PAGE 1
THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE WEDNESDAY 04 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014
Supplement to the Botswana Gazette
MOTORING GUIDE Wendnesday 05 - 11 November 2014
B
otswana with a decent amount of population holds one of the best brands of cars available around the world. Our roads are not quite up to date and the weather conditions can be pretty challenging. Regardless of how technologically advanced your vehicle is, and how capable you are as a driver, unless you have the right tyres, it could end in a catastrophe. Tyres are far more than compiled pieces of rubber. Moreover, the right tyres can drastically improve your vehicle’s capabilities. Apart from seriously compromising your vehicle’s capabilities and ground clearance, choosing the wrong tyres can increase fuel consumption. Let’s start on how to select the right tyre: First choose a shop that you trust and know will take care of your vehicle in anyway. Spend few bucks more and save yourself from future hustles get to know the right size of the tyre for your vehicle, once you have the size you will be given several brand options, how to choose the best one? Always look at
Tyre Health Tyres, something we know is important for our cars but we have no idea that it can be life costing. I will be giving you some information on what and how to select the right tyre to buy, how to maintain it and when to say bye to your old tyres.
Regardless of how technologically advanced your vehicle is, and how capable you are as a driver, unless you have the right tyres, it could end in a catastrophe. Tyres are far more than compiled pieces of rubber. Moreover, the right tyres can drastically improve your vehicle’s capabilities. the specifications for e.g. if I am looking for 195/55 R15 92H (the size is always in visible writing on the tyre). 195 – Width, / 55- aspect ratio ( Height), R15- Diameter ( Rim size), 92- load rating, Hspeed rating. You can change and go for a wider tyre but the height must never be changed as well as the Rim size. Go for the highest loading and speed rating tyre as it will explain to you how challenging the tyre is. The speed graph is like this. Q- max 140kph, S-max 180kph, T-max 190kph, U-max 200kph, H-max210kph, V-max 240kph, W- max270kph, Y- max 300kph, (Y)- above 300kph. One big advise to people in Botswana is that we need Oil free tyres, meaning there should be no chemicals which result in better enviorment, grip and fuel consumption and 10 years of expiry, such brands are only available at Tyre Experts Botswana located in G west and Tlokweng. How to maintain your tyres?, once you are now using the right tyre for your
vehicle, get it balanced and 3d Alignment so that it gives you a comfortable drive and longer life to your tyres as well as ensuring that they do not end up wearing out from one side. Whenever you are filling up your fuel tank, look for any punctures, check your thread wear and always make sure you check your air pressure, it will keep you safe as well as save you fuel. The recommended tyre pressure can be found on your fuel tank, user manual or on a label on the door. The last but not the least your tyre valve and valve caps can protect you and your tyre; it’s just a piece of rubber to maintain airtight seal, correct tyre pressure and longer life for your tyres. So why do we need them apart from all this, At high speeds, a cracked, deteriorated rubber valve stem can bend from centrifugal force and allow air loss. The valve cap is also important; it’s the primary air seal and helps to keep out dust and dirt particles. So while buying new tyres, replacing them is the most in expensive way to protect yourself and your tyres. Know when to say bye to your old tyres?, accurately predicting when your tyre life is going to expire in advance is not possible. As a tyre is composed of various materials and rubber compounds that affect its performance, Performance also depends upon many other factors such as weather, storage conditions ( the shop you buy from ) and conditions of use. That’s why I strongly encourage drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles and tyres. Some short tips for regular tyre inspections and maintenance are, if the tyres have been in use for five years or more get it checked by a specialist at least every 6 months. Follow the vehicles manufacturers’ tyre replacement recommendation. Replace tyres still in service ten years or more from date of manufacture with new tyres, even if they appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit. Article by Mohib Shah Director T.E group.
Your tyre valve and valve caps can protect you and your tyre
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
PAGE 2
Paying for those wheels Vehicle financing, where can one go? MODIRI MOGENDE
C
ar ownership is one of the most compelling milestones in many people’s lives. It is the mobility and freedom that vehicles provide which makes them some of the most sought after assets. In fact, many people in Botswana own a vehicle before one of the most basic needs housing. While that is due to market factors such as access to finance, buying a car is a big deal in Botswana. Since the introduction of the grey imports from Japan, Singapore, and United Kingdom among other countries, it has become increasingly
more affordable to the common man. According to Statistics Botswana a total of 9,800 vehicles were registered in the second quarter of 2014. This represents a 13.1 percent increase when compared to the previous quarter. In the Transport and Infrastructure Statistics, the statistics authority says that throughout the years, passenger vehicles have dominated in all the registrations followed by vans. For the quarter under review passenger cars constitute 71.5 percent of the total first registrations, followed by vans with 11.3 percent. The Toyota brand in both new and used segments remain the most popular.
9,800 vehicles were registered in the second quarter of 2014
SPECIALISED IN OTR TYRES REPARING & TYRE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Cell: (+267) 77054579-75464604
Tel: (+267) 391 3616
tyresxperts@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014 THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE While buying cars is popular, as with most asserts, owning that set of wheels is not cheap, the cost of new and used vehicles is usually beyond one’s short term saving ability or rather it would take a life time to get the cash in hand. This is where vehicle financing comes in. Car loans have become one of the holy grails for profitability in local banks. This has made it a very competitive industry. A wide range of finance facilities are available to get you the credit that will pay for that car. The industry has grown beyond just banking to micro financiers such as Letshego. All the major banks in Botswana, Barclays, Stanbic, Standard Charted, First National Bank all offer some sort of car vehicle finance for both new and old. Options are flexible, affordable and provide different repayments options. The common requirements are that one needs a 10% and 20% deposit on new and uses cars respectively on the value of the car before they can be granted a loan. Repayment periods are also different for new and used cars, as one can get up to 60 months on new vehicles, while used cars can have between 40-48 months. Some of the financing option will offer insurance as part of the package. According FNB’s recently released 2014 annual report, their vehicle and asset finance section, Wesbank anticipates financing of passager vehicles to decline. They stated that in the passenger vehicle space, a survey by Business Monitor International (BMI) indicates that passenger vehicle sales will decline in the short term. This is because in March 2013, the Government introduced a ban on the registration of imported vehicles older than five years. Vehicle ownership in Botswana has been largely driven by grey imports and new vehicles from South Africa.
THINGS TO HAVE WHEN APPLYING FOR FINANCE; • • •
Tyre TyreSize Size
from) Price (starting Price (Starting from)
13 14 15 16
P350 P390 P550 P725
inches inches inches inches
17 inches 18 inches 19 inches 20 inches Buy FOUR tyres and get FREE 3D ALIGNMENT
• • • • •
Valid driver’s license Invoice from an authorised dealer Valuation report from an authorised dealer for used vehicles Personal balance sheet/s Current proof of income Six months’ bank statements Valid identity document or passport Proof of residence
P810 P1200 P1700 P2000
Alignment for 2 MONTHS
NB* LAY-BYE Accepted
and FREE punctures until Dec 2014
TLOKWENG AND G-WEST INDUSTIAL
ALL THESE ARE OFFERED AT OUR 2 BRANCHES
QUICK ADVICE: adhere to the terms of repayment to avoid having those nice wheels reposed and auctioned off.
PAGE 3
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014
VISIT US TODAY
World Renowned Motorcycles, Quads, Street, Dirt & Commercial bikes
HONDA GABORONE
*T&C`s apply. E & OE apply.
Member of the Sefalana Group of Companies
Commercial Motors Plot 10232/35, Moporoporo Road Broadhurst Industrial Gaborone Botswana. Tel: (+267) 3952652 Fax: (+267) 3952643 Find us on Mawethu (+267) 71421848 Mahadi (+267) 71628220 Facebook.com/honda gaborone Biki (+267) 71279154
Carfil Services (Pty) Ltd P/Bag T022 Tlokweng Tel: 392 8282 / 392 8079 Fax: 392 8489
info@carfil.co.bw / quotations@carfil.co.bw
TM
Quality South African Paints
6SUD\ %RRWKV 0L[LQJ 5RRP
Chassis Straightening Measuring System
PAGE 4
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014 THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE
tŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ Ϯϭ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ Ăƌ tŽƌůĚ ƌĞŵĂŝŶƐ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƵƚŽ ŽĚLJ ZĞƉĂŝƌ džƉĞƌƚƐ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƚƌƵƐƚ͘ hƐŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƚĞͲŽĨͲƚŚĞͲĂƌƚ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ŽŶůLJ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͕ Ăƌ tŽƌůĚ͛Ɛ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞ ƐŚŝŶĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŽŶ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐĂƌ ƚŚĂƚ ƉĂƐƐĞƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŝƚƐ ŝŵŵĂĐƵůĂƚĞ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ͘
tĞ ŽīĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͖ ͻ sĞŚŝĐůĞ ŝĂŐŶŽƐƟĐ ͻ ĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ tŚĞĞů ůŝŐŶŵĞŶƚ Θ ĂůĂŶĐŝŶŐ ͻ tŚĞĞů Zŝŵ ZĞƉĂŝƌƐ ͻ ŚĂƐƐŝƐ ^ƚƌĂŝŐŚƚĞŶŝŶŐ ͻ ŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ YƵĂůŝƚLJ ŚĞĐŬƐ ͻ ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĂů ŽĚLJ ZĞƉĂŝƌƐ ͻ Ϯϰ,ŽƵƌ ƐƐŝƐƚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ
tĞ ŽŶ͛ƚ ^ƚŽƉ Ɵůů ǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ /Ɛ /Ŷ WůĂĐĞ͊ Ϯϰ,Z^ Z < KtE ^ Zs/ ͗ ϳϭϯϯϯϵϵϵ ͬ ϳϭϱϰϲϴϴϴ ͬ ϳϭϰϬϬϵϵϵ dK>> &Z EK͗ ϬϴϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϱϱϱ sŝƐŝƚ ƵƐ Ăƚ ƌŽĂĚŚƵƌƐƚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů͕ WůŽƚ ϮϬϲϵϯͬϰ Žƌ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŶƵŵďĞƌƐ͖ >ĂŶĚůŝŶĞ͗ Ϯϲϳ ϯϭϴϮϵϵϵ &Ădž͗ Ϯϲϳ ϯϵϱϳϲϭϱ ŵĂŝů͗ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐĞƌǀŝĐĞΛĐĂƌǁŽƌůĚ͘ĐŽ͘ďǁ
THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
Grey imports vs. domestic cars KAGO KOMANE
G
rey import vehicles are new or used motor vehicles and motorcycles legally imported from another country through channels other than the marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official distribution system. In Botswana, there has been a recent trend of importing used cars from Japan and the UK, which has in turn created a significant competition between imports and domestic cars in the market. Still, there are a few things that one should consider before choosing between the two.
Things to consider
When thinking about purchasing a car, it is important to not just consider the initial cost but also the overall cost of ownership of that particular vehicle. These are some of the questions you should first find out before your next step; Is it more cost effective to purchase an imported car or a domestic vehicle purely in terms of cost of ownership? How reliable is it? Reliability, including maintenance and repair costs, is obviously a huge factor in determining what car or vehicle to purchase and so this question is essential when determining what make and model to select for your next vehicle. How do domestic car service costs compared to imported car service and repair costs?
Imports
Buying an import car has certain benefits and risks. Research suggests that the main reason for the existence of the market for Grey imports is the price differential that it has created between them and domestic cars. Many Batswana opt to buy Grey imports because they are cheaper than domestic cars. This new trend of buying cars from abroad is becoming a more and more popular option for local car buyers because they get to own cars while spending way less money than they would have spent buying domestic cars. Grey imports are also advantageous in that customers may get vehicle models that are not yet available locally. However, there are challenges with imported vehicles. One of the downside of importing a used car is that you can never really be certain about its history. It may also prove difficult to maintain and repair as some imported cars do not have parts readily available locally. One may be required to get the car parts directly from overseas where the car was originally manufactured, adding more costs.
Domestic cars
Brand new original cars are likely to have more advanced technology, particularly in the areas of fuel efficiency, speed and safety among others because the manufacturer makes improvements from the previous model every time a new car model is made. Another advantage with a brand new car is that the buyer gets to use the car with no unknown history to worry about and would also get a full warranty package for the car. However, these cars are not usually cost effective. Most people cannot afford such cars because they usually come with a high price tag. So if one is looking for something economical, this may not be their first choice.
One of the downside of importing a used car is that you can never really be certain about its history.
PAGE 5
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
PAGE 6
WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014 THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE
Car parts and services; What you need to know KAGO KOMANE
F
inding good service and the right car parts at suitable prices can be a frustrating task especially for new car owners. We sat down with one of the experts in the Car parts and services business, Clutch and Brake Specialists (CBS) Andre Barwise to share some of the important things one needs to know. According to Barwise, the best way to avoid auto repair rip offs is to learn some of the most important things about your car and be prepared. He said learning how your
vehicle works and how to identify common car problems would be a good place to start. “Knowing how to choose a good mechanic is also important, the kind of questions to ask, and your consumer rights, because this kind of information may help you keep a lid on mechanical mistakes,” adding that the most fundamental and essential element of not getting ripped off by your mechanic is to only do business with an honest shop. He said when it comes to car parts; brakes and clutches should always be in top notch conditions as they are fundamentally important to the safety of the car, its
Scorpio 4x2 Single Cab
Bolero 4x2 Single Cab Dropeside
Scorpio 4x4 Double Adventure
Bolero 4x2 Single Cab Loader
Terms &Conditions Apply Test drive one TODAY
P. O. Box 1944, Mogoditshane, Plot 20694 Sekotlo Rd, Block 3 Broadhurst Industrial, Gaborone, Botswana Mobile: 72113935, Tel: (+267) 316 0155, Fax: (+267) 316 0154, E-mail: info@mahindra.co.bw
passengers and other motorists on the road. “Brakes are very important because if they are not working properly, they can cause accidents. It is very important to know how to spot such faults because it can end up saving lives including yours. Once you learn how your vehicle works, it is easy to spot it. Design separately (Barwise advise on brakes) “When your brakes are faulty, you will feel a disturbing movement in the steering wheel.” One of the things that can indicate that your clutch is not working properly is that, when you put your vehicle in first gear and the vehicle starts moving slowly to the front then you know that your clutch needs to be set or it s now on a default state.” he said To notice that your car is due for service, he said one may spot that by its fuel consumption and unsteadiness. “Its fuel consumption changes drastically and you can feel the car shaking while in motion. It struggles to start
“Knowing how to choose a good mechanic is also important, the kind of questions to ask, and your consumer rights, because this kind of information may help you keep a lid on mechanical mistakes”
in the morning and struggles to pick up pace as well. Barwise, who has over 20 years experience in the business also stated that, in Gaborone, there are a lot of people who claim to be mechanics, but are not specialists and do not have the right machinery to give their customers quality work. He said, “Before choosing a mechanic to service their car, customers should make sure the shop is organized and has the right machinery for car services. Look at the track record of the company also, because we have a lot of people claiming to be specialists by they don’t have the equipment to do that.” He advised buyers to take vehicles for services immediately after purchase even if the supplier has serviced it. He said customers who buy imports should know that it is very difficult to get parts for some grey imports especially because imports and local do not use the same parts, design seperately(Barwise Quickie grey imports) “So if you are buying a vehicle make sure that you do your homework around the availability of the parts. Unfortunately a lot of people buy cars only to find out later that there are no parts so homework before buying is best.
THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014
Latest cars in the market GOSEGO MOTSUMI
T
he car market is very competitive and manufacturers are forever striving to bring the very best of driving experience, luxury and comfort to customers. Customers have never had it this good as the stiff competition has lead to better cars with every new model. Consequently new models are waited for with bated breath. Below are some of the new models currently on offer.
Audi Q5 Quattro 2.0 TFSI
The latest model from Audi is equipped with a new 2.0 litre TFSI engine coupled to Audiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox. It is capable of tackling country roads, motorways and fields while still offering good economy and value for money. The Q5 benefits from 19-inch wheels, Xenon headlights with DRL functionality, and plenty of colour-coded interior stitching. The Q5 is nicely packaged on most fronts. The cabin is genuinely a nice place to be and on long journeys especially passengers will benefit from the extra space. As a whole the Q5 is still one of the best softroaders on the market. The Q5 is priced at P 560,000.
PAGE 7
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
with four cylinder turbo engine in the world. The car portrays style, quality and good taste. There are some nice retro touches to the CLA with deep sides and a beautifully sculpted back, the electrically adjustable heated front seats. The 45 AMG adds a host of interior sports features like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;racetimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, AMG performance steering wheel in leather and Alcantara and AMG instrument cluster, among others. It also comes with parking assist, parking sensors, reversing camera, intelligent light system, AMG performance exhaust and AMG driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; package, panoramic sunroof, COMAND APS online system and cracking Harmon Kardon Logic7 audio with DAB+ digital radio. Standard features also include HDD navigation, Bluetooth with audio streaming, iPod and iPhone integration, Aux-in and USB
Brake Drum and Brake Lining
interface, rain-sensing wipers, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thermotronicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; climate control and a host more. Mercedes is synonymous with passenger safety. Standard features include nine airbags, hill-start assist, ABS, attention assist (detecting driver drowsiness), belt tensioners, blind-spot alert, collision prevention assist (which, combined with Distronic Plus, can provide autonomous braking at speeds from as low as 7.0 km/h up to 200km/h), ESP with skid control, tyrepressure warning, and lane keeping among a longer list of safety technologies. The car is priced P 649,000.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers buyers a unique blend of capability and comfort. The refreshed 2014 model elevates this brand to new heights with advanced technology, sleek design and luxury appointments without sacrificing off-road competency. It is the best of both worlds in one vehicle as it is also equipped with an exciting list of features. It has a power tilt-and-telescopic steering
column, 8.4 infotainment and navigation system, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate amongst others. The engine is highly refined and feels like a more powerful version of Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2GR-FE V6. The Grand Cherokee provides an on-road experience thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly as nice as its interior. This great SUV is priced at P 715,000.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover sport is a performancefocused version of Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-new posh SUV, available for the first time with the option of seven seats. The Sport is lighter than its forerunner. All engines use an eightspeed auto. The Sport proves to be a fabulous long-distance loper, quiet and refined even at freeway speed. Moreover the diesels are far more economical (the new hybrid claims 44mpg, unheard of in Range Rover circles) but you can still expect 20s rather than 30s if driven enthusiastically. The supercharged monster is priced at about P892, 200.
Clutch kit 13â&#x20AC;? lipetype
Suzie pipes with air drier unloader valve
Mazda CX 5 Active
This full-sized SUV offers everything Clutch kit for Isuzu
Air Brake parts with Clutch Kit
that is needed in an SUV model. It is wellstyled, comfortable and cheap to run. Its looks are among the appealing attributes. As is the norm for crossover vehicles, both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants are offered and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel - the latter of which is available with two power outputs. The lower-powered 150PS diesel engine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; official economy is 61.4mpg and emissions are 119g/ km in two-wheel drive form, making it the cleanest engine in the range. It is also smooth and it offers useful everyday performance. Standard equipment is impressive; entry level models get cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth. Moving up to higher equipment grades gets you more luxuries, such as leather upholstery, built-in satellite navigation and xenon headlights. All models get active safety gear, including collision mitigating braking. The car is a sensible all rounder priced at P 317,943.
Clutch servo with trailer control valve
50 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
Supplier of: Heavy duty and Light duty Brakes and clutches
The new CLA 45 AMG is a full package
t
as it is the most powerful series production
WE SPECIALISE IN THE SALES AND SERVICES OF: #3",&4 t $-65$)&4 t #3",& %36. 4,*..*/( t #3",& %*4$4 4,*..*/( t #&"3*/(4 t 0/#0"3% 4,*..*/( t #0/%*/( -*()5 %65: #3",& 4)0&4 t '-: 8)&&- 4,*..*/( t 53"*-&3 41"3&4 t #3",& 1*1&4 1MPU 6OJU 5BV 4USFFU 5FM $PNNFSDF 1BSL (BCPSPOF #PUTXBOB 1 0 #PY "& "&) 1PTUOFU .PMBQP $SPTTJOH
PAGE 8
MOTORING GUIDE SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY 05 - 11 NOVEMBER 2014 THE BOTSWANA GAZETTE
A LITTLE UNKNOWN FACT In June 1896, a Peugeot belonging to a Frenchman, Baron De Zuylen was stolen by his mechanic. The mechanic is now known as the first car thief, and the car became the first car ever to be stolen. Another little unknown fact is that even insurance companies need solid financial security and THAT insurance is provided by FMRE. FMRE has been in Botswana since 2010 providing tailor made property and casualty reinsurance solutions.
For more information contact us on Tel: 3934293/94, info@fmre.co.bw or visit fmrepropertyandcasualty.co.zw