from the gauntlet to win the tsetse line which is a challenging part of the course where the team that can drive in the shortest and straightest line wins it! This was a “straight forward” win!
“After the day of excitement was almost coming to an end, it was also the end for the “A” team when our front left wheel literally dropped off the vehicle! Snapped ball joint.”
With all the beating and banging on the vehicle through the day the excitement was too much for the ball joint to hold! As a team we used some bush skills and tied the ball joint to the vehicle using some ratchets we had on the vehicle. However, with the rough terrain, just over a kilometre from where we made the quick-fix the rope snapped and made it a sad and final ending! The team was down and sad as we felt we were doing our very best and had enough time to have completed the last check point.
It was not until the prize giving that the team came to life again when we heard of the good results! We came 2nd for highest sponsorship raised with USD10,785.00. After all, the sponsorship money raised is what the event is all about! Without the funding we raise, the conservation projects are unable to function. This was a great success as a team and company, Autoworld is always proud to be a supporter of wildlife conservation in Zambia. We believe every effort counts.
It was then confirmed that Autoworld was 1st place in the gauntlet, the most challenging part of the race! This made our day! There was a great shout from the team and broken ball joints were all forgotten about! To just add to all the hype the announcement of the tsetse line was also it! The A team gave a big shout, with all the little supporters (kids) joining in the fun. This closed a great, challenging and most of all successful day!
“The champions of the race were each and every team that showed up and pledged towards the conservation projects that Elephant Charge is supporting. The heroes of the race are the organisers who have taken the initiative to organise such an event for so many years in Zambia.”
If you want to see more of the action from Elephant Charge 2016, have a look at their Facebook page, updated regularly with pictures and videos, and also the website.
Elephant charge 2016 results
Town car category winner
- Timo
Country Choice Trophy (shortest net distance)
The shortest net distance is worked out by deducting km for money raised off the total distance. Only teams that finish qualify.
- 1st, The Carnivores, with minus 18.995km
- 2nd, Almost there, with minus 77km
- 3rd, Mudhogs, with minus 13.22m
Khal Amazi Trophy (shortest distance on a Tsetse Line)
- 1st, Autoworld, with 3.417 km
- 2nd, Mudhogs, with 4.427 km
Sanctuary Trophy (shortest distance on a Tsetse Line)
- 1st, Team Chipolopolo, with 2.997km
- 2nd, The Camel, with 3.027km
Shortest Distance on the Gauntlet
- 1st, Autoworld, 515m
- 2nd, Kahl Amazi, with 576m
- 3rd, The Camel, with 608m
Properly Shafted Trophy (courtesy of Autoworld)
- Bushtracks, drowned their car in the river
Spirit of the charge
- Leopards Hill Memorial Park
Castle-Fleming Trophy (shortest distance)
- 1st, Sausage Tree, with 2.4186km
- 2nd, Mudhogs, with 2.4837km
- 3rd, The Camel, with 26.301km
Sausage Tree Trophy (most money raised for conservation)
- 1st, Kahl Amazi, K108,822
- 2nd, Autoworld, K107,850
- 3rd, The Carnivores, K100,000
Autoworld / TJM treasure hunt trophy
- Sausage Tree, 9500Lb electric winch*
Autoworld TJM treasure hunt
This year’s winners of the Autoworld / TJM treasure hunt trophy went to Sausage Tree who won a 9500Lb electric winch! This trophy is won by the team that manages to check in at all the check points. (At each check point they get a number which is part of the coordinate of where the winch is hidden in the bush.) Well done to Sausage Tree!
Quiz night
A fund-raising quiz night was held on 19th October at Sugarbush Café.
Review night
16th November was Elephant Charge 2016 Review Night at Sugarbush Café. The official video and pictures of this year’s event were premiered and those who came learned a bit more about how the funds are being put to use.
The 2017 Elephant Charge
Incredibly, next year will be Elephant Charge’s 10th anniversary! The event organisers will be pulling out all the stops to mark this milestone. Think of getting involved – either as a returning competitor, helper or spectator, or for the first time. Let’s make 2017 the most successful charge yet.