Why it’s a bad idea to drive on empty

Driving your car on reserve is like snorkelling in False Bay, just past Miller’s Point where the water gets quite deep but is very clear. If you think this sentence is based on experience, you are right. You go down, 10, 15 metres. You can see forever. Look, an octopus over there. Is that a pyjama shark? Ooh, a cuttlefish. You realise you are running out of air, so you beam up. But from the bottom, the surface is just this vague brightness. You cannot judge how close you are to getting that now urgent breath of air.

How cars are made

Car manufacturing has come a long way since the early days with Henry Ford laying the foundation for assembly lines and supply chain management. However, vehicle design and the materials used today have become far more intricate and as technology develops and industry demand changes.

Not all car manufacturing plants operate in the same way but the process does involve similar steps from concept and design to production and launch. This can take anywhere from two to five years as the manufacturer must make sure the car is in excellent condition for public use.

Things you should know about your car’s air-conditioner

In the olden days, real men had mahogany tanned right arms, because they used to drive with their elbows sticking out of the open window (to show off their biceps). Actually, the window was open to cool the car down. Most cars did not have aircon – in fact, road trips during summer were often done at night to avoid the heat.

Even though air conditioners for cars go as far back as the ‘30s, they were rare for the next fifty years, found only in luxury cars. With time, the cost of aircon came down and by the ‘90s most cars had them. There are very few cars now without.

Accidents aren’t all caused by speeding or drunken driving

My neighbour knocked over a Pride of India tree on my sidewalk and demolished part of my garden wall with her Fiat 500. It was like being attacked by a yuppie skateboard. Her oversized sheepskin slippers got caught between accelerator and brake and that caused the trouble. No-one was hurt, but . . .

When we think of what causes accidents, we rightly jump right into drunk and reckless driving and speeding. So we don’t do those things, yet we still see or have accidents. Like my neighbour. Let’s look at some of the common causes of accidents.

Taking care of your car during summer

The summer months across most parts of South Africa can be harsh at times with temperatures often far exceeding 30°C. While cars are designed to withstand all sorts of conditions, how much damage can the sun cause and which parts of your car are most susceptible?

How to spot an oil leak

Fluid under your car is always alarming – unless you have a very small dog or your aircon was working overtime and the condensation is dripping. If you notice any discoloured patches under your car in its normal parking spot, pay attention. It could be brake fluid, transmission fluid or steering fluid. Have it checked out soon. But the biggie is oil.