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.

Autoworld awarded 'most valued distributor' certificate by GUD Filters

Autoworld is proud of its recent award from GUD filters - 'Most Valued Distributor'! G.U.D. Holdings is South Africa's leading automotive filter brand. GUD has been manufacturing filters since 1949, with production facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Cape Town and Zimbabwe. GUD places great emphasis on quality to exceed the requirements of all its market.

A load shedding solution at 15% off!

Photo credit The Post Newspaper Zambia

Load shedding is still a major issue wherever there is electric power. Back up generators and battery storage are popular solutions. Autoworld supplies ECOGEN generators, Su-Kam Digital Signal Processor Sine Wave inverters and EnerSys PowerSafe batteries, with spare parts always in stock. ECOGEN generators easily integrate into an inverter and battery storage system.

We are offering a massive 15% discount off all ECOGEN generators (and ABAC compressors) from April 7th to 13th. Visit one of our showrooms by Wednesday April 13th to take advantage of this amazing discount!

Discuss your specific power supply needs with our expert team. We’ll talk you through everything and refer you to an electrician who can help install the system you choose.

March monthly special — 15% off all GUD filters

Why do your air, fuel and oil filters need changing regularly? Find out what all the fuss is about here.

And enjoy a great 15% discount off all GUD filters this month with Autoworld's latest offer. Available at all Autoworld participating branches across Zambia, and Impala Service Station in Lusaka, while stocks last.

(GUD filters are made to the highest standard and have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 status.)

The single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring in Africa

You can change the air filter yourself - or go to the professionals ...

As Jaguar Land Rover Academy's Trevor Drawwater says, "In Africa, filter maintenance is the single most important factor in ensuring trouble-free motoring." If you get that right, then a big percentage of your vehicle worries will never even start! The two golden rules are:

1) Replace all three filters regularly (air, fuel and oil)
2) Always use a good quality filter brand

So why is it so important to keep changing the filters?
In Africa we get a lot of dust. Your vehicle's air filter has to absorb all that dust from the air sucked into the engine, purifying it before it reaches the engine's delicate parts. Secondly the fuel may not always be as pure as it should be. This time the fuel filter has to set to work purifying the fuel. Thirdly Africa tends to be hot. So the oil filter has to do a perfect job, as the oil going into the system has to transfer the heat out as well as grease the engine's moving parts.

All in all, filters need to be in tip-top condition to ensure a car engine is able to function optimally.

Why GUD?
The quality of GUD Filters is audited regularly by OEMs to ensure their specific requirements are met; and they have achieved the coveted Ford Q1 Status. In addition, the South African Bureau of Standards regularly assesses GUD Filters to TS 16949: 2009. 

Autoworld is offering a generous 15% off all GUD filters this month, starting Thursday 3rd march 2016. So now's a 'gud' time to replace your filters! You can do it yourself, but it may be a better idea to go to the professionals. This service is available at all Autoworld branches except for Buseko in Lusaka.

Castrol, the America's Cup and your engine lubrication needs

The Landrover BAR boat and racing team

Castrol is the world's leading manufacturer of premium lubricating oils not only for the automotive and marine trades but also for applications such as industrial, aviation and oil exploration. The America's Cup is the oldest international sports trophy, originally awarded in 1851. Next year Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team is seeking to bring this cup back to the UK by winning the challenger Louis Vuitton Cup and then the America's Cup itself.

And what's the America's Cup got to do with Castrol? On January 22 2106 it was announced that Castrol's liquid engineering will flow through Land Rover BAR’s challenge! Castrol lubricants will be used to improve the performance of the boat’s hydraulics and its overall efficiency in its America’s Cup bid.

“Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or just someone looking for quality engine oil for your car, you can also experience the benefits of Castrol technology right here in Zambia! ”

Autoworld is one of the foremost distributors of Castrol lubricants in Zambia. As vehicle experts we have carefully selected engine oil brands and products that withstand the demands of Zambia’s driving environment. So, check your car’s manual for engine oil specifications and visit in-store to discuss what’s best for your vehicle.

And this month Autoworld's offering a 15% discount on Castro lubricants at any of our branches - from 4th - 10th February 2016!

P.S. Get kitted out for the coming fishing season at the Autoworld Downtown branch which specialises in boats. If you're a water sports enthusiast, you'll also find lots to interest you at Autoworld Downtown.

Engen, customer service and health and safety training provided to Autoworld staff

At Autoworld we recognise the value of regular training. We make an effort to constantly offer our employees the opportunity to improve and increase their knowledge through a variety of learning programmes. Here’s a couple of recent training events organised for Autoworld staff.

Drivers and support staff proudly display their certificates with Autoworld trainer Dr Davis Malembeka

Engen Lubricants training session

On January 15, 2016 we received a team of experts from Engen Petroleum Zambia to train our salesmen in Engen lubricants. Participants first learned a little background to Engen the company.

“With headquarters in South Africa, Engen is present in over 20 countries, and exports its products to over 30 more countries, mostly in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. ”

Petronas Lubricants International, is a major Engen shareholder and supplies Engen products to even more countries. Petronas also supplies Syntium products through Engen distributors. Syntium and Engen products are both made to the same high standard using the identical techniques that are tried and tested.

Our salesmen learned that Engen produces two types of lubricants:

1. Mineral oils - made from ‘crude oil’ that occurs naturally
2. Synthetic oils - man-made oils carefully engineered in laboratories using hydrocarbon as a raw material.

Synthetic oils are preferred by many engine manufacturers because of their improved fuel economy, wider operating limits and better wear protection.

The Engen trainers explained in depth about particular Engen products such as:

• Agritrac Super Universal
• Dieselube 700 Super
• Xtreme 5W-40
• Different multigrades

Participants were briefed on the importance of supplying customers with the right specification and quality of lubricant for their particular vehicle and usage. Oils are made to suit a particular engine or gearbox in terms of the year of make of the engine, type of fuel (petrol or diesel), and the required viscosity (depending on temperature). Quality lubricants will extend the life-span of the engine.

You can buy a full range of Engen lubricants at Autoworld branches throughout Zambia.

Training for drivers and support staff

Recently, Autoworld trainer Dr. Davis Malembeka also ran a training session. This was for Autoworld drivers and support staff covering the importance of having a positive professional attitude at all times. It covered important topics like customer service principles as well as health and safety at work. 

As usual, certificates of attendance were issued to all participants - something we all take great pride in.

More load shedding solutions for Zambia

Following on from our previous article "An answer to power cuts - Ecogen generators with back-up spares",  Autoworld is offering an alternative to give customers a choice of power back-up options.

Su-Kam DSP Sine Wave inverters

The Su-Kam Digital Signal Processor Sine Wave Inverter with EnerSys PowerSafe batteries gives a complete UPS system (Uninterrupted Power Supply). When there is normal electrical power, the inverter converts the AC supply to DC so that the batteries charge. When there is a power cut, the system can be instantly switched so that the DC supply from the batteries goes through the inverter. This converts it to an AC supply for use in the home or office. 

The Su-Kam DSP Sine Wave inverter protects your batteries from damage caused by over-discharging by automatically shutting itself off when the battery voltage falls below a certain level.

EnerSys PowerSafe V batteries

 
EnerSys’ PowerSafe V range of valve-regulated lead-acid batteries have been designed specifically for use in applications which demand the highest levels of security and reliability. They have a long service life and an excellent rate of performance.

Features of Su-Kam inverters

• Available in 2.5, 3.5, 5.0 or 7.5 KVA sizes
• Automatic computerised testing
• Regulated pure sine wave output
• Designed for heavy duty applications
• User friendly LCD panel for status, messages, faults and remedies
• Can run air conditioners, microwaves, geysers and submersible pumps
• PWM controlled 5 stage ATM battery protection
• Can be expanded at a later date
• Field-settable heavy-duty SMPS charger (7-20 amps) for different capacities of batteries (100Ah - 200Ah)

Features of EnerSys PowerSafe batteries

• Deliver superior performance
• Occupies less space than conventional standby power batteries
• V-0 rated, flame retardant, ABS plastic for both containers and covers – for high mechanical strength and excellent safety features
• Oxygen from the positive plates diffuses through micro-porous separators to the negative plates and recombines to form water
• Each cell incorporates its own safety valve, allowing controlled release of gas when pressure builds up within the cell

“Autoworld offers these inverters and batteries at highly competitive prices. See any of our fully trained sales men to help you select the correct size for your needs. You’ll be up and running in no time.”

Quality filters give great engine protection and save money

The purpose of a vehicle's filters is to keep out harmful contaminants from the engine.

Contaminants are carried by the air, oil and fuel supplies. Contaminants can be in the form of dust, sand, soot, water or engine-wearing metals. If these contaminants are NOT filtered out, rapid engine wear will occur, or worse, complete engine failure.

It can cost hundreds of thousands of Kwacha to recover from engine failure.

A sub-standard filter will most certainly result in premature wear. On the face of it and to the untrained eye, sub-standard filters may look fine from the outside. This is where the unsuspecting are led astray. In reality, filtration performance far outweighs physical appearance. 

“Sub-standard filters will not adequately protect your engine, which may well result in unnecessary expenditure which could be substantial.”

You are strongly advised to fit the best quality filter to your vehicle. Just follow these simple rules:

1. Always buy a reputable and trusted brand, such as a GUD filter. 
2. Always look for a comprehensive product warranty, as offered by GUD Filters. Other warranties may only replace the filter without covering the damage done to the vehicle’s engine. 
3. Always ensure that the brand you fit to your vehicle meets or exceeds the original equipment specification (as GUD filters do).

Why choose a GUD filter?

• GUD filters give great engine protection
• GUD filters are made with superior quality materials and to the specifications of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
• GUD filters offer a comprehensive warranty
• GUD filters have an extensive product range and expert technical support
• GUD filters are a reputable and trusted brand with a 65 year track record

“We stock the full range of GUD filters and you can get 15% off from the 3rd to the 9th of September 2015.”

You may also be interested in our other ranges...

Avoid power cuts with ECOGEN generators — top purchasing, setup and maintenance tips

How frustrating is it when you are in the middle of watching your favourite football game or soap opera and BANG! Total blackout and powercut! We all dread load shedding.

Have you heard of an ATS unit?

This month's special is 15% off (from 9th - 15th April ) ECOGEN generators that come with an ATS unit (Auto Transfer Switch). This switch will automatically change the power supply from your main supply (ZESCO), to the your backup generator in just a few seconds. So, with a backup ECOGEN generator and ATS unit, you can count to 10 and you’re back to watching your match - you’d have to be having a real bad day to miss a goal in those few seconds!

And, when ZESCO’s main power supply returns, don’t you worry about having to get up - the generator will automatically switch back, saving you from burning that fuel.

*Please note that only certain Ecogen models are compatible with the ATS unit.

How much will it cost you?

ECOGEN generator prices start from K1,565. For the price of K650 the ATS unit is yours and our sales staff will refer you to an electrician who can guide you on how to connect your new generator and ATS unit (for a minimal fee).

Top tips on purchasing and setting up a generator

1. Know how much power output you need. To estimate this, most electrical appliances indicate how much power is needed to run them. Since this information is key to purchasing the right generator, it is advisable to have an electrician help you with this. If you need help, visit one of our showrooms. We’ll talk you through everything and refer you to an electrician who can help with these services for a minimal charge.

2. Always choose a generator that has a slightly higher output than your requirements. This will allow your generator to operate at a cooler temperature and never at maximum capacity. If you overwork your generator in this way you will negatively affect its lifespan as a result of overheating. In a few cases regulators and electrical components can burn out.

3. Ensure your generator is placed on a flat surface. This is important so that oil is levelled and all engine parts are lubricated. This will avoid engine damage.

4. Ensure your generator is earthed. This will avoid power surges or lightning strikes (have an electrician carry out this work).

Top tips on maintenance

1. Check oil and water (where applicable) at least once a month and maintain a service history. Every 100 hours of operation, the generator will need an oil change.

2. Ensure you check your fuel levels regularly. This will help avoid airlocks (on diesel models) and power fluctuations that can destroy electrical appliances. When fuel runs out the engine revs will be irregular. This constant fluctuation affects the output power of the generator, in turn affecting the power being supplied to your electric appliances.

3. We  offer an extensive range of ECOGEN back up parts. These include all service filters and electrical components that may be required to keep your generator working in good order.

Buy now — 15% off between 9th and 15th of April 2015

We trust this information has been a great help. If you have any more questions just ask via the comments below or reach us on Twitter and Facebook. If you visit our showrooms you’ll be able to view the Ecogen generators and talk to our expert team for further guidance. Don’t miss out on the 15% discount - visit us before 15th April.

Why choose GUD?

The function of a filter in your vehicle is the same as the vital job that your kidneys perform in your body.  So when given the choice of which filter to help keep your engine healthy, it's important to choose wisely.

At Autoworld our brand of choice is GUD and here are our 5 reasons why:

• Offer great engine protection
• Made with only superior quality materials and to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) specifications
• GUD carries a comprehensive warranty on their filters
• Extensive product range and expert technical support
• 65 year track record

The purpose of a filter in your engine is to keep out harmful contaminants which are carried by the engine’s air, oil and fuel supplies.  Contaminants can be in the form of dust, sand, soot, water and engine wearing metals. If these contaminants are not filtered out, rapid engine wear will occur or worse, complete engine failure.

A sub-standard filter will eventually result in premature wear. On the face of it, and to the untrained eye, sub-standard filters often don't look bad from the outside and are therefore deemed to be good quality. This is where the unsuspecting are led astray. Filtration performance far outweighs physical appearance.

To ensure you fit the best quality filter to your vehicle, follow these simple rules and be assured of great engine protection and maximum engine life:

1. Always buy a reputable and trusted brand, such as a GUD Filter.
2. Always look for a comprehensive product warranty, as offered by GUD Filters; as opposed to a warranty that will replace only the filter and not cover the damage done to the vehicles' engine.
3. Always ensure that the brand you fit to your vehicle meets or exceeds the original equipment vehicle specification, as GUD Filters do.
4. Its recommended to change your oil, fuel & Air filter every 5000km (depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle)
5. Always keep a record of your service mileage so that service intervals are never missed.