Battery terminals - what's the big deal?

Battery terminals are part of your car’s charging system. The power from the battery flows through the terminals on its way to the starter and alternator.

Any electrical system is as good as its weakest link. Without a smooth strong terminal contact connecting the battery to the charging cables, the car won’t start well, or maybe not at all. In addition poor performing terminals will prevent the battery from getting recharged by the running engine.

Signs that you may need new battery terminals include:

• The car starts slowly or not at all
• Green or white corrosion on the terminals
• Terminal ends look damaged
• The battery light is on

It’s easier and less expensive to replace the terminals and have the terminal posts cleaned than it is to buy a new battery. In addition, if terminals are not replaced on time, other serious problems may come up such as blown fuses and even possibly fire.

“If terminals are not replaced on time, other serious problems may come up such as blown fuses and even possibly fire.”

Once you get new terminals, do make sure they are cleaned regularly. This will extend battery life while preventing the inconvenience of getting stranded unexpectedly because of a dead car battery.

The big deal is that Autoworld currently has a fantastic offer on battery terminals - buy a new Raylite, Hifase or Willard battery and get a free set of brass battery terminals. This will not only ensure your car is safe, but also that your new battery has a good connection to give you better performance!

Happy motoring :) 

15% off GUD filters

The rains will be on us shortly. If your company has a fleet of vehicles, make sure engines are fully protected from potential contaminants - like water - by replacing the filters. Now is the time ... because this month there's a massive 15% off all GUD filters!! Offer runs from Thursday Nov 2nd to Wed Nov 8th.

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.

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.

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.)

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!

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.

August monthly special — 15% off the full range of Castrol lubricants

“Change your engine oil and other lubricants and save 15%! Offer runs from the 4th to the 10th of August.”

As vehicle experts Autoworld has carefully selected engine oil brands and products that cope with the demands of Zambia’s driving environment. Visit in-store to discuss with a professional what’s best for your vehicle.

You have seven days to get 15% off the full range of Castrol lubricants from Autoworld! 15% discount available, while stocks last, at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Station.

Holts training workshop at Autoworld 12 July 2016

Holts training workshop at Autoworld with participants and David Phiri, the facilitator

Autoworld recently organised some product training for its staff. On 12 July, Holts professional David Phiri ran a training session for our salesmen, fitment centre staff and warehouse staff. Established in 1919, Holts is a global leader in the manufacture of superior car care products, for improved performance, appearance, repair and maintenance.

The training at Autoworld consisted of discussions around the range of Holts products, which are designed to help with vehicle performance and maintenance:-

• Holts release spray – for easy penetration and release of jammed, frozen or rusted nuts, bolts and other parts
• Holts engine and part degreaser – a cleaner for metal and plastic which quickly removes oil, grease , tar and dirt and is suitable for parts, tools, gearboxes and machinery in general
• Holts electrical contact cleaner – this removes dirt, dust, oil and grease and is suitable for circuit boards and components such as switches
• Holts EGR and Carb cleaner – this will improve engine performance and is a ‘must buy’ (EGR = Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve)
• Holts brake and parts cleaner – this really cleans brakes, calipers, drums, springs, clutches, wheel cylinders and plates, increasing performance efficiency
• Holts high performance Moly grease – now shocks can be protected from corrosion and shock-loading. With a very low co-efficient of friction, this excellent product reduces wear and tear in shocks. Also suitable for CV joints, universal joints and wheel bearings (Moly stand for molybdenum disulphide)
• Holts silicone spray – lubricates, protects and waterproofs rubber, nylon, plastic, metal and wood

Participants were advised to encourage customers not to go for cheap brands but choose the professionally-developed Holts products stocked by Autoworld.

Autoworld staff were grateful to management for organising this excellent training event in co-operation with Holts, to give them more knowledge to serve customers even better.

The Holts training workshop at Autoworld in session

Mercury Marine Technical Training Course

In June Autoworld hosted a three day technical and sales training course given by Mercury Marine at the Downtown branch on Kafue Road in Lusaka. Mercury sent two technical experts to conduct the training. Dealer representatives came from Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, as well as Zambia.

The Mercury Marine technical training course was conducted by Paul van der Westhuizen (Mercury Marine's Area Sales Manager for Africa) and Georg Nieuwoudt (Mercury Marine's Technical Customer Support Specialist). Both are well known to the Autoworld team.

Mercury Marine technical training at Autoworld

The feedback for our hosting of the event was positive. The training sessions were not only enjoyable, they gave the participants better understanding of the Mercury Marine range of boat engines, propellers and other accessories, as well as technical knowledge to help them guide and advise clients.

Training on Caltex lubricants

To help give customers the best service possible, the Autoworld sales team were recently briefed on lubricants. This took place at the Caltex Lubricant Products training session held in the Autoworld Head Office Boardroom on 7th June 2016. The workshop was run by Mr Miti, the Managing Director of Universal Oil Marketing Company Ltd, which is the sole distributor of Caltex oils in Zambia.

Training covered the following:
•    The composition of lubricating oil
•    The functions of a lubricating oil
•    The different classes of lubricating oils
•    The jargon on the tin
•    The importance of recommending the correct oil to customers
The students learned that lubricating oil is composed of base oil + lubricating oil additive (LOA). To make grease, soap is added to this mix. They also learned that you can’t mix one brand of oil with another. It may compromise the life of the vehicle.

The Autoworld salesmen appreciated learning more about lubricants from Mr Miti. It has equipped them to advise customers even better and sell the right lubricants to them.

Mega Tyre Sale!!

Now's your chance to replace those worn tyres. Autoworld is giving a full 20% discount off its full range of tyres and tubes! BUT ...

This Mega Tyre Sale is for just one week - 20th - 27th April, while stocks last.

Don't miss out - enjoy smooth-sailing both on the road and at road blocks ...

Get down to your nearest Autoworld branch today!

April monthly special - 15% off ECOGEN generators and ABAC compressors

Now's your chance to buy your ECOGEN generator with a saving of 15%. Find out here how these generators can help you with load-shedding issues.

Also on offer at 15% discount are ABAC compressors. Ideal for filling tyres, cleaning engines, powering air tools, and any DIY or industrial compressed air need.

EXOGEN generators and ABAC compressors are available at this discount for 1 week only!

Offer starts the first Thursday of each month and is available at all participating Autoworld branches and Impala Service Stations while stocks last.