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

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”

November monthly special — 15% off ECON generators and ABAC compressors

“Now is your chance to get a quality ECON generator and ABAC compressor, ideal for all your repair shop needs.”

Battery know how

Two simple questions to test your battery knowledge... Answers appear at the bottom of this post.

1. A car battery has three primary functions. What are they?
2. Does a 12-volt battery have its six cells connected in series or in parallel?

First National Battery in South Africa (a subsidiary of Metair Investments Ltd) is now supplying Raylite batteries to Autoworld. Raylite batteries are the first choice among South African Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) including Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Nissan, GM SA, BMW, Volkswagen SA, Renault, Ford, Nissan Diesel and MAN.

“Raylite brand batteries from First National Battery of South Africa now available at Autoworld”

Purchase your Raylite battery at a 15% discount for the next seven days! (Terms and conditions apply)

Quiz answers:
1) The three primary functions of a battery are:

• To supply power to the starter motor and ignition system
• To supply power when the alternator can not cope with the electrical demand from the car
• To act as a voltage stabiliser and protect voltage–sensitive loads from high-voltage pulses

2) The six cells are connected in series (to provide 12.6 volts).

Recent Autoworld training — Raylite batteries and Holts products

Raylite battery training

“Autoworld has recently added the Raylite brand to its range of batteries. We asked trainer Mr Eric Kets to come in to teach our salesmen all about these batteries.”

Raylite batteries are the first choice among South African Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Nissan, GM SA, BMW, Volkswagen SA, Renault, Ford, Nissan Diesel and MAN.

The team not only found out all about this new battery range, but also had some hands-on practice, naming the battery parts, dismantling and assembling a battery, and learning how to test a battery for power.

We also held a training session on Holts products. Mr. Phiri from Holts shared his knowledge to 12 of our salesmen. Glenn Findlay, Autoworld Director, encouraged the team to take advantage of the knowledge learned and put everything into practice. Certificates of achievement were issued at the end of the training.

The 12 certificate-holders proudly show of their certificates, with Glenn Findlay, Autoworld Director, and Mr Phiri of Holts.