Do Solar Panels On Cars Really Work?

Posted by on 07 Oct 2020 under Blog, General, Group 1 Cars, Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Added Solar Panels To The New Sonata Hybrid

Solar panels have been available on production models of some plug-in hybrid cars since 2010 but how effective are they really? It’s not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination as the 2015 Toyota Prius and 2012 Fisker Karma had solar panels. More recent attempts include the Tesla Cybertruck and the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

In theory, solar panels on cars should generate enough free energy from the sun to power the engine and internal equipment. However, if all the math makes sense in terms of total vehicle weight and available solar power, why aren’t all vehicle manufacturers doing it? The answer comes partly from looking at the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited model, which comes with a solar panel roof.


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Managing Potholes And The Damage They Cause

Posted by on 21 Sep 2020 under Blog, General, Group 1 Cars

Road with Potholes

Protect Your Car By Managing Potholes

Most drivers will inevitably experience damage from potholes which can be expensive and inconvenient. Anyone who has hit a pothole will know that unnerving sound and the anxious feeling before checking the wheel and tyre.

While you can sometimes see potholes in time; the truth is, sometimes there really isn’t a lot you can do. However, we’ve compiled a simple guide with handy tips that should help you avoid potholes and protect your vehicle from damage.


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Wax Your Car And Get Some Serious Zen

Posted by on 04 Sep 2020 under Blog, General, Group 1 Cars

Car Hood Being Waxed

Wax On – Wax Off

In the Karate Kid, Mr Myagi gets Danny to wax his collection of old cars. Wax on, wax off. Was he teaching Danny basic karate moves, or was he tricking the boy to wax his cars? Danny won at the end of the movie, so it was probably the teaching thing. But what is the deal with waxing your car?

Try a quick experiment. Take a pic of your best pair of leather shoes. Shine one with that stuff in the tube with the foam rubber tip. Shine the other the old fashioned way, with Nugget or Kiwi and a brush and a cloth. Now take another pic. Which shoe looks best? You know the answer, but please do this anyway.


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What You Need To Know About Valve Clearance Adjustment

Posted by on 21 Aug 2020 under Blog, Group 1 Cars

Valve Clearance Adjustment

Valve Clearance Adjustment Explained

As far as mechanical terms go, a valve clearance adjustment is commonly referred to as ‘adjusting the tappets’. Valve clearances are the small gaps between the tops of the valve stems and the part which presses on them to open the valves.

If your vehicle has become a little hard to start lately, or there’s a lack of horsepower, it’s probably time to check the valve clearances. The valves that control the air/fuel flow mixture and exhaust gases in your engine head are one of the most abused parts in the entire motor.


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Some Basic Steps To Keep Your Baby On The Road

Posted by on 17 Jul 2020 under Blog, General, Group 1 Cars

Red Car

Taking Care Of Your Car – The Basics

It can really hurt if something in your car goes wrong. Usually, most pain will be in your wallet. Most new cars are not designed for the home mechanic and any invasive tinkering may well invalidate your warranty. This does not mean you should sit and wait for something to break.

Here are some basic steps to take care of your car.


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Why You Need A Car Owner’s Manual

Posted by on 02 Jul 2020 under Blog, General, Group 1 Cars

Car Instructions

The Importance Of Your Car’s Manual

The best thing about a car owner’s manual is that it can answer most questions about your vehicle. All new cars come with a printed owner’s manual with some companies also making digital copies available. However, very few people actually read the entire booklet but maybe they should as it contains useful information covering just about everything.


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When Should You Replace Your Car Tyres?

Posted by on 17 Jun 2020 under Blog, General

Car Tyre

Time to Replace your Tyres?

Considering that tyres are the only parts that connect your vehicle to the road, why are so many people neglecting their tyre quality? Too many drivers fail to understand the significant impact of worn or damaged tyres on general road safety. Not taking proper care of your tyres will affect acceleration, braking, directional force and even fuel consumption.


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Marcel Swanepoel (MD of Group1 Motors) reaches out to express his appreciation of all Group1 Motors staff and customers

Posted by on 11 Jun 2020 under Blog

Marcel Swanepoel (MD of Group1 Motors) reaches out to express his appreciation of all Group1 Motors staff and customers. He touches on the sacrifices made, steady return to business and consolidation plans to ensure job retention, cost-cutting and the continued consideration and fulfilment of customers’ needs.



The MD of Group1 Motors Describes The Experience and Proper Risk Management and Safety Protocols To Be Taken When a Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Posted by on 27 May 2020 under Blog

Marcel Swanepoel (MD of Group1 Motors) describes the experience and proper Risk Management and Safety protocols to be taken when a staff member tests positive for COVID-19. These measures include early detection, testing, quarantining, tracing and thorough deep cleaning of the premises to limit the spread and keep customers and other staff safe.



Post-lockdown Business Risk Assessment and Operations Compliance Plan

Posted by on 27 May 2020 under Blog

Get your FREE Business Risk Assessment and Operations Compliance Plan and be prepared to start doing business again while keeping customers and staff safe. This generic plan is free of charge with compliments from Group1 Motors. This is our way of helping fellow business owners and operators in these challenging times.

Watch the video, download the plan here: and SHARE this post to help other businesses.