As a supplier of auto parts and also essential tools and camping equipment, Transerv understands that it’s not just about purchasing and having tools, it’s about maintaining the quality to give you more use for longer.

Keep ‘em Clean Cleaning your tools may be the last thing you want to do after a day of work, but it's essential for keeping your tools in good shape. And it really only takes a few seconds per tool. To avoid rust when storing your tools: • Keep your tools in a dry place • Hang your garden tools • Store power tools in their original cases • Use silica gel packs or rust collector

If you want to get even deeper into your tool box, here are some specific tips for power and manual tools to prevent rust and prolong use:

Power Up • Ensure that the plugs and flexes are all in good order and safe to use when you need them. • Inspect plugs for damage, inside and out; check the length of each flex for cuts and wear. • Have any damage repaired professionally. • Spray the metal surfaces of tools with a light coating of general-purpose oil to prevent them rusting. • Don't forget to spray blades that are difficult to reach, such as those on hedge cutters. • Turn on the tool to make sure the oil works its way into all areas.

Stay Sharp

Some tools will become blunt with use and their cutting and turning edges will need to be sharpened. Blunt blades may be sharpened with a fine metal file, but badly damaged or worn blades should be replaced, for example those on screwdrivers will need replacing.

Remove any rust on screwdrivers, spanners, shears, forks, spades and other tools with a wire brush and wipe over with an oily rag; use a general-purpose oil. Blades and other tools will soon rust if they are not given this quick, effective treatment regularly. To sharpen blades of knives and secateurs, use a fine sharpening stone from a garden centre or hardware store.

When you bring your car to, or request a part from TRANSERV, you know you're getting original car parts, that are backed by reputable global brands. However, if you take your car to an informal dealer, you'll most likely get inferior aftermarket or unlicensed reproduction parts. So how does this affect you?

An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that is not sourced from the car's manufacturer, or a licensed parts supplier. Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than original parts, and the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true here, due to the of the use of lower-quality materials, and they don’t usually carry a warranty, which is essential on Zimbabwean roads. This is all not to say they can seriously decrease your vehicle’s book value.

With original parts it’s easier to choose your part. You don't have to worry about assessing the quality of different brands and prices, and there is a much greater assurance of quality: The part should work exactly like the one you are replacing. It is what the vehicle was manufactured with and provides peace of mind in its familiarity and performance. Original parts also usually come with a warranty, which gives you further peace of mind, and protects the value of your vehicle.

Not only is the safety equipment in your car necessary in case of accident or emergency, most of it is required by law, and not keeping the mandatory equipment in your vehicle can lead to an unexpected traffic fine. Educate yourself on what’s needed below, be proactive and ensure your vehicle always carries what’s required.

EQUIPMENT

Fire extinguisher

1.    Mandatory. 0,75kg (light vehicles) and 1,5kg (heavy vehicles). 0,75kg are unavailable so 1kg units are commonly purchased. 2.    To be SAZ approved and display the SAZ logo 3.    To be serviceable. 4.    SI 154/2010 does not specify the colour of the extinguisher.

Warning triangle

1.    Two triangles are mandatory. 2.    Not required to be SAZ approved. 3.    A pair is required for a trailer as well as for the towing vehicle.

Fluorescent safety jacket

1.    Mandatory for pedal cyclists and motor cyclists at night.(Reflective clothing for motor cyclists is referred to in Section 75 (4) (b) under the heading “Loading: pedal cycles and motor cycles” and must be SAZ approved). 2.    Not mandatory for motorists but recommended for personal safety. 3.    Is mandatory in Mozambique.

VEHICLE LIVERY

Trailers (including horse-trailers):

1.    All trailers to have a white T (extreme right, front) and red T(extreme right, rear). 2.    A light trailer (load capacity which does not exceed 550kg) to display red, 50mm honeycomb type reflective tape at the rear of the vehicle, horizontally to within 400 mm of each side of the trailer. 3.    ‘Heavy’ trailers (load capacity exceeding 550kg) must be fitted with a rear warning sign (a red/yellow chevron plate) and GVM/NVM information. 4.    A light trailer is not required to be braked.

Reflectors on the sides of vehicles are required when a vehicle or a vehicle towing a trailer has an overall length exceeding 8 metres: Amber, 50mm honeycomb type reflective tape, horizontally to within 400mm of the outer edges of the vehicle (front and back).

Light motor vehicles must have two white reflectors at the front, and two red reflectors at the rear, within 400mm of the sides. Must be “honeycomb” type. The minimum size for reflectors is, if circular, at least 60mm in diameter. A triangular or rectangular shape must have a minimum area of 3,000mm2. As the tape is 50mm wide a piece of tape 50 X 60mm gives an area of 3,000mm2.

Heavy duty vehicles/Commercial vehicles:

1.    Must have two white reflectors at the front. Minimum size per Light Motor Vehicles. 2.    To display red, 50mm honeycomb type reflective tape at the rear of the vehicle, horizontally to within 400mm of each side of the vehicle. 3.    GVM/NVM information to be displayed on the left of commercial vehicles (see registration book for details).

Notes:

A clean interior not only looks great, it is also good for your vehicle’s longevity, value and even your health. So without further ado, heres a few tips on how to clean the interior of your car like a TRANSERV Pro.

#1. Vacuum it

Remove the floor mats. Vacuum the seats, and the carpet. Using the proper attachment, reach under the seats, around the pedals and the area between front seats and central console. Vacuum floor mats separately.

Use soft brush attachment to vacuum the dashboard and doors. Be careful not to damage knobs, vents and other parts. Use the same attachment vacuuming the seats. Leather seats are easy to damage, so be careful not to scratch them with the vacuum hose.

#2. Clean the fabric and door upholstery

There are number of upholstery cleaning agents available. Apply evenly on the seat or door upholstery, rub vigorously and then wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth.

If you don`t have an upholstery cleaner, simple laundry detergent will work as well. Just mix some detergent with warm water, dip a clean cloth into it, wring out, and then wipe the seat. Work harder on dirty areas and, again, rub dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Don`t soak the seat with water – it can cause stains and mould.

#3. Clean the carpet

Clean the carpet the same way you cleaned the seats and upholstery.

Spray evenly with carpet cleaner and rub vigorously. Then, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth.

Laundry detergent will work on the carpet as well. Dampen a rag with a little bit of water and detergent, squeeze out the excess of water and rub the carpet vigorously. Then, rub dry with a clean dry cloth.

Don`t soak the carpet with water, which could cause mould and corrosion under the carpet.

#4 Clean and polish the dashboard

Clean a dashboard, central console, and other plastic parts with a slightly damp cloth. Use very small amount of laundry detergent to remove the stains. Dry with a clean soft dry cloth. To shine it up, spray plastic polish and spread it evenly with soft brush. Don`t spray directly on the stereo – use a brush instead.

To dry, polish gently with clean soft dry cloth. Polish not only makes the dashboard shiny, it protects the plastic. All you need to do afterwards is use a soft dust cloth periodically and your dashboard will maintain it’s new appearance for a long time.

#5. Get rid of any musty smell from the air conditioner

If you experience that unpleasant musty smell from the vents when the air conditioner is turned on, try one of the odor treatments you can buy in your local TRANSERV. It kills the bacteria and removes that mildew smell.

Cleaning your tyres is an easy way to improve your vehicle's appearance and performance. Not only does cleaning your tyres look great, but it also ensures better traction and braking for your vehicle, saving you money in the long-run.

#1. Wash ‘em

Wash the wheels and tyres separately from the rest of your car. Use a separate bucket of soap and water, so you don't get grease and grime from your wheels and tyres onto the rest of your car.

#2. Clean ‘em

Use a proper tyre cleaning product, applying it to your tyres and wheels based on the instructions on the packaging. Some cleaners are creams that should be applied with a soft cloth; others are sprays that should be applied to all spots on your wheels and tyres.

#3. Scrub ‘em

Use a feather-bristled brush to remove all the dirt from everyday driving that accumulates in your wheels. Scrub your wheels one at a time, and rinse off the tyre you were just working on before moving on to the next wheel. Make sure you get into the crevices of the wheel where the brake pads are. If necessary, rinse and repeat.

#4. Dry ‘em

Dry with a terry cloth. You can find special microfiber detailing towels, too. Make sure you dry the entire tyre and wheel, as if you don't completely dry your tyres and wheels, the wax and detailing solutions you use may dissolve and not work properly.

#5. Wax ‘em

Tyre maintenance is something often left out in vehicle maintenance by most drivers. However, your safety on the road depends on the overall health of those four patches of rubber that connect your vehicle to the road which are, of course, your tyres.

Proper and timely tyre care goes a long way in maintaining good performance, ensuring safety and improving the durability of your car, and here’s just a few ways to ensure that your tyres are always at their best:

#1. Check the wear, tear and depth

Check for signs of wear and tear on the tyre’s surface and replace them if they are worn. Also, be sure to check for the tread depth and replace your tyres if you find a reading of 1.6mm or less. By regularly checking the depth of the tyre tread you ensure that your tyres provide maximum traction on the road.

#2. Check your tyre pressure regularly

Ensuring that your tyres are always at the correct pressure level will help save fuel and can help identify any balance or alignment problems. On the other hand, over or under inflating your tyres can severely affect performance and increase the risk of damage. The correct tyre pressure for your car can be found in the user manual of your vehicle, on a label on the door frame or on the inside of the fuel flap.

#3. Do a balance check to ensure that weight is distributed evenly

The proper distribution of your vehicle’s weight will help your tyres perform their best for the longest time possible. Always have your wheels balanced when a tyre is replaced, a balance weight is moved or removed, or when you fit new tyres. Doing this protects the suspension, steering system and the bearings of your vehicle.

#4. Replace the tyre valves when you fit new tyres

The suspension on our vehicles (shocks or struts) is something we often take for granted. However, the shocks wear out with regular running, and suspension repair or replacement will be necessary. Just like other maintenance issues like oil changes or brakes, maintenance of your suspension is essential. Having a bad suspension can greatly affect your ability to control the vehicle, especially when stopping or turning, so it’s best not to ignore this aspect of vehicle maintenance.

How do you know when it’s time to service or repair your suspension? Your vehicle will usually tell you. Here’s 6 things to watch for.

#1. The bounce test

If you suspect your suspension is going bad, try this simple test. With the car stopped, in park or with the handbrake engaged, press down on the front of the vehicle with all your weight, bounce it a few times, and release. Do it again on the rear of the vehicle. If the car continues to rock or bounce more than 2-3 times after you let go, the suspension is wearing out.

#2. Uneven tyre wear

On your tyres, if you notice the tread is wearing down unevenly, or if you notice balding spots, this could mean the suspension isn’t holding the car evenly, and putting uneven amounts of pressure on the tyres.

#3. A rough ride

Most people can tell their shocks or struts are wearing out when they begin to feel every bump in the road, or when every bump causes the vehicle body to bounce. A rough ride is an obvious sign that your vehicle’s suspension needs checking.

#4. Nose diving when stopping

When the shocks are worn out, you’re likely to feel the vehicle body lurching forward and dipping downward nose-first when you apply the brakes firmly. This can actually affect your ability to stop the car quickly (a bad suspension can increase stop time by up to 20 percent).

#5. Drifting or pulling during turns

With a failing suspension system, you’ll often feel the vehicle drift or pull when you’re turning. This basically means the shocks are no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, increasing your risk of rolling.

#6. Damaged or oily shocks

If you can look under the vehicle, take a look directly at the shocks or struts. If they look greasy or oily, there’s a good chance that they are leaking fluid and therefore aren’t working properly. It’s probably time to get those shocks checked out.

What you need to know.

Every vehicle owner should have heard of “wheel balancing” and “wheel alignment”, and even taken their vehicle in to have these two maintenance procedures performed, but the truth is, most people don’t really know the difference between the two. In our experience, many people confuse the two as the same thing. When it comes to vehicles, it is important to know that wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two completely different things. Let’s compare wheel alignment vs. wheel balancing and help you better understand when each should be performed.

What’s the difference?

Wheel alignment – When someone has a wheel alignment performed on their vehicle, they are having the wheels of the vehicle adjusted to the appropriate angle. The purpose of this is to ensure that the wheels are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the ground. A wheel alignment will help to extend the lifespan of your tyres and will also help to keep your vehicle travelling in a straight direction (as opposed to ‘veering’ off to one side).

Wheel balancing – When someone has their wheels balanced, the wheel is checked for any spots and are balanced using a lead weight on the opposite side of the spot. The purpose of wheel balancing is to ensure that your wheels and tyres will spin without any unnecessary vibrations.

What are the symptoms?

Wheel alignment – If your vehicle is in need of a wheel alignment, you may notice several things. Firstly, and most commonly, individuals with a wheel alignment issue will notice that their car is veering away from a straight line as they drive. Improperly aligned wheels may be signified by uneven or excessive tyre wear.

Wheel balancing – Wheel balancing issues are generally signaled by unusual vibrations. In particular, you may notice vibrations in the steering wheel while driving at certain highway speeds (but not others). You may also notice vibrations in the seats or on the floorboard. Wheel balancing may also be an issue if you notice wear on your tyres.

How often should you do it?

Driving a motorcycle is not only economical, but it can also be an incredible amount of fun. The fact that it's also dangerous cannot be said enough, so safety is your most important concern as a motorcycle rider. Thank you to Kudzie Mupakati, the winning ProTips contributor, who has the following to say: #1. Make eye contact

Never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path.

#2. Read “vehicle language”

Even when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians do see you approaching, they often misjudge your distance and speed. Don’t rely on them.

#3. Watch out for right-turning vehicles at intersections

Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle that’s turning right is the most common type of motorcycle crash.

#4. Check behind when turning left from a highway

Watch your mirrors and make sure you have plenty of space behind. The drivers behind might not slow down for you.

#5. Look out for hazardous road conditions

Wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, potholes and other road-surface hazards reduce your traction. They cause many falls.

#6. Take it easy on the curves

Many crashes happen there. You might overshoot the road or cross the centre line and get hit by oncoming traffic. Watch the road ahead, slowdown and choose the correct lane position-before entering a curve.

#7. Wear a good helmet

Helmets prevent head injuries in 67 per cent of crashes and deaths in 29 per cent. Make sure your helmet has a sticker showing that it meets current safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet. It may have been in a crash, and the damage may not be obvious.

#8. Wear protective clothing designed for motorcycle riders

It can provide some protection during a crash, as well as shield you from the weather and flying debris. Keeping warm and dry will help you stay alert and maintain coordination. Wear your riding gear in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Jeans give little protection. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.

#9. Protect your eyes and face

Constant wind can make your eyes water, preventing you from spotting hazards. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your eyes and face. The best protection is a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield.

#10. Be visible

It’s safe to say a good engine is well maintained, and one of the key aspects of engine maintenance as an owner is effective engine oil management. Here, we share the basics of what every driver should know. #1. The Right Oil  First, make sure you always choose the right oil for your car based on your car manufacturer’s recommendation, or consult a professional. #2. Proper Parking Ensure that your car is parked on level ground, with the hand brake on and the engine off. Open the bonnet (there’s usually a lever under the dashboard) and prop it open with its support. Avoid touching the hot engine. Allow one minute for the oil to settle. #3. Check it Pull out the dipstick (which you’ll find extruding from the engine block – recognizable by its looped end). Wipe it clean with a paper towel and replace it fully for several seconds. Then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil level should fall somewhere between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick and may need topping up. See the diagram for an indication of how much oil to add. Amounts are approximate and for guidance only. #4. Top it Up Remove the oil filler cap to top up the engine with the appropriate amount oil, preferably using a funnel. The scale on the bottle should indicate how much has been used. Repeat step 3 to check the new level. #5. Clean Up Replace the dipstick and the oil filler cap securely. Clean any finger marks from the bonnet and wipe any oil from your hands with a moist towel, disposing of any waste materials in an appropriate place. NB: When your oil level is below the minimum mark, find out how many kilometres have passed since the last oil change. If unsure, refer to your handbook for recommended oil-change intervals. If your mileage is above 15000km, it’s advisable to perform a complete oil change. If the mileage is between 4000km and 15000km you will only need to top up your oil. 

Direct from our readers to you our, ahem, readers! The following prize winning contributors on our Facebook page had these great automotive tips to share:

#1. Sehlule Mangena says:

If you notice the following on your vehicle, it would be a good idea to get your battery checked:

- Dimming headlights and interior lights. - Slow engine starting. - Or if your "check engine" light is on.

 #2. Tafadzwa Chirigo adds:

Do you know tyres expire, and expiration date is usually 4 years after date of manufacture? This date is stamped on the side of the tyre, a four digit number showing the week and year of manufacture. Expiration date is 4 years from this date. Do not use expired tyres; you are taking risk when you do!

 #3. Georgina Mupandasekwa:

Check to ensure your tyres do not have excessive wear. Check your tyre pressure regularly - including your Spare Tyre. Check your Windscreen Wipers - a good tip is to replace them every 12 months. Always check your dashboard for any electric warnings. Check under your car for oil leakages. Check your oil and top it up if necessary. Have your water checked to ensure it is up to the maximum mark and correctly mixed. Check your fuel - try not to go into the warning level. Sometimes a long stay in a traffic jam could be enough to empty your tank - and cause another traffic jam. Check your headlights and indicators - ensure they are clean and working. To extend the life of your car, changing the oil is one of the most important things you can do. Extend the life of your vehicle with regular maintenance.

#4. Kudzie Mupakati:

Driving is a privilege. A driver's license gives you a certain level of freedom, but it also gives you an enormous amount of responsibility. When behind the wheel this responsibility comes in many forms:

- Wearing your safety belt. - Driving sober. - Focusing on the road. - Driving defensively.

#5. Taryn Rowles says:

When it comes to cars and maintenance, we like to think we have the inside track, and in this edition of Pro Tips just five awesome car hacks we’ve learnt over the years.

#1. Cool Your Car Down Quick

There’s few things worse than climbing into a hot car on a summer day. When a car is parked in the sun with doors and windows closed, it can quickly get oven-hot, especially under the African sun. Well here's a quick and simple way to cool your vehicle down. First roll down one of the windows all the way, then walk to the other side of the car and open and close the door five to ten times. This creates a circulating air flow that forces the trapped hot air out of the vehicle and can actually drop the inside temperature as much as ten degrees in under a minute.

#2. Keep Your Keys Light

If you want to avoid problems with your car’s ignition system, don’t put too many keys on your keychain. The inside of a traditional ignition is very fragile, and when too much weight is put onto the key inside, it’s pulled downwards by gravity and can wear out the ignition switch. This can be extremely bad – the switch doesn’t just start the car, it also maintains the electrical circuit, so if it fails while you’re driving, the whole car can shut off.

#3. Can’t See Your car In The Mirrors? – Great!

The usual thinking is that proper position of our side mirrors is angled to display the side of the car and the road behind it. However, safety experts now believe that’s not correct, and mirrors should be positioned so that no part of your car appears in them. That’s the best way to negate blind spots that require you to turn your head when changing lanes. The mirror placements should slightly overlap with the field of view in the center-mounted rear-view mirror, which may take some getting used to, but makes a huge difference in terms of safety.

#4. Dry Ice Panelbeating

Minor dings can leave your wallet majorly light, but there are actually a few DIY methods for getting rid of cosmetic body damage that work well. One of the most interesting is using dry ice to pull out a dent. Wearing gloves is essential to ensure you don't damage your skin! Wash the surface of the dent first, then apply the dry ice to the area of the dent to rapidly cool the panel. Remove, let it rest for a few minutes and repeat until the dent is gone.

#5. Hypermiling

Don't settle for just hosing off your vehicle in the driveway. To help you help your baby really sparkle, we’ve compiled the following tips to get your shine on!

 #1. Wash With the Right Soap

 Even though hand dishwashing liquid is a great degreaser, it's not the thing to use on your vehicle's finish. Yes, it removes dirt, grease and old wax. But it also sucks important oils right out of the paint's finish. Use it repeatedly and you shorten the life of your paint job. Instead of dish soap, use a cleaner formulated for vehicles (available at any TRANSERV).

 #2. Polish & Wax the Finish

 Polishing removes small surface imperfections and scratches and buffs the finish to a shine. Waxing adds more gloss and protects the finish from the elements.

 #3. Suck Up the Dust As You Go

 Most people start cleaning the interior by shampooing the carpet. That's a mistake — you'll just get it dirty again as you clean the upper surfaces. Instead, start at the top and work your way down. Vacuum the headliner, dash, console and door panels. Then clean all the glass, and dust the nooks and crannies. Sweep the dust out of the cracks with a detailing brush. Catch all that dirt right away with your vacuum.

 #4. Slide Seats Forward and Clean Out the Junk

 You'll be surprised by what you find behind the seats. Vacuum the seats, remove the mats and vacuum the carpet. Use a brush attachment for the dash and door panels. Don't forget to clean out and vacuum those handy door pockets (another source of buried treasure).

 #5. Deep-Clean Carpet and Upholstery

 Use a carpet cleaning machine to get the deep dirt that settles into the fibers of the carpet. (Clean cloth seats this way as well.) It sprays the carpet with a solution of water and cleaner and then sucks the dirt and grime into a reservoir. A machine like this pays for itself after just a few uses.

 #6. Wash the Windows, Including the Top Edges

 Ever notice that line of grime on the tops of windows when they're partially rolled down? Most people overlook this detail when giving their vehicle a quick wash. A few minutes with Windolene and a clean rag is all it takes.

 #7. Brush Out the Air Vents

 These are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with a brush attachment just won't get it all. Take an inexpensive artist's paintbrush and give it a light shot of furniture polish. Work the brush into the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and move on to the next one.

 #8. Remember the detail

With the recent hike in fuel prices, Zimbabwean motorists are looking at taking a big hit to the pocket, in terms of vehicle running costs. However, you can counteract this by improving your current car’s fuel economy by as much as 10% with these top tips on how to save fuel simply and affordably. #1. Choose the right car It pays to choose your car wisely. Think about what you’ll use it for, where you’ll drive it and how many miles you’ll do. Then choose a car that does the job but doesn’t have size, performance or features that you’ll hardly ever use. #2. Keep it serviced Cars are more efficient when they’re well maintained. Modern cars require far less maintenance than previously, but ignoring service intervals will lead to trouble, including reduced fuel economy. #3. Essential oil Oil acts as a buffer between the engine’s mechanical parts, keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently. Check the engine oil in your car on a regular basis, and if a top-up is needed, make sure you use the right kind of oil for your car. #4. Tyre inflation For every 5% a car’s tyres are underinflated, fuel consumption increases by 1%. Tyre wear increases too. Check your tyre pressures every month and re-inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommendations where necessary. #5. The right tyres Specialist eco-friendly tyres might cost a little more than the bargain basement options but they’re designed to save you money, using special rubber compounds with lower rolling resistance that can lead to fuel savings of up to 5%. #6. The right fuel